> Remnants of chaos > by L Morning Star > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > 1- Uncontrolled chaos > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It all started like a normal day, I was playing my new video game. I know I shouldn't be slacking off, especially with several exams so close, but I didn't worry, I was sure I would get a passing grade, it wouldn't be good, but it wouldn't be bad either, so I didn't see why bother. I know I sound like a first-class lazy person, but the truth is that rather than blaming my laziness, I would say that it was a lack of motivation, I had nothing that caught my attention, no work, no romances, I don't even have hobbies, furthermore, I just do anything to kill time. Until that day came Everything was calm after spending two hours getting more and more frustrated at not being able to kill that damn boss, I don't even know why I keep playing these games, the only thing I manage to do is fill myself with stress, but I finally came close to doing it, this She was the good one, the damn one was one shot away, she just had to avoid ruining it (as always) and she would have won if it weren't for the fact that in a second the power went out "I'll shit the bitch!" I screamed loudly and would have continued cursing into the air if I hadn't realized that no voice was heard. I tried to get out of bed, but I couldn't get up either, I couldn't even feel my body I don't know how long I was in the dark, but it was enough to calm me down. I tried everything, but I couldn't move or feel or hear, and all I could see was darkness. The view remained the same, I don't know how long until some light began to filter into the darkness Finally The sensations returned slowly, the touch, I felt my body again, but something was different. I decided to ignore it for now and continue focusing on the sensations, the hearing, there was a lot of noise like explosions and I think I could hear screams in the distance. Once again, I decided to ignore them, so I could focus on what was next. My sight When I opened my eyes, all hell broke loose He could see buildings falling or rising in some way, different strange animals running as if they were chased by death itself, he could also hear the screams and roars of what seemed like monsters because he was sure that there was no animal that roared like that. "And that's it, what's new, old man?" It was then that I heard a voice that I thought was funny, I was about to say how old-fashioned it was to use that phrase until I saw it. A strange creature, a kind of chimera that I'm not even going to try to describe and next to it a fucking pinky demon from the game 'Doom' The sight shocked me, so much so that I didn't even realize when the demon left. "Ahem, ahem" I looked towards the source of the obvious fake cough, only to jump when I noticed how close the Chimera was. I tried to run as fast as I could, so fast that I didn't even care that I was on all fours, but I didn't move, everything stayed the same. I looked down to see what was happening and was shocked again by the way the ground was moving like a treadmill. "Click" A snap of the chimera's fingers snapped me out of my trance. "Alright, I don't have time for every shock or problem you might have" The chimera reached out with one of its arms and grabbed my hair, I grunted in pain, but the chimera just looked amused as I squirmed. "Okay... What was it like?" He scratched his beard with his paw as he tried to remember what he had to say. "Baa, who cares? I'm Discord, and you're going to spread my chaos and destruction." "Of course not, go to hell, you mangy dog son of a...!" And I continued spouting rudeness that would make Eminem blush. I admit that insulting a supernatural being in such a way without knowing what it was all about didn't seem like the best idea, but in my defense, I was on the verge of insanity due to the sheer ridiculousness and illogicality. Of the situation, also in my country shouting insults until your lungs bleed is usually the traditional way to de-stress "Yeah, well, it's not like I'm asking you." Not wanting to wait any longer, Discord placed a finger on my forehead and I immediately felt a cold sensation run through my body from head to toe and then the sensation turned hot, then itchy. , I didn't have time to process all the sensations that came over me when Discord let go of me and kicked me like I was a soccer ball. "And that's it, what's new, old man?" I don't know how, but as I flew out, I noticed what I think was a slime right behind Dyscord. From the air I could see everything, it was a city that looked like it was from the Middle Ages, I think, I couldn't see very well, what I could see was the obvious destruction, but I didn't give it too much importance. My eyes were glued watching the ever-changing sky that looked like the most elaborate kaleidoscope ever created. "bibf" The pain of the fall brought me back to reality. Do I sound like a stuffed animal? He has lost both literally and figuratively I had no idea what had just happened, on the street a few meters from where I fell there was a building on fire which instead of being consumed began to extend to the sky, further down I could see a small rainbow that was walking and everything that I touched it turned into candy, behind me a giant chocolate fountain and I don't mean that it was dripping chocolate, but it was literally made of chocolate Curiously, it was the least conspicuous thing on the street. Luckily for me, there was a puddle near me, maybe from the fountain before the change. I approached him and could understand why it was so comfortable to be on all fours. Looking at me in the reflection, there was a zorua My mind practically exploded, restarted and shorted again Why a zorua? Of all the questions forming in my head, this was the only one that came up... for some reason "PLEASE HELP" My thoughts were interrupted by the unexpected scream. With no other options than to stay on the street until I went crazy, I decided to get closer little by little to the origin of the voice. Afraid of every corner, I advanced until I found the origin. Around a corner was a strange multicolored horse, face up, its hind legs trapped under the remains of a giant spiral paddle. The view would have shocked me if it weren't for everything I just saw. "SOMEPONY CAN HEAR ME?" I shook my head This is not the time to think, it is the time to act, no matter what, as long as I was a thinking being, it was my duty to KILL no matter what happened... ... "What?!" That's not what I'm supposed to do... Right? For some reason I felt that what I had just said made no sense He is stuck, helpless, I must TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITY" There was something strange, I could feel it, but no matter how hard I thought, I couldn't put my finger on what it was. But I was right, I had to finish it I slowly approached the stallion, I reduced my stance as much as I could without limiting my movement, it looked like a predator stalking its prey, I couldn't even hear its screams anymore. Apparently he was a mediocre hunter, since he turned to see me, at some point I must have made some noise. The expression on his face was one of pure terror. And from what I could sense, mine was pure fun. With a smile that almost knocked my snout out of square, I launched myself aiming for its neck, but it blocked me using its pathetic paws that were still free, it only served to prolong its suffering, I tore them off in the blink of an eye and feasted on its body, I don't even remember it well, it was like I was in a dream, things just happened and that's it... and it felt good When I finished, I was far from satisfied. What am I supposed to do now? And as if it were a sign from heaven, I heard it "HELP SOMEPONY" I couldn't help but smile again. "It's time to spread chaos" > 2- Captain to the end > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I don't know how much time passed and I didn't care I was happy and satisfied Behind me there were dozens of corpses of ponies or horses, whatever I was quietly eating my pieces of fresh meat until my ears caught something Without thinking much, I focused my energy on my snout until a black sphere formed and I threw it in the direction of the sound. At first it had been difficult for me to learn the skills of zorua but with so much time and so many targets to test my skills on it was almost like a game "Hhaaaaaa" "OUCH" When I turned around I realized that it was a mare and his daughter, I think it was called filly "Fuck I'm lucky" I laughed internally seeing them lying there, it seems that I missed the shot or at least part of it, the filly looked almost unharmed but the mother had bruises and several wounds that were still bleeding, she did not seem able to move "He should have protected her with his body" I approached them showing my fangs ready to kill them "BAAAANG" The ground suddenly shook as a building collapsed on our street It wasn't until the smoke cleared that I finally realized that it wasn't just the building that had fallen but a giant more precisely a NERGIGANT My eyes they opened like plates It's true that this one was obviously smaller and thinner than the original but it was still a FUCKING DRAGON and it was dead "Coff Coff" "Nice shot captain" "thank you radiant" From the remains of the building came three ponies with golden armor and quite beaten, it seemed that they had not rested in days, one of them the one with a horn and stood out from the others for its more elaborate armor "What an idiot, it's like saying "look, I'm important" On a battlefield, the last thing you want is to attract attention. "PLEASE HELP" The mare in front of me said desperately, which immediately caught the attention of the guards "ANOTHER MORE, is it not over?" "SOLDIER" The captain gave the normal-looking pony a death glare. "spoke of the beasts" The soldier quickly defended himself "At least this one is small" said the pegasus "It doesn't matter let's finish this quickly we must help the princesses" I knew this was going to get ugly so I decided to use one of the strategies I had come up with while experimenting with my illusions Regardless of what the soldiers were doing, I simply walked past the dead bodies and debris on the street as I trotted in the direction of the defenseless mare. "I got this" The pegasus reacted immediately, fearing for the lives of the civilians. "WAIT" The captain yelled, he seemed to be the smartest, too bad it was too late for the impulsive pegasus Radiant was already right on top of the fox beast ready to hit him with the full force of his momentum, but when he made contact he didn't feel anything, he simply pierced the fox which soon vanished. While the guard still hadn't recovered from the surprise of my illusion, I discarded my rock transformation and threw myself straight at his neck, while my fangs shone and were reinforced with the [bite] skill, not even his armor could help him, the metal was I bend and crack under the powerful bite With a crack in his neck I put an end to his life "RADIANT" "CURSED" The captain's horn quickly ignited and a lightning bolt went my way. Immediately use [Quick Attack] to speed up and dodge it I could see behind me how a huge crater was formed where the lightning hit "That explains the death of the dragon, he is the only threat, but first I must kill the other one" With my plan of action defined I used the [Quick Attack] boost to close the distance between me and the guard and when I was close enough I decided to combine [scratch] to ensure the kill as quickly as possible or so it would have been if it weren't for the damn bubble that appeared in the middle, after the impact I was forced to take distance again "Thank you Captain" "There is no reason, just be careful, it is much stronger than it seems" Said the captain as he pointed to a part of the bubble that was cracked The normal pony stared at the crack in disbelief before focusing on me with a serious look. "This... will be complicated" The bubble finally disappeared, but no attack I decided to wait Instead the captain decided to prepare some spells with a flash of his horn made six spheres of light appear that shone around him. "They look like a spell from dark souls" Unfortunately my assumption ended up being wrong when he sent two of the spheres towards me and I dodged again but the spheres followed me and as if that were not enough there were two more in the direction in which I was fleeing "I see can control their direction and make them fly in formation" After a quick thought that would not have been possible if it weren't for my pokemon reflexes, I divided into five zoruas The captain no longer knew what to do, he had no way of distinguishing which was the real one from the false hacique, he only sent each sphere against the closest fox to them When the spheres impacted they created a larger smokescreen than it should have been. The captain just nodded at his fellow guard and he quickly got the message. The captain got closer and closer to the fog until a blur came out of the side of it The blur ignored him as he headed off in the direction of his partner. The guard couldn't hide his smile as he quickly got on his hind hooves and assumed a fighting stance. "BUT WHAT AN IDIOT, even if I'm a sorua any pokemon has supernatural strength" And he wasn't wrong but what he didn't count on was the guard putting his left helmet on his face while simultaneously putting the right one on his head if he stood on a single helmet using his strength and experience to control his center of gravity and power change your address By the time the zorua understood what had happened, he had already crashed into the wall of one of the buildings. The captain wasted no time and quickly sent both the spheres that hit him like a beam of energy that had a direct hit The strong attack had brought down the wall and part of the building on the fox, narrowly causing the building to collapse. It wasn't until five minutes had passed that the guards finally heaved a sigh. The battle had cost them too much, not only this battle but all the ones that happened since Discord was released, since then they had been fighting against all kinds of creatures without any rest even now they had to keep moving "Was over?" The captain turned to see the mare looking at him with hopeful eyes. He honestly had forgotten they were there, hoping it wouldn't show, he just smiled at her. "Yes, little one, everything is fine-" "CAPTAIN" He couldn't finish as he was quickly pushed by his partner who luckily hadn't let her guard down. A portion of the debris vanished as a blur shot in his direction much faster than before. However the guard was ready, it was not the first time that he had to fight against an opponent faster than him, after all the fox even with his speed increase was still slower than a pegasus The pony was ready to deflect him again to finally get this over with. "BOOOOM" But when he managed to grab the fox it exploded "PIIIIIIIIII" The captain did not understand what had happened, his ears did not stop ringing, his sight was red, he felt that he had been hit with a giant hammer in addition to being covered by a thick liquid As the censors returned to him he could notice that the liquid which also covered his vision was the blood and the remains of his friend now shattered "tap tap tap" The unicorn, despite his injuries, quickly turned around but saw nothing. "tap tap tap" Once again he heard it and he moved hoping to find the creature, he knew it wasn't dead and now he was alone. Even with his years of experience he couldn't help but panic he had never faced such a monster before. "!This thing is smart!" The discovery of him did not serve in the least to help him calm down on the contrary it only scared him more "tap tap tap" "behind me" The unicorn quickly turned around and unleashing the full power of his magic he searched for something to grab onto. It was the most stressful three seconds of his life. Until by some kind of miracle he felt it The captain could already feel victory as he lured the creature When he was in his sight and could see how he wriggled trying to free himself, he crashed him against the floor, against the walls of the buildings, dragged him all over the street which cracked from the amount of pressure exerted until finally only a deformed mass remained. of meat, he was so happy to survive the horrible experience that he almost laughed until he "NOOOOOOOO" The captain immediately straightened up to find out what had happened to the filly. And saw her run towards the mass of meat "MOMMY" I scream with agonizing pain Only then did she realize the shape of the corpse (or what was left of it) resembled a pony. He, who swore to serve and protect all ponies, had killed an innocent Her shock was so much that at no time did he realize what was being done to him from behind. He couldn't do anything when the creature pierced her chest with one of her legs sinking her slowly. The last thing the captain would see would be the face of the fox and her smile "Ca- coff coff cadance" The zorua began to bury his claw deeper in what he said his last words almost causing him to choke on his blood "I am sorry" And life left her body "Well...that was dramatic" The zorua took her claw out of him and backed away from his body halfway to the filly until she almost fell face first in the street "That damn unicorn, really hurt me" He could feel his blood on his muzzle and a sharp pain in his chest. "I really hope I don't have anything broken" He thought as he approached the filly and gave her a look She was paralyzed with fear "Come to think of it maybe I can have some fun with her after all she's only a head smaller than me" As he pulled me closer I could see the look of terror on his face which again only gave me more pleasure. I was about to unleash all my desires on her until it was all over It was a blink of an eye And a wave with the colors of the rainbow And everything returned to normal, the sky returned to its natural color, the flames died out, all things transformed into sweets returned to their natural form, everything except the corpses Look at my body all covered in blood and intestines of ponies And I vomited, in less than ten seconds I had emptied all the contents of my stomach, among the remains I only saw red, some pieces of bone and an eye of a pony that I had killed before The view didn't help me feel better I looked once more at the filly and this time I felt no pleasure, the way she looked at me made me feel disgusted with myself, it was the same look that the first pony I killed gave me I ran And I ran, as fast as I could without paying attention to my injuries, the time or my direction I just ran through the city, through the field and through the forest until finally both physical and mental fatigue got the better of me and I passed out. > 3- An unfunny joke > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "BIB BIB" "BE CAREFUL I'M PASSING HAHAHAHA" Discord was having a great time "How come I didn't think of doing this before? Well, a thousand years without being able to do anything but think, they do this I guess." 300 years before Despite the seven hundred years he spent thinking about his master plan it was relatively simple, summon a bunch of creatures destined to spread his chaos, with the beasts acting as his personal army the princesses would be too busy to deal with it and if for some reason miracle they achieved it he would just have to invoke more it was the perfect plan If it wasn't for a little mishap, where would he get such beasts from?, he thought and used what little chaos magic he was able to summon from his prison to search for any creature that met his requirements, but he found nothing, nothing called him attention, he and princesses had already seen everything that Equus had to offer It was then that he had his revelation "if they don't exist I will simply create them" is what chaos does after all, it alters the natural order But again problems arose no matter how much he thought about it he couldn't create the beings he was looking for nothing was chaotic enough or they didn't have the abilities strong enough to spread their chaos or it was impossible for them to stay alive without a constant supply of their magic "You have to accept it, a cake monster with candy cannons is not ideal to face Celestia, in fact knowing her, I would feel sorry for the monster being devoured as soon as it was born" In his search he even ventured into the minds of ponies and Princess Celestia herself, but the scariest thing he found in his nightmares after Nightmare Moon was a headless pony... and that's all. He almost gave up on his plan if it wasn't for the fact that there was still one place to check in the castle, he had been trying to get in with his magic for years, but it was heavily guarded with all sorts of enchantments that normally wouldn't be a problem, if his magic wasn't so weak! Until finally a tendril of her magic made it through "A mirror? DID I DO ALL THIS FOR A FUCKING MIRROR?" He immediately accumulated all the magic he could to destroy the target of his hatred, not caring about the accumulated bad luck, but to his surprise the tendril simply pierced him and for an instant he could distinguish something new, a place he had not been before. Once he recovered he sent another and another and another and even so everything was very blurry he had a hard time focusing things in that strange dimension as if he was somehow rejecting his magic "Interesting" He had to admit, in all of Equus he had seen few things capable of repelling his magic even in such a weakened state. Luckily it was not the real world that interested him but the minds of those who lived there more precisely his nightmares. "Well if I don't find anything worthwhile I can always do things the old fashioned way, the classics never die!" Or so he thought until he entered the first mind he found, it wasn't even a nightmare and chaos and destruction were everywhere. The more minds he explored, the more chaos he found in all manner of forms, he found weapons such as he had never seen before, monsters both peaceful and destructive of all kinds and shapes, with all manner of abilities even his twisted mind was unable to imagine. Until now That's when he made his decision "I LOVED" For fifty years he waited with his plan ready, he was so excited that he didn't even bother to look at that chaotic world again, he wanted to see what those beasts could do with his own eyes and maybe visit that world personally. Present “CHOO CHOO” "That's a Master Truck" "Hush opti no time I'm trying to enjoy my ride in… whatever you are" “Now I am a truck” "Yes yes as you say, now accelerate fully" "To the order " BAAAAANG The truck crashed into the gates of the Canterlot castle and destroyed them easily, surprisingly was left without a scratch, whatever the truck was made of was not simple metal "HA HA HA I think it's time to stretch my legs a little, you can go now opti and spread my chaos!" "Yes Master " The truck took practically no time to accelerate and disappear into the distance, running over anything that was in its path. “Ooow they grew up so fast” He said as he wiped a tear from his eye "Now where was that mirror?" He kept walking through the corridors without a fixed direction until he noticed that there was something strange "HELLO IS THERE ANYONE?" Everything was incredibly quiet for someone who was supposed to be invading a fortress. "Not that I'm complaining, but this is weird, even with how cowardly ponies are in general I was hoping for at least a little bit of entertainment." Willing to solve this mystery, he opened the doors to one of the interior rooms of the castle, but everything was dark, with a suit similar to that of Daring Do and a torch in hand, he ventured into the room Although despite his clothes he wasn't really paying attention to where he was going, that's why he didn't stop until he felt something wet on his feet "Hell those were new feet!" He dropped the torch and proceeded to wipe his feet with saliva until the rolling torch illuminated the source of the puddle. With wide eyes I contemplate the body of the dismembered pony Discord was no stranger to death, he himself had caused brutal deaths and massacres before the princesses managed to unite the three tribes, although it was never for pleasure there was no fun in death, it was simply other times Times that I hoped I would never have to repeat "HERE PLEASE" Suddenly one of the doors on the other side of the room opened and entered a white mare with a black mane and an inkwell with a quill as a cuite mark, she ran towards him as fast as she could until when she got closer she realized who Discord had seen plenty of scared ponies since he broke free from his prison (not that they were that hard to scare) but when he saw the mare's eyes, he saw her desperation, her pure fear as if her intelligence had gone and now she was just an animal trying to flee from a predator She barely noticed when she walked out the same door he had opened moments before. "WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU GOING, WE STILL DON'T FINISH PUTTING THE TAIL ON THE DONKEY" Right after hearing that Discord could see a blue cat standing on a floating book that in its right paw held a black pony tail from which the bone stood out, it seemed that it had not been removed cleanly, then he realized the trace crimson that was going in the same direction as the pony he had seen flee moments before "O Master, how happy I am to see you, did you come to play with the castle ponies too?" Only then was he able to recognize the cat as one of his summons. "You did this?" "Yes master, I am Yuumi, his favorite cat" He said so while standing on his hind legs and striking a pose. “Cr-cruumi of course my cat, how have you been?” "It's Yuumi!" He said while puffing out his cheeks and putting on an angry expression. "Yes yes anyway" He honestly didn't remember half of all the things he had summoned in the last few hours. How could he? there were dozens if not hundreds not even he knew for sure "Let me ask you a few questions. What level of violence does your world have?" Yuumi tilted her head as she thought about her answer. "Hmmm, normal?" Discord sighed and tried to ignore the dripping tail the cat was still holding like it was normal. “Let me ask you again, what have been the biggest conflicts that have happened in your world and when were they?” "That should give you an approximation, right?" “!Oh¡ talk about world wars!” Discord felt all the fur on his body stand on end as he heard the two words that should never go together. “Both happened in the last century” "T-two, AND IN A SINGLE CENTURY?!" Suddenly Discor's eyes turned blue and an hourglass appeared and just above it you could read "loading" "But why is the master asking me this?" Since her "master" was not in a position to answer, the cat decided to come to her own conclusions. “Ohhhh I already understood! Master you are diabolical hee hee” Said the cat as she laughed and flew out the nearest window, by the time Discord finally restarted it was already too late the cat was on top of canterlot castle getting ready to deliver her message "ATTENTION TO ALL THOSE CALLED, I HAVE A MESSAGE FROM OUR MASTER" The cat took another breath while much of Canterlot was silent, all the chaos was still present but the difference between now and a few seconds ago was obvious "OUR MASTER DISCORD HAS DECIDED TO BRING WAR TO THIS WORLD, ONE LIKE NOT SEEN IN THIS NOR IN OURS" He had to pause to catch his breath. "DO NOT LIMIT YOURSELVES, LIBERATE, STEAL, BURN, RAPE AND KILL UNTIL YOU ARE SATISFIED BECAUSE THE WAR OF CHAOS STARTS NOW" GRAAAAAA BREEEEEEE CRIIIIIIIIE AUUUUUU All kinds of roars, howls and sounds that the ponies could not identify resounded in unison, then devastation continued with even greater savagery than before and everything could be seen from one of the balconies by his "master" who was hitting himself with force in the face and tearing the hairs from his fur “HOW COULD I BE SO FOOLISH? HOW CAN I THINK OF BRINGING BEINGS FROM ANOTHER DIMENSION WITHOUT FIRST REVIEWING WHAT DIMENSION IS LIKE OR HOW THEY REACT TO MY CHAOS MAGIC?" BAAAAANG His fight with himself was interrupted when a huge explosion hit him and brought down the part of the castle he was in moments ago. "THAT WILL NOT HAPPEN, NOT WHILE I'M ALIVE" It didn't take him long to recover from the attack, it didn't even hurt him "There's Luna, you and your obsession with the real voice of canterlot!" That's what he said, although he actually likes hearing his voice right now "SILENCE, THIS TIME YOU'VE GONE TOO FAR DISCORD" “DO YOU THINK I DIDN'T KNOW? THEY EVEN DESTROYED THE DONUT JOE STORE, SERIOUSLY WHO DOES THAT?" The princess thought it was just another of her ridiculous jokes so she decided not to waste any more time with words and cast the spells she had prepared The temperature dropped to -50 degrees in a second and continued to drop as the ground cracked open and spiked blue chains coiled and pressed around Discord's body, however Discord didn't flinch. His mind was busy thinking that something was off, they both knew that trying to beat him this way was doomed to fail. "Wait a minute, something's missing here. Where's Celestia? Wait, don't tell me she's evacuating the ponies while you distract me, right?" He couldn't help but smile upon discovering the alicorns' plans and that their plan had at least partially succeeded. "Maybe it wasn't such a bad plan, it just needs a little tweaking" Although all those thoughts died the moment he heard the following words from the alicorn "DON'T YOU DARE PRONOUNCE HER NAME, IT'S YOUR FAULT. IT'S YOUR FAULT SHE IS... GAAAAAA" The alicorn stopped while biting her lip hard enough to make it bleed as she tried and failed to stop the tears that fell from her eyes, the draconequus looked at her in disbelief at what she had heard. "This is no longer funny" For the first time in over a thousand years, the smile left her face, she didn't even pay attention or do anything to stop the spells that the alicorn had cast on her again. "Click" In a snap all the spells and the effects they had had on the environment disappeared and Discord stood up while dusting himself off. "Okay, I've had enough of this, it's time to end it!" The draconequus prepared to snap his fingers again, but was interrupted. "OF COURSE YOU WON'T" Normally he would have just ignored them, but he felt a surge of magic so intense that the mere sensation of it forced him to stop and turn around. “THE ELEMENTS, AT WHAT TIME?” Then his gaze shifted to the pink alicorn standing next to them, deactivating her camouflage spell. "AND WHO IS SHE?" His gaze again strayed to the bearers of the elements as they unleashed their power on him, they were the same bearers he had cast his first summons to, but they were different. They still had that look of determination and defiance in their eyes, only now they were mixed with a bit of hatred, they all had wounds on their bodies at different levels, some were bleeding, others had already been partially treated. The main mare had a red dyed bandage on her left eye, the one with rainbow hair had one of her wings turned at an unnatural angle, the one who previously had a stetson had severe burns all over her body, the pink in addition to some bruises had her flaccid mane, Rarity (the one who for some reason was the only one of whom he could remember her name) was deathly pale which was incredible for an already white mare, it seemed that she would faint or die at that very moment and the last (the only who looked relatively unharmed) curiously the most tender and adorable of the six was the one who most hated him with his gaze to the point where he had to cower in fear before his gaze even when a power like that of the elements was directed to him He could do nothing BAAAAAAAAAAANG In a wave with the colors of the rainbow and the draconequus returned to his prison with an expression of fear and if you paid enough attention repentance "Fi- finally over" Rarity said before fainting and being quickly helped by her other friends, while the alicorns breathed heavily due to the large amount of magic they had spent until Cadence finally managed to get enough breath for the question that had been on her mind since she started the day "Has anypony seen Shining?" > 4- An unwanted guest > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “¡It's headed your way!" “¡It's ours!” A completely black blur jumped past the branches of the trees while other larger shadows chased it from the skies trying to surround it which was impressive considering that it was night the blur was barely distinguishable and yet they had been chasing it for more than an hour “¡Now!" The shadows descended in perfect coordination ready to pounce on the creature that had managed to elude them for days, but was already waiting for them, as soon as they were within range the blur dodged the first attack and hit the second with just its momentum. causing him to crash hard against a tree, what he didn't count on was that the second group of shadows would simply pass him by and cut the branches of the next tree leaving him without footholds With nothing to stop it the blur continued on and crashed face-first into a tree and fell like stone into the bushes below it The second group had already repositioned itself in the sky and they were already heading towards the bush until another 4 black blurs came out of it, escaping in different directions, the shadows at the same moment they noticed it divided, each one focused on its own target as if it had been rehearsed dozens of times “SHHHHING” “¡Clear!" The first shadow fell and cut its target only for it to vanish. “SHHHHING” “¡Clear!" He repeated the second only with more frustration than the first “SHHHHING” “IT IS NOT EITHER, IT ESCAPES” Said the last shadow desperate to see how his prey managed to escape triumphant once again "I HAVE IT" The shadow that had previously been dodged by the blur but managed to recover quickly enough to intercept the last target cried out in delight. “SHHHHING” “NOO” Only to be disappointed to see his target vanish as well, after a slight moment of resignation the five shadows came together again. “¡I was sure I had it this time!” "Calm down soldier" Said the eldest and then turned his head to the shadow on his right "Are you okay?" "If older the armor took the worst part" The older man just nodded. "Very good, retrace our steps, I think we lost it for a few seconds on the rock on the side of the river "¡move!" Without the need for anything else to be digested, the shadows returned to the air in search of their prey, without noticing the zorua that writhed a few meters from them. "It's a good thing it never occurs to them to look in the bush" And so slowly and silently the zorua made his way to the only place in the forest that he had been avoiding since he arrived. "I really hoped I didn't have to do this." He thought as he saw a sign in a language unintelligible to him and passed under it “How can I understand a language that I have never heard, but cannot read it? It is absurd!” He thought again only angrier this time, putting those thoughts aside for the moment he concentrated and assumed the form of a filly with yellow fur and red mane in a topknot that he had seen heading out of town several hours before. "The more tender and naive the better, right?" Without wasting any more time, he continued walking towards the town while he thought about everything that had happened to him so that he would break the only rule that he told himself that he should never break since he saw this town. It had been a little over a month since the massacre in the castle, during that time he was forced to hide in the forest and manage to survive in an unknown environment without any support or object to help him so survival had been … surprisingly easy He himself knew that as a human he wouldn't survive four days without being eaten by a predator, but as a pokemon you could say he had it for free It was true that some parts of the forest were dangerous and others terrifying, but much of it was also teeming with life the likes of which he had never seen on Earth, the food was plentiful, the water was the purest and cleanest he had tried, if he had any cold or heat simply altered his body accordingly and with his illusions any predator that was too much for him didn't even notice Considering his situation, it was the most he could ask for, until the batponies arrived and everything went down the drain. No matter what he did or how hard he tried to hide his tracks they always came back the next night to chase him, the first time they found him they would have decapitated him or broken his neck if it wasn't for this body apparently being more comfortable be awake at night Even with the constant annoyance of being hunted which made it very difficult for him to eat and rest properly he still refused to leave the forest and head towards civilization, not out of fear but out of guilt his memories of what he had done shortly after being summoned They still gave him nightmares and on bad days they made him feel weak and sick to the point of vomiting, but he couldn't continue in the forest anymore, the batponys were adapting better and better to his illusions, so lately they have been very close to cornering him and the last thing he wanted was to have to make his traumas worse by adding more deaths to the list "Just go into town, sneak onto the train and you'll be free, easy right?" As he moved through the shadows trying to attract as little attention as possible, he reviewed his plan “What are you doing here Applebloom? “AHH” In a not at all feminine scream, the false filly gave a surprising jump to take distance from the owner of the childish and apparently harmless voice with which she ended up falling on her face perfectly. "Let me help you" Seeing that her dignity could not be any more on the ground, the false filly accepted the help. "Are these claws?" “You still haven't answered my question. What are you doing outside at this hour when you know there's a curfew until dawn? Don't you see how dangerous it is with so many of those things still loose? Despite not being a girl, she couldn't help but shrink like one before the scolding of what seemed like a lizardman, it felt like when her older brother scolded her when she was little. Paying a little more attention to, lizard boy? in front of her I noticed that most of its scales were purple except for the belly and it had a green crest "He looks like Barney" He couldn't help but get emotional when he met the spitting image of one of his favorite childhood characters. "And good?" Noticing that I was still waiting for his answer, I quickly looked for something to respond with. “B-but the sun has already risen” He said while pointing to the horizon where you could see the glimpses of the sun peeking out "Yeah now it is, but for you to be here you had to come all the way from sweet apple acres in the middle of the night right?" Seeing that he was running out of options, he tried to divert attention. "I could say the same about you, what are you doing outside at this hour?" The boy seemed to hesitate, but he did not take long to respond “I only left the library because I saw you sneaking between the buildings” The fake mare looked behind the lizard boy and saw a tree with a door and windows. "Of course he saw me if I thought it was a normal tree" "Besides, with Twilight and the others in bed, I have a lot of errands to do" “Then let me help you so we will be safer” The filly was desperate, if she kept asking her questions it would be a matter of time before she discovered her The boy seemed to want to say something, but with a sigh he resigned himself. "Fine fine as you wish, but only because I'm in a hurry" For the next hour and a half myself and my partner Spike wandered around the market when the stalls were just opening, it was while being greeted at one of these that I found out his name. "Why is he the only one with an almost normal name?" Questions like these came to him in almost as many bags as poor Spike had to endure, though he held up surprisingly well. "Don't you want me to help you a little?" "No, I've had a worse time, besides, I already picked up the last one, now we just have to deliver them" Only then did I notice that we were heading to a building shaped like a carousel KNOCK KNOCK* He touched Spike with his claws, but there was no response. KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK* Again knock and again there was no answer, I was about to suggest that there was no one until Spike beat me to it. “AG not again” He said with an expression that I could see expressed concern and anguish, he leaned down and after dropping some of his bags he picked up a stone that was on the side of the entrance and with a POP the stone opened and from it Spike took out a key that soon use to open the door "I won't be long, wait for me here" After taking the bags and entering the carousel, the false mare, as well mannered and respectful as she was, only took ten seconds to disobey him and enter anyway. As soon as he entered he could notice that this was a pretty nice clothing store, in fact the only defect it had was the accumulated dust it seemed that nobody had cleaned this place in a time, without wasting any more time he went to the source of the sounds until he got to what seemed to be a kitchen where he could see Spike cutting fruit and on one of the chairs he saw a white mare with a purple mane and something disheveled which seemed frozen he didn't even see her blink, if it wasn't for the movement of her chest i would swear she was dead "Ready Rarity here you go" Seeing no reaction from the mare, Spike sighed again and gave her a light touch. PUNCH* As soon as her claw made contact, the mare punched her across the face, although it seemed more by reflex than intention. "Spayki I'm so sorry!" "Don't worry Rarity I barely felt it" "You're lying, those helmets are deceptively hard, I know from my own experience" Rarity took a quick look around the room like she just noticed where she was until her eyes landed on me. “Apleebloom dear, did you come to play with Belle? give me a second I'll bring it right away" Spike gave me a look of surprise that turned to reproach and I just cringed with a goofy grin, but he quickly refocused on the mare walking away. "Rarity remembers that she went away with her parents for a while, u- until it's safer to be around." That last part was said with some hesitation "If I had to guess Belle is a filly and Rarity is obviously in no condition to take care of a girl." I couldn't help but give him an admiring look seeing how he was handling it all. "So young and so much responsibility, he has my respect" "Oh... right with those things still loose around there it's not safe, the last thing I want is for him to also see the horrors of what those things are capable of" The fake filly cringed at the comment, even if she didn't say it it was pretty obvious what she was talking about. “Dear I'm so sorry I didn't want to scare you, why don't you join us for breakfast? It looks like you're still hungry." It seems like he noticed the way I looked at food so I don't hesitate to use that knowledge to change the subject. "Good thank you" Having been hungry in the forest for days, I resigned myself and joined them for breakfast which, although delicious, was also very quiet. Sometimes I could notice that Rarity was freezing again and Spike had to give her a light touch to keep her eating. Once they finished the two were ready to go and although I wanted to say goodbye Spike stopped me when he saw that the mare had frozen again, with another sigh he simply denoted concern and with great delicacy worthy of an artist he put a blanket on top of her and they left “What did I tell you before entering?” "Shit!" "I'm sorry I just wanted to know how were" She knew it was a blatant lie and that later the aria would feel guilty, but she put up with it. "Okay, I'm also worried about everyone, but that's not why you should take such risks" He said it while giving her a reassuring pat on the head "You... are surprisingly mature for such a young" The words seemed to take him by surprise. "Hell, did I say that or think so?" "Well thanks, even though I only do what I have to, it's not that big of a deal" He said while blushing a bit "Well let's pick up the pace, it's not supposed to take me that long" After that we both went back to the stalls to buy more groceries until Spike was back entombed in bags, only this time I didn't let him carry it all, we kept walking until BOOM* For a second I flinched as a shadow crashed right in front of us and seeing the gray fur I feared the worst. “THEY FOUND ME, HOW? They had never seen through my illusion." "Hello Derpy" Spike said snapping me out of my growing panic long enough to notice that the postman-suited mare in front of me wasn't a batpony. "Oh hey Spike, tell me you've been lucky?" "I'm not sorry, but I haven't seen any Donald Trub" "That's not how it was, I think it was Truc or Drum" At that my ears perked up "You can't refer to who I think you are, right?" "Won't it be Donald Trump?" "YES! That's it, have you seen it?" The look that the mare was giving me showed some desperation “W-why are you looking for it?” “Because I need to deliver your mail!” "What?" To my confusion Spike came to the rescue again “A few weeks ago a letter arrived addressed to this Donald and Derpy has been doing everything to find him” “It is my responsibility that the mail is delivered to them” "I understand you Derpy, but how do you know that he is here? From what you told me last time you managed to discover that that letter had been sent to ten other nearby towns in addition to cities like ponyhattan" "That's why I try so hard, after what happened in Canterlot, it must be his family that is worried about him and they can't find him." The conversation continued, but I no longer listened to it, I didn't even pay attention to the tremendous similarity in the names of the cities mentioned and those that were in my world, my mind was only focused on one thing “I have to get that letter” "Well, I'm sorry Derpy, but I can't waste any more time, I'm running late" "Oh okay Spike see you later, bye Aplee... where did he go?" Spike was surprised and turned his head to where the filly had been only to find a few bags of groceries lying around. "At what time?" She immediately started looking in all directions fearing that something had happened to her friend. "Don't worry, Spike must have gotten bored listening to us, I think I saw his brother selling apples, maybe it was with him" "Yes, thanks, I'll go see her in a while, see you" Without further ado, the Pegasus left, leaving a confused dragon as to what he should do. "I'm already late and I could also take advantage of buying some apples" With his decision made, he continued on his way to the center of the town where all the stores were established until his vision came to a certain apple stand in particular and he was worried to see that there was only one stallion guarding the store, as fast as he could he approached to the red stallion "Hey Big Mac, haven't you seen Apleebloom have you?" Faced with the unexpected question, the stallion raised an eyebrow, but he was quick to respond. “nop” "And you don't know where it is, do you?" The dragon asked again, already accustomed to the stallion's way of speaking. “She is on the farm, she is not allowed to go out” “But I saw her in town” At that the stallion's face finally began to express his emotions "How long ago was that?" "I saw her at dawn" His answer seemed to calm the stallion and after a small sigh he replied "Well you must have been wrong at dawn I was just leaving the farm and she was saying goodbye to me from the house" That did baffle the dragon "So are you going to want something?" "Ehh no thanks, see you later" As the dragon left thoughtful about what he should do "I admit that I've been a little stressed these days, but I don't think it's enough to hallucinate and if I were to do it I don't think it would be with apleebloom" Seeing where her thoughts were headed, she blushed and quickly shook her head. "Maybe I should discuss it with Twi when I get back." Trying to stay focused on his current task, the dragon spent the rest of the day buying food and delivering it to his recovering friends. “And here you have Rembow the last volume of Daring Do” "Finally!" He said as he took the book from her hands "I've been waiting all day. Where have you been?" "Oh um sorry I was a little distracted" "Well don't worry, thanks for bringing him and sorry, I'd love to help you, but they won't let me out until next week" "Don't worry, I can handle this and by the way, how are your wings?" “Improving, although I will have to attend rehabilitation” "Well you were very lucky I heard there was a monster out there that implanted its eggs in you and then they came out of your chest and that's not even close to being the worst I've ever heard of" "Where did you hear that?" "On the street, it's what everyone talks about" The mare looked at him for a few seconds and with a sigh resigned herself "Spike please stop listening to those things are not for you" "And why not, you guys fought those things, right?" "Yes, we did, and that's why I'm telling you, you should never talk about those things, you're still very young." The dragon couldn't help but put on an angry expression. "Of course, if it were up to you, I would still be wearing a diaper." "Spike you don't understand these things-" "I'M TIRED OF NOBODY SAYING ANYTHING TO ME" The dragon ran from the room to the hospital “ARG well done Rembow” The mare said to herself as a hoof crashed into her face "I'm sorry Spike but I have to do this." The zorua thought as she chased the gray Pegasus from the rooftops imploring no one to see her, her march finally stopped after the Pegasus delivered his last letter and entered a building where he left his uniform and bag. "Chance!" The zorua camouflaged itself with the colors of its surroundings until it reached the window of the building through which it entered once it made sure that no one was looking Once inside it transformed into a plant and I wait 6 hours later A gray mare was staring (or as much as possible) at a plant that was in one of the corners of the building "Mom, what are you doing?" Said a bewildered filly when she saw what her mother was doing "It's a strange plant, it wasn't here before just... it appeared" "Just because of that you've been looking at her for almost thirty minutes?" She loved her mother very much, but she had to admit that there were times when she really tested her patience. "Mmm it's a strange plant" "Well if you say so, although it would be better to leave we have many things to do before curfew starts" "It's fine but tomorrow I'll find out where it came from" "Yes yes, let's go" Said the filly as she dragged her mother out of the building, a second later the plant collapsed and a zorua fell face down on the cold floor "OH MY GOD, it was the most intense staring match I've ever had in my life and I didn't even have eyes." He said as he shuddered to remember those bulging eyes, he had nothing against the mare, but over time it became very difficult to look at her "I have to thank that girl later, I don't think I could have taken much longer." Getting up and shaking his head he cleared his mind. “Concentrate you have a mission” Without further wasting time, he set out to look for the letter, which took him a while, he had to turn over some drawers and boxes full of papers until he only had a desk left. "Come on, you have to be here" I search and search in all the drawers, but found nothing “It takes me the-” To calm his growing frustration, he leaned against the back of the seat and felt something dig into his back, he turned to see what it was and realized that it was the strap of the bag that the mare was carrying. "don't fuck with me" She turned around and opened her bag and the only paper inside was the one she had spent hours looking for. “I feel the enormous need to hit my face against something, something very hard” Repressing that impulse, he opened the envelope and six pages came out of it, some of which he could recognize were written in English, Spanish, Arabic, another that he did not know if it was Chinese or Japanese and the rest that he had no idea, but recognized as terrestrial. anyway Go to the empire of storms Due to the brevity of the message and what he knew about the other languages ​​of the other pages, he could guess that they all said the same thing “So many languages, it means that either they have a polyglot or a significant group of us has already gathered” Having got what he wanted, he folded the letter and stuffed it into his mane. "I need a map and if I remember correctly Spike mentioned a library" Spike had been taking his time to return home hoping to calm down, this month had been by far the worst of his life, it seemed that everything and everyone had lost something The happiness and friendship before always present in the small town were now almost entirely gone, the ponies were no longer so friendly they treated anyone who came to the town with distrust, the new guards were more gruff and less respectful and since They came back from Canterlot none of their friends were the same He understood that they had gone through difficult things, but that didn't mean they had to isolate him and call him only when they needed to use him as a pack mule to fulfill everyone's duties while constantly telling him "you're too young", he was sick of that phrase!! His train of thought stopped when he saw that he was already at the entrance of his house. "Maybe today I'll finally be able to convince Twi to tell me what happened...or at least get her out of the basement. I've had enough of talking to the wall." He thought as he would have passed by the entrance of the house and immediately noticed that things were wrong the books that they had taken care of barely organizing yesterday were scattered on the floor "Damn, Twilight must have had a moment of inspiration and as always, it's my turn to clean up." With a sigh, he began to collect the books and put them on their respective shelves with a rehearsed mastery and silence that would put anyone who calls themselves a librarian on Earth to shame and would have remained so if it weren't for the black and red stain on the top of one of the tables was a second away from asking him what he was doing until he recognized it was one of the many pictures and portraits he had seen in the basement before Twilight kicked him out “What is that thing doing here? Did he do something to Twilight? Should I face it?" Spike dismissed that last thought immediately, he had heard and read in the papers what these things were capable of, even the little "small pink ball devours anyone who approaches it from two meters away this monstrosity has been seen on the outskirts of... ” was one of many I had read Slowly the dragon was taking slow steps to the basement for which he had to surround the fox, he knew it was dangerous, but he was not going to leave his sister alone with this thing "No again" It was so close it was only a few meters Punch* “ACH” The dragon quickly covered his mouth to stifle the traitorous screech when the fox, not finding what he was looking for, threw the book and it fell on his head, the fox slowly turned around Neither of them did anything, they both stayed where they were waiting to see that, towards the other, Spike stared between the creature and the basement door until panic overcame him and he ran towards her, he was only a few centimeters from the lock. when he was shot down and subdued He struggled for a few seconds, but the fox was deceptively strong and it wasn't long before he was subdued. "TWILL-" He tried to scream, but was quickly silenced by one of the animal's legs, he tried to hit it now that he had a free hand, although he seemed unfazed by his blows. "Did you say something Spike?" "No nothing happens" The dragon stopped his fight when he heard his voice leave the lips of the creature. "Well, but please be quiet, I have a lot of work" "That is all? I'm going to die?" The dragon closed his eyes in fear waiting for pain, but it never came "Please don't cry, I'm not going to hurt you" The dragon opened his eyes, incredulous at what he heard, the voice was soft and gentle, it reminded him a little of Fluttershy "Please don't yell, I just want to get out of here, okay?" The dragon nodded more out of inertia than understanding, even so, he remained silent as the fox withdrew his paw from his face. "I just want a map and I'll go, I promise not to hurt you" The dragon calmed down and after thinking a bit answered “Why do you want a map?” It took a few to get your answer "I just want to leave this country, but I can't if I don't know where its limits are" "Even though she promised, there's really nothing to stop her from killing me or hurting me if I don't help her." “The geography books are on the third shelf in the middle to the right” After a look of doubt, she turned and looked at him again. “Could you show me?” “Y-yes, follow me” Once they reached the shelf, Spike took the book and opened it to the page that he remembered was the most complete version of the world map. “Here is Equestria” He said while pointing and seeing the reaction of the fox, who looked at him with doubt, seemed to be thinking about something and after a sigh he replied "You know... where the empire of storms is" Although I doubt it, it didn't take him long to answer "Em... I've only heard rumours, but it's said to be south across the desert." The fox shrank when he saw how far away it was, even if he took the train it would take a long time in which he could only pray that they wouldn't find it besides the fact that the map only reached the middle of the desert Spike looked at her as he racked his brains thinking. “He lied to me, he knows where he wants to go, but why? What am I supposed to do? What would Twi? …What would Shining?” Spike didn't know where that last thought came from, but it gave him an idea of ​​what to do and after a sigh he made his decision. “Even if I survive Twilight is going to kill me” "Wait for me here, I'll be back" He said as he went to one of the desks and took out a large backpack and immediately filled it with all kinds of things of which the fox could distinguish a first aid kit, food, canteens, a sleeping bag, etc. "What are you supposed to be doing?" "I'm ready, I'm going with you" The fox froze for a moment "W-why the hell would you do that?" "Because I noticed that you don't know how to read the map or I'm wrong" The zorua blushed a little, but still answered "And just for that?" The fox looked at him with a face from which you could see that he did not believe him, he took some time to think and answered "No, not only that, I need to know what happened in Canterlot and make sure you don't hurt anyone" He said with conviction and determination as he pointed at her “For a whole month everyone has excluded me and cast me aside, enough is enough!” “Okay okay, but calm down” Said the zorua fearing that her screams would alert someone "And besides, I can... what?" “I said you can come, you have proven to be more than trustworthy since I met you this morning, or are you regretting it?” "It's not just that it usually takes longer than that to convince them to let me go and wait a second. What did you say earlier?" Three seconds passed and his brain finally processed the rest of the information. "You, were Apleebloom" the fox nodded "If illusions are my thing" "illusions? but i touched you " “My illusions are… unique, I can explain it to you later, but first I must ask, are you sure? I can't guarantee that you won't get hurt or even killed." "Yes, I'm sure" “And what about Rarity? You also said there were others like her, right? A second of doubt could be seen in the dragon's eyes, but he quickly suppressed it. "They... will be fine, in fact I think it would help them not to depend so much on me" He said that while looking at the basement door “Since Canterlot they have done nothing but be locked up, maybe this will help them come back to reality” “I knew this guy was mature, but I didn't expect this” "I'll wait for you at the entrance then" Seeing how he walked away and sat on one side of the door, Spike was collecting the things they would need for the trip and at the right moment when noticed that was not looking at him, he walked away and took a sheet of paper and a pen and in less ten seconds managed to write a letter with all the information summarized about what happened along with his plan and sent it Not even three seconds passed before he received a letter with a gigantic NO He felt that more letters were on the way, but he swallowed them before they managed to get out, one finished organizing everything once approached the entrance where they were waiting for him "Last chance, don't say I didn't tell you" "Yes I'm sure and by the way I'm Spike" He said it while his hand lasted, the zorua was a little confused until he recorded that he never told her his name "Nice Spike you can call me... Zora, if you call me Zora please" It was morning the sun was just barely visible on the horizon as a mare and her filly entered a building to start their day at work before walking their daughter to school or so the filly waited until her mother froze in the room building entrance "What's happening? I'm going to be late if we don't hurry." "No this" "What?" “The plant is no longer there” The mare rolled her eyes and walked past her mother. “Are you still with that? What's important about a…” His words died in his mouth when he noticed all the chaos in the building, it seemed that a typhoon had been unleashed, however, he could notice that his mother's vision did not depart from one of the corners of the building that was now it's empty. He slowly turned around and stared at her as hard as he could. "I told you there was something strange with that plant, now you clean" The filly said nothing as the broom and shovel were handed to her. > 5- A bumpy road > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- SHIIIIIII* The train brakes woke me up with a jump, I immediately regretted it my body protested the sudden movement after hours of being in the same uncomfortable position I could only lie on the ground and hope the cramps would stop “Uh… are you okay?” I managed to recover enough to be able to look at my new partner who was looking at me from the top of some suitcases “Yes, everything is fine, just give me a few moments” "Well if you say so" "By the way, how long have you been awake?" "Not much, usually get up a little before the sun rises" Again I looked at him impressed, for someone who was never an early riser it was hard to believe that a child surpassed me "But it's good that you woke up, we are very close to Appleloosa" I decided to see for myself and jumped to one of the upper parts of the freight car where there were some windows where I could see how the train passed slowly over a gorge “That explains the use of those damn brakes. How does it not bother you? When I was human I barely tolerated that kind of noise and now that I have these ears it's practically torture." As I lay back and enjoyed the view I took a quick look at the little dragon who looked a little downcast. We had had a couple of conversations once we managed to get on the train that was how I found out that he was a dragon among other things like the name of the train which I refuse to repeat as well as realizing how nice he could be , he was the kind of person you could easily have a conversation with about anything of course once you lost your fear, but from time to time he still looks at me suspiciously or gets lost in his thoughts With nothing else to do I decided to copy it “Why did I bring it?” And this thought was the winner "But seriously, why did I bring it?" I was constantly wondering, in the library I could have easily disappeared while he was organizing things besides the obvious fact that he was up to something, I never believed his excuse to tag along but when he offered I couldn't help but feel happy "Did I really feel so alone?" While my time in Everfree wasn't too bad, I must admit it was a bit lonely at times, but I didn't imagine it would get to the point of forming an alliance with someone I didn't trust. SHIIII* "Are we there yet?" I said subconsciously, but I realized that we had just crossed the ravine. "Something is not right" And as if on cue, Spike confirmed my suspicions. "We still should have at least twenty minutes." With my suspicions confirmed I camouflaged my fur with the environment and approached the front of the locomotive, although I didn't have to go that far when my eyes were blinded by a reflection in the distance. I gave them a second to adjust to the light and finally I could see the flashy armor sticking out so much that as soon as I got out of the wagon jumped back in. "Royal Guards" At first I was very surprised when Spike told me that the most powerful nation in this world had no real army, just a few orders of knights, so to speak, which were few and although I admit they were more difficult to deal with. than the average citizen, none of them gave me a real fight, except for the unicorn captain Apparently this world was much more peaceful than ours and less populated so there was no need for a real army, or it was until we arrived and everything went to shit, for the first time in almost a thousand years Equestria is arming a true militia, some believe that its golden age has come to an end "What happened? Where did you go?" “I went to see what was happening, it seems that there is a blockade, prepare yourselves” “We are not going to fight with them” I decided to walk over to calm Spike down as I put my paw on his shoulder. "Don't worry, we'll just take a little detour" I said as Spike shivered slightly and his scales changed to different shades of green. "But what?" He said to himself while looking at his hands "Don't worry, it's only temporary and don't let something hit you or it will go away faster" After a moment of hesitation he nodded and we left the wagon through the back door where to my pleasant surprise there was no one watching. "Even if they haven't had a real war in a thousand years, this is more than just a negligence." Putting those thoughts aside we headed into the woods where we didn't dare to converse until we were far enough away. "Looks like we'll have to follow a foot from here." "I don't think so, before there were only patrols, but as we approached they have pressed and now we run into this blockade" "Do you think it's something else?" "You were the one who said that this was the best way to leave Equestria, maybe we weren't the only ones who thought of it, isn't there another way?" Spike took the map out of his backpack and we reviewed it together, even if he couldn't read just a fool couldn't locate himself with such a detailed map “Looks like our only option is to cross these dunes?” “Those are not just dunes, they are badlands, even if it counts as equestrian territory, there is no supervision of any kind, literally anything could be hidden there” I stared at him blankly for a few seconds. "What?" “Isn't that exactly what we're looking for? We are fugitives” "Yes, but it is said to be infested with bandits, there are many who have tried to cross only to never be seen again." "Well I don't see any other way unless you want to extend our trip a month or more" He looked a little doubtful, but he nodded anyway. "Okay let's go" We followed the tracks until a detour and continued until we reached a place called Ciudad Dodge, but as we got closer we realized that there was also a blockade, with no other options we just went around it and kept walking, at some point I realized that we were going to It took a long time so I put Spike on my back while I transformed into a deer to pick up the pace and we kept going until we got near the badlands entrance where I needed to make a little camp since it was getting dark “berries, bananas, a few mangoes, it never fails to impress me how abundant life is in this world” I had just come back from gathering some food, even if I used supplies they were mostly from Spike and we couldn't just spend them without knowing how long the trip would be, although I refrained from hunting for the time being since Spike didn't seem to like the idea of ​​eating meat even if it was a predator "What the hell? “ My thoughts were interrupted when I saw a green flash behind some rocks, I turned to see the surroundings and I couldn't see Spike, fearing that something had hurt my partner I immediately ran behind the rock Bung* As soon as I crossed the rock I crashed into Spike who was now rubbing his forehead. "ouch" "Sorry I saw a green flash and I thought something had happened to you" Suddenly Spike seemed to forget about his pain. "Flash?" "Eh yes, you don't know what it was or do you?" "Eh? Of course not" I approached him slowly without breaking eye contact it was obvious he was lying "Tartarus saw me think of something quick" "You know I wanted to ask you something" I was starting to sweat a little which I didn't know was possible for scaled beings. "And what could it be?" I said without stopping to approach "Um... are you... a boy or a girl?" Before the unexpected asking the Zorua froze for a few seconds "Well done Spike you just killed yourself" The dragon could only suppress the urge to punch himself in the face as he closed his eyes in anticipation of his imminent end, but it never came. "whatever I want... I guess" "Sorry for asking such a silly question, but... wait, what do you mean by whatever you want?" "I was afraid this question would come" "The one who brought me here took many things from those I invoke, among them they are part of my memories, I cannot remember specific things from my home" "What? So Discord doesn't believe you?" "Of course not, I'd rather die than have that asshole for a father!" At that Spike looked at me confused as if I had told him something that didn't make sense “B-but then, where did it come from? There is nothing like you in Equus and you are far from one of the strangest summons I have ever heard of." "That's... a long story, let's sit down and I'll explain it to you" Once we were comfortable, Spike lit up a bunch of sticks with his fire breath proving that he is indeed a dragon, the green flames reminded me of how we started our conversation, but I decided to leave that topic for later. "Cunning lizard" I laughed inside seeing how a child manipulated me "So if you don't mind me asking, where are you from?" "Well here goes" I spent the next few hours explaining the basics of my world to him, sometimes we would get stuck on different topics but I made sure to explain everything to him patiently and in a way he could understand, however he still seemed quite hesitant. . “And how do you know this is real? I mean, I know some of the things you said were logical and too detailed to be totally untrue, but you also said that you had trouble remembering things like your name and the names of people you know, as well as their faces, right? I don't think it's something..." Suddenly he stopped and looked at me in surprise. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel bad" I didn't understand what he meant until I ran my paw over my face when I felt something wet, I was crying realizing it, I was trying to hold back but I couldn't admit it, I had thought about that possibility, but decide to ignore it For the sake of my sanity, but now that someone else told me, I couldn't deny it anymore. What scared me the most was that everything could be false and the worst thing is that it would make sense after all just seeing on Discord that everything I knew turned to shit, the laws of physics, mathematics, religion and sense common, all that. . I turned to shit when I came into this world Spike didn't know what to do even though he was a monster, there were times when he seemed so normal and friendly, and now he was crying for him. He slowly extended his claw and stroked her slowly at first she seemed to reject him but eventually she let go of him, he just sat next to her stroking her soft fur for the rest of the night until they fell asleep. I woke up with the rays of the sun in my eyes "Dammit" I tried to get up, but I felt a strange weight on me, I turned to see what it was and I realized that it was Spike who seemed to be using me as a pillow I slowly remembered what happened the night before and I got depressed again, although not as much Like last night, after a few minutes I looked back at Spike "Thank you idiot, another trauma on the list, and didn't you say you wake up before dawn?" I thought about that and the fact that at least this time I didn't have nightmares and decided to wake him up, a very out of tune military trumpet appeared above his head and TUTURUTUTUTU* "AHHH" "Hahaha" Spike still hadn't recovered while I almost died of laughter, I expected some kind of anger or irritation, but surprisingly he only glared at me for a second before turning around and preparing things for the trip while ignoring me. "Hey! the child here is supposed to be you” After a quick breakfast of fruit something surprisingly pleasant at least for me "Okay, we're ready" I was surprised by how quickly everything was organized and without another word we started. As soon as we passed the path between the mountains I was surprised by how drastic the change was I looked behind me again and then in front again it was strange behind there was life even in the distance you could see the forest where we camped but in front of us there was a desert, I just let it distract me for a few seconds and then I continued with Spike Together we followed the path which was surprisingly well kept for a place that is not supposed to have any kind of supervision besides being little traveled, we had a good time until it suddenly got dark "But what? Did Spike see the storm approaching?" "No, it came out of nowhere, can you see the way?" "Em I think wait there ¡hay!" A piece of garbage got into my eyes, I quickly wiped myself and looked around to get my bearings, but I couldn't see anything the storm obstructed my vision almost entirely “Something is not right here” I could see the sand moving in the wind but it wasn't right, the wind wasn't hitting me hard and I couldn't even feel the sand which was weird considering enough that I just recently got a few pieces in my the eyes “Do you notice something strange Spike? Spike?" I looked around but found nothing "SPIKE" "Here I am!" He said so close to me that I almost had a heart attack, in an instant I had already turned around to face him "Where the hell have you been?" "Me? Where did you go? I've been looking everywhere for you!" He said in a way that I couldn't help but cringe at his anger. “Now come on you are delaying us” "O- ok" “Why is he so angry? Besides, how do you know where we're going? can't see anything" I looked at him again, he had something strange not only in his way of acting but also in his body, although no matter how hard I looked I couldn't find physical differences between the Spike of a few minutes ago and the one now, there was something strange, but no matter how hard I I thought I couldn't know what it was I stopped and Spike turned to look at me. "Something happens? This is not the time to sit still, ¡move!” But I did not move the feeling of deja vu did not leave my mind and as soon as I remembered where it came from I did not hesitate "No again" "What did you just say? I don't understand you" Without further ado I jumped on Spike and used [Bite] on his neck which broke on the spot he felt the blood run down my snout its taste was rancid it didn't look anything like pony blood A few seconds passed as I slowly backed away and just looked at his body, a black chitinous body in the shape of a pony with a curved horn and insect wings. A few seconds passed in which I only looked at the body and the green blood that covered me, although it was a weirdo it was clear that it was intelligent and it was the first time that it had killed since Canterlot, I shook my head energetically “This is not the time for this! Where's Spike? I looked around, but I couldn't see anything through the strange mist, I knew it wasn't natural not only because of the shape-shifting bug but also by instinct, something told me, but it was no use if I could don't go through that "SPIKE" I screamed out loud hoping that the sound if it could get through, but got no response. "I'II have to make it harder then" I focused on my illusions thinking about how to use them. I needed something specific and I had an idea. An illusion of sound. This would not be like the trumpet this morning. This illusion would be completely focused on creating sound and not on something that causes it, with the idea of ​​what I wanted to do ready I concentrated and shot the sound illusion in all directions "SPIKE" I immediately became disoriented to the point of almost falling. I felt my body somehow stretch like a balloon until it suddenly stopped about five meters away from me, except for one of the places to my right, which for some reason follow for a time. until it hit something I couldn't see again, I slowly refocused to try to understand what had happened. I always had a connection with my illusions. I could feel what happened to them. The distance didn't seem to matter. Although it wasn't like they shared his pain, but he could still feel when they were destroyed and the cause, was strange but very helpful. I decided to take a risk and let myself be guided by the strange sensations, so I immediately ran to my right, once I felt where I had collided, I launched another sound illusion. "SPIKE" I immediately jumped into the air as I felt the illusion collide with a moving point whose target seemed to be me. BUM* I saw another one of those bugs crash right where I was a second ago and I let the gravity go and used [Scratch] when I landed on its chitin which shattered on the spot where it was an instant kill. "SPIKE" I could feel more coming but it would take too long and I was already way behind, I didn't even know if letting these sensations lead me to Spike, so I decided to keep going without stopping, unfortunately one of them was in my way and seemed be smarter since instead of rushing into danger he fired a bolt of energy at me, I just gritted my teeth and resisted as I used [Quick Attack] to take him out of the way I could feel his chitin break, but I didn't stay to see how I was left alone to move on "SPIKE" I used the illusion again by going through all the bugs taking hits, dodging them when I could, and attacking anyone who tried to block my path. I don't know how long I was like that until finally the mist cleared and I could see Spike, but my joy was short-lived when I saw that he was surrounded by a green aura and next to him the culprit was an insect similar to the ones that attacked me only that this one was bigger and you could tell it was female I couldn't think of anything else as at that moment the other bugs knocked me down and hitting and biting me savagely, luckily none of them did any real damage to me and they didn't seem to think about using magic so I was able to concentrate enough to use [ Shadow Ball] which I immediately detonated BOOOM The explosion also hit me and sent me flying a few meters where I slowly recovered, I was not well I could feel my fur covered with sweat, I was short of breath and my head hurt so much I thought it was going to split "It seems that the sound illusion ones spend much more energy than the normal ones" I couldn't think anymore as the giant insect released a gigantic blast of energy at me that was a direct hit. “MM mmm M” I could see my companion squirming in the insect's claws, but he seemed to be holding him so tightly that he couldn't even speak. "Finished! Now, do you want to tell me what part of that was difficult, Captain?" The giant bug almost roared its words at a poor bug who was badly injured. "I'm sorry my queen, but that is not a normal animal! He received our attacks like nothing and seriously injured almost a hundred of us not counting the dead" "WHAT? You're telling me a wimpy dog ​​almost killed a hundred of my children! HOW CAN THEY BE SO USELESS?" The poor creature shrank "I'm sorry my queen" Ignoring the rest of the conversation, I struggled to my feet. Whatever reason they wanted from has Spike, wasn't going to give it to them. “Whoa? I must admit you were right about his resistance, even if I barely take him seriously and left him burned.” I turned my head to see the damage and noticed that some of my fur was gone, you could even see bits of exposed skin. GRRR* I growled at him like he was just an animal, I couldn't help it, it was instinctive and the blow really hurt, I could feel the tears trying to escape. "Well, I've seen enough ¡finish it!" With his signal the other bugs began to pounce on my position, meanwhile I was running towards the queen, I was angry and I knew that even if I couldn't win at least I would give her a good blow that maybe if I was lucky I could hit her in a vital area , it wasn't like I knew his anatomy But it seemed like I wouldn't even have a chance when some bugs blocked my way, but I didn't stop, I just kept speeding up and when I got closer I could see some kind of reddish smoke coming out of my body, which was weird. Since I didn't feel able to cast illusions, it also turned out that it wasn't an illusion as soon as I collided with the bugs I sent them flying, some of them I'm sure split in half and yet I kept speeding and spawning more smoke "But what?" The queen as soon as she realized how close she was, she generated another one of those bubbles, still, I decided to continue with my attack. I wasn't sure if I could use this ability again, besides going too fast to slow down or change my course SHII* Sparks flew as my attack touched his shield. FISSURE * “AGH DAMN LIZARD” In a moment of carelessness it seems that I stopped concentrating on Spike enough for him to free himself and release his breath of fire, which allowed me to go through the shield and directly hit the insect queen, I could feel how his chitin was broken as well as hear the satisfying crackling sounds her body made and then I saw her go flying several meters Immediately after I collapsed to the ground, I could barely breathe and my vision was blurry. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?!" I looked at Spike to my right I couldn't answer because of the lack of breath, he was scared as he looked at me and checked the surroundings making sure that none of the bugs that surrounded us attacked us "I think it's the first time he really acts like a child, I'm surprised he didn't run away" I was finally catching my breath and my vision was clearing "We have to get out of here before the bugs decide to attack" "OF COURSE YOUR NOT" I didn't have time to be impressed by the done that she was still alive or turn around as a green aura enveloped me and I got up only to slam to the ground and repeat BAANG* BAANG* BAANG* Each impact sounded like little explosions to me, I somehow managed to remain conscious as I watched the queen bug approach me, she had a nasty hole in her chitin from which a large amount of green blood was oozing. "HOW ARE YOU STILL ALIVE?" My body shimmered for a second think I felt something, but I wasn't quite sure and I barely managed to be conscious. "YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE A BROKEN BONE! How is that possible?!" He no longer looked at me with blind anger but with genuine curiosity as he whispered something, but I couldn't hear what it was, then he turned to me with a smile that threatened to split his face in half. “And I thought I was lucky when to find a baby dragon to make my pet, this is so much better! Oh the things we're going to do together little one just wait" BAAANG* Spike watched as his partner's body was carried from the small crater that had formed when he smashed her into the ground for the last time. "Killed her?!" Spike sighed seeing that he was still breathing it seemed that he was just unconscious "My queen, what do we do with the lizard?" The queen looked at Spike for a few seconds with some hatred sure for attacking her from behind. "It's no use to me anymore, put it in a pod and leave it with the others" The queen him rejoicing with the fear she could feel from the dragon as other drones subdued him and put him in a cocoon filled with a green and viscous liquid which got into his mouth when he could no longer hold his breath to Finally passing out, the queen enjoyed every moment until her second in command approached her. "My queen if I may ask, why did you keep the dog instead of a dragon?" The drone shrank before the queen's gaze, but luckily she was in a good mood despite the circumstances. “The reason is simple, even if I managed to tame the dragon it would take decades for it to reach full maturity or it would have to affect its mind for its greed to take control which is not recommended, this is much better, after all what better pet than one created by chaos itself that dog as you call it is one of the remnants of chaos” At the mention of the name the drone was surprised until it almost jumped “Then it is not surprising that it will end with so many of ours” "Exactly and it's just a breeding, imagine it when they grow up" The queen licked her lips lustfully. “It will be mine” > 6- Request for help > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The moon was beautiful that night the streets although empty were what allowed the stars to shine and be seen from all corners of Canterlot giving a few lucky ones a real wonder, nights like this she would be full of inspiration determined to give her dear ponies a work worthy of his adoration always striving even when it seemed that his work was already unbeatable, but not tonight or the night before or the night before that the night sky had been as still and repetitive as it had been when he went to his banishment Lately not even nights like this could inspire her enough and almost nothing did now less than ever, once again she lifted the paper that had been with her for three days and reread it for what was perhaps the hundredth time “I will have done the right thing?” His gaze left the window and went to the bed that occupied most of the room where he rested a body with multiple cables and tubes scattered throughout the different parts of his body connecting him with multiple machines that continuously emitted noises for unknown reasons, the new technologies had puzzled her as much as they had impressed her on the one hand she did not like being totally ignorant regarding the operation of the vast majority of everyday accessories on the other hand their usefulness was undeniable "Do you think I could have found another way?" He asked staring at the comatose body that could barely breathe on its own hoping that by some miracle it would answer him, but as always there was no answer With a sigh he looked away and put the letter in his saddlebags and left the room. "I guess I can't wait any longer" "Everything alright my princess?" The princess turned to see her new captain of the guard, chosen not because of his experience or because he was a descendant of the nobility, but because of how ruthless and calculating he was when making decisions, which was a trait that very few possessed in the world. this was or at least for now "All right Captain Night Fury, although I will need you to prepare my carriage I need to go to Ponyville" “Princess with all due respect, don't you think you have more important things to do than pay a visit to that little town? We have much more important things to worry about like finding a competent replacement for Raven ever since he quit everything has been chaos I don't even know how he managed to get here." Although it was obvious that it annoyed him, it did not take him long to comply with his orders She was woken up by the abrupt contact of the carriage wheels with the ground, slowly pulling herself together she hadn't had a proper sleep in a long time "We have arrived at ponybille your highness" He was able to hear one of his guards and once made sure to use a camouflage spell so that the fatigue marks wouldn't be visible when he left his chariot. He immediately frowned, where before there was a town full of kind and caring inhabitants, now it seemed like a ghost town even if it was just the early hours of the morning in the streets there was not a soul, several businesses had closed and some houses had had what to sell “Please find the other elements and inform them need to be meet up in the library” “Understood your highness” As soon as her guard left she walked to the library entrance and knocked. KNOCK KNOCK* It didn't take long for her to hear hooves approaching the door, but to her surprise the one who received her was a yellow pegasus who looked at her in surprise. "Oh princess, it's good that you're here, did you finally receive the letter?" Although I was a little confused at first, it didn't take long for me to respond. "Thank you very much Fluttershy, but I'm afraid you haven't received any letters from you recently and you came for other matters" "Oh sorry, but I don't know if this is a good time, please come in and I'll explain everything" As soon as I enter I notice the obvious disorder, the shelves of books were empty and they were scattered on the floor or piled on some tables. "I apologize for the mess, but I don't know how they organize them on the shelves and I'm afraid of causing more problems" He was about to say something until he heard hoofbeats coming down the stairs at high speed. "Princess Luna!" As soon as she saw the mare she recognized her, although she almost failed to do so, the mare had always been concerned with making a good impression so as not to embarrass her or her teacher now she seemed to have aged several years despite having been seen only a few a few weeks, her eyes had large bags under her eyes her fur was disheveled and faded plus the smell that covered her told her she hadn't bathed in days "Twilight you should be resting" The mare just ignored the pegasus “I'm sorry, I must have fallen asleep, I haven't finished my research yet, and besides, I don't know what happened to-mm! “ Luna put a hoof on her snout allowing the mare to breathe again "Although your investigation is important, that's not why I came here, there is another matter we must take care of now." Before that the mare seemed to react “Did you come to help us? Do you know anything about Spike? The princess had to take a moment to reply. "Something like that, but we'd better wait until everyone is here." Before her answer the pegasus looked at her confused "But you said you didn't get the letter. How do you know about Spike?" KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK* “As I said, I think it would be better if everyone heard this” With a blaze of his horn the door opened allowing the visitors to enter. "Princess, I have gathered the elements as requested." “Thank you very much, soldier, you can leave now” After a bow, the guard left. "Princess, how good it is to see you!" The princess was surprised by the sudden contact from the mares it was something she would expect from Pinkie, but not from Rarity, although she returned the hug anyway. “The same for you my dear friends” "Tell me princess, do you have news about Spiky, the poor guy has been missing for days and we haven't been able to find a trace of him?" Rarity asked as soon as she broke away from the hug, she looked at her with desperate eyes just like everyone else, she had never seen her so unconcerned about her appearance which was barely better than Twilight's. "If I do bring news about Spike, though, I think we should all sit down for what I'm about to say." That caused a lot of worried looks, but they obeyed anyway. “Two days ago one of the remnants was here” With that simple sentence all the mares panted except for one “Remnants you said?” The cyan pegasus gave him an incredulous look. “Really Rarity? Haven't you read the newspapers? That's what everyone calls… you already know what” "I... haven't been out of the house much these days, I'm sorry" That made him remember the state in which several of his friends found themselves and he immediately felt guilty. "It's not right, it makes sense that they don't want to know more about those things" Once they finished their talk, the princess continued "Apparently Spike had the misfortune to meet this remnant" "What does it mean? What happened to Spike? How come I didn't know about this?! And how do you know this?!!” Seeing that her friend was about to collapse, the others soon intervened. "Calm down Twi sure is fine right princess moon" Pinkie said although it was obvious that she herself had a hard time believing those words, proof of that were the tears that they consumed and failed to contain "Yes, Twilight, in fact, it was the same one who informed me" Twilight had a lot of questions, but she managed to fortify herself enough to ask what she thought was the most important. "He's fine?" Luna wanted to say yes, she really loved him, but she couldn't lie to him. "Right now... I can't be sure." "What does it mean?" Instead of responding to the princess, I levitated in her direction the same letter that she had received days before, as soon as the paper was within her reach, she wiped her tears and read faster than she had ever done in her life, when she finished reading gave the princess a look with which he seemed to blame her for everything as if he had suffered the worst of betrayals "Luna tell me you didn't do it, tell me you didn't let him do it!" Her friends didn't understand what was going on, but none of them dared to interrupt. "Try to stop them, Twilight, I sent more troops to guard the borders and-" "AND WHY WASN'T YOU?" The mare couldn't take it anymore and began to cry, letting go of the letter which a pegasus soon picked up and read again "SPIKE DID WHAT?" "What's going on? do not leave us with the doubt” “HIM, he decided to go with the remnant” There was a moment of silence in which the mares tried to process what they had just heard until the yellow pegasus could no longer contain her doubts. "But why? And why does Twi say it's his fault? Why did Spike find out that the remnant was here looking for a map apparently he was looking for a specific place so he decided to follow him right after he sent this letter to the princess as soon as they left she knew where he was all along time! ” Once again all eyes in the room were focused on the princess. "Spike was the one who had this idea besides his own volunteer I had nothing to do with it" “He could have told us something! Why do you wait until now to tell us?" For the first time, the princess's posture faltered and none of the ponies missed it, once Twilight recomposed herself, she did not hesitate to ask with a penetrating look. “What happened to Luna? We deserve to know!” The princess took a deep breath knowing that what she would say would not end well and answered "I don't know, the letter specifies that if a day goes by without sending any letter, I should send help" "And how long has he not answered?" "Since two days ago" “Then why hasn't he sent help?! WHY DIDN'T YOU LOOK FOR US BEFORE?" Twilight was beginning to get exasperated by the way the princess always seemed unflappable as if nothing bothered her or mattered to her. "I already did Twilight, but your last letter said that you were entering the badlands which is a very wide territory even with the guards that I have sent it will take weeks to find your trail if there is any" "You didn't have the right not-" That was finally done by the princess I don't take it anymore “ARE YOU SAYING I DIDN'T HAVE THE RIGHT? DO YOU THINK I HAD AN Option?” The princess took a second to recover from her outburst. "You don't get it, Twilight, your predictions were wrong since the fall Discord , the remnants haven't weakened in the slightest, on the contrary, they've gotten more cunning, smarter, and much stronger with each passing day and when Spike informed me that it was possible for some of them to gather together I just didn't know what to do if those things regrouped and made an organized attack on Equestria there would be little or nothing we could do." She tried to justify herself, but the same look of disappointment was still in the eyes of the mares, one of them finally couldn't take it anymore PUNCH* "FLUTTERSHY" The incredulous ponies shouted in unison at what they had just seen, but the most shocked was the one who received it, she had prepared herself for some kind of attack, but I never expected that the one who launched it would be the kindest and most shy mare I had ever met. "Come on girls Spike needs us" He didn't even look at her or any of the ponies that came out of the library, although Pinkie seemed to want to say something, but she didn't say anything, she just left with the others. "Sorry sister I'm failing everyone" "Hears! What do you think you're doing?!" The princess would have continued with her self-contempt if it weren't for the screams, it didn't take long for her to leave the library to see how the elements took her carriage away from her guards "ENOUGH" That catches everyone's attention “Let them take it away” The soldiers wanted to protest, but when they saw the hard look their princess was giving them, they didn't dare to do so, they simply took off their ties and let the other Pegasi put them on themselves. "Shy are you sure you can?" Rainbow still had her doubts, but she kept them to herself when she saw the look on her oldest friend's face. "Forget it" Without goodbyes or other words, as soon as they all got into the carriage they left. "Princess what should we do now?" Luna didn't even look at him "Bring me a pen and paper, there is still a pony I must report to." Deep in the Mountains colt in what remains of one of the mountains a figure rested on a field of corpses they were all her soldiers she was supposed to guide them make sure they took them home to their families! and even so they had not taken long to fall, she could not do anything, her only consolation was that she had the person responsible just below her, a horrendous and enormous creature almost 8 meters tall, bipedal, without fur or nose and with two horns it seemed to her hear him call himself a tyrant He subconsciously laughed at that, as if this creature was worthy to rule “Any final words?” “M-mercy” “Mercy, MERCY? You dare beg for mercy after what you've done?!” She used her magic to wrap around the last of his arms and wrung it out like a wet cloth. “AAHHHHHHHH” She just reveled in hearing his screams and when he was done she went on to the next and the next never going so far as to give him a kill this thing deserved to suffer HE HAD TO SUFFER When she finished she was completely bathed in the blood of the beast which was nothing more than a meat paste, for hours she just stood there looking at what she had done until a regretful flash above her head caught her attention, quickly I catch the piece of paper before it falls to the ground and gets bloodied Despite its state, it took only a few seconds to recover and start up. "I will kill you, every last one of you, until there are none left." > 7- Rescuing allies > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- HIT*. "COUGH- COUGH-COUGH-COUGH... Cough." Spike coughed violently at the thick greenish liquid blocking his lungs as he struggled for breath. "ha ha ha I made it! you're free!" Spike turned to find the owner of the voice but found nothing. "Up here silly." He followed the indication looking at a giant cocoon from which he had just fallen until he found the owner of the voice. "A spider?" In front of him was a large spider a little smaller than his head and metallic blue and red in appearance. "How observant while you're at it why don't you get to the rocks behind you now!" The strange spider suddenly screamed before backing away and hiding in the rocks of the cave, Spike didn't know what the thing was, but he could hear the buzzing of insect wings which gave him the creeps, so he decided to follow it for now. With great care, he slipped through a small hole in the rocks just behind the cocoons which, thanks to the poor lighting, was practically undetectable. "Very well done my lizard friend we are one step closer to our escape." "Escape from what-?" He finally remembered why he was in a cocoon and how he got there. "Oh for Tartarus ZORA" "Quiet you brat! You're going to get us caught!" Spike quickly covered his mouth, praying inwardly that no one had heard him. "That's better now follow me" Without another word, the spider turned around and continued down the tunnel. "W-wait, where are we? Where are we going? And what the hell are you?" "Wow, you don't beat around the bush huh?" "Sorry." He said as he was a little embarrassed by his lack of tact. "Anyway in answer to your questions, I have no idea, let's go to my prison so you can help me escape and as for what I am... you'll see." "Wait... What do you mean, help you?" The spider gave a sigh of annoyance. "What you're seeing is just something I created using parts of my armor, my real body is still trapped that's why I released you I need you to get me out." "Okay I understand, but wouldn't it be easier to just go out and ask for help?" He said somewhat doubtfully "And how do I know you'll come back?" "I would never abandon anyone!" The dragon almost screamed with indignation as the spider looked at him, they had finally stopped their march. "Well independent of that we are in a desert, it would take you days to get anywhere while escaping these bugs and without supplies do you think you could get far? And if by some kind of miracle you did make it this isn't their real hive just a forward base, by the time anyone gets here they'll be gone." Spike could only be frustrated, he was right. "The best thing you can do is free me so I can kill all these bugs and get out of here." Spike rolled his eyes as he remembered a certain cyan pegasus. "I... I don't think it's a good idea." "And what makes you say that?" Spike resisted the urge to punch himself in the face. "That they have an army perhaps? Plus an insect queen more powerful than any unicorn I've ever seen." The spider gave an unconcerned snort. "Who Chrysalis? Don't worry I have something special for her." "You know her?" "Of course, thanks to whom do you think I'm here?" "Well if you're here she had to defeat you first didn't she?" "Ha! You wish we never fought, we just drove into a pit and threw rocks at me, that doesn't count!" "Well whatever you say, but I need to find my partner have you seen her?" The spider seemed to think about it for a few seconds "My censors detected another life form entering the hive shortly before you arrived, but you don't like to know where it is." BAANG* BAANG* BAANG* BAANG* BAANG* BAANG* BAANG* BAANG "Do you love me already?" "Of course I do, my little bug, how could I not love you?" Said the fox as if he were talking to a puppy. "Bullshit! And STOP MOCKING ME!" "What else do you want me to do, you old fool?!" BAANG* The poor fox, unable to gather the strength to stand up, could only look at the giant bug that did not stop whipping it against the ground every two minutes. "Why isn't it working?" Said the queen with barely contained rage as she slowly turned to look at one of her drones, the poor thing could only tremble as she prayed she wouldn't kill it. "I-I don't know my queen are you sure you already use all the mind control spells? " Chrysalis was beginning to get a twitch in one of her eyes as she resisted the urge to kill another of her drones, this would be her sixth today. "Do you take me for a fool, of course, I did! By now an adult dragon or even an older bear should have completely submitted!" "T- maybe he's immune to mental abilities remember he figured out the infiltrator's disguise as soon as he saw it." "And what good would a powerful monster do me if I can't control it? I already have one of those!" "Well too bad, I guess the only option will be to leave me i-" I couldn't finish speaking when Chrysalis threw another lightning bolt in my direction which sent me flying to the other side of the room, or was it a cave? Where I was now I couldn't hear their argument, but I couldn't move either, I hadn't eaten anything since we were captured and since I woke up the only thing this damn bug has done is hit me and throw me little rays. "That guy said something about immunity to mind control didn't he?" I couldn't help but chuckle a little when I remembered that the sinister types are immune to psychic attacks. "What are you laughing at?!" "Oh shit." "You're welcome, my dear, not at all." Said the zorua with a playful tone to which the queen responded by shining her horn and sending her against another wall. BAANG* BAANG* BAANG* BAANG* BAANG* BAANG* BAANG* BAANG While she was on the ground the zorua took the opportunity to review certain aspects of her life like where she got the balls to face this damn bug, before coming to this world she hadn't been in a fight since elementary school, and here she was now taking the beating of her life like a champion she had to admit she felt a little proud of that. "Now why are you smiling?" Chrysalis was already preparing another spell when the floor began to shake and there was a slight purring sound that sounded familiar to the zorua. RUNNNNN* RUNNNNN From the way Chrysalis' eyes widened, it seemed that she had recognized the sound. "I- IMPOSSIBLE HOW DO I ESCAPE?" BOOOONG* BOOOONG* BOOOONG* BOOOONG* BOOOONG* BOOOONG The zorua had no time to make sense of what she had just heard when the doors to the royal chamber burst open. "CHRYSALIS!!! " She shouted a powerful voice which she could immediately recognize who it belonged to, but she refused to believe it until she saw it with her own eyes, in front of them now there was a metal titan almost ten meters tall with red and blue colors. "Optimus?" "Okay, you're going right now go right and wait fifteen seconds." Spike did as he was asked and shortly after another patrol car passed by he continued on his way, until his path closed again. "Damn! I really thought I had it this time." "Shhhh, do you want us to get caught?" He asked as he entered the newly opened tunnel to his left. "Of course not, but it's frustrating every time I think I find the pattern of these things change again, it just doesn't make sense." The dragon couldn't help but think of Twilight, he didn't quite understand these patterns and censors that the spider was talking about, but he could imagine her getting frustrated in the same way. "Now take off that goofy grin and go right in three we're almost there." After following his directions for another five minutes they finally arrived at their destination. "How did you fall through there?" Spike had to stop at the edge of the abyss to contemplate its full size, the end wasn't far below, only about two stories down, but the top layer was nowhere in sight. "I more or less managed to break my fall by anchoring myself to the walls until Chrysalis came along and shattered the wall causing me to not only fall but be buried alive." "I don't know if I can help you get out of there, those are too many rocks." Spike could see into the deepest part of the abyss which was completely covered in rocks of all sizes with a slightly greenish hue, he couldn't even tell how deep his new companion might be. "The problem isn't the rocks, see that greenish aura? That's the problem I think it's a gravity spell or seal if it wasn't for that thing I'd remove the rocks myself." "I understand, but what do you want me to do then?" The spider lifted one of its front legs and pointed at one of the holes which were glowing brightly. "Since the barrier was activated I've been able to detect a large build-up of energy right in that area plus several life forms, although I haven't been able to tell how many due to the energy causing interference I'm sure if you take out the operators of the magic formation? I'll be able to escape on my own." Spike took a sharp gulp as he felt the stomach liquid rise in his throat. "What do you mean, finish them off?" "Exactly as it sounds kid...I need you to kill them." Spike stood there for a few seconds unable to say anything, surprisingly the spider didn't interrupt or mock him. "W-why kill? Can't I just knock them out or something?" "Do you think I didn't try something similar on my own? I distracted several I even managed to incapacitate one, but the formation was still working even with them unconscious I think it's a matter of energy transfer rather than spell casting the only thing I couldn't try was killing them." The spider could see how the dragon's whole body was shivering even though his censors informed him that the temperature in the cave was high. "Boy listen to me you're not the first one I've tried to free." The dragon seemed to react to that and looked at him. "I tried to get to them I really tried, but I was always too late by the time I managed to infiltrate the cocoon area they were already dry as raisins there were dozens of them mostly soldiers, but there were other simple travelers or merchants and... their foals." He let the dragon digest the information before continuing. "I understand this is hard for you, but I need you to be strong and not just me but all the ponies that are destined to be captured and used as simple food for these things we need you to save us and I know you can do it." Spike took his time looking at the spider not only because of the information she gave him but also because he had never heard those words before, of course, he had heard them many times when he had to do his homework or learn difficult things at school, but he had never heard them with something of real importance, all the ponies just told him to stay out of it, they would always try to distance him because they were afraid he would become a nuisance. With a final sigh of resignation, he turned to the only part of the hive that doesn't constantly change shape. "Easy boy I'm right behind you." That was a lot more reassuring than you'd expect from a big spider chasing him. Slowly they continued through the tunnel until a curve where he stopped to look, there was a huge magic circle drawn on the ground with four changelings on it which almost looked dead even with the chitin, they looked thin and were losing color, their legs had so many holes that one would think they would break if they tried to walk, he almost felt the need to help them until he felt a tug that made him stop. "Attentive boy." Whispered the spider while pointing to the ceiling where you could see countless changelings mostly asleep, once they finished watching they returned to the entrance of the tunnel. "Alright, I have a plan I'll go first, and if I'm lucky I think I'll get the closest one after that I'll run as fast as I can these guys aren't very smart as soon as they see me most of them will follow me like a swarm and you'll have a clear path do you think you can do it, buddy?" "S-yes." "Boy, there will be no time for doubts do you understand? We only have one chance." He was afraid even if they were these blood-sucking bugs seeing them in that state made him feel very sorry for them. "Why am I doing this? I shouldn't have come." His thoughts were interrupted when he felt metal spikes surrounding him. "Boy I'm scared too I really thought I was going to spend the rest of my life under those rocks, but now I have hope thanks to you and your friend too she needs you." Spike thought about that and about how he was kidnapped recently and could do nothing but watch as a stranger risked her life to save him despite all the times he told himself he wouldn't get in the way or about Twilight who no matter what he did couldn't get her out of the basement he wanted to prove he wasn't as useless as everyone thought he was, he had to "All right, let's go." Seeing the look of conviction in the boy's eyes, he slowly turned away and headed towards the cave, he soon followed him until they were perfectly positioned. "Very good on three." They both looked at their targets just waiting for the best moment. "One." Spike shook off all distractions to focus as much as he could on his task. "Two." He felt his breathing stop, ready to release his flames. "Wait!" Spike went face first into the brakes as soon as he started to move for his luck and dignity it looked like no one had seen him. "And what was that?" "Look." He followed the direction I pointed him to see how one of the changelings came down from the roof and went to one of his companions in the circle, when he was close enough mind connected his horn with that of his companion while they began to glow. "Throw me" Spike turned to look at his partner, not understanding what was going on. "THROW ME NOW" In a second all eyes in the room were on them, but to his luck, Spike reacted to the authoritative tone and didn't hesitate to grab the spider and throw it in the direction of the changeling who had just entered the circle. The changeling could see how the thrown object approached him, but he could not dodge it, the process to replace another in the magical formation was a delicate process that took all his concentration so he could not do anything when the spider stuck its sharp legs in his neck, it did not kill him, but it was enough to deconcentrate him and cut the connection with the formation. "DIE" Spike finally snapped out of his stupor and immediately set off on his way, he could hear the buzzing of the shifters' wings moving, yet he still managed to look to his left to see a spider jump over another of the shifters feeding the formation. "Only two left." His partner had done his part now it was his turn, when he saw that a changeling was pouncing on the jump to his left barely dodging it, he had to continue on all fours for a while which to his surprise had made him faster as if his body knew what to do he found it much easier to dodge the flying bugs. SHING A small green ray hit him full-on and knocked him down, his leg was burning and he felt tears coming out of his eyes, but he kept crawling as long as he could until the changelings rushed at him and held him down. Suddenly he realized that he no longer felt fear, only immense anger. "I won't even be able to reach one?" Even a spider that was not even half his size managed to do his part and the one that was a dragon and could not do anything, he was fed up, he began to inhale all the air he could. BIZZZ Suddenly some of the bugs began to convulse as a large electric current shot through them and Spike was free. "GO, DON'T STOP" Spike could see his friend being surrounded by the shifters as they beat him and ripped his legs off and he swallowed his rage and released it with a roar. GRAAAAAA* With the most intense flame that he had done in his life not only burned his target but all those who had tried to protect him with his body, for a second he was shocked he had never released so many flames or so powerful the changers were now nothing more than ashes and the formation was covered with black spots, he never thought he was capable of something like that. Sadly that second was all it took for the shifters to immobilize him again, but he didn't care so much even if it was the end of him at least he would know that he did everything he could and more, he was proud. "AHHHH" A horrible shriek came from the last changeling in the formation as he writhed on the floor. "I can't!" BANG The whole cave shook and dust could be seen falling from the ceiling. BANG "ALL RUN" The bug screamed as its horn glowed like a beacon and exploded along with its head, the formation lost its glow. BAAAANG "FREEDOM!" Part of the room exploded as a huge fist bigger than any in the room smashed through it. "SPIKE RUNS" The voice of his friend allowed him to realize that the changelings were no longer holding him with force because of the commotion, he immediately let go and used his fire on those who were closer to him, his surprise was pleasant when he saw that his flames had not lost their power. As fast as he could he ran towards the exit while the changelings that didn't try to run away or attack the huge arm chased him, one of them tried to block his way. "What the hell was I so afraid of? These are just bugs and I'm a big dragon." Spike didn't know what was happening to him, but he liked it, he felt incredible, he felt strong, he felt proud and even though it sounded strange he could feel his pride running through his body, with a strong slap he sent the obstacle flying and finally managed to leave. "JUMP I'LL CATCH YOU" Although the idea of jumping from a second floor made him reconsider his doubt was short-lived and he jumped, although not alone, he could see a huge metal hand catching him before being surrounded by the moving metal and ending up in a really comfortable seat. No one knew what to do Optimus kept staring at the zorua as she stared back at him, surprise was evident in both of them. SHING Until they were interrupted by a green lightning bolt. "I don't know how you escaped, but it doesn't mean anything you just advanced your death!" He said as he threw another rallo and the rest of the changelings throughout the hive mobilized to confront the invader. Too bad nothing worked "I'LL FINISH THEM ALL OFF." The gigantic robot did not take long to take a bath with the blood of the changelings that piled on him, simply could not do anything the bites and blows resulted in self-inflicted wounds while the magical attacks of the queen only managed to heat the cybertronian metal, in fact, it came to feel pity the giant did nothing more than shake his arms and ended in a massacre. "ZORA" She managed to turn around to see her partner approach her and check her out, it was hard to recognize him. CRACK* The whole room shook which was worrying as they were underground. "SPIKE GET HER OUT OF HERE" Huge cracks opened up in the walls while parts of the ceiling started to fall down. "BUT WHAT ABOUT YOU?" "GAAAAAAAA" Chrysalis cried out in pain as the titan's foot smashed into her shield and filled it with cracks. "I think I'll be fine." Spike was quick to put her friend on her back as countless questions ran through her mind about what was going on, but there was one lingering question that kept coming back. "When did he grow up?" > 8- Taking it easy > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Auch." "Uh, sorry." Spike put me on the ground a bit roughly, it seems that he hadn't realized that he was bigger than me, we had managed to get out of the caves almost unharmed, we only got hit by a few rocks on the way out, nothing serious luckily. "Are you all right?" The poor guy was looking at me almost lost he didn't seem to know what to do "Easy, just give me a few minutes." It was an obvious lie, the cuts, burns, and traces of blood on my fur were visible even to me, but I managed to calm him down a bit at least. Before I knew it I could feel his claw caressing me, I didn't like it, but it helped me deflect the pain so I didn't say anything. BANG Spike quickly turned around in a defensive position knowing I couldn't defend myself. SHIIING Green lightning began to shoot out of the entrance of the now collapsed cave, Spike dropped to all fours as he held his breath, ready to release his flames, I could hardly identify him as the cute baby from a few days ago. BOOOM* Finally, the rocks that covered the cave couldn't take it anymore and from them, a swarm came out in our direction, Spike threw his flames, but they did little against the tide of insects he was quickly pushed back, I don't know if it was planned or just luck, but he fell on me and didn't hesitate to cover me with his body the insects passed over us I don't know how long, but luckily they didn't seem interested in us it seemed that they hadn't even noticed us. "COME BACK HERE YOU COWARDS, NOW THAT I CAN FIGHT YOU ONLY KNOW HOW TO RUN." Spike's eyes suddenly lit up. "Partner!" "Spike! It's a relief to see you two are okay." Quickly my childhood hero knelt in front of us, now that he was closer I could see him in more detail, it was Optimus G1 only much more realistic, you lucky bastard. His gaze rested on me "You and I need to talk, but we don't get a lot of attention here." Without further ado, he just laid down on the ground and in a second he was already a truck. "Come on up." The huge door opened inviting us in "W-wait, do you know each other?" I could hear Spike take a big gulp. "Are you a remnant?" "I don't know what that is, but I'll go out on a limb and say yes." I saw that he was a little hesitant so I took his paw. "Easy Spike it's okay." My voice was soft, and I didn't have much energy left, he gave me a little look and soon got in the truck, Optimus didn't say anything right away, I think he started talking to Spike at some point, but I could barely hear them, the dragon legs and the leather seats were a good combination, I didn't take long to fall asleep. They had been flying for a while and she could already feel that she was starting to get tired, but she could see that her friend was having a hard time, unlike her Shy never showed much interest in flying but when it was necessary, she could see the sweat on her fur and her breathing was very forced. "Shy I think we should know par-" "No, we're still a long way off." She said in a firm tone despite her obvious fatigue she didn't even let her finish, it was the third time she tried to make them take a break, but the pegasus had become very stubborn sometimes it was hard to recognize her, and after a few moments of intense mental debate, she forced herself to pronounce the words she swore to herself that she would never say. "I say this because my wings still won't recover... I can't go on... I need to rest." Fluttershy looked at Rainbow with her mouth open while she made a fake expression of tiredness, but luckily the mare was so shocked that she didn't notice it. "Oh... how sorry, I thought I saw a flat field to the right hopefully we won't stray too far do you think you can make it?" Rainbow tried desperately not to show her enormous frustration. "C- of course, I do, don't worry." He said forcing a crooked smile which Fluttershy misinterpreted as him being on his last legs so he didn't hesitate to descend as fast as he could until they were finally on solid ground. "Why did we stop?" Said an orange mare with an accent as she leaned out of the window. "Sorry... Applejack... but Rainbow couldn't take it anymore." He said with short breaths while he pointed to Rainbow who was breathing normally and nodded energetically, it didn't take him long to get the message. "Well it's a good thing you stopped, it's already getting dark if you don't hurry inside you might catch a cold, right?" He said hoping to convince the mare to take a real break and not just a five-minute stop. "Good idea AJ let's go let's go." She insisted as she pushed her friend into the car which luckily had a mini fridge full of snacks since no one thought to bring anything at the time. When they entered the first thing they noticed was Rarity next to Twilight asleep in one of the armchairs. "Shh I just got him to sleep a little, you can't imagine how hard that was." "The truth is I think I understand perfectly." Rainbow said in a whisper even lower than her friend's as she pointed to the other pegasus. "Oh dear, you look terrible why don't you eat something?" "Thanks I think I could use some food." As she accepted the food RD continued to talk to AJ "How's it been here?" "Very calm and quiet" He said as he looked at one of the windows where a pink pony was watching intently. "Has he been like this the whole trip?" The pony didn't say anything, she just nodded which provoked a shared sigh, things hadn't been the same since Discord, not only for them but for Equestria everything had changed. "How about you, does it still hurt?" The orange pony slipped a hoof over her left eye where there was a terrible patch of scarred skin. "Just a little bit is nothing compared to what she's had to endure." She said as she focused her gaze on her friend lavender. "I can't imagine losing a brother." "You said so." After a moment's hesitation, I asked what I really wanted. "Do you think we'll make it in time?" Her friend stared at her for a few seconds considering what to say to her, but as an element of honesty she had only one option "I hope so, but if we do I don't think I'm any better off than they are." At his answer the pegasus could only grit her teeth, she didn't know what to do with all her frustration. "Don't worry sugar cube as long as he's alive we can help him no matter how bad he is." "I know it's just... before he left he talked to me and it wasn't the best of talks, I just don't want this to be the end." He looked up again when he felt a hoof on his shoulder. "You'll see that everything's gonna be all right." She looked at her friend for a while and nodded and then hugged her. TOC TOC* TOC Their moment was interrupted by a knock on the door which put everyone on alert. TOC TOC TOC* TOC It sounded again and the pony farmer was the first to react, she slowly approached until her hoof rested on the handle, she turned around to see her friends ready to support her no matter what and opened the door. They were immediately greeted by a rotten smell and their eyes could distinguish the blood and debris that covered this creature. "Hi, Luna told me you needed help." I could hear the sparks crackling and a faint smell of smoke, I soon opened my eyes to see a green campfire and the remains of a purple snake impaled on it. "Well, the sleeping beauty woke up." I turned my head to meet the irritating giant robot and next to him my dragon companion. "How long did I sleep?" I looked around and realized that it was already dark. "About six hours and twenty-six minutes." As he spoke he stood up and pulled a piece of meat off the snake and placed it in front of me, it was almost three times my size. "Eat, you may heal fast, but it's of little use if you have nowhere to replenish your energy." His words were the push I needed just as he said I was starving and I didn't hesitate to eat my fill, I didn't even care how he got the meat or what it was from. "You too, kid." "Ehh... no thanks I think - " He couldn't finish speaking when a piece of meat no smaller than mine was thrown right in front of him. "We had a big fight and you got hurt too we can't afford to be picky eaters." Before what he said I turned my attention away from my food to focus on the dragon, it had some darkened scales on the right hind leg where you could see some flesh due to some missing scales and something else I had overlooked. "Spike, when did you grow up?" At that, he looked at me in surprise "What are you talking about?" "Haven't you noticed? look at you before we almost measured the same and now you're as tall as a pony and you're not even standing." At that, he finally reacted and took a quick look at me, the way his eyes widened and I couldn't contain my laughter. "BUT HOW?" The poor man was incredulous "Hadn't you noticed? The way you grew up was so timely that I thought it was your special ability." Said the giant tin "Not at all since I broke the egg I had only grown a few inches in my first year since then I've been the same." That was strange, but he didn't seem to notice, he was too busy examining his new body. "All the more reason you should eat we don't know if your growth has stopped or you'll need more nutrients and there will be plenty if you keep growing at this rate." At that Spike stiffened and looked at the piece of meat again, though with less hesitation this time. "Do you think if I eat meat I'll grow taller?" "Is there something wrong with you? I'm beginning to think it's not the color you dislike." Spike nodded "I was raised by ponies so I've never eaten meat." At that, the giant backed away it was not hard to imagine how difficult it must be for a predator to live among herbivores, even though I had my doubts when I met him "So what do you normally eat?" "Well mostly plants just like the ponies only now and then they also feed me some gems." "That doesn't make sense. How can gems replace the nutritional value of meat?" To this I replied "Hey, magic world are you forgetting?" He just shook his head "Equally it's like he said we can't be picky eaters and I'm sure you haven't eaten in days right?" Spike leaned back as he clutched his growling stomach. "Yeah... I guess." Slowly he approached the meat tempted by the smells, the needs of his body, and unknowingly his instincts, after a few seconds of doubt he closed his eyes and took a small bite, at first he bit it slowly, but then his eyes lit up and he began to eat greedily while I followed his example. We both finished our portions, although Spike asked for seconds, when he was about to finish his second Optimus decided to screw it up. "Ha ha ha get the world ready, a new predator has appeared!" At that Spike stopped and his face turned green, I thought he was going to vomit, but he restrained himself and contrary to my expectations he kept eating only this time more savagely, instead of biting carefully he just ripped off the pieces with pure brute force and swallowed them so fast that I was worried he would choke. "Did something happen Spike?" He didn't stop to answer me nor did he look at me. "No, you're right I am a dragon I must act like one." That was strange, he didn't use to act so... wild, I turned in the direction of the robot waiting for answers. "The boy spilled blood for the first time and got his way." I felt a knot in my stomach when I understood, all the guilt was eating away at me, he was just an innocent child and now because of my selfishness in bringing him here, he seemed ready to attack anyone who came near him without any warning. "Spike" He didn't pay attention to me he just kept going "Spike stop that if" He kept eating as if he wasn't "Spike stop that!" Finally, I had enough, with one blow I sent the piece of meat away from him and he didn't hesitate to pounce on me. "GRRRR" His right paw is on me he looked like he was ready to kill me right there. "Spike, you're not a killer, you're a hero." That seemed to make him react "No... it's... true!" Each word was said with a pause and a husky voice that scared me. "But if it is you saved us, you saved me, you saved Optimus and you saved countless ponies from that insect witch's plans." "He's right." We both turned to look at the giant "Before you arrived I had already given up hope even if they didn't kill me I was scared of having to spend who knows how many years locked up among the rocks and then you came along and got us both out of there never mind putting your life at risk and doing your best to make sure no one got hurt...for if you're a hero." I could see her start to cry and shake. "That's a lie I'm not like the ponies I'm not like Twi or Shining." I took his claw away from me he didn't seem capable of fighting back "They're your family?" He nodded "My brother one of them is gone... but when he died he died protecting the ponies, not like me, I just wanted to smash those bugs and I didn't care about anything else." I hugged him tightly, even though he seemed to be trying to get out of my arms, I didn't let him "I don't know what happened to your brother, but I'm sure he would be proud of what you did today even if it wasn't what you expected you did the same thing he did you saved lives." He couldn't take it anymore and started crying on my shoulder, soiling my fur and crushing me, some wounds were still not completely healed, but I didn't move and I held on. We were like that for a while until LA CHATARRA decided to ruin it again. "You two make a cute couple." Spike and I immediately split up, blushing up to our ears. "This guy's already pissing me off." "What's your name by the way? You never told us and I refused to call you Optimus Prime." "Why, it sounds great." "Innocent Spike is back!" "Ha you heard the boy, but you're right it wouldn't be appropriate, though Zera doesn't seem to either, you don't remember him either do you?" My mood soured a bit with that, not remembering your identity is distressing. "Yeah, I just said the first thing that came to mind." "Well then let's keep it simple call me... Pax." It took me a few seconds to make the connection "Orion Pax?" "You do know!" "What?" That gave me the idea I didn't have time to give my friend an explanation. "Hey, how much do you know about pokemon?" "Huh? The usual I guess I played some games, didn't you? " "I didn't just watch the show, sorry Spike, but I need to know this I'll explain later I promise." He just nodded, though you could see the confusion on his face. "When I faced Chrysalis I released some kind of red mist and gave her the biggest lunge I've ever given in my life do you know what move it was?" He seemed to think about it for a few seconds "I think it might be [foul play]." Seeing my confused expression he decided to continue "It's a skill whose attack power depends on your opponent's attack power." My jaw went slack "That was cheating." "What?!" As if reading my mind Spike I present my grievances. "I've never heard of anything like that." Pax just shrugged "So are the sinister type pokemon most of their abilities are based on hindering the opponent by slowing them down, making them weaker, or in this case using their strengths against them." "What about you don't you have cannons or other things?" "No, I'm afraid not only what I do with my own hands, though I did get smarter." "What's a cannon?" Spike tried to follow the conversation that constantly switched between talking about super-evolved beasts for combat and super-advanced robots, but he just couldn't keep up with them and eventually, he started to get sleepy and lay down near the fire to rest, one last thought went through his mind at that moment. "I feel like I'm forgetting something. What could it be?" And he fell asleep not knowing how much things would have changed if he had remembered to send a single letter. > 9- Happy journey > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Breath in, hold it, exhale, over and over again he repeated this exercise that his teacher had taught him in the hope of being able to calm down, a pity that for some time now it doesn't work as well as before He made sure to approach at a constant pace so that his fear would not be noticed, but luckily it was not necessary, the princess was too focused on watching the path in front of us, she had not moved despite the heat... or that she already more than four hours have passed "Hello , Cadance. " Only then did he seem to snap out of his vigil. "Oh hello Twilight , sorry I didn't hear you coming" It was obvious from the way she blinked repeatedly and rubbed her eyes, now that she thought about it she didn't remember seeing her blink "Okay Cadance don't worry, I wanted to tell you that we found something that could be useful inside the carriage seat, I think the princess wanted to give it to us, but she didn't have time" "I understand, I'll go see him later." After that, he ran out of ideas, which caused an awkward silence. "Did you want to tell me something else?" Once again he thought about what to say and whether it would be better to just make an excuse and walk away. "I... I'm sorry" But he couldn't, he had already put off too many things. "When Spike left I realized that I've only been looking out for myself and ended up leaving those around me behind." Her gaze drifted to the carriage and the small shop where her friends were having breakfast "I haven't been a good friend lately” "You don't need to apologize Twilight , I know we've all had it hard lately." He could see how she suppressed a pained expression and gave her a big hug instead. After a moment in which she managed to calm down a bit, she decided to continue "This is what I mean, I'm not the only one with problems and I haven't done anything to help others, help you" Some of her nerves returned when she felt the hug turn even stronger "I can assure you that if there is someone you should not worry about, it is me, I am clear about what I must do and what you must do is stay with your friends, nothing more" Despite the high temperatures and the warm embrace He couldn't help but flinch at the cold way those words were said. "Girls, if Rainbow and Pinkie don't come , they're going to eat it!" A voice with a country accent sounded "You heard let's go" And so the conversation ended, he did not have time to say anything, even so, it went as well as he could hope for Once inside they immediately sat in their respective seats, they were just a small fruit salad, nutrient bars used by the royal guard and a glass of water "So... where do we go now?" Rainbow , as always, straight to the point "I don't think your plan is to just go around all the badlands until we find something" or so she thought until she noticed her friend's embarrassed expression "Right?" "Well... not since this morning, I received another letter from Princess Luna" That earned her a few looks of both curiosity and contempt, when Cadance explained to her in more detail what had happened to her... she didn't take it well "Thanks to that already a spell that he sent me now I can detect his latent connection that he established with the princess and thus increase the magical flow of it to define an approximate direction and perhaps a-" "In you please," Rainbow said with smoke coming out of her head, even Applejack looked confused . She paused for a second with a sigh and simplified it, "When Spike sends his letters he creates a two-way connection and now that I have the spell the princess used to connect with him, we just have to follow the direction the flow is flowing. " magic. Questions?” To her surprise, the one who picked it up this time was Applejack "Yeah, one. Why didn't we use it until now?" "That was because the connection was lost, at some point after entering the badlands something blocked it or so it was until this morning that the princess informed me that it was working again" "And you haven't written to him to find out how he is?" Cadance sounded quite concerned as his gaze zeroed in on her, it gave him chills. "I can't, Luna warned me that whatever is blocking the connection is most likely not natural and even if it is, we can't send it something without running the risk of being discovered, the only thing that worries me is that we don't get there." sent any letters.” I knew of a possible cause for this, but— "Do you think it could be a trap?" Cadance said it mercilessly "I don't know." Although the idea of being ambushed was worrisome, what distressed her the most was that it meant that Spike had been discovered and in that case, only Celestia knows what they would do to him. She felt her chest oppress her until a warm sensation invaded her or rather surrounded her "Don't worry, we'll find him" Applejack and Rainbow gave her a big hug, Cadanse just watched them with a smile "Yes and we'll beat him up to anyone who crosses our path whatever it is ” Rainbow said with absolute confidence "Right, too." Cadance 's voice returned to its cold, calculating tone. "Whether it's a trap or not, we're not going to make them regret what they did to us." For some reason she felt like her priority wasn't Spike , but that thought was ridiculous... true? “ I witnessed what your courage is capable of and although we are from different worlds just like us, it is more than you see, I am Optimus Prime and I sent this message to all the surviving Autobots who take refuge among the stars, here we are and we are waiting" And a line of illegible texts followed because of how vague my memory of them was while listening to one of Linkin Park's classics. "That...was... INCREDIBLE" Spike jumped in his seat almost colliding with the ceiling "I take back everything I said about Discord believing you, he could never have created something like that." " Discord did what?!" A deep voice was heard from all sides "Temporary existential crisis, don't worry" I had to remind myself "Ah well... How come I didn't have one of those?" "Because you must have been very busy trying to survive... and of course you are clueless" "Guys, we can continue with this later I want to know what's next" Even without a face I knew that he wanted to answer me, but he held back to consent to Spike "I see you are also a fan" "Obviously! I had never seen anything like it, although it was kind of violent and some parts I didn't understand, but it didn't make it any less cool” Yeah, he didn't know about cars and almost nothing related to technology to the point where I wonder why he didn't know transformed into something other than a vehicle? Explaining everything to him was a drag "Though I think you should take some time before you watch the next one" If my illusions may not be a TV, but if they were the closest thing, I could see him rubbing his eyes and I bet in a minute or two he'll feel his stomach again claiming him for having been ignored for so long "What? Why?" Fortunately, it was not me who had to explain "Because that movie lasts more than two hours, maybe it's not long for us, but you're not used to it" Looking out the truck window only entertained us for the first ten minutes, then we got bored so I decided to do a little experiment with my hopes and by the way, why not teach Spike something of our culture ? "Two hours?! Impossible.” At that the Pax blinked an internal clock showing the time and while he gaped at him I walked up behind him and patted him on the back. "You'll get used to it" someone who has spent half his life in front of a screen tells you "I also wanted to check something. Could you put the map back up?" "Of course" In front of us the flat screen disappeared and a 3D map of Equestria appeared , when I met Pax I verified one of my theories about our new bodies and that is that it not only brings physical benefits but also mental benefits, one of these is my memory, Before I had a hard time remembering what I had for breakfast and now I can draw a whole country Most likely, this body has it to make illusions more realistic. "If it seems that we are about to leave Badlans " With that I turned off my illusions that wrapped the windows and after a few seconds for our eyes to adapt to the light we could see a narrow passage that passed in between... I really don't know what to call it , they weren't mountains, the Badlands looked…encased, not submerged would be a better way of saying it as to what kind of tectonic deformation could cause the terrain to end up like this, I had no idea “We gained a lot of ground” We had calculated a minimum of four days crossing on foot, although having a truck that somehow goes 180 km/h with ease helped "Of course, the only way to go faster around here would be to fly" "Hey, do you think it's safe to go through there?" Spike seemed a bit uncomfortable, honestly now that he mentions it, he seems like he could fall on us. "It's not like we have many options, but don't worry, you're protected by a cockpit made entirely of Cybertronian metal and after what you just saw I don't think I have to tell you how tough it is." He sounded a little smug, but if that calmed him down, he would pass "If it's just... that I've never been this far from home." He sounded a bit nervous and I could understand that. "Don't worry Spike , you're not alone" I just realized that, although it's not the same if she's going through a situation pretty similar to us, far from home, struggling to survive... I really shouldn't have brought it with me "The same here boy we will protect you" Once again his pride was shown “Hey I can take care of myself! Didn't you see what I did to those bugs?" Those two kept talking while I was distracted by the view of the road, we had already entered whatever this is, everything was a constant repetition, a rock, another rock, another bigger one, other big ones falling on us… SHIT “BAAANG” "Everything alright Pax ?" “Yeah, just a little… flipped, but otherwise fine, what about you?” "I'll warn you" In that I undid my illusion or rather my shape change to a Donphan , the truth is that, although I change my shape I don't get harder no matter what I imitate, but this body allowed me to wrap Spike perfectly "All good friend?" "If only a little dizzy, what happened?" that was a good question "I don't know, but... could you get off of me?" Only then did he seem to notice where he was and he quickly tried to get away, but it was difficult for him, the truck was on its side so there wasn't much space left and I decided to stay like that for a while because I fell backwards and I wanted the pain to subside. "Watch out! I detect a life form approaching.” That forced me to be alert, to hell with the pain. " Spike you stay, Pax open the door." The door opened immediately, brushing aside the rocks above me and giving me an easy exit. "What? No, I'm going to-" And so I closed the door in his face, we just told him that we're going to protect him and that's what we were going to do. As soon as I came out I noticed the way of life and suddenly it didn't seem so strange to me that I was alone, I was an alicorn , I immediately felt my fur stand on end and my breathing almost stopped had heard about them while spying on the batponys , their race was the one that defeated Discord a millennium ago or something like that, I don't know how the hell they managed to do something like that, but if there was one thing I had no doubt about, it was that they were VERY powerful "You seem surprised." His voice was soft and melodious, but without any trace of emotion. "A little yes" I realized the situation and that I couldn't hesitate, so I changed the tone of my voice to a more masculine and confident one "After all, who would expect to find such a beautiful lady in a place like this?" I win a response, for a second I thought I saw an expression of disgust to the degree that it seemed to want to vomit, but it disappeared as quickly as it arrived "Just walking around, obviously admiring the scenery" Yes, of course. What is he up to? "Well, then it's a lucky coincidence, don't you think?" "No, I don't think so" A silence was kept between us not out of discomfort but to try to understand what the other was up to "If you don't mind my asking, what are you doing here?" She just smiled at me and started walking around me. "It's just a hobby that I picked up recently, it's so… addictive" I decided to imitate her only that instead of getting closer I got as far away from her as I could I knew better than to ask, but honestly, what choice did I have? "And what would it be?" "It is not obvious?" He finally stopped and smiled at me tenderly "Hunting" I expected him to jump me or something, but he just stood there "So what are you waiting for?" The smile never left her face as she gave me a mischievous look. "Nothing important, just my friends coming over to your float." What? looked at where Pax was still turned, only now there were six ponies on top of him. SHIING I was unable to say anything when taking advantage of my surprise a powerful lightning strike hit me or rather my illusion, I was still where I was from the beginning "HA, see? I told you it would be easy." The six of them seemed to have fallen into the trap except "No, this is never that easy" The alicorn seemed to have experience "That doesn't matter, as long as we open this before we can leave" That white unicorn was very familiar to me, but I couldn't identify it from a distance, my full attention was on the alicorn. "You're right, I'll take care of it" The door began to shine, but it didn't move "But what?" Both the horn and the door glowed more brightly, but he didn't flinch. "What is this thing doing?" Suddenly the alicorn 's eyes widened. " Twilight , get away from that thing now!" As soon as I took flight I took advantage and used [Quick attack ] which took the air out of his lungs "CADANCE" I didn't even notice who or who yelled, I didn't need to worry about them TRANK CHUCK "AHHH" Many strange sounds were heard along with the donuts shooting out and the ponies screaming, I concentrated on dodging as the now known as Cadance created another bubble . "ZORA THE GREAT IS MINE, YOU TAKE CARE OF THE OTHERS" I had nothing to say to that logic SHINING Cadance soon fired another bolt of energy that Pax blocked with his arm and to my surprise actually pushed him back slightly, the alicorns were strong, but I didn't let it distract me for long when I saw the horn of the dwelling light up. I immediately jumped on her or almost did when a rainbow blur took her I looked for her only to find her a few meters away being carried by the pegasus , I was about to jump on top of them when a rope wrapped around my neck and I pulled hard. I was on the ground when another yellow pegasus came out of nowhere and fell on top of me, his look scared me I realized that if I wanted to win I would have to loosen up a little, just a little. And so an orange claw caught the pegasus ' helmet and flung it away only to be caught by the blur again. As I dug my claw into the ground and my transformation was complete “THANKS” I'd be lying if I said I wasn't showing off, after all who wouldn't enjoy being a Charizard? With a body more suitable for my strength, I managed to stand up and cut the rope with my claws, causing the orange pony to fall. I had no time for anything else when the same rainbow blur hit me undoing my illusion Well… it was good while it lasted Despite the change in shape, I managed to land on my feet right in front of a cannon…!! "BOOM" Where did it come from?! It was mere luck that I managed to duck, the worst thing was that I could see a purple glow coming towards me, so in a quick thought I jumped into the canyon. Hot, hot, hot! "Hey no!" I didn't care about their complaints or the heat when I created a [Shadow ball ] and detonated it inside the thing, I couldn't risk getting shot with another one of those "BOOOM" With some pride I noticed that my shadow ball exploded with more force than that thing, but I quickly got rid of the useless thought and used my illusions to increase the smoke screen caused by the explosion. I needed a second to think, they were attacking me in a group and I had to defeat them without killing them, it was going to be difficult, but a few seconds to think was all I needed to turn the tide, I was sure of that. We could do it, we had hurt it, if we kept going like this even if we didn't win for sure we would hold out until Cadance beat that thing and if an emergency happened we could still use that, victory was certain " Twilight , where are you?" Pinky ? _ His guess proved to be true when he saw her appear from the mist, it was very thick “COF COF , what happened?” Something is strange, she seemed… serious, no, there was no time for distractions "I don't know, come quickly!" But instead of paying attention she just turned around “What are you doing? It is dangerous!" "Yes, I'm sorry, it's just that I think I saw-" She couldn't finish when that orange dragon appeared again ready to gobble her up. I didn't know what to do, Pinkie was going to die in a second, but luckily Rainbow didn't have any doubts and immediately jumped to hit the dragon once more. CRACK But that was not what happened, as soon as it made contact the dragon disappeared and in its place a wall of rocks appeared and Pinkie disappeared . "Watch out Twilight there's another copy!" Applejack pointed to another copy of herself that was on my right, I immediately charged my horn, ready to destroy the imposter. " Twilight wait!" I yell the copy fast enough to stop my attack and redirect it to the Applejack behind me, the same one who didn't have an accent and as I guessed it was just an illusion. I ALMOST HURT MY FRIEND " Applejack how sorry" What? that was not me I became alert to look around me and see me and my friends everywhere. They were everywhere! Through the fog I could see them, several times, sometimes fighting among themselves, if I wanted to know which one was the real one, I would have to use a dispersal spell, but I would have to touch the illusion for it to work and this fog obstructed my vision more and more. "What I do? What I do?" At this rate he's going to kill us! I couldn't help but hyperventilate knowing that this could be our last adventure together. " Twilight " A hoof touched my back and I froze, I didn't know what to do " Twilight we need you, please react" I turned and saw " Rarity ?" I didn't know if it was her, I lost sight of her at the beginning of the fight "If it's me I'm sorry, when that giant appeared I could only think about running away, then the fog came and I didn't know what happened until I got here-" My mind disconnected at that moment. THE FOG I immediately activated the dispersal spell, there was no need to touch the illusions, because we were already inside it! As soon as the spell was activated the mist disappeared along with the copies and only my friends, me and a DAMN FOX that was trying to choke Applejack were left. I art “ZAP” In a flash I appeared in front of that abomination and bombarded it with the most powerful beam I could fire without damaging Applejack . "Thanks pumpkin, I almost didn't count it" He said while rubbing his neck and I could only turn to see where that thing had landed He got up, he looked sore and seemed short of breath, but he had no real damage, then I realized, he did not see us as a real threat and the worst thing was that he was right, we gave everything and we did not damage him, we had to try something more drastic, we needed the elements! "Girls, put them on." Without hesitation, each one took hers out of her mane or saddlebag. "SHING, SHING, SHING" I knew that he would try to trick us again so I didn't hesitate to shoot small rays around him, the fact that his eyes glowed was a good indicator. My friends took a while, especially Rainbow , who had a big bump , but it could have been worse, if it weren't for the fact that her pegasus magic decreases the force of the impacts as long as they are flying... better not to think about that, now they were ready Okay that didn't go as expected and something tells me that I really made the dwelling angry, but the important thing was, what were they doing? She didn't know what those necklaces did, but she wasn't going to take them lightly. Suddenly my hair stood on end, the sounds became diffuse, the air became thick, it felt like swimming, but I could still breathe. The ponies started floating and glowing…okay this is BAD I don't know what that thing was, but I couldn't let it end! I immediately charged a [Shadow ball ] and threw it at him and it vanished… just like that, it was like air Plan B, many Zoruas appeared and started running in different directions... or that was my intention, they didn't even manage to form before dispersing, I couldn't do anything, not even run, moving was already difficult in this environment, running would be an attempt pathetic “RIIIIING” A powerful multicolored beam as thick as a fighter jet was heading my way releasing a strangely soothing sound, not at all like I imagined a death ray would be, maybe that was why I wasn't scared, or was it? for another thing? I don't know, I just know that when he surrounded me he felt calm? No Pacific? Close, but also not, if I had to describe it in one word, strange as it sounds, it would be, harmony? “SHING” This was becoming problematic, his arms were already starting to heat up since it was not easy to dodge those scratches being so big, so he preferred that they hit him in a place where he could control the damage, but that was not the most problematic but the fact that the DAMN ROZED BIRD did not deign to approach him and only attacked him from the air It was certainly a good idea to get away from Zora 's combat , in such a closed space for him at least, he needed to take advantage of all the available space and the last thing he wanted was to end up crushing somepony by accident, besides he wasn't worried about his partner, he had analyzed the ponies after all, not these but his race in Canterlot , he checked their physiological capacities and from what he managed to check he noticed that the probability of a pony defeating a Pokemon was... low or at least unarmed and even so... They could hit it, damage it even, but kill it no joke and as far as capturing it, I'd only be worried if it was literally any other Pokemon , but with its illusions- “SHINING” Let's just say it would be as easy for him to punch THIS WITCH. "I'm really running out of patience!" “CROCK” His words were answered with a rocky landslide that managed to unbalance him. "I won't repeat it to you again" He could see that not only did he not stop, but he began to accumulate magic for a more powerful spell "AHHH TO THE DEVIL" He quickly rolled to his left dodging the barrage of magical projectiles that were chasing him, some did hit him, but they did little damage, he just kept running, letting his simulator do some calculations. When they were ready, he used his plan, he threw himself to the ground and transformed, accelerating his pace enormously, he heard the bird yell something, but he could only guess that it would be something like 'don't escape' or something like that, as if he was trying As soon as it was in position it stuck to the wall on the right and as I hope that did not stop the bird from continuing its attacks There was another cave-in and he transformed ignoring the falling rocks and actually caught one, crushed it in his grip and hurled it at him like a pile of shrapnel. She immediately activated her shield and blocked them, rushing to launch a counterattack, but she didn't have time when she received another volley of rocky projectiles, the situation had been reversed now she was the one who didn't stop being bombarded and the worst thing was that everything was thanks to the large amount of ammunition that she herself gave him well there was a difference “ZAP” She teleported ready to launch a fully charged beam directly at his head or so she thought, it took a few nanoseconds for her integrated sensors to inform her of the place where space was warped so she reacted immediately by ducking “SHIIIING” I dodge it by inches As soon as the alicorn noticed where she was and the stupidity of her action took flight trying to put as much distance as possible between the two and then the giant jump, but it didn't reach her, she was already very high and he was too heavy or so he thought her when suddenly a propeller was activated in each leg of the giant giving it a great impulse, enough to have it between her fingers, she would not be able to activate her teleportation spell so she went for a simpler one A powerful shield formed around the alicorn just before falling into her grasp and it protected her well, but she couldn't do anything to avoid being caught and then thrown to the ground. "BOOOM" A huge crater was formed in the place where he fell, he could feel his horn pressing on his hundred protesting the abrupt amount of magic spent, but he didn't cancel it, he had to keep the shield long enough to activate his teleportation spell and take away again, but she realized she wouldn't have that chance when she saw the foot of the colossus coming down on her. “BAAANG” The earth trembled, the shield cracked and she screamed, but she couldn't do anything to stop the attack, the colossus brought both arms together and smashed them against the shield again. “BAAANG” He felt how small cracks appeared on his horn from the abuse and blood dripped from his nose, now the shield could not even maintain its spherical shape, it looked like crumpled paper He seemed to realize that resistance was useless so he lowered his shield and surrendered, not like it made much difference now that he had no strength left, he just stood there waiting for his end, but…it never came. While he was on the ground he could see how the colossus gave him a simple look only to then turn around and walk away. "Where are you going?" It was more of a whisper, a passing thought than an actual question “What do you think you are doing?” She asked drawing strength without knowing where, but the giant ignored her anyway, who did she think she was? How dare he do this to her? To treat her like she wasn't worth it? "Come back, COME BACK HERE AND FINISH WHAT YOU STARTED." The tears fell uncontrollably when he finally turned around and stared at her. "I'm sorry" What? "I'm sorry for what you've had to go through, really." She turned around again, but not because she didn't care, but because she didn't seem able to look at her. "I'm really sorry." After that she just stood there completely ignoring her surroundings, until the huge beam illuminated the entire passage and caught her and the giant's attention. The elements? “GRAAAA” He couldn't make sense of what was happening when a roar with the power of a dragon nearly ruptured his eardrums. All he could identify was a feral, bipedal figure in the distance a second before he brought his arms together and smashed them to the ground. His eyes widened almost to the point of falling as he saw a bubble of evil energy of a size never seen before form, expanding with inconceivable speed. “BOOOOOM” At least she had a good view, that was her last thought before the energy reached her. > 10- Good and bad news > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- If I had to describe where I was, I would be white, there was simply no word that described it better, everything around me was that color, there was no ground, no sky, no gravity, in fact, I couldn't feel anything. I have no idea where I was or how I got there, my mind is a bit foggy. I don't think I'm dead, but that wasn't necessarily a good thing. I know this because this place seems too similar to another place I had already been to, one I hoped I would never have to return to. It reminded me of the darkness I passed through just before Discord summoned me. I was scared… or rather, I wanted to be. I knew I should be crying or even begging some random god, but to my surprise, I didn't feel the need, it was like I couldn't feel those emotions in this place. Curiously, that was what made this place most disturbing… apparently, that was the most I could feel. "Hello?" … Unanswered "What the hell is going on?" I was getting impatient, I didn't even know what else to do other than curl up and cry. Uselessly, I said a prayer while remembering the good times before I got here, my family, my friends annoyed with their stupid pranks, and although it may seem strange the time I spent with Spike and Pax, maybe it was brief, but I had a lot of fun, especially After everything I had to go through, being with them was a great respite I would like to thank all of them. “I am conflicted” “AHH” That voice came from nowhere, or rather, from everywhere at once, and his voice was… impossible to identify, it felt like ten people or more were speaking at once in perfect synchronicity. “I've never been in a situation like this before.” Although I did notice that most of the voices were female and even somewhat familiar. “I don't know what's going on” It was the only thing I could think of. “You are not what I expected.” “And that's good, isn't it?” It was a legitimate question, and for all I knew, this guy could be another Discord “I'm not like him” I remain silent… So... I can read minds. Cool, I'm dead “I haven't decided how to judge you yet.” Well... that's a relief. “I don't understand, you are a creature of chaos, and you undoubtedly produce a lot of it.” Suddenly a memory of a Halloween night came to mind when one of my friends jumped in front of me with a deformed pig mask, making me jump out of fear It would have been a great joke if it weren't for the fact that I was walking up the stairs, fell down more than ten steps, and ended up with my arm in a cast. However, I couldn't stop laughing, especially since I finally had an excuse to use my new pinball gun against them “You are a problematic being, and you can cause great harm to those around you, but… you do not do it with bad intentions” Well, I admit that our jokes get out of hand sometimes, but I have never wished harm on anyone in my life... seriously I mean “What did you expect?” “Chaos without control or measure… in that case, what I would have to ask you would be clear” I swallowed audibly while controlling the impulse to ask him the stupid question. “But you're different, and that's why I'm not doing it.” I couldn't help but sigh at that. “Don't think I'm going to leave it so easy for you” He said with a scolding “You still have to pay for all the lives you took in Canterlot” Only I cringed. He's right, I can't keep pretending that nothing happened, it doesn't matter that Discord bears most of the blame, I must accept my punishment too “You… are making it difficult.” “What's supposed to happen now?” "What is your goal?" “I… want… to find a home” WOW, what the hell? I was just going to say I wanted some peace “Here we speak with honesty, no matter who you are or your intentions, you cannot speak with lies” This place becomes more uncomfortable by the minute “What are you willing to do to get it?” “Nothing really, aren't those things supposed to come on their own or something?” I said with a shrug “You are… tragically simple” I don't know how I'm supposed to respond to that. “…” I'll risk saying what I was thinking, it was hard to tell without having a face to look at. "I have decided on your punishment, I have reviewed your memories, and I know that more of yours are gathering. It is true that you harbor no bad intentions, but the same cannot be said for all those summoned. I will give you the mission to find them and make sure" that none of them will ever harm another inhabitant of this world." “Uh sure” I was going to go there anyway, and I wouldn't let another Canterlot happen. “Very good, but I'm afraid you're not up to the task.” Ouch, that hurt me. “That's why I'll make sure you are, although I made some additional arrangements, I found some pretty interesting things about your body while I was checking your mind” Before I could even cross my mind, what I wanted to say felt like a bowler hat was stuck in my stomach and inflated like a party balloon. I felt like I was going to explode. “And you will also be tasked with an additional mission, take care of Celestia, she has been through a lot and deserves a rest.” Once again, I didn't have time to think about what he told me as I felt my body finally give in to the pressure, although, to my surprise, it wasn't painful, even as I felt my bones, muscles, and organs break and change along with everything else. But it wasn't enough, they were still filling me. I felt like I was going to explode, and my instinct told me that this time it wouldn't be something pretty. “GRAAAA” I couldn't take it anymore, I wanted it to stop. I was going to burst if I continued. In my desperation, not knowing what to do, I tried to hit myself against the ground, and to my surprise, it worked. “BOOOOOM” Just not how I expected “AH!” I stood up with an impressive jump that not only raised me about a meter in the air but also left me in the perfect position to fall face first into the ground. “Well… great way to start the day” I looked around and immediately got confused, I was in a wooden room, and the bed I was in was actually a hammock “So it wasn't a dream, well… shit.” Slowly, I stood up, which was difficult because, for some reason, it felt like the ground was unstable. “Wait, how am I standing?” It seemed only now that my brain had finished waking up completely, because only now did I notice the distance that separated me from the ground, in addition to the enormous red claws that were now coming out of my hands. To confirm my suspicions, I moved one of them to the back of my head, where I immediately felt a large amount of hair that I did not hesitate to pull hard “Ouch! I mean YEEEEES” Finally! I really thought it would take me years to evolve, I wasn't exaggerating with that as far as I knew. Pokemon could only grow through evolution, so it wouldn't be strange if it took them years or decades. “Until you wake up!” "AH!” I looked around, but I couldn't find anyone, I was alone “Will you guys stop doing that?! And where the hell are you?” “The window” I was able to recognize Pax's voice, which, although it calmed me down, also made me alert. As soon as I reached the window and stuck my head out, I was stunned. From the window, you could see a desert with sand dunes as far as the eye could see, but that was not what impressed me, it was the fact that we were flying. Without thinking much about it, I looked up to understand what I was up to. And I only became more confused How the hell is this thing floating?! What I saw didn't make sense, it was a damn ship! Tied to a gigantic balloon. It seemed that whoever invented this was trying to make a ridiculous imitation of an airship "Down here!" His shout finally brought me out of my thoughts to look at where Pax was and freeze again. “Is this some kind of joke or what?” I asked. Pax was in some kind of hammock made of ropes tied to the ship while she swung slightly “What did you expect? There is not enough space on the boat for me” Pro point "Where we are?" "In a transport called 'The Obscurantism' I know I have a bad name, but the important thing here is that it belongs to the empire of storms” I froze. How long did I sleep? How did we end up here? As if he could read my mind, he responded “They found us thanks to that light show you did earlier, it turns out they have been quite active at the border. Curious, right?” Certainly, we had already suspected that we were not the only summoned ones who arrived at the empire, but the fact that it seems that they were waiting for us practically confirms it. "Light show?" I asked for "You do not remember? Think, now that you're a Zoroark, what's the most striking thing you can think of? The answer evaded me for a few seconds, but it didn't last long, and the air left my lungs as realization hit me. "You can not be serious!" I looked at him in disbelief. “Well yeah, haha, she hurt like hell!” My growing excitement came to an abrupt halt when I finally noticed how beaten up my friend was. He had many dents and blackened spots, the glass on his chest was broken, and his arms looked like crumpled paper. “Don't worry, it wasn't you.” He seems to notice my gaze. “Or at least not completely.” He told me while he rubbed his arms. “Was the alicorn tough?” I asked, remembering that my own fight didn't go as I expected. “Quite… but I'd like to talk to you about that... later.” Taking the hint, I looked back at the top of the ship, where the crew was now watching us. They looked like yetis for the most part, but there was some variety when they saw how I looked at them. They immediately looked away and returned to their work, whatever it was. “And Spike?” “On the deck, working, and believe me when I tell you that if it weren't for the captain, he wouldn't have left you.” That was... cute “In that case, I think I should go too, rest, and sleep well.” “As if I could!” And I closed the window It's probably not very ethical to mock his inability to carry out essential bodily functions that would normally prevent a living being from going crazy or dying, but... forget it, I feel terrible, I'll apologize later. Putting those ideas out of my head, I left my cabin and walked down one of the corridors. … I got lost I have never been so disappointed in myself, the ship wasn't even that big “Hey, excuse me” I said to a yeti that was standing guard in one of the hallways “How do you get to the deck?” He looked me up and down and spoke with surprising nervousness for someone with such a bulky body. “Y-You must follow the path to the right, the-the second door leads to a staircase.” Then they were hiding behind a door. Well, I don't feel so bad anymore "Thank you very much" “It was a pleasure, my... uh, my beautiful lady” I was petrified as he gave me a seemingly gentlemanly bow in his attempt to impress, although it only managed to disorient me more. My body went into automatic mode, following the indicated path, while existential doubts invaded me. Because I? When I was Zorua I thought I had achieved a neutral point between man and woman, but it seems that is not possible with this face, it seems that I always wear makeup As if it wasn't bad enough that you can't remember your parents' faces or your own identity, not being able to even know my original fucking gender complicates everything. And almost as if it were a cruel joke, having the ability to alter my body as I please only makes it more confusing, Zoroark shouldn't even have the ability to permanently alter itself, as far as I know. It's like the creator couldn't make up his mind or just didn't bother to think it through and said, 'Fuck it, I'd better give you this pointless ability and save myself the trouble.' Before I could continue sinking on my personal journey to dementia, I collided with a trapdoor at the bottom of the stairs. They were pushed open, and I still don't have a good handle on my new strength. The sudden crash of the hatches caught the attention of the crew, and I stood in place, not knowing what to do. After the most uncomfortable five seconds of my life, my eyes flashed slightly, and I transformed into Pachirisu only with darker colors, making me practically imperceptible in the flying ship, apparently painted entirely in black. Some were very surprised to see how I disappeared, but I just walked by, hoping not to attract too much attention. I had been searching for a good while, I think about half an hour, and somehow managed to get to what looked like the loading area when the ground decided that it had had enough of me and that it was best to split up. I tried to protest, to make him see that we should be together, but those firm, rough hands didn't listen to reason. They lifted me up, what from my small vantage point seemed to be several meters, which left me quite dizzy and somewhat confused. “Easy, little one, come here.” I stopped my attempts to get away as soon as I heard the voice and turned around. Don't fuck with me! It was Spike, only... different. Even though she was small, I noticed that she had grown a little again, in addition to her physique. How long did I sleep? Apparently, he had been given a protein shake, steroids and pure testosterone, leaving behind the image of the small, tender and chubby dragon that he had met so recently. He was now a predator It had grown a little again, not only in size but also in its claws, fangs and spike, which were more striking and sharper. His physique was not far behind, he gained a decent amount of muscle, and his scales seemed more robust, although he was still thinner than anything else. "Are you hungry? "Let's go eat" he said while he sat on a somewhat secluded box and placed me on one of his legs. I came to wonder if I had simply confused him, but somehow his voice and demeanor remained the same, contrasting in an almost comical way. I was so shocked by the shock that when I came to, he was already disbursing his lunch, and it smelled good… I'm not proud, but as soon as I smelled the meat, I realized how hungry I was. Evolution requires energy, and I was probably in bed for a long time. I wanted something solid, and the easiest way to get it was to stay silent… Do not judge me The thing seemed to be just some dried meat and a gray mace in a bowl, but Spike was smart and seemed to get a couple of things. As surreptitiously as he could, which wasn't much, he pulled out a tomato and a rock of salt. Do I really steal them? We lost pretty much everything when Chrysalis captured us, so I don't blame him, but I'm still surprised he would do something like that. My surprise faded into the background when Spike used his fire to heat the meat until it was crispy and the smell became more intense until it made me drool, but he didn't stop, he gently and evenly heated the tomato to the point where the shell came off on its own, and he then proceeded to crush it and mix it with the gray mace while scraping the rock salt with one of his claws. The result was a sad attempt at making ketchup, but the thing tasted so good that nothing he did could make it taste worse. Slowly, he began to eat, giving me occasional pieces and scratching my head with a goofy smile on his face. It was insulting, without a doubt. Do I regret it? Nope Despite everything, we had a nice time... or it was until someone decided to kick the cellar door. The invader was apparently a mare with armor considerably taller than the standard, dark red, almost purple fur, which combined quite well with her tail and mane, which seemed to be a Mohawk that were a lighter and more intense red. It took me a few more seconds to realize that it was a unicorn. There wasn't much left, but there were fragments on its forehead of what was once its horn. Spike tensed at the figure that had arrived uninvited and gave an audible gulp before straightening up, or rather, he tried to, as in his haste I apparently forgot that I was in his lap and almost crashed to the ground. Miraculously, he caught me, but the sudden movement while trying not to spill his food cost him his balance and knocked him to the ground, leaving a good mark on his buttocks on the wooden floor. The pony that came in saw it all… Spike just smiled awkwardly as he scratched the back of his neck. “I'm sorry, Captain.” The 'captain' maintained her serious countenance, quite impressive for someone who, in her same situation, would have already collapsed from laughter. “I understand that your physique gives you problems, but you must stop breaking things, or you will go back to cleaning the latrines. Am I clear?” From Spike's displeased expression, that seemed like a good enough threat. "Understood, Captain” Spike said firmly. “Very good” Despite her serious appearance, the captain seemed genuinely happy and even a little smug, perhaps because she was scolding a fucking dragon, and it was afraid of her. I imagine that would make anyone arrogant. “Also,” I added as he put his big eyes on me. “I was informed of your partner's awakening.” "Oh really?!" Spike shouted excitedly, squeezing me, to which the captain looked at him in surprise. Evidently he didn't earn that rank for nothing, he must have asked about my abilities before, and now that he sees a strange animal, too passive to be wild, it doesn't take long to connect the dots. Unfortunately, Spike didn't seem to be as observant. “Yes, but before you do anything, remember to bring the rope that we requested, we are only a few hours away from reaching our meeting point” "Understood, Captain Tempest!” Spike replied briskly. “It better be” The captain turned and headed toward the same door she entered through, but a second before crossing it, she turned toward us, or rather, toward me “By the way” The remains of her horn and the remains of his forehead began to spark, and a moment later a bolt of electricity shot out in my direction. It wasn't painful or anything, but electricity, while nothing more than neutral against the sinister type, its nature makes it quite easy to disorient the target of the attack... And that was just what happened to me In a second, my illusion faded, and I returned to normal... in the most embarrassing position possible Before, Spike had his hands around me, but with the abrupt change in size, he now had them on my hips while I sat with him between my legs. … … “I don't want any delays, BAM!” The captain slammed the door so hard that the sound of the impact brought us out of our moment of discomfort, which will haunt me until the day I die. In an attempt to separate myself as quickly as possible, I again used too much force, which resulted in a repeat of my awakening that same day After my bounce off the ceiling and floor in the span of a second, right after the awkward situation we had found ourselves in, I just wanted the dirt to swallow me up, and I had no doubt that Spike was on the same path. “Zora!” Or not I speak as if none of the last moments had happened, and instead I had entered through the same door through which the captain left. He helped me up, or rather, he threw me into the air and tried to break me in half with a hug, from which I immediately tried to separate myself. “Ah, I'm sorry.” Spike loosened his grip and carefully put me back on the ground, waiting for me to regain my balance. “God… I need a drink” I've never been a huge fan of alcohol, but I'll be damned if I couldn't use being drunk right now. “Oh, here you go” Spike gave me his canteen. ... I kept looking at him for a while with my eyes blank, to which he looked at me confused without understanding In the end, not wanting to refuse his help, I simply accepted and took a big sip. How can he look so intimidating and be so innocent? If it weren't for his physique, anyone would say that he is a... child... “Spike” My sudden stillness seemed to catch his attention. “How old are you?” He seemed taken aback by the sudden question, but he still responded with a shrug, "I am-" “GRAAA” He wasn't given the chance to finish when an imposing roar echoed throughout the place while I felt all my fur stand on end and a tingling ran through my entire spine. My breath stopped, that shit is strong! I don't know if it was some Pokémon skill or mere survival instinct, but I knew that whatever that thing was would kill me with the same ease with which it walks, and I would be like a piece of gum that had the misfortune of stepping on it. Annoying? Yes. Does it affect you in any way? Not even joking "The ropes!" Spike, oblivious to my sudden change in status and seemingly lacking any survival instinct, grabbed some ropes as thick as a bodybuilder's arm and moved to the stairs. Without much time to think about it, apart from the sudden fear that now invaded me, demanding that I not be alone, I decided to follow him. Due to my sudden need to tiptoe around, checking every corner, I didn't reach him until we reached the deck, where, to my surprise, nothing was happening. No alarms ringing, no crew preparing for battle, everything is normal “Get away from me, you underdeveloped lizard!” Except for that That was undoubtedly Pax's voice “The more you move, the harder it will be” And another one that I didn't recognize was chilling and had enough power to make me vibrate to the bones "That's the idea!" The ship was beginning to become unstable, which I assumed was due to Pax's panicked state. Pushing aside my growing fear, I ran to the edge and looked down I immediately regretted it. “The fucking devoured of darkness!” I screamed between screams and stutters when I saw the imposing scaled figure with eight limbs, enormous size, four wings, a blackened body, and a body adorned by crystals full of corrupted energy. That damn dragon was scary enough when you saw it through a screen, but here, oh dear god, I was definitely not helped by the fact that I played that damn game and read the manga, so I knew exactly what it was capable of. If the condemned man yawned very loudly, he disintegrated us, it was that easy. The dragon tried to reach one of the ropes that held the giant robot. “If you don't get off, they won't be able to land.” “I understand that, I just ask that they go down a little more!” Pax pulled at the ropes, holding on to them and wrapping them around his arms as if his life depended on it, because it probably did. “You act like a child, and it's not that high.” “It's almost 100 meters!” “You are ten feet tall, and you are made of metal, you are not going to break” “Easy to say when you have wings!” The dragon, already quite irritated, crossed his arms while a perverse smile crossed his face as he inhaled audibly. Pax shook his head as he instinctively covered himself with his arms. “No, please no, Mercy!” His requests fell on deaf ears when the dragon exhaled similarly to the way a child blows out his birthday candles, only instead of a light breeze, flames hotter than a volcano came out What a bastard “Oh shit, I'll be avengeeeeed! BOOOOM!” By reflex, all of us who were watching the spectacle let out a moan of pain, accompanied by the deafening impact. “Pax!” It didn't take long for Spike to show his concern “Are you okay?!” “Like glass… one you threw from 100 meters high” His voice barely reached us, but the fact that he was talking and moving showed that he was not as bad as he seemed “I want to die.” Believe “Hey you” My thoughts were interrupted when a slightly older yeti approached me and tossed me a bunch of rope “Take this to the bow mooring lines and then go under the aft deck to help with the secondary and tertiary anchor” I didn't even have time to process what he said before he left to continue barking orders at another unfortunate crew member. Meanwhile, I was debating how to explain to him that I can barely tie my shoelaces, plus I didn't even know where on the ship he was supposed to be. Where I am right now, or how to get to the stern, whatever that was … This was going to be a long landing… and possibly bumpy “CRACK” The wood creaked at the sudden contact with the ground, that already sounded bad, and this boat is not supposed to come into contact with the ground at any time... my fault It turns out that they had to release quite a bit of cargo to be able to transport Pax when they found us, so once we released him, they had to let out a lot more hot air or whatever they were using to float us The loss of two of our four anchors definitely didn't help (My fault). Some idiot adjusted it incorrectly, and the other one was poorly positioned, unbalancing the boat during landing and forcing us to cut it. … My fault In the end, Pax had to help us by pulling the ropes that we had left, which made everything much slower and more unstable. It was already night when we were finally allowed to get off the ship, and the group we were supposed to meet had already set up camp, but the only ones awake were a few guards Spike was about to fall asleep standing up, so he went to sleep first while I enjoyed the view without the almost omnipresent light obstruction in my previous world. “Hello, do you mind?” Accompanied by slight tremors that announced his arrival, Pax apparently decided to accompany me. “Treat yourself,” I said, and he sat a few meters away. “So… Do you think there are others?” He asked doubtfully as he pointed to the multiple tents. “It's the safest thing” I said with a shrug. “It's unlikely that Dragon is the only summoned that the Storm Kingdom has ever found, I mean, they found us pretty quickly, and we hadn't even reached the border.” I looked again. To the tents “It makes you think, right? How many ended up in this situation? What shapes will they have? What will they think of all this? And, above all, what-” “Boo, you're right, it's late, it's time to sleep!” My monologue revealing my impatience to meet more humans was interrupted by an exaggerated and unnecessary yawn from Pax. “If I'm boring you, you can leave, besides, I've already slept for almost a week, from what they told me, I don't have-” “But of course you can, what kind of friend would I be if I refused?! Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you!” He interrupted me again and spoke at an unnecessarily high volume. He stood up and transformed, it was different from the other times I saw him do it, the metal collided with force and resonated like a bell was being struck. When finished, the driver's door opened slightly to close it again, and he repeated telling me to get in At this point, I had already gotten the hint. I turned to look at the guards, who were looking surprised at us, While I was wondering, What is Pax doing? I simply faked a yawn far more believably than any robot would hope to achieve and entered its truck form, closing the door immediately. “So, are you going to tell me what all that theater was for, or will I have to... guess...?” My questions died before my mind finished formulating them, I just didn't know what to say to what I had in front of me. Pax responded unusually fearful, like a child whose mother tells him 'Come calmly, I'm not going to do anything to you' That's when you know things are going to get ugly. “I thought just going and getting into a truck in the middle of the night would raise suspicions.” “No shit Sherlock, you're right... If only it were the earth! You're the only truck here, and what kind of robot needs to sleep? Piece of, GRRR, That's even more eye-catching!” Was he an idiot? He's idiot! Why am I wondering if it's clear?! I wasn't processing the news well, I was grunting and making unintelligible words, and I think I was hyperventilating, or it was a heart attack, I don't know. I tried to get out, but the door wouldn't open. “Zora, I'm going to need you to calm down, please” the idiot Pax asked me as if it were something simple. “Don't give me that shit now, how am I going to calm down?!” In front of me, not even a meter away, was an unusually large pony, mostly pink, although disheveled and with black spots running all over its body, including its large wings, one of which was twisted unnaturally. Of course, a pair of horns could not be missed coming from the center of its forehead and from one side that is not at all symmetrical... … “Why does it have two horns?” Somehow that was what caught my attention the most at that moment, the comical nature of the image helped calm my nerves... just a little “It's not a horn... it's a bump. When they burned the ropes, we fell VERY hard” He emphasized that, and I couldn't help but make a pained expression as I imagined how he's going to feel when he wakes up. “I… I don't understand... How? Hey, why? I just... what the fuck?!” Ultimately, I wasn't taking the news well, but in a sudden flash of intelligence, Pax decided to continue the conversation, distracting me from my growing panic. “It was your explosion” That worked "What?" “After my fight, she was not in the best physical or mental condition to protect herself, so I had two options: either I left her to her fate and let her pulse beat her, or I protected her with my body, took my decision and the next thing I know, I'm being towed by a flying ship" Having finished listening to Pax's explanation and not wanting to continue looking at the demigod or at least something close to that, I rested my head on the dashboard, scratching hard in an attempt to disperse some of the frustration. After I don't know how long, I was finally able to compose myself enough to continue the conversation. “Thank you.” I finally said that, despite the problematic nature of the matter, the last thing I wanted was to increase my number of victims. That also reminded me that this pony wasn't the only one, but something told me that the others were fine, the light that enveloped them vanished my attacks as soon as they formed, and besides... there was that feeling... nothing happened to them, that's what I was sure of "It's okay, I also felt it was my duty to protect her." It felt good to have someone who understood me. Spike is good company, but he has no idea what it's like to be used as a living weapon and be happy with that. Even though the very idea goes against your entire being "Well, friend, I think this answers the question.” "Which?" “If there is any chance that Equestria would leave us alone?” I said this as she picked up a rather crooked tiara from the ground Revered as gods of similar strength and royalty, that was something all of her kind had in common, and Pax was just realizing we had one kidnapped. “They will chase us to the end of the world for this” he stated when realization finally hit him. “Eyup”