Once everyone settles down we take a look around. We're just outside Trottingham, by what looks like a mine entrance. It's the middle of the night and a cold breeze is coming in from the south. It seems like everyone has been healed completely, strange. Twilights Medi-gun must work wonders. She must of teleported us out.... along with the computer and locker! Nice work.

"Alright, do we take a look at the message now, or save it for later?" I ask everyone as I move to console.

"Do what you want, I'm done here." SubtleShift says as he starts to walk off.

"Where you going?" Snow Bound asks him.

"Contracts up, I'm outta here. It was... fun? I need a drink." He groans before he takes off for the city.

"Well, ah wanna see it. Let play the darn thing." Applejack says as she takes a seat beside me. A round of agreements goes around as everyone takes their seats beside us. I grab the power cord and feed some energy into.

"This is military console. Usually these are just for official documents, not emails." I say as I navigate through the files, looking for anything that's not official. "Heh, 'Miles play this' clever." I mutter as I play the message.

"MILES!" Sine yells as he sits before the screen... playing with the multi legged creature in his hand. "Pretty cool, huh?" He asks as he moves his hand to keep the thing on top. "Professor Qui grabbed a shit ton of these weird things on our way here. We ended up getting too close to the surface, had to make a detour to save a downed pilot. A lot of people were pissed that the Captain made the call to save him, but he said we had to. Every life counts at this point."

"You know, I feel a little cheated." Sine laughs as he lets the bug crawl onto the table. "Everyone else got two videos, I only get one." He grabs above the screen and moves to the side. The background goes from a plain grey wall to a busy rail station. People are moving around in a frenzy trying to get out of the building. In the distance smoke fills the air as fires blare, guns roar, and explosions tear the air apart.

"It took them a little over a month to find and eradicate Jasper. And we know who's behind their sudden success. A monster, unlike anything I've ever seen before. A so called ruler of destruction, and bringer of chaos.... nearly killed me the other day. My magic.. fuck, there isn't anyone who could stand before him. He's too powerful and the Unfamiliar follow him, practically worshiping the guy... fucking asshole..."

"We're making for Emerald City. It's the capital so we figure it will be the most fortified. We sent them word, but we're having trouble connecting with them. It seems as if we're talking with two different groups over there. I'm sure we'll get it worked out when we get there." He says as he stands and puts his helmet on. He pulls out his shotgun and looks it over before setting it inside something outside of view, probably the locker.

"Last second updates. I don't know if the others have said it, but Auxy had a boy. Little guy’s doing awesome by the way. Eximius found something to keep his time, kind of, a girl. Don't worry, we're pestering him about her like crazy for you. Fidus is... pregnant. That much is clear now. Tenera has lighten up, at least enough to help Fidus with everything she needs. Inficiunt is using, he just won't admit it. And... well, I've been good, given the circumstances."

"It's hard to complain honestly. I'm alive, healthy, and still fighting. I've got some heart left, so I'm going for it... just don't what it is. Heh, this must sound confusing to you. But... we'll, keep it between the two of us, but I've got a new cause. Don't freak out, not that kind of new cause. It's... well... I'll tell you this much, she worked as a food processor. Well, that's it for me. Find this, take my gun, and catch up already! We'll be waiting!"

The sound of shots being fired pulls him away from the screen, not before he ends the message. I laugh a little. I'm not entirely sure why, but I just start laughing. Soon all of the others start joining me, that is, until the locker clicked open. We all look to each other before I open it and pull the shotgun out.

It's a drum fed semi auto twelve gauge, blacked from the super enchantments I placed on it long ago, only now an opening has been made in the stock. Sitting in the opening is the light blue hexagonal gem that I gave to him.

"The first level enchantment I put on this a long time ago was a simple recoil buffer. Much like the one I put on Fluttershy's, only this one was much more effective. You could fire this thing one handed.... one sec." I flare my hands as I remove the finger guard and extend the trigger. "Applejack, give it a try." I tell her as I toss it over to her.

"Me? What makes ya think it'll do anything with me?" She asks as she fumbles with it, trying to get it right in her hooves.

"Call it a hunch, fire at the tree over there. This is a shotgun, so the round will scatter when it leaves the barrel." She nods to me and takes aim at the nearby tree.

CRACK

KA-BOOM

A net of red energy erupts from the barrel and flies out towards the tree, getting wider the farther it goes. When the center hits the tree it wraps the rest of it around and explodes, destroying the tree. Everyone stands there, awestruck.

"Well, if anything big comes at us, Applejack will take care of them." I say as I stand up, getting some laughs and chuckles. Applejack just looks down to the gun and nods in admiration. "Lets head out already, we don't want to be late for Hearths Warming Eve."

The drive back goes by quickly. We're tired and it's late. I just want to go home, see Luna and Shadow, and go to fucking bed. Everyone else tries to catch some sleep, but because my jeep doesn't have a top the cold keeps them up. Well, except for Snow Bound. She passed out in minutes, must be a griffin thing.

Once we make it to Ponyville I start out by dropping Storm and Twilight off by the library. Next is Pinkie Pie at her place, followed with Applejack at hers.

"Umm, Miles? Can I ask a favor?" Fluttershy asks as we come to a stop by her cottage.

"What do you need?"

"Well... feel free to say no, but I was wondering of I could keep the rifle with me to practice later."

"You want to practice firing." I repeat.

"I also want to categorize the rounds, but if you're uncomfortable with that I'll just make due..."

"No, no. It's a good idea. Go ahead, just be careful. It's not a toy, it can kill things next to what you aim at. Remember that." I warn her as she wrestles the gun out of the back.

"Of course. I'll make sure to take extra precautions and warn all of the woodland critters before using it. I'll even lock it in my closet when it's not in use, promise!" She says excitedly as she trots to her door. The door opens to reveal Angel. He takes a look towards me and nods once before tapping his foot and pointing at Fluttershy. "Oh... right." She says before entering her home.

"What was that about?" Dust Devil asks from the back.

"When it comes to Angle, I tend not to question it. Where am I taking the rest of you guys?" I ask as I head towards my place to drop off Dash.

"We'll head out when you get home, don't worry about us." Snow Bound says as she takes the front seat. "Was that bunny pissed?"

"Probably." I shrug. I drive to my place and wave Dash, Snow Bound, and Purple Edge off as they take off. "See you guys later..."

"Uh... Miles, can I talk to you?" I turn around to find Nightfury sitting on my porch, a few cuts and bruises covering his forelegs. "Also, your pets are mean."

"What are you doing here?" I ask him as we all approach him.

"Well.... I went back to the barracks to turn in, but since I wouldn't give any Spartan training secrets away.... I was... dishonorably discharged." She says with a bit a malice.

"You too?" True Will asks with a bit of a chuckle. "Yeah, same thing but with the Ursas for us. Though I suspect that they thought we'd die back there..."

"Wait, they new about that city? Do they know where any others are?"

"Not that I know of. They only knew that one because the miners found it." Well fuck.

"So Miles... can we crash at your place for awhile?" Dust Devil asks.

"Of course. My home is always open to Spartans. There's a spare room up the stairs to the right. You two can fight over my bed tonight. I'll just steal Shadows."

"Who's Shadow?" Night Fury asks.

"ME!" I look back in time to see Shadow leap into my arms, tackling me in a hug. "YOU DID IT, YOU DID IT! YOU MADE IT BACK FOR HEARTHS WARMING EVE!"

"I told you I would." I say as the other chuckle. Shadow bombards me with a tirade of questions as we all head inside. It's good to be back.

SLAM

I jolt awake as the front door slams shut. It's.... it's six in the morning! Wait... six in the morning... and with no guards... *gasp*! ROBBERS! Robbers have broken into our home and are going to steal our things! I quickly jump out of my cot and run to Breakers cot, shaking him awake.

"Uuuhhgg.... Mom? What's up? It's... six thirty in the morning." He groans as he rolls over to face me.

"Breaker, there's somepony in the house!" I tell him in a hushed tone. "Breaker wake up! There's somepony..."

"Ponyville has the lowest crime rate in Equestria. Not to mention the guard here actually do their job... most of the time at least. Besides, who steals from a library?" He mumbles as he tries to go back to sleep. Lazy flank. I look between my own bed and the stairs and decide to go check for myself. I'll never go back to sleep if I don't.

I take the stairs to the top where I peer out the door. Everything seems alright, nothing out of the ordinary. I can hear Spike snoring lightly in the back. I step out and head to the other doorway where I see him. I can't make out due to the darkness, but it looks as if he has something large on his back. Probably his goody bag of stolen priceless heirlooms! In a panic I run back down stairs and violently shake Breaker, accidentally pushing him out off bed.

"Breaker! I saw him! He's inside heading up stairs! Breaker!" I tell him as he slowly gets up.

"Uhg, what? Really?" He says as he walks over to the stairs. I rush behind him, almost crashing into him, and follow closely up the stairs. We make it to the top and peer out together, seeing the dark figure walk out from the stairway. The figure moves up to the upstairs bed where it drops something on one side, walks to the other side, and falls onto it's side. Confused, Breaker and I tip-hoof our way up to the bed, where we both sigh in relief.

"See, nothing to worry about." Breaker says as he points to the unconscious, snoring Cloud.

"Whew... alright. Lets remove their gear so they can sleep comfortably." He lets out a sigh as he moves to unbuckle Clouds' leggings. I move around to Twilight and carefully start taking her bags, trying my best not to wake them. They seem so tired, I doubt anything would wake them, but it's the thought that counts.

"I'm surprised they made it out of the living city." Breaker mumbles.

"The... what?" I ask him, making him freeze. "Did you know what was down there Breaker."

"I knew rumors." He says quickly as he yanks Clouds' chest piece off. He lets out another snore as his face drags against the metal.

"Well you should have told them. Any piece of information could help." I tell him as I tuck Twilight under the sheets. "It could save them..."

"Nothing can save anypony... not while Death is out there." He grumbles as he tosses the last of his armor aside. "In the end, it won't matter..."

"I've heard enough of that kind of talk." I tell him sternly. He folds a bit at my words, lowering his head as he looks away. I move over to him and wrap my arms around him. "Miles, Celestia, all of the other nations are working together to stop him. You don't need to worry, everything will be OK."

"I hope so." He grumbles as he returns the hug. "I.. also hope they stay away from Solitude..."

"Where?" I ask him. He deflates again as I stare him down. "Breaker..."

"Over in Zebrica, there's a rumor of a city known as Solitude. It's said to be deep within the earth with a single occupant. The doors are open to any who can find their way there, but none ever return."

"... w-why don't they return?" I ask wearily.

"I don't know, nopony has ever survived to tell anypony." He says as he looks back to Storm. "If they try to go, we have to stop them..."

"But..."

"No buts. I don't want Storm Cloud going there. The journey itself is... what?" He asks me. I just keep smiling as he stares at me oddly.

"You care about your big brother." I say as I hug him tightly. He lets out an annoyed sigh and begins to drag me downstairs to bed. I knew in time he'd open up in time... "Do you hear that?" I ask him. We both pause at the stairs as we hear hoof steps coming from the front stairs. We see an all white unicorn with long beautiful purple hair march right into the bedroom. Breaker and I glance to each other as we watch her head straight for Spikes bed....

"No..."

"Oh my..." We both mutter as the mare, Rarity I think, climbs over him, pull him up to wake him, and plant a deep.... forceful... wet kiss on his lips.

FWOOSH

Spike flails his arms about as his around as his wings shoot straight back. He fights it a bit longer before relaxing enough to cup Rarity's face, kissing her back with an equal amount of passion. The kiss lasts for what feels like forever until they finally break to breath.

"Rarity..."

"Spike... I... well..."

"That wasn't very lady like." Spike jokes, getting her to giggle. "But I'll forgive you for another kiss." SPIKE! You little player!

"Is that your greed growing? Don't make me put you in your place..."

"AHEM!" I cough, getting their attention. Even though its dark, their cheeks burn bright enough to see. "Well, this is.... odd. But it is late and Spike should be going back to bed..."

"O-of course!" Rarity stammers as she flops off the bed. "Uh... let us never speak of this again..."

"That would be best." Breaker says as he heads down the stairs to our room.

"Spike, why don't you walk Rarity home." I tell him, getting a confused look from him. "Don't worry, I'll be up when you get back. And you will come back immediately, right?"

"Right!" He says as he jumps up and begins to escort Rarity out. I hold him at the stairs and wait for Rarity to be out of earshot.

"She's lovely." I tell him.

"Huh?"

"Now, you are my son’s son, so let me give you a family secret..."

"Huh?"

"Keep her safe, and she'll keep you strong. Listen to her and respond the way you feel is best. Be yourself and you'll do fine."

".... HUH?!"

"Oh Spike, it's rude to keep a lady waiting." Rarity chimes from below. I give him a quick hug before shooing him out.

"*sigh*.... I finally get to be a grandma...... a little bittersweet." I mutter before heading to bed. Hopefully he won't do anything stupid.... can dragons get mares pregnant?

After my.... confusing talk with Rain Cloud I step outside and begin walking Rarity home. We stay quiet for a bit, I'm still reeling from the kiss that woke me up. I can't believe she actually kissed me! I think I even got some tongue... though I'm not entirely sure...

"Spike," Rarity starts, breaking the silence between us. "I'm sorry for the sudden intrusion..."

"It's alright Rarity..."

"No, it was primal and beastly and I don't want you thinking I'm that kind of mare. What we have... I don't want to ruin it."

"Rarity, nothing you could do would make me feel any different about you.You'll always be the generous, beautiful, talented mare that... that..."

"That?" She asks as we face each other in front of Carousel Boutique. I take a look around the dark streets before kneeling before her.

"That I love you." My cheeks begin to burn as I try to keep a serious face on. After all this time hiding my feelings for her and I finally tell her the truth. She gives me a warm smile as she takes a step towards me, cheeks burning just a bright as my own.

"Spike, when we first met, you were just a little dragon, Twilights number one assistant. Now... I don't know anymore. You've grown, both physically and mentally. You've always been there for me and all I can say to your loving to me is... I love you to."

She rears up to drape her forelegs on my shoulders as she leans forward to kiss me. I put a claw on her back and pull her close as I use my other claw to scoop her into my lap. I sigh into her as I let my claws explore her soft body a bit. Her white fur practically melts under my fingers as I move up her leg and up to her cutie mark...

BOOT

I fall to my side as something slams into my head. For a few seconds the world turns blurry as diamonds swirl around my head. I blink a few times before shaking my head and looking up to see my attacker.

"*gulp* Hi.... Touch Down." I mumble as Rarity’s father walks up to us, looking displeased.

"I hope you weren't planning on doing anything with my daughter." He says, his thick accent making it a little difficult to understand.

"Father, I am a grown mare and I will not be treated like a foal." Rarity says as she stands up to face him. "I would also appreciate if you didn't use my work as a projectile."

"Sorry 'bout that deary, why don't you.."

"We." Rarity corrects.

"... right. Why don't we head inside then." He says before glance back to me, giving me the stink eye.

"Of course. Good night Spike. I shall see you at Miles' little gathering." Rarity says before trotting inside. Touch Down gives me another glare before walking after her, shutting the door and locking it. I sigh deeply before getting up and walking home. Fifteen minutes ago I was warm in my bed, sleeping, now I'm getting death glares from the stallion of my... my...

"I'VE GOT A MAREFRIEND!" I excitedly announce to the world as I jump up and take to the air... before reality hit me. "I have a marefriend.... I need romantic advice..... MILES!" I yell as I start to fly towards his place in desperation.

*SNOOOOORE

SNOOOOORE

SNOOO-THUD

I wake up a second before face planting on the floor. With a tired groan I get to my hooves...

"Big Mac, why are you here?" I look up and freeze for a moment when I see Fluttershy standing before me. She looks tired, and all of the gear she has seems to be weighing her down.

"Shy ah..."

"Shouldn't you be on the farm? Getting ready for the day?" She asks before heading to the stair. I run after her, keeping right on her tail.

"Ah wanted ta be here when ya got back..."

"Well I'm back." She snaps back as she flies up the stairway. I run up and chase her into her bedroom, finding her struggling to out the massive rifle into her closet. I run over and catch it before it falls and set it inside. Before she could walk away or say another word I grab her and pull her into a tight hug. She struggles a bit, but is stuck.

"Ah'm sorry."

"For?" She asks bitterly as she continues to struggle under my arms.

"Ah wish ah had told ya sooner about Granny. Ah really meant to, but... it was still new to me. Ah didn't know how ta handle the information, so ah... ah went out fer a drink. Ah tried to bury mah troubles... and.... ah'm so sorry Shy. It didn't mean anything ta me, honest! Ah don't want ta lose ya Shy... ah'm not strong enough to go on without you."

"Big Mac." She says as she moves a hoof to my cheek, wiping a tear away. "I'm not going anywhere... I'm just disappointed."

"Ah know." I chuckle as I loosen my grip on her. "So.... do ya fergive me?" I ask nervously. She thinks about it, putting on a cute smile as she looks away from me.

"Only on one condition." She tells me.

"Anything."

"I want to be more public about our marriage."

"... really?"

"I'm tired of ponies not knowing we're together, that's what caused all of this in the first place. I want us to be able to go anywhere and not have to worry about other ponies trying to get the better of us." She tells me with a determined look on her face. I chuckle a bit as I hug her tightly again, getting her to hug me back.

"Ah think that massive rifle is getting to yer head Shy, ah don't think I've ever seen you this confident before..."

"Oh! I'm not turning into a monster again, am I?" She asks nervously.

"There's my mare." I say before leaning down to kiss her. She pushes back against my lips as I lift her up, moving to her bed. I lay her on her back as I get on top, being careful not to put all of my weight on her. "Are ya ready?"

"... yes. Yes, I'm ready. Go ahead whenever you are." She reassures me. Judging by my aching member I'd say ah am so I lean back down to kiss her to give my answer. As our tongues dance around each others I feel my member stiffen between the two of us, reaching its peak as Fluttershy chews on my bottom lip. I let out a deep moan as she we play with each others lips. I just hope she doesn't go overboard... like she usually does.

I lift up a bit to line myself with her entrance, getting a soft moan from her as I press the tip against it. We share a glance before I push in, making her squirm. I close my eyes and relish in the feeling. I push as deep as I can go, and hold it there, letting her adjust to me. I nuzzle her cheeks as she pants a bit. I don't want to sound prideful, but I don't think she'll ever get used to my thickness.

"OK, you can move it now." She tells me as she holds onto my forelegs. "Just take it easy." Easy... you say that now. I pull back to her entrance and push back in, burying myself completely. I tense up from the friction, but repeat the action anyway, bring my hip down onto her flanks. Keeping a slow, methodical pace, a keep my hips moving as I run a hoof over her body.

"M-maybe a bit harder, please." She asks cutely. I roll my eyes and begin to move with a bit more power. I know exactly how this is going to end; but if it's what she likes, it's what she likes. I set the pace, going twice as fast now, as I hold her rear legs up for better support. With every slap of my hip I get an eager pant from Fluttershy. her cheeks are really starting to burn as she bites a hoof.

"Squeeze my teat!" She demands.

"Wha..."

"SQUEEZE MY TEAT!" And there it is. Obligating her demands I reach between her legs and take one of her teats in my hoof. I give it a rough squeeze before letting go to grope it some more. With another squeeze I get a pleasure filled moan from Shy as she twists in euphoria. I don't think I'll ever get why she likes these kind of things, not that i'm complaining. I'd never admit it to anypony, but... things get fairly hot sometimes.

"Harder!" She demands. A little confused, I decide to do both; squeezing her teat with more force as I begin to slam my member inside her. At this pace I begin to grunt with every thrust forward, mixing with her pants. I can feel a cool layer of sweat starting to form over myself as I push and pull with her writhing body.

"Flip over!" I tell her as I quickly pull out and force her over. She immediately lifts her rear underneath me, tail swishing back and forth, as her wings obscure my peripheral vision. I take a hold of her wings and yank them back as I push myself back inside. She lets out a loud growl of pleasure as she arches back to look me in the eyes. I stare back into her lustful eyes as I continue to pound into her, edging closer and closer to my finish.

"Pull my mane." She tells me. "Bite my neck, chew my ear, spank my flank, DO ANYTHING! Just make sure I feel it." My little masochist, I know she really wants it, but I have to make sure to keep it in line. I don't want to actually hurt her. Tending to her needs, I lean forward and bite on her ear; pulling back so her heads completely up. She lets out a yell of approval and tugs back. I let it go before any damage could be done and move down to grip her neck.

"AAAHH YES!" She screams as she shakes underneath me, getting close to her finish.

SMACK

"YES! AGAIN! PLEASE..."

SMACK

"AH BUCK MY TIGHT LITTLE..."

SMACK

"A-AH! C'mon, turn my flank redder then your coat you bucking s-stud."

"Ah'm gettin close Shy..."

"Inside, I want it inside!" She demands, I plant my hooves on her shoulders as I begin to furiously thrust into her, feeling the floodgates start to crumble away. "AAAH YES!" She screams as she hits her climax clamping down on my member and pushing me over the edge. With a final push I bury myself inside her and release within her. Our juices mix together as we both ride our orgasms out. After a few spurts I give a couple huffs to catch my breath before pulling out to look at my work. Her passage is spread with as my spunk slowly seeps out. "D-don't stare.. p-please."

"Sorry." I say as I fall to her side. She falls along with me and snuggles up against me, nuzzling my chin as she sighs contently.

"Did... did I go overboard again?" She asks nervously.

"Ya tried."

"Oh... did... did I warn you about being in heat?"

"Yer in heat?"

"Y-yes." She says as she quietly as she moves closer to me. I sigh a bit, but wrap a hoof around her anyway.

"So... a colt or a filly?"

"You're not mad?" She asks as she moves to look me in the eyes.

"Why would I be mad?"

"I was so mean to you earlier..."

"An then we had sex. Ah'm a stallion Shy. I'll get over it, just.. lets try ta stop the lies." I tell her as I rub her back.

"I promise."

"So, a filly or a colt?" I ask again.

"Hmm... I think a little filly would be wonderful..."

"Ah think a colt could do some good. Help even out the house a bit." I joke.

"Either way, if it's ours, I'd be happy." She says as she relaxes against me.

"Me too."

"... and then bam, you've made yourself a new spear." I tell Spike as I finish my lesson on metal working. As soon as I got home Shadow kept me up with a constant bombardment of questions until Spike arrived. I guess I'll be sleeping tomorrow. To make things worse, Spike wanted romantic advice! I avoided the question by giving him a lesson on forging elements instead. Hes given it a couple tries and is doing... OK at it. It's his first time, so I go easy on him when he messes up. Shadow tried to listen in on our lesson, but ended up exploring my shop instead.

"OK, I think I've got it... now about Rarity, my dad gave me some advice awhile back..."

"OK, I'll give you one piece of advice. Storm is my best friend, and I love him as so, but... he's kind of a whore. Try and take things slow if you want it to mean something."

"... is there a way of taking things quickly and..."

"Oh sweet Barbra." I yell before setting the spear inside the weapon locker.

"Who is Barbra?" Shadow asks from the back.

THUD

"Miles!" True Will yells as he drops into the shop. "There's some trouble up in Ponyville, you should come see this." He says before flashing out.

"You, watch after Shadow while I go check things out. DON'T LEAVE THIS SHED UNLESS I SAY SO!" I yell before leaping out. I step out of the shed and follow after True Will towards Ponyville. I can see a few houses floating around above the town already... this can't be good.

"Some mare showed up and started challenging Twilight to some kind of rematch, and she's been kicking her ass at it. Her power levels have to be... at least past ten thousand." True Will informs me as we enter the town, weaving our way through the crowded streets. Groups of ponies are trying to either get to or away from the library, making it a bit harder to get through.

"Any idea if she's with the darkness?" I ask as we near an open circle in the crowd.

"Not a clue..."

"MUAHAHAHAHA! Your feeble attempts to redeem yourself are futile Twilight Sparkle! Now watch as the GREAT AND POWERFUL..."

"What the fuck is going on here!" I demand as I step into the opening. Before me I see a tired and exhausted Twilight facing off with a light blue unicorn with silver hair and a mark of a wand and magic. She's wearing a pointy hat and cape that is dotted with stars and crescent moons along with a black necklace going around her neck. I freeze up when I see a light blue hexagon gem holding her cape together... it looks... familiar.

"Do not interrupt Trixie when she is scolding her foes!" The mare, Trixie yells as she flares her horn and makes a mouse icon appear before me. It clicks my mouth, drags it to a trash can, and deletes it.

"MMMMM! MMMFF MMMMM!" I yell as I try to open my mouth. That was trans-dimensional magic! That is some really hard shit to do... did she make a mouse icon!?

"Now, as Trixie was saying, watch as the Great and Powerful Trixie turns your little friends into mere playthings." She sneers as she lifts the girls into the air and begins to juggle them around. Twilight tries to use her magic, but falls to her side as she faints from exhaustion.

"TWILIGHT!" Storm yells as he runs to aid her, only to be lifted up by Trixie as well. "Let me go you bitch!"

"Now, now, now. What a filthy mouth you have.... you dog." She says before zapping him with some kind of dark energy, turning him into a diamond dog. The crowd gasps as she sets him down, a few people fainting. Storm looks over his body before fainting himself.

OK, I've had enough. I take a step forward and push my magic to my back, burning my shirt off and getting Trixie’s attention. I bring my hands before my mouth and begin to pull the dimension apart, bringing my mouth back to it's rightful place. I give a few test bites before stepping before Trixie and readying my hands for combat...

"WAIT!" Spike yells from the side as he flies down beside me.

"You can't be serious." Trixie says as she rolls her eyes and begins to inspect her hoof.

"SPIKE! I told you to watch Shadow!"

"I know, but..."

"NO BUTS! Get back there..."

"You need to get the necklace off of her!" He yells as he points to her. "It's what's making her so powerful and evil..."

"FOAL!" Trixie yells before chuckling to herself. "Do you forget that Trixie has to be the one to remove the Alicorn Amulet? Nopony will make me remove this necklace as long as Twilight Sparkle lives! Now..."

"If you want to hurt her, then you'll have to get past me." I say as I flare my hands. "Spike," I whisper to him, "thanks for the heads up. Now get everyone out of here."

"OK." He says before running over to the crowd and begins to order them away. Trixie and I stare each other down as the crowd backs off, no one willing to leave but giving us more room.

"You know Trixie will never take this amulet off..."

"I'm challenging you to a test of magic." I cut her off, making her laugh.

"Oh? And if you win, what? I remove my..."

"If I win, I get that gem on your cape." I say, making her lose her confidence for a second.

"M-my... NO! Pick something else!" She demands as she holds her head up and looks away.

"And if I lose... well, let's just say being the leader of the worlds most powerful country has it's perks." I say, getting her to glance back to me. "What do you say? You in, or you afraid of losing?" She bites her lip as she levitates the gem up to look over.

"Well... Trixie has no fear of losing. Very well, a test of magic before the rise of the Great and Powerful Trixie!" She says before rearing up and setting some fireworks off behind her.

"OK, but set everything you changed back to normal before we begin. Set the bars even you know?" I say as I roll my shoulders. I'm a little worried about burning out from all of the non-combatant magic, but I need to see that gem. With a simple flash of her horn the buildings and pegasi go back to their appropriate spots as Storm turns back into a pegasus.

"Ladies first." I say as I motion towards Trixie.

She stars out my making a cloud appear above me, zapping me with a bolt of lightning. With the extra energy coursing through me, I lift my hands up and send all of the snow on the ground into the air, where I force it together into a gigantic ice block in the shape of a bolt of lightning. I drop the ice above Trixie, forcing her to teleport out of the way. The crowd cheers for me as Trixie collects herself, glaring at the town.

"Impressive, but lets try something a little more impressive them elemental magic." Trixie says as she lifts....

"SHADOW!" I yell as she brings her over before herself.

"Daddy!" She yells as she tries to break out of Trixies grasp.

"Oh? An adopted foal? Perhaps you'd like it..."

"If you touch even one hair on her body, I'll tear your soul out and feed you to a demon. PUT. HER. DOWN." I warn her as I toss my arm out, making the Laminis Lux.

"Are... are those the Elements of Harmony?" She asks as she sets Shadow down. She runs behind me and cowers in fear.

"Yes, now...."

"I'll be taking those. Don't want you having any unfair advantages, now do we?" She says as she envelopes me in her aura. I feel her magic begin to force the elements from my forearm, prying them from me. I push my hands out and start to feed my own energy into hers, forcing my way into her mind from a distance.

A magical tug-a-war begins as we each try for our own destinations. If she gets the elements first, I'll drop in energy and lose. But if I can get in her mind....

I push more and more energy past her mental walls and break in. I have no idea if I'm too late, but I begin to read through all of her memories as I look for a way to defeat her.

She is an orphan, her mother died when she was very little. The cape and hat are all she has left... a family heirloom...

She travels all over Equestria... alone...

No friends...

No companions...

She uses the third person thing to feel less alone, as if someone would care enough to talk about her...

She made a mistake here, in Ponyville. She ran from it... though it never left her....

She was taken captive! By the Ursas... tortured for almost a month...

She was sent here to teach me a lesson... the Ursas are pissed....

"AAAH!" I yell as I feel my connection snapped off. I open my eyes to find myself laying on the ground, staring straight up into the sky. I sit up to see Trixie walking up to me... holding a multi colored wand in one hoof.... "The elements." I mutter as I look down to my bare arm.

"Yes, now watch as the Great and ALL POWERFUL Trixie turn you to stone!" She yells before waving the wand in the air and pointing it to me. A massive wave of sparkling energy erupts from the wand and shoots right for me.

THWUM

"MUAHAHAHAHAHA! I USED THE ELEMENTS! I'M ALL POWERFUL! I..."

"Didn't do anything." I say as I get to my feet. I look myself over and sure enough, no stone. Nothing. I look up and smirk as Trixes jaw lays on the floor.

"Wh... ho.... huh?" Is all she can muster. I just laugh as I reach out towards her, I wonder. I call out to the elements, feeling their energy call back. The wand shakes out of her hoof and breaks mid air before collecting back on my forearm, just as they were before.

"My turn." I flare my hands and toss them above my head, sending a column of energy up from underneath Trixie. She flies up into the air, and into a portal I made appear before her. She flies in and disappears with the portal. I quickly make another one appear by the library, wincing as the magic makes my skin burn. She flies out of it and crashes on the floor before me, but I'm not done just yet. I jump forward and make a slab of earth appear before Trixie. I make a clear surface appear before her and send her into a trance, keeping her attention completely on the mirrored reflection.

"Now... look at yourself. Your life. What are you?" I ask as I walk around her, making sure to keep the energy on the mirror. I'm playing all of her memories for her, trying to see if there's any good in her.

"I... I.... NO! I... must resist..." She says as she tries to look away.

"What pushes you? Why are you Trixie?" I ask as I try focusing on memories of her family, though there aren't many. "Is it her? Are you afraid of disappointing her?"

"NO! I... you can't disappoint somepony who's only in your head!" She says as she start to pull away, taking a few steps back. I need something else.

"What about your friendships, the lack there of? Is it because you're afraid of having friends? Or is it because you don't have any?"

"Trixie doesn't need any friends! Trixie is friend enough! Other ponies don't understand! They only laugh and tease Trixie as she starves and fights to make a living! Friends can rot as they fear me and my new power!" She yells back as she takes a step forward. Found it.

"Doesn't it bother you that, no matter how hard you try, no one cares about you? You will never be good enough for them, that is why you fear them. Because you can't face the rejection...."

"NO! Trixie isn't a bad pony! Trixie... Trixie can change..." She cries as she takes another step towards the mirror, just a few more.

"You'll never amount to anything! You'll never be good enough! You will die, alone, with no one to blame other than TRIXIE!"

"STOP! STOP, PLEASE STOP! I DON'T WANT TO DIE ALONE! I..." Just one more step...

"FACE IT! FACE THE REALITY OF YOUR LIFE! YOU ARE NOTHING! THIS POWER DOESN'T BELONG TO YOU! YOU DON'T DESERVE FRIENDSHIP! NO LOVE! NO REMORSE! ONLY A ROAD FILLED WITH CRUSHED DREAMS AND AN UNDYING LONELINESS!"

"NNOOOOOOOO!" She yells before stepping into the mirror. She walks into her reflection and disappears in the glass. The glass shines brightly as the energy begins to purge her of the cursed object. I sigh in relief and release my magic, returning Laminis Lux to its crystal form on my arm. I look around to see all of the ponies gaping at me, wide eyed.

"Sorry about that people." I apologies to them as I face them. "It's how I needed to purge her. She'll be fine in a minute."

"Uh... Master." Spike says as he offers me his red scarf, looking away. I glance down and sigh as I take the scarf to cover myself up. Of course I would forget that Laminis Lux would burn my clothes off, ALL OF THEM! I glance over to Shadow and wince as I see her facing away from me.

"Did she see anything?" I ask Spike.

"I turned her around and covered her eyes." He says as he rubs the back of his head, looking everywhere but at me. "But... yeah, that was still pretty intense."

"You don't create the Elements of Chaos without learning how to bring out the worse in somebody." I tell him as I look back to the girls. They're huddled around Twilight, making sure she's OK.

"What kind of spell was that?" Spike asks as he looks to the glowing mirror.

"Veritas Speculum." I tell him. "A truth mirror. It brings you to your greatest fear and forces you to confront them... OK everyone can go home now!" I yell to the crowd, getting a collective 'aw' in response. "Get out of here, go be with your families!" I yell as the disbursing crowd. "Spike, go check on Storm while I check on Shadow."

"Got it!" He says before running to his side. I walk up behind Shadow and stand there awkwardly. I seriously hope she didn't see...

"Daddy..."

"Yes Shadow?"

"Are.... are they all that small?"

"I'M NOT LITT.... *sigh* yes. For humans at least." I say, feeling defeated.

"Oh... I'm going home now...."

"Yes, I'll be there later... clothed!" I add quickly. She nods and begins walking down dirt road, being extra careful not to look back.

THUD

I spin back to see Trixie laying on the ground in front of the slab of earth. I was a little apprehensive to approach her at first, but once I heard her sobs I walked right up to her and sat beside her. She looks over to me, tears soaking her cheeks, before removing the amulet from her neck.

"I'll hold onto that." I say quietly as I take it. She just turns away from me and curls into a ball, crying to herself. "I'm sorry about what I said earlier..."

"Just leave me alone!" She wails through her tear. "I... I want to be alone."

"We both know that's not true. Look, I want to start over with you. Meet the real you. My name is Miles Eremita."

"M-Miles? Can you do me a favor Miles?" She asks as she stops crying, well, slightly at best.

"Sure, what do you need?"

"Leave me alone." She says flatly as she gets to her hooves. "Everypony that talks to me learns to hate me... I don't want to risk that with you.... I'll be going before the town tries to..."

"Hold on." I say as I reach out and grab her cape. "I won, so I get to see that gem of yours..."

"What! Please, no! I can't lose this! It's the only..."

"I know, it's the only thing you have of your mothers. I was in your head, I know. I just want to see it for a second, I'll give it back right afterwards." I tell her calmly. If it's what I think it is... I need to stay calm.

"Y...you promise to give it back." She says as she lifts her cape off.

"I promise, and I never break my promises." Well... most of the time at least. Sorry Inficiunt. She looks around a bit before relinquishing the cape to me. I take it and immediately go to the gem, feeding some energy into it and making the picture of my unit appear. "I knew it! I fucking knew!" I yell as Trixie does a double take.

"Wh.... how did you do that?" She asks nervously.

"Because you're the distant relative of my best friends Dolum and Auxy Ostendere! That's how!"

Next Chapter: Chapter 160 Hearths Warming Eve Estimated time remaining: 46 Hours, 17 Minutes