> Universe of Dreams > by Camlio > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue: A deal with Lady Death > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Before we get started, I do not own the rights to anything within this story save for Maxim and any of my other OC's everything and everyone(everypony) else belongs to their respective owners. I have a question?! What's up Pinkie? What does Lady death look like? For something people are taught to fear she's really not all that bad to... HEY WAIT A MINUTE! Oh would you look at the time... stories starting I better hit the button... PINKIE!!! *sigh* Can we just get on with the story?! Pinkie and Maxim: Sorry Twilight... *Flash* Owww! That light hurt you meanie meanipants! Sorry. If you had told me a year ago that I would end up in Equestria and then shot into space in an adventure similar to a Kingdom Hearts game. I would have called you nuts. Tell me that Six months ago and I would walk away after asking if you were some sort of spy. Ask me yesterday and I would say "Not helping! Just hit the damn brakes!" with a really pissed off look on my face. So yeah, I'm currently hurtling through space on a mission for the Equestrian Princess of the Moon and Stars the Princess Luna. To find a rare metal on the moon and return with it. Eh from what I've seen, It could be worse. I could have easily been imprisoned on the moon but, my willingness to help and my awkwardness won the heart of a certain moon princess, so she had this mission devised as a way to prove myself to the Ponies of Equestria. I would either die or return a hero. I really pray it's the hero bit. But, seeing as your probably wondering who I am I'll explain. Name's Maximillion Alexander Fortner, most people or ponies call me Maxim or Maxi. Still can't grasp why. Well you may think I've heard the whole you wandered into Equestria of your own free will or a mistake thing before right? That's just it I never chose to be here, hell I really wish I wasn't. You see two days ago, I was walking my younger sister home from the local punk factory, also known as the mall, when we were ambushed by the local gang. I managed to knock out the leader and scatter the punks, so my sister was safe. It didn't go smoothly from there. Just as I turned around and sent my sister to her house, the lead punk charged me with a knife. My sister watched me get stabbed by the punk. I took the chance that was given by her screaming, to pull my granddad's combat knife and stab the punk in the skull. I was tearing up as my sister had to watch me get taken in the ambulance to the hospital. I died five hours later. Yeah that's right Died. I was sitting there in limbo when Lady Death (Who apparently is an okay person to talk to.) Gave me a deal. I wasn't supposed to die but, the doctor who operated was too drunk to preform properly. So to make up for this, I get one chance. I perform enough good deeds to make up for all the bad I've done, then I'll be brought back as if I was only dead till the defibrillators paddles shocked me three times. I couldn't refuse. So I signed my name on the contract after asking what happens if I fail? She said, "If you fail... this life HERE ends with no more chances." All I could ask was "What do you mean by HERE?" She laughed and said if I screw up I'll find out. So yeah within ten minutes of falling, from the sky, I crashed into "The" Princess Luna, no less. She let me explain my deal with the spirit and she offered me a chance. If I blew it, Death would claim my old body. That's how I ended up here in a rocket hurtling towards the moon and oh crap... no brakes! *Loud crashing noises.* Well that's the prologue it's short sweet and to the point. If you can't tell by my colorful ramblings with Pinkie and assorted members of the Mane six all over the site that they are going to play a major part in this. Great job Maxi! Very well written for actually trying a new style. Thanks Twilight. Wait... when did you start calling me Maxi too? Around the time you decided to call me Sparkle butt for two days. Oh yeah... that. *Chuckles* That was funny though huh? Sorry if I hurt your feelings. Maxi? Wrap this up please, before this get's any more private. *Motions to Camera.* Oh crap! Well yeah cya ppls and tune in next time! > Day 1: Lightspeed or Death > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi there, everypony! Maxi said I was supposed to tell you that he doesn't have the copyrights to anything except his characters and anything to do with them. I don't know why he told me to tell you but, he said was gonna make muffins if I did so bye! YAY MUFFINS! Pinkie Pie, you are so random... *The rest nod in agreement*(Brown text stands for multiple sources or voices. Like when the CMC all shout at once that would be declared by brown text.) Oh that's right I was supposed to mention the scene transition change. This was inspired by the work of Belmontzar's Megaman Zero Legend's never die. So check him out as his story is rather good. Twi, why are you readin' that last bit off a card? *She blushes* Oh no reason... Right story on! *Hits the scene change button that has been conveniently placed next to the Muffin button.* On a final note, there will be sections that will divide the story into parts by character focus. The color will be a representative of the person it involves with red Representing Max, Purple for Twilight, and so on. [Loading World: Terra, Area: Luna's Moon-Impact Crater] The door, of the shuttle, bursts open with the aid of the friendly application of Max's weapon, a glowing scythe-sword called Sparkling Dawn. This weapon was given to him along with powers to aid him in his journey by Lady Death. She actually wanted him to succeed, because it was a complete mistake that he died to begin with. The powers and form he was given, were taken from a parallel world version of him, in which he was actually a part of the world. (For the complete details look up his OC spotlight in my blog.) Coughing from the impact cloud "That could have gone better. Well at least I know these powers work." Max said as he stepped from the capsule. His right hand displays a shining silver orb, with his alternate's CM inside. (That's where it is on him besides on his back under his coat in the original character as well. The one on his back doesn't glow though.) "So Earth ponies make me stronger huh? That's cool." He said to himself knowing he was all alone on the moon. He tapped his hand to his cheek as if trying to remember something. "Oh yeah! I gotta find that strange purple metal. Princess Luna said it would help me, so I better go find it." Max pulled himself completely from the crater, after the black glow of his negative adrenals faded. (I'll explain that when it's more relevant but, for now just know it's a side affect of his powers.) "So where to? Oh yeah, I remembered she said it was on the dark-side of the moon. I bet it's cold there. Cold like Spike's love life!" Max laughs silently to himself, as he sets off towards the dark-side of the moon to collect the metal Luna called Harmonite. [Loading World: Terra, Area: Ponyville-Library] The door slams closed as Magical Prodigy, Twilight Sparkle, enters her Library home. "Spike are you here? I'm home! Spike?!!!" Twilight shrugs thinking Spike must have either gone out to entertain himself or fallen asleep. This theory was further founded by the neatness of the library, which was left in complete chaos before she left. "I guess he finished early and went to find something to do. Oh look a letter from... Princess Luna?" Twilight had done a quick check of the Library and had found a scroll of night blue parchment neatly placed on Twilight's desk. She quickly used her magic to levitate and read the scroll. "Dear Twilight Sparkle, a new visitor has arrived in our lands and has been given permission to stay by myself and my sister. What we would like for you to do is, help this visitor in anyway possible, once he returns from his mission on..." Twilight's eyes widened as she checked the location written on the scroll, to make sure she didn't misread it. "The Moon?!! That's not possible! This has to be a joke. Even if he did get there and survive how can he get back?" Twilight's mind raced as she wondered just who this new visitor was. Somepony who could survive on the moon was one thing but, a complete stranger being trusted by Luna to go there is completely another. Twilight was ripped from her thoughts by her Cyan pegasus friend Rainbow Dash rushing in through an open window.(Like she does) "Twilight, you've got to look up at the sky, something is coming down REALLY fast!" After shouting this message to Twilight, they both rushed outside staring upwards. The sun had only been replaced by the moon for ten minutes, before what looked like a small comet started rushing towards the planet. [Loading World: Terra, Area: Atmosphere, Begin Trial Game: Light Speed or Death.] 3, 2, 1, GO! With that, Max jumped from the moon's surface clutching the shining purple metal in his hands, as he entered the atmosphere. The sheer adrenalin created from the impending doom, allowed him to activate one of his Tribal Shifts. "Tribal Shift! Pegasus for Unicorn!" As he shouted these words, the Pegasus tribal symbol, on his hand, glowed as the Unicorn symbol darkened. With this new-found source of speed and dexterity he dove towards the atmosphere hitting sonic speed in seconds. The resounding explosion caused a massive rainbow to appear from the source.(That is how it works in this universe. Just watch the show.) He wasn't done there though, as he reached 30,000 feet above the ground. He began to gain even more speed and the similar cone of energy formed around him. Rainbow Dash could only watch in awe, as this new figure had not only already performed her signature move but, was about to surpass it. "No Way! Their not gonna be able to break the-" KA-BOO-OO-OOO-MM!!!! Her cry of defiance was cut short by the massive explosion and ring of flames in the sky. All that was visible of the figure now, was a line of silver flames that hit the ground in seconds yet left no crater stopping around a winged barrier, much like a pegasus would use to soften an impact. "No way... they broke the light barrier. That's just... AWESOME!" Rainbow's look of worry and fear soon turned to the same expression a fan girl gets when they see their idol in person. What happened next shocked everypony. The wings unfurled to reveal a bi-pedal stallion with silver fur and both a horn and wings. The figure wore a large blue and white trench coat with orange trim. His mane and tail were both deep crimson. His most startling feature were his eyes. The right was Brown while the left was the same color as Rainbow Dash's fur, a bright blue that put the sky to shame. He coughed up some blood from the immense pain of hitting the ground at light speed and began to glow black for a moment. Rainbow dash couldn't believe her eyes, the only being to break the light barrier and perform a feat that didn't even have a name yet, due to it's extremely low chance of success and it was a Male Alicorn! Twilight had once explained that the Alicorns were able to change shapes to match the surrounding environment. So, if they were surrounded by creatures that walked on two legs, they could look like the stallion did if they wished.(Plot hole closed) Twilight finally snapped out of the shock that the stallion's appearance had caused and galloped to his aid. "Hey, are you alright?!" Twilight said as she reached the stallion's side. All he could do in response, was give her a nod. As the black glow, surrounding him faded, he stood up easily. The ease with which he moved, made it seem like he had never been injured at all. She noticed the color of his feathers and horn. Even by Alicorn standards, the coat and the rest of the body were rarely different colors. This stallion's coat was silver while the feathers on his wings and the horn on his head where both the same shade of red as his mane. Twilight took it into consideration that she had only dealt with female Alicorns before and for all she knew, this could actually be normal for males. So she invited him and Rainbow Dash into the Library to talk, while she sent a letter to Princess Luna. Once she told him of her plans, he asked her to attach the purple metal he had found on the moon to the letter if possible. Twilight simply nodded, knowing that this must have been who Luna meant in her letter. [Day 1 End: Light Speed or Death Summery. Trial Game Reward = 500 Bits. Powers unlocked = Light-Speed Nova Dash. Character Links forged and Description of relations: Rainbow Dash = Fan girl in awe of my skills + Room-Mate. Twilight Sparkle = Study Buddy + link to Princess Luna. Princess Luna = Mission Provider + ->Substitute Mother Figure<- Even I don't know how she ended up with that one.] If you don't know what that last part was it was a mock stage complete summery much like Belmontzar's story as it makes game style crossovers seem more legit. Thanks to him for providing the blueprint for a great game crossover. Hey Maxi? Does the summery have anything to do with hints for the next chapter? Indeed it does my Clever Unicorn friend. The relations to characters are a clue as to how they will be handled in the chapter after they are introduced. If it's a little too OOC for them please let me know in a comment but, I think we all know, that Rainbow Dash would begin to worship someone who could do something that even the Wonderbolts can't do no matter how hard they try. Cya next time! Thanks to my Elder "Step"-Brother Gabriell "Hades" Fortner for proofreading this and helping me out. Who dares call upon the Name of Hades! Oh shut up Gabe. Oh who's this?! Do you like parties?! I like parties! Huh? What? Go away you pink ball of annoyance! "But, but... BWAHHHHH!!!" She begins crying in the way only a cartoon pony can. Shit... I don't have time for this! *He throws down a smoke bomb and vanishes.* Pain in the flank. Don't worry pinkie he's always that sour so don't mind him. *I say while helping her up.* Here have a muffin and turn off the camera. *Hands her a muffin as the camera fades to black.* > Day 2: The Heartfelt Dive > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Important Notice!* Before I begin. There will be nearly countless references to video games and other media. So I'm telling everyone of you right now and I will not repeat this. I don't own the rights to anything in this story except Maximillion and my other OC's. I may also make the MLP characters act slightly OOC at times but, I believe this can be justified. I mean you would act differently if something you never expected to happen, suddenly does and changes your life forever after am I right? Well with the 'Red tape' out of the way let's continue. [Loading World, Terra.... error. World load failure, begin sequence 'Heartfelt Dive'. Sequence boot up complete... Good Luck young hero.] Max had fallen asleep rather easily after the events of the day before. When he had woken, he found his head was throbbing and that he was sitting on a large stained glass platform, surrounded by nothingness. "Ouch, my head. I guess I'm not in the Library anymore, huh?" Max stood up to examine his surroundings to see what looked like his old body sprawled out unconscious, on the floor before him. Upon closer inspection, he discovered it was him. Well, his old self. The body had no pulse yet began to stir and lighten in color. Upon reaching it's feet, it had lost all color except for a black and crimson coat, much like the one Max sported. The being turned to Max, it's eyes had yellow irises with a strange logo on the pupils. A Silver skull with a black heart split in the middle. "Ah... look who finally showed up! Good to have you back my other." The man's voice sounded much like how Max imagined he would sound if he had an inner hollow, like that show back on earth. "Who... the Hell, are you?! My normal body is supposed to be back on earth in a comatose state. Well, at least until I succeed or fail Lady Death's test!" Max's eyes were showing signs of his surprise but, once the figure stood and spoke to him, his eyes showed signs of betrayal. He felt like Lady Death had lied to him. "Ah yes... about that. She really didn't have a choice in the matter." The man's lips contorted into a sinister smile. Max felt like the devil himself was staring at him. "She tried to stop me, told me to wait. She... REALLY shouldn't have done that." With these words, wings appeared from the back of the strange man. Max already knew who's wings they were. They were Lady Death's. The beast before him had killed and consumed her much like a hollow, and using that power gave himself wings and powers equal to Max's. "Well... I believe I owe you the chance to choose... Will you willingly return to me or do I have to kill and consume you as well, my former soul?" Max's anger gave him untold reserves of strength, as he reached for his sword, he found that a pistol was now strapped to his side. A final gift from lady death. She knew the beast would kill her and gave him her final burst of power in the form of this weapon. A vision sparked through Max's mind as he held the Triple-Barreled Revolver in front of him. It lasted for mere seconds but, to him it felt like he had watched a seven minute cut-scene from a video game. The vision was of Lady Death handing him the weapon and telling him why. "Maximillion, I'm sorry about what's going to happen. I'm afraid that I won't be able to give you back your former life. I'm nearly gone... Killed by the beast that stole your former body. In my final moments, I give you this. This is the Heartfelt Vengeance, the weapon I once held. With this, you may unleash your full potential. Once you fire the weapon, you have until the flare fades to unleash as much of your power as you can." The vision faded with the words Good Luck. "So... the Bitch of Death gave you a parting gift eh? No matter. It's not like you can even figure out how-" The Beast's words were stopped by Max pointing the weapon skyward and pulling the hammer back. It's expression, that was once so smug quickly turned to anger, as it thought it accounted for everything. It charged at Max only to be stopped by the pure energy coming from him. "Impossible! You can't have that much power!" Max gave a cocky smirk and pointed the weapon at the Beast's temple. "Get the hell out of my heart, you bastard! Your not me, not anymore!" With these words he fired the weapon causing the Beast to be removed from his inner world by force. His celebration was short-lived however, as he saw the door to reality appear before him. He opened it and began to awaken. "Maximillion, I will have my vengeance. You are right about one thing though. We are not the same being anymore. I shall now go by a new name. As a being sworn to vengeance, I believe I have the right to this name. I shall be known as... Gabriell." With this, Gabriell laughed psychotically and vanished from Max's heart entirely. [Day 2: The Heartfelt Dive End Summery. Exp Gained: 1,500. Maxim = Level Up! Exp till next level = 25,000. Skills Gained: Vengeance Flare, Bullet Nova, Raining Lead, Soul Fire Slash, Dive and Dash, Millennium Strike, Light-speed Nova-Blade, & Dance of Death. Gear Obtained: Heartfelt Vengeance/Unlimited Ammo = Normal Rounds, Crescent Moon crystal. Enemies Fought: Gabriell The Vengeful Other. Friendships made and status: None. Enemies made and status: Gabriell = Nemesis and plotting aggressive force. The Girls are too busy to help with the recap so I'll see you nice people next time. > Day 3: The Summer Heat > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warning! The Following Chapter will have some mature sexual references as it pertains to the concept of Heat, there will not be any sex scenes but, it will be implied later that they did happen. Celestia help me, even having to write that warning makes me uncomfortable... Your the one who said it had to be addressed sooner than later right? Yeah I know... Twilight, that's not helping. Oh right sorry... Will you two shut up and hit the button already?! Oh right, thanks Gabe! No problem. Ah yes... Before we begin if you see chat sections colored differently like you may down the page. They are Colored to represent who's talking when two or more speak in the same paragraph. Max's lines are red, Twilight's are purple, and Gabe's are Black to name a few. If you see any lines colored Brown they are meant to be referring to more than one character. Here's an Example... CUTIE-MARK CRUSADERS, MASTER PAINTERS! YAY! Used that for a reference seeing as that part is always the three CMC shouting at once. Now if you'll excuse me I need to find some advil. *Hits the story start button.* [Loading World: Terra, Area... Twilight's Bedroom? Wait... why are you... never mind I don't want to know.] Max awoke to find himself unable to stand. He looked to see if he was tied up, which was not the case. What had happened was his body had reacted to the loss of Gabe and with his old self's influence gone he turned into a pony. To which his reaction was the norm. Minor note: Max's feathers and horn are the same color as his mane. The pony creator I used does not allow that particular feature so I'm going to write it here. "What in the name of all that's holy happened to me?!" Yep... that's the norm all right. Though his outburst did attract the attention of the Lavender Unicorn who's room he had somehow ended up in. "Wait... why am I in a bedroom... please don't tell me it's-?" Max's mind flew into a portion of his inner world while his physical body collapsed with a light thud much like one does when they've feinted. Twilight had arrived near the end of his thought and saw him collapse. Mostly worried and somewhat disappointed. Max spent several minutes within his inner world attuning his mind to the new body while also checking for anything that would have led to his current situation what he found was not good... well not to him anyway. "Well... shit. I only wish I could had time to properly enjoy meeting the girls before this... My luck is horrible." Max's little rant was disturbed by his new found knowledge sinking in. He rushed from his inner world to wake up quickly. "Okay... I don't see the lady unicorn at the moment, so I guess this would be a good chance to escape." Max said as he stood and looked around. He had just made it to the front door of the Library when he saw the calender placed conveniently next to it. "So the Summer Sun Celebration is to occur next week, and if I'm remembering that spell I picked up correctly. Alright, Scan." Max's horn began to glow and a sweeping beam of light scanned the calendar for any information he may not know. Once the scan was complete his heart dropped. He now knew why he had woken where he did. "Oh please don't let this be the correct date. I'm to young to be in a relationship yet. Not to mention not even close to being used to this body yet." Was all he could say as Twilight walked down the stairs after appearing to have had a shower. "Oh, hello again. I'm sorry, I don't believe we've been properly introduced. I'm Twilight Sparkle and you are?" Twilight said these words with a mild strain, like she was trying to force herself to act normal. "I'm Maximillion Fortner. Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Sparkle." Max's voice was laced was a hidden magic he used in his own mind to snap Twilight out of her problem for at the least five minutes. The spell worked as Twilight's eyes snapped open like she had just had cold water thrown in her face. "H-how did you-" "Snap you out of your urge to be mounted? Sorry if that was the inappropriate choice of words." "No problem but, yes how?" "Oh for Celestia's sake Ms. Sparkle. You of all ponies should realize when you've been affected by magic." Max ended the conversation by pointing out his still shining horn. "My apologies for using magic on you but, I sincerely doubt you would have listened to reason and answered my questions otherwise. "It's no problem. Your probably right, the pony mating season just started and I've never been in a town where it's so hard to avoid running into stallions before. What questions did you have anyway? She asked nicely her eyes seemingly becoming very interested in the floor. "You've answered all but, one of them already. My last question was how long does the mating season last? Honestly if it's longer than three days I would much rather stay here and find a way to keep you calm." "Well it lasts from yesterday until the day before the celebration from what I've learned. Though that is only the general time-frame. It's different for everypony." "Ah, I see. Well that's to bad I was hoping to have a tour of the town but, I wouldn't want to be jumped by every mare I meet." Max hung his head as he said this. "Well, you could always stay here with me. I'll be more than happy to help you out." Twilight's voice had become quite sultry as she gave Max the bedroom eyes. "Well, I thought that spell would have lasted longer. You must have some incredible magical powers Ms. Sparkle." Max's horn was still glowing preventing him from falling prey to his primal urges with magic. Twilight noticed this and cast a spell of her own which effectively canceled Max's spell. "Mmmhmm, so do you. I hope you'll take it easy on me. It's my first time." As she said this she turned around and walked up the stairs towards her bedroom. "Okay let's see here... Equines are usually only in heat during the time they are most likely to conceive an offspring. Oh god." Max's eyes were wide in shock as he didn't even notice he was following Twilight as he was thinking, the last part of his statement was a realization of him finding out this fact. Twilight closed the door behind him with her Magic and Max realized the spell she cast didn't erase his but reverse it. "Okay, seeing as I don't have much time with a clear head I'm warning you now. This is my first time to and I'm not completely used to this new body so I'll do my best to be careful." Max said to which Twilight only nodded. All Max could think before his mind was wiped blank by the spell was 'Damn reversal magic.' [Day 3: The Summer Heat End Summery. Bonus Stats Obtained = Stamina Up, Strength Up, Dexterity Up! Spells obtained = Scan, Cure, Fire, Thunder, Reflect, Magnet, & Sparkle Blaster. Skills Obtained = Calm Mind, & Form Shift. Friendships gained and Status: Twilight Sparkle = Study Buddy/Marefriend.(Before you ask, it's kinda hard to go through that without feeling something okay?) Enemies made and Status: N/A] Alright i have a question. What's up Twilight? Why me? Because you seem like the least obvious one. You know with the fact your friends nearly have to drag you away from your books. That... actually makes sense. Alright, what about that Sparkle Blaster spell why is that given my text color? It's basically to represent when I use that spell I use it in the way you would. It's colored that way because it's basically a spell based on you. Abilities based on you girls will be colored respectfully. Again that made sense. No more questions. Good I'm hitting the off button. My proof-reader was otherwise occupied with his girlfriend during this chapter's writing so that was what sparked this chapter's theme. While also explaining the spelling and grammar errors. > Day 4: The human wanderer & the crazed inventor > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Right before we begin, everypony say hello to Dreton. Hello Dreton. Oh Hi I'm Pinkie Pie! You're new right, do you like parties!? Yes! We should make muffins! Twilight, I don't think anyone is ready for this. It's a little late for that now. Oh hey! Look talking horses! Um actually ponies. Want a carrot? Um... okay thanks. I'm just going to start the story now. Ah one moment my good sir. You forgot to mention that myself and Dreton are property of your friend LichEmperor. Oh that's right thanks, Herbert. My pleasure sir. *He bows and his top hat opens firing a stream of confetti which starts the show.* [Loading World: Terra, Area: Summer Sun Celebration.] Max was sitting in the back of the grand hall of the Town center. "Man, big gatherings make me nervous." As he said this the party had just begun wrapping up. As the first guests were about to leave a cloaked figure walked through the doors. *Collective Gasp* "Well... shit. Guess it's fight time." As max readied himself for battle the figure spoke. "Um... Hi." *Smile and wave.* The figure's mouth barely visible from underneath the hood of his cloak. He looked like he had been walking for days. "Um... mind if I pass out here? No? Alright then." With that he fell to the ground and began to snore. [Loading World: Terra, Area: Abandoned Lab on the border of the Everfree Forest] Max and Twilight had just finished getting their new guest set up in the upstairs area of the abandoned building. Max had been using his magic to repair the destroyed structure. "Your getting much better at magic." "Yeah it just feels so natural." "Sleeping is natural too but, you don't see me getting compliments on it." "Oh hey, your awake." "Yep! Can we have breakfast now?" "Um... who or what are you?" The man looked puzzled at the question. "Um, I really don't know. My name's Dreton but, that's about it." Dreton held his head in pain as memories stung him as he tried to remember things. "Ouch... I'm gonna take another nap." *Dreton passes out again.* As Dreton snores away Max uses his scan spell to figure out who this man is. "Well... looks like I'm gonna need a minute. Twilight. Can you go find a really sharp needle?" At this question Twilight's eyes stretch to the point it looks like they should pop from her skull. "Are you going to kill him?!!! I'm not gonna help with that!" "Relax princess spaz-a-lot. I need something to poke holes in his fingers. Humans release magic through their hands but, this world's magic would tear his fingers off without the holes." With that explanation Twilight runs downstairs and returns with both a needle and a rather strange figure following her. "Well... it appears the guests of honer have finally arrived. My name is Herbert Hall, merchant extraordinaire." "Hello my name is-" "Maximillion Fortner, and the two with you are Ms. Twilight Sparkle & the wander Dreton. Who might I add is sleeping in my bed." "Yeah... sorry about that... Wait! How do you know who we are?!" "It's my business to know things good sir. It's hard to find goods for clients you can't understand." "That's totally not creepy in any way." "Glad you think so. We should get along swimmingly you and I." The strange man bowed and tipped his large top-hat. The top of the hat popped open to reveal a key. "Seeing as your going to be staying here I've taken the liberty of making a spare key. I have only one rule. The basement is off limits. Besides that enjoy yourself." "Okay thank you. So what do I do?" "Ah I'll need an assistant for my work. If you'll volunteer to run the counter, I'll happily pay you with both room and board. As well as a portion of all the profits. With that statement Herbert held out his hand which Dreton shook. "Awesome, now that your squared away I think me and Twilight should head out." "Ah very well then Maxi. Before you go though I think it would be best to give you this. You may need it as your battle style is quite reliant on hands you don't currently possess." Herbert reaches into his pocket and pulls out a pocket-watch made from the Harmonite Max retrieved earlier. He gives it to Max and instructs him that it's power will activate the Form Change skill he recently acquired without needing to focus on using it. "It was a pleasure meeting you both. Take care Mr. Hall, bye Dreton." "Bye purple unicorn lady. Bye winged unicorn guy!" "It was my pleasure and please do come again." "Will do! Take care you two." With their goodbyes taken care of Max and Twilight return to Ponyville noticing that it had grown dark. [Day 4: The human wanderer & the crazed inventor summery: Items and gear gained: Harmonite Shifter pocket-watch. Friends made and status: Dreton = Strange friend who reminds Max of a certain PPP. Mr. Herbert "The Mad Herb" Hall = Mission Holder who is replacing Princess Luna in that duty. As well as supplies Max with helpful gadgets like the Harmonite Shifter pocket-watch. Enemies made & status: N/A] Well I think that went rather well don't you? Yes! We should have a chapter complete party! Whoo! Party! I'll get the broom. And I'll hit the lights. *Click* > Day 5: The Canterlot Crown Challenge > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- So this next chapter will be extremely combat oriented. So we are finally going to see some real combat? If you call an extremely violent game of tag combat then yes. Well then we must not keep the audience in suspense! Raise the curtains! *He does a dramatic bow and fires his hat's confetti cannon again.* [Loading Zone, Canterlot Trial Game: Canterlot Crown Challenge.] 7:00Am in Canterlot the Princess of the Sun stands before all of Canterlot and uses her magic to allow her voice to reach the whole of the city. "Citizens of Equestria, due to several complaints on the matter of the Prince Blueblood we have decided to once again hold the Canterlot Crown Challenge! If Blueblood can overcome the winner of this tournament then he shall retain rights to his title. If he fails he is banished from the nobility!" With this announcement cheers could be heard from all over Equestria. Blueblood took notice of this and looked to his adopted aunt. "Dearest aunt, why are you doing this?" "Because Blueblood. When I took you into my care, I had expected you to grow into a kind and gentle ruler. It seems the opposite has happened. You abuse your status to get what you want. You womanize the mares and treat stallions like dirt. You are never going to be a fit ruler of this kingdom, if you cannot see that you must put your people before yourself and that is why I'm doing this." "There will be three hours until the champion is decided. The first will be registration the two after will be the elimination rounds! Prepare yourselves and do your best my little ponies!" After Celestia finished her speech two sets of royal guards left the castle each holding a crate. Max walked up to the Registration booth at Twilight's request. The guard didn't even look at him. "Name?" "Maximillion Fortner" The guard looked from his papers to see the strange Alicorn standing before him. "Well... that's rare never thought an Alicorn stallion even existed. Your lucky your the last one we have supplies for." The guard reached into the crate behind him and pulled out a foam bat and a clear orb. When Max took the orb it burst to life with his signature Crimson aura. "Fire and Light magic, huh? Well that's rather good for someone who looks like they've never seen combat before." "I um... study a-lot. Oh, this is my Teacher." The guard did a slight bow as Twilight walked over after being called Max's teacher with a slight blush. "A pleasure to see you again as always Ms. Sparkle." "Likewise Sgt. Glacier. How has the family been?" "Well, and I'm proud to see you following your dream of teaching magic to others." With this comment Twilight couldn't help but blush. "Well good luck to your student miss Sparkle I hope we get to see him at least make the Semi-Finals." "I'm sure he will." [Elimination Rounds Finals.] Max had battled through 7 different fighters to make it this far. His final opponent was supposedly fueled by some grudge against Blueblood and was doing this only to spite him. Announcer Pony: "And for the Final Match to decide who will challenge Blueblood for the Canterlot crown the fighters will be The Nova Blader! Maximillion Fortner! vs. the Diamond Diva! Rarity! *The entire crowd gasps.* (What a twist!) "Come now darling can't we just be civil and talk about the conditions of your surrender?" "Oh... I get it. You haven't actually done any fighting have you? You've used your feminine charms to trick the male fighters into surrendering." "What can I say? The stallions around here know exactly how to treat a proper lady." Max grinned sinisterly as he vanished from sight in the blast of flames left behind by reaching light-speed. He stopped mid swing as Rarity had covered her head with her hooves and was nearly crying. Max just tapped her and the orb fell from her mane shattering signaling the fight was over. "Sorry My lady, but revenge is never a good motive." was all Max said as he claimed his victory. Blueblood however was not amused he jumped onto the stage as soon as Rarity was taken off by the staff. "At last someone put that little Harlot in her place. If I must say so that was quite impressive my good man who was your teacher?" "Twilight Sparkle, personal student to Princess Celestia." "Her? That little Lavender slut?" "WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL HER?!" Blueblood looked around with worry before the gong sounded signaling the fight to start. "You heard me. Apparently she was deflowered by some passing vagabond from a foreign land. Oh the scandal, what if she had become with child from that low-life?! It would be so disappointing!" Max's body began to glow bright black and his pupils vanished completely, the pure negative energy released from his body caused him to Form shift without trying to. "If you say one more word about Twilight Sparkle so help me, this spot will hold the tombstone of the greatest jerk to ever exist!" Max's voice had become dark and twisted by his massive amounts of rage. [Mini-Boss: Prince Blueblood] Max instantly charged Blueblood. The dark energy coursing from him cut the air like black knives. Blueblood managed to block the attack but, was hit with Max's 'Millennium Strike' skill which caused Blueblood to be struck 1,000 times within the course of three seconds. He managed to stand and readied himself for the next blow, only to see Max floating high in the air charging and launching a massive black sphere of flames towards him. "Chaos!!! Solar Storm!!!" Once the massive Blast had ceased he noticed that Twilight had contained the blast with her magic her, eyes filled with tears. "Max... please stop. Don't do this." Max's pupils became visible as he regained his normal coloring. When he realized what he had done he used his magic to warp away from the field of combat. Celestia and Luna who had overseen the contest exchanged concerned glances, as Blueblood fainted from the extreme bruising he had received from Max. [Mini-Boss Complete/Max's current location Unknown area in Everfree forest.] Celestia had removed Blueblood from his place on the throne and asked Twilight if she would accept due to saving the lives of everypony at the competition. She refused as she felt it wasn't right. As she hadn't even entered the Contest. Celestia pulled Twilight aside and gave her news that made her heart drop. Celestia had scanned Twilight after Blueblood's comment about her affair with Max during the Mating season. She was pregnant. Twilight asked if that was even possible seeing as Max's real form is not even remotely similar to a pony to which she got the most bad to worse news ever. The bad news was, that seeing as Max has been residing in a Pony form and had been in said form at the time it was completely possible that Max is the father. The worse news was, that without Celestia's light magic to help there is a good chance that her offspring would have the same unstable abilities as it's father. So regretfully Twilight had no choice to accept. She only hoped Max would be able to handle what was ahead. Day 5: The Canterlot Crown Challenge Summery. Bonus Stats = Will Up! Spirit Up! Vitality Up! Stamina Up! Focus Up! Exp. Gained = 75,000 Maxim = Level Up x2! Exp to next level = 2,000. Stats increased = Strength Up! Speed Up! Magic Up! Health Up! Was 750 now 1,500. Mana Up! Was 250 now 500. Skills gained = Solar Storm. (Summons a massive energy ball of Fire and Light energy.) Chaos Solar Storm. (Summons a massive energy ball of Fire and Dark energy.) Diamond Duster (Summons a massive Diamond storm to shred the enemy.) Wing Shield Lv.2. (Causes the wings to become a reinforced Harmonite dome around Max for several second.) Flare Force punch/kick. (Shoots fire from the fist or hoof for a mid-range attack.) Friends made and status: N/A Enemies Made and Status: Ex-Prince Blueblood = Hates Max for getting him kicked from the nobility. Wow that chapter was rather dark. Wow... is he always like that? I'm afraid our good friend Maxi may have lost a war within himself in defense of or lovely unicorn friend over there, Mr. Dreton. *Herbert says while smoking an old English pipe.* Wow... he must have been really mad to nearly nuke the whole stadium! Indeed and it seems the trouble has only just begun. But, I believe we have discussed to much for now. Dreton, Twilight. I believe we best wrap this up. *Dreton and Twilight nod as Herbert's Robotic bird, 'Cluck' pecks the monitor off switch.* *"Good boy, Cluck" was all that could be heard as the connection faded.* > Day 6: The Vengeful Angel and The Flames of Judgement > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Not much to say so let's get started. Oh yeah... there will be Drama! And the first major boss fight in the series. Who is it? Read on to find out. [Loading location: Border of Everfree Forest 12:00AM Three days after the 'Xam' incident (He's usually so nice so they called this negative version a reverse of his actual name.)] Dreton stood alongside Herbert Hall who was holding Max's revolver. Herbert's robotic Bird Cluck was being used to track the energy signature given off by Max's magic. "Very good cluck, activate night search mode and lead on." *Cluck did as it was told and flew slowly through the forest.* "Hey Mr. Hall? Are we sure we'll find him out here? it's been three days and the search party was officially called back." "That's exactly why we'll find him now. He has been hiding and masking his magical aura to due so. But, now that the search is officially over he will reveal his magical aura so that he can move quickly." "I didn't understand a word of that man." "It means he was hiding from us and now he thinks we aren't looking he'll stop hiding." Ooooh. "Ah yes before I forget. Dreton, do you still have that experimental weapon I gave you?" "The one that unfurls into a large gun with a sword hilt and blade attached? Yes why?" "Just want to be prepare for anything my dear boy. Ah it appears we have arrived." Herbert pointed to the massive expanse of water before them. Max floated on the center of the lake his magic radiating uncontrollably. From the outside it would seem he had put himself into a meditative state within a soap bubble. What they didn't know was that the 'soap bubble' was all that was keeping his powers in check. "I wanna pop that bubble." "If I were in my right mind I would say that is a very bad idea. But, I'm not so have at it while I go fetch our quadruped companions alright?" With that statement Herbert revealed why his nickname was Herbert "The Mad Herb" Hall as he dashed away towards the search parties camp laughing like a loon leaving Max's Revolver laying there in front of Dreton. "That guy is weird. Oh well time to pop a big bubble." Dreton did as the strange inventor had instructed and twisted the pommel of the sword clockwise three times as he drew it. The sword expanded into a large rifle that was able to be held and used like a rapier. The hilt formed around the wielder's hand so that one could fire it from a single handed position with no recoil. This fit Dreton's combat style well as he had somehow picked up and used a rapier with ease as if he knew how it worked easily. Though he said he had no memory of any combat training. Hall dismissed it as natural talent. *Click... Bang!* The noise of the shot rang out through the Everfree disturbing all the life within and leading the six ponies and Hall straight to it's source. "Wow it really did pop like a soap bubble!" Dreton said while he closed his eyes for a moment laughing. When he opened them again he saw Max in his Xam form holding the Heartfelt Vengeance to his head. "You just made... THE. WORST. POSSIBLE. MISTAKE!!! As Twilight and the others finally reached the Lake, it was all Herbert could do to tell them to look away as Xam shot Dreton point blank. Dreton fell to the ground in a heap as Twilight screamed loudly. She had never seen anyone or anypony die before and she never expected the one she loved to kill them. She collapsed to the ground sobbing heavily. That was until the group gasped as Dreton stood up as if he had only been knocked down. His blonde hair began to flow even despite the lack of wind, the wound in his face from the bullet had vanished only to be replaced by a deadpan stare. He summoned a sword of pure light to his side that was instantly engulfed in golden flames. As the figure stood the sky above them darkened as if in anticipation of the clash to come. "I'm afraid mortal dog... That your the one who has made the error. You have given up your final chance and have been judged unworthy of his grace's divine salvation. So I Uriel shall inflict upon you His Wrath. With these words the being cast Max aside as if he were nothing. Max taking note of this decided to fight with all his strength. [Boss Battle: Arch-Angel Uriel/Dreton] Max was the first to attack he unsheathed his sword and charged Uriel he swung fiercely but, Uriel blocked his attacks easily. As if Max was nothing. Max stepped his game up and used some of his skills His two strongest skills he could use while not risking the on-lookers where 'Soul Fire Slash' and 'Millennium Strike'. He decided to go with the former first then quickly use the latter as they were formed into a combo he called the 'Light-speed Nova-Blade' He charged his blade with his *Nova magic and struck at Uriel. (*Nova magic comes in two forms Normal and Chaos Nova. Nova does massive Fire and Light damage, while Chaos Nova does massive Darkness damage instead of Light.) Uriel easily blocked Max's strike with his holy blade. Max decided to use the Millennium Strike but, Uriel easily blocked each of the 1,000 hits and cracked Max over the head with his weapon's pommel. "Come now child. I would have expected the destined savior's father to be much more powerful. Though I guess the power could come from it's Unmarried whore of a mother. Ah there she is." Max looked in both anger and fear as Uriel had appeared next to Twilight. She stared at Uriel in a state of mortal terror. His uncaring eye's looked to be staring deep into her soul to find the slightest excuse to kill her then and there. [If holy orders is still playing stop it. Play this instead.] Max then put together what Uriel meant. Chosen Savior's father. It's unwed whore of a mother. The fact he looked so eager to end Twilight's life. Twilight was pregnant with his child and Uriel was not happy about it in the least. Max stared at Uriel to find even the slightest opening in his stance and he realized that he didn't have any. If he attacked Uriel would kill Twilight to get Max angry so he would be easily defeated. Max was snapped out of his concentration by Twilight screaming and Uriel holding her up ready to stab her with his weapon. "In all honesty, I really don't care what happens to this world. If that foolish boy hadn't accepted that contract and just gone to hell like I suggested than she would still be alive. The beast who now impersonates an Angel is his doing! So as the one sent to this plain in the name of divine justice, I shall wipe his lover, his offspring, and him from this world so that his taint will fade with time!" Uriel said the anger seeping from his voice. Max knew that Uriel was talking about the fact that the monster in his old body, had both killed and consumed Lady Death. The monster who now impersonated the angel of vengeance Gabriell. (It's spelled with two L's for the reason that it's not the real angel. See? I knew someone was going to ask that.) Max finally got enough control over his powers to magically eject Twilight, Herbert and the others from the forest and back to Ponyville. This got an enraged reaction from Uriel. "You Dare prevent me from carrying out his will?!" This outburst gained an amused look from Max who had begun to burn like a living flame. "No... I prevented a vindictive angel from falling from grace due to a petty grudge. Now let's get back to business." At this Max and Uriel charged each other one final time. The clash of blades caused the very world to tremble to it's core. The blast could be seen from anywhere on the planet, as a massive pillar of flames that pierced the heavens themselves rose from the site of the two's battle. Max and Uriel struggled greatly to gain the upper hand but neither could. What ever was causing Max's new burning form had given him enough power to match Uriel blow for blow. Max then charged all of his power into his weapon which took on a new form to match it's new found strength. "Now that is awesome!" Max swung at Uriel with his new sword and managed to stagger him. "How?! How do you hold so much power?! No mortal could ever withstand such force?!" "Well as you obviously can't figure out. This world Doesn't work the same and if your trust in friendship and love prevails you can do great things!" Max's body burned with white flames as the entire burning pillar was swallowed into him. "Feel the pain that you have caused! Flames of Judgement!" Max swung the blade and the flames engulfed Uriel causing him to fall to the water below. As he was submerged for several seconds. He then re-emerged looking really confused and stared around with Dreton's trademark goofy look. [Boss Fight ends.] "Dude... what happened? And why do I smell marshmallows? Did you guys eat marshmallows and I passed out? Dang... I love marshmallows." Dreton swam to the shore completely unfazed as to the battle that had taken place. Max landed next to him his pants the only article of clothing on him that wasn't destroyed during the battle. When he looked at Dreton he could tell that Uriel was no longer in control, Dreton's eyes had always been full of hope and laughter. While Uriel controlled him there was nothing there except anger and rage. "I'll tell you later man. For now let's just get home and get some sleep." Max said realizing that Dreton and Uriel might share the same body but, obviously not the same mind. He had a-lot to write to the princess after all that. Halfway through the forest Dreton collapsed from exhaustion and asked Max if he wanted stay at his apartment in Herb's lab, when he offered to carry him. Max was honestly more worried that Twilight wouldn't even want to talk to him after what happened. So he dropped Dreton off at Herb's place and headed towards the Library saying he needed to make sure the girls were okay. [Day 6: The Vengeful Angel and The Flames of Judgement Summery: Forms obtained = Unyielding Blaze/Nova, Chaotic Inferno/Chaos Nova. (These forms are both a variation of the one Max used above. The actual form he used is called Justified Inferno and uses both Light and Dark energy.) Skills obtained = Flames of Judgement/Nova+Chaos Nova(Requires the use of Justified Inferno to perform this skill. As he doesn't have the ability to use that form at will yet this ability will be rarely used.) Gear obtained: Sparkling Dawn has changed into the Helios Nocturne sword which amplifies wielder's Fire based attacks. Also boosts Mana pool.(MP) Friends made and status: N/A Enemies made and status: N/A People met who have yet to be figured out: Uriel/Dreton = Max believes that Uriel is locked inside Dreton for a reason but, that reason still eludes him.] Holy flying fish! Did you see that?! We should have some kind of party but, what kind of party would we have? I would suggest one where we can just sit around and enjoys some baked goods. Sounds good enough to me. *Pinkie hits the lights.* > Final Day: His Last Sunrise > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- For those of you who haven't figured it out by now. The chapter format is reminiscent of KH2's beginning sequence. The one where Roxas lives out the seven days of his life up to rejoining Sora. So I'm warning you now there will be a massive drama explosion that could top Rarity's in a heartbeat. With that in mind proceed onwards. [Error with loading message. Interference from vita-tank detected. Subject Restoration at 96% I hope this works... for both his sake and mine.] Max sat on the hill overlooking the lake just outside of Ponyville that the girls once used to watch the meteor shower a while back. As he stared outwards towards the rising sun he felt something he couldn't explain gnawing at his thoughts. "Lady Death never did tell me if I had a time-limit. Though I guess it's rather obvious now." Max said sadly as he stared at the silver sphere adorning his right hand, it was actually embedded into the skin. He could no longer use his powers, they had been sapped from him after the battle with Uriel. His body had reverted to the one he had back on earth. His hair, while still deep red had lost it's magical style. It laid flat to his head sadly. He was unable to summon his weapons to practice with. He couldn't even cast a basic spell. Though without his horn and wings, that made much more sense than still being able to. "I just wish I knew how long I have left, to see if I can say goodbye." Max said as he stood. His pants and shoes the only possessions he owned that were actually his. Stuff that didn't belong to another Max that he had borrowed power from. He looked longingly towards Ponyville and prayed to know how long he had. As if his prayers had been answered he heard what sounded like a watch ticking. He looked down at his right hand where he had his watch before all this began to see nothing there. He checked over his hand to see the Sphere on his hand displaying a timer that said 59:43 and was ticking down by the second. "I get one hour?!!!! What kinda bull-shit is that?!!" Max decided against arguing further and just getting done what he needed to do. Suddenly a beam of light shot from the orb and created a massive crimson flare above him. "That could help a little." Max said with a smirk. "Oh, I don't know what to do?! He just shot Dreton! I don't believe Max would have done that without a reason. Then there was the fact Dreton became possessed by that Uriel thing and tried to kill me. Max sent us away to protect us but, that explosion was huge I hope he's alr-" Twilight and the girls had been up all night worried about the fight between Max and Uriel. "Hey now sugarcube, ya'll better calm down fore you put another hole in the floor." Applejack, farmer and Element of Honesty said as she pointed Twilight to the two others holes in the Library floor Twilight had made while pacing. "Um... girls? Maybe... you should come and look at this." The yellow pegasus known to her friends as Fluttershy said while pointing to the window. "Well... that's unfortunate. I hoped we had more time. Cluck status?!" Herbert called to his bird as it chirped in a automated voice "Restoration at 100% probability of success 99.9 Repeating. Baring Variable of Target's Demise preservation is certain." "Ah wonderful. Glad to see something's gone right in this mess. Cluck prepare the chamber for the subject's energy and I shall return post haste!" Cluck nodded to it's instructions as the Crazed doctor ran towards the beacon of light. "Only 30 minutes left I hope they make it." Max said as he rested himself at the base of the tree and nodded off. He awoke to an argument between Hebert and Twilight nearby. "My dear girl I'm afraid that if you don't let me assist him he will most certainly perish. That large ball that appeared was the signal for his contract's end and if I do not reach him before it fades he will cease to be. On this plane and his old one. Which will plunge both worlds into a terrible Disaster." Hall's voice was strangely cheery for someone attempting to rescue someone from death's clutches. This was the exact reason Twilight was blocking his path however. "I honestly don't trust you! After we met you everything has gone south for Max. What in Celestia's name could cause him to die and why do you keep mentioning a contract?!" "I believe I can answer that my faithful student." With these words the group turned to see the Princess of the Sun in all her glory. "Princess Celestia?!" The six girls said with a startled expression as they all bowed. "Ah, I wondered how long it would take till you arrived Solar goddess." Hall said with an exaggerated bow. "Herbert Hall, I'm not surprised it was you who was handling Max's case once Luna was taken off of it. If I may ask why are you here attempting to reach him?" "He keeps saying something about a contract expiring and that not letting him pass could end in disaster." Celestia looked from Twilight to Hall then nodded him to proceed. Twilight looked shocked as to what had transpired. "Forgive me princess but-" "I'm doing this for more than Max my student. You see if the contract expires without Mr. Hall completing his work. Any life that cannot be changed back to be as if he never appeared will end along with his." Twilight looked at the ground realizing what she meant. If Max died before Herbert completed the task he was attempting to perform she would die as well do to her carrying Max's child. "You mean?" was all she could say as she looked at her mentor. Who could only solemnly nod. "Ouch?! What the Hell Herb?!" "Just need a bit of your DNA and Magical blueprint. Ah there we are. Hold still now." "OUCH! That hurts you jerk!" Max said as he and Herbert walked from behind the tree Herbert holding two vials one of blood and the other a strange blue liquid Twilight suspected to be liquid magic. "Right he has about 5 minutes left so can any of you reach my house and hand these to cluck whole and intact in that time?" Rainbow Dash nodded as Herbert handed her the vials and she sped away. "Ah yes Ms. Sparkle could you come over here for a moment?" Twilight approached him with a worried look. She noticed him pull a purple vial from his pocket that was labeled Max. "What do you need me to do with it?" She said looking at the vial. "Ah yes I'm going to have to ask you to drink that and kiss him. Don't worry it's all regulations, it's the only way to permanently bind his soul to this world which will nullify the old contract. Herbert said while looking to Celestia. "Why do I get the feeling that me staying benefits you as well?" Max said with a shrug. He hadn't heard what happens when his contract ended but Celestia used a spell to make Max understand it completely so he would comply as he only had 30 seconds to spare. "Wow that's heavy. Okay fine." Max looked at the silver sphere and noticed he had less than ten seconds. He was about to turn to Twilight when she tackled and kissed him. Her eyes were filled with tears and knew that if nothing else he could rest easy knowing she wouldn't die. Suddenly the flare above them cut out and with it Max's body started to drain of all color. Twilight broke the kiss and began crying softly while staring at Celestia. "I thought you said he wouldn't Die?! Why?" Celestia looked at the ground in shame. "If you recall I never said he wouldn't die. I only said those that he affected beyond the point of reverse would be safe. Twilight stared at her mentor. Her body tense with shock she felt betrayed more than any other emotion. Her love was dieing and she had to watch because of a loop-hole. Twilight cried into Max's chest as he started to vanish into the endless sky. "Hey... it's okay. I'm just glad I'm the only one walking down the last road. I would rather die knowing your alive than live knowing you died. I love you Twilight Sparkle and Goodbye." With that Max's body vanished into a burst of light and rocketed towards the place the sun now sat in the sky just past sunrise. Twilight sat there crying into the spot Max had been laying just seconds before as her friends and mentor tried to comfort her. "A being with the power over the energy of the sun. I wonder if I'm really able to complete that project... Oh speak of the devil. Herbert said as he tapped the side of his hat and a small antenna popped out. "Ah good day sir, yes... I realized that. No I'm completely sure. Yes. I understand. Yes. Alright I'll have it done. Looks like I've got the green light on my little experiment. Oh this shall indeed be fun!" Hall said as he ran off towards his home laughing maniacally. [Final Day: His Last Sunrise Summery... While we all fear our final rest we must all accept it's time. As there are no forces that may change it. Except me. Dr. Herbert Hall.] *Sobbing* Aww! That was so Sad! Don't tell me it's over now?! While this verse may be over take heart, my pink pony pal. that the tale is far from done. Wait... Sequel? Sequel! The rest of you will get much more air time in the next one too. MAXI YOUR ALIVE?!! Umm I could be a ghost you know. Oh... your not very good at it. Your not scary. Yeah I'm not really trying to be. Okay time to wrap up. Pinkie put down the wrapping paper! The cast is wrapped up and tied with a neat bow by a laughing Pinkie Pie. > Intermission: The year apart > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- This chapter is to explain what happens during the year after Max's death. Keep in mind that there will be a-lot less detail about the actual occurrences but, there may be hints as to what happened later on. Who's perspective will this chapter occur from? Obviously not Max. I actually got the idea from Coal Buck's My second life. At one point some characters are within a character's head discussing the events of the day. I was going to be using that format. So a dream based spectral summery? Precisely my dear Twilight! *Has somehow changed into a Sherlock Holmes outfit.* *Twilight manages to stop herself from giggling long enough to hit the button with a shout of "On with the show!"* [Twilight's Library home Three weeks since Max's death.] "Max... why did you go? Please come back! Don't leave me alone." Twilight awoke from the same sad dream she had been having for the past three weeks. The events that unfolded were forever burned into her mind. The sun was up and nearing the noon mark as Twilight decided to begin her day. Spike had been helping out more and even got Dreton to assist, seeing as the fact that Twilight was pregnant became more and more apparent. "Oh Hey sleepy head. I made some apple pancakes if your hungry." Dreton smiled as he placed some pancakes on a plate with some syrup he found in the fridge. "Oh yeah you got a package from that mail pony lady... I think her name was Ditzy Doo. All she wanted for the delivery was a muffin. That's cool. I wish I got paid in muffins." Dreton began to ramble on till Spike called to him "You do get paid in muffins." "oh yeah that's right! Muffins are awesome." Twilight couldn't help but forget the sad dream she had woken from. Much like Pinkie Pie. Dreton was strange but, was always able to cheer somepony up when they needed it. He was also certifiably crazy but, that was because he was sharing a body with an overbearing Arch-Angel who had been locked inside him since Max and Uriel fought. Twilight finished her breakfast and located the package Dreton mentioned before his rant about muffins. It was perfectly square and not even wrapped it looked to be a brass case of some kind. Attached to the top was a letter that was addressed to her from H.H. She opened the letter and read it aloud. "Dear Ms. Sparkle, I am currently trying to address the problem our friend Max has come across. Oh, death can be a tricky business I'm sure but, fear not for Herbert Hall is on the case. Within the box I have enclosed two objects one is a vial that you must fill with liquid magic and send to me after the foal is born.The second is something I think you'll enjoy. If Max's soul gets too disconnected from current events I'll be unable to bring him back so the second object is known as a Spectral Communicator. It will allow you to speak with Max in the land of dreams. I've learned from experience that spirits tend to gather in the dreams of those who miss them this device should allow you to bind Max's soul to your mind till you fill that vial of magic. Be warned however that while using this device your body may rest but, your mind will remain awake so do not use it more than once a week. Sincerely, Dr. Herbert Hall." Twilight looked inside the case and sure enough there was the vial and a strange sphere she didn't recognize made of metal. On one end was a space perfectly measured to fit her horn. She guessed that when she placed it on before bed it would draw Max's spirit to the device and keep him inside. Knowing the Mad Doctor he had originally planned to house Max's spirit inside Twilight but, was stopped in that regards by Princess Celestia. She then realized what she held in her hooves. Max had a way to be returned to her and she was going to make sure it happened. She didn't exactly trust The Mad Herb but, she was more than willing if it meant she could see Max again. The rest of the day was usual so as she settled down for bed she attached the strange device to her head. The device was oddly light barely weighing five ounces. "Huh, it ways the same as a swallow." Twilight said to herself as she muttered something about swallows carrying coconuts while falling asleep. [Loading Dream scape - Hallway of Memories.] She awoke inside a large hallway. There were many doors on either side but only three were able to be opened as the rest had massive steel chains barring them. "Why would anypony need this many doors? What does the chains mean?" Twilight had looked over every door in the hallway and stopped at the last door on the left. It was unchained and deep red. The words Max's Spirit were written in silver upon the door. Twilight knocked much like she did while getting Max up from his bed in the guest room. "Hey Max? Time to get up sleepy MC. sleeps-a-lot." She said to the door with a silent prayer that Max's spirit was actually there. To her surprise she heard. "Aw come on Twilight... Ten more minute's please?" It was definitely Max's voice. Twilight was so overjoyed that she couldn't help but, complete the usual routine. "Oh well... guess I'll have to eat all the food Spike made for breakfast. I mean I am eating for two now after all." Twilight said as she made a noisy turn from the door. Suddenly the deep red door opened to reveal the familiar sight of Max in his pajamas that Rarity had made him. They were adorned with the symbol for Max's CM on black fabric. As Max stepped through the Doorway his outfit completely changed and all trace of his sleepiness was gone. "Whoa... is this heaven? Could have sworn that there would be a-lot more ponies or people or whatever. But, what I'm worried about is why your here Twilight. I could have sworn Herb found a way to save you." Max said as he looked around and then to Twilight. His face glum as he thought he had failed to save her. "Well that's because I'm not dead and we are currently in my subconscious where important information is stored. We arrived here via a device that Mr. Hall invented in an attempt to bring you back." Twilight said those words with her I'm dead serious so don't call me crazy look. Max just nodded. "Yeah, that's sounds like Herb alright. I was wondering why he took enough of a sample to create a new body. What I don't know, is where he's going to find a medium to hold my soul till it's ready?" Twilight tapped him and pointed to herself. "Twilight, I'm going to guess he asked you to fill a vial with liquid magic but, did he say when?" "After the foal was born why?" Max smiled at this realization. "Because he needs to make sure my DNA matches the DNA of the child's so I'm actually still my old self and not just a copy. That guy thinks of everything." Max said as he smiles. Twilight couldn't help but smile, as she realized that Max had figured out how to explain everything that Twilight wanted to know without her even asking. He was always able to do that so without a doubt this was the Real Max. They had found themselves at the first of the three unchained doors on the other side of the hallway. It was the same color as Twilight's fur and had Week 1 written on it in Crimson letters. "I've heard of this trick. You open the door and whatever the person who the door belongs too saw and felt that pertains to this door this door shows to anyone in this hallway." Twilight nodded finally getting what Herbert meant by current events and only using the device once a week. The doors were numbered by weekly ending at the word Foal. That door stood across from the door that held Max's spirit and was not chained but, had no colors whatsoever much like an Ultrasound picture. Max opened each door as they became available and Twilight enjoyed speaking with him for the brief time she had during the night before Max forced her to get some sleep each time. She rested calmly in Max's lap he knew she would be mentally drained if she didn't sleep in the mental hallway at least some of the night so he would sing her to sleep after checking the week's door. He never once complained about being locked in her mind's hallway. When she asked him about it he simply said. "When I'm in my room I feel like I'm living that weeks events like I was still alive which ends around the time you come back to get me. So no, I'm not bored." Twilight accepted that answer and the weeks turned to months then the month before the summer sun celebration Twilight was rushed to the Ponyville hospital. She had asked the doctors that as she recovered from the foal's birth if she could have some time to sleep. They agreed and she used the spell Herbert taught her to draw a magical sample from herself and the foal with no pain. She placed it in the vial as liquid magic and warped it to Hall. She feel asleep soon after the foal did. [Loading Dream-Scape Hall of Memories, Day of Birth.] Much to Twilight's surprise Max was already next to her when she in her dream-world she was still in her hospital bed holding the young unicorn filly. Her mane was the same as Twilight's yet had Max's pony form's silver coat. The streak in her mane was the same deep crimson as Max's and she smiled as he held her. The foal already recognizing the presence of her Father. "I was hoping you would name her so I came here." Max couldn't help but smile at Twilight's words. "Alright but, she's going to have your last name alright? My last name won't be allowed." With that Twilight nodded she knew that Max would have to take her last name if they ever got married due to the events that brought them together. She had finally realized that Max had been in his pony form the whole time. "How about... Solaris? It's a word for Solar in my old world, and seeing as my powers are nova magic based I think she'll have them as well right?" Twilight thought about it for a moment before nodding. Max noticed that he had been in his pony form and had begun to fade as he handed Solaris back to her mother. "I guess this is the part where I tell you to wake up and tell the doctor's what you named her. Max said with a smile. "Don't worry, I bet the fading means Hall's got my new body up and running and is bringing me to see you. I'll be there by sundown I promise!" Max said as he vanished completely and Twilight woke up. A nurse had just asked her if she was alright and had a name for the young filly. "Solaris. Solaris Sparkle." Twilight said with a smile at her healthy foal. Suddenly the loud voice of a Doctor was heard. "I'm sorry Sir but, you can't go in!" "Why not? I'm the father of the foal! Here take a blood sample if you need to." Twilight's heart beat began to race as she heard Max's voice on the other side of the door. "Ouch... that always hurts." Max said as he entered Twilight's room rubbing the sore spot on his right fore-leg. Twilight looked him over and noticed that he was not using his humanoid form as he approached. "Sorry about that, traffic from the spirit world was horrible." Max said while staring at Twilight. She could only smile with tears in her eyes as Max held the filly for both the first and second time. She cooed happily in her sleep. Twilight couldn't help but, cry tears of joy. She not only had the Stallion of her dreams back. She also had a daughter. A family. Max revealed an hour after they left the hospital that Celestia herself granted them permission to be wed in Canterlot after Twilight recovered. Not everypony was happy for them though. An old foe had decided to return to the fields of battle. He decided to wait till after the wedding so that Max would be at his highest point than he would destroy him and his new family. "Ah dear Maximillion, how did you manage to forget about me. Well it's not all that much of a surprise I suppose. I mean you have been rather preoccupied. Sadly that ends soon. I will have my revenge on you yet My Other." [Intermission Summery: Max is back much to Twilight's relief. Twilight has given birth to Max's daughter the unicorn filly Solaris Sparkle. How will they react to the approaching threat? I'll be sure to keep you in touch. This is Dr. Herbert Hall signing out. I'm conflicted. How so Pinkie? I want to throw Max a glad your not dead anymore party but, they've got a filly now and I don't want to spook her. Well you could always wait till the wedding. Speaking of the wedding, Pinkie would you mind planning it for me? *GASP* Would I?! I'd love to. But, what kind of cake would you like? Um... Chocolate alright with you? Sounds good. With that Pinkie bounced of like a Mare on a mission which she in fact was. Very good use of the Announcer voice mode Cluck. Thank you Mr. Hall now let's hit the switch. *Cluck hit's the button.* > The ballad of blood and wedding bells > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The intermission is over! For anyone who hasn't yet you may want to check my two most recent blog posts. It will makes things later on a lot easier to explain. Hey Max! Hurry up the Carriage to Canterlot is here! Oh right. On with the story! [The day of Max and Twilight's Wedding. Canterlot Castle, Grand Hall] The day of the wedding between Princess Twilight Sparkle and Lord Maximillion had finally arrived. (These titles are completely based on Day 5's events.) As the two arrived at the alter all of Equestria held their breath. Strangely enough the pastor was none other than Dreton who had decided to channel Uriel for the occasion as Uriel is a true-to form angel. He wore a priests robe and his long blonde hair reached past his solders easily. Maximillion and Twilight simply received an approving nod from Uriel before he began the vows. "Dearly beloved we are gathered here in these hallowed halls to bind these two in holy matrimony under the blessings of the Sun and Moon. If there is any amongst you who would object to this union speak now or forever more hold your peace." Uriel waited for several seconds to make sure if any would object. He knew nopony here would but, he had to make sure. "Maximillion Fortner, do you take Lady Twilight Sparkle to be your undying light in the moonless night for as long as you both shall live?" Max Smiled at Twilight as he spoke. "I do." Uriel than turned to Twilight. "And do you Twilight Sparkle, take Lord Maximillion Fortner to be your guiding light in times of crises, in sickness and in health until the stars themselves die out?" Twilight couldn't help but, shed several tears as she spoke. "I do." Uriel stepped back and smiled at the two. The smile that spread across his face was genuine. As an angel he approved of Max's courage to marry the mare of his dreams. He felt the same with Twilight. "Then by the power granted to me by the divine forces I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." Uriel said as he used magic to vanish to where Dreton had channeled him. Max and Twilight couldn't help but do as the angel instructed and kiss. This caused the entire grand hall of the palace that had been turned into a make-shift chapel to burst into cheers. Even the Princesses Celestia and Luna couldn't help but cheer for the couple. Twilight's friend all rushed over to congratulate her. Rarity even went so far as to say "Well Darling I would never have expected that you would have been the first in our circle of friends to both marry and have a foal." This statement causing Twilight to turn red in the face. This happy time would not last though as a shot from a crossbow could be heard across the chapel. The bolt hit Max in the right hind leg, barely missing some vitals. The bow-man wore a cloak of deepest black and it's form was different from a ponies or a human's for that matter. It was not until the assassin attempted to flee did anyone notice that it was in fact a Griffon. The Griffon stared at Rainbow Dash as she helped Max remove the bolt from his leg and shook it's head before flying off. "Gilda? No way! She wouldn't... would she?" Was all Rainbow Dash could say as the Griffon's hood fell barely enough as she left the chapel that Dash could see what appeared to be her old friend's crest. Max managed to heal his wound with magic and looked to where the Griffin was before she fled. "Hope this works. I don't really have much practice with this one. Tracking Flames!" As he commanded the Nova sphere appeared and launched in the direction that Gilda*?* had fled. (This is because it could be a different Griffon and I'm not going to say if it was or not yet.) The sphere followed the Griffon for some time finally stopping at an old ruin just outside of the Everfree forest. It's magic was designed to be used by Max to track and learn the reasons behind an attack. He could see what was transpiring through the sphere which aided in this. What Max didn't expect was to see his dark Doppelganger Gabriell standing at the ruins entrance. "Ah I see you've returned. Have you done as I asked?" Max projected the sound from the sphere so that the group could all hear the conversation, as Max lead them to the sphere's location. "Yeah, I shot him. I didn't really want to but, I really need the bits I haven't eaten in two weeks. Attacking people in the back is way UN-cool." Rainbow Dash couldn't help but, fight back a few tears as she could no longer deny that her former friend had attempted to kill one of her new ones. "Ah excellent. You have served your part well and I no longer require your services." "So I get paid now? I really need the food." "No... you die." The group had arrived just as Gabriell had impaled Gilda on a massive spike of black magic. She served him loyally and he killed her in cold blood. "Ah I see my guests have arrived. Oh and I have nothing to spare. Oh wait I do have a large surplus of DEATH!" Gabriell reached into his own chest and pulled a blood covered lance made from bones out of the hole. The sight of the way he summoned his weapons caused Rarity and Fluttershy to faint while Applejack and Rainbow Dash lost their lunches. Pinkie Pie couldn't help but, sit there and look shocked and afraid. She had never seen someone or somepony so brutally murdered in her entire life and she couldn't help but, feel that she could have done something to stop it. The feeling was mutual for Twilight. Max on the other hand looked ready for battle. He summoned his sword from thin air using his magic and prepared for combat. "Girls, please stay back. If possible get Dreton and Herbert. I don't want any of you getting hurt. Besides Twilight, Solaris is probably up from her nap and needing to be fed." Max's voice was calm yet authoritative. He only looked back once to smile at Twilight and mouth "I'll be okay, trust me." With that the girls left Max and Gabe to their decisive battle. [Boss Battle: 'The Dark Doppelganger' Gabriell] Max used a spell to keep Gilda alive and cause her to regenerate slowly after Gabe was defeated, this gave Gabriell the first move which he quickly used, he spun the bone spear at Max in an attempt to knock him off guard and attack again. Max didn't allow Gabe's attack to go as Planed as he Charged up one of his Vulcan Spells. (These are what he uses in place of the Revolver he lost.) "Bullet Nova!" Max called as he released the spell several small sun-like projectiles where launched at Gabe causing him to go on the defensive. Max saw his chance and seized it. "You have not faced a flame with my strength before! Unyielding Blaze!" As Max used this spell his body burst into Flames and his sword separated into two swords. One was silver and gave off a gentle light while the other was red and was covered in Flames that burned like the sun. (^For those who haven't looked at my blog post.^) "If I said I was unimpressed. I would be telling a lie. But, Impressed and scared are completely different!" Gabe jumped over Max and struck him several times with his bone lance. Each hit causing Max to go slightly numb, as Max figured the lance must be poisoned and the flames were killing it soon after it was delivered. "Aw?! What's the matter? No more fight left in you? That's to bad. I wanted to have some more fun!" Gabe had finally stopped swinging his Lance as Max's body returned to normal from the lack of energy. The numb feeling becoming more prevalent in his body as he could barely lift his swords. Gabe leaned close to Max and whispered into his ear. "Maybe I could have fun with your wife and kid." Max's eyes seemed to be set ablaze at that statement. "Gabe... if you EVER touch either of them. I swear you will regret ever choosing my body to steal." "Oh and what will you do? I've already beaten you once." Max suddenly vanished and appeared behind Gabe striking him several times with both weapons. "Fusion of Novas and Nocturnes! Dance of Death!" Max fused his twin swords into a massive sword of light and dark flames before hitting Gabe with an attack similar to the OmniSlash from Final Fantasy 7. This caused Gabe to collapse to the ground unable to move. "I guess... you win this one." Gabe said as he vanished in a puff of black smoke. [Battle Over] Max made sure to wait till he couldn't sense Gabe's energy before releasing his weapon. "Well... I guess he got me better than I thought. I can barely move. No Mana left to heal. All I have enough for is... Flare." Max fired a flare spell skyward that exploded over his position. The explosion seemed to be a beacon of some kind to any who saw it. "That spell... Max! Please be okay when I get there." Twilight said through tears as she left Solaris in Fluttershy's care. "Don't worry Twilight, I'll keep her safe while you go." Fluttershy said as Twilight sped off. Even at her young age Solaris could feel the immense energy coming from the site her father was. It made her uneasy. She curled up into Fluttershy's embrace trembling with worry. Twilight reached Max and found him sitting up barely and covered in blood. She used a healing spell to prevent him from bleeding out and levitated him back to Canterlot. "Some honeymoon huh?" Max choked out that joke hoping to make Twilight feel better. "Next time you decide to fight alone. Remind me to not let you. I'm no slouch and I'm most certainly better at magic than you are. Besides every good warrior needs a healer right?" Twilight got a look from Max that seemed to say 'Your crazy... I love you so much' before he passed out from the pain he was feeling. Twilight got Max back to Canterlot and the doctor said he would be fine after some rest. He had an extremely durable body and his magic seems to regenerate any damage he takes with time. Twilight was relieved to know her husband was alright and elected to stay at the hospital overnight when Gilda was brought in. She was barely alive but, she was giving of the same power as Max's healing magic. "Even when your at deaths door your still my hero. I'll be back with Solaris. You'll probably want to see her when you wake up." Twilight said to Max as he slept in the hospital bed, before heading off to find Fluttershy. [A wise man once said. "The more things change, the more they stay the same." I hate that guy for being right. Skills obtained = Tracking Flames (Summons a ball of invisible solar rays that Max can follow, while also seeing and hearing what the sphere's target says and does.) Signal Flare(This spell is self explanatory.)] Wow! That Gabe guy was a meanie meanie-pants! I hope we don't have to see him again. For his sake. Girls quite down. Solaris is trying to sleep. *The little filly stirs gently in her sleep.* sorry... *Fluttershy trots over and quietly presses the fade out button.* > A magical mishap & The mad doctor's mission > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- This chapter begins the cross-over story arc between DawnCrusade's Guardian of Light and this story. On a side note. There may be instances of characters with similar chat colors. In these situations the Original Characters will be using Italics as in the below case of My discussion with Mrs. Sparkle. Thanks Herb Your welcome Max. Ah yes on a further note to the side note Princess Celestia does not have a set text color and her words will shift between silver and her mane colors of green blue and pink between words. So if you see that you'll know. "Thank you very much Doctor Hall" Not a problem princess. On with the show! [Canterlot Hospital, Max's room] It had been one week since Max fought Gabriell in front of the abandoned mine. Even though his physical body should have recovered his mind had not and he remained sleeping soundly. Twilight had been a nervous wreck barely sleeping since Max had not awoken when the Doctor's said he had been healed. "Why doesn't he wake up? I hope that monster didn't do something to him. What if he used a poison we can't detect?" Twilight stared at Max and Solaris. Their daughter had elected to sleep on her father while he was recovering to prevent any doctors from trying to move him. Solaris yawned as she stirred from her sleep and looked to check if Max had woken. She noticed he hadn't and her ears drooped. "It's okay sweetie. He'll wake up soon." Twilight said with an unsure tone that even the little filly could pick up. She opted to try and snuggle into her father in an attempt to wake him, when it was unsuccessful she began to cry. Twilight's heart was breaking as she watched this. Her daughter had barely been alive for two months and now she had to endure her father being in a coma. She couldn't wait anymore so she used some magic to ping Doctor Hall. Just after Twilight finished feeding herself and Solaris. Dr. Herbert Hall arrived holding a small leather bag and wearing a mask that looked to be a raven's beak. "Good afternoon Mrs. Sparkle and young lady Sparkle. What's seems to be the probl- oh dear." Dr. Hall's usually cheerful demeanor vanished the minute he read Max's diagnosis chart. Twilight could tell he knew what was wrong but, the look on his face made her think if he didn't tell her what happened it was because he didn't want to worry her. "Mrs. Sparkle I must ask how long ago was he admitted to this hospital?" Twilight looked at him with extreme worry. "Just about a week ago why? There's something wrong with him isn't there?" Dr. Hall simply nodded then perked right back up. "Oh but, not to worry Mrs. Sparkle. I happen to know how to fix this but, to do so I'll need you to come with me and have somepony stay with your daughter in the meantime." "Wait, what?! Your crazy. Why would I leave my daughter and dieing husband to follow you?!" Twilight's eyes were filled with rage at the mad doctor. "Because he knows what he's doing mommy. Don't worry I'll watch Daddy for you." Twilight heard a very young female voice in her mind and as she turned she could see Solaris sound asleep her horn glowing with magic. "The filly has talent I'll give you that. Well if we are going to wake up your husband we can't waste another moment my dear girl. I'll send Dreton to watch them when we arrive at the Lab. In the meantime... Nurse?!" A pink mare with a blue mane and a cutie mark displaying a smiling sun inside a medical cross walked up. "Yes? Can I help you?" Doctor Hall flashed his medical license. (Yeah he has one.) "I am Dr. Herbert Hall, wandering medical practitioner. I know exactly what is wrong with this patient and I know the remedy but, for now I must ask that you only allow the figure in this photo to enter or exit this room aside from yourself and the filly on the bed. Dr. Hall passes a photo of Dreton to the nurse. "That lad is my assistant and can attest first hand to my skill. If the man on the bed does not recover by next week I will hang up my stethoscope." Herbert said as he walked past the confused Nurse Sweetheart (Made her up. I think. Not sure.) with Twilight following quickly behind him. About ten minutes later Dreton arrived at the hospital just as Dr. Hall said he would. "Hello. My name is Dreton, I'm here to watch the patient on Dr. Halls behalf while he prepares the remedy. May I trouble you to fetch me and the filly a bit to eat?" Dreton wore a gentle smile that could make any mare's heart melt into jelly. After Nurse Sweetheart recovered from her blushing fit she quickly left to obtain some food for the two. "She's silly. Thanks for getting me food Mr." Dreton smiled at Solaris as he pulled up a chair and sat near the window. "No problem little one. I owe your father my life, so of course I'm going to help." Dreton said as he recalled Max defeating Uriel and sealing him away within Dreton, so that Uriel could only free himself when Dreton let him out or was fatally wounded. Soon after Nurse Sweetheart returned with a block of cherry jello for Solaris and a plate of pancakes for Dreton. "If you need anything else please let me know." Dreton simply nodded with his signature smile that made Nurse Sweetheart giggle as she walked out of the room. [Dr. Hall's laboratory and home business] "Dr. Hall, if you don't mind me asking what is wrong with Max?" Dr. Hall was busy searching through a stack of boxes and suddenly stopped when he pulled a device similar to the one used to resurrect Max. "To state the obvious my dear. He's actually not asleep. His mind was transported to a parallel dimension in an attempt to survive the extreme dose of Chimera venom that Gabriell injected into him. It is seven times more potent than Manticore venom and is nearly undetectable by doctors." At this statement Twilight's eyes grew to the size of plates as she knew that two doses of Manticore venom could kill an adult pony in minutes but, Max had survived several doses of a poison that was equal to seven does of the Manticore's venom. The fact that Max's internal temperature is normal above the recommended level to ward of toxins in food and drink most likely helped. "You've probably realized that Max survived because of his bodies temperature anomaly. His body seems to function in a similar manner to a Phoenix. As he gets ill his body grows colder not hotter. He will not burst into flames and be reborn upon death though, so his natural magic takes up most of the slack, by killing most viruses and toxins as soon as he contracts them. The bigger the dose of virus or toxin the bigger the strain on his magic. Which is the exact reason why he has remained asleep in our world and has had his spirit transported into another one. To build up magical strength." At the doctor's speech Twilight couldn't help but, admire how much he knows. "This device my dear will allow you to open a dimensional tunnel to the world Max's spirit currently dwells where I shall endeavor to retrieve him. Cluck will let you know when I'm about to return and send for Dreton to return and open the portal so that you can help me welcome him back." without wasting a moment Twilight used the device to open the portal and Dr. Hall stepped through it. "Don't worry Mrs. Sparkle, I'll return with him soon. My medical license is on the line!" With a hearty laugh Herbert Hall vanished into the swirling black vortex as it closed behind him. All Twilight could think at the moment was, "Be careful Max, where-ever you are." [And so We bring this chapter to a close, to see what happens to Max during this time check DawnCrusade's story Guardian of Light. This is Dreton signing out.] *Eating popcorn* Wow this is getting exciting huh? Hey! That's my popcorn Pinkie! *Pinkie hands Dash back her popcorn while back-flipping onto the fade out button with a salute.* Bye everypony! See you all next time! > Two for One deal. At Hall mart > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Right then because my story needs updating or my madness will return. New chapter! With our special guest Wryn! Sup. *The group facepalms.* What? [Meanwhile in the Limbo between dimensions] Wryn stares blankly at Dr. Hall, "Ummm, who are you? Are you here for Derpy?" he says holding out the grey pegasus "The male alicorn actually." Dr. Hall says with a bow. "Ah Maximillion! You have a job to do my boy." Wryn shoves Max forward, "Here ya go!" he says while running away, "You'll never catch me!" Dr. Hall appears in front of Wryn as suddenly as he first appeared. "My dear boy. You don't live for 200 years in a state of perpetual madness without playing a few games of tag." "Oh like this?" Wryn chuckles, spreading his wings, "Living as a dragon for thousands of years has it's benefits, you know every trick in the book," he glares at Dr. Hall, "But yet again, you are not normal are you?" Dr. Hall taps Wryn on the head with his walking stick. "Very perceptive my boy. I am none other than Dr. Herbert Hall. The only man to survive talking with the Aldrich god of Knowledge the Ideas Man" Wryn's eyes widen, "The Dr. Herbert Hall, I remember you!" he exclaims, "Don't you remember me about 50 years ago in the mountains? If I remember correctly we took down that huge bear together." "Ah, I see you've been training. Very well done my old friend." Dr. Hall said as he hops from Wryn's back and floats in mid-air "Yeah I guess I have," Wryn says, and he looks around, "I've also made some friends back in my world, but they are just like the ones here." "Ah parallel universe then. Did my firey charge happen to claim being married to miss sparkle?" "Uhhh," Wryn stutters, "You could say soooo," drawing out the words, noticing the alternate Twilight is right next to him. "She slapped him didn't she." Dr. Hall said with a chuckle "Yeah, pretty hard at that," Wryn laughs, stopping when he sees the look on Max's face. "Oh come now Maxi don't give him that look. How would you react if you saw someone get slapped by an alternate version of their wife?" Dr. Hall said knowing full well that Wryn's Twilight was looking at him "Yeah I wonder how that would feel-," Wryn is cut short as he is hit over the head with a book, Max's Twilight figuring out what has been said, "Ouch, so that's what it feels like!" Max can't help but laugh. "Hey Herb. I have a question. Why are we all standing in this weird black place anyway?" "Yeah, I think I got my foot stuck in something," Wryn complains. "Ah yes. The dimensional limbo, tricky little thing that. Right who's up for a road trip?" Herb says "Oh so that's what this weird goop is, hey what's happening to Twilight," Wryn says, pointing at the Twilight from his world. "She's unable to cross. Rules of dimensional travel. I thought I had explained this to you before you started that. Did you already forget?" Dr. Hall said with a glare while normally very relaxed he hated people not listening to his advice. "Well, I had no idea that cross dimensional warp tunnels had a proximity to a transfer!" Wryn complains, staring at the nothingness below him. "Well... they don't normally but, pony magic tends to be rather different. Ah right. If your being pulled down hold your breath." Dr. Hall said with an authoritative tone Wryn takes a deep breath, and using telepathy to speak, "So will the Twilight from my world be sent back so you know, the feedback doesn't happen?" Dr. Hall just nods. Max and Wryn appear in Max's hospital room. Max's Twilight and Dr. Hall are nowhere to be seen "So Max," Wryn pauses, "You tap that flank yet?" grinning slyly while nudging Max with his shoulder. Max simply looks down to the filly lying on his lap and shoot's Wryn a look that says 'This answer your question?' Wryn falls over, "So cute!" he says, one leg twitching in the air. Solaris sits up and looks at Wryn. She then notices Max is awake and trots over and snuggles under his neck. Wryn then uses his telepathy to talk to Max, "Dude you are so freakin' lucky," and he sits next to Max and simply stares at the little filly next to him, his eyes full of longing. "My daddy needs his rest stop poking his mind you meanie!" A little girls voice shouts at Wryn's mind. Wryn reels back in surprise, and says in telepathy, "Ok don't get mad, I was looking at how cute you are," softly smiling at the little filly. "Okay. You better not hurt my daddy." Solaris stares at Wryn with a face that seems to say 'Try me and I will destroy you.' "I yield!" Wryn communicates, falling off the chair in a heap on the floor in an effort to make the filly laugh. Solaris giggles. Max just stares at Wryn then looks at Solaris. "My girl's got some skills huh?" "Indeed," says Wryn while pulling out a bubble pipe and taking a blowing a few. "I guess it's because she has two great parents," while picking himself off the floor and settling back down on the chair. "You have no idea. Twilight is amazing. I'm just lucky to be her husband." Max said smiling at Solaris "& to have both of you girls in my life makes me the luckiest Stallion around." He said nuzzling his daughter. "I see," Wryn says, his head dipping down slightly, "I only wish I was so lucky, you see I am the last of my kind." "Ouch. Hey at least you didn't have to die to get here." Max said to Wryn. "Tied then," Wryn says, "One day we will have to trade stories on how we met our pony friends here." "Sounds good. By the way I don't think I apologized for burning you." Max said as he smiled before Twilight and Dr. Hall arrived into the room followed by a scrawny human with long blonde hair. Max passes out when Dr. Hall injects something into his neck. "Dude! Why did you do-" Wryn was unable to finish his statement when as Hall stabbed him with a needle filled with the same chemical. "Dimensional travel is serious business my friend. Sleep well tonight." Wryn noticed Hall taking off his raven's mask as he slipped into unconsciousness. [Chapter end] *CUT TO BLACK* Max says "Dude! That's my job!" as the screen fades. > The return & the training duel > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I now present crossover chapter 2 of 3. Enjoy. Max awakens in the Library basement being examined by Dr. Hall. "Alright, what the buck is going on Herb!" Wryn wakes up groggily next to Max,"Ughh, man my head feels like it was hit with a cart, what happened last night?" he asks "Ah, yes sorry about the impromptu injections but, I had to stabilize your bodies as I detected that the Emergence didn't go as well as planed. I had to stabilize Twilight as well." Dr. Hall said while pointing to Twilight who was opposite Wryn. "Before you ask she is the Twilight from this universe and is currently married to Max who happens to be the father of the foal you saw earlier. The reason she appeared in the portal was due to the fact your universe's Twilight was dragged in along with you two. This is also the most likely cause of the instability that I previously mentioned and remedied." Wryn holds up his gauntlet covered arm, tapping on the arm a display pops up, shifting around through several screens he finds the one he was looking for, "Oh I see what you mean," he says in surprise. "Oh that, gauntlet has been getting more upgrades I see." Dr. Hall says with a curious stare Wryn shifts his arm away, "Hey, I don't want you fooling around with this anymore!" he exclaims, "Last time I let you fool around with it wouldn't stop making waffles." "But, I thought you liked waffles?" Dr. Hall said with a smirk "Not anymore than the next dragon," Wryn responds, "So Dr. Hall, what are we doing here exactly?" "Ah yes, needed a safe spot for the next part. Which should be about... oh look at that gotta go bye." Dr. Hall says as Max starts to glow. "Wait, what?" Wryn stammers, looking at Max, "I repeat what Max said earlier 'WHAT THE BUCK'?" Max stands up and shifts into his humanoid form covered in black flames and his Ragna style clothes. "It feels good to be back. BACK IN BLACK!" Wryn stares blankly at Max, "Dude, was that really necessary?" he asks as he spreads his wings and unsheathes his sword, feeling the negative energy his friend is giving off. "I don't know I think the evil energy deserves a bit of a dramatic flair don't you?" Max said as he turned to Wryn his eyes had completely changed colors. Twilight was awakened by the sheer evil energy and stared at Max in a look of pure horror. "Looks like I get to have a bit of fun today," Wryn grins, then stares at Twilight, "Don't worry I wont hurt him, much," sweeping up into the air and charging his avatar into a blinding white light. "Wait! That's what we call his Xam form. He can't control his own actions while he's in it! It's a magic overload side effect for him..." She said with tears in her eyes. "Oh I see," Wryn says, studying Max, a smile flashes across his face, "What if this extra energy was removed from his system? Would he go back to normal?" "I can usually talk him down. But, what caused him to overload is the main question." Twilight said as Max's flames changed from black to gold then dispersed in a massive pulse of energy he screamed in agony during this whole process. Wryn breaks his avatar, using a very small amount of energy to heal Max, "Well I was going to use my sword to suck the extra energy out, but it seemed like this event resolved itself," observes Wryn. Max falls to his knees while the pulse of the flames spreads all over the planet. Dr. Hall shows up within seconds. "Well... That went rather well. Twilight, not to alarm but, you should request some garments from Rarity in the near future." Dr. Hall said while holding his hat over his eyes politely. Wryn simply stares at Dr. Hall, "Dude, why are you so freakin' weird? I know that you've been living like a madman, but do you have to do it every single time?" "Yes... yes I do. It makes the job fun. Ah yes secondary spell. Correctional Crescendo!" Dr. Hall pulled a wand from his hat and waved it causing Twilight and the rest of the planet to be properly dressed and used to their new Anthronian forms. Wryn then glances at Twilight and notices whats happened, "Oh so that's what you meant," he says. Max and Twilight face-palm before the crying of a baby breaks through the awkward silence. "Oh, Solaris must be up. I'll go feed her." Twilight said as she ran upstairs. Wryn sits down, massaging his sore muscles, "Man warping through to a different dimension can make a dragon's back knot up, mind if I go fly around?" he asks. "Yes, you and Max will both need to spread your wings. Oh yes we will be having guests of the hostile kind soon so both of you should get nice and stretched out." Dr. Hall said without losing even the slightest bit of his cheery attitude. "Sweet!" Wryn exclaims, his eyes shifting to their signature sapphire-blue, "I can't wait to see their faces," his body practically giving off energy. "Alright then, let's rock! Tribal shift! Pegasus for Earth!" Max's wings glow as the silver sphere on his right hand kicks to life. The triangle with the symbol for the pegasus tribe lights up while the triangle for the earth ponies dims. Wryn's wings are shining a brilliant white color and his voice completely changes to that of one of his ancients speaking through him, "Rush to the battle, for that is where my legacy was born." "Can you keep up?" Max says as he vanished completely from sight at light speed without even leaving a trail. "I was hoping you would say that," as Wryn flickers, he had left before they had said anything, leaving behind an after-image. Max appears next to Wryn on top of the mountain overlooking Canterlot castle. They had only been traveling for 4 seconds. "I'd love to see Rainbow Dash beat that." "Oh she will one day, I have much faith in her," Wryn admits, "I will train her myself, now let's get prepared for the oncoming storm," unsheathing two swords, one a flaming-blue, the other Soul Vortex. "Alright then, Hall said we have a day. So want to spar? Tribal return." Max says as he pulls Novas and Nocturne while he began to glow black. "I would be happy to," Wryn says with a look of glee on his face, "I need a good sparring partner like you, and I never believe that we finished our fight from earlier." "Sounds good. I brought some spirit drought so we can recover after this so give me your best." Max said while his weapons burst to life. One covered in his Light and Fire magic combo, the other his Darkness and Fire combo. Wryn's sword Soul Vortex attaches to his gauntlet and his other sword morphs into a shield that attaches onto his left arm, he taps a button on his gauntlet and instantly a Draconite armor forms over him along with his avatar, together they glow a brilliant blue, "Let us dance." "Alright then! Let's go! Harmonium Weapon upgrade!" Max's weapons change into massive lances with gun barrels. [The wheels of Fate are turning! Vs. Wryn the Divine Dragon!] Wryn crouches and dashes forward, straight into Max's line of fire, he then appears behind Max, each of his after images hitting Max with his sword, "Divinity Strike!" he shouts. Max stands there not even trying to dodge Wryn's hits. "That tickles. My turn!" Max vanishes and stabs Wryn with one of the massive gun lances. "Nova Cannon Revolution!" As the barrel spins the weapons unloads several burning rounds in Wryn's direction. Wryn can't help but smile, "The fires of hell welcome me!" Soul Vortex opening up and absorbing most of the blast, however he is still hit by a couple hundred rounds. Max puts his weapons onto his back and stands there with a cocky smirk. "Nice trick. Here's a better one. Pyro Tornado!" Max turns into a burning twister and hurtles at Wryn. Wryn spreads his wings, welcoming the oncoming blaze, he is engulfed into the attack, but with each hit the damage is neutralized because he absorbs the fire and using it to heal himself. Max unfurls from the Tornado and launches an extremely fast melee combo. "Well... I'm about done but, not quite." Max draws his weapons and shifts them back into their sword forms and strikes Wryn with his Dance of death attack. Wryn grits his teeth not expecting the attack, "Well I guess this is what I get for getting too cocky, but now I can unleash my true energy," Wryn says, he flashes away and a gold disc appears on his back, "Taste Oblivion," he says casting a beam of focused dragon energy at Max. "Oh well... FML." Max braces himself for the attack with his wing shield lv.3 Skill. The blast covers both of them in a dust cloud, and when it clears their is a brief moment of silence before they both collapse, "Best, Fight, Ever!" shouts Wryn, "Hey Max, wanna have a sandwich and some tea?" "Sure. Let me grab the spirit drought." Max holds up a shining blue bottle filled with silver liquid. As they both dine on the sandwiches and healing potion laced tea, the sun began to set. "We should head back." "Sounds good." with that they vanished departing towards Ponyville with amazing speed. ["Rest well my enemies for tomorrow your world is mine!" A dark voice laughs manically at it's threat.] Alright! CUT TO BLACK DUDE THAT'S MY LINE!!! Hey Maxi what are you doing with that duck-tape? Oh... nothing. Okie Dokie Lokie! *Pinkie bounces away hitting the fade out button as she passes it.* > The Studious Lover and The Flurry of Dancing Flames > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is the first of six chapters that will ultimately lead up to the finale of the Crossover story Arc with the guest character Wryn. These six chapters will all focus on individuals who will appear in the aforementioned crossover finale, and how they came to be there. For hints as to who, the chapter pertains look to the title. So expect some new faces. With that onto the show! [A dark swirling corridor] "Huh, so this is what it feels like to die? Not so bad I guess. I hope that kid made it. I wish I could remember his name." The black robed man floated in the void of nothingness he thought was death until a man appeared beside him from nowhere. "Ah, right then. Finally found you my dear boy. That spiky haired boy has his debt settled now." The strange man spoke to the figure as he tapped him with what looked like a glowing walking stick. "Go away. I thought death was personal. So leave me alone." The figure knocked the man's cane away as the man quickly pulled him to his feet. "Ah, but that's the kicker my dear boy. Your not dead! Well... not anymore. A spiky haired kid who goes by Sora saved my skin a while back, and when I asked how I could return the favor he asked me to see if I can find any of you strange people in black. Your the only one I found dear boy and so I'm calling it good. So Hop to it! The world of the living awaits you once again. Now seeing as I've taken the liberty of returning your lost heart to you, I must ask you what you would like to be called." The figure was shocked as he felt his chest to find that his heart was indeed returned to him. He thought of how Sora who was once his enemy, had asked this strange man to find any of those like him he could. He couldn't help but, smile as he said. "The name's Axel. Got it memorized?" "The names Herbert Hall, a pleasure to meet you Mr. Axel. Right then here's the bad news. Do to a complication I can't return you to where you lived as it no longer exists. So I'm doing the next best thing. Come along I have a friend you need to see." Dr. Hall simply pointed to what looked like a large oak door with a candle on it. As Axel walked towards it he looked back to Herbert and smiled. "Oh well, if you see Sora tell him I said thanks, and don't call me Mr. I'm not that old yet." With that Axel walked through the door. Ponyville, Sparkle family library Axel started to regain consciousness and kept his eyes closed as he heard two voices speaking near him. One was the strange man from earlier and the other was defiantly female. A young woman in her early twenties from Axel's guess. "Doctor Hall, while I'm deeply appreciative for all you've done for me and my family, I'm still not comfortable with you dumping some semiconscious human on my couch and asking me to take care of him!" "Not to worry Mrs. Sparkle I assure you that he will not be a bother. I've sent word to the princesses and they referred me to you. He seems to posses powers similar to your husband and that is why they sent me here." With that statement Axel stood up and asked himself aloud without thinking. "Someone else can summon and control fire? Oops..." Axel then noticed the two staring at him. The strange man he met earlier shot him a grin, while the young lady looked to be some kind of human-unicorn crossbreed holding a similar styled child held in her arms. "Yes, magic is quite common in this world though it varies from individual to individual. You see, Mrs. Sparkle's husband uses a more advanced version of Fire magic known as Nova magic. This form of Fire magic channels the power of the sun." Axel stared at Dr. Hall. "No way, that's crazy. But, then again you saved my butt. So you obviously need me for something so out with it." Dr. Hall chuckled. "Your quite perceptive, that's good. What I need from you is to guard this young lady and her child. There will be a major battle soon and I need someone with your strength to defend the home front." Axel smiled and nodded. "Is that all? Piece of cake. No worries I'll keep the lady and kid safe but, promise me I'm getting some sort of reward from this." "We will discuss rewards once the conflict ends as there will be quite a bit of property damage and repairs will come first. I do promise that you will be more than adequately compensated for your efforts." With that Dr. Hall shook Axel's hand and vanished. Twilight then turned to Axel and smiled. "Thank you for helping us, my name is Twilight Sparkle. This is my Daughter Solaris, what's your name?" Axel did an over-dramatic bow before saying. "The name's Axel... Got it memorized?" [The Flurry of Dancing Flames has joined their cause, Dr. Hall must be stopped. You there! Deal with him! A shaded figure salutes the evil voice before vanishing, and the scene fades to black.] > Bad, Worse, and the Devil himself > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Warning* There is an Extremely Violent scene in this chapter which I will mark if you want to skip it but, please let me know if I should change the rating. Thank you. If something needs to be warned of in the future the scene will be colored completely in one of the two warning colors. Red for Gore and is it Blue or Purple for sex? Well anyway the scene will be typed in that color exclusively so if you wish to skip it simply scroll past that text color. *Warning* This is the Second of Six chapters that detail the week before the Battle, Doctor Hall predicted. So please read on. A wise man once said, "Never ask if it can get any worse. It always can and it will just to prove it." Inside the abandoned Mine that's outside displayed the carnage of when Max fought Gabriell. "It seems the division has gone as planed my master. Both you old and new selves are separate once more." A shadowed creature stood next to two individuals one was obviously Gabriell and the other a pitch black alicorn stallion with a spiky white mane, streaked with Dried blood like hair highlights. It's eye's were yellow and it's CM was the Anarchy Symbol made from bones. The Alicorn was the one the creature spoke to. "Very good Irxion, you have served me well. My decision to resurrect you has proven a wise one. I trust Dr. Hall didn't cause you much trouble as you retrieved the formula?" The alicorn had stood and moved to examine Gabriell. "He tried but, I managed to wound him so he fled." "Very good. He's knows that I have returned and that's all he needs to know. Irxion, prepare the next phase of the process." At this Irxion fired a beam at the Black Alicorn which caused him to take a humanoid form. His was garbed in cursed armor and he held an evil sword. "I am reborn! Ebony Bloodburner The Equestrian Lich-King! All shall learn to fear my powers. But first..." Ebony stabbed his sword into the ground and Discord's Statue appeared before him. Ebony snapped his fingers and the statue opened. When Discord looked to who freed him his face held the same terrified look as his statue. "Discord, when I designed you as my first god-ling I had expected more from you than childish pranks. So I shall now return your powers to my own." Discord shouted in horror as Equestria's One and only devil approached him. *Warning* Gore Incoming! Faint of heart skip until the color of text returns to black. *Warning* As the Demon bared down on Discord the frightened Chaos spirit tried to teleport away but, before he could snap his fingers the Demon chopped of his hands. He then proceeded to chop each of Discord's limbs in the manner of a deli slicers taking his sweet time and using magic to keep discord from falling unconscious from the immense pain. "Ah how I've missed the screams of the living. It's been so long and my powers have gone misused by this insufferable nit-wit!" With that Bloodburner did as his name suggests and set Discord's blood ablaze. Discord died after four hours of torture at the hands of his creator. When he finally passed on he was nothing more than a head kept alive by cruel magic just so he would scream endlessly. The Demon consumed all of the flesh he cut from discord and then consumed his head while it was still living. The Gore scene is over, I kept it short but, descriptive so in that way, I can get my point of how sick this guy is across. Satisfied with the fear it caused in one of it's own creations and his lost powers restored the Demon set eyes on his next victims. The ones who stopped his minions time and again. Directly or otherwise. The Celestial sisters. "For, 10,000 years you pathetic Alicorns have prevented my rebirth. Passing the duty from mother to daughter, father to son. Yet now I have returned. Your subjects will die, and they will be killed by their own dead. When their souls cry out for who is responsible they will only have you to blame." Ebony Bloodburner stabbed his blade into the ground and strange white shapes began to rise. They looked like ponies with no marks of features. Like Mannequins with teeth. "I see that the reaper has been busy, I will have to thank her when I see her next. Now go my children of death. Consume, kill, and instill fear in my enemies!" With that the strange beasts spread out in multiple directions towards any settlement with living ponies. All except a beast in the shape of a griffon which Ebony used to control the others. The beast was undoubtedly what remained of Gilda. Summoned back from the land of the dead to aid her dark master in adding to his army. When something is killed by the beasts, they become one. What they cannot kill, they infect. What they infect, they consume. These beings are spoken of in a book by a certain Doctor Herbert Hall... they are called. The Blank Scourge. [Sorry about the gore part but, I really needed to explain that the new villain wouldn't just let somepony live if they begged him so I did that. The character is actually inspired by my elder brother's character Gabriell and the game The Darkness. If he does do a story on here with this character, don't expect this character to be the same. It may be but, he said he might not want to keep it this way.] > The 1st Limit: Blessed Hellfire > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is part 3 of 4, there will be no more introductions, this is where the actual battle starts. The finale of the crossover will consist of the final battle in the conflict. Enjoy. Remember if you see a warning in red or purple followed by a block of text in that color there will be a scene of mature content = Gore/Red or Sex/Purple. Knowing this continue onwards down the rabbit hole. Twilight's Library, Ponyville The ever strange Herbert hall appears inside the library with a resounding bang, he had collapsed onto the floor bleeding heavily when Twilight found him. "Doctor Hall?! Are you alright?" Her voice shaking as she knew that if something could injure the Mad Doctor then whatever it was is extremely strong. Herbert just pointed to the kitchen and motioned for water. Twilight complied and gave it to him, once he downed the glasses contents the wound sealed and he hopped to his feet. "Ah much better. Dehydration is a horrible thing when your bleeding. Right then, Mrs. Sparkle and Mr. Axel have you two done as I asked?" Twilight nodded and Axel gave him a thumbs up. "We've prepared a strategy for the invasion but, it won't work without Max and I can't find him." Twilight's eyes turned to the floor and seemed to find a groove in the floor quite fascinating. "No worries Doc, I think I can hold them till he shows but, I'm not making any promises. They'll be funneled into the front gate and I'll be there to defend the town." Twilight looked to Axel and smiled. Without wasting a moment Axel rushed towards the front gates passing a dull-silver alicorn and a humanoid dragon. Max and Wryn arrived in the library moments after Axel left. "Okay Herb two things, One. Why are there mannequins killing anything that moves? And two where the hell are they coming from?" Herbert's face lost it's usual cheerful expression. This only served to show how truly dire the situation really was. "I'm afraid Maximillion that the being who stole your former body is an ancient evil from this world, not your own. It is known as Ebony Bloodburner The Equestrian Lich-King. It used your body to gain the strength to be reborn. Those beasts are nothing more than puppets filled with the souls of the dead. They function on the same level as a zombie killing and consuming anything with a pulse. I will need you and Axel to guard the town while Wryn, Twilight, and myself bring all the citizens of Ponyville to the town hall." Max nodded and ran of towards the front gate as he watched a magical barrier appear around the town it's only opening was directly at the town gate. Like a well laid trap the monsters were drawn to the opening as they could not even touch the barrier without being destroyed. So max summoned his twin gun-lances from his swords and prepared for battle. "Come on then! Let's dance!" Axel shouted as the battle began. Multiple beasts burst into flames at his feet his battle style much like a dance of deadly flames. An unending tidal wave of fire. Max took this as his chance to change his swords back to sword form and shifted into the humanoid style. He began carving monsters limb from limb they did not bleed, and that's what caused Max to worry most. Soon the monsters all laid slain at the hands of the two fighters. They thought they had a chance to celebrate but, they couldn't be more wrong. The Blanks all dissolved and formed into a massive giant with a similar appearance to the Twilight thorn except decaying like a zombie. [Music change. Blank Battle: Undead Titan] "Holy Shit!" Was all Max could think to say as he and Axel dodged the beast's first strike. It's moves much like the Twilight thorn which to Max's advantage were something he recognized as he had played Kingdom Hearts 2 back on earth. They got it down to it's last bit of strength when it did something neither Max or Axel had ever seen it do before. It flipped over and it's underside was completely different. It was completely rotted, it had eyeless sockets and a decayed mouth. This caused Max to throw up in his mouth a little. "Damn! That's messed up! Even for a nobody!" Axel's comment caused Max to finally realize who he was fighting beside and if he was right he could use that to his advantage. "Hey! Your Axel right? I have an idea but, I'm gonna need you to throw me one of your Chakrams!" Axel looked at the figure and smiled. "Hey go for it, If it saves us it'll be worth it!" With that Axel tossed Max one of his Weapons which Max caught in his magic suspended before him. In a blinding flash his weapons changed into a single blade. A red key-blade with a bomb key-chain. "Alright, let's do this! Give me Strength!" Max's body erupted into golden flames while Axel's did the same with darkness. Axel could feel the other fighter's energy increasing his own. It felt great. "Alright pal, let's finish this sucker off!" With a dash they tore through the monster leaving nothing of it. It's body dissolved into ashes and scattered on the winds. With the beast defeated Max's weapon returned to the twin sword form and Axel's Chakram appeared in his hand. "That move was sweet what are we gonna call it?" Axel said while he put his finger to his chin in a thinking position. "How about Blessed Hellfire?" Max suggested and Axel nodded they shook hands and ran back to the library with the threat to the town over... For the moment. [So, they managed to destroy one of my Titan's? No matter they will fall soon enough. It's all a matter of time. The king of the beasts laughed manically to himself as the screen faded to black.] Sorry about the shorter chapters recently, I've been under heavy writers block. Also had to change the number of chapters from 6 to 4 because of this. > Trial by Fire > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is part 4 of 4 in the intermission chapters leading to the end of the Wryn Crossover saga. The origin of Max's flame powers will finally be explained. So keep reading. Sparkle Family Library When Max and Axel returned to the Library after the fight Max was instantly tackled to the ground in a hug by Twilight. "Max! I'm so glad your okay. I heard all those explosions and I couldn't help but, worry about you." Twilight stared at Max with tears in her eyes. It was obvious to anyone or anypony that saw this just how much she cared for him. Max smiled at her while patting her head. "Hey don't worry. I wouldn't leave you and Solaris hanging. Not for anyth-" Max was cut off mid sentence by him suddenly losing consciousness. As the world around him faded to black all he could hear was Twilight crying while calling his name. Max's inner world. Crystal Pillar Chamber. Max awoke to find himself standing on one of the crystal pillars that made up his inner world. It was different than it was last time he was here though. Instead of the stained glass looking like scene from different memories they all had pictures of Fire Element monsters from different video games. "Well, that's odd. I don't know who did the redecorating but, I like it." Max said while noticing that the pillars were not at one consistent height, like they were the last time he was here. His amazement was cut short by his body being consumed by flames. All he could do was scream as the flames tore at him. They weren't his flames as those never hurt him. "You who seek to wield the powers of the Eternal Flame... Prove yourself worthy. Survive the pain of the Hellfire." At these words the Flames covering max turned black and burned even more. Max was trying his hardest to not pass out from the pain. After ten minutes of the extreme pain the flames changed color once again. This time to a gentle green, not unlike the color of a mint leaf. With the change in color came a change in the feeling the flames gave off, no longer burning but, soothing like the flames were causing the pain he had recently suffered to melt away like a candle's wax. "Child of the Eternal Flame, step forward and speak your name so that our powers may be as your own." Max did as he was told and stepped onto the center of the crystal pillar. "My name is Maximillion Sparkle, Once known as Maximillion Fortner until being wed to Twilight Sparkle. Seeing as I have no idea what's even going on, can I get an explanation before you do whatever your planning?" Suddenly the pillars around the one Max stood on erupted into flames and the monsters depicted on them came to life. The three monsters depicted on the pillar Max stood on were the three most prominent creatures he could remember from any video game he had ever played. Ifrit, the Hellfire Demon or Jinn depending on which version of Final Fantasy you played. Phoenix, the Eternal Fire-bird. One of the most useful summons in Final Fantasy VII Max's favorite game as it not only caused massive fire and light damage it also revived fallen party members. And Bomb king, a giant version of the Bomb Monster who's ability was a heavy influence on it's name. The three summons stood before Max but the only one of them to speak was Phoenix. "Child of the Eternal flame. Though you were not always as such the magic you use come from our being, as such we have deemed it time to grant you our full powers. With this gift you may summon any beast of flame you see fit. Though there is the price for such a gift. Your body must be altered in a manner as to allow the beings passage. Do you have a suggestion for the altering?" Max thought about it for a moment and remembered something he always wanted but, could never have, until now that is. "I do actually. If it will work, I would like my wings, mane, and tail to be constantly aflame with a fire that only burns those with an intent to harm me or those I care for." Phoenix nodded and the process began. Ifrit, King Bomb, and Phoenix flew into the three points max specified. Ifrit into Max's mane, King Bomb into his tail, and Phoenix into his wings causing them to become active flames. The fire was gentle and gave of the same soothing warmth as a fireplace in winter. "It is done, with this gift you now have true mastery of the flame. Only surpassed by those made from it for their entire lives. Use this power to defend those you care for and destroy you enemies in Sacred fire." Max nodded and gave a thumbs up to nothing in particular before his mind went blank. Ponyville Hospital, Intensive Care "I don't know what's wrong. No matter what we do the flames don't go out. Is this some kind of curse?" Nurse Redheart was the active nurse watching Max. She was busy explaining the situation to Twilight just outside of the privacy curtain. Their discussion was cut short by a bright flash of light and the heart monitor suddenly shutting down. "Well, hospital gown. That's something I never want to wake up in again." Max said as he walked through the curtain in his pony form his mane, wings, and tail giving off the warm glow of an active flame. "H-how? How are you on fire and not dead?" Twilight asked shocked obviously not knowing what Max just went through. "Well that's actually quite simple. Fire is my talent." Max said as he turned sideways. The Symbol of a Multicolored burning sword piercing a black and gold sun adorned his flank. "Pretty cool huh?" Max said as he hugged Twilight with his wings to show that they wouldn't burn her. She felt relieved the flames felt more like a warm blanket than anything dangerous. "I think your Hot." Max and Nurse Redheart couldn't help but facehoof at that horrible pun. "Twilight, there is no excuse for that horrible pun. No excuse at all." Max said as they returned to the library. [So he's gained more power?! No matter, he will fall soon enough. My army is ready. Irxion! Gabriell! Prepare for Battle! Tomorrow we ride on Canterlot! Ebony Bloodburner laughed as he went to gather is undead army for the upcoming battle. Tomorrow would decide the fate of Every living being in Equestria, on Terra for that matter. Max knew this and wasn't going to give up. While he was out his friends had gathered every able fighter they could and gathered all the civilians inside the capitol city. The final battle would take place there. In Canterlot.] Hooray! New Chapter thingy! Calm down Pinkie. We still have some more work to do if we're gonna be ready for the next chapter, so come on! Okey Doky Loky! *Pinkie hits the fade out button as she follows Rainbow Dash out.* > Final Page: The Clash at Canterlot > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome one and all to the final part of the Wryn Crossover Saga and The last chapter in this fiction. Why's the story ending? It's not ending completely my dear Twilight but, as to why this book is ending after this chapter you'll have to read on to understand. Alright then, you heard him! Read on! Ah, on a side note. The side characters Axel, Gabriell, and Ebony will not be using Black text for this chapter do to the rest of the cast being barricaded inside the castle. So Don't complain about the color change it's been planned for a while. Canterlot Castle Gates Max, Wryn, Axel, and Several of Max's summoned beasts sat in front of the Doors to Canterlot castle. Wryn stifles a yawn, his eyes shifting back and forth, "When do I get to decapitate some blanks, my sword hungers," he says as he holds up Soul Vortex. Axel stares at Wryn and laughs. "Dude, never thought I'd say this but, I agree with him. I'm bored." "I know right," Wryn responds, "I just hope that there are enough to feed this blade, I want to give their leader a face-full of his own power in the form of dangerous light beams." [Begin Combat Mode, Blank Army.] The two Bomb monsters furthest from the door charge some blanks and explode causing the group to get into battle positions. "Well then, Guess you got your wish. Get, ready! Here they come! Summon Hellfire!" Max said as he called up Ifrit. Wryn points Soul Vortex towards the sky, murmuring some inaudible chant, "Come forth, Xion!" he shouts as a huge dragon pierces the clouds in a rush, breathing pure dragon energy from it's maw. Axel claps when he sees the Dragon and Demon summoned. "Nice..." Was all he said as he started laying into the Blanks with his trademarked phrase "Burn Baby!" Xion starts to swipe at the swarm of Blanks in front of it, "Vengeance!" it shouted, claws ripping through their lines. "Dude... Overkill much?" Axel said as he finishes turning 7,000 blanks into a walking bonfire. "Well, it seems we have reached the first sections end" Dr. Hall appeared from out nowhere as his want. "Nahhhhhhh," Wryn says as he sits by a cooking spit, ripping off some of the roast he had cooking, "He needed to get some time out, I mean it can get boring up in the sky patrolling the skies for the enemy." "Well... I don't think you should eat the monsters." Max said as another wave approached them, this wave having the bulk of the Scourge horde. With Ebony Bloodburner, Gabriell, and Blank Gilda at it's rear "It isn't, it's from the infinium storage in my gauntlet," Wryn says tapping on the gauntlet, "Why would you ever think I would eat these things?" "Because I didn't know you could do that. That alright?" The Blanks charge all at once as Max and Axel vanish from sight with a magical pop "Aww man, I was just about to eat," Wryn says as he stands up to face the horde, "Okay guys lets make this quick so my food doesn't get cold," he lashes out with his sword, turning the mass of Blanks in front of him to dust, and then being absorbed into Soul Vortex. Axel was tossed back landing past Wryn in a bloody heap. "That guy's hardcore... You go on ahead I'll hold the line." Axel said as he stood up while drinking some Spirit Drought. [Begin Scene The End is near.] "No one, hurts my friends, even though I just met this guy," roars Wryn as he launches through the Blanks, swirling his sword in a deadly arc, wiping them out and leaving him standing next to Max. Max sits on his left knee bleeding heavily. His swords broken and therefore useless. "Damn... Guess I underestimated him." Max then attempted to stand using one of his broken sword for support. "I'm not giving up yet!" The air around Wryn shimmers with the energy he is giving off, "That's the last straw, Seal Release!" he shouts as his eyes go from blue to white, and the very air around him begins to quake as he released some sort of ancient seal within himself. "Your life is now forfeit." Max stood seeming to siphon some of Wryn's power into himself. Just enough to return him to proper fighting form. "Nice trick huh? Now then, let's show him how tough we really are!" Max summons his Key-Blade Burning Spirit. "I'm gonna break my Limit!" "Let's tear this guy to pieces!" Wryn shouts, grasping Soul Vortex at the hilt then splitting it in half, the vortex spreading around the duo and Ebony Bloodburner, cloaking them from the outside world, "Judgement of Eternal Flames!" [Begin Boss Battle, Ebony Bloodburner The Equestrian Lich-King] "That's more like it!!" Max smiles as he bursts into his Justified Inferno form causing His body to become a living fire. "Hit him hard, Make it sting! Inferno's Army!" The flames over his body spawn an unending swarm of fire monsters all striking Ebony once before exploding in flames. All the energy that was stored inside Soul Vortex form into thousands of light beams, "Taste this! Raining Vindication!" Wryn yells as the beams begin relentlessly pounding into their enemy. Max smiles as he swings his sword in a readying manner. "Time for the grand finale! Final Carnival! Infernal Finale!!!" Max jumps into the walls of the Vortex causing the whole thing to burst into Flames as Max appears from the center unleashing flames in a rainbow of colors at The Lich-King. The vortex swirls back into its orb and Soul Vortex reforms itself, leaving Max and Wryn alone in the space near the Castle Gate the two had been sitting at before the battle started, "How does it feel to be set ablaze and left for dead?" says Wryn. The Lich-King laying slain on the ground. [End Combat Mode. That means if the music is still playing turn it off.] Max looks at the beast that has caused so much trouble and couldn't help but think is was too easy. Wryn shouts to Max "Come-on let's get back. I bet everyone's worried." Max turns to Wryn and smiles before something stabs him in the back. "You think you've won?! Not while I still hold the key to your defeat." Ebony Had possessed Gabriell once again and had stabbed Max with his cursed blade. The Bloodburner sword. "not... fair-" Max said as the color begins to drain from him into the sword and a piece of paper forms in Ebony's hand. "Not so fast buddy," Wryn says to Ebony, "You seem to have forgotten something, or Someone." as he points behind Ebony, Wryn's summoned Dragon, Xion arrives and bats him away from Max. Ebony does a flip into a clean landing and displays the paper. "The Contract your dear Maximillion signed to arrive hear now belongs to me. If I destroy this he will cease to be. Now and for Eternity." Bloodburner laughs as he feels like victory is in his grasp. "Xion, come help me," says Wryn as he taps his gauntlet forming his Draconite armor, Xion then shifts into a gem which fits onto the center of Wryn's breastplate, the armor shifting into a more ornate and deadly appearance and duplicating Soul Vortex, "I hope you have enjoyed your last few seconds of your pitiful existence, because," flashing towards Ebony and taking the contract away and storing it into the infinium storage, "You will soon be reduced to nothing!" Ebony could only stare as his once chance of victory was snatched from his grasp. "You cannot win! If I die who will become the next Lich-King? There must always be one and none of the ponies here are dark enough for the task!" Suddenly a glint of Purple crosses his eye as a Man in a suit with a light-bulb head stands next to Max along with The Infamous Dr. Herbert Hall. The Strange being who Hall only refereed to once as The Elder God of Information spoke to the Desperate Lich-King. "Ah Mr. Bloodburner we meet again. My associate Mr. Hall will be taking your job from now on." "Yup, your boned," says Wryn cheerily, as he chops Ebony in half and repeating this process over and over until he was nothing but a heap of ash on the ground, "Dr. Hall what's up? We got you a gift!" Dr. Hall bows and jumps into the pile of Ash and proceeded to comically bath himself in it like it was the best thing ever. "Why thank you! It's what I've always wanted." Wryn stares back at his roasting spit, "Dammit, my food got cold," he says hanging his head, "Alright Xion, you can go home," as he releases Xion, and the dragon flies off. Dr. Hall walks over to Max causing the paper to spawn as he pulls the sword from him. He speaks in a voice that sounded much like Lady Death's. "You've completed your test so you are free now. The path you choose now is yours alone. Oh and by the way. Congrats on the kid." Dr. Hall vanishes along with the suit wearing elder god "I will never get that guy," Wryn grumbles as he approaches Max, "You feeling better man?" he asks while giving him a hand to his feet Max's wounds magically vanishing. "I feel like I've died... again. Other than that. I'm alright." Max says as he stands up resuming his Pony form while a similar voice appears behind Wyrn only much younger. "Ouch... what hit me? I have the worst Headache... Did we win?" A pegasus colt with his, wings, tail, and mane made of fire had appeared behind Wryn. "Whoa, it's another dude," Wryn says astonished, "Dude when did you become a player," staring at the young colt. "I have never been a player!" Both ponies say at once. Causing them to both blink awkwardly. "Well... shit." Max said. "This is Awkward..." The colt replied. Wryn stares at Soul Vortex, "Ahahaha!" he breaks out laughing, "I can't believe this just happened," he finds them both staring at him, "Awww hell no! I'm out! Don't Expect me to Fix it, that's Hall's Job!" Dr. Hall appears behind him as if on cue and taps his shoulder. "Flip a table and let's go. Trust me flipping tables is great stress relief." The Crazed Doctor turned Lich-King says with a cheery grin. "Fine," Wryn says as he takes out a table from the infinium storage and flips it, "Hey Hall, where are we going-" he is stopped short as a flash of light surrounds him. All he got for a response was "Home." Before Wryn and Dr. Hall vanished into a Dimensional Portal. Max decided to take this as a chance to let the citizens of Equestria Know that they were safe. The battle was over. So Max and the strange Pegasus started the walk back to Canterlot. "So what's your name kid?" Max said to the strange colt who seemed to be no older than the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and was barely taller than Applebloom. "Maximillion Sparkle... Oh. I guess that's not the case anymore huh?" As the colt said that they both stopped for a moment. "We really need Hall's help for this. But, first we need to give you a different name in case Twilight sees you." Max said while deep in thought before noticing that the colt had a multicolored fire burst CM. "How about Fire Burst?" He said using the CM has something to do with their name route. "Sounds good. I do have a question though... How the hell did this happen? I remember jumping into the Vortex then nothing." Max and Fire Burst both stood there in realization. "THE VORTEX!!!" As they figured out the reason behind this they heard clapping from behind them. They Turned to see Dr. Hall approaching them. What seemed to be a storm cloud trailing him. "Ah good to see I don't have to explain everything. As for what I'm about to do I'll need to explain. You see there cannot be more than one of the same being in one dimension. The fact that you two are the same is a big problem. Max and Fire nod knowing that part already. "Yeah, so what do we do?" Dr. Hall snaps his fingers and the Storm Cloud zaps Fire Burst. He then places the unconscious colt on the cloud using his Pegasus magic to keep him there. "Before you get antsy Maximillion, I'll explain. This Cloud is known As Storm Nimbus. Stormy for short. I designed it to help our young friend in Wryn's Dimension which is where he will be living from now on. He will retain all of his former memories save for how to use some of your powers. Mainly your stronger ones. Dr. Hall explained while summoning a Dimensional Gate and pushing Stormy through it and by extension Fire Burst. "Okay but, can you tell me why he was seven years old and why I suddenly feel a-lot younger? Max said as he stopped the cloud for a moment just so he could place a red ocarina next to Fire Burst with a note that read. "I wish you could have stayed and be the son I never had. Max" Dr. Hall didn't object to this and waited for him to finish before closing the portal behind the Cloud and Fire Burst. "It is indeed because of the Vortex, as you figured out. The reason for the age loss from you and how old Fire was is due to the fact that your pony form is about 13 years old. 20 in human years. Seeing as your soul was 7 years older than your body the soul vortex took those excess years and created a new being during your attack on Ebony. That being was the Colt that I just sent through the portal. Before you ask yes it was necessary. Unless you wanted to fight your own summon beasts. I'll be able to retrieve him after he learns to control whatever powers he possess but, that will not be for a while yet. At Dr. Hall's explanation Max could only sigh. "So he can come back after he's got control of his powers right? How long will that take?" Max asked now feeling like something is missing. "Wryn's dimension and ours have a temporal loop between them. That means what could be years for them is days for us. His body will still age on our dimension's time clock though so if that is the case he won't be your age by the time he get's back." Hall laughed at his own statement. He then vanished in a burst of confetti from his top hat. Leaving a note behind. "By the way, I've rebuilt the blanks in a new form. Everyone who died during Gabriell and Ebony's little stunt will be resurrected, those who didn't will be reborn as Soul puppets. They will work off their sins and be reincarnated in that manner. PS. Tell Rainbow Dash to check where Gilda died. I did say everyone. Signed, Your friend Dr. Herbert Hall." Max looked back towards Canterlot Castle with a new determination. "Well, that's cool. I guess I'll be able to live in peace for now and finally spend Time with my family." Max said with a smile as he ran toward the gates. The all clear alarm being sounded throughout Equestria as Celestia had received Hall's note as well. The End... For Now. That was so cool! What does it mean for now? It means that this story isn't over just the book. That's good I was hoping to actually see how our family progressed. That ending could have been 20% cooler. Darling please, that ending was simply Divine. Shoot, Ah' was hopin' for some screen time. Don't worry girls. The next book will have more time with you and the rest of the colorful ponies of Ponyville. That's a promise. All right then. Let's go get something to eat I'm starving. Oh yes, Solaris was just waking up. I think we should defiantly get some food... I mean, if you want to. *Via Telepathy* Mommy... I'm hungry! Right then. Food time! I want to thank everyone who has read this fiction and will continue to read it after this chapter concludes. My Heartfelt thanks to LichEmpreror, DawnCrusade, and Gabriell for the use of their Original Characters. And thanks to everyone who commented, your support gives Writers like me a reason to keep on keeping on. Thanks to Lauren Faust and Hasbro for making such a wonderful show like My little Pony Friendship is Magic. Thanks to Square-Enix for always making great video games like Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts. And Finally Thanks to you reading this. I hope you've enjoyed my story and will continue to enjoy them in the future. This is Camlio saying Take care and see you next time! > Epilogue: 3 Years Later > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- We're actually getting back to this? AWESOME... I can't tell you how much I've missed this job. How about you Twi? While the vacation was nice, I do enjoy being back at work. So as you all can tell this epilogue sets up the story for the new version of UoD2. The writer wasn't happy with the first version of it and decided to post this epilogue to prove he hasn't forgotten it. -W-S-F-D- Please forgive the author for his constant shift in choosing scene change types... he still hasn't found one that he thinks fits him. Three years have passed since the epic Clash with Bloodburner and life in Ponyville has continued on in peace. The Library had been rebuilt using a combination of magic, and a strange device used to make the Library... Bigger on the inside. Thereby turning it into the Grand Equestrian Library, with the sparkles as it's proud owners. Twilight Sparkle has taken up a job as a teacher at Cheerilee's request leaving the library in the hooves of Maximillion, their daughter Solaris, and their recently returned son Fireburst. (Though he is now a newborn foal thanks to the aid of a certain enigmatic and most likely mad lord of death. Twilight also decided to rename him Leonardo.) But, as is the norm for the elements of Harmony and those associated with them peace may seem like it will last forever. But, strife is just biding it's time waiting to strike when it's least expected. And so the next adventure would ensue. Holy crud that's cryptic! Hey RD, mind giving us a dramatic dun dun dun? Sure thing Max! *She takes a breath* How was that? Great thanks, RD. No prob Maxi. *Flies off.* Now the Author wants you all to know that there will be some time before you can read the next story as he wants to get at least 6-7 chapters done and publish them together. So sit back and relax... we'll try to have them out as soon as possible. This is Camlio saying, to all of you who have read this story. Even if you've hated it. Thank you. *The entire cast takes a bow and says in unison...* Thank you for reading!