“Why are they sleeping?” Alex asked uncertainly.

“I don’t know.” Ryotta said.

“What should we do?!” Alex questioned.

“Our best bet is to try to rouse them. But if that fails we’ll need help.” Ryotta stated calmly as he kneeled beside Axel and gave him a slight shake. “This isn’t normal.” He said.

“Maybe we should get some help?” Alex suggested.

“We definitely should.” Ryotta nodded. “One of us will need to stay here to make sure nothing else happens though.”

“You stay, I’ll go.” Alex suggested.

“Alright.” Ryotta nodded. “Get back here as soon as you get someone.”

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

“I’ve gotta find Twilight... “ Alex told himself as he continued down the road to the large tree in the center of town. A sharp pain hit Alex in the head as someone gripped his hair and yanked it back. “What the hell!” He said loudly as he struggled against whoever was grabbing him.

“Hello shrimp.” Gregor’s deep voice rang out as a gut wrenching punch hit Alex in the back. Alex choked on his own breath as his entire body was wracked with pain. “Oh ya brought me a new toy?” He cackled as the sword was unsheathed from Alex’s side. Alex attempted to spin around and punch Gregor. Forgetting about the grip on his hair, Gregor literally lifted him up, sending waves of pain through Alex and continuing to laugh at his struggle. Alex kicked out in a continued effort to hit Gregor. “Settle down runt.” He ordered, hitting Alex in the back of the head with the hilt of the sword and making his vision flicker out for a moment. Alex stopped struggling and managed to hold back tears.

“You wouldn’t want that orange bitch to get hurt would you?” Gregor mocked in a threateningly cold tone. Alex remained utterly silent, though his answer was clear on his face. Gregor threw him to the ground and stomped on his back, feeling a surge of pain strike his kidney. Alex groaned painfully and closed his eyes tightly. He was beginning to refuse to give Gregor the reactions he wanted. “Shiny little toothpick ya got here.” Gregor chuckled, observing the katana closely.

“It’s… not a toothpick…” Alex said.

“Oh really?” Gregor smirked, tossing the katana to the ground and drawing his own bastard sword. “Then show me what ya got ya little cunt.”

Alex shakily climbed to his feet and grabbed the katana. He took in a shaking breath and tried to steady himself. “I’ll be a nice pony and let ya take the first shot.” Gregor laughed, opening his arms.

Alex sliced at Gregor’s chest right before moving down and connecting a solid hit with his leg. Gregor groaned and fell to one knee in front of Alex. Alex moved back, almost instantly bringing the blade down through Gregor’s shoulder. The bulky pony let out a pained shout through gritted teeth. Alex tore the blade back out and stepped back. Blood ran down his body as he smiled a toothy smile at the sword wielding teenager. “Ya got bite... “ Gregor chuckled quietly. Alex remained silent as he watched Gregor intently. “I’ll be having a bite outta your girl’s pussy soon enough.” He growled with laughter.

“No you won’t.” Alex stated.

“And who’s gonna stop me? You’re too afraid to use that little stick that you can’t even hit me where it counts.” Gregor said.

“I’m not a killer.” Alex said.

“I am. And I can’t wait to watch the life slip from her eyes when I’m choking her last breath out.” He smirked widely.

“I may not kill you but I sure as hell won’t let you do that.” Alex stated. Gregor stood up, gripping his sword effortlessly as if the wounds he was given didn’t phase him at all.

“My turn.” He exclaimed. Alex’s eyes widened and his breath once again caught in his breath. Gregor charged and swung his weapon, Alex quickly dodged out of the way only to be caught by his opponent’s elbow to the face. Alex stumbled back and gripped his now bloodied nose with one hand. His eyes snapped open wider at the sudden change of direction, seeing Gregor’s sword nearly collide with him as he fell back to the ground to avoid it. Immediately it came down into the dirt as Alex rolled out of the way. Alex’s katana swung and cut Gregor’s heel, sending the hulk to the mud. “Ah! Little shit…” Gregor grunted, attempting to climb to his feet only to stumble forward to the ground once more.

“I don’t need to kill you to stop you.” Alex said.

“Ah really?” Gregor chuckled. His muscles tensed for a moment and Alex was greeted with a familiar sight. The blood and wounds on Gregor turned purple, like when he had stabbed Nicholas. Alex slowly backed away. Gregor stood up once more, smiling and laughing before pointing his sword at Alex. “Let’s continue.” He said. Gregor grunted as a rock hit him in the head. “The fuck?” He grumbled.

Alex took the chance to get away from Gregor. “Raaaaah!” A familiar voice rang out as Nicholas tackled Gregor.

Alex managed a small sigh of relief at the sight of his friend. Gregor threw Nicholas off and impaled his sword through Nicholas’ stomach. Alex flinched, more out of the sight of it then out of the actual act itself. “That hurt you dick!” Nicholas groaned. Alex stifled a small laugh.

“Oi forgot.” Gregor mumbled, pulling his sword out and scratching his head.

“Just because I’m immortal doesn’t mean I can’t feel pain.” Nicholas snapped. He reeled his leg back and kicked the large pony in the knee and a loud snap was heard.

“NNHGAH!” Gregor shouted, falling back and holding his leg as his knee was shattered.

Alex took this new opportunity to get even further away from the two. Nicholas groaned and stood up, the hole in the center of him slowly healing as he turned to Alex and smiled. “Hi.” Nicholas waved.

“Hi.” Alex waved back from his safe distance. Gregor’s tall demeanor came into view behind Nicholas as he stood back up. “He’s up again!” Alex said quickly. Gregor swung his sword and Nicholas froze. Alex stood there completely unsure of what was going on. Nicholas stood there unmoving, his facial expression absolutely still. It wasn’t for another moment before Alex saw his head slide off, followed by the body going limp and falling to the ground. Alex stumbled backwards, now scared out of his mind. Gregor cackled quietly, bending down and grabbing the lifeless head and holding it up.

“Now that’s funny.” He laughed.

Alex mumbled quietly as he stared wide-eyed at the head, no words were able to come from his mouth. Gregor threw the head at Alex, who caught it immediately. Alex stood motionless nothing but utter shock filling him. “Now let’s see what you look like without one.” Gregor smirked, raising his sword again. Alex stumbled backwards in an attempt to stay away from Gregor. Alex nearly screamed as a hand gripped his shoulder. He spun around and saw Cecil behind him. Alex instantly got behind Cecil. Alex could see that Cecil’s eyes were on the decapitated head of his brother. “H… him!” Alex choked out as he pointed towards Gregor. Cecil turned to Gregor and started to walk in his direction. “What are you doing!” Alex said quickly.

“Just stay back.” Cecil assured. Alex nodded and stepped back a few more steps.

“Ah the family’s all here.” Gregor chuckled, raising his sword again. Alex closed his eyes in order to not see another friend of his die. All Alex heard was a loud ding immediately after Gregor swung. When Alex opened his eyes, he saw that Cecil had stopped the blade with his… hand. And his hand was no longer flesh, but only bone. Alex still remained nervously tense. Gregor was absolutely flabbergasted by the sight.

“Yeah, the family is here. And you do NOT fuck with my little brother.” Cecil’s voice distorted slightly as his form changed to its’ skeletal counterpart. His hand wrapped around the sword and prevented Gregor from pulling away. Gregor immediately threw a punch with his free hand, which was caught by Cecil’s other hand and started to crush it. Alex heard bones snapping as Gregor started to scream. Alex took another few steps back.

“Little shit…” Gregor growled. Cecil’s other hand tightened, and to Gregor and Alex’s surprise, the sword began to crack. Gregor’s eyes widened in panic as he attempted to pull the sword free from Cecil’s grip. They both saw cracks forming around Gregor’s face to match the sword. Alex realized almost instantly what was going on. Gregor raised his leg and kicked Cecil, sending him flying back. This was the first real time Alex saw true fear on the giant’s face. Gregor turned and bolted immediately. Alex just watched him run. Cecil’s form slowly returned to his normal self as he turned and faced Alex. Alex remained absolutely silent as he stared at Cecil, he was completely unable to speak.

“You can stop pretending now.” Cecil sighed.

“To be fair I didn’t expect him to do that.” Nicholas’ voice rang out, immediately making Alex realize he was still holding the now talking head. Alex almost dropped Nicholas’ head.

“Oh god!” Alex almost shouted.

“Don’t drop me!” Nicholas said quickly.

“Then don’t do things like that!” Alex said.

“Like what?” Nicholas asked quizzically.

Alex grumbled quietly and walked up to Cecil, shoving his brother’s head into his arms. “You’re really getting ahead in life.” Cecil teased.

“Hahahah…” Nicholas mumbled.

“Please don’t make bad puns.” Alex groaned.

“Two questions.” Cecil said, turning back to Alex.

“Okay, ask away.” Alex said.

“One, sword.” Cecil said, pointing to the new weapon.

“Ryotta gave it to me.” Alex said as he grabbed the hilt and drew the blade, taking it with both hands. It was then he noticed despite the rest of the blood being wiped of by the scabbard there was still a streak of blood running down it. “Okay…” He mumbled as he stared at it, a small smile going across his face.

“Calm down there future serial killer.” Nicholas started.

“It’s not his blood.” Alex stated. “And I’m not going to kill anyone.”

“Second question. How the hell are you still alive?” Cecil asked.

“I can use this blade.” Alex said as he sheathed the sword.

“Duh.” Nicholas rolled his eyes.

“Don’t roll your eyes at him.” Cecil stated.

“Why not, they’re all I have left.” Nicholas joked.

“Mmhm.” Alex muttered.

“I’m sure we can get your head back on the body.” Cecil reassured, hoisting the limp body over his shoulder.

“I’m going to take a guess and say that’s easier said then done.” Alex said.

“Speaking of Ryotta… Where is he?” Nicholas asked.

“Back at Torrent’s house making sure no one else there gets hurt while they’re asleep.” Alex said. “And because we couldn’t wake them up we need help.”

“They’re all asleep? Why at his house, and who is they?” Cecil asked.

“Axel, Pinkie, Scootaloo, Rose, and my brother.” Alex said. “And yeah I came out of Ryotta’s room after he wanted to see me and they were all passed out on the floor.”

“That’s… not good.” Cecil said, scratching his head.

“Scratch mine too, right behind the ear please.” Nicholas asked.

“Yeah. I think we need Twilight to wake them up.” Alex said.

“You’re probably right. Let’s get to it then.” Cecil nodded.

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

“So they won’t wake up?” Twilight asked, seeming more intrigued than worried.

“Nope. Not at all.” Alex said. She tapped her chin for a moment before motioning Sam off.

“I’ll go see what I can do.” Sam reassured, disappearing in a green flash.

“While he does that, I have some new information!” Twilight said happily.

“What information is that?” Alex asked curiously.

“I have gained a bit more information about Nicholas.” Twilight said, searching for one of the many books on her desk. Cecil seemed more interested than anyone, besides Alex of course.

“Well go on.” Alex said, almost impatiently. She set the book down in front of the two and pointed to a drawing of a pony with cracks running up and down its’ body.

“A golem.” Twilight said.

“Okay…” Alex started.

“Golems are difficult to create, really strong magic is needed. But it can be shaped from many things… Mud, rock, steel. Once the shape is made it can be given the personality or mind of someone else, but uh…” Twilight continued.

“But?” Cecil questioned.

“It CAN be used as just a mindless servant. But it looks like Nicholas was made with his original mind. And that of course requires the original to be… Dead.” Twilight finished. Cecil stared at her for a moment before becoming almost visibly depressed.

“Well… that’d explain… um the immortality.” Alex mumbled quietly.

“Oh!” Twilight said moments later. “There is a catch though.”

“What the catch?” Alex asked.

“In order for a golem to exist, it must be bound to an object. If you destroy said object... “ Twilight started.

“It’s dead forever?” Alex asked.

“Pretty much.” She nodded.

“So… that explains what happened to Gregor too.” Alex said.

“Mmhm…” Cecil nodded slowly.

“Why what happened?” Twilight asked quizzically.

“I cut his achilles tendon… he healed that easily. But then when Cecil started to crush his sword he just ran away.” Alex said.

“Still trying to understand that part.” Cecil said, glancing to the still sheathed sword on Alex’s side.

“What did you all think I was taking kendo for?” Alex asked.

“What’s kendo?” Cecil asked.

Alex just facepalmed and groaned loudly.

“Anyway, I think I know what object Nicholas is bound to.” Twilight resumed.

“What item would that be?” Alex asked. Twilight took a familiar pink broach from one of her pockets. Cecil stared silently at the broach. “How’d you come up with that?” Alex asked. Twilight took the broach and flicked it with her finger.

“OW FUCK SHIT!” Nicholas’ voice rang from downstairs.

“And why the hell would you do that?” Alex asked quickly.

“You asked how I came up with it.” Twilight shrugged. “I figure this object comes to you right before Nicholas reappears, so I thought it might be connected. Whoever brought him back might have needed something personal.”

“And I bet we all know who brought both him and Gregor back.” Alex said.

“And I can only assume that…” She said, her expression slowly blanking.

“That what?” Alex asked nervously.

“The babies aren’t the only ponies missing.” Twilight gulped.

“Van…” Alex said quietly.