Author's Notes:

This story will run side-by-side with my other story Tongue Tied. There may be things you do not understand in this story if you do not read the other, but hopefully not anything extremely important. You will still get your fill reading this story if you don't read the other, and vice versa. They are both about different characters. Feel free to leave a dislike if you don't like this idea, and feel free to keep reading if it doesn't bother you in the slightest! I love all my viewers and their opinions, so don't be afraid to crucify me for it. These stories take place in the same universe, so all the characters and OCs will most likely interact or cross paths at some point. So if you don't know about something or think something is random or surprising, it's because you didn't read the other story. Just a warning for future readers!

The four kids dug into their ice cream. “Easy there… there’s plenty for everyone. And I know you’ll want seconds.” Axel chuckled.

Alex stopped, “Seconds?” He asked, half in disbelief.

“You have a problem with that? You think you’ll have more?” Axel asked.

“Incase you haven’t noticed there is a such thing as a nice person.” Scootaloo giggled.

Alex looked down at the bowl for a moment before he went back to eating.

Axel scooted closer to Alex and put an arm around him. “You don’t have very generous parents do you.” He joked.

“I wish I didn’t have any in the first place…” Alex said quietly, not looking up from the ice cream.

“Why not? Did something happen?” Axel asked.

“A lot… and I ran away just like my older brother…” Alex said quietly.

“Your brother?” Axel asked.

Everyone looked at Alex.

“I dunno where he is… but he said he’d come looking for me when he had everything ready for me to move in with him.” Alex said. He poked the ice cream with his spoon before pushing the bowl away.

“Do you still want to?” Axel asked.

“I want to see him again… but I’d rather stay here.” Alex said, looking over at Scootaloo with a small smile.

Scootaloo smiled back and grabbed his hand.

“That sounds great. I’m glad you two really care for each other that way.” Axel smiled.

“How about we go find something else to do?” Scootaloo asked.

“That sounds great.” Alex nodded.

“I’m up for anything.” Axel said, stretching a little before standing up.

“Oh… right…” Scootaloo mumbled.

“How about a movie?” Alex asked.

“Sounds great!” Applebloom and Sweetie said.

“Then let’s go!” Alex said, pulling Scootaloo up.

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“What movie should we see?” Alex asked.

“I dunno. Up to you four.” Axel said.

“Something scary.” The three girls said at once.

Axel saw Alex roll his eyes.

“I think that’s a great idea. More scary, more clingy.” Axel whispered to Alex.

Alex scratched his chin.

“And what usually happens to the brave man that protects his girlfriend.” Axel whispered.

“Good point.” Alex nodded.

“At least usually. Before they die…” Axel whispered.

Alex’s eye twitched slightly as he looked at Axel in disbelief.

Axel laughed and patted Alex on the back. “I’m sure you’ll live. I mean what good looking guy doesn’t live at the end of a good horror movie?” He said, walking into the theatre

“EVERYONE OF THEM!” Alex said. “THEY ALMOST ALWAYS DIE SECOND!”

“What were you two talking about?” Scootaloo asked.

“Nothing… let’s just go see the movie.” Alex sighed.

FIFTY MINUTES LATER:

Scootaloo was holding onto Alex just as tightly as he was holding onto her.

Sweetie and Applebloom were gripping each other tightly and staring quietly at the screen.

“Hey…” Axel whispered, causing everyone to nearly pass out from fright. “I have to pee, be right back.” He chuckled, standing up and heading out the exit of the room.

Scootaloo buried her face in Alex’s chest and he instantly started trying to comfort her.

“H… hey it’s… just a movie… it won’t happen outside of it…” Alex said shakily.

“B… but it could…” Scootaloo mumbled.

“And I’d give myself up to give you time to run…” Alex said quietly.

“What sweet last words.” A gravely voice said from behind them. Two arms immediately wrapped around all of them and gripped them tightly.

All four of them tensed up and screamed loudly. Their screams slowed and they noticed a laughter as the arms retracted. Everyone turned around to see Axel nearly dying in the row behind them. “That was pretty good!” Axel said, his laughter growing muffled as he covered his face.

Alex’s lip curled up slightly as he stared at Axel.

“You DICK.” Scootaloo blurted.

“Why the HELL WOULD YOU DO THAT?” Alex almost shouted.

“Hey shut up down there.” A man up top said.

“Yeah Alex. It’s rude to talk during a movie.” Axel whispered.

“I’m going to…” Alex mumbled, turning his head away from Axel.

“I think I wanna go home now…” Sweetie said quietly.

“Yeah… I don’t want to be here anymore…” Applebloom nodded.

“Let’s go back to Cecil’s…” Scootaloo said quietly.

“Alright if you want to then let’s go back.” Alex said, hugging her a little more.

“Yeeeah… About that.” Axel started.

“What did you do?” Scootaloo asked.

“I just told Fluttershy and Cecil that we were going camping tonight.” Axel smirked.

“What?” They all said with a dumbfounded look.

“I really want to go home now…” Sweetie mumbled.

“For the next 8 hours, the only home you’re staying is in a tent. I already have everything packed, how bout you meet me at the edge of the woods near Fluttershy’s cottage, I’ll be there soon.” Axel said, not giving a chance to respond before disappearing out the door.

Alex sighed. “We’ve got no choice…” He said.

“Looks like we don’t.” Scootaloo said.

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

“So… how long are we supposed to be waiting here?” Sweetie asked.

“It’s getting really dark…” Applebloom said quietly, her eyes shifting around at random shadows.

“Dark… yeah. Moon light doesn’t help AT all…” Alex mumbled to himself.

“Some of us haven’t wandered from Timbuktu to here with just a back pack.” Scootaloo said.

Alex grumbled quietly.

“I’m really beginning to wonder if this wasn’t just a plot to scare us further…” Scootaloo said, now glancing all around.

Everyone tensed up as they heard a scratching sound.

“An abandoned house beats this…” Alex said, spinning around to look for the source. He stopped as he saw an arrow on one of the trees.

“Should… we follow it?” Applebloom asked hesitantly.

“It’s either that or… well yeah we have one option.” Alex said.

“I’m not scared!” Sweetie declared, marching off towards where the arrow pointed.

“What about the wolves that live in the forest?” Alex shouted.

Sweetie disappeared into the shadows of the woods. A few moments later the three of them heard a long howl in the distance.

“Sweetie wait up!” Applebloom called quickly, rushing after her.

Alex and Scootaloo both rushed in right behind Applebloom. They noticed more arrows and followed them until they saw a campfire and a few tents around it.

“Mine!” Sweetie and Applebloom said quickly, rushing into one of the tents.

“Well…” Alex said.

“Come on this one is ours!” Scootaloo said pulling him into one of the tents.

Alex put his bag against the back of the tent and the two of them sat down inside of it. The two of them noticed the sleeping bags lined on the ground, along with several bags of food, water, and a flashlight.

“Okay…” Alex said. “Definitely all set up… I just wonder where he is.”

“I don’t mind.” Scootaloo said as she hugged Alex tightly and nuzzled her head against his chest.

Alex smiled and hugged her back. “Looking can come second.” He said, kissing the top of her head.

She looked up at him and they kissed.

“Are we interrupting?” Sweetie whispered, peeking into the tent. Scootaloo jumped and let out a loud shriek, causing Applebloom to scream, which in turn cause Sweetie to scream.

“Oh god right in my ear…” Alex mumbled.

“Sorry…” Scootaloo said. “What are you two doing?” She stared right at Applebloom and Sweetie.

“We just wanted to check on you…” Applebloom said.

“But if you were going to have sex we won’t stop you.” Sweetie said.

“Yeah… I don’t feel like it anymore…” Scootaloo said.

“Like what anymore?” Axel asked. Everyone in the tent screamed the moment they saw him.

Applebloom and Sweetie immediately started hitting Axel in a fit of rage. “Ow! Ow!!” He grunted, being chased off into the third tent.

Scootaloo had dove into one of the sleeping bags and was shaking a little.

Alex wrapped his arms around her and laid down on the ground beside her.

She peeked out, “Aren’t you cold?” She asked.

“Not really…” He said.

She unzipped the sleeping bag and scooted over a little, “I am. Get in.” She stated. Without a word he got in beside her and the two of them nuzzled each other.

Axel, Sweetie Belle, and Applebloom slipped into Alex and Scootaloo’s tent, plopping down in a circle. “You know what time it is right?” Axel whispered.

“Sleep time?” Scootaloo yawned, laying her head down on Alex’s chest.

“Story time.” Axel said, clicking the flashlight on and pointing it at his own face.

“Can’t we just sleep?” Alex asked.

The flashlight immediately shifted to Alex’s eyes. “No.” Axel stated. Sweetie and Applebloom scooted close to Scootaloo and Alex.

Alex covered his eyes.

“Good.” Axel said, returning the flashlight to his face. “Now… have any of you heard of… The Whisper Men?” He said quietly.

“No…” All of them said.

“Well that’s good, you shouldn’t. Just saying their name can bring them here… But that’s not the bad thing.” Axel said.

“What… is the bad thing?” Alex questioned.

“Well that’s the good part as well. Now, even if the Whisper Men are nearby, you can do something to keep yourself safe. Because it’s not bad if you see them, although… If you did, you’d never be the same. No no no… you don’t want… To hear them.” Axel said quietly.

“Why… not?” Applebloom asked.

“Well… because they’ll take you.” Axel said. “The words they say are quiet, but once you’ve heard them… It’s too late. And do you know why they whisper?”

“W… why?” Scootaloo questioned quietly.

Axel leaned in, gazing at each of them. “To make you listen…” He whispered.

All of their eye’s widened in fear.

“There’s an old rhyme that goes to those who have heard them, and lived to tell the tale… Do you want to hear it? It could save your life…” Axel asked.

“Yes!” The four of them said at once.

“Then listen carefully… because the more you say it, the more interest they’ll have to visit.” Axel said seriously.

The four of them nodded and kept quiet.

“Do you hear the whisper men, the whisper men are near… If you hear the whisper men then turn away your ear. Do NOT hear the whisper men whatever you may do… For once you’ve heard the whisper men, they’ll stop…” Axel said, pausing and looking at the others.

“And look at you…” Axel finished. As he said that, the campfire went out, and the only light was from the flashlight, dimly lighting the now dark tent.

Applebloom and Sweetie were clinging together in fear.

Alex had a blank look on his face and just stared at the wall of the tent.

Scootaloo had buried her face into Alex’s chest.

“Well I’m tired… You’d better get some sleep. You can’t hear them if you’re asleep… So I’d hurry.” Axel said, clicking off the flashlight and letting the tent go pitch black before leaving to his own.

Applebloom and Sweetie darted to their own tent.

“Don’t let go of me okay?” Scootaloo said shakily.

“I won’t…” Alex said.

“Thank you…” Scootaloo said quietly as she closed her eyes and tried to fall asleep.

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

Scootaloo’s eyes snapped open by a loud gust of wind whistling through the tent. Her head shot to Alex and she started shaking him violently.

Alex woke up, “What’s wrong?” He asked.

Scootaloo pointed to the entrance to the tent, seeing it was open and flapping in the breeze.

Alex got up and zipped the tent all the way up. When he looked back he noticed the flashlight was gone. “Oh. That is not good…” Alex mumbled.

There was a duo of high pitched screams from the tent next to theirs.

Alex glanced down at Scootaloo.

“We have to help them!” Scootaloo said quickly. She opened the tent and rushed out. As soon as she did Alex heard a loud gasp come from her mouth.

Alex rushed out after her. He immediately noticed Applebloom and Sweetie’s tent torn to shreds, and they were no where to be seen. “Wh…. where are they?!” Scootaloo said, her voice extremely shaky and nervous.

“I don’t… know…” Alex mumbled, looking around. He noticed their flashlight on the ground. The glass had broken on the front and was flickering dimly. He picked the flashlight up and when it flickered back to life he saw the words ‘YOU’RE NEXT’ cut into their tent. Scootaloo’s eyes widened as she saw the words and held back a scream as the two of them heard whispering.

Alex stepped back and brandished the flashlight as a makeshift weapon. Their gazes slowly shifted to three pairs of eyes, staring back at them from the darkness. The flashlight slowly started to die, growing dimmer and dimmer.

Alex bit down on his lip as he fought back the fear. Scootaloo was starting to shake as the fear started to overcome her. They both heard footsteps and saw the eyes slowly coming closer, the whispering becoming louder, but still inaudible.

Alex pulled his arm back and chucked the flashlight hard at the middle pair of eyes. The flashlight collided and a hard thud was heard as the figure collapsed. “Ow what the hell!” He said. Two other flashlights clicked on from the other two figures to reveal Applebloom, Sweetie, and Axel.

“Wha…” Alex said momentarily confused. His confusion died off and he got angry, “You deserved it.” He stated.

“You two were in on this!” Scootaloo scowled.

“Only until the very end…” Applebloom said, stepping back nervously.

“It seemed fun at the time…” Sweetie said.

“Maybe for you it was fun…” Alex mumbled. “It was just a cruel joke…” He looked at Axel and saw the trickle of blood running down his nose, “Oh… god…” He mumbled.

Axel wiped the blood away, only to be covered by another thin layer. “Damn that flashlight is heavy…” He mumbled.

“Are you okay?” Applebloom asked quickly.

“Yeah I’m fine… Just a little blood, nothing that isn’t fixable.” Axel nodded.

“I’m sorry I threw the flashlight at you.” Alex said.

“It’s fine really… I did deserve it. You have a really good arm…” Axel chuckled.

“I can’t go back to sleep now.” Scootaloo said quietly.

“Hey listen… how about we go home and sleep the rest of the night in a bed.” Axel suggested, jumping to his feet.

Alex opened his mouth slightly before his eyes widened momentarily and he smiled, “I just remember something my brother once told me.” He said.

“What?” Axel asked.

“It’s about a creature called The Watcher.” Alex said. “I can tell the story on our way back…”

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

“I’m sure Fluttershy won’t mind us using her bed.” Axel said, falling into the center of the bed and smiling as Applebloom and Sweetie clung to him.

“So… your brother told you that story? What happened to him?” Scootaloo asked.

“Mom and dad told me he left…” Alex said. “And… I haven’t seen him since three years ago…”

“Hey… I’m sure he’s alright. Do you think he would have left if he didn’t have a good reason?” Axel asked.

“We both had the perfect reason to leave our parents… they hated us.” Alex said quietly.

“I will not allow hate in this house. Now bed.” Axel said, motioning them into the bed. “Come on I’m getting cold.”

Alex and Scootaloo laid down on the bed and hugged each other tightly.

“Now get some sleep.” Axel said softly.

“Okay.” The four of them said. They all drifted off to sleep, except for Axel.

“Hm… Thought I closed you.” He mumbled, staring at the open door and slowly got out of the bed. He heard the sound of creaking come from downstairs. He pushed the door open and peeked down the stairs before walking down them. He saw a figure quickly enter the kitchen.

“Who’s there?” Axel called, slowly following it.

There was a man standing in the kitchen now staring back at Axel.

Axel stared wide eyed at the figure before getting into a fighting stance. “You broke into the wrong house asshole.” He stated before tackling the man to the floor.

“FUCK! The door was unlocked! I was just checking to make sure nothing was wrong!” The man said. He froze as he saw a claws at the end of each of Axel’s fingers, in a position that looked as if they were going to tear his throat out. Axel felt the man’s foot against his chest and he was quickly kicked off. He grunted as he hit the floor and quickly stumbled to his feet.

“I’m sure…” Axel groaned.

The man got into a defensive position.

“If you’re here to steal something and you have anything in your pockets I suggest you drop them before…” Axel started but was shortly interrupted by a set of footsteps.

“Axel?” Scootaloo called down.

“I don’t want anything… If I can’t earn it then what’s the point?” The man questioned.

“Okay I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt… what do you want.” Axel asked.

“Nothing.” The man said, glancing at Axel’s hands cautiously.

“You know It’s hard to believe that you just thought it would be a good idea to take a casual stroll through someone’s house in the middle of the night.” Axel growled.

“Yeah I understand that. But it’s also not normal for the front door to be left cracked open…” The man said.

“Don’t try to turn this around on me… you’re the bad g- Wait what?” Axel said confused.

“I don’t just go up to random houses and break in. I saw the door was opened a little and I decided to check to make sure someone wasn’t breaking in.” The man said.

“Axel?” Scootaloo’s voice asked, sounding almost directly behind him now.

Axel tensed up and his claws instantly retracted back into his hands. “Yeah I’m fine… Just go back to bed.” He said.

“Alex and me are just worried…” Scootaloo said.

Axel saw the man tense up slightly.

“Scoots is everything alright?” Alex called down.

The man’s face broke out into a huge smile.

“Okay you’re still a stranger in my friend’s house and you’re creeping me the fuck out.” Axel stated.

“Oh really, how would you feel if you had a brother and you hadn’t seen him in a few years?” The man questioned.

Axel paused. “What’s your name?” He asked.

“Torrent.” The man said.

Axel took a step back and turned his head. “Hey Alex!” He shouted.

“Yeah?” Alex called back.

“What’s your brother’s name?” Axel asked.

“Torrent.” Alex called back.

Axel blinked a few times before stepping out of the way and motioning Torrent past.

Torrent slowly walked by, glancing back at Axel nervously as he did. Just before he passed him completely, a clawed hand grabbed Torrent’s shoulder. “Just so you know… They’re protected.” Axel whispered in a stern and absolutely serious tone before the claws retracted and he let go.

“And you think I would hurt anyone here?” Torrent questioned.

“I just care about them, you know I just don’t want to see anyone get hurt. You startled me is all…” Axel sighed.

“Next time do you want me to knock?” Torrent asked jokingly.

“Hahaha… Just shut up and go upstairs. I’m hungry. Tell them I’m making snacks.” Axel said.

“Okay…” Torrent said as he approached the stairs. As he was about halfway up Axel heard a loud thud as he and Alex slid down the stairs.

Axel quickly looked around the corner. “Um?” He questioned uncertainly.

“Still can’t win!” Torrent said, holding Alex tightly.

“I… will… get… out…” Alex grunted as he struggled against Torrent’s grasp.

“Yep. When I let you go you will.” Torrent chuckled.

Axel smiled and shook his head, moving back into the kitchen and starting to make several sandwiches.

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

“So you just happened to wander into our house.” Axel asked skeptically, raising an eyebrow.

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you…” Torrent said.

“Try me.” Axel said.

“An old woman told me I should be walking around at night.” Torrent said. “And I can’t get any more specific than that…”

“You know… you um…” Sweetie said, scooting closer to Torrent.

“You look pretty strong…” Applebloom said, scooting to the other side of him.

“Oh and I’m married.” Torrent said, quickly raising his hand to show the ring on his finger.

“Damn…” Sweetie and Applebloom mumbled.

“Annnnyways…” Axel said, pulling Applebloom and Sweetie away from Torrent.

“So you’re his brother?” Scootaloo asked, looking Torrent up and down.

“Yeah. I am.” Torrent nodded.

“Where did you go?” Alex asked.

“A little bit of everywhere.” Torrent said, “Not really staying in any one place all that long.”

“Okay.” Alex nodded.

“Will you be staying? Knowing that your brother is here in Ponyville?” Axel asked.

“Of course.” Torrent said. “I want to be with my brother just incase…”

“In case what?” Applebloom asked.

“Our parents decide to look for him… Unless he’s been adopted by someone… even then I’ll still stay.” Torrent said. He scratched his chin momentarily as if lost in thought.

“What’s wrong?” Sweetie asked.

“Nothing. It’s just something that may come up… I’ll have to talk to here about staying here but that shouldn’t be too much of a problem.” Torrent mumbled.

“Oh I have a girlfriend now!” Alex said.

“Really?” Torrent asked, in a joke mocking tone.

“He was about to have a wife if I hadn’t stepped in.” Axel chuckled.

“Well… that’s a little… early for marriage… so that’s great that you stepped in.” Torrent said.

“Not that they shouldn’t be, while I only delayed it… I think they’re pretty perfect together.” Axel smiled, looking at Scootaloo and Alex.

Scootaloo blushed slightly and smiled, resting her head on Alex’s shoulder.

Alex smiled too and wrapped his arm around her.

“I can see it too.” Torrent said, smiling widely. He looked up at Axel, “And I noticed your… special… feature…”

“What would that be?” Axel asked.

“The claws.” Torrent said bluntly.

Everyone looked at Axel.

Axel’s face blanked. “I uh… What claws?” He said hesitantly.

“What’s he talking about?” Applebloom asked.

“Yeah, what claws?” Sweetie questioned.

“He has claws?” Alex asked.

“Oh so I was just imagining them?” Torrent questioned.

“Well… about that.” Axel started, chewing his lip as he tried to think of something to say.

“I don’t want another story… What is he talking about?” Alex asked.

Axel stared at Alex for a few moments before sighing. “Fine. No more stories.” He said, standing up and closing the door to the bedroom.

“What’s goin on?” Applebloom asked uncertainly, looking at Torrent.

“Yeah what’s happening… should I be worried?” Sweetie asked.

“I don’t know.” Torrent said, his voice a little shaky.

Alex’s grip on Scootaloo tightened a little.

“You wanted the truth… So here it is.” Axel said. There was a small cracking sound as claws extended from his fingers, looking longer than what Torrent saw. His fur became a solid black and his teeth grew razor sharp. His pupils grew slightly, looking more animalistic as his form shifted to a taller, stronger looking figure. His feet also grew claws and dug into the floor, scraping across it as they extended.

Sweetie and Applebloom let out a yelp of terror and dove under the sheets.

Torrent was visibly tense and appeared to be holding tightly onto something under the coat he was wearing.

Scootaloo buried her face into Alex’s shoulder and was shaking.

Alex was shaking slightly but he tried to remain as calm as the fear would allow him to.

“You know… downstairs… I smelled you before I even noticed you. I was hoping that maybe I left the window open… But no…” Axel stated, his voice a little more gravely, like from the movie theatre as he stepped closer.

Torrent was mumbling something under his breath, constantly repeating something.

“And god… you smelled so good.” Axel growled, baring his teeth as he licked his lips.

Torrent bowed his head and his eyes were closed tightly. He was starting to shake a little.

Axel tackled Torrent and started licking his face.

Torrent yelped and struggled to get Axel off of himself.

“Yep… you taste good.” Axel chuckled before continuing to lick him.

“What’s happening.” Applebloom asked, slightly muffled by the blankets.

“I can’t see anything.” Sweetie called from under the covers.

Axel glanced down at the object Torrent was clutching, seeing it was a cross. “You religious boy?” He asked.

“Why does it matter to you?” Torrent questioned.

“No reason… just curious.” Axel said, pulling Applebloom and Sweetie Belle out and licking them. The two of them immediately started to laugh uncontrollably.

“He… help! He’s… going… to eat u- Hahahah stop it!” Sweetie giggled loudly.

“Not… not fair!” Applebloom struggled.

Scootaloo smirked and jumped onto Axel’s back, trying to force him off them. Axel was absolutely unphased by the sudden attack and continued to coat the two in saliva.

Alex was still breathing a little heavily.

“That… was just… a sick joke…” Torrent mumbled to himself.

“Maybe… was still funny.” Axel said, sitting next to Alex and holding Applebloom and Sweetie in a bear hug.

“I don’t find being threatened funny in the slightest.” Torrent said, the disdain clear in his voice.

“Sorry.” Axel shrugged, pulling Scootaloo off his back and setting her down gently.

Torrent sighed, his body relaxed slightly.

“Oh! Oh! Does this mean Van is what you are too?” Sweetie asked curiously.

“Yeah but…” Axel said, scratching his head with the tip of his claws.

“But what?” Alex asked.

“Well we’re both werewolves but… He’s not as… um… well… I guess the term you’d use would be, ‘runt’.” Axel said with a sigh.

“Oh.” Alex mumbled.

“He’s not useless, that’s not what I’m saying. He might not be strong but… what he lacks in strength he makes up for in speed.” Axel said.

“Neat.” Sweetie said.

Torrent closed his eyes and looked lost in thought.

“What’s wrong?” Applebloom asked, looking over at Torrent.

“Just… a feeling.” Torrent said.

“We all have them yes… but what are yours.” Axel asked. “It’s because I’m a werewolf isn’t it?”

“I think it’s because you were about to eat him.” Scootaloo said.

“That too.” Axel nodded.

“No. This just makes me wonder… what else that’s supposed to be just a myth or a legend… actually does exist.” Torrent said.

“Hah… have you even BEEN to Everfree?” Axel laughed.

“Yes. I’m not talking about those animals.” Torrent said.

“Yeah I get what you’re saying.” Axel said.

“Well what are y-” Applebloom was cut off as the door to the room clicked open.

“And I forgot to lock it…” Axel said.

“Oh hey I didn’t know you guys wer-” Cecil stopped immediately as he saw the large wolf like creature on Fluttershy’s bed. He stared in absolute fear at it, backing against the wall. “The fuck!”

“He’s frien-” Alex stopped himself mid-sentence as Cecil’s form changed to a skeletal counterpart.

“What the fuck!” Axel shouted, jumping to his feet between Cecil and everyone else.

Torrent pushed the kids behind himself and stood up too.

“What’s wrong Cecil?” Fluttershy’s voice chimed in.

“Stay back… just…” Cecil started before Fluttershy peeked into the room and stared wide eyed at Axel.

Alex remained frozen in fear as he continued to stare at Cecil.

Torrent pulled a vial of water out from under his coat and brandished it almost like a weapon.

“Ohhh this is bad.” Scootaloo said.

“Maybe we should say something…” Applebloom whispered.

“Oh… my… god he’s so CUTE!” Fluttershy squeed, running at Axel and petting him.

“Zombie.” Axel stated, pointing at Cecil.

“I am not a zombie! And stop petting him… he’s a monster.” Cecil said.

“He’s just so cute…” Fluttershy said quietly.

“I’m not a monster… a… I’m not… cute.” Axel mumbled.

Torrent said something under his breath before splashing the contents of the vial out, hitting Axel, Fluttershy, and Cecil with it.

Fluttershy blinked a few times before looking at Torrent confused. “What was that fo-” Axel tried to say.

“OW!” Cecil shouted in a pained tone, trying to wipe the water off his arm.

“Cecil?!” Fluttershy said quickly, turning and rushing over.

“OW!” Torrent shouted as Alex kicked him hard in the leg.

“Why did you do that!?!?” Alex said angrily.

“I…” Torrent mumbled.

“He wasn’t going to attack us!” Alex said.

“You dick!” Cecil snapped, bull rushing Torrent. He hoisted him in the air and threw Torrent into the wall, a grunt coming from Torrent’s mouth as he hit the wall and fell down into the dresser, then to the floor.

Torrent didn’t move once he hit the floor.

Alex’s glare turned directly to Cecil.

Cecil looked at Alex and paused. “Sorry…” He said quietly.

Axel rushed over and lifted Torrent onto the bed. “Nice one.” He sighed.

“Is he dead?” Applebloom asked quietly.

“I think he’s just unconscious.” Fluttershy said, hovering over Torrent.

“Why did you do that?” Sweetie asked.

“He threw acid at me!” Cecil said in an irritated tone.

“I think it was holy water.” Axel corrected.

“Nngh… sorry… really…” Cecil said apologetically, returning to his normal form.

“I still don’t understand how you can do that at will, let alone at all.” Fluttershy said, staring straight at Cecil.

“Twilight said she’s looking into it… All I can do is wait until she finds an answer.” Cecil shrugged.

“Okay… well what about him?” Fluttershy asked, looking down at Torrent.

“He’s my brother… I’ll explain everything. Maybe you two should sit down.” Alex said.