> A Fair Soul
>  by Tresviri
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> Chapter 1: A picnic interrupted. 
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It was dark. Not the kind of dark that night would hold but the absence of everything kind of dark. It was a void. My body-less mind floated through the darkness uninterrupted. Clearly with nothing else to do I had an abundant amount of time to think, so I began to talk to myself.

"Who am I?" I asked.

After about ten seconds of silence I felt rather silly as I realized I was expecting an answer. But in truth I had forgotten. 

"Did I ever even know?" I thought to myself unsure of the answer.

My memories were blurry at best. At that moment my head disagreed with the idea of trying to remember by giving me a slight migraine. As my head swam in disapproval  I frowned, or at least what I think paced for a frown in this black space. It was dark and now that I was done thinking it was cold too.


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It was a beautiful day in Equestria. The sun that princess Celestia brought up every morning beamed with warm, there was just enough cloud cover to keep the temperatures pleasant, and the birds were singing. All in all, a pretty average day in Equestria. The inhabitants of this land were pleasantly going about there happy lives. In a small town know as "Ponyville" Twilight was overlooking her list of what she was to do today.

Today's list was more of a reminder than her usual tick off list because the only real big thing she was doing today was going on a picnic. But what made this picnic special was that was not just with the elements of harmony and Spike. Oh no a new pony known as "Octavia" was coming. In fact she even offered to set everything up before they arrived. She even said she would convince her loud room mate "Vinyl" to come along insisting "She could use a relaxing environment every once and awhile."

Not only did Twilight think this would be fun, she considered it to be a wonderful opportunity to make more friends. She got so joyful at the thought of making new friends she started to bounce up and down like Pinkie Pie. After a moment she regained he composure and called upstairs "Spike take care of the library while I'm gone."

After a few seconds the small purple dragon came down the stairs with a face of pure excitement. Clearly just as happy about the picnic as twilight. With that Twilight happy trotted out the door.


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Despite how my head protested I still probed for my lost memories. Thankfully the effort was not entirely fruitless. But what I had uncovered was not all that pleasant. Although most of what I had remembered were just images of places I had seen they were all along the lines of destroyed cities, and battlefields. There was not a single image of a nice place like a green meadow or even a warm home. However when I uncovered these fragments of my memories I strangely felt nothing for them.
My lack of emotion caused me to feel slightly sad, but after a short moment I smiled at having the sad feeling.

But images of places were the first things I found the last thing I had found was a Clear image of myself. I had finally found out what I had looked like. As if on cue I could feel something materialize around my body less soul. The physical shape of a body filled the dark space around me, and to my surprise was under my control. I contracted my muscle in my arms bringing them to my fave to confirm what my memory had shown. I gazed at my arms crystal like composition in awe. My hands consisted of 5 fingers that ended in a talon like manor and were completely composed of this glass like material. I say glass like because it was only slightly transparent if I focused really hard, but it seemed to more like mirrors reflecting my face. That brought me to my second observation. My head consisted of two blue dimly lit eyes and no mouth. I mentally frowned at this discovery but continued to look over my body. I was wearing a brown leather trench coat that had additional leather padding on the shoulders and fore arms. As i looked down the coat i notices i was not wearing a shirt under it as it was open, but I did spot a pear of what I think was were black pants.

I would have continue admiring on how totally awesome they look but a disturbing sound caught my attention. I was hear very faint but very noticeable sound of shattering glass. I hesitantly turn my head which actually cause the sound to be heard more, My blue eyes widened for behind me was a tail. the tail was the same as the rest of my body only slightly transparent with fine edges, smooth and extended to about 4 feet, I also had a a pony tail that did about the same thing but was maybe about a foot and a half long. But that was only half of the reason my eyes were widening and getting increasingly more worried. With every swinging motion the tail made the crackling of glass could be hared. I watched in horror as pieces of myself drift away from me. My first thought was to go catch my fleeing fragments. I started to turn my waist only to be stopped my the same sound that was coming from my tail. My eyes widened in realization that if I moved it would only make these matters worse. I was in a state of dispear not sure of what to do. However fragments that had broken away from me started to slow in there distancing from me. I just looked pleading that they would come back as if they were my children that had just run from home. As if hearing me they slowly returned to me embedding themselves back into their home. I allowed my self to calm done as i soon found that they would all leave and come back on their own.

Once I had calmed down I actually liked watching these pieces (which I am now calling fragments) of me drift and return. They were so beautiful I deliberately tried to get more off my doing lots of unnecessary motions. Once I was finally satisfied with the amount that were out and about I placed me hands behind my head and observed them with great interest. There were hundreds of them majestically floating about the open space. Upon closer inspection the largest piece that had broken of seemed to only be about an inch long and 1 forth of an inch wide. aside from that they were of all shapes and sizes.

I mentally smiled. Not because I was happy with the beauty of my form (although I certainly was) but because I had decided what I was going to call myself. These "Fragments" were pieces of me who was so similar to glass, I will take upon myself the name of "Shards". I tried to physically smile but was denied the right. Not having a portion of your face can do that So after a heavy sigh I settled for a mental one. However my mental celebration was short lived as I could feel a strong tug from an unknown force.


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"Oh, this is going to be so much fun!!" beamed a usually excited Pinkie Pie.

"Ah agree with Pinks, This will be ur good time." said a honest Apple Jack.

"Ya bet it will AJ!" exclaimed Rainbow Dash. "We are about to meet the third coolest pony on the in Equestria!" she continued with the excitement burning in the eyes.

"Oh Third? Then who is first and second my dear?" Asked a curious Rarity.

"To answer your obvious questions in order. That would be Vinyl third, me first, and spitfire second. Duh!" She answered with a boastful tune.

A small argument ensued mostly consisting of Rarity asking Dash to stop being so cocky, and Rainbow just brushing aside all of the things she said to her. Twilight was deep in thought thinking about the pick-nick with a worried face. Apple Jack must have noticed her deep in thought and closed the gape between her and Twilight and spoke.

"Ya'll don't have ta worry bout a thing Twi." She said reassuringly. "Just be yourself." She finished.

Twilight let out a heavy sigh and said "Your right AJ I should loosen up." She let a smile stretch across her face.

As the six friends walked on the conversations continued.

"It was very nice of Octavia and Vinyl to offer to set up the picnic before we arrived." said Fluttershy.

"Ah agree" said Apple Jack With a huge grin.

Just then the sound of a sonic boom was heard followed by a loud crash. Fluttershy  let out a very loud cry and started cowering.

"What was that?!" yelled Rarity.

"I think somepony just broke the sound Barrier!" exclaimed.

To which Rainbow Dash responded with " Impossible I am the only pony who can do a sonic rainboom!"

Another argument broke out debating the possible existence of another pony who could break the sound barrier. Rainbow Dash seemed especially touchy on this subject. The only only that was not park of the argument was Twilight. She Stared eyes wide open at the location the crash sound had come from.

"Girls..." said twilight being completely ignored

"Girls." She repeated. The bickering continued.

"Girls!" She repeated again as horror started to make an appearance in her voice. She could still hear her friends arguing and made on last attempt to get there attention. With every ounce of her energy she cried "GIRLS!!".

Everypony was stunned and focused now on Twilight. Twilight friends eyes grew wide as saucers as they saw the horror in her face. Her friends became concerned but soon there faces were filled with the same horror as Twilight's. The direction the sound of the crash came from was the designated location of the picnic. The picnic that Octavia and Vinyl were setting up before Twilight and her friends arrived.





> Chapter 2: A game of cat and mouse
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CHAPTER 2
A Game of Cat and Mouse


I had hit solid ground. The sound of dirt falling all around me was the only sound to be heard. The force that had pulled me here where ever here was, had done so with so much force that I broke the sound barrier. So here I knelt in the center of the crater I had just created. I remained there motionless and calm. I may be calm now, but when I was plummeting towards the ground at sonic speeds I was far from it. In fact I was on the opposite side of the spectrum. I was not sure my crystal body could take an impact at those speeds. Although I did consider the possibility of just being automatically reassembled, but that would have been after my body was smashed beyond all recognition. All in all I was freaking out the entire way, but the one thing I did manage to do was a half front flip so I would at least land on my feet. If I had a mouth the only thing that would have escaped it would have been a lout “SHHHHHHHHHIIIIIIIIIIIIT!!!” But alas I do not have a mouth. And that is how I ended up here in this crater on one knee hands on the ground and only about 700 carefree shards drifting amongst the dirt and dust.

I finally got my thoughts together long enough to stand and observe my new surroundings. The crater I had created was about 3 meters wide from its center and maybe a meter deep. It is at this time that I realized I might be taller then I thought. The crater was indeed 1 meter deep but it only came up to my knee! I must have been at 7-8 feet tall.

Pushing the new found excitement of my height aside I made my way for the edge of the crater trench coat and fragments trailing behind me. Before reaching the crater's edge I took upon myself the liberty to look to the sky. The dust was now almost completely settled and my eyes were greeted with blue skies with a few healthy looking clouds and a beautiful sun resting in the sea of white and blue. "It's nice here." I thought to myself "Much nicer than that black void I was in before.". My gut turned at the thought of that cold lifeless place.

I had reached the edge of the crater in just a few strides and stepped out too see rolling hills of green. The wind pushed against the long blades of grass into gentle swaying motions as if waving at me.

"EEP!"

I had heard something to my right that drew my attention. To my right stood a grayish 4 legged creature. The creature stood about 3-4 feet with a almost black tail and long hair on its head (which I presumed to be a mane) also black. "It must be an equine of some kind." I thought to myself still looking it over. What was most interesting were the creatures eyes. Not only were they quite large but also a beautiful purple. I also found that the pupils were getting smaller by the second. I stared into it's eyes and it stared back. We both remained motionless eyes locked too one another's. What seemed like hours passed the only motion from either of us was her mane and tail dancing in the wind and mine doing the same with my trench coat.

I realized this stare down would never end and took my first step towards the creature. The moment  I took my first step towards the equine It looked shocked. I could see the equines eyes darting all over my body before resting on my clawed hands. The shock that was in it's eyes was now replaced with that of terror. Although it looked horrified it did not run away. However when I was about 8 feet from it something unexpected happened. The equine's eyes rolled into the back of it's head and collapsed. I did my best to raise an eye brow but (for obvious reasons) could not.

Upon arriving beside the equine I was surprised to find another one who was already unconscious. This new equine had a snow white coat and a tail and mane that consisted of a few types of blue. What was most eye catching about this one was the cone that protruded out of it's forehead. I knelt down beside the equine and upon further investigation found it to be a bone. It seemed to be natural so I thought no more of it.

I was about to leave when a glint of light was reflected into my eyes. I took another look beside the white equine to see some framed reflective material. I shifted my kneel to get a closer look. Beside the white equine was a pair of sunglasses. Curious I reached down to pick them up. They had black reflective lenses and that had a purple frame. however upon doing so I was barraged with images of my past. I wanted to scream out for the pain was so intense and sudden. Thankfully it subsided just as quickly as it had arrived. The images I had seen were of a species known as "Humans". These humans from what I could collect were a part of my daily life but in what way I could not determine. What was puzzling about this is they looked nothing like me. "What am I? What was I to them?" all sorts of questions came to mind. But just then a thought hit me. The thought hit me so hard because the idea was that the one who had owned these shades might no longer be among us.

If someone were to have been standing in the crater I had made they would have been crushed into powder. I tried not to think about it but the memory of the grey equines eyes in terror were enough to confirm my fears. And the small bump on the white equines head must have been from the man/ women's shades as they came rocketing towards her. I felt nauseous with the feeling of having killed someone.

My ears soddenly picked up the sound of foot steps. I felt the feeling of regret instantly replace with that of panic. I jumped to my feet dropping the sun glasses looking for anywhere I could conceal myself. I spotted a near by tree line making a bee line for it. The gape was closed very quickly because of my long legs and upon reaching it I dived behind the nearest set of shrubs and trees. The lack of shouting told me that they most likely did not spot me. I mentally sighed with relief.

Positioning my back to a tree i focused some of my fragments into a smooth flat surface that floated in the air allowing me to peek around the tree. I wondered if I could make other useful devices with this power. But that would of course have to wait for another time. I awaited the humans who were no doubt just over the hill.

Nothing could have prepared me for what I saw next. I was expecting too see angry humans emerging over the hill yelling "Is anyone hurt!?" or"What happened?!" or even "Who did this?! I'll kill them!". But there were no humans. There wasn't even any yelling. What I did see though was more equines! What was the first thing to surprise me about them was their wide variety of coat colors. Another white coated one was among them with a purple mane and a horn perched upon it's head like the one I had seen previously, a lavender one with set same horn purple mane with a strip of pink in it, there was an orange one with a blonde mane that looked to be tied at the ends and for some reason wore a hat, and finally there was a bright pink one who would not stop bouncing. 

But my eyes widened most at the last two in the group. For one they were flying. two I now saw 3 variations of what looked like the same species which made me question if I was really on the planet I had come from. And three these equines were speaking in turn helping the other two out of there unconscious state. They were communicating with one another! 

My hopes quickly sky rocketed at the thought of making contact with another intelligent species but were just as quickly crushed when I realized I could not understand a word that they were saying. "Well there goes my hopes of possible communication." I complained mentally sighing.

The Grey equine and other white one were now both conscious. The grey one mouth was moving almost none stop with a horrified look in it's eyes. I assumed it was telling the lavender one about me. The lavender equine looked at the grey one puzzled as if what it was saying was unbelievable but still showed concern."This might be a good time for me to sneak away." I suggested to myself.

Just then there was a large gust of wind. The leaves above me gently brushed aside allowing some most unwanted sunlight to glint off of my make shift mirror. I watched in horror as the glint went right into the orange ones eyes. My heart had stopped beating at this point.

The orange equines head turned in my direction. It stared a slow and cautious walk over. "Shit!" I thought to myself.

I began a searching disparately for a way I might avoid a confrontation with these creatures. My eyes scanned every were for anything that might help but to no a vale. I pleaded my brain to think of something anything! But it turned up nothing. I could feel myself sinking into disarray.

But as if a god saw what was happening and decided to pity me the lavender one addresses the orange one. This was my chance! I waited for the second that the orange ones eyes to turn to it's companion and bolted further into the forest. I sprinted as fast as I could and dared not look back.

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"Applejack, where are you going?" asked Twilight still disturbed at what Octavia had told her about the creature.  "Ah, think I sa...." said Apple Jack but was int interrupted by an abrupt rustle of bushes. 

No pony had seen what had made the sound. No pony except Octavia that is. Octavia's eyes shot wide open as she caught a glimpse of the creatures coat trailing behind him."TH-THAT'S THE THING!!" she cried. Every pony stared at her a little startled by her sudden out burst. Vinyl was the first to break the surprised atmosphere. "Are you sure Octi?" asked her concerned room mate gingerly rubbing the bump on her head.  "Does it really matter?!" asked Rainbow Dash "AFTER IT!!!"

With that all the ponies took off to chase down Octavia's assailant with Apple Jack and Rainbow Dash at the head of the pack. As they all followed the creature's path they could not help but gawk in amazement at the crystal shards floating about. Twilight found that the most interesting thing about them was how they were slowly trying to make there way back to the creature.

"What are these things?!" asked Vinyl "There kinda cool."

"They look pieces of the creature that Octavia described." Answered Twilight.

"O-Oh my is it hurt?" asked Fluttershy timidly. Octavia shook her head “No I don’t think so.” She said “When I first saw it was having these things coming off it the whole time showing so signs of pain or worry.”

“ Girls! Ya’ll got ta focus!” Pleaded Apple Jack “This thing might be dangerous so we got ta be alert.” Every pony focused there eyes forward all at once upon hearing Apple Jack.

“I’m going to try to cut it off!” proclaimed Rainbow Dash pulling ahead of the group. “Rainbow stop!” cried Twilight.

“Why!?” barked back a rather irritated Rainbow Dash.

“It’s just as Apple Jack said this thing might be dangerous, “ pointed out Twilight “ and judging from Octavia’s description if you were to encounter it alone you could get seriously hurt.”

“Ah agree with Twi. Besides we can easily follow the trail it has left us.” Stated Apple Jack. “Ya your right...” grumble Rainbow Dash.

They continued into the forest in silence in a heightened state of alert. The trail that the creature had left was getting thinner and harder to follow because the shards were picking up their slow pace and trying to catch up too their body.  Twilight admired the shards. She wanted to take a sample to test on and sent off to princess Celestia but she had more pressing matters right now.

"Um... Girls." said Fluttershy " Up ahead is a cliff that over looks the Everfree forest."

"Then what your saying is that thing is likely to be there right?" asked Vinyl

" Y... yes, It should be trapped there." confirmed Fluttershy.

"Finally!" said Rainbow Dash "We got it!"

"It's got no were ta go." added Apple Jack.

All the ponies cleared the trees finding themselves on a cliff with a single tree perched on the edge. But too there disappointment there was no hulking mass of crystal that Octavia had described. There wasn't even a single shard. "Th-THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!" screamed Twilight her voice full of disappointment. "We followed it's trail how is it not here!"

"Maybe it flew away." commented Vinyl

"No I don't think that's possible I saw no wings on it, and even if it did why did it run instead of fly?" pointed out Octavia

"Well all this speculation is nice an all but that does not help us ere." said Apple Jack

"Ya so what gives were is it!?" Asked Rainbow Dash

"We don't know Rainbow that's why were talking about it!" screamed Twilight.

The tension in the air was palpable. All the ponies frustration was going to lead to argument. That is it would have if something unexpected didn't happen happened. For something was stuck inside Pinkie's mane. This "something" was smooth and reflective. This "something" was a piece of the creature. After a little bit of fidgeting on it's own accord it had managed to dislodge itself.

Every pony watched the piece of crystal with intense anticipation. They all stared as it drifted happily up to the tree and made it's way around and behind it. With an audible click all the ponies understood where the creature was. They all smirked. 


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"I can't believe this!" I mentally cried "And I was so close to throwing them off my trail too!" My clever plan beaning foiled by a single fragment getting stuck in one of there manes just seemed so unreal. I felt betrayed, by my own body no less. But I have no time to think about this now because the immediate problem was the equines slowly closing in on my position. I needed to find a solution to this problem. Well in truth I already had one but I was hesitant to act on it. This plan involved me free falling about 70 meters into the forest below. Actually that's the only thing the plan consisted of. But why was I so hesitant free falling 70 meters into a forest, why just 40 minutes ago I had hit the ground at sonic speeds and was fine. So why was I so nervous about a measly 70 meters? Unfortunately I did not have an answer to the question.

The equines were slowly but surly closing in on me. I could hear them whispering but if it was directed towards me or not I could not tell. I looked over the edge again to stare my only option in the face. It stared back almost saying "Do it wimp."

I mentally sighed. "Well the only way forward today is down today." I said pushing myself off the tree and over the edge. I could no longer hear the equines as the sound of air rushing past me became louder. The free fall was not nearly as scary as the fall I had before hand. I actually rather enjoyed it. My trench coat was going crazy the whole way into the forest. I made a loud thud as  I hit the ground. The landing was much smoother then the first one and no crater was made.

I looked up to see the cyan colored one flying circle above the forest. I decided to start walking. I no longer feared being found  because this forest was more dense with foliage then the on that was on the cliff. The trees barely let any light making an ideal hiding place. The cyan one did a few scout rounds and then left not even entering the forest. I allowed my self to relax. 

I spotted a boulder with a flattened top. Sitting down I thought about today's events and what I should do from here on out. I felt exhausted which was understandable so much has happened in the first day in this new world. I closed my eyes drifting into sleep. 


END OF CHAPTER 2






> Chapter 3: A voice and the Princess of the Night
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CHAPTER 3
A Voice and the Princess of the Night


Beautiful hues of orange, red and purple filled the sky. Celestia's sun was beginning to set and it would soon be time for Luna's moon. However the beauty of the sunset went unnoticed too the eight disappointed ponies. All the ponies wore a slight frown as they mumbled save Pinkie of course who was still bouncing to keep up with the group. Although general displeasure was present all around Twilight was most concerned about the well being of what could have been potential friends. "I am really sorry what happened today you two." Said Twilight sadness welling in her voice.

"Twilight you have nothing to apologize for." pointed out Octavia. "Ya it's not your fault a massive crystal monster fell from the sky." added Vinyl smirking. Twilight felt awful inside and felt she need to point out exactly how dangerous this could have been. "But if it was not for the picnic this whole mess could have been avoided. The creature would not have tried too..." Twilight paused and nervously cleared her throat before continuing."Too do what ever it was going to do. What is more my friends and I dragged the both of you into the chase as well." The ponies that had been mumbling before were now listening to the discussion.  Octavia let out a sigh. "I don't remember being dragged anywhere against my will." said Octavia flatly "Do you Vinyl?" Vinyl turned to face her room mate. "Naa! If I remember right we all cased after the creature because we were all concerned about each other as friends." Twilight eyes widened "Friends!?" she screamed still taken aback by what Vinyl had just said. Octavia both raised a brow at Twilight.

"Y-you object to our friendship?" asked Octavia with a trace of sadness in her voice. Twilight quickly shook he head. "No, no!" She stammered "It's just that today has been so counter productive for making friends." Octavia frowned. "Twilight I see no reason  why the things that transpired today should get in the way of our friendship." She said placing a hoof on her shoulder.  "Octavia... Thank you" she said breaking into a smile.

"Um I hate to spoil the moment but Twi I think we should really come up with a plan of action to deal with this thing" interjected Rainbow making a fake cough. "Huh... Yes of course!" Said Twilight breaking out of the moment of making a new friend. Everypony felt were this was going and gathered around Twilight getting ready to hear her plan of action.

"Ok," she started "We don't know what this thing is, what it wants, or if it is even dangerous." Everypony stayed absolutely quiet and at-tentative. "That 's why no pony outside this group may speak of this to anypony else. Last thing we need is a wide spread panic." They all nodded in agreement. "Also I am going to be writing to the princess on this matter when we get back. After which I would like to continue searching for it again tomorrow."

"Alright! Now were talking!" said Rainbow with excitement. Every pony seemed satisfied with the plan even Fluttershy was beaming with confidence.

"Ya this is going to be so sick! Tracking down a monster with you gals. SO COOL!" Said Vinyl full of glee. But every pony stared at her in confusion.

"What?" Octavia asked her room mate.

"Well of course were going with them Octi." Said Vinyl taking off her shades just to roll her eyes.

"WHAT!?" screamed Octavia

"Well you said it yourself Octi," said Vinyl smirking " These ponies are our friends and friends help friends out."

Octavia just adopted several shades of pale only able slur her words. "B-but... but... VINYL!" she wined. Everypony smiled at the sight of the civilized pony being teased by her DJ room mate. 


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I had finally awoken from my peaceful nap only to find that the forest was even darker then before. The sun must have been setting because some light was still present. I was considering going back to sleep but realized that I was not all that tired. Besides seeing that dark was approaching this would be the best time opportunity to move. I would be able to move around hopefully uninterrupted.

With my mind made up I raised my body to a standing position and dusted myself off. I had no idea were I should be going or what I was looking for so I arbitrarily choose a direction and set off. The forest was so ominous now that it was darker but at the same time beautiful. Plants that had adapted to surviving under low light circumstances let off a dim glow of all colors. Although they were very pretty too look at they offered little when it came to illumination. 

It was this time that I decided it would be wise to experiment with my powers as I walked. Just like the mirror like surface I had made to spy on the equines I made 17 more and hovered them above the tree line to reflect light onto my path. I was very pleased with the result and surprised that it took so little if any focus to keep the 17 mirrors a float above the trees. It was as if that the shards were separate entities from me and would follow any order I give them and fulfill it until I gave them another.

Pleased with my discovery I continued to experiment.

My next discovery was less pleasant but still valuable information none the less. To my dismay I had found I could forcefully or order my shards to return to me with grater haste. I face palmed at this discovery having wished I had known that earlier. Brushing away my discontent I continued to experiment.

I found that the shards I released could be morphed into almost any form I wanted from cubes to spheres to spikes etc. I also found that I could make the spikes very sharp. When I tested this on a passing tree the spike neatly embedded itself two inches into the tree. Shuddering I preyed I would never have to use my power like that on another living being.

On another note I found that the more shards I poured into an object (a sphere in this case) the smoother it became. I tried this again and again until what hovered in front of me looked like a perfect sphere. Of course it was not perfect but a combination of slightly slanted edges so it was close. 

A thought jumped into my mind. If I could alter the form of my shards theoretically I could change the form of my body. I considered this to be a reasonable hypothesis and that it would be well worth a shot. I focused more shards into my right arm making an elongated blade that replaced my hand. The blade came to my elbow and was bladed along the forearm side only. The blade's edge looked very sharp the way it glistened in the reflected light. "Well it looks sharp but I will need to test if it's actually sharp." I thought to myself. I walked up to a near by tree and with a back head motion swung the blade. There was no resistance. I looked up to try again and not miss this time but the top half of the tree began to slide. I starred as the tree toppled over at the clean cut I had made. I was so surprised I almost did not move out of the way. I starred at my arm as I returned it to it's 5 dulled talons. The last thing I need is the equines thinking I am some kind of monster.

Satisfied with my field experimentation I carried on just making objects. It was truly dark now and the only reflected light my air born mirrors could grasp was moon light. after walking for about an hour I passed through some brush to find myself in a small clearing. The clearing was about thirty meters long from were I stood and maybe seven meters wide at the far end which was occupied by a cave. in the center of the clearing was a small pond in a crescent shape with a small boulder and beside that boulder was a single tree with it's trunk slanted so most of it's foliage was over the pond. The tree itself caught and held my attention. It had pink peddles with slightly white tips. Each peddle was drifting in the slight breeze that presented itself and gently moved the foliage. High above the tree was a massive full moon that illuminated the entire area. The beauty of this place was breath taking. I found it hard to move or drag my eyes away from this wonderful place.

I managed to drag my eyes away long enough to order my mirrors to return. It was very bright down here so I would not be needing them. As they made a slow return reflecting light everywhere I made my way for the boulder to sit down. The boulder had a nice flat top which made sitting on it quite pleasant.

Finally seated I turned my eyes to the tree and pond. The tree reminded me of myself in a way. Every time it let it's peddles wander my shards would do the same. however the tree had me beat in color when it all came down to it. I think I was becoming attached to this place.

"This place would make a good home." I said out loud. My eyes winded instantly in disbelief at what I had just done. "HOW DID I JUST DO THAT!?" I screamed. This voice... my voice was sounding from every single shard on my body and the ones separated from me. It gave my new voice a very echo feel like it was in more then one place (which it was). I tried to collect my thoughts to figure out how I had just done that. An Idea clicked in my head. "Alright," I though to myself "Treat speech as a command."

"Hello my name is shard." I introduced to no one in particular. The voice was still coming from every where though but I was determined. 

"Hello my name is shard" I introduced. The voice sounded only from my body this time. I was getting close. Before trying for the last time I designated on shard in the middle of my face to act as the medium until further notice. "Ok one more time." I thought to myself.

"Hello my name is Shard." I introduced clearly and calmly.

Mentally smiling I continued to say things to no one in particular. My tone changed as I got excited which only excited me more. Although I eventually calmed down sitting on the rock again to admire the tree I had no name for.

"In all honesty though I think I will take up residence here." I said with my new voice in a happy tone.


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Luna soared looking upon the sleeping villages and admiring her beautiful handy work. She was usually not out and about the way she is tonight but she felt she needed the fresh air. She smiled as she passed each town seeing they were having pleasant dreams. Luna was happy that they had lived happy lives under her sisters sun but at the same time felt alone for very few enjoyed the beauty of her nights. "No Luna you can't think like that!" she said shaking her head. " It is only recently that yo..."

There were glimmers of light down below some of which had shinned directly into her eyes. With her train of thought broken she searched for the disturbance. "Who dares!?" she boomed at a volume that was just below her loyal Canterlot voice. She had found the source of the light to be coming from a small clearing in the Everfree forest. Her anger was instantly replaced with curiosity. Barely anypony should be awake at this hour let alone in the Everfree forest. Luna began her slow descend wondering who it could be.

Her question was answered when she flew close enough to see a hulking mass of crystal sitting on a rock. Luna remained suspended in the air staring in awe at it. What ever it was had stunned her with it's beauty. Some of what appeared to be pieces of it were defying all gravity and hovered around it. They were stunning the way the moonlight glinted off them like mirrors. At first she thought it to be an enchanted statue of sorts but quickly retracted that theory when its head turned sending out more fragments. Luna also noted that it was wearing clothing the likes of which she had never seen. It wore a long coat that was tattered and worn as well as some sort of black pants that looked brand new.

Luna was shocked unable to process anything about the thing that was in front of her. As she got the courage to get closer she could hear it saying something. Although she could not understand it she could tell that it was male from the tone of the voice. 

Luna steadily lowered herself to the ground behind the creature. She paid extra attention to try and not make a sound. Her efforts however were in vain as she stepped on a dry leave with an audible crackling sound.The creatures head wiped around to see Luna.

They stared at one  another. The creature remained motionless making Luna shift on her hooves nervously. Luna was staring into the creature's eyes which glowed a dim blue. The eyes were almost hypnotic and Luna had to shake her head to avert her own.

"Goodnight sir," she said "My name is Luna and I ..." Her voice trailed off as the creature stood to it's full height. Luna's jaw dropped and remained open as she gawked at the creature's massive body. The creature stood there towering over her for a moment then bent it's knees and began to back away. 


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I slowly backed away from the equine. I knew it could fly but unlike the others this one also had the horn I had seen previously, but being was much longer. I did not know what all this meant but I was in no rush for a field test. I was not sure what to make of this one. It stood a little taller then others, and bore all the variations I had seen up to this point. But there was something peculiar about this one. This one's mane would not stop moving. There was indeed a breeze in the clearing but it was no were near strong enough to make it move like that. It was like that it's mane was alive. Another thing that stood out about the mane is that it was slightly transparent and held small specks of light in it that resembled the night sky. 

It appeared to be desperately trying to communicate with me .I was about to say something when it's horn was warped in a dark blue aura. before I could react I was hit with a wave of energy. The wave did nothing in terms of damage, but I was surprised by the shear power behind it. Surprised enough to panic and begin running.

"Please wait!" cried a voice from behind me. "Tho hast no reason to fear us. We only wish to talk."

I stopped mid stride upon hearing the female's voice. I slowly turned to see the same equine with it's bottom lip quivering. "Please..." She said averting her eyes.

If I could see my face I would imagine I would look very shocked and confused. Oh wait... No I wouldn't, but at the very least I felt it.

"I can understand you..." I said after turning to face the equine which I presumed was female by the sound of the voice. After hearing my voice she looked up smiling at me. 

"Yes I thought you could not understand me, so I cast a translation spell." She said beating a hoof against her chest.

'Well she recovered fast.' I said to myself 'Wait did she say spell? Well whatever.'

I calmly made my way over to my seat before continuing the conversation. "So what now?" I asked.

"How do you speak?" she asked nonchalantly. I was momentary stunned by the question but quickly responded. "Excuse me?" I asked in a rather offended tone.

"How so you speak?" She asked again clearly not understanding the tone in my voice. "You don't have a mouth so how can you talk."

I let out a heavy sigh. "look if this is the attitude I am going to get from this conversation then I'm leaving" I said making the motion to get up. She went wide eyed and started to panic. 

"No wait! I am sorry if I offended you." she apologized. "I was just curious is all." She looked genuinely apologetic hoofing the ground while looking to her side. Perhaps I had the wrong idea about these creatures. I sighed again and picked up the conversation.

I told her my "name" leaving out the fact that I had forgotten my real one as well as most of my past. I could see she thought my name was rather odd but dismissed it for the sake of the conversation's prorogation. She then told me that her name was Luna and explained that she was an Alicorn, a combination of the three pony races: Pegasi, unicorns, and earth ponies. She apparently caught on that I was not from here and told me I was in a place known as "Equestria"

After that we continued to speak of many things at great length most of which were about my clothing and general appearance. I even showed her my shard manipulation abilities my making a small manikin of her. I make the manikin dance around in the palm of my hands. When I thought that it was time for the finally I made the manikin flap it's wings to take off into the sky and slowly disintegrated into a sparkling stream of shards. Not once did Luna stare wonder from the spectacle.

"Th-that was beautiful." she said with a smile. I mentally smiled back at her and said "Thank you."

"I am glad I met you tonight" I said "It is always is always good to talk to a friend." She seemed surprised at the last thing I had said. I was about to ask her about it but she beat me too it. 

"You would consider me a friend?" she asked in surprise. I nodded. Her face light up like it was her birthday after that simple nod. I stared in a mixture of bewilderment and amusement  as her composer dropped and hopped around like I child does when they get a new toy. It was kinda cute actually.

"Oh look at the time." she said after a few moments looking at the now setting moon. "The sun will soon rising I should be off." Just before she took to the skies I spoke to her again. "Luna before you go can I ask a request of you?" She looked at me excitement shown clearly in her face. 

"My friend please speak!" She said doing flips in the air. "W hat ever your problem is I will to my best to help you!"

Her face was maybe 3 inches in front of mine with eyes so wide you would think that she had no room for a brain at all. Her sudden out burst so loud and surprising I almost could not remember my request. After a moment to collect my thoughts that had run from the excited Luna I spoke.

"Uhhhh.... Well what I would like you to do is not speak of our meeting to anyon... er... anypony..." I said a little unsure of myself. She nodded still keeping her smile. " As you wish my friend I will tell no pony..." She said with a pause looking at me. "What" I asked

"We will meet again, right?" she asked with an expression I could not really read. I scratched the back of my head feeling nervous under her intense gaze. "Well seeing as I am going to be taking up residence her for the time being... yes." I answered still feeling odd from the look in her eyes. Satisfied with my answer we said our goodbyes and she flew away giggling. 

"Well then I suppose I should get some shut eye too." I said stretching my arms behind my head. "After all I have plans to put into effect tomorrow."

For the first time I approached the cave. I had to hunch to get inside and the ceiling was not high enough to allow be to stand either. Something I might want to work on in the future. Inside the cave were a few glowing mushrooms that acted like night lights. I wanted to continue looking around but felt dizzy and fell to the floor. Sleep came quickly but so did the nightmares. 



END OF CHAPTER 3


> Chapter 4: Memories
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


CHAPTER 4 
Memories, experiments. and... Foals?


The inside of the transport was dark, The only illumination coming from the dim red lights on the ceiling. I leaned against the cold metal wall at the back of the dark transport with my arms crossed. I was not alone however. Beside me was a scout or sharpshooter of the squad I had been recently been drafted into. The scout or sharpshooter  was sitting on the bench next to me with his head in the shadows. He had said nothing the whole trip despite me just being assigned to his squad. I stopped thinking about it though because I felt like I was being watched, and I was. The other troopers in the carrier were giving us funny looks... Or rather they were giving me the death glare.

"Hey special ops!" Said one of the troopers. "Why don't you step away from the freak and come be with the real men?" I resisted the powerful temptation to snap the insolent troopers neck like I had done for so many other arrogant fools. Only this time I succeed.

"John! Shut up just leave them be." Said another trooper to the first now known as John. But John clearly did not chose to heed the wise words of his friend.

"So what do you say?" he asked with a smirk.

I was expecting the scout to be unresponsive to the obvious provocation but instead he lead forward. Every trooper tensed up as the special op stirred from its immobile position. Troopers who showed no interest in the seen were now watching with a nervous eye. I could see that even the previously smug John was having regrets. To my surprise as well as all of the troopers in the transport the special op removed his helmet. What we all saw was not a man's face but a women's. She had blond hair done up in a pony tail and fair skin. She smirked at John before leaning back into her seat. "Ooooooooohhhhhhhh." came from all the troopers 

"Smooth John." Said one of the troopers adjacent to him in a mocking tone "Smooth."

"Shut up."

I fought hard to hold back my laughter. Thankfully the comical scene subsided. Unfortunately the troopers returned to glaring at us (well me really). 

This was not my first mission and I was no were near nervous. Never the less this mission was by far the strangest. Command had drafted me into a squad i knew nothing about. I was not told anything either. Not who was in charge who was in it or even it's name. The only thing I did know is that this special op (who I originally thought was male) was in it. The mission itself was simple enough though. Drop in destroy AA guns and take the base.

"My names Lorry." I stared at the unmasked women completely taken aback by her sudden words.

"What's your name big guy?" Asked Lorry playfully. I was so stunned by the initial introduction that I was almost unable to give her my name.

"S-Shard." I slurred.

"Shard?" She said raising an eyebrow. "Well shit looks like I am still the only one in the group with a normal name." I decided not to comment on the last part as I thought I would probably find out what she meant soon.

Ding

I looked up to see that the red sign was now green. It's go time. Pushing my self off the wall I made my way to the door. All the troopers continued to glare at me especially the one known as John. The one that had spoken to John looked like he was trying to avoid being cut by my shards that followed my body.

"Have a nice trip Shard, and see you on the ground!" Yelled and excited Lorry. I responded with a nod and ripped the transport door open. I got ready to jump.

"Oh John." I said placing my hands on the doors frame. He looked at me rather surprised. I said one last thing before jumping out the door.

"Smooth."

I did not get to see john's response because I had jumped, but I did not need too. I had a mission to focus on after all. I began my free fall head first through the clouds. The sea of white surrounded my body as I closed my eyes to focus. I was releasing my shards to form as large spears in the cloud cover.

"Seven" I counted.

The second I cleared the clouds the ground below me lit up in a wave of gun fire.The AA guns began pounding the sky with their explosive ordnance. The sound of the air raid alarm could also be heard. I began counting the number of locations the fire was coming from. I Could count at least 30.

"Twenty one" I counted.

I was starting to take blows from the guns throwing my body about. Hit after hit I could feel pieces of myself torn from me and then quickly return.

"Thirty seven"

I was closing in fast on the enemies base. While dodging a few rounds I performed a semi front flip so I was falling feet first.

"Sixty" I said. My wings erupted out of my back and spread to their full length. They slowed me down and eventually suspended me in the air about 500 meters above their establishment. I raised my arm to the sky and brought it down giving the order for my own bombardment to begin. No longer were the explosions in the sky but on the ground. Every spear had hit it's mark causing the gun to explode or kill the crew with the shrapnel. The earth below me was covered in a sea of flames and blood. It was also noticeably more quiet now that the guns weren't madly firing into the sky. Well except for that damn alarm of course. I let out a heavy sigh as I drifted to the ground.

Not long after landing a tank rolled around a near corner. With out hesitation it's crew fire the main cannon. The shot had hit me square in the right shoulder. The shear force of the round cause me to step back as it tore my right arm from my body. But now it was my turn not to hesitate. Before they could get the next round loaded my arm had adopted the form of a spear and flew right inside the metal beasts barrel. The war machine was silent for a moment. When I saw my shards returning coated in blood I knew it wasn't going to be a problem anymore.

The rest of the mission carried on in a similar fashion with the occasional act of futile resistance. As i moved at my own pace streams of shards were making their return to me both clean and crimson. My right arm now consisted of three long bladed tendrils still dripping red from the last squad they had ripped apart. However the blood was quickly disappearing and being absorbed into me. As it did so I could feel brand new shards joining with the old ones. The iron that was in my enemies blood and instillation could be absorbed by me to make myself stronger. It was like my body was only a house and each shard was just a small piece of a very big family. Certainly one of the odder things about my existence.

I walked down yet another hallway which  just moments ago repainted. I was stopped by a tall steel door. Turning my am into a single edged sword I sliced through it with no difficulty. Beyond the door was a small cylindrical room, and in it's center  rested the mission objective. Now all that was left to do was wait for extraction.

"MOVE, MOVE MOVE!"

I could hear loud voices and the stomping of boots heading in my direction. "Well it's time to go to work." I said turning to face the soldiers of Eon. 


End of Chapter 4

> Chapter 5:Experiments. and... Foals?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


CHAPTER 5


Experiments. and... Foals?



I awoke the the sound of birds in song. The sun was now out and warm light crept into my cave. I however was far from warm. My mind was still frozen from last night's dream. The new memory felt fresh and new in my mind but at the same time old and distant. The memory brought about conflicting emotions in me. I felt that my character was so vastly different then the one that was in the dream. While I did not want to the fight the other me seemed to enjoy it. I shuddered at the thought of all the people I had killed. But on another note I deduced that I can absorb iron as well as other minerals that make up my shards to further my abilities. This iron could be obtained through ore, constructions, or...

"Blood" I said in a sad tone."Well at least I guessed my name right."

"Chirp Chirp."

I turned my head to the entrance Where I had heard the sound. There at the caves lip was a bird. The bird was blue with a white underbelly and sprinkled with white specks over it's feathers. It stared into the cave cocking it's head from left to right. After a minute the bird lost interest in the cave and flew away singing happily.

"Well I better get up too." I said sitting up. I had forgotten how low the ceiling was in my home and hit my head. With a sigh I hunched and dragged my feet to the mouth of the cave.

Sunlight poured onto my crystal body with every step I took out of my dwelling. I found that the scenery I had loved at night was just as beautiful in the day. The light from the sun was reflected by the pond into the tree's vibrant pink peddles revealing energetic birds going about their business. Just like yesterday the sky was bright and sunny with just enough cloud cover to keep the temperature pleasant. I took a moment to drink in the sights around me before heading into the forest.

"Alright." I said to myself placing a talon on my chin. "Today's schedule is: 1. Observe the ponies, 2. continue experimentation with powers." With a light nod I continued through the forest. I was searching for a path or trail of sorts. From what Luna told me ponies have advanced into a civilization, and that means if I can find a path I can trace it back to a settlement. Not 20 minutes later I spotted a path out of the corner of my eye. I bent down so I was crouched and approached the trail remaining in the bushes. What I found was a white pony with black stripes with a tail and mane to match.

'Well isn't this curious.'

I followed the striped quadruped for some time making careful note of how it walked. After a few minutes I could see the forest around the trail end and open into open fields. I stopped were the tree cover ended and watched the stripped pony. It was heading to a town that was just beyond the forest. I made a mental note of it's location and sent one of my shards at the pony. The shard actually managed to embed itself in it's mane. Happy with the result I slinked back further into the tree line. When I thought I was safe from being discovered I walked back to my camp.

When I arrived the sun was almost at it's peak. It was just a little before noon and the sun would soon begin it's decent.

"Alright. Let's see if this will actually work." I said taking a seat on my stone chair.

I closed my eyes trying to concentrate. I was focusing on the shard I had planted on the pony. I could feel it. It was a very strange feeling one I could not fully comprehend. I could feel myself being here but also over there. It was not like I was stretched it was like I was being in two different places at once. I could not shake the feeling that it was so close but yet so far.

'Ok it's now or never.'

I tried to open my eyes, but not the ones on my body. The eyes I was trying to open were the ones I attached to the pony. Suddenly my vision was filled with vibrant color. What I saw was not the clearing I was resting in, but a village.

'Well i'll be dammed it worked.'

I could see much activity as ponies went about their daily lives completely unaware I was watching. It appeared that my host was in a market area of sorts. There were many vendors stalls strung about all over the streets. The vendors sold things from flour to fruits to vegetables and other commodities. The area was bustling with activity giving many ponies to observe. They went to and from the vendors carrying the items they had bought with happy faces.

Even the pony I was joy riding was on it's way to a stall to get what it had come here for today. I watched with interest and horror as we approached and apple stand. The vendor was the same orange pony from yesterday sporting her western hat. They exchanged pleasantries which I could not understand before conducting business. Though from the tone of both their voices I could deduce they were female.

'that would make them mares right?' I was unsure if that is what they were called. 'Maybe I will ask Luna tonight.'

My host gave the orange one some shiny gold coins for the apples. 

"This must be their currency." I said to myself making another mental note.

After my host's transactions with the apple fiend were finished she was moving again. I was now observing how the ponies walked and interacted with objects. I was confused how they opened doors with out fingers or thumbs. But when I watched as a few mares opened some doors I found they just could. They could even open the ones with door nobs which made no sense but decided I would just take it as is. By now I realized that she was heading back to the forest.

"Does she live here?" I wondered with my curiosity peaking again. I was tempted to keep the shard in her but decided against it. I had invaded her privacy enough for one day. When she reached the tree line I ordered my shard to detached and return to me.

I opened my eyes to be greeted with the familiar surroundings of my clearing. The sun was still high in the sky and it might have been a little past noon. This meant I still had plenty of time to do the experiment I wanted to do all day. With a mental smile I hoped to my feet eager to conduct the experiment. I stood in the open air of the clearing brimming with confidence. 

"Alright in theory this should work..." I pause feeling my confidence wane slightly. "In theory."

I closed my eyes again and began to focus. I could feel the strange sensation of my body compressing. I could hear and feel the crackling of my form as it shifted stances. The clothing that I was wearing began to loosen on my shrinking form. It stopped when I was standing on four legs. I opened my eyes eager to see the results only to be greeted by darkness. The clothing I was wearing was obstructing my view. I trying to wiggle out of it but I got tangle and fell to the ground. I was trapped in my fabric prison for a good two minutes before I escaped.

"*Sigh* In hindsight It would have been a good idea to take off my cloths first."

Now that I was liberated I looked down at my front feet which were now hooves.

"Well would you look at that."

In the excitement of the moment I thought I would go to the pond to see my refection. However when I took one step my hind hoof kicked my front one and I can crashing down. My chin hit the ground hard causing shards to leave me.

"Looks like I'm going to have to practice walking." I groaned.

The next hour was spent walking around and falling over. It was aggravating to have to learn to walk all over again. However it was understandable seeing as I was never a quadruped before. After awhile I could feel I was getting better, but I had to focus hard and stay in certain rhythmic walk.

I had had enough of walking and made my way to the pond where I initially wanted to go. I looked into the reflective water to see something staring back. This new me was much shorter then my previous from and smoother but I could still make out the noticeable edges. I thought back to the almost perfect sphere I had made and realized compressing shards applied to my body as well. My eyes still glowed dimly with a tint of blue but were at least double in size. With that discovery in mind I turn slightly to look at the rest of my body in the mirror water. My pony tail was still there but now more smooth and still defying normal laws flowing as freely as ever. Lastly my tail was now wider in structure to natch that of the ponies.

"Hmm... Still no mouth." I said with disappointment."*Sigh* I guess I should get my things."

I carefully walked over to my things without falling. Levitating them with my shards I brought them to the cave. On my way over there I was starting to think my power's limit was very high and I would never reach it. It almost felt like I could do anything. Then again why can't I remember anything? Something bigger must be going on here.

I was a little happy to be back at my modest den, but I wondered how I was to store my equipment. I light lit up in my head.

"IDEA!"

I released a bunch of shards drastically making me become less smooth. The shards formed a small container that stuck to the wall. I folded my close and placed them inside. I sent out a few more to make a lit and placed it on top. The seem that was between the box and the lid disappeared pressing air out the box becoming an air tight vacuum. The lid and box were now one. With a happy nod I made long strides to get out of the cave. I quickly lost my rhyme and crashed on the ground. I ground as I picked myself up again. to take a seat on my rock which was quickly becoming my favorite place.


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It was just after school for the CMC and with a long weekend ahead do to Hearts and hooves day on Monday, and a prode day tomorrow (Friday). They were going to make the most of it. They were walking to the town center to decide on what they should try to unlock there cutie marks.

"How about Skydiving?" Suggested Scootaloo.

"We tried that already." Pointed out Sweetie Belle. "Rock Climbing?"

"We done that too." Said Apple Bloom.

All the crusaders let out a heavy sigh. They all have tried many things to get their cutie marks but all their efforts had yet to bear fruit. They were starting to lose hope.

"I'm startin to think wer not good at anythin." Said Apple Bloom lowering her head.

She wasn't alone in her feeling as all the crusaders did the same. The three fillies shared the same sadness and fear. The fear of not having a special talent. The atmosphere around the three was getting darker by the second.

"Hey Apple Bloom?" asked Sweetie Belle trying to lighten the mood. "Did you bring your ball?"

Apple Bloom raise her head.

"Ya. Why?" she asked back. Sweetie Belle's frown instantly changed into a wide smile that only came second to Pinkie herself.

"Want to play ball while we go to Zecora's!" Asked Sweetie Belle still excited. 

Apple Bloom And Scootaloo Smiled and the game began.

They passed the ball back and forth smiling and laughing. They had forgotten about there worries with cutie marks and simply enjoyed their time together. So they carried on the trail slowly but surly to Zacora's hut just being the foals they were without a care in the world. Until there ball rocketed off course into the Everfree of course.

Sweetie Belle cleared her throat trying to speak but the words did not come out. They all stared into the gape that the Ball had disappeared looking nervous. They all looked at one another with a concerned nod and took a few steps into the brush.

They were walking down a slope that the ball had found it's way on so it probably got pretty far. They side stepped down the slope keeping an eye out for the ball. But as they got further down they relaized it probably made it all the way to the bottem of the slope.

They were about to turn back when they heard a loud pop. They all looked at each other the fear clearly sowing in their faces but they dared to continue forward. And that's when they saw it.

Now the everypony in the CMC had never seen a crystal pony before but they did know that their empire has recently resurfaced thanks to  Twilight and the elements and especially Spike. But there he was a crystal stallion or at least that's what the CMC assumed. There looks of fear sifted to ones of excitement to be meeting their first crystal pony. So without further ado they stepped into the clearing with him.

The stallion turned his head to look at them. The fillies stopped in there tracks to meet his glowing blue eyes.

"You guys sure this is a crystal pony?" Asked Scootaloo still trying to break her gaze from the stallion in question.

"Ah don't know..." Apple Bloom  paused. "WAIT HE AIN'T GOT A MOUTH!!!"

All the fillies gasped as they all searched the stallions face for his none existent mouth. They did not find it.

"How is that possible?!" Asked Scootaloo

"It isn't possible!" stated Sweetie Belle

"Well it's obviously possible!" Exclaimed Scootaloo. "He's doing it right now!"

"Girls calm down!" Yelled Apple Bloom. "Y'all bein rude."

They all stopped yelling to look at the crystal. The stallion was still staring at them with it's light blue eyes. They continue to stare at one another until he cocked his head at them. The girls then notice that Apple Bloom's ball was right beside him in all its flattened glory.

All the girls looked at Apple Bloom's ball disheartened. They lowered their heads and brought them close to converse together.

"What do you girls think?"Asked Scootaloo. "Did he break Apple Bloom's ball?"

"I don't know, but he looks like a nice stallion." Responded Sweerie Belle

They all looked up to see the stallion holding up one hoof. They stared at him as he stared at the tip of his outstretched hoof. In a few moments pieces of him began to break off like glass and converge over his it. Sweetie Belle winched at the sight as she though it was painful while Apple Bloom and Scootaloo gawked at it unable to collect their words. In the air they could see a sphere beginning to form. As all the crystals flowed into it they could see its rough form smooth out until it looked perfect.

"Wha..." Said apple bloom trailing off. 

The crystal stallion looked at her causing her to shrink. He then motion his hoof to them and the sphere floated over. Once the sphere reached them it hovered in front of Apple Bloom's face and waited to interacted with. All The CMC could do was blankly stare at the The floating orb.

After a few seconds Apple Bloom placed both he front hooves on it and sat down. She felt the smooth clean serface of the sphere and looked at her friends for help.

"Don't look at me." said Scootaloo perplexed. "I am just as confused as you."

"I think he is trying to apologize for breaking the ball." said Sweetie Belle trying to sound less confused.

"Well if he wanted to apologize he could have just..." Scootaloo trailed off. "Right. no mouth."

The three fillies then looked at each other with looks of sadness plastered on their faces. They felt sorry for the stallion who was unable to speak. Tension began to built in the air again, but unlike last time it was Apple Bloom who broke the gloomy atmosphere. 

Apple Bloom Hurtled the Ball as hard as she could at the Stallion with a wide smile on her face.



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'Oh no.'

The little one with the bow was looking at the ground dejected with the rest of her little friends. I was unsure on how to proceed. With my most recent attempt to make amends failed I just sat on my boulder waiting to see what they would do. To my surprise The one that had taken the ball gave me the widest smile I had ever seen.

'Ok either she is happy with the ball or...'

She then hurled the ball at me with out warning. The ball came rocketing at me but veered to the left. I had stumble off my seat  to catch the ball before it could hit the ground.

Now on all four hooves I stared at the child balancing the ball on my head. I could see the small foal sitting again and smiling with out a care.

'Is she... Clapping her hooves?'

She was indeed clapping her hooves and her fiends were sharing her smile now as well. I looked at them with confusion unsure of what they want. The other two were waving at me and performing strange motions that I could not comprehend.

'What is it they want?' 

It finally hit me.

'They wish for me to play with them?'

I decided it would be easier to test my theory rather then ask seeing as they would not understand me. I Looked at the one with a purple mane and white coat and launched the ball at her.

She smiled catching the ball on her horn allowing it to spin on it's tip. The rest of her friends were trotting in other directions ready to receive the next pass. The white one past it to the orange one who immediately bucked it at me, but I was ready this time and swatted it back at the her with my tail.

This game continue for hours, and the foals seemed to be enjoying themselves very much. I found there trust unnerving and how easily it was to gain. Unless my disguise convincing but I doubted that.

I continued to entertain the little fillies until the sky turned a noticeable orange. The three must have decided to go home because they handed me back the ball. As i brought it back into myself I could still see the sight of awe on their faces which made me a little happy inside.

As they left into the brush they waved to me and I waved back looking happily into their grinning faces. I could not help but feel that today was a very productive day. Sure I made contact with out actually speaking but I think it went very well, I returned to my favorite seat to await night fall to further converse with Luna.

> Chapter 6: Troubled Minds
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


CHAPTER 6:
Trouble Minds



It was late in the evening in Canterlot, and the time to lower the sun and raise the moon was fast approaching. Celestia had long ago finished her duties and was reading Twilight's second report on the creature.  She was slightly disappointed to read that the creature had eluded their sights all day. Celestia let out a heavy sigh of frustration. She was not truly disappointing in her faithful student or frustrated with her she was only worried. She felt her worry was reasonable seeing as Twilight has let her sense of duty and curiosity lead her on yet another potentially dangerous trail. The low orange glow of the sunset seeped through the stained glass windows in the thrown room as she blankly stared at the letter expecting the answers of her problems to form. But her trance was broken when the thrown room doors burst open.

"Good evening dear sister!" Shouted Luna beaming with happiness. "How art thow?"

Celestia was frozen in surprise by her sister sudden outburst. She was up far earlier then she has ever been and wore a smile that was so warm it could melt a glacier. Celestia was so surprised by her bright mood she almost could not get a reply out to her.

"Good evening Luna." She started collecting her bearings. "I am doing well, but may I ask what has you up so early?"

Luna Opened her mouth to tell her the good news about her wonderful new friend but stopped remembering what he had asked her. Luna felt a cold sweat drop down her face as she realized her problem. She had promised a friend not to speak of him, but she could not very well lie to her older sister. Her hard pounded against her chest hard as she struggled to fin a solution that would not mean taking sides.

"O-Oh I was just getting an... early start that's all!" She said struggling with her words.

Celestia raised a brow at her as she assumed a defensive stance in this conversation. She knew she was acting strange even for her.

Luna saw her sister's acknowledgment on her stance. An idea popped into her head that would allow her to keep her promise to her friend and not necessarily lie to her sister. Luna noticed that her sister was going to press the matter further so with all her graceful haste she put her brilliant plan into action.

"IGOTOTGODOSOMETHING!"  She cried and with that the azure princess was gone leaving Celestia dumbfounded.

"Well that was different." Said a voice from the side of the thrown room.

Celestia turned her gaze from the open door to face Discord standing by one of the stained windows. She tried her best not to glare at the reformed Chaos god but found it hard when she did not trust him.Though thanks to Fluttershy he is easier to deal with his pranks have been far from amusing. They were down right annoying. However right now he looked to be deep in though as he gazed at the stained window as if trying to see through it. He has been like this since yesterday which troubled the sun goddess greatly. As much as she enjoyed the peace and quite Discord's unnaturally calm demeanor was to unnerving. 

"What is on your mind Discord?" She asked with sincerity in her voice. He did not answer and continued to gaze out the window. Much unlike Celestia she began to fidget at his silence. "You can talk to me." She said trying to coax him out of his mute state.

"It's not whats on my mind Tia," He turned to face her." It's whats not. Or rather what should be but isn't."

Celestia glared at Discord but eased up when she saw the sincerity on his facial expressions.

"What do you mean?"

" I don't know!" He said throwing his arms up in frustration. " I feel as though I have forgotten something important. And I mean REALLY important!" 

Celestia felt for the old god of chaos and decided it would be good for their relationship as gods as she tried to help him.

"Well Discord maybe it was not so important if you forgot?" She suggested trying to cheer him up. However he showed no signs of doing so." I am sure if it was important it will come back too you. Although I am willing to bet it's just another prank."

Discord smirked at the remark which in turned caused Celestia to smile with success. 

"Well Tia you will be the first to know should that be the case." Celestia's smile faded. "Is that a letter from Twilight?"

Discord's mood seemed to have returned to normal as he made back stroke motions to swim through the air to Celestia. Celestia was already beginning to regret her choice but answered him regardless.

"Yes. This is actually the second report on a new creature that has found it's way to Ponyville..." She paused and looked Discord sternly in the eye. "You wouldn't happen to know anything about that would you?"

Discord made a mock frown at Celestia.

"Celestia! You wound me." He exclaimed dramatically putting a claw to his chest. Celestia continued to glare daggers into him until he sighed and rolled his eyes. "But in all seriousness I have no idea what your talking about. You and your ponies should have already discovered all my little creatures. I was not very discreet with my creations after all."

Celestia Let out a sigh of relief as she rose from her thrown. "Well it is time for me to retire for the night. Good night Discord."

"Good night Tia."

With a slight nod from both the gods Discord was alone in the thrown room. Discord slithered through the air to a clear window in the back of the room and delved back into his thoughts. It did not last long though. He spotted Luna flying out the castle wearing a pair of saddle bags and a mischievous grin on her face.

"What is she up to?" Discord murmured to himself as Luna flew away.


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The sun had just set and I could see the white orb of the moon peeking on the horizon. I was waiting for Luna to show but was unsure of what time she would arrive or if she would at all. I realized my doubt was misplace as I heard the flap of wings above me.

I turned to face the dark pony as she landed in front of me gracefully and with her eyes closed. As she landed I felt the same pulse Like the first time we met. I let out a little chuckle at her dramatic entrance.

"S-Shard is that you?"

"Yes it is me."

She was eyeing my new form from my crystal hooves to my almost featureless face. She seemed puzzled and at a loss of words as her mouth opened and closed like a fish. I let out another laugh at the strange mare.

"What? Like what you see?" I asked in a mocking tone. Her cheeks immediately went red.

"N-NO. I M-MEAN Y-ES. WAIT! I D-DON'T MEAN I-IT LIKE THAT!" She was fuming from the ears unable to form coherent sentences.

"Relax I'm only joking." I said with another chuckle.

"O-Oh. Of course." She said more calmly but still stumbling on her words.

She then hastily took a seat next to me by the pond before we continued to talk the night away. I told her about all the experiments that I had conducted today especially the one about my new new form. I noticed her extreme interest in my abilities by how many questions she asked.

"So you used your shards as an extra set of eyes to observe the town?" she asked in disbelief.

"Exactly."

"How is that possible?" She asked still not buying my story.

"Every one of my shards is like a separate entity." I started grabbing her attention instantly. " Like everyone has their own mind or level of understanding. When I think about something or say give them an order they fulfill it to the best of their abilities. So it's like my mind is the ruler and my shards are my citizens."

I looked at Luna who seemed to be not entirely pleased with my explanation but at least seemed to understand the theory. I continued to tell her about my day along with the foals I had encountered who were less than scared. Luna smiled as I told her how the children reacted to me.

"It seems as though that your encounter went well." She said with a nod. "I was beginning to worry you would be having trouble with the other ponies."

I looked at her a moment with a quizzical look. She appeared to have some kind of leather sacks strapped across her back that hung at her sides. She saw what I was staring at and opened her mouth to speak.

"Ah yes I brought you something. This is a book on the crystal empire." She said pulling out a large hardcover book with a leather strap and a clear crystal bound into the cover.

"The Crystal Empire?"

"Yes. Based upon your appearance I thought you might be related to them. I brought the book to maybe help you with your memory." 

I paused. I had no idea how she knew about my memory loss and to be honest it frightened me.

"How did you know about my lack of memories?"

Her face filled with remorse as she hesitated to answer my question.

"Y-You did not seem to know anything when I first found you. About the world, the ponies, our language, and almost everything else." She said lowering her head in sadness.

There was silence between us. The only thing that could be heard was the slight rustle of leaves as the wind lightly brushed against them. I let out a heavy sigh to break the silence.

"I see. I suppose it was quite obvious." I started never breaking eye contact with Luna. "But there is no need for you to feel sad for me I am fine."

Luna let out a sigh of relief. After she had calmed down and handed me the book along with the saddle bags we continued to chat the night away with pleasant conversation until it was time to part ways again.

I made a slow trot to my dwelling all the while thinking about what would become of me. It was clear to me that I was most likely not from this world but that did not cease my curiosity for the Crystal Empire that I apparently was so similar to. I could fell drowsy as sleep crept up on me. I drifted into a dreamless sleep.



End of Chapter 6


> Chapter 7: Meeting Ponies
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


CHAPTER 7
Meeting Ponies


It was another bright day in Equestria and the Elements as well as Vinyl and Octavia were gathering at the library. They were discussing their planes to track the creature and where to busy to hear a knock on the door. However Spike being the dutiful assistant did. He trudged over to the door and opened it to see three familiar fillies. 

"Oh hey Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Bell." He greeted letting a smile slid up his face. "You know this is a public library? You don't have to knock."

The three fillies looked at each other rubbing the back of their heads sheepishly nodding.

"Well just as long as you know. Now what can I help you with?"

"Oh we would like to take out a book on The Crystal Empire." Sweetie Bell answered. "Got any of those?" Spike raise a reptilian brow.

"Well sure we got some..." He said with mild confusion. "But why would you want a book like that? I don't think it could help you get your cutie marks.

"We know that." Said Scootaloo. "It's just we met this super cool crystal pony yesterday and it was then we realized we know nothing about them."

Inside the library Rarity's ears twitched. She could have sworn she herd the refined words crystal pony at the front door, and broke off from the group of girls to investigate. The rest of the girls followed unsure of why their friend had just up and left the conversation. She arrived at the entrance to find Spike , her little sister and her friends talking.

"Excuse me Spiky, Girls." She interpreted with a cough. "Did I hear the words 'Crystal pony'"

"Ya!" Screamed Apple Bloom very excitedly. "We met him in th Everfree Forest!"

"THE EVERYFREE!" Screamed Rarity. Rarity's cry caught everyponie's attention indefinitely.

"What ever were you doing in that dreadful place Sweetie?"

"You to Apple Bloom! Wut have ah told ya about that forest?"

The two mares continued to scold their younger siblings for entering the dangerous forest with out giving a moment to voice their opinions. When they were done venting Twilight asked the girls something that was on her mind.

"Girls you said you saw a crystal pony in the Everfree?" Asked Twilight with interest. The three fillies looked at each other before answering the lavender unicorn.

"Ya." Said Apple Bloom Bluntly

"Well I would ever much like to meet this Stallion and give him a piece of my mind." Said Rarity furry present in her voice."It is one thing to live in the Everfree like Zacora, but to be one of the crystal ponies and live there. This is unacceptable and I will not stand for it!"

"Excuse me Rarity?" asked Octavia. "I don't see how thi-"

"It be best ta just go with it Octav." Said Apple Jack cutting her off. "Nothing can stop her when she gets like this. Besides we got no real leads so let's take it easy."

Octavia wanted to say something to dispute Apple Jack's comment but could not find her words. She let out a reluctant sigh and nodded.

"Alright girls can you take us to where you found this crystal pony?" Asked Twilight. The fillies nodded happily at the thought of seeing their crystal friend again.

It was only a fifteen minute walk to the path the girls had taken into the Everfree forest and they were nor leading the gang of mares off the trail into the brush. It was high noon when they reached the bottom of the hill and neared the clearing where the CMC had seen the stallion before.

"Alright he should be just beyond these bushes." Chimed Sweetie Belle.

All the ponies peaked over the hedge to look into the clearing, and sure enough there he was. He was sitting on a large stone by a crescent pond staring into the pink foliage of a single misplaced cherry blossom. All the girls except for the small fillies stared in a mixture of awe and surprise. The so called crystal pony looked nothing like the crystal ponies that the elements had seen, and to make matters worse it gave of that same braking effect of the creature they chased two days before. Before anypony could say anything the three fillies stepped out from behind the bushes and started yelling and waving at him.

The stallions ears twitched and cracked releasing more shards as he turned his head to look in the fillies direction. He cocked his head in surprise and made the motion to raise a hoof above his head. His hoof was not even at eye level when he was tackled to the ground by a spectrum of colors. The stallion hit the ground hard scattering pieces of himself like a broken window.

"Woah! Rainbow Dash what are you doing?!" Exclaimed Scootaloo.

"Stay back!" Growled Rainbow Dash. She returned her furious eyes to the creatures glowing teal ones.

"Listen ta Rainbow." Scolded Apple Jack Trotting up to the stallion.

"Hey Rainbow get off him for a minute will ya."

Rainbow Dash got off the glass stallion all the while keeping her eye on him as she stood on all fours.

"Woah girls. Let's not do anything to-" Vinyl stopped when Apple Jack pivoted on her front hooves and bucked the crystal stallion in the face. " Hasty!"

The Stallions head shattered into thousands of shards. Everypony gasped as the headless mass of crystal collapsed to the ground. Even Apple Jack looked shocked at the beheaded stallion. Nothing but silence surrounded the lifeless body. Sweetie Belle was the first to break the silence when she started crying and was soon joined in by Apple Bloom.

"WHAT THE HAY APPLE JACK?!" Screamed Vinyl. "WHY THE BUCK DID YOU KILL THAT STALLION?!"

"I-I didn't!" She retorted but looked at the motionless pony on the ground and grimaced. "I was only trying to protect my family!"

"But Apple Jack he did not even harm your sister, or mine, or even Scootaloo." Stated Rarity trying to comfort her little sister to no effect.

"But what's ta say he wouldn't hun!?" yelled Apple Jack in retaliation. "You heard Octavia's description of him! He could'a easily hurt anypony he wanted."

It was Octavia turn to step in.

"Yes I admit I was terrified of him." She said as calmly as possible. "But when I think about it if he wanted to do something to Vinyl and I he had his chance but he didn't." Apple Jack opened her mouth to comment but was stopped by Twilight.

"He also ran from us. He must have been just as scared of us as we were of him." she said in her matter of fact voice.

Fluttershy had been trying to tell the other something very important, but because of their heated argument with Apple Jack they could not hear her timid voice. Her eyes had been focused on the body while everyone else had been focused on Apple Jack. The body had moved ever so slightly. She watched in horror as the body began to pick itself up off the grass.

It was at this point that Twilight, Octavia and everypony that could see behind Apple Jack noticed the body standing up. They all had faces of shock that would have won a world record if anypony could see them. However Apple Jack did see them and felt a strong sense of paranoia creep up on her. Her face then changed to on of terror when she heard the rustle of movement behind her. Apple Jack slowly turned her head to see the pony she had though murdered standing tall and headless behind her. She let out a shrilled scream and dove forward away from the undead stallion.

Everypony watched in silence as the scattered fragments converged on him. They headed right for his neck and began to fuse together to make shapes. Apple Jack almost lost her lunch at the sight ,and had to keep a hoof firmly placed against her muzzle keep it in. The shards had finished reconstructing his head in a matter of thirty seconds but it felt more like a few minutes. His head was now perfectly perched on his head but he remained motionless.

"I-Is he ok?" Sniffled Sweetie Belle.

Just then two teal circles light up in his head rousing a gasp from everypony. They were wide with what they assumed was surprise and blinked twice. his eyes then settled on Sweetie Belle's tear stained face. He raised his Hoof above his head again and waved, this time uninterrupted.

"Well isn't he polite." Laughed Vinyl. Everypony stared at her unsure of what she meant. She let out another giggle before continuing. "The little girls were waving at him in a greeting, but when he went to do it he got tackled to the ground, and bucked in the face." Both Rainbow Dash and Apple Jacked blushed rubbing the back of their necks. Vinyl laughed again but this time really hard. Her laughter was contagious and soon everyone was doing it. Well everyone but the crystal stallion who only watched with interest.

Once they were all finished with their fits of laughter the older ones sent the CMC away so they could 'discuss grown up topics'. They were less then pleased but left when Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle decided it would be best to avoid the wrath of their sisters. When they were out of sight they all turned a curious eye to the crystal stallion.

"Do you gals think this is the thing Octi saw?" Asked Vinyl. "Looks kinds Small."

"It does have the same fragmenting effect as the one we chased through the forest." Pointed out Octavia "Twilight do you think it is possible that it can change it's form?"

"I have never heard or seen anything like this before, so I am in no position to say." She answered. Her ears perked up and a wide grin spread across her face. "Do any of you think we can sneak it into the Library?"

"Twilight I don't know if you noticed but it is standing right there." Said Rainbow Dash pointing a hoof at him. "He can hear you. Also I think somepony would notice something like this."

Twilight blushed and kicked some dirt off the ground.

"Rainbow is correct." Said Rarity trotting up to the stallion. "It is very rude of us to refer him as 'it' and not even ask his name." She stopped a few paces int front of the stallion and bowed. When she lifted her head she saw that he had imitated her bow. Rarity smiled at the gesture. "So what is your name dear?"

The stallion only stared at her.

"Come on mister crystal what's your name?" Asked Pinkie as she made a dash for him. "Doyoulikepie? Ohhowaboutmuffins? Myfavoritearetheblueberrymuffins. Doyoulikemusic? OctaviaandVinylarereallygoodmusitionsyoushouldlistentothemplay." The pink menace let a flurry of information roll out of her mouth without stopping to breath. "But anyway my name is Pinkie Pie. Now lets get a smile on your fa..." She trailed off.

"Pinkie He does not have a mouth I don't think he can answer us even if he wanted to." Pointed out Twilight feeling sorry for the mute stallion. Pinkie look back at Twilight with anger in her face which surprise everyone.

"Forget that Twily! He can't even smile!" She said with a pout.

"Um sir?" Asked Octavia. "Can you understand us?"

The stallion only stared at her blinking and cocking his head. Everypony realized that not only could he not talk he could not understand them as well. Everypony took on a miserable face at this realization. Apple Jack's was especially sad because of the guilt of bucking him in the face.

"Rarity can you go to your boutique and grab a dark cloak that would cover his whole body. I have a plan to get him to the library." Said Twilight


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


'Well today was certainly interesting.'

I was sitting in the clearing watching the ponies as they talked to one another. However the orange one has not taken her eyes of me ever since I stood back up. Her stare was less scornful then before, and seemed to be filled with more regret then before.

'Those massive eyes make conveying emotions really convenient.'

I heard the rustle of bushes as the white one with the purple mane left the clearing with the overly pink one and the rainbow one. That left five mares staring at me. Only the orange one seemed particularly weary of me, but that was understandable.

I was surprised when the pony I had first met approached with a calm face with the lavender one and the one with the heavy shades. They seemed to be very curious of me. Hours passed as the lavender pony poked my body and held my shards in a magenta glow. I assumed that had something to do with her having a horn like Luna.

As she observed my shards in the telekinetic grip I observed her observing. I chuckled in my mind at the thought. After a few hours the sun was getting close to setting, and the three that had left were returning. I could see an irritated look in the cyan pony. She seemed to be arguing with the white mare that was holding something in her blue aura grip. She seemed to be disappointed with what her winged friend had said. She quickly trotted up to me with her head held high. She approached me with a smile on her face and covered me in the material she was holding. It was black as night and very light with a small about of yellow trimming. I turned my head to get a good look at it. It was long enough to cover almost my entire body blocking sight of my crystal body. At the neck were two yellow strings that kept in place and allowed me to pull up the hood.

I returned my gaze too look at the mare who had given me this gift. She was simply beaming with happiness. Her eyes looked at me expectantly as her smile took up a vast portion of her face. I was starting to feel nervous but did my best to bow deeply. It had a greater result then expected when she squeal very loudly.

After the gift I received I went to my cave all the while the mare I had first met was watching me. When I received the cloak I had a feeling where this was going so I went to retrieve the saddle bags and book Luna had given me. I took off my new cloak to strap on my saddle bags. When I put the cloak back on I could not help but feel that it was familiar in some way.

I exited my cave to see all the ponies standing very close to it. A few raised a brow to me seeing the two bulges under the cloak. The white one with the shades was daring enough to come over and lift up my cloak to reveal to all my saddle bags. They all seemed to have their curiosity quenched except for the lavender one, but regardless motioned for me to follow.

It was a short walk out of the forest and to the edge of the small town. As we entered the towns streets the eight ponies closed in around me crating a protective box. I think they were trying to hide me, and thanks to it being late in the day it was working. 

We soon neared a large tree that a appeared to be hollow. The lavender pony opened the door and yelled something I could not understand. The first thing that caught my attention when I entered was the huge amount of books filling the shelves. There must have been hundreds. I was going to examine them further but the lavender unicorn was beckoning me into the basement. I obeyed and walked down the stairs into the darkness. The ponies did not follow me but instead stayed upstairs. I could hear them talking to one another so I got comfortable on a mattress that was laying on the ground.

I jumped into the air when I felt something touch me. I looked around the room searching for the thing that had touched me but saw nothing. I felt it again, but this time I was alert and noticed that it was not my body that was touched. My eyes widened with retaliation as I taped my voice and ears into the chest in my cave.

``Luna is that you?" I asked

"AH!" Screamed a familiar feminine voice. "S-Shard I hear tho but do not see tho. Where art tho?"

I chuckled at my original body so she could not hear me. "Luna I am speaking to you through the chest you touched. I can not speak to you in person because I was found by some ponies and smuggled into town." I told her what had happened to me today, but left out getting kicked in the face. I was still embarrassed about that.

"Ah I see. Well Shard I hope to see you again, but until then I wish you luck in Ponyville." She said leaving the cave.

"Alright Luna see you later." I called after her.

Once her footsteps faded away I was assaulted by a wave of pain. I clutched my head as I felt my consciousness slipping. This was a similar feeling I had when I first remember a piece of my past.

'I'm going to remember something' I thought before I passed out on the mattress.

> Chapter 8: The Rest of Them
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


CHAPTER 8
The Rest of Them


I stood out side my new barracks with my small amount of personal items sluing over my shoulder. That is the one thing I was always thankful for about my form. Military issued uniform and other gear did not apply to me so I always had very little to keep track of.

This is the first day I will be meeting the rest of my squad. The comment that Lorry had made in the transport resurfaced in my mind. I wonder what kind of wacky names the rest of them had.

I reached a taloned had for the door knob and turned it. I stepped into the barracks only to be greeted with silence. It wasn't silent because everyone was eyeing up the fresh meat. It was silent because there was no one in here. Well no one except Lorry who gave me a warm smile.

"Oh hey Shard." She greeted "Sorry to say but the rest of the gang is out and about doing whatever so your stuck with me."

"That's ok I don't mind your company." I said placing my small duple bag in the corner. " But if you don't mind me asking is your... our squad always this punctual?"

Lorry laughed at my obvious show of sarcasm and shuck her head. "Your gonna take back those words when you meet everyone else. Then you'll just think were crazy." She rose from her bunk and walked to the door. "Well shall we go see your future inmates?"

"Gladly." I chuckled.

Lorry Let me into a large complex filled with vehicles of all types. The war machines were  either under repair or waiting for their next excursion in the hangers.

"So is one of our squad mates a engineer or something." I asked.

"No he isn't" She chuckled. "But you could say he shares some traits with the things in here."

If my face could show confusion then that's definitely what Lorry saw as she laughed at my face.

We stopped in front of a set of hanger doors that had some graffiti on it. When I leaned in it read 'Only in death does duty end. Even in death I still serve.'. I was going to ask how such graffiti could be overlooked by other officers but Lorry was already sliding the door open.

It was dark inside the hanger we blindly walked into.

"Hey Golem wake up!" Shouted Lorry cupping her hands over the sides of her mouth.

Shortly after I heard a groan and the movement of something very large. The lights started to illuminate a large pile of all kinds of metal. The rest of the hanger had scattered pieces of all kinds strung about the walls and floor space. Against one particular pile rose a massive metal figure. Small gears and other assorted junk fell from his body as he rose too his feet.

"Lorry sometimes I wish you were scared of me like the rest of the marines." Said the giant figure who was presumably Golem.

"Awww." Lorry faked a whine. "But where would be the fun in all the peace and quite you would get."

"God forbid you'd make me happy." Golem glared at her. He walked over to us and shifted his gaze to me once he towered over me. "And who is this fine gentleman?"

I was not sure if he was being sarcastic or being genuinely pleasant, But I decided it was the later.

"My name is Shard I will be joining your squad as of today." I answered with a salute.

"Well it is nice to meet you Shard, and please don't salute me." He said raising a hand to shake mine. "We are all brothers and sisters in arms now."

He wrapped his hand around mine and gently gave it a shake before returning to his piles to begin sorting through them. I stared at him as he walked away until Lorry gave me a poke and pointed outside.

"So what do you think?" She asked when we were walking again.

"About what? How tall he was or him in general?" I asked with a laugh.

"Alright smart guy now you answer both." She said returning my tone with a smirk.

"Ok I think he is at least nine feet tall." I started " But he seems like quite the gentlemen if you take out his massive metal body out of the picture. He's a cyborg right?"

"Yes but a very extreme form of one. The only thing Human about him is his brain that is inside that metal body."

We continued to walk in silence for some time. As we passed the last hanger a red blur rammed into me knocking me too the floor. The thing that rammed into my landed hard on my chest.

"Ouch!" yelled a high pitched voice.

I looked at my chest to she a small girl who looked to be no older then seventeen  sitting on my waist holding her head. She wore a a red hooded cloak with a white blouse underneath with a red skirt to go with her cloak. I could see past the hooded girl to see Lorry fighting back laughter and tears of joy.

"Oh sorry mister!" yelled the girl as she sprung off me. "Your not hurt are ya?" 

I could not see most of the girls face but I could tell that she was surprise by her mouth gestures.

" I guess not." She said with a smile reviling a tooth that seemed sharper then it should be.

"Well Red good to see your taking the insensitive with the men." Piped up Lorry no longer apple to contain her laughter.

The girl frowned and turned her back to me to face Lorry.

"And what do you mean by that?!" She cried

"Well seeing as you wasted no time to mount our new squad mate is all." She said teasing her. "I feel the need to inform you that 'squad mate' and 'mate' are two completely different things."

Lorry was almost unable to stand let alone breath between her laughter and making fun of this girl who was apparently in my squad. I was trying to wrap my mind on how this young girl was in my squad. She hardly looked to be military material.

"Y-Y-You SLUT LEAVE ME ALONE!." She stammered running down the lane of hangers.

"Alright sweetie see you at the barracks!" she yelled after her still in her teasing tone.

I starred down the road where the girl had disappeared.

"Who was that, and was that really necessary?" I asked hardly hiding my stern tone.

"That was Little Red she is on of our squad mates, and yes. Yes it was." She answered with the signature smirk.

I decided to not press the matter assuming this must be the norm in this small family. We continued to the small section of the base that was used to unwind. We stopped at the entrance to a bar that was called 'Hell's Pit Stop'. On the inside it was poorly lite, and stained from spilled drinks from the floor too the ceiling. It was here I spotted some trouble.

"Well freak whats it gonna be?" asked a marine who clearly had to much to drink.

In most cases this would not be a problem, but he was not alone. He was accompanied by 4 other drunk soldiers trying to pick a fight with a lone man in a dark corner of the bar.

"Ya Frea -hic- k. Another table or -hic- broken bones."

The man did not answer. He took his mug and chugged the remaining contents  into his gullet.

"Well for you fine gentlemen I pick operation three." He said with malice. "All of the above but for the other party."

Without warning one marine threw a punch at him. The man deflected it with ease and kicked him in the knee bringing him down into his knee.he then rolled over his back side kicking another in he head and spinning around him to German suplex him on a table. The last three jumped in to help their friends to late while the man took up a defensive stance. However being drunk the marines did not wait for an opening, and as a result one was thrown out a window. The other two were delt with in a quick and elegant fashion with a series of flips.

In the mess of the bar groans of pain could be heard, but the bartender didn't seem to care. Must be a natural occurrence.

"Hell Yay! Black Light you showed em!" Cheered Lorry

Black light turned his gaze to use with his eyes locking on me. He examined me from the shadows, and in turn I examined him.

I could not make out his facial features because he kept it in the darkness of the bar. He wore a button up long sleeve shirt with the sleeves pulled up to his elbows and a messy color. His pants were not standard issue military gear by any means. The pants were more like black fiber of some kind with nozzles sitting at his ankles and knees. There also was some thin tubing embedded underneath the armor with some clear material. Inside the tubes was a luminescent orange fluid. I also noted that there was this same fluid was creeping up his arms and neck. there were some around his eyes as well.

"So he's the new guy?" Black Light asked still eyeing me up.

"Yup" Lorry responded happily.

"Shit!" He said stepping out of the shadows to reveal his short brown hair and a tattoo of a design I had never seen before. "Looks like I owe you fifty bucks."

"What were you two betting on?" I asked as Black Light handed Lorry some cash.

"Oh we had a bet weather you would be the strangest thing to enter our squad." She said still smiling.

'Wow this girl's indecency knows no bounds.'

"Hey Black Light want to come with Shard and I to meet the mighty mage?" Asked Lorry nudging him in the side.

Black Light looked around the destroyed bar before nodding. When we walked out Black Light placed some more money on the bar counter. The bar tender nodded at him almost ritually.

"Wait did you say his name was Shard?" asked Black Light raising a brow.

"Yes I did... Fuck." She reached into her pocket and withdrew the fifty she had just received. Then then placed it into Black Light's hand who gave her a smug grin.

"Really? You bet on my name too?"

"Yes..." said Lorry looking depressed for having to return her winnings to Black Light.

We continued to make small talk as we walked. I soon learned that Black Light had a very dirty mind. He was always cracking sex jokes or something else equally as insulting. Lorry seemed to enjoy it very much while I just starred strait ahead. I also learned that the glowing orange fluid in his armor and flesh was the unexplained substances that was discovered twenty one years ago.

The substance was name "Will" in honor of it's discoverer William Gaze. The Will reacted to the world like nothing ever discovered before. It seemed to be powerful in it's own way, but when scientists went to test on them they found that it was rare for two specimens to have the same effect as another. Some would light fires easily, give off an infinite amount of electricity, while others could absorb an immeasurably amount of damage.

It was at this discover that military groups around the world took interest in it's capabilities. The people they began to infuse them with were called mages or other names similar to that because of there unprintable abilities.

"Were here." Said Black Light motioning to the structure in front of us.

It was the troops training facility. We entered to see a few marries on the training equipment trying to further themselves. Lorry and Black Light walked passed them with out even glancing at them. I followed them into a observatory that overlooked a oval room with one man standing in the middle.

The man fashioned an old pointed hat that sagged bending the tip down, and on the sides covering most of his face, He also wore a tight gray t-shirt with some kind of overalls. The man had glowing blue veins that trailed up his arms and what little I could see of his face. Unlike Black Lights Will veins this man's were many and wide.

The man walked away from the center of the room which means he had finished the simulation before we could watch. He then joined us in the observation room and flashed us a smile.

"You must be the new addition to my squad." He said approaching me. "My name is Albracax" He bowed deeply.

:"My name is Shard. You seem to be quite the powerful mage."

Black Light Scoffed. "You don't know the half of it."

"I am Albracax, but that is enough about me. I am sure you have learned much about my squad, and revealed no info on yourself."

I let out a heavy sigh and got ready to tell them about my abilities. "For starters Just like you and Black Light I was effused with the Will as well. My body reacted very differently as you can no doubt see." I motioned towards myself. "But unlike you can't us it the way you all can. When my body changed into this I lost all ability to do different Will abilities and was restricted to the manipulation of my own body." I sent out a few shards that formed into 7 small cubes and lifted a pen off a near by table in their unnatural magic field. "However in addition to this I am extremely resistant to other's Will and regenerate at a fast rate."

Black Light Whistled at me. "Wow talk about a fair fight."

"Well Shard it is nice to have you in my squad I look forward to working with you." He raised a hand and we Shook.

'They don't seem that bad.'
> Chapter 9: Welcome to Ponyville
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


CHAPTER 9
Welcome to Ponyville



Spike let out a fiery green burp. Spike on reflex rushed over to Twilight and roused her from her slumber. She groggily looked at the scroll through a half open eye.

"Spike what is it..." Her eyes shot open and she grabbed the scroll in the magic holding it in front of her face.

To my faithful student,

Twilight I am most pleased to hear that you have captured the creature, and I am very interested to find in your writing that it seems to have a certain degree of intelligence as well as powers that cannot be explained. I am relieved that it submitted so easily to capture lowering the risk of it to my little ponies. I am afraid to say that I cannot come immediately to inspect him, but I have other duties to attend to. I will be able to come on Monday to see the creature in question. Seeing you write about it's passive nature I believe you should have no trouble keeping an eye one him.

Your teacher

Princess Celestia

Twilight Rolled the scroll back up and went downstairs to grab some breakfast. Spike had already finished making hers and was sitting at the dinning table chewing on a emerald. She slowly chewed on her salad wondering what she was going to do with this stallion for two days. Spike had already asked a number of questions last night about their new guest but realized that not much was known about the strange creature. The creature unsettled Spike greatly but decided that it would be best to just avoid him during his stay. Twilight on the other hand was anxious to learn more about him so she went into the basement to find him.

She descended the stairs to see him laying on the mattress. The glow in his eyes was no longer there leading Twilight to believe he was asleep. Twilight spotted his affects in the corner of the room and grew curious on what his saddle bags contained. Twilight felt the pain of guilt set in just at the thought of looking at his things with out permission , but set that aside seeing how curious she was.

She opened both sides of the saddle bag only to find one item inside. It was a hard cover book. Twilight raised a brow and pulled it out with her magic. She read the title.

"The crystal empire..." Twilight's questioning gaze fell on the crystal stallion. Questions rushed her mind as she looked over his sleeping body. 'Can he read? Is he actually a pony or related to the crystal empire?!' Her mind ravaged in the realm of possibility with no real answers.

"Twilight the others are here with those two musicians." Called Spike from upstairs breaking Twilight from her trance.

Twilight shook her head. "Alright I will be right up!" She called back carrying the book up with her.

Everypony saw her enter from the basement with a face full of confusion. 

"So..." Started Vinyl trying to break the silence. "How is our little crystal shape shiftier?"

"Yes how is he?" Asked Octavia 

"Oh he's um..." She paused to think. "Sleeping. I think."

"Twilight dear. What do you mean you think?" Asked rarity.

"Well he is completely unresponsive to all my actions..." Everypony in the room starred flatly at. "Ok more then usually. Plus his normally glowing teal eyes are not there anymore."

"W-Well that's nice to hear he's getting some rest." Said Flutershy

"No Flutershy you don't get it." Twilight said shaking her head lightly. "He has no flesh, no sense of pain and possibly other senses, and from what I can tell has no organs or bodily fluids."

"Twilight what are you getting at?" Asked Octavia thinking about the strange creature in question.

"This creature should not have a need for sleep, and yet it seems to be doing just that!" Said Twilight passing furiously. "This creature spits on the face of all Equestrian science, and logic."

"So?" Asked Rainbow. "That must mean he's from a different world right?"

Twilight shook her head again. "That's what I thought too but this creature has just presented something that can't be ignored."

"What do you mean Twily?" Asked Pinkie in an unnaturally calm mood.

"I found this book on the crystal empire in his bag." She said levitating it for all to see.

"Wow Twilight. Never took you for a snoop." Said vinyl with a smile.

"What?! no I-"

"Dear it is not lady like to go through somepony else's personal effects." Supported Rarity.

"But I-"

"I have to agree with Vinyl and Rarity Twilight." Continued Octavia. "But what could have possessed you to do such a thing?"

As Twilight tried to explain her actions no pony was aware that the crystal stallion had made his way up stairs. Spike tried disparately to get their attention when it approached him. Spike whimpered under the hypnotic blue gaze he was giving him. All of Spike's attempts to speak were destroyed under his intense gaze.

Fortunately for him just like yesterday Flutershy noticed. She pointed over Twilight shoulder gathering all the others attention. It was Twilight's turn to act hastily. Her face filled with anger when she saw he assistant cowering under the crystal stallion. She charged her magic getting ready to strike the stallion.

"Twilight please wait!" Octavia jumped in front of her.

"Octavia?! Move aside!" She shouted

Octavia shook her head. "We have wrongly accused this stallion once already! It would be foolish to do so a second time!" 

They glared at each other but stopped when they realized the stallion was no longer starring down Spike. In fact he was standing right next to Octavia causing her to jump.

"O-Oh hello?" She asked

He looked up at her pointing a hoof at her. Octavia looked at him confused. He then pointed to the book that was still floating then to Twilight.

"Twi ah recon he wants that book back." suggested Apple Jack

"R-Right of course here you go." She stammered bringing the book in front of his face.

The stallion stomped one hoof on the ground releasing a dozen pieces of himself. The pieces surrounded the book and to Twilight surprise canceling out her levitation spell. The book remained in the air floating in an invisible field. He then placed it in his saddle bags and through his cloak on.

"Ah what's he doing?" Asked Vinyl as he walked to the door.

Before he could reach the door Rainbow landed in front of him blocking his path. "And where do you think your going?"

The stallion only stopped for a moment before trying to walk around her. Rainbow simply side stepped to obstruct his path once again. He cocked his head at her, then pointed at himself and then at the door. Rainbow shook her head.

"Your not going anywhere." she said flatly.

Much to Rainbows annoyance the stallion starred at her then repeated his motions.

"Hey maybe we should let him outside." Suggested Vinyl.

"Are yo crazy?!" Shouted Rainbow from in front of the stallion causing his eyes to widen.

"Actually Rainbow I agree with Vinyl." Said Twilight.

"Not you too Twilight!" Rainbow turned her head to Apple Jack. "Your with me on this right AJ?"

AJ turned her head to meet the stallion's eyes looking into her's. She starred into them trying to find out what he was thinking. It frightened her when she could not see his intentions. She first thought it was because he was hiding them. But she then realized it was because they simply were not there. His emotions, thoughts, desires, his... soul. They just weren't there. Apple Jack let a cold shiver take hold of her.

"Ah Don't know." She said turning her eyes to Rainbow's. "He doesn't seem like he want to hurt anypony."

"You can't be serious." Rainbow dash frowned.

"Come Rainbow he should be fine." Encouraged Octavia walking up to the stallion with Vinyl and Twilight who nodded at her.

"Fine." She mumbled stepping a side.

Octavia and Twilight nodded at the stallion motioning to follow. He looked at them and bowed deeply causing her and Twilight  to blush. Vinyl saw the crimson on their cheeks and let out a quite giggle


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'Alright it seems they are giving me a tour of the town.'

The Rainbow one was intent on keeping me in the home, but I seemed to have gained some trust from the others. I was being guided through the town by the grey pony, the white unicorn with the shades, the lavender one who took my book, and the grey one who stood up for me. The others left the library to do other things I suppose.

When I think back Luna giving me that book was rather pointless. I can't read it after all. I am going to have to find my own way around this language barrier.

We walked through the populated streets of the town while the ponies went about their businesses. I was drawing lots of attention from them however. I shared the mares nervousness who led me. Maybe this was not such a good idea. I shook my head banishing the nervous feeling. As long as I stay cloaked I should be fine.

The town was rather simple but pleasant. The buildings were mostly constructed out of wood, stone, and hay for roofs. The town had many stall as well as buildings that served as shops. I made note of a large number of heart decorations around the town. The inhabitants seemed to be acting strange as well. I saw many stallions cheeks beet red as well as some mares. The stallions bowed and sometimes came baring gifts.

'must be some kind of tradition going on soon. Perhaps I should attempted to partake in it. I may lower tensions if I do so.'

The rest of the tour gave little in terms of information it was mostly the same seen over and over. But I made use of the time to make a mental map of the town's layout to better traverse it later.

When we came to one store the lavender unicorn stopped us. She spoke with the other two before turning to me with a nervous look. She scratched the back of her head and motioned for me to stay out side. She waited for a response from me.

Bow had worked well so far so I did one of those and she smiled and nodded at me, while the three mares walked into the store.

I waited there for a few minutes starring at two stores across the street. One had a musical instrument above the door and the other had a musical note. For some reason I felt nostalgic just looking at them. Their was a strong urge to go to them, but I did not want to betray the trust of the mares I had gained. My resolve was soon rewarded when the mares walked out of the store carrying small bags.

We made our way to the what I assumed was the library when the unicorn with the shades and the gray pony parted ways. It was now just myself and the lavender unicorn that arrived at the library. We entered and I saw that same purple lizard I was so interested in again. He seemed to be wary of me so I decided to leave him alone.

I walked over to a window and watched the sunset.

> Chapter 10: Does Music Tame the Beast?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


CHAPTER 10
Does Music Tame the Beast


Octavia walked with Vinyl to their home chatting about the days events with the stallion.

"He is rather polite." Commented Octavia. "If he could talk I would be very interested in what he would have to say."

"Uh hun..." Vinyl seemed uninterested. "He seems kinda boring to me, but it's nice to see you like him so much."

Octavia shook her head at her room mates obvious and weak attempt to poke fun at her. They continued their mindless conversation until they reached their home where they ate their modest diner.

"So Vinyl what are you up to later tonight?" Asked Octavia wiping her muzzle with a napkin.

"I think I'm just going to go to bed." She said through a stretch. "I'm kinda beat thanks to that crystal stallion."

"Well goodnight Vinyl."

"Night Octi."

Octavia walked over to the living room and saw her cello lying against the wall. Octavia thought about the last time she played. She had not played since the creature had appeared. She decided to get herself back into practice as she might be a little rusty.

She walked over to a window and cracked it open allowing the fresh night are to flow inside freely. She gazed outside to look upon the glistening stars. They were beautiful as always. Octavia nodded then walked to the center of the room grabbing her cello.

"Ok let's start with something easy." She said and began to play. 

She hit every note like it was nothing. The music flowed effortlessly like water in a stream. The atmosphere around Octavia was so peaceful it could put a dragon to rest, and the crystal stallion could vouch for that as he watched from the windowsill. 

He had gone out for a midnight stroll when he heard the beautiful sound emitting from this home. He sprouted a pair of wings and flew up to the second story window to find the grey earth pony. He quietly crept in to stand in front of her. The music soothed him very much.

Octavia was unaware of her audience until he went to sit down. She jumped at the sound of the sudden crack. When she saw the Crystal stallion sitting in front of her she let out a muffled scream as she tried to stop herself. The stallion himself looked shocked by the sudden stop in music and her out burst.

They starred at one another in silence.

The silence was broken when Octavia spoke. "W-Would you like to listen?" The creature did not respond. "Oh that's right you can't understand me." Octavia felt sorry for the difficult stance he was in, but Octavia did not give up. Octavia pointed at him then at her instrument then to her ears. The stallion under stood then nodded.

"Ok maybe something a little more intense then." She began to play while watching the stallion.


She watched the stallion watch her play. In her eyes the stallion was enticed by her music like a proton to a electron. He lowered his head and visibly relaxed. This in turn cause Octavia to relax as she lost herself in the music. She let her mind empty until there was nothing, nothing but the music. When her eyes were closed the enchanting atmosphere around her grew in strength. In this sate she was lost. Lost in the sea of sound. This was her natural state as a musician. It was a part of herself that rarely came out. She was in her own world. The land of Equestria drifted away from her as she was the ruler of this world. The world of sound, of music.

She was only broken from her trance when she heard Vinyl exit her room. She was about to ask something but Octavia cut her off with a light hiss.

"Whoa Octi what's wrong." she asked as she approached from the hallway.

Octavia cocked her head when she entered motioning it to the resting crystal stallion. Vinyl pupils shrunk when she saw him. She was not afraid of him. What she saw was a beautiful sight. A stallion of glass with a few shards floating in the air. The curtains behind him would cover his body with every light breeze then retract revealing his peaceful form. The sight was only amplified by Octavia's graceful swaying and her music. Vinyl took a seat on the living room couch to simply take in the moment. 

So there they were. Three different entities trapped in a moment of supreme grace and peace. The passage of time appeared to be none existent for the three creatures. It was like time had stopped just so they could be there for that purpose.

Just as before Octavia played without flaw for her small audience. She only opened her eyes when a knock was heard.

"Just keep playing Octi I'll get it." Vinyl got up and quietly walked to the door.

She opened the door to see the six elements of harmony. Vinyl knew why they were here and silenced them before they could speak. She motioned for them to follow.

They looked confused but did as the unusually calm DJ asked. She led them to the living room where they witnessed the same sight she had.

Octavia was in an exceptionally powerful mood right now unable to detect their presence.  The other elements could not help but stare at the scene before them. It was intense yet calm and beautiful. Like snakes to the flute the girls felt hypnotized by the art in front of their eyes and ears. They all took seats around the room and drank in the moment.

Their past worries had vanished at the sight of the relaxed stallion. As they listened to  Octavia's music their eyes drifted from the stallion to her and back. The aura around the two were completely different ,but mixed like hot and cold air creating a tornado of emotions. All the mares minds were drawn further, and further in as Octavia played.

No speech was conveyed. There would be no words that any of them could say to explain or make this moment better. Everypony could feel their spirits being drawn into Octavia's. They melded creating a general understanding where no words would need to be spoken to one another. Everypony followed Octavia's example and closed their eyes letting their own imaginations take hold. 

Everypony's mind thought of different scenarios that fit with the music.

Apple Jack Though of flourishing fields of all sorts of produce. She would walk down the endless rows of them in the morning felling the fresh cold dew under her hooves.

Twilight thought of a pair of dancers. Their motions where captivating and perfect as they circled each other on the marble floor. They never broke eye contact as they performed flawlessly.

Rarity had roughly the same idea as Twilight was much more extravagant. She was dancing with a particularly handsome stallion that wore a suit to match the dress she had masterfully stitched together.

Flutershy envisioned herself deep in the woods. Around her were hundreds of colorful birds singing in harmony. The birds would perform their aerial acrobatics as she herself twirled. 

Rainbow Dash Dreamed she was flying faster then she had ever before. The landscape around her was a colorful blur as her powerful wings beat.

In Vinyl's head she floated in empty space. Auroras of all colors streamed past her spreading warm over her body. Over head different hues of blue exploded and rained down on her like the sparks fireworks.

Lastly Pinkie was having a difficult time trying to be a part of the atmosphere. She tried hard to think of something to add, but when ever she got close she would lose the balance and return to the bubbly self. In the end she just closed her eyes and pretended she was deep in thought.

Each pony dreamed of something different all with the same feel. Every image was added to the atmosphere and melded together enhancing the aura around Octavia further.

This continued for a full hour. Finally Octavia hit the last note and the song ended. She let out a sight and opened her eyes seeing a much larger audience then was initially there. They all looked at her with smiles on their faces causing her to blush.

"That was absolutely beautiful Octavia" Spoke Twilight "It was so... Intense I could feel the passion and concentration."

The others all agreed and comment along the same lines.

"That is very kind of all of you." She said bowing. "But I wonder what our crystal friend thought of it." 

They all turned to the crystal stallion who still laying on the ground. Their eyes filled with concern once more when they saw small streams of clear liquid falling down his rough cheeks. He was crying in his sleep.
> Chapter 11: Two down
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


CHAPTER 11
Two Down


I had learned much about my squad in the passing months. They were all very skillful and more capable then I had first thought. What made them efficient was their ability to function as team. Something I truly wished to be a part of.

They had treated me as part of a family that had just been given a new brother. At first I could not understand how I felt about them, but as time passed I grew to them. They were all unique and friendly. I would give my life to save anyone of theirs should the need present itself.

Lorry was the teams 'eyes' from afar as well as our guardian angel. She would often hang back a few kilometers and keep an eye on enemy movement, and when I say a few kilometers I mean around five to seven. And this distance did not hinder her shooting what so ever. This one time Black Light sighted a scout two kilometers ahead of us, and was going to tell his superiors of our location. At the time Lorry was six kilometers behind us making the total distance eight, but she scored a head shot anyway shrugging off the feat like she had done better.

Golem was a hard hitter (as expected for his size). Something that made him unique was how he changed his body. He would equip himself with different equipment or 'Load outs' as he calls them based on what was required for the mission. He took true to his roots as an engineer and often created new weapons and gadgets to test out in the field. He was also a damn good hacker too. He once hacked the enemies computer systems mid battle just to find where their armory was so he could help himself later.

The mysterious young girl 'Little Red' was just a child as I had expected. She was always full of energy and smiling except when Black Light and Lorry where poking fun at her. She was easily angered by those two as I soon found out when Little Red sucker punched Black Light through a wall. From that point on I found she was more versed in combat then I would have liked. She would practically throw herself at the enemy in a bloodied frenzy. It was hard to watch such a young girl take lives when she grinned like a mad women. I wanted to help her but Albracax insisted he do it himself.

Black Light was similar to Lorry in many ways. He was keen to keep himself concealed, he had a vulgar sense of humor, and enjoyed picking on Little Red. Despite all this he was a credit to the team. He only used his will to cloak himself, or to enhance his speed and reflexes. He said he was not very good at using his will and this was all he could do. Albracax often nagged him about training in the will to improve it, but Black Light would always give him the cold shoulder. During missions he acted much like lorry, but in much closer proximity to us or the enemy.

Finally our leader. Albracax was as much a leader to use as he was a father. Everyone including me held nothing but respect for him. He was kind, intelligent, and powerful. There was not a thing about him I could complain about. Before the mission he would always brief on us the importance of each objective, but then tell us nothing was more important then coming back home alive. He held us together like a family. He was also the strongest user of will I have ever seen. Like a wizard strait out of a novel he would weave spells with massive areas of effect. Sometimes glowing ominousness circles with varying symbols with in them. I am glad to be fighting with him instead of against. If I were he could without a doubt end me.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I had just finished yet another mission with my squad. Lorry had not reported in, and I was sent to check on her last known location. Black Light was convinced she was just napping from the easy tasks of this excursion, but Albracax wanted me to check anyway.

I descended upon Lorry's last known location, and retracted my wings when I landed. She did not call out to me so I assumed that either Black Light was right or she had moved. I let out a irritated sigh and began my search. 

I had to give it too her though. She was very good at what she does. She left no imprint on where she had lain and no traces on where she had went. At least that would have been the case if I did not spot some broken branches leading into the brush.

I followed the trail of tracks through the foliage.

"This is very sloppy of her. She was never so rushed to leave this much evidence behind."

I reached the end of the trail to witness something I did not expect. There levitating in the air was a creation of metal I had never seen. It's overall shape was the same as mine if not an exact copy. It had the sane taloned hands and feet only instead of being roughly edged they were smooth metal until it came to the slicing end. Like Black Light's armor It had parts where I could clearly see red Will liquid running through them. It also utilized a pair of skeletal wings with red aura surrounding them. It's tail wiped back and forth  when it turned it's head to me revealing It's red optics. My eyes drifted from it's to the thing it held high in the air.

In it's right talon was the broken and bloody body of Lorry. What happened next was instinctive.

I launched a spear at her right elbow. It let Lorry fall and with one powerful beat of it's wings it placed itself high above me. I dropped my body as low to the ground as I could catching Lorry before she hit the ground. I fired more spears out of the two slits in my trench coat to seek the enemy, just to keep it away from me for a moment. It did the trick as the metal mass of power dodged from left to right to avoid getting stabbed.

With the nuisance at bay I turned my attention to Lorry. She had seen better days. She had multiple fractures along her left arm as well as her left leg, she was bleeding badly all over, and had 2nd and 3rd degree burns on her right shoulder and back. I laid her down gently and checked for a pulse. There was none. Like the day I woke up after my Will injection a single tear rolled down my crystal cheek.

Not even wiping it away I turned to my enemy with the fire of hatred burning strong. Not a moment to soon either, it had just prepared a bolt of raw Will and set it off destroying my last spear. I spread my wings once more taking to the air.

The metal construction wasted no time. It started launching Will attacks of all sorts at me. I banked from left to right avoiding hot beams of light, balls of energy, and lances of ice all to close the gap between us. Letting out a a cry of rage I swiped my blade arm at it's waist. It dived down to escaped the blade but I was not going to let it get away that easily. With another flap of my wings I sent a hail of spears after it. 

It performed a series of barrel rolls and flips trying it's best to avoid the spears intent on impaling it. I dived after my spears to close the gap once more. The metal body had to use it's Will to destroy the last two spears making a cloud of shards. I dived through the cloud causing the murderer to shift backwards. It was to late for it however. 

I grabbed hold of it's right wrist and with my right arm brought down the blade on it's neck. It ducked down just in time to avoid the edge, but that did not stop it from connecting with it's right shoulder. The blade sliced through it with little resistance severing the arm from it's body.

"AHHHHHHH!" cried a feminine voice as red Will fluid burst forth from the open tubes.

I was about to deliver the final blow when I noticed the many blue circles that surrounded us. Dropping the machine arm I snapped out of my furious stated and made a mad dash down to the earth below. I could see Albracax with his hands outstretched in the sky surrounded by a light blue aura. I narrowly escaped the area when he threw his hands down.

I could see the the enemy operative be engulfed in a flurry of blue beams. I landed on the ground and Albracax ran over to me.

"Shard are you alright?!" I nodded averting my eyes from him. "Where's Lorry?" I shook my head and pointed to the corpse laying twelve meters away.

Before he could run over to Lorry I jumped in front of him forming a very compact shield on my arm making my body very rough. A red beam collided with my new shield and almost destroyed it. WE both let out a gasp and looked up to see her floating down from the sky.

The red field of Will that surrounded her dissipated when she touched down on the ground. We both starred in disbelief at the arm that I had severed. It had been replaced with one entirely composed of Will. It was at this time that Golem, Red, and Black Light showed up.

Before anyone could say anything I lunged at her. She raised her hand charging up some Will until a force made contact with my side. I was tossed onto my back with something on top of me. I opened my eyes to see a large dog composed of fire. It sunk it's blazing fangs into my throat.

I quickly clasped my hands over both sides of it's jaw and forced it open. It realized to my strength and somersaulted of landing next to the other enemy.

"What are you doing here Hell Hound?" She asked glancing at him.

"You appeared to be having trouble with these inferior creatures." It replied in a monotone voice that echoed without even opening it's mouth. "You need to fall back I will deal with them." 

She nodded and began to back away.

"Your not going anywhere!" I charged after her. I only got two steps before the one known as 'Hell Hound' covered me in a torrent of flames. When I dived out of the inferno I could see my beloved trench coat had taken significant damage.

The female disappeared behind Hell Hound who smirked at me "No your not going anywhere."

"Shard When I tell you too make a run after the other one." Said Red lowering her hood. She revealed for the first time her silk brown hair that hanged above her shoulders. The right side was slightly longer and sharp looking reaching her shoulder. Atop her head were two noticeably elongated tufts of what appeared to be a result of hat hair.

"Oh how intriguing. The little girl things she can best me." Mocked Hell Hound

"I don't think so," Retorted Red with a cocky tune. "I know so. I will so you who the top dog is!"

With that Little Red howled to the moon. Her arms and legs grew fur all over them while her fingers crackled as they twisted and turned. Long menacing talons erupted replacing her nails and a tail wiggled under her skirt until it had freed itself. That one fang I saw on the first day was joined by many others. Red adopted a crouched position placing her front paws on the ground looking red to pounce.

"Ha! you think you can beat me like that?" Scoffed Hell Hound. "Your not even in a complete form. You are just as useless as you were bef-"

Before he could finish Red was already in front of him in a crouched position. I could see Hell Hounds eyes widen with surprise when she drove a clawed uppercut into his chin. Hell Hound rocket upward and attempted to do an aerial recovery but received one of Red powerful legs in the side sending him in another direction.

"Shard!"

I was in awe of her speed that it took me a seconded to start running. Unfortunately this almost costed me. Hell Hound almost recovered and covered me in a blaze once more. If it weren't for Golem who planted his metal fist into the side of his jaw sending him spiraling through the air once again. I gave him a nod before running into the tree line.

As I left in pursuit of the other I could here the sound of gunfire, Will abilities and fire behind me. I trusted that between the four of them they would have no trouble handling him.

I made haste to take to the sky again and search for Lorry's murderer. I flew frantically about scanning for her and eventually found her. She was flying low and at a relativity slow pace. I began a slow decent till I was directly over her. I judged and dived at a steep angle. Like a hawk on a mouse I was one her. I drove my blade deep through her back.

She let out a cry as I twisted the blade causing the crimson Will to gush. We both plummeted back down to the earth. With a loud crash a small crater was formed. I rose drawing my arm from her back and kicking her in the stomach launching her into a near by tree. She groaned as the red fluid left her body.

I took two steps towards her before she clutched her head an started screaming. The liquid on the ground and my arm started to vibrated violently. It quickly amassed in a ball that floated the air. Without warning The sphere gave of a blinding bright light.

"ALEX NO!" was the last thing I heard her scream before she disappeared into thin air.

I cursed under my breath and walked away. This thing had disappeared which disappointed me, but I felt disturbed more then anything.  "How did she know my name?" I tried to reason that it was a mere coincidence but something felt wrong. Very wrong.

I returned to the location where the rest of my squad waited. I spotted the bloody body of Hell Hound out of the corner of my eye. But not far from that I saw the three members of my squad Black Light, Red, and Albracax with their heads down. They stood over the two bodies of Lorry and Golem.

> Chapter 12: Learning
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


CHAPTER 12
Learning


Luna was having a hard time getting to sleep before the sun rise came. She paced back and forth in her
room murmuring to herself.

"What was that dream?" She questioned.

When Luna had returned home one of the inhabitants was having a nightmare. Being the protector of
the night Luna opened a path to the dream. What she found in the dream was by far the most disturbing
dream she had ever seen.

In the dream there were creatures she had never seen or even heard of before. They were bipedal and
wore clothing all over their bodies. They wielded frightening weapons in their claws. They fought and
killed each other. The blood of the fallen flowed freely covering the ground, and walls of long hallways.

It took Luna awhile to realize this was Shards dream. Luna fought hard to hold down her dinner when
Shard shredded through a large number of the bipeds.

"How could Shard dream of such things?" She whispered harshly under her breath. "Why would he
dream of not one but two he held dear dyeing?"

Luna thoughts drifted back to the scene of his two fallen friends lying next to each other. The four
remaining stood over them with solemn expressions. Red was crying into one of her paws while the
others remained silent.

Meanwhile in the castle gardens the old god of chaos was fairing no better. His chaotic mind was full
of confusion and chaos. Normally he would welcome his chaotic mind, but that is only when he can
understand it. And this he did not understand. He had walked a rut into the garden while he pondered
the voice he had heard.

Moments before

"Well Discord it is good to connect to you again." Spoke a monotone voice.

Discord jumped when he heard the voice in his head. Before he could say anything the voice spoke
again.

"Discord I don't have much time before I run out of power." It spoke quickly and full of malice. “I just
want to inform you that we are here and my host's mind is breaking. I will soon be able to take control
and free you from your prison thus up holding my part of the bargain."

Present time

Discord Continued to pace trying to wrap his mind around the situation. He wondered who he had
struck a bargain with. The fact that one of the terms was him being freed meant that he had made
contact with something while he was sealed away, but he did not recall ever meeting anypony.

Discord rubbed his head in frustration kicking up some dirt.

"Why can't I remember?"


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I awoke from my slumber. The carpet beneath my head was wet with my tears. I felt overwhelming
sadness from relieving the death of Lorry and Golem. I let my tears continue while I tried to calm myself.
To my surprise I felt a little calm already. I looked around and soon realized why.

I found seven of the eight ponies in the same room sleeping nearby. The lavender unicorn and the grey
one who had played that beautiful music were especially close. I considered getting up but they all
looked so peaceful in their sleep that I did not wish to rouse them. In my mind I thought of how I would
be able to move without waking them. I felt a light in my head ignite when I devised my plan.

I began to slowly and quietly break myself down into smaller shards. The shards that broke off then
hovered over the bodies of the ponies and safely landed on the floor. They then started to form as
hooves, followed by legs, then a torso. My head was the only thing that lay on the ground until it too
broke apart. There was a brief moment where I could not see, but it passed.

I now stood outside the huddle of mares, with them being none the wiser. I still did not want to wake them by accident, so I tread slowly taking in my surroundings.

The home was roomy and welcoming in the daylight. The floor was hard wood with a rectangle carpet at its center. A variety of furniture was spread about the room as well as other decorations. I found the grey pony's cello resting in the corner of the room.

My eyes lingered on it calling forth the memories of last night. The sheer power and emotion in her music was captivating. It was as if she had touched my soul and fused her passion with it. I had felt myself hypnotized into sleep by her performance causing my rush of memories. I wasn't sure if I should thank her or scorn her. I was soon reminded that I could not express either in words when the one with the shades appeared.

She shouted something that woke the others, but the tone did not seem to be that of anger. They all looked somewhat concerned about something, but only whispered among themselves.

They soon walked toward the door and motioned me to follow. I complied grabbing my cloak. I flipped the hood up when we exited the building, and followed them through the streets.

Just as the day before, many ponies were giving me strange looks. I also noticed a greater abundance of heart decorations, and what appeared to be chocolate. I also noticed that the lavender unicorn and the cello player were watching them.

'I wonder what is going on around here?'

We soon arrived at the library where we all entered. I was the last one to enter and heard the door slam shut and lock. I twisted to see the face of a particularly angry unicorn. The lavender unicorn made menacing steps towards me shouting words I could not comprehend. I could feel myself shrink under her furious gaze. I fell backwards on a book, and landed on the floor. She continued her verbal assault until her snout was pressed against my artificial one. Needless to say I was terrified of her violent change in attitude. I continued to cower under her gaze being thankful for the first time I could not understand her.

Fortunately for me the other ponies came to my rescue and pulled her off of me. They dragged the fuming unicorn to the rest of the group and started arguing.

I raised myself to my hooves after making sure I was safe from their prying eyes. I then walked to the closest book shelf to set my next plan in motion. With hundreds of shards I lifted the book shelf’s entire contents into the air. The books all opened with one shard positioning itself in front of the first page. I took one last glace to the mares to find them still arguing. I took a seat and felt my consciousness slip as knowledge from the many books poured into my open mind.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


"He is my responsibility!" Shouted Twilight

The eight ponies were in a heated argument about whether Twilight over reacted or not. The others except Rainbow thought she was too harsh on him for going out alone. So far the other girls were not convinced with her reasons, but see showed no signs of simmering down yet.

"Relax Twilight. He didn't even do anything." Commented Vinyl

Twilight glared at her and said "Why are you so relaxed?! What if somepony saw him?"

"Twi ah'm not sayin' your wrong, but nopony saw him." Applejack stated. "Seein' as he got out without you or anypony else noticing ah think he's prutty good at hiding."

"I agree with Vinyl and Applejack." said Fluttershy earning a look from everypony there. "He is a nice stallion that has received a lot of mistreatment since he got here."

Fluttershy's comment caused the argument to stop. Applejack and Twilight both frowned as they realized they were the ones along with Rainbow to give him a hard time.

"Y-Your right, Fluttershy," Twilight said.

Now that the argument was over Spike saw his chance to get her attention. He had been trying to get her to turn her much needed attention back to the stallion with no success, but now that he saw his chance he wasn't going to waist it.

"Twilight that stallion is doing something!" He screamed tugging her tail.

All the mares turned to look at the stallion. Everypony let out a gasp at what they saw. About four dozen of Twilight's books were floating around the room.

Twilight shook her head in disbelief. Every now and then some of the books would have a page flipped while they hung in the air. Unable to process what was happening Twilight Tried to get his attention. She first walked into his field of vision to look into his eyes. His eyes were no longer the light blue they once were. Instead they were an unresponsive bright white. She walked a little closer but he still showed no response.

"Umm, Hello mister crystal pony?" She asked waving a hoof in front of his eyes. Still no response.

Everypony else walked over admiring his shards and the floating literature.

"Can he not hear us Twilight?" asked Octavia.

"I don't know..." Twilight trailed off. Her eyes grew wide at a sudden realization. "Is he reading?!"

As if answering her question a book beside her flipped a page. Twilight was astonished by the possible intelligence of this creature, but at the same time frustrated with how it could read all these books at once with no possible explanation.

"I'm not even surprised anymore.” Octavia said with a sigh. "It seems he can just do the impossible."

"So what now?" Rainbow asked. "He seems pretty out of it."

The girls all look at each other with a shrug.

"Well ah should probably get on back to the farm." Applejack said walking to the door. "Ah haven't done any apple bucking in a while."

"O-Oh I should go feed my animals." Said Fluttershy

One by one the mares left until it was just Twilight and Octavia. Octavia shared a warm smile with Twilight and sat down with her to drink some tea. For the first time in a while they relaxed and chatted about trivial things.

Hours past and the sun still hung high in the sky when the stallion closed the last three books and gently placed them back on the selves. His eyes flickered back to their normal blue and looked around. He saw only two ponies at a table drinking tea and holding a conversation. It was then that he did something unexpected.

"Well Twilight I am glad to have made friends with you." Octavia said with yet another warm smile.

Twilight was about to offer her gratitude as well when a stuttered voice that echoed interrupted.

"F-F-Friend"

Octavia and Twilight jumped and frantically search for the source. Their eyes rest on the stallion with his eyes in their natural light blue. They were about to call out who had spoken when the stallion pointed a hoof at them. At first they believed he was pointing out where the voice had come from, but when they turned around they didn't see anypony. When the two mares turned back he was still pointing.

"F-Friends?" He asked in an echoed voice.

Octavia and Twilight gasped.

"You can talk?" Octavia asked, quickly recovering from shock.

There was a long pause before he responded "Yes."

Twilight stepped forward towards him. "MY NAME IS TWILIGHT." She spoke slowly with the gesture of pointing at herself. "T-W-I-L-I-G-H-T."

The stallion cocked his head at her. "T-Twi-ligh-t?" He asked in his stuttered voice.

Twilight nodded. "YES TWILIGHT. WHAT IS YOUR NAME?" She asked in the same fashion.

There was another long pause until he pointed at Twilight. "T-Twilight." Twilight shook her head and was about to start again, but he pointed at himself. "Shard."

Octavia then walk in beside Twilight. "Your name is Shard?" She asked.

He paused then nodded. "Yes."

Later that evening.

Dear princess Celestia

I was right! The creature or stallion has displayed a vast amount of intelligence and broke the language barrier between us! How he did it seems impossible but I will ask him that when he gets a better grasp of our language. For now his speech resembles that of a baby learning to talk. He struggles often with understanding as well as speaking. I have to speak slowly with him and repeat myself for him to get it. But this is so exciting I can't wait to learn everything about him!

Your intrigued student

Twilight


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


As Shard fell asleep that night he was far from alone. A being inside his head had felt his mood brighten much to his dismay.

"Shit" cursed a monotone voice. "This is going to be harder than I thought."
> Chapter 13: Proper Introductions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


CHAPTER 13
Proper Introductions 


The sound of books falling from shelves awoke me from my light sleep. I groggily opened one eye to see the lavender pony I now knew as Twilight rearranging the books that I no doubt put out of order. She noticed my head rise and gave me a smile.

"Oh Shard your *****?"

The last part of what she said was only a chirp in my ears. The thing I did with the books only worked to a certain degree as I noticed last night. I could usually make out what they where saying but there was a word or phrase every now and again that I could not comprehend.

"Yes." I responded as clearly as possible. Twilight gave me a nervous nod when I got up and walked towards the shelf she was working on.

"What are you doing?" she asked as I started dispersing my shards.

"Learn."

"Learn?" she asked clearly confused.

"Must learn. Understand. Talk."

Before she could question me further I lifted a dozen books off the shelf and turned them to page one. I could feel my conscious of the world around me fade away. The sensation was the same as the one I felt in the void. The knowledge that my shards collect flowed into my mind like water from a river draining into the ocean. It is unfortunate that the shards collect all the contents that lie in the books with very little translation. It is because of this that there are words I still don't know and have difficulty pronouncing. My hope was that the language would come to me if I kept on 'absorbing' vast amounts of literature. 

I could feel more things about the world that I had not known before become known to me. Starswirl The Bearded, Discord, The elements of harmony, the crystal empire, changelings, and even Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were all subjects I took particular interest in.

It was among these subjects that I discovered my friend Luna was actually royalty. When I discovered this I hoped that I would not be executed for being rude to her. I brushed that aside when I assured myself she was not the type for that kind of thing. I wondered why she would hide something like that from me.

'Guess I will ask her when I next see her.'

I took great interest in the elements of harmony for the reason that in the more recent texts a unicorn known as Twilight Sparkle was the element of magic. At first I considered that the one who was currently housing me was this so called element of magic, but I later thought it would be impossible. 'Why would such an important power be in such a small town with no protection?' was what I reasoned.

After what felt like hours I could feel my vision returning. The tree's interior came into existence all around me revealing eight ponies staring intently at me.

"Good morning." I greeted with a bow.

"It's not morning silly billy." said a pink pony that had somehow got beside me. "It's past noon!"

I took one look out the window and corrected myself. "You're right, good afternoon then."

All the ponies in the room looked perplexed.

"What? Just because most of you were rude to me does not mean I have to be." I said raising a hoof to my chest. "But where are my manners, my name is Shard." I bowed deeply.

"OH nice to meet you Shardy!" Squealed the pink one. "My name's Pinkie Pie! OOOOHHH! We need to throw you a big welcome to Ponyville party! What do you say Hun? Give Pinks a big smile if y-"

"I would like to hold off on the party, and for obvious reasons I will not give you a smile." I interrupted. "Now may I know the rest of your names?"

The cyan pegasus  was up in my face instantly.

"My name is Rainbow Dash!" She declared. "And I'm the fastest flier in Equestria!"

"Uhhh. Hi." I greeted as politely as possible.

"How did you do it?" she asked.

"Excuse me?"

"The sonic Rain Boom how did you do it?!" She demanded again.

She looked genuinely angry and was not going to let this subject go. I looked past her with pleading eyes asking Twilight for help. Thankful she was able to pick up on my distress and evaluated.

"Rainbow thinks you're the one who broke the sound barrier a few days ago." Twilight said with a nervous smile.

"Ah... Yes that was me." I confessed.

"How did you do it?!" She shouted again. "You don't even have wings!"

Scratched my cheek with my hoof making an unpleasant screech, similar to a nail on a chalkboard. I saw no reason to lie and wished to move on so I decided to tell her. Though I thought it best to not tell them everything.

"I kinda... fell."

"Oh come on! If you're going to tell a lie then at least make it believable." She said angrily.

"I'm not lying." I said with a voice that would suggest I was pouting.

"Ya sure." Rainbow dead panned me.

Thankfully the situation did not get to far out of control thanks too the white mare with the purple mane. She walked up beside Rainbow and gave her a piece of her mind.

"Rainbow Dash!" She said in a scolding tone. "This stallion has been horrendously misunderstood ever since we saw him, and he has been nothing but polite. We need to hear him out."

Rainbow looked rather put off but still managed to throw me a glare that said "I've got my eyes on you."

"Wait you're the mare who gave me that great cloak." I reminded myself. "Thank you miss..."

"Rarity," She offered. " But you don't have to thank me for it. It is enough to see that it looks so stunning on you."

"Thank you regardless Miss. Rarity."

"Please, Rarity is enough."

"Alright so I now know Rarity, Twilight, Octavia, Pinkie, and Rainbow." I listed. "How about the rest of you?"

The other white mare with the shades was first to step forward.

"Hey stud," She said with a smile. "names Vinyl Scratch but you can call me Vinyl." 

We shook hooves which I found very odd at how well it works. Unsuspectingly she pulled me in close.

"Hey you're pretty cute." She whispered in my ear.

The tone of her voice was setting of at least seven different kinds of alarms in my mind. Thankful Octavia pulled her away from me giving her a scolding, which she just laughed off.

"Well that escalated quickly." I said seeing Vinyl laughing in the corner of my eye.

The orange pony with the hat approached me next. She looked me straight in the eyes with her strong green ones. Unlike the others she suffered no ill effects from looking directly into my eyes.

"Wait a minute you kicked me in the face." I pointed out.

The orange pony then broke eye contact with me and turned them to the floor as if it was suddenly very interesting. All the other ponies in the room seemed to pick up on the sudden change in atmosphere and some started shifting in place while others simply waited to see how this unfolded.

"That's actually what ah want to talk to ya'll about..." She trailed off and looked at me.

"Name first. I have already made myself known, you do the same." I said as neutral as possible.

"M'ah name's Applejack," She said. "and Ah'm real sorry for bucking you in th' face."

Her apology seemed genuine and honest. I did not want to increase tensions with the ponies and when I thought back on it she did not even hurt me.

"It's fine I forgive you Applejack."

She looked up with a confused expression on her face.

"What just like that?" She said somewhat startled.

"Just like that." I repeated.

"No grudge or nothin'?"

"Applejack, you did not even hurt me so no."

"W-What do you mean it didn't hurt you?" Asked the last pony I did not know.

"I can't feel pain, but may I ask who you are?"

All the ponies around me murmured a little except for the pink maned pegasus. She must have been intimidated by me judging by the way she was shaking. I kept my eyes locked on her awaiting her response.

"O-Oh It's ******." She muttered incoherently. 

At first I thought the fault lied with me. That her name did not register correctly in all the knowledge I had gathered so I tired one more time.

"Sorry didn't quite catch that." I said.

"My name's F*******." She whispered.

This time I understood it was her fault. She had said her name so quietly that ny ears couldn't pick it up. She must have been terribly shy to not want to say her own name to me. 

"I'm sorry but you're going to have to speak up." I requested.

"M-My name's F-Fluttershy." She stammered.

"Nice to meet you Fluttershy." I said nodding my head at her courage. "Now that introductions are out of the way I assume you all have many questions."

I would have expected Twilight to be the first to ask the questions to to her scholar like nature. However I was surprised when Octavia stepped forward.

"You were that tall crystal figure I saw before, aren't you?" She asked.

I paused for only a moment. "Yes that was me." The ponies in the room showed different degrees of shock on their faces. "I had no intentions on harming any of you. It was just an accident."

They all seemed to calm down except for Rainbow who was still very suspicious of me.

"Does that mean you're not a pony?" Twilight asked starting to take notes.

"No I'm no pony." I answered true fully.

"Then what are ya." Applejack asked.

I paused for a longer moment. "I truly don't know."

"What do you mean yo-." I cut Rainbow off before she could finish.

"When I Crashed I had close to no memory of my past." I paused letting them soak that in. "Although for the past few nights I have been getting small bits and pieces back."

"You mean like the night you were crying?" Asked Octavia

"I was crying?"

"Ya you were making a real big puddle too." Vinyl pointed out. "Was it a sad memory?"

"Yes." I nodded. " I don't really want to talk about it."

Rainbow did not press the subject no further. She still looked angry at me but a little uncomfortable as well.

"Sorry to push this along," Twilight interrupted. " but can you tell us where you're from?"

Well there's no point in holding out I suppose. "I am from a place called Earth." I said.

"Earth? I've never heard of that country before." Twilight raised a hoof to her chin pondering the name.

I shook my head. "Earth is not a country."

" Then it's a town?" Applejack joined in.

"No, it's the name of the planet."

They all went dead quiet. Rarity was first to break the silence.

"Oh come now, you're not trying to say you are from another world are you!" She gave me a laugh. I returned it with a serious stare. Her laughter died down when she saw my serious eyes. "Y-You are saying that aren't you?"

I only nodded.

"Wait," Vinyl said. "if you lost your memory how are you so sure you're from this 'Earth'." 

I thought for a moment. "Lets see... Do you know about humans?"

"Those mythical creatures? Ya whenever I see Lyra she's always going on about them."

"I don't know who this 'Lyra' is but they are not myths."  I said. "Where I was from they were a regular part of my day."

"Ha," Rainbow laughed.

I shot her a glare which she returned with on of her own. "Why do you hate me so much?" I asked.

She remained silent as if pondering why, but in the end she never answered my question and averted her eyes from me. Not wanting to create more tension I did so as well.

"Um... Shard." I turned my head to see Twilight with a hoof in the air.

"Yes Twilight, you have a question?"

She cleared her throat. "Yes, I want to ask how you interact with your environment like a unicorn would with magic. As far as I can tell your 'pieces' don't posses magic, so how do you do it."

Everyone's eyes were on me again with curiosity.

"This will be the last question I answer for the day. Is that OK?" I asked.

"Is it a long explanation?" Twilight asked raising a brow.

"Perhaps not but it is of length." I said. "Is it acceptable?"

Everypony in the room nodded.

"Alright how to explain this as simply as possible," I thought for only a moment until I found the perfect analogy. "Think of my body as an ant hill."

The words 'ant hill' brought a noticeable shudder on Rarity's coat. "Now think of every one of my shards as an ant. They all come and go from the ant hill for the greater good of the hill. They complete tasks that the 'queen' gives them."

Pinkie raised a hoof. "Who's the queen?"

I sighed. "I was getting to that Pinkie."

"Oh sorry."

Without further intuitions I continued. "They take orders from the queen or in this case my mind. Once I have given them orders they will fulfill them to the best of their abilities, no matter how simple or how complex."

As I expected Twilight's eyes were wide in amazement.

"That's ineradicable!" She squealed. "You must be capable of doing anything with such power!"

"Perhaps." I nonchalantly stated.

After the long game of introductions and questions was finally over I walked to the door. I summoned my cloak with a few shards and reached for the handle.

"Where are you going Shard?" Asked Twilight.

"I am very interested in your town and wish to see more."

Twilight shifted nervously in place. She looked like she wanted to say something.

"Umm... Can you come back before six?" She asked.

I was a little surprised she was letting me go so easily. I thought for sure she would keep me here thanks to last night's adventure. I nodded but was curious as to why she set a specific time.

"No need to fret Twilight Vinyl and I will accompany him." Octavia approached my side with Vinyl in tow carrying a scary smile.

I bowed once again and set out with the mares.



> Chapter 14: Glass, Goddess' and Chaos
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


CHAPTER 14
Glass, Goddess' and Chaos



"And that is the town hall." Octavia said pointing a hoof to a cylindrical building.

"Yup, that's the place you'll find Mayor Mare." Added Vinyl chewing on some chocolate in her magic.

"Mayor? Mare?" I asked in disbelief.

"Yes," Confirmed Octavia. "is there something wrong with that?"

"No, it's just.... just.... Never mind." I gave up and let out a sigh. "It's not important."

"Well that pretty much sums up Ponyville." Vinyl said raising a hoof to scratch her cheek.

"Thank you ladies, but I do have one question." Octavia and Vinyl both focused on my covered face.

"I would imagine you would have many." Stated Octavia with a small smile.

"No the books taught me much." I paused. "But my questions is about all the decorations all over town. Is there a special event going on?"

The two mares quickly looked at each other. Octavia was clearly flushed but Vinyl had a mischievous grin plastered across her muzzle. Why does Octavia look worried?

"Well Shard that because it's Hearts and Hooves Day." Vinyl said grinning like a madmare.

"Hearts and Hooves day? What is that? Twilight's books never spoke of such a thing."

Vinyl's grin widened, is she happy about something? "Well Shard Hearts and Hooves day is when all the ponies gather together in a grand festival. We offers the hearts and hooves of the deceased to the gods in order to gain strong crops."

"Oh... I was unaware your people performed traditions like that." I was surprised and discussed, but did not want to insult.

"Oh we do, and we also-" Vinyl was interrupted when Octavia placed a hoof over her mouth.

"Vinyl!" She shouted giving her the death glare. "Don't lead Shard astray with such nonsense!"

"So, you don't chop off ponies' hooves and rip out their hearts?"

Octavia quickly turned her head. "NO!"

Her outburst was loud enough for more ponies to take notice of my cloaked figure. Their murmuring and stares made me uncomfortable.

"So what is it about?"

"Well it's... it's..." Octavia was mumbling and hesitating trying to find words presume. She turned back to Vinyl looking for help, but all she did was mouth something I could not make out.

"Well umm Shard -cough-. Hearts and Hooves Day is when tow ponies who love... Well not essentially in love but..." Octavia was stammering and blushing furiously to get the right words out. Why is she blushing so much?

"So is Hearts and Hooves day a couples thing?" I asked trying to help. Thankfully it seemed to work when her faced brightened up.

"Yes! That is exactly it." She turned around and gave Vinyl a smile of victory. Vinyl looked disappointed and had fallen back to pouting.

"I see..." I said unconvinced, Why are you so embarrassed Octavia?

"Hey wanna buy some apples?"

A strangely familiar voice caught my attention. The voice held some kind of accent and when I looked down I saw a familiar set bow. The fillies face was mostly hidden by a barrel of apples she was skillfully balancing on her head.

"Apples?" I asked.

"Ya!" She exclaimed. "We have the best in all of Equestria, and ah help pick em!"

"Well well, that's quite impressive." I humored her.

"Gee, thanks Mister!" She said from under the barrel. "Do ya want ta buy some?"

"Unfortunately little one I have no money." I saw her joints slump a little. "But I tell you what, if I come around again I will be sure to buy lots."

The barrel on her head bounced. "Really?!"

I retreated an inch from the loud out burst but reassured her. "Really."

"Apple Bloom!" Shouted somepony behind the filly. "Get yur' little hiney' over her' right now.

Oh dear I'd remember that heavy accent anywhere. I raised my head to confirm it, and sure enough there she was. The Applejack wearing her stetson trotted over. I fear that I am about to get another buck to the face. The filly Apple Bloom was forced behind Applejack not matter how hard she fussed. 

"Now Apple Bloom head back to th' farm Ah'll' finish up here." She said looking Apple Bloom in the eye.

"But AJ!" She whined.

"No buts, now get." She pointed a hoof in a direction and the small filled trudged off. She quickly turned her powerful eyes on me. "And you, stay away from' mah' family. Got it?"

"Has anypony ever told you that you have powerful eyes?" She continued to stare me down with those green eyes.

"Ya' didn't answer mah' question." She pointed out not breaking eye contact with me for a second. Does she ever have to blink?

"If that is what you want I will comply." I submitted not wanting to cause a scene. I even bowed slightly because that seemed to be working quite well.

"Listen, Shard ah' am sorry I bucked ya' in th' face but ah' still don't trust ya'."She said while looking at me with her stern eyes until she trotted back to her apple stand. Octavia and Vinyl joined at my sides having heard the conversation.

"What's her problem?" Vinyl asked with a snort.

"She was just protecting her family Vinyl." I defended. "I understand."

"Understand?" Octavia raised a brow. "You did nothing wrong, she had no reason to act in such a way."

"Ya, you wouldn't hurt anypony." Added Vinyl.

"Perhaps." I admitted. " But in reality she is afraid. You ponies share many similarities with the humans."

"I'm sorry," Octavia interrupted. " but I don't see how we are similar to a hairless bipedal monkey."

"Not like that Octavia. You and and the humans share the same fear of the unknown." I paused to let that sink in. "You and them act to protect your loved ones from any possible harm. For Applejack I am that unnecessary risk she does not want to take."

"Shard... It's not like that." Octavia said. I could hear the concern in her voice.

"Oh but it is Octavia." I continued. "You where the same when I first arrived."

"I...I...I just..." Octavia stammered. Vinyl placed a hoof on her shoulder and shook her head.

"It was the same where I was from to. Most humans feared and hated me because they could not see past my crystal  body." I felt some remorse rise again in my voice. "There were very few who even tried to understand."

An awkward silence past between us. I dared not say anymore else I will get too emotional.

"Shall we go?" I asked.

The mares nodded but did not lead the way. Instead they followed behind me with a slow pace devoid of life. Pherhaps I said to much. The truth can be painful.

We continued to walk aimlessly down the streets. As we did so I found that many more stallions where offering gifts  of chocolate, flowers and other goods to mares. I thought that maybe I should give something to Octavia and Vinyl to raise their spirits? Well I don't want the others to feel left out so I will have to get something for Twilight and her friends too, but I have no money. Could I make something then?

"Hearts and Hooves Day hun?" I murmured so no one could hear.


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Celestia had just sent off her last scroll to it's destination in Manehattan and officially declared her work finished. She raised herself from her cushion and stretched. A few unladylike moans escaped her muzzle as a joint popped. The clock on her wall read 2:00 pm which brought a smile to her face. She had plenty of time to go to Ponyville and meet the intriguing creature.

She casually made way for the door when a single scroll by way of dragon fire materialized in front of her. With trained reflex she opened it immediately.

"Quite the timing you have Twilight." She smirked and began to read.

Dear Princess Celestia

Princess I know you are on your way today but I just could not wait. The crystal pony named Shard has done something incredible! This morning I saw him lift many books off the shelves again and his consciousness completely drain away. While in this state his eyes where ivory white and the pages of books would be flipped time and time again. When he finally regained consciousness he could speak fluent Equestrian! Not only that but all the knowledge in the books was directly transferred to him. Including the books he read yesterday that is almost eighty volumes in less than sixteen hours! While he spoke to us we got better acquainted and learned more about him. He says he is from a far of world called Earth where humans live. So apparently Humans do exist out there. There is so much about this stallion that is fascinating like him being from a different world and the humans that inhabit it. But the most interesting is his powers. His power could even rival yours princess. I won't go any further into detail he will want something to talk about after all. 

Your faithful student
Twilight Sparkle 

Celestia raised a brow. Her interest in the creature was only increased but also her concern as well. A creature with unknown  intent with power to rival her own was indeed a need for concern. Celestia thought she would give him the benefit of the doubt since he has yet to actually attack. With her worries brushed aside but still in mind she set the scroll down and walked out her chambers.

She was surprised to find that her azure sister was wide and awake at this hour. She also looked very excited.

"Sister!" She shouted. "I heard thou is't going to Ponyville."

"Yes Lulu, I'm going to see the new creature Twilight has discovered."

"Excellent! May we accompany you sister?"

Celestia raised a brow. "I don't see why not, but why do you wish to come?"

"Oh! I just want to see my friend Sh-I MEAN TWILIGHT Sparkle!" She shouted suddenly startling her sister.

"Oh? When did you become so close with Twilight?" She asked with her suspicions growing.

"Oh! Umm..." She tried to think of an excuse. "On the Night of Nightmare Night Twilight helped us.. I mean me, appear less frightening to our subjects."

"Oh right," Celestia said unconvinced, "I forgot about that."

Luna followed her sister through the halls marble halls. Guards stiffed when they saw their two rulers but let their eyes follow Luna as they passed. It was certainly strange for her to be awake at this hour let alone skipping. But there she was skipping happily after the sister of the sun. One guard even chuckled when they were out of ear shot earning him a few looks from the other guards.

"What?" He questioned and the other just guards rolled their eyes.

Further down the hall Celestia lightly chuckled having heard the guard. She had to agree with him, her sister was still very cute for her age. It was unfortunate that she would have to tell her to stay at the castle.

"Luna I need you to stay here."

"What? Why?!" She leaped in front of Celestia. She had a shocked expression on her face.

"I need you to keep an eye on Discord while I'm away." She avoided looking in her eyes knowing it would be her downfall.

"But sister!" She whined. "We wish to go with you!"

Celestia frowned. "Luna you are a big mare now. I need you to keep a close eye on him so he does not cause trouble."

Luna's head fell low as she hoofed the ground in disappointment. Celestia reached out to her sister until she felt a claw run up her spine. Her muscles tensed and her eyes grew wide. Ever hair on her body stood up when she heard a playful voice above her say "Awwww, I won't cause any trouble."

Celestia flared her wings and shout out a magic shield forcing Discord away. He laughed as he back paddled through the air and dived into the floor beside Luna. Luna stared into the floor that ripple where discord had landed. She continued to peer into the floor expecting him, but unknown to her he appeared in a puff of smoke on the other side of her. She felt the strange presence looming over her and turned her head to see discords only a few inches from her snout. He smiled and released a breath into her nostrils. Luna gasped and gagged, chocking on Discord poor hygiene.

"That's -cough- Vile!" She shot Discord a glare.

"Discord I am leaving and Luna will be staying here." Her eyes went cold. "Don't cause trouble."

"Oh you don't need to leave Luna here." He chuckled. "After all I'm going with you."

"Oh?" Celestia kept her cold glare but raised a brow. "And why's that?"

Discords face became serious. "I want to see this creature Celestia. I have been having memory problems and maybe, just maybe, I did make this thing. I will be able to identify it."

The due were unrelenting both in body and mind. Neither of them was about to back down either. The guards despite been sworn protectors dared not intervene. They all knew when they were in over their head and seeing the sun goddess so cold and Discord so serious was defiantly one of those moments.

Celestia sighed. "Very well."

"OH!" Discord clapped his lion paw and claw hand together in a fit of joy. "Most excellent!"

He slithered after Celestia who was trying her best to ignore the irritating serpent. She coked her head back to she Luna still pouting at the ground.

"Luna are you coming?" Celestia called.

Luna's head shot up with a bright smile "Yes! Yes!" She shouted in excitement. She quickly caught up with them by utilizing her most useful wings.


> Chapter 15: Stories
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


CHAPTER 15
Stories


The sky was still in it's deep shades of orange as Octavia and Vinyl guided me back to Twilight's tree. I had already begun my project as we walked. They took form under the confines of my cloak and where eventually stored inside a section of my body that I had hollowed out. The additional noise of my body drew the suspicion of the two mares but whenever they asked me I simply stated that I had briefly lost concentration of my shards. A lie but it would have to suffice.

"Wow Shard." Vinyl spoke up. 

"Must be a chore to have to directly be aware of every piece of your body." Octavia sympathized.

"Maybe for you but I have been like this for a long time." I sighed. "I don't even remember what I looked like as a human nor do I remember sensations such as pain, warmth and cold."

With that the mares went quiet. They must have took my words as cynical... Unfortunate. I was hoping to converse further but perhaps it is for the best. I need to focus on the projects at hand... Hoof?

The rest of the trek continued in gloomy silence. However I only took note of it briefly before continuing on the constructions under my cloak. They were by far if not the strangest then the most beautiful things I had ever attempted to create. I hoped that the ones to receive the objects would enjoy them. I had to pour so much concentration into them I had several run ins with other ponies to which I humbly apologized. I had risked my identity at least three times but I felt the need to pour more of my mind into the creations. They needed to be perfect. And they would be so. 

"Shard we're here." Vinyl warned but it was too late. My snout collided with the door, making me bounce back. The sudden recoil caught me by surprise but because the consequence of "pain" was no longer a threat I quickly opened the door and stepped inside. The two mares followed and we were immediately confronted by twilight.

"What did I tell you before you left?" She asked with an eerie smile.

Why does she look so cross? "To be back by six..." I glanced at the clock behind her. It read seven. "Oh..."

"Oh?" Twilight repeated, dropping her smile. "Do you know who you have kept waiting?"

"It is quite alright Twilight." Spoke a voice with a motherly tone. "I am sure he meant no disrespect."

Then I saw her. She had just stepped into the room and the first thing I noticed was how unreasonably tall she was. She was easily a bit over twice Twilight in height. The second thing I noticed was the combination of horn and wings she sported. Princess Celestia no doubt but why...? That is an interesting mane she has going on. Almost like there is a draft in here.

"Greeting Shard, Twilight has spoke much of you."

Octavia and Vinyl spontaneously fell to the ground. They did not seem fearful of her but rather did not wish to disrespect her.

"But where are my manners?" She continued. "I am-"

"Princess Celestia co-ruler of Equestria." I cut her off. "You are the raiser of the sun."

Celestia quirked a brow at me.  I also noticed the stance stiffen briefly. She was as cautious with me as I was with her.

"May I ask how you know that?" I could sense the tension in her voice.

"You were in several of the books I analyzed." I explained. "I apologize if I seemed threatening." I bowed.

"It is alright." She smiled. "It would seem I need to apologize for not trusting you. Twilight was right when she said you were kind and I am sorry for doubting you."

"Blah Blah Blah!" An irritated voiced sounded  from... Below me?

I glanced down and sure enough I saw something. This "thing" was by far the oddest thing I have seen here yet. It looked to be a cross between pony, chicken, lion, goat and some kind of serpent. It was so peculiar I was unable to process what I should do. However when I felt a powerful and ominous will emitting from the creature my battle senses kicked in. I firmly planted my hooves onto the creatures face and pushed my self into the air. The ballistic motion surprised both Celestia and the five other ponies behind that I had just noticed. I groaned when I recognized the five familiar faces. Do they not have more important things to do? Surly Applejack has her work cut out for her at the farm. And what of Rarity? She made me this wonderful cloak she must be busy with other orders. But I digress, for now I need to deal with this creature.

I touched the wooden floor with as much grace as an elephant. The boards cracked and splintered, sending debris into the air. My eyes remain fixed upon the beast, ready to meet what ever it threw at me. It looked bewildered but that soon changed to cautious when dozens of airborne spears took form. They gleamed in the room, sending a beautiful array of colors onto the walls and floors but no pony gawked in awe. Their mouths hung ajar in horror at the appearance of the weapons. I took one last look at the vile thing before sending my ordinance at him.

"STOOOOP!"

The deadly Shards ground to a halt inches from somepony's face. Fluttershy's face.

"F-Fluttershy?" I stammered too shocked to speak clearly.

When I said her name she only gave me an icy glare.

"How dare you!" She shouted, cantering towards me. 

Never had I expected the timid mare to snap like this. I visibly shrunk and backed away from her as she carried on her relentless advance.

"What did he ever do to you?!" She demanded forcing me into a corner. My spears had long since shattered but she continued to verbally assault me, forgetting all fear of the sharp crystals.

"I-I... I was only..." How can she be so scary!

"You need to apologize right now!"

"B-B-But..." Come on brain! We may be in parole!

She furiously pointed a hoof at he beast. I only hesitated for a moment but it was long enough for her glare to intensify. The sensation was paralyzing but at the same time hypnotic. I walked forward in shame to confront the creature.

"She used 'the stare' didn't she?" He asked, grinning from ear to ear.

"T-The what?"

"The stare." He repeated. "It's probably the scariest thing she can do to anypony."

"I am sorry for how I acted..." I do not know his name. Well this is rather awkward.

"Discord." He offered. "Reformed god of chaos."

"I apologize Discord." I bowed my head once more.

"I must say you surprised me with your sudden aggression but I will forgive you. Now with that out of the way let's get a look at you." 

I did not resist when he plucked the cloak free from my body. He and Celestia both looked a little stunned but they did well to keep their composure. It was then that I took note of Luna's presence. How did I not notice her?

"So Twilight spoke the truth." Discord chuckled. "You do look like a crudely carved crystal pony."

"Discord!" Luna shouted, starring at him with disapproval. She looked to me apologetic but I turned my own gaze to Twilight.

"D-Don't look at me!" She exclaimed. "I did not say it like that!"

"Now calm down everypony." Celestia commanded in her caring voice. "Shard before we continue I would like an explanation on your actions."

She starred into the glowing orbs I called my eyes and I nodded. "Very well, that is fair."

"It's more then you deserve." mumbled a cyan mare.

Best ignore her. "Discord when you were... under me I saw your Will. It felt wrong and vile."

Although they all looked confused Rarity did huff and nod in approval. It would seem she cares little for Discord.

"Excuse me." Twilight interrupted. "What is this 'Will'?"

"You would refer to it as magic." Understanding swept over the group but Celestia remained confused.

"But why would that prompt you to attack?" She asked.

All eyes were on me again. "In the past I had the misfortune of combating several with darker Will then Discord's." I sighed. "It was an occupational hazard."

"I am sorry to hear that Shard." Celestia said, sounding apologetic. "But we still need to find out what to do with you."

Oh boy. I was afraid I would hear those words.

Rainbow smiled and I could tell she was thinking about how I would be sent away. However the others seemed more worried. Hell even Applejack looked concerned. She is very inconsistent. Wait... Is Luna sweating? Oh don't tell me...

"Shard you are an anomaly of strange origin. My little ponies would have trouble believing you are a crystal pony and there is no telling how they would react to your powers."

Luna I'm begging you! Don't do anything stupid!

"What is more I cannot let you stay in the library so I deem it necessary-"

"Sister Wait!" Luna shouted, leaping between us. "You cannot send him away!" 

Luna please shut up!

Everypony's jaws dropped a few inches. Even Celestia and the god of chaos where taken aback by the moon princess. I however painfully face hoofed.

This can't get any worse.

"I won't let you send away my friend!"

...

Never mind. It just did.


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"Then I said 'Oatmeal? Are you crazy?!'"

Howls of laughter filled the room. Everypony was enjoying the social interaction. Pinkie's "joke", if it could be called one, had effectively raised the mood yet again. Even Celestia chuckled at the pink pony's antics. I however remained thoroughly confessed. When Luna declared our friendship I was expecting something more... Hostile not a party. But what did it matter know? Celestia said that I would have to find a place of my own thought. I asked if I could go live in the clearing in the Everfree Forest but that was met with much opposition. They said it was too dangerous for me to live in such a place but I insisted, bringing up that there was another living in the forest. My point was met with grumbles but they reluctantly let the subject go.

"You always were my favorite Pinkie!" Discord chimed. "After Fluttershy of course."

Pinkie grinned at the remark while Fluttershy hid behind her mane. I managed to stifle a light chuckle before turning my attention to Celestia.

She had her eyes shut while she sipped on some tea held in her magic. Even if her eyes were closed I highly doubted her inability to see. To test my theory I launched a small shard at the at high speed. It was to small and far to fast for anypony to see amongst the chaos so the risk of others noticing was low. The fragment sped across the distance in milliseconds but before collision she sneezed. It was a small quiet and lady-like sneeze but ballistic enough to avoid the projectile. Instead of hitting the mare in the temple it sailed harmlessly into the kitchen.

"Princess are you alright?" Twilight asked clearly concerned for her mentors well being. "Did you catch a cold?"

"I am quite alright Twilight." She assured with a warm smile. "But if you will excuse me I am parched."

"Oh well let me get that Princess." Twilight offered but Celestia refused and took off to the kitchen.

I bet I know where this is going.

Sure enough I felt the shard in the kitchen get caught in a magical grip. Without hesitation I transferred my senses to the stray fragment. I saw the kitchen come into my vision along with an irritated Celestia.

"Shard I do not appreciate having things thrown at me."

"As would most ponies." I replied smugly.

"But why would you do it?"

"I was testing to see how far your awareness stretches." I explained. "As I expected it goes far but you also make sure others are unaware of your cautious nature... Truly masterful."

Celestia only starred disappointingly at the shard.

"It will never happen again." I apologized.

"Best it doesn't." She chuckled lightly.

I joined her in a small hearty laugh.

For a creature that is referred to as a goddess, she is surprisingly laid back. A bit like her sister actually but much calmer.

"Before we head back may I ask you a few questions? I wanted to ask them before but I thought it would have been better to ask in private." I nodded but she did not respond.

A few seconds of silence past. Why is she not asking? Then I realized my mistake. I had nodded with my original body. I almost faced hoofed at the idiotic mistake. I have forgotten how hard it is to be in two places at once. Well better see what damage has been done.

I quickly pulled my consciousness back into my body. What awaited me there was by my classification "The worst case scenario." The pink menace Pinkie Pie was inches from my face grinning from ear to ear. To even think about what ridiculous terms I had just unknowingly agreed to frightened me to my core. However I have no time to think about it now though. Celestia is no doubt awaiting my response.

The image of Pinkie swirled an blurred back into a clear one of Celestia. She was starring intently at the fragment and seemed worried.

"I am sorry Celestia." I apologized. "I accidentally nodded with my body."

"Is all well?"

"Unfortunately I may have unknowingly agreed to something for Pinkie." I let out a heavy sigh. "I can only hope that what she has planned is within reason."

Celestia smiled wearily. "That cannot be a comfortable position to be in." 

"No. No it is not, but I digress. What are your questions?"

"Before you arrived Twilight told me about your memory loss." She looked disturbed. "Is it true that your memory is gone?"

"It is. But they have been slowly returning. However what I've been seeing has been..."

Celestia gave me her signature smile. "It is fine shard." She reassured. "Twilight has told me about the night you cried."

"Did she now?" I asked in disbelief. "Can I trust that mare with any secrets?"

"I am sorry about that, She means well and cares greatly for all ponies but she sometimes goes too far."

"I am not angry with her." I sighed with defeat. "Do you have anymore questions?"

"I do. This 'Will' Twilight spoke of. She was rather vague on the subject but said that you were human before you became... This."

"Yes I was one of the 'Humans' your ponies believe to be a myth. Where I'm from there is no magic. Humans were completely barren to it's powers..." I took a dramatic pause. "or they were. About two decade ago a rather unusual substance was discovered.  A strange underground lake. From what I read it was an orange hue that lit the chamber. The peculiar liquid was also discovered to have unexplainable properties. Some would light fires while other could deliver a shock and so on. Naturally the worlds nations began digging for it frantically. All around the globe nations dug up similar pools of varying color and effects. However what was remarkable was even if the pools where of the same color, density and minerals they never had the same effect." 

Celestia looked shocked but very interest in the topic. I chuckled slightly.

"If your shocked at this then you will be stunned at what I have to tell you next but are there any questions thus far?"

"Yes." Celestia nodded after collecting her thoughts. "Does your spices know where it came from? How it came into being?"

I shook my head... Dammit! Why is this so hard?!

However much I wanted to check to see if everything was alright, I did not want to leave Celestia again. WE had found a topic to talk about and find some common ground.

I sighed internally. 'I'll just have to hope no damage was caused.'

"No Celestia. There is no explanation as to how the liquid arrived. It is almost as if it appeared out of thin air. Even previously empty mines had been inhabited by the fluid."

Celestia put a hoof to her chin. "How odd."

"Indeed but shall I continue?"

Celestia nodded rapidly. She seemed a bit like Twilight was when I spoke about my powers.

'Teacher like student then?' I mused.

"Well after this amazing, if not odd discovery, humans began work on ways to utilize the new material. All scientists were thinking up ways to implement it into technology but they quickly ran into an obstacle. No matter how hard they tried the substance would not solidify. They tried freezing it, drying it out and they even threw some in an incinerator. The liquid was completely unaffected by all attempts. But while scientist continued to look for a way, the man who first discovered it 'William Gaze', was doing something else. Something no one had even considered. In his own laboratory with a small team of scientists he performed a deed some considered inhumane." I saw Celestia stiff at the dark turn of my lecture. "Good William forcefully infused his own son with the foreign ,material."

Celestia gasped and stepped back. She wanted to respond but she need to hear the whole story first.

"However instead of the boy dying, like one would expect to happen after being infused with the dangerous liquid, he became super natural. His skin cracked open into long streams of glowing power. William quickly discover his own son had adopted the things powers and was able to use them at will. He then christened the liquid with a name. When he publicly announced his discoveries it was forever known as Will."

"However most people of the world saw his experiments as atrocious and unacceptable and a force was quickly assembled to apprehend him. But they were too late."

"By the time the force arrived William's mansion was in ruin, his lab and research destroyed and him and his team crucified."

Celestia gagged. "How could something so horrible come to pass? Wait? What of William's son? You didn't mention him."

"His body was never found." I felt my mind weaken for my next words would be harsh. "Celestia it is believed that William Gaze's very own son, a boy of twelve, was the one who carried out the deed."

Celestia was at a loss for words. Her lower lip was quivering and she looked shocked, for lack of a better word. I could tell she was fighting the urge to lose her lunch.

"Why? Why are you telling me all this?" She asked, between labored breaths. "How does any of this have to do with you?"

"I'm sorry Celestia but for you to understand you needed to hear the whole story. It is vital for the set up."

"For what?"

"Where his story ends mine begins." I explained. "Four years later on my ninth birthday I was kidnapped..."


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I felt the cold metal floor ice my feet, freezing my frail bones as I trudged forward.Cold unforgiving air pricked at my skin like hundreds of needles with the intent of making me as miserable as possible. I wanted to just stop moving. To just curl up against the corridor's wall and cry my life away. At least then I could die in slight comfort. I didn't want to walk anymore. I didn't want to move or even breathe. Every inch of my body was sore. The pain spread through my flesh in strong waves and fluctuations making my pace slow and irregular. I uneasily placed one foot in front of the other but still strayed off to one side from all the pain it brought to walk. I quickly lost my balance and fell again.

The floor greeted me with the same kindness it would a drunk by giving me more bruises. My shackles jingled but fell silent when I hit the floor. For a moment I felt relived to be off my feet.

"For fuck's sake kid!" Snarled a man behind me.

I felt a firm hand grip around my right arm. I felt my bruises scream in protest but remained silent. He violently tugged me to my feet and shoved me forward. I struggled to regain my balance and was at risk of falling again but someone caught me.

"Sir! you are being too rough!" Shouted the other man who caught me. "He is only a child!"

I hugged the man tight in hopes that he might help me. He did not retaliate to my actions but he did not return them either.

"It doesn't matter how I treat this brat." He spat. "He will most likely be dead after today."

'Dead' My eyes widened in fear. Why would I be dead after today? Why would I have to die? I have done no wrong, so why? Did all those other kids that disappeared die to?

I hugged the man tighter and he looked down at me.

I don't know why but he looked pale. I gazed deep into his dark brown eyes and he in return looked deep into my tear filled ones. He looked remorseful and even regretful and so I asked.

"Please Mister, can I go home now?"

"I...I..." He was shocked and starting to tear up.

"Please I just want to see Mom again!"

The man quickly averted his eyes. "I'm sorry..."

And that was the end of it. He left me in my despair and gently pushed me along down the hall. The underground complex had always been cold and unwelcoming but today it was more so then usual. Must of been the complete lack of any other personnel or maybe it was the thought of dying. What ever it was it was making me more and more fearful as I approached the final door at the end of the hallway.

Well I arrived the men escorting me opened the doors. I could only watch in horror as they parted, revealing the scene before me. A lounging chair with multiple restraining straps sat in the center of the room.

I felt one man push me into the room. I was thrust forward and more of the terrible scene was shown to me.

Many men and women in lab coats ran about behind the protective barrier that surrounded the chair. They were mostly manning computers and other gadgets but a few were watching me. Their stares burrowed into my very being, enhancing my fear. And then my eyes dilated when I saw the dozen of orbiting needles around the chair.

My already erratic mind fell to pieces. I spun around and made a dash for the door. I only made it three strides before I was halted by the guards and scientists. I struggled, kicking and screaming for them to let go.

"Let me go! Let me go!" I cried. Tears were streaming down my face as I fruitlessly tried to break free.

My words went unheeded as I was dragged to the chair, to my doom. Never the less I kicked, I screamed, I cried, I even managed to sink my teeth into the mean guard's arm.

But my efforts were meaningless and I was eventually strapped into the chair. Even so I continued to squirm and beg.

"Please stop!" I pleaded. "I don't want to die! I wanna go home!"

My words were once again ignored but I could see the grim faces of some. They clearly regretted what was about to happen but would not stop. I could not understand why they would go through with something they thought was wrong so I begged and begged hopping they would release me.

They never did.

The needles began their slow approach to my traumatized body, ready to perform their function. Even as they continued to approach me I fought and screamed just as I had before. My eyes darted around franticly seeking for anything that might help, for anything that might make this end. There were a few scalpels on the table next to me but there was no way I would be able to reach them.

Suddenly I felt several parts of my back invaded. I cried out in pain as multiple needles breached my skin. As if that was the signal, the needles above me join in. They all dug deep into flesh like wolfs onto a felled deer. When the last needle entered my body I fell limp. The pain was gone.

I panted heavily, wondering why it stopped. It was clear that they were still clinging to me but what was the purpose? Why do all this? When the clear tubes dangling from the needles filled with a pale blue liquid I knew why.

I knew what this substance was. It was Will. I was always told that the mages I longed to be had something to do with it. I only took a few seconds to understand why they were doing this.

"They're trying to turn me into a mage." I mumbled.

In the past my mother told tales of mages. They were mysterious, powerful and above all else cool. I always dreamed of being one, being the hero of the world and it's protector from evil. But now...

"Is this how mages are born?"

The Will had completely filled the tubes and was working it's way down the needles.

"Did they all have to endure this?"

The Will was halfway done the needle now and encroaching on its destination.

"If it is, I don't wanna be one..." I closed my eyes knowing what I wanted did not matter. It would happen no matter what I wanted.

I felt a warm tingling feeling as the strange fluid entered my veins. The feeling spread through my entire body as my heart beat slowed. I was calm but still scared. Everyone outside the sealed room were no doubt monitoring me with calculating eyes.For what seemed like an eternity nothing happened. Not a single soul stirred, not a sound was made. All where silent. I felt no overwhelming power course through me just felt warm. However I spoke to soon.

My body was getting warmer and warmer. I was sweating uncontrollably and heating up fast!

My eyes snapped open just as the first crack opened on my arm. The pain quickly returned as did my screaming. My skin parted first where the needles had first embedded themselves and spread from there.

I violently squirmed, trying to free myself again to no avail. The struggling only made it worse. I witnessed my skin ignite and burn away. All over my body the very same was happening. Skin gave way to muscle and then to bone. My cries were drowned out by the fires that ravaged my body. The pain was far to intense for me to bare so my consciousness faltered and I went limp again.

...

...

...

"Am I dead?"

I Could not feel my body or rather I felt body less. Hot, cold, movement everything was a void of nothing. No sights or sounds just my thoughts. Well that's what I first thought until I heard a door slide open. A few slow footsteps sounded in the room. With every step the sound of something being crushed could be heard.

"Is that..." A voice appeared next followed by some murmuring. "It can't be."

More murmuring followed. 'What are they talking about?'

"I think it is!" Laughed a gruff voice, getting closer. "Solidified Will!"

A cheer spread throughout in the room. Loud clapping drowned out any recognizable speech and actions. My vision reappeared revealing a man of white hair holding my unrecognizable arm. Unlike before it was unnaturally thin and reflective. it glimmered slightly in the light. I also caught a glimpse of my feet which where in a similar state. I would have to say I looked like a skeleton.

Out of reflex ,and realizing my new form was slender enough to slip out of my bindings, I sat up.


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"Celestia you look pale."

Celestia shook her head in an attempt to regain her composure. However she was far too unnerved to get it back.

"I am fine Shard." She lied. "Please continue."

"I don't think that would be wise. Something like this is best to take bit by bit." Celestia looked like she was about to retort but I cut her off. "It only gets worse from there. Please, another time."

I hopped that she caught the worry in my tone, for her sake. Thankfully she gave in, clearly not wanting to hear anymore for the day.

"I should head back my 'I need water excuse' has no doubt expired by now." She smiled dryly.

I chuckled. "Good then it is time to hoof out the presents."
> Chapter 16: It's My First Day.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


CHAPTER 16
It's My First Day


I awoke from my slumber to the sound of the wild life like all mornings. The high pitched and rhythmic chirps both pleasing and soothing me. Automatically I perform my "morning routine." 

First I started with the unnecessary organic tendencies that I had come to adopt into my life. The morning stretch I always started with held no beneficial results to my body, since it was lacking in the organic category, but I performed it regardless. My life had felt bland and empty in comparison to the ponies that I had lived among over the past week. I told Twilight of my plight in the hopes she might be able to shed some light on the situation. Unfortunately she was unable to give me a direct answer, she did however present some detail insight on the problem. She rationalized that I was envious. Jealous of those ponies who had what I so clearly lacked. The most basic senses and organic functions that I was robbed of, and she might have even been right.

Ever since I have been trying to be more organic, I felt... Better for a lack of better words. I was filling more time with things to do and spending less time doing nothing. It may have been just a small distraction from my thoughts, but it was a start. I was even starting to feel more alive.

Out of habit I glanced at the back wall of the cave. My eyes fell on a crystal block. With practiced motions I slowly condensed my shards. My body started to shrink and work it's way into my pony form. Whilst the transformation was underway, the block of crystal cracked open and out floated a black cloak. It warped around my form while it was still going through it's transformation. with a rustle of fabric it it settle on my back as my snout protruded out.

"Too long." I mumbled, shortening it into the shrouded safety of my cowl.

After it was done I made way fro the exit. The walk was a bit longer since I started making my humble home more appropriate for my pony form and biped form. While on all fours the ceiling stood high above me. In the large square was a single red gem that gave off a dim glow. It was the only light I owned and was given to me as a gift from Ms. Sparkle. It did little to illuminate the chamber but was just enough to find the ramp to the entrance.


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I eyed the block of iron before me. It was solid and scuffed from many years of use, but steady. Like an anvil should be. I scrutinized the iron for a moment. 

Something's off.

I eyed the hammer floating in field of my shards as well. My eyes wandered along the wooden shaft and across it's heavy head.

Here to...

"What are you doing Lad?" A gruff voice said from behind me.

I turned my head to see a dark grey stallion with a disheveled mane and goatee. His mane and goatee was almost the same as his coat color, but gradually whitened towards the tips. He was a stern stallion who was among the larger ponies I had met. From what I had gathered he was an older earth pony but his eyes were still bright with energy.

"Sir," I bowed my head. "I thought something looked off."

The stallion cocked a grey brow. "Oh? And what would that be?"

"I... Don't know." I averted my gaze from him.

I felt a brief amount of pressure applied to my back. "That's just newbie tension!" The Old stallion explained, his voice full of mirth. "You're looking for more mistakes that aren't even there, you're just physicking yourself out." The older Stallion gave me another firm smack on the back. "You'll do fine. I'll beat any bad habits out of you, and before you know it you'll be a respectable blacksmith."

"... If you say so sir." I said, unconvinced.

The stallion gave another hearty laugh as he walked off into an joining room. "To think that I would have a crystal pony work for me. Can't say I ever saw that coming."

I heard his harsh accent chuckle all the way into the next room until the door closed. 

"He's a strange one." I stared blankly at the block of iron before chuckling myself. "Well so am I."


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I hammered away at the hot iron, giving it shape. The red mass dimmed and I then placed it back in the forge and grabbed another hot rod I had placed in earlier. I repeated the process on several rods until they were all ruffly the same shape. I then proceed to bend an end until they were at a ninety degree angle.

I placed the new form back on the anvil and started hammering away again. The cylindrical shape flattened out under the rhythmic force he applied to it. The hot iron stretched out as it compressed into a flat triangular shape.

"Hmm, I suppose that's alright." I said , telepathically lifting it over to a barrel of water.

A large gout of steam rose as he dropped the hot iron into it. Moments  later I withdrew the cooled iron and placed it on a nearby table.

It seems I got my 'issue' under control, but it was only because i was being continuously mindful of it. There must be a better way like issuing a series of orders that might otherwise prevent the slow but constant consuming of minerals. I was not previously aware that it had been happening until today, at the expense of the tools and anvil becoming smaller ever so slightly. This also raised the question if my body had been doing this to nearby building, Twilight's library or Octavia and Vinyl's home. It could very well be that the nails holding things together are now wreaking then they once were. Perhaps I should inform them of what might have transpired and suggest getting their homes checked by a professional.

They might be upset with me if I told them though. However not telling them could put lives in danger .The structures possibly weakened integrity could place the lives of those inside in danger. Neglecting the problem might have very dire consequences.

"Troublesome." I sighed.

"What is?"

I was startled by the new presence that had sneaked up on me. I was about to answer him but he cut me off before i could.

"Oh." He said raising a curious brow. "You finished all these already?"

"Yes," I blinked, confused. "I thought it would be faster to simple perform the same step on multiple sets, rather then just do one all the way through... Did I do something wrong?"

"No my Boy!" He smiled giving my shoulder a reassuring punch. "It is an effective tactic for simple tools like these gardening hoes. they are a bit crude, but nothing some filling and polish can't fix!" 

"Thank you I am glade I was able to perform satisfactorily." I bowed my head but received another unexpected punch from the stallion.

"You need to give yourself some more credit lad." He scolded. "You did far better then I could have ever hopped for on your first day. You were focused, hard working and a quick learner. You picked up the trick of making many tools quickly without me having to tell you and they are good for a pony who has never held a hammer before. I don't see why ya try to discredit your work, a craftspony should be proud of their work."

"I have much to learn and their is much room for improvement." I said rubbing my shoulder to imply i had been slightly hurt by his blows. "I don't wish to become overconfident."

"And that's good. A craftspony should know his limits and try to expand them." The old stallion nodded. "But if you want to do that you must also know when what you have done well."

"I suppose." I said rather unconvinced, lowering my hammer to the ground.

"Now, just finish up what you got and we can close." He said, gesturing to the pile of iron heads.


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"I am off then!" I shouted back at the door, as I flipped my hood on.

"Be safe going home!" Waved my new boss.

I gave him a mock salute before heading out the door into the evening sun. It was by my guess maybe five or six in the evening judging the distance of the sun from the horizon. The streets, although vacant of veneers, was still full of life as friends and family chatted over the days events. Their smiles shined brightly as they laughed at an odd joke or quip.

Every now and again conversations would die as a nervous glance was sent my way. It would only be for a second but it was noticeable, and it happened every time I was in town. Clearly I am  considered suspicious... Understandable.

I paid the pony's cautious glances no mind as I trekked further into town. The usual crackle of my shards separating and hiding in my cloak. Recently the task of keeping them hidden was becoming easier. I found that, with a very specific set of commands, when they break off I can make them stay a set distance before returning to be apart of the main body again. Thanks to the revelation I could walk around with ease without having to worry about them being spotted. It was rather convenient.

Finally I arrived at the dark oak door of the library and gave it two hard knocks.