The End Times

Chapter 23: The Fall of Joseph Brooklyn

Equestria, Ponyville

It is another glorious day in Ponyville as Celestia's sun shines across Equestria, almost everyone at the town square is relaxing. Either chatting to their friends and family, colts and fillies playing around and laughing. And at the Sugercube Corner, the mane six, Shadow Breeze, Spike and Joe are sitting down at a big table present by yours truly, Pinkie Pie who is making their drinks and food. However, Spike and Rarity are sitting close together while talking to the others "when was the last time we all got together like this?" asks Rarity.

Twilight Sparkle smiles "too long, we had our hangouts but like this? Been awhile and I think we're all gonna enjoy today!"

Fluttershy tilts her head curiously "Oh? What do you mean...i-if you don't mind me asking?"

"Well...it's supposed to be a surprise but...you all deserve to know, we're going to Manehattan shopping!" says Twilight.

Spike grins and stands on the table with his arms up "Woo! Yeah! Big city!"

Rarity smiles sweetly and levitates the gem dragon next to her "Spikey, don't stand on the table~"

He blushes faintly and nods "s-sorry...got carried away."

The purple mane mare giggles and kisses his head "oh you..."

Joseph chuckles at the scene "So, how're you two doing after Spike threw me into a lake?"

Spike stares at the human "still not gonna let that down I presume?"

"Nope!" Joe smiles teasingly.

Applejack adjusts her hat when hearing the surprise "ain't been there for awhile but ah guess it'll be nice to see what they got in store. But ah ain't going in some fancy cloth shop, library or the Wonderbolt store!"

"Hey!~" yells Twilight, Rarity and Rainbow Dash with pouts.

Shadow Breeze shakes his head amused and nuzzles Fluttershy "been a long time since I been, wanna go check out animal care?"

The yellow mare smiles joyfully "oh yes! I heard how good they're products are, would love to go there!"

Spike looks at Rarity "I...guess I'll hang out with you Rarity."

Rarity smiles softly "oh no, you don't have to come with me because I might take quite awhile at some places."

The little dragon chuckle and hugs her foreleg "I know, that's why I'm keep an eye on you!" he grins.

Rarity laughs, hugging Spike lovingly "oh Spikey Wikey! You're so cute! I promise not to make it boring!"

Rainbow Dash smirks at everpony "heh, while you guys do that. I'm off to find some competition while being at the Wonderbolt store! Heard about flying challenges and I'm gonna tackle them!"

Twilight shakes her head slightly "Rainbow Dash, we're here to just spend time enjoying ourselves."

"Oh I'm gonna, once I win a couple of things like a pro!" Rainbow Dash boasts as Twilight groans.

Joe chuckles at this "don't worry, she's only being herself...the way we love her, right guys?" he hears them agreeing.

The blue pegasi laughs shyly "aww...you don't have to say that, hehe."

Applejack was thinking about what she would shop for and smiles "ah'd buy some equipment that'll help around on the farm. And get some gifts...what about you Joe?"

"Oh...um...not sure really. Guess I'd check the place out since it'd be my first visiting Manehattan a-and...I-I'd like to try and find something for somepony" Joe said, smiling shyly about something.

Applejack raises her brow curiously "oh? And who may that be?"

Joe gulps nervously "I-I can't tell, it's a s-secret for a reason!"

The mares and guys looks at each other in thought but smirk and turn to Joe "Tell us~" they said in union.

The human sweats as he prepares to run like he never ran before until thankfully Pinkie Pie bursts into the group with trays of drinks and treats for all. The hyper pony giggles while bouncing around, somehow making her iconic spring noises "everything is ready guys! I really hope you enjoy the things I prepared!"

Rainbow Dash feels excited and grabs a milkshake, drinking through the straw rather quickly "thanks Pinkie! How'd you manage to make all this in 5 minutes?"

Pinkie Pie appears next to her, ruffling her mane "well Rainbow Dash! I'll tell you when you're older!" she giggles.

"But...that doesn't make any sense!? Why do I need to wait-" Rainbow Dash says but is interrupted by Pinkie.

"And everypony, are you all really really REALLY sure you don't want me to bake some cupcakes?! They're ready for baking!" she says, looking for approval.

Joseph coughs on his drink but manages to regain his breath "u-um...n-no Pinkie Pie, what you got h-here is enough for us all. B-but thanks!"

Spike nods quickly "I-I second that!"

Shadow Breeze nods quickly as well "s-same here, sorry but thanks!"

The pink earth pony pouts cutely "Ooooh you silly fillies! Why wouldn't you want my cupcakes? What could go wrong?!" she smiles widely, looking at...

Rarity blinks a bit whilst watching Pinkie staring at something "Darling? What're you looking at?"

"Oh just looking at the readers!" Pinkie Pie shouts joyfully.

Twilight Sparkle facehoofs, knowing where this is going "what readers?"

The hyperactive pink mare looks at Twilight as if she asked a silly question "huh? What're you talking about?"

"What?" asks Twilight.

"Huh?" Pinkie responds curiously.

Joseph holds his hands towards them, trying to settle things down "a-alright ladies, n-no need to be confused on things that...uh...aren't a thing. L-Let's all just enjoy ourselves before we get lost!" he said.

And with that awkward situation, everypony sat down and finally enjoyed themselves with their treats and drinks. They all started to talk about all the adventures that has happened between them all, some serious and some more humour than others! But not forgetting all of the emotional moments they all had to deal with when understanding themselves more from these past few months. But thankfully it was the happy moments taking centre stage, having fun with each other sharing a bond to stand the test of time.
Can they be blamed? For when Rarity was kidnapped by the Diamond Dogs and had to get through them. Joseph and Spike had to for the first time in Equestrian history, leave Equestria and the two discovered a land called Xenthur, learning the way of Chaj. When Rarity was recently been a victim of another kidnap attempt for unknown reasons, Spike grew and drove them away...but found Rarity. And those aren't they only events, Pinkie Pie, Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy and Shadow Breeze, all had to go through tough events. But they were obstacles they overcome, while not achieving more, they grew and learned on what it means to be themselves.
Rainbow Dash looks at her empty glass and smiles a bit "y'know, during these past few months. I learned something about myself, and you guys. I thought everything had to be a challenge or competition but...it's much than that. Guess it was because I wasn't able to handle things as they were or show a weak side of me. But not now, you guys are my friends and nothing will ever break that apart. Oh, I still love the challenge and stuff but...don't tell anyone else this, but I...thanks to Rarity...saw cool clothes."

Everypony and Rarity awww at this which Rainbow Dash crosses her forelegs "hey! I was being serious there!"

Rarity smiles at her "we believe you darling, in fact, now that you mentioned it. I learned a lot as well, the idea of working on new fashion designs and meeting deadlines in order to keep my business going was essential. Plus I just...being so obsessed with jewellery and clothes, did bring me off track but with you all here, and...My lovely Spikey Wikey. Being with you all, I would have been stuck in my closet!" she laughs.

Spike smirks slyly "who said you aren't?"

Rarity gasps softly "oh aren't you just cheeky! Raspberries!" she giggles and blows on Spike's stomach.

The gem dragon laughs and wavers his arms around "n-no! Please!"

Pinkie Pie giggles and bounces "I learned stuff too! Not everything is about trying to make big parties and silly filly tricks just to make them all happy! Sure it works but oh boy sometimes it sure doesn't! Like when I had to look after Pound and Pumpkin with Joey, I made them laugh but...I couldn't keep doing it. But I learned that I have to look past on HOW to make laugh but consider theirs needs and feelings! So that means I TRY and not to do things like shoot my cannon in Twilight's to wake Joe a week ago but I decided against it because he wouldn't be happy!"

Joe and Twilight looks at Pinkie Pie with a worried looks "wait a minute...y-you were gonna what!?"

Fluttershy giggles softly and speaks up "u-um...t-thanks to you all, I-I found my voice and I'm always trying my best to be assertive when necessary. I...was frightened of my own shadow but...when I notice my friends and animals are in danger, I will do my best and do anything to make sure they're safe. A-And...I found S-Shadow again and...w-we're together" she says, with determination and passion.

Shadow Breeze smiles and nuzzles Fluttershy's face "hehe...you found your voice again, you should tell them about when you fought a bear!"

"I-I-I d-d-didn't fight a bear! I-I helped him with massages!" Fluttershy responds.

Twilight and Joe looks at each with plain expressions 'Oh no, from our angle...we though you were beating a bear in self defence' they thought.

Applejack laughs loudly at this "shucks! If y'all gonna be talking about this stuff, ah might as well share mine! Y'all knew me back then, ah were just a stubborn earth pony which at the time ah needed nopony's help. But things have changed!"

Joseph raises his hand "she can still be stubborn."

The earth pony eyes her friend "hush sugercube, ain't stubborn no more...most of the time. Besides the point, y'all always try n' help me out even if ah refused. Still kept tryin' yer best for me and all ah done for yer was cause trouble, if ah just asked...could've been a whole lot easier but...made me realise that it ain't bad to ask for help from time to time. And ah'll always try an' help others when they need it!" Applejack says with a warm smile.

Twilight Sparkle nods in agreement with what they all said and sighs to herself "and me? Just a unicorn that respects Princess Celestia like my second mother if you like. I dedicated myself to knowledge and research, in order for myself to know more and make the Princess feel proud of my work for her. But I didn't have a lot of friends because of this. When I arrived to learn more about the elements of harmony, I was like a thorn stuck in the wrong area. But when Nightmare Moon appeared, you girls came to help me and little did we all know, we were the elements of harmony and together, we defeated Nightmare Moon and Luna returned. We...all became close friends. I learned that friendship isn't a waste of time and is so...so...valuable" said Twilight.

With that being said, the mane six hugs each other for all they went through together, enjoying this moment of being friends. Nothing in this world could replace this fact; they are prepared to defend it.
Spike smiles at Joe and Shadow watching them hug "me? A baby dragon hatched my Twilight, grew up with her, and came here. Did some things, chores, made some friends, fell in love. Also met my best friend Joe, ran away, we're became brothers who went through me eating a gem giving me something. Went through Xenthur, teased Joe, turned into a dragon and f-fell in love...a-again" he grins shyly at the end.

Shadow chuckles a bit at the description "that was exciting Spike, gonna write a biography?"

The gem dragon nods "heck yeah! Equestrian best seller! What about you?" he jokes.

The black pegasi laughs a bit "Me? I was born in Cloudsdale and that's how I became friends with Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. But I had to move to Canterlot and lived with my parents for some time before I moved here. Met Joe, Fluttershy and everyone else in Ponyville...which I'm glad I met you all and hope to spend more time together."

Joe smiles while listening and seeing the mares hugging some more "don't worry, we'll have plenty of time for that like today, tomorrow, forever."

Shadow agrees whole heartily with his friend and looks curiously at Joe "say, what about you Joe? I know you told us how everything had helped you overcome your past weaknesses but...still don't know a lot about your past" he asks but soon as the stallion said that, instantly regrets it "s-sorry! I-I didn't mean to go on rough subjects."

Joseph Brooklyn waves it off "oh no, don't worry about! I know it should be fair for you all to know the details of my past but...there are some things that just...gotta stay in the past."

"It's okay...I know how you feel..." said Shadow.

The girls slowly broke away from their hug and smiles happily, Rainbow Dash hovers above them "c'mon guys and girls, are we ready to take over Manehattan? Oh yeah we are!"

They all cheer for that and all go to stand up, getting themselves ready for their train ride to the big city! They are all excited to go...nothing could go wrong with their peaceful and good lives.

Until suddenly, they see a figure standing near the gateway of Ponyville, they all noticed it is covered in darkness and can't see who exactly it is. Joseph noticed something very strange...it stood on two legs, the shape didn't look like a diamond dog nor any creature from Xenthur. It almost looks like...
Twilight Sparkle gasps when seeing the figure in the distance, quietly standing very still "w-wait...who...or what is that?"

All the ponies' notices the group's stare and goes to look on what the fuss is about but they too feel worried and concerned on what or who it is. Spike looks closely and turns to Joe "call me crazy but...his shape...almost resembles you Joe."

Joseph hears the girls gasp in shock, and he is right! Nothing in Equestria looks like that, even covered by Shadow; the human felt something off about this mysterious figure, like it was glaring at...him? "W-w-what do we do? S-Should we go talk to it?" asks Fluttershy in a concerned tone.

"I'll do it" says Joe, earning objected stares.

Rarity stands in front of the human boy "no you are certainly not! We're all going together to face this...thing!"

Joe looks at them all "guys, please...I promise I'll be fine. In case anyone gets hurt by this figure, I'm going to try and prevent it from doing so, giving time for others to run and you all to help them and me. Okay?"

Twilight bites her lip "n-no...it's not okay! But...w-we do trust you Joe a-and you can take care of yourself. Be careful! We'll be about 10 metres away from you!"

Joseph nods to them all and slowly walks carefully to the mysterious figure, a lot is going on through the humans mind 'What the hell...as I'm getting closer and closer, Spike is right. It's shape and posture is so...human like. But that can't be true! I'm the second 2nd human to step foot on this planet! Unless...it's...h-human?' he thought.

Once the human boy is close enough to the mysterious figure still shaded in shadows, Joseph speaks out to it "hello? I ask you to identify yourself; the ponies are worried as I am by your appearance which...intrigues us all greatly."

For about a minute, the figure stares at Joe almost as if it's trying to make out the human for strengths and weaknesses. The silence only intensifies the current mood of Ponyville as they and mane six watches on, until finally the figure spoke "Oh? Does my shape terrify you all?"

Everyone gasps loudly, stepping back a step when hearing it can talk! The voice is clearly of a male but the tone is plain, neither soft nor rough. But decisive and slightly in Joe's mind, robotic sound effects. 'Oh my god...w-what the hell is going on?' Joe thought, he has no idea on what he should do.

"Hmm...I suppose I do terrify you all, that's amusing" it replied with a dark chuckle.

Joseph felt offended at the way the figure said it, almost mocking everyone "h-hey...d-don't talk to the others like that."

The figure once again, stares silently at Joe but soon replies "Or what will you do? Tell your teachers what a bad boy I been?" it said, cruelly amused by everything.

Joe gasps almost horrified, the awful tone disturbs him greatly and how...did he know about the teachers and his past "w...who are you? Tell us who you are!" he shouts.

The mane six quickly move to Joe's sides along with Shadow and Spike who has his adjustable pole ready for action. The figure chuckles even more "all you had to do was ask nicely, very well then..." it said, slowly walking forwards with confidence.

The shadow's that covered this figure is starting to fade away, they all see him wearing some black polished shoes, expensive looking to Joe. Then they all see it wearing some expensive silver trousers and then to his torso, a silver 3 piece suit. His hands are in his pockets, but even without seeing them...Joseph already knows what he is, however, some shadow still covers the figure's face. Applejack slowly looks at Joe, even she feels nervous "uh...sugercube, is he what ah think he is?"

Suddenly it laughs slowly with disgust as he steps closer, revealing his face. But it's covered by a mask, Joe remembers he had seen that type of mask in media...it's the Guy Fawkes mask. Anything else on his head is short black hair with a few strands coming over the mask "there, does this make you all feel a sense of relief? Or does it make you feel fear?" it asks them.

Twilight Sparkle is in utter shock when seeing the figure with no shadow, it has to be! It has to be a human like Joe, the shape and almost everything else that she researched form Joe is telling her it's human. "E-excuse me s-sir...are you...human? Like Joe?"

Suddenly the silver suited man makes a dead silence; all of them feel chills down their spine as if feeling some pure rage. The figure touches his mask with his hand, not taking it off but trying to maintain himself "you...dare call me...human?" he spat at the end, making it a insult.

Everyone now feels fear that they angered the man greatly and possibly he might causes some violence but everyone is ready to ensure it won't happen. But it seems that this suited man looks at them with his hands in pockets again "to answer your question, the only name you'll call me is M or...The Man."

Joe's jaw drops "n-no...t-the man? From the radio channel? It can't be!" he shouts, earning looks of concern and confusion.

M chuckles more and walks around them slowly while keeping his glare on Joe "oh yes...I am him, the one talking about humans and life itself. Did you like it? I was going to get into the humiliation parts."

Pinkie Pie growls angrily at M "alright mister! Stop being a big meanie! Why are you here?"

"Oh Pinkie Winkie, I'm here for your, human friend and for other reasons you all should know" M replies.

Pinkie Pie steps back when he said her name "h-how did you...know my name?"

The man laughs and inspects a flower pot, he smashes it with his foot making Fluttershy gasp and cry with horror "I know a lot about you all, I been watching you all since Joseph arrived here in Equestria. And I have been watching him for a long time without him knowing, I'm the reason he's here in the first place."

Twilight Sparkle just cannot believe what M is saying them all, how can he possibly know them all without even meeting or been caught watching? And how was it possible for The Man to even teleport Joe this Equestria? "M-M...explain yourself! How was this all possible?!"

M once again walks around them with pure pride "All I will tell you all for now, is that I never truly intended for Joe to be here. When I heard his calls when observing him, I thought it would have been a nice treat to throw him on a planet to survive on his own, However...things didn't go the way I wanted it to..." he said, anger lingering at the last part.

"And...I don't know how or what happened, but when going through my teleportation it appears that my power had awaken some sort of power in you. And it gradually grew, ask yourself...you were never able to lift weights or even run a marathon. Now look at you, you can lift heavier things the strongest man on earth would struggle with. How you quickly learned the way of Chaj and even...temporarily holding a giant dragon to the ground" M said.

Joseph thinks back and knowing the man is right, he too was wondering the same thing but shrugged it off. But it couldn't be right, how did he gain any sort of power "y-you still haven't explained why you want me."

The Man laughs darkly "oh I'm going to, but first...allow me to help your friends know a little more about your...past."

The human's eyes widen when hearing him say his past "no...You don't know anything about me."

Applejack, Twilight, Shadow, Spike, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy all stare at Joseph for his sudden reaction when M said that. They sensed fear and anger...this kind is rare for their friend. They see Joseph taking four steps towards the silver suited man wearing a mask "how dare you come here, threatening me and my friends! Leave!" he shouts.

M simply adjusted his 3 piece suit and tie, clearly ignoring Joe "I will admit, some humans do decent clothing if you pay the right price...made from MensUSA."

Spike hears the human growl at The Man; this is getting out of hand...why is Joseph getting furious so easily? In fact, when was the last time he became so furious? "Joe! Snap out of it! He's just messing with you!"

The Man chuckles "oh? I was even trying...now...I'll do worse. Applejack is here to vouch for the truth."

Applejack blinks "w-what're ya talkin' about?"

"Allow me to explain...the murder Joseph Brooklyn committed" M said gravely to them all.

Joe feels cold inside, feeling light and pale as fear takes over while shivering "n...no...Don't you...dare."

The Man glares at them all "It all started like this..."

---

Earth, New York City

4 years ago

It was a raining heavy in the streets of New York City, water was pouring down the drains as if the sea itself flooded the streets. But in a certain ally way, a 13 year old boy, Joseph Brooklyn was kneeling on the ground. He was completely drenched in rain water, dripped off his head and clothes like a wet rat. Joseph was holding a handgun, many gangs and thugs had one of these in rough areas. But this one fell on the ground when a robber dropped it near Joe as he was running from police.
The boy stood up, just staring at the gun feeling a sense of power and defence. The bully who threatened to kill Joe were on their way as promised, one of them had a knife he heard from chatter "I...I feel so much pain, why? Why do they want me dead? Why does my sister and mother hate me so much? Why am I even born into this world? What...have I done to deserve this?" said Joseph.

He cried as loud as he could when he heard sounds of footsteps coming from behind, Joe turns his head around and sees the bully. He was holding a large knife with an evil smirk "found you...I knew you couldn't go far, I'm lucky I know your routes. Now...you're dead for humiliating me in front of everyone. And no but your daddy is gonna miss a little crap like you" he laughed.

Joseph sniffed in sadness and anger; they all didn't notice the gun Joe was hiding "n-no...no more..."

The bully with a knife walked towards Joe, smiling cruelly "what? Speak louder so I can make you shut up!" he yells and lifts to knife to stab him.

Joe who felt a sudden sense of absolute furious anger, he pulls out the hand gun at the bully. He felt nothing but revenge, all the fear was gone and the thrill of finally putting the bullies and problems down once and for all with a bullet. Joseph smiled widely but one of somebody who went insane "y-you're going to die...y-you won't hurt me anymore!" said Joe.

The bully gasps with horror at seeing the gun and immediately drops his knife and shakily holds his hands "w-w-wait...d-d-don't do this J-Joe. I-I-I w-was only kidding!"

Joseph keeps the gun pointed at the bully and glares furiously "all that...was a joke? You threatening to kill were a joke? The times you hurt me was a joke? The times you ruined my work, you humiliated me, saying things about my dad...that was all just a big sick joke!?" he screamed out.

The bully tried steeping back but sees Joe kept his aim on him and stops "l-l-look...p-please...d-don't shoot me. I-I-I wanna see my mom, dad and girlfriend!"

"...No...You will pay for everything you done!" Joseph screamed from the top of his lung and fired until the gun ran out.

Joseph Brooklyn breathed heavily and slowly lowers the gun down and felt the adrenalin faded away. He blinked a few times and breathed until he looked down and seen something on the ground, the dead and bloodied body of the bully. Joe gasps in deep horror, remembering what he had done to him and looked at the gun. He had just killed another person, and he begged for mercy...what had Joe done?
Sirens were heard in the distance and gradually became closer, the boy quickly hid the gun in the waist of his trouser and ran as fast as he could away from the scene 'N-No...what have I done!?'

After he ran until he had to catch he breath, Joe looked around and sees nobody out since it was very late in the morning. He walked to a balcony and saw the ocean and thought extremely deeply, Joe murdered in cold blood...he thought of the headlines. The boy held his head 'w-what do I do? I...tried to protect myself b-but...I...lost it...I never should of done that! He...should of killed me...' Joe thought.

Joseph Brooklyn took out the gun and stared at it one more time...he found a cloth on the ground and used it to clean the gun of prints before he threw it into the ocean, the gun sinks deep down. He hoped that the gun would ever emerge again. And tried to live his life like normal once more and he tried to redeem himself by accepting all the pain and bullying. And tried to help others the best Joe could.
With the event appeared on the news, the police could find no witnesses or signs to locate the murderer. After almost a year of hunting, they never found the murderer and had to put the case on hold but still very much on the shelf...ready to be picked up.

---

Joseph Brooklyn is crying on his hands and knees, remembering everything he had done in the past and now hearing it from someone "n-no...stop...please..."

The mane six feel absolutely hurt and horrified, at first they never believed it until Applejack regrettably had to tell them it was the truth. M wasn't lying to them, and seeing how Joe is now...there isn't any need think it's a lie. They couldn't believe Joe kept this secret hidden away for so many years but more so that he done such a thing, their friend and love interest. A boy who is always kind to them and loves them deeply...this Joe could not be the one they just.
Spike feels his heart race with sorrow "n-no...you...you...defended yourself...I-if you didn't you wouldn't be here! You're redeeming yourself because of all the good things you done here and with us!"

The Man makes a dark chuckle at Spike "by lying to all of you? Face it...he doesn't love you, he only wants attention and to be loved..."

Joe roars in anger "SHUT UP!" he bolts towards M and attempts to throw a punch.

M suddenly grabs a small dark crystal from a pocket and crushes it, his whole body is infused with some dark power and opens a portal that Joe accidently jumps into. Shadow gasps loudly "Joe!"

The Man quickly jump into the portal but it closes before Spike could jump into it too "NO! JOE!"

The elements of harmony stood still and quiet, still in shock from everything M revealed to them and don't know what to do or say. Spike looks at them all "Guys! You can't just stand there while something horrible is going to happen to Joe! We have to search! I know they're still here, I can feel it!"

Spike looks at them, waiting for a reaction or response but he didn't get one "I...can't believe this...girls, how can you be like this? You all love him!"

Twilight looks down sadly "S-Spike...we..."

Shadow comforts Fluttershy and tries his best to reassure her and the girls that M for some reason is trying to hurt everypony mentally. They can't believe him but...Applejack is rarely wrong when knowing the truth or lie, Spike turns around "Forget it; I'm going to find and save my friend! My brother!" he yells and runs off.

---

Joseph lands on the ground and stands up, looking around for M and sees him right behind with hands in pockets "M...you...will pay for this!"

M tilts his head curiously "big words, let's see if you live up to them."

Joe charges and throws a punch but M simply dodges, this causes Joe to send a flurry of punches and kicks out of anger which again, The Man dodges with ease "anger has cost you your chaj skills, peace has beaten you."

Out of nowhere, M grabs Joseph Brooklyn's fist and headbutts his face. Joe yells in pain, touching his face but The Man did not stop, he feels power punches on his stomach, and chest "ah! Ah! AH!"

Joseph tries to block the punches but M is too strong, hurting Joe badly "it seems you have forgotten how to fight properly by spending time with your freaks."

M spin kicks Joe's head, crashing him into the ground "you haven't trained much; your body has grown weaker. Or is something going on?"

The human stirs while hearing a buzzing noise and feels disorientated, Joe touches his head and feels something wet...some blood is on his hand "u-ugh..."

The Man stares at him with the joy of seeing the boy in pain "this is only the start..." he says, going over to Joseph, punching and kicking him with all his might.

Joseph screams in pain, bruises are appearing over his body; his feels his bones broken and coughs some blood out. But...was this the punishment? To pay for his crime? If it was...Joe fully believes he deserves this "ARGHH!"

M stops attack Joe, seeing him unable to move and grabs his neck to lift Joseph up "pathetic...Kirk put up a fight when he was here. I could kill you right now...but...where is the fun in that? I have many plans ahead for you, your friends and this abomination of a planet...it reeks too much of human, Lord Discord will see this."

Joe grunts and moans in unbearable pain, trying to breathe in this iron grip. But he listens to M, he couldn't be serious...he heard the stories of Discord but the Princesses dealt with him years and years ago. Unless M had something to do with this "w-w-what...are you...p-planning?"

The Man drops Joseph to the ground and looks at the sky "our plans? Oh...starting from today, you all have only 2 days to prepare yourselves."

M slowly walks away from Joe and grabs another crystal to open a portal, The Man looks at Joseph for a minute, just one more time "Joseph Brooklyn...this is not even the beginning of what's yet to come. You will know more pain, you will suffer...I will destroy you. And Lord Discord shall rule this world."

Spreading his arms out wide, he laughs loudly "The End Times...has begun!" his shout echoes throughout Equestria and disappears into the portal.

Joseph sees the portal has disappeared into thin air, nothing but silence and dark clouds loom over him and the land. Heavy rain starts pouring down with thunderclaps as Joe lays on his back, tears form in his eyes.
Joe gets all his energy and strength to shouts louder than he had ever done before in his life, with pure pain and anger "M!"

To Be Continued

Hello everyone! Thank you for the feedback last chapter! So...here is the new chapter which didn't take almost a year to make! Things are going to be a different, would love to hear your thoughts!
Will admit, I think it's terrible because I'm trying to do my own thing and some won't like them but this is something I have to face. Also sorry about the length but I felt it fitted.

Also, I have a new poll on my profile! Go check that out! :)

Please R&R, really helps.

And remember...FOR THE BRONIES!