Author's Notes:

Warning: I'm not good with Zecora rhyming. Please forgive me.

Also, things will finally be revealed. Enjoy.

Nine Months Earlier

"Thanks again for patching up Bon Bon's legs." I said to Zecora, a zebra and herbalist that lives in a carved up tree in the middle of the 'Everfree Forest.' Her inside of the home looks normal, with a big cauldron in the middle of the room, lots of creepy masks and the smell and site of herbs. Bon Bon is currently laying on a bunk-like bed while Zecora was applying a green-like substance on her legs. Lyra is sitting near a corner, probably thinking about something. Outside, the sun was shining down on the forest floor, the brightness of it was seen through the thick foliage. The sun was different from the other back home. Then again, I am in another world.

After I saved the two of them from a fate worse than death, we decided to get away before more of them showed up. However, the girls were stark naked and freezing to death, soon I pick the armor from the dead bodies and asked them to wear them. Although they were too big for it, they still wore them. I decide to ask them some questions. The one that I rescued is named Bon Bon and the other is Lyra, who are both 'ponies'. I told them who I was and where I came from, just so I could gain their trust, and to find out where I currently was. Apparently, I wasn't on Earth anymore, which I somehow knew for sometime since I was here. The said I am currently in the Everfree Forest in a nation called Equestria, on the planet they called Midgard. The two of them lived in a place called Ponyville, which I almost laughed at the name. Both of them used to work at a candy shop down the street, and were best friends since childhood. They soon told me how I did some 'magic' on those guys earlier. I told them that I don't know, and that I just think about it until it materialized in my hand.

I soon asked them why those guys were chasing them. They told me that the 'caribou' arrived in Equestria a year ago and started a war. They are lead by a king named Dainn, who took a powerful being known as 'Discord's' powers and started conquering everything they can. They took over Canterlot with no resistance and started subjugating. Even their Princesses, who raise and lower the sun and the moon, were powerless against them. The caribou follow a religion, in which they believe that all males are masters and the females should be treated like slaves. Apparently the ponies don't liked them trying to take their wives, daughters, or sisters away to be treated like whores. They raised up guerilla groups or militia's to combat the caribou and to take back their country. However, the ponies were a peaceful race and never had a war in their country for years, so they were quickly smashed and the caribou warp the minds of the stallions they captured to be like them. They soon started marching upon the Crystal Empire and defeated them. They installed a magical device called the 'Crystal Cock', which helped their take over of Equestria much easier. It warped the minds of 'stallions' everywhere and helped the caribou with the rounding up of 'mares'. Bon Bon and Lyra were captured after Ponyville was the last to fall to the madness. Ever since then, they were raped constantly, force to please their new masters. They escaped just last night, trudging through the forest without stopping.

I felt sorry for them. I mean, I'm an American, so I hate slavery very much. If I had a chance, I would help them.

But, as cliché as it sounds, what can I do?

But as I was saying, after walking throught the forest until day break, we found a hut in the middle of the forest. Someone was home, as we can see smoke coming from the hut itself. I told the girls to stay behind me while I investigate. I knocked on the door, hoping that someone was home. I heard the door unlock and saw the person that is home.

The person that answered the door was different from the ponies. She had a short muzzle like Lya and Bon Bon, but that's where the similarities end. Instead of colored coats like the mares I met, her coat had white and black stripes that ran al the way around her perfectly, slim body. Her 'mane' was done in a mohawk, with white and black stripes through her hair. She is currently wearing a tribal outfit of sorts, with a lions cloth covering her hips and breasts, and leaving her stomach exposed. She invited me in and I signaled for Bon Bon and Lyra to come out. She gave us some food and helped work on Bon Bon's leg.

"It is of no trouble, my friend." She said in a strange accent. "It has been a while since I had a visitor, especially since the invasion began." She looked at me. "It is a relive to find someone that has not fallen under their spell and to go out of the way to help some strangers."

I smiled and nodded to her. "Still, we can't thank you enough for this."

She smiled and went back to work with Bon Bon's leg. I leaned against a wall, watching the zebra mare work her magic. Zecora explained to me that she was from the nation of Zebrica, a country kind of like Africa. However, ever since Equestria has fallen to the caribou, refugees came pouring into her country. But soon the zebra's feared King Dainn's powers and started giving up the refugees in exchange for letting them live another day. They even gave up their own mares just to keep them satisfied. She said that she hated what her kind was doing. Luckily, she moved out of her country years ago before the Fall.

With the whole religion the caribou have, she couldn't go into town anymore due to the caribou raping mares, which means that she couldn't buy any food or supplies. Luckily, a stallion by the name of 'Big Mac' wasn't under the control of the caribou's influence, so he was able to gather some supplies for her and handed it to her. Sometimes she would pose as a slave for Big Mac just to pick out some of the stuff she wanted.

"The salve will help heal the leg within the hour. Until then, you must help her walk." She interrupted my thoughts. Zecora had manage to bandage Bon Bon's leg.

I came over and helped her on her feet, putting her arm over my shoulder and put my hand on her hip. "Come on, Lyra. Lets go." I called to her. It looked like she was snapped out of her thoughts, but she looked glad that her friend was ok and joined us by our side. I looked at Zecora again. We'll be going on our way now."

"Wait, you don't have a place to stay?" Zecora said, concern in her voice. Zecora looked concerned for our wellbeing, and I couldn't blame her. The 'Everfree Forest' is a dangerous place filled with god knows what. One of those 'Manticore' could take us by surprise for all we know.

I shook my head. "No, we don't. But we'll try to find one." Looked at the girls. "Away from all the caribou."

"If you want a place to stay, there is a ruin not far from here. It was once the castle of the Royal Pony Sisters, but long since abandoned. I is in the middle of the forest and is big enough to house all of you."

I nodded. Deep down, I was relived. We want shelter from the coming storm, and found Zecora showed us one. But I also feel a little giddy because of the castle she mentioned. I mean, how many can kill to live in a castle?

"Do you know where this castle is?" I asked her.

"Down the road, across the river, then continue down straight until you find it." She gave us directions to the ruins. I thanked her and we went on our way.

We followed the path that Zecora had shown us, though the journey was much harder on us. We had to bypass some of the predators that lived in the forest itself, including some weird tree-like creatures called 'Timberwolves'. Crossing a river was also one of the challenges we face, due to the current. Luckily, a sea serpent by the name of 'Steve' helped us get across by allowing us to hop on his back. He is a nice guy, or creature. He wasn't possessed like the others due to him being in the Everfree Forest. He told me that his kind is immune to this sort of magic. After we crossed the river, we continued on our way. It was hard and long, and I had to carry Bon Bon all the way.

After what felt like hours, we finally made it.

The castle is what I expected from those I learned from history class, and the ones in England. The castle itself was run down, left to time and nature. Vines walked up along the walls of the castle itself. The towers that once stood guard over the forest now lay in ruins. The banners have long since faded and torn from the natural occurrences in the Everfree. The wooden doors still stand, but a little rotten. The castle itself had multiple breaches in the roof and to the sides, the stones colors faded into nothingness.

I couldn't image what had happened to the place. Later on, I found out that the Everfree Forest was once the first major city for the 'Three Tribes' to live in after they were united. It was also where the Princess Celestia and Luna lived in when they were children, or foals in this case. It could have still been been the capital city of Equestria if a demon didn't show up. It is said that a demon possessed Luna and turned into an infamous ponies known as 'Nightmare Moon.' She lead have of her crazy followers to the capital and attack the city. The fight lasted for days, with nether side letting up. Both side used every magic in their arsenal to defeat one another. Nightmare Moon went into the city herself and battled Celestia to the death. Nightmare was defeat by Celestia and banished to the moon, which is where the whole 'Mare of the Moon' came to be. The followers were driven away and the war was over. However, the city itself was ruined after days of fight, so they abandoned the city and started a new city on the mountain called 'Canterlot.'

It was midday when we got to the castle. After carefully crossing the bridge that was almost ready to give out, we arrived and opened the large double doors , went inside the castle and looked around for anything to use. We were inside that appeared to be the foyer. The inside of the place was just like the outside. Vines crept up on the walls, hugging the wall as if for dear life. Torn banners still hung proudly after centuries of neglection. In the one side of the walls, there were numerous body armor similar to the knights in Medieval Europe. They stood there, guard a castle like sentinels, even when some of them are rusted. The once red carpets are now torn and faded. The armors that I gave them had some dirt and scratches on them, some of it on their coats. I was worse to wear as well. My jacket was covered in mud and grim, my jeans almost looked torn up. Bon Bon and Lyra stood by my side as we looked at the castle. True to Zecora's word, Bon Bon's legs were healed by the time we made it to the castle.

"Fiiiiiiiiinaly, we made it." Lyra manage to say, her legs finally gave out from all the walking we did.

"Yeah, we did make it." I said with a smile.

"I can't believe we made it." Bon Bon turned to me. "Thank you. For everything."

I smiled at her as she said those words. "Hey. It was nothing. I was glad I can help."

She shook her head. "No. We are really really thankful for you. Ever since the caribou took over Equestria, me and Lyra raped contantly by our master and many other. We never thought that their was somepony out there that is still sane." She reached out and hugged me, tears in her eyes. "Thank you. For everything."

I kept holding her to my chest, comforting her as best I can. I felt something hugging my sides, so I turned and saw Lyra hugging me as well.

I didn't know how long we were at this, hugging each other. Then, after some time, I hear someone's stomach growl. I broke off the hug and saw both the mares faces blush red as they both tried to cover their stomachs. I chuckled. "You both hungry?"

They both nodded.

"Well, go and eat what Zecora had packed. I'll go out and get something to warm us up." I said. Truth be told, I wasn't only going to find some wood for a fire. I need something to eat as well. I learned that the ponies are herbivores, so they can't eat meat like humans do. So I have to find a rabbit or something to fill me up. I talk to them about my diet later.

Luckily, a suit of armor was actually hold a crossbow, with a holder for actual bolts. Walking over to the armor, I grabbed the crossbow and the holder. I counted twenty-six bolts in the leather holder. The bolt looked old and rusted, but it would have to do. The crossbow is in fine condition despite being here for a century.

With the weapons secured, I turned to the girls. "Your girls stay here. I'll be back in a bit." I said to them. I headed right out the door and into the wilderness.

Fwoosh

Clank

I miss the target, making the rabbit run off and disappear into the bushes. I cursed under my breath as I got up and grabbed the bolt that is imbedded in the tree. I know I have enough for the hunt, but you may never know.

A rabbit was nearby by the time I was done collecting firewood, before it disappeared into the bushes. I left the firewood next to a fallen tree so that I would remember where I would collect them. With that done, I went and hunt for the rabbit. It took me ten minutes to find him. When I did, it was standing near some bushes, nibbling off some berries. Of course, the crossbow was a least a century old, so the targeting on it sucked, as you can see.

After I pulled the bolt out of the tree, I decided to just sit down and lean against the tree just so I can take a breath. As I sat there, I couldn't help but think about what has happened so far. Here I am, dragged into a world for no reason, where I am helping some ponies trying to escape from their masters. Now we're on the run from them, hiding from them as best as we can.

I sighed. I never even wanted any of this. In fact, I didn't even expected this to happen. Don't get me wrong, I know I read and watch some stories were the hero would go into another world, either by magic or advanced technology. Those are the stories that always excited me when I was growing up. To actually be here now.............I don't know. While a part of me is excited to be here, I still want to go home. I have friends and family to look after, including my little brother. I can't just stay here forever. Maybe there're is a book in Equestria that can help me get home, or at least back to Earth.

Speaking of books, I reached into one of my jackets pockets and grabbed the book. However, I also felt something in my pocket, something that I didn't noticed. I first grabbed the book and went back in to procure the items. In my hands were two stones that were both the size of my fist, but somehow felt weightless. The first one is a cylinder-like blue crystal. The other one is a sphere-like red stone with markings all over it. It almost looks like a bowling ball.

I would like to question why those things were in my pocket, but what I'm really interested in is the book I have with me. Setting the object down next to me, I looked at the book. The book itself is still in fine condition as before, even after the whole affair that happened earlier. I don't know why, but something tells me that I know this object. But every time when I try to remember where I seen the book from, my mind draws a blank. Of course, I could just drop this book and leave it, but for some reason I want to keep it.

'It's like something is blocking a part of my mind.' I closed my eyes once more and try to remember where the book came from. The sounds of the forest faded into nothingness as I focused on thinking. I try to think as hard as I can. I need to remember something, anything about it.

Then, like a tidal wave, it hit me.

It is the Mysterium Xarxes.

In the Elder Scrolls series, the book was written by Mehrunes Dagon, The Daedric Prince of Destruction. It is both a key and a gate to another dimension. Mehrunes gave the book to Mankar Camoran, leader of the Mythic Dawn, and used it to transport himself to Gaiar Alata, otherwise known as Paradise. It was designed to be a safe haven only for him, but also became a place of constant pain and suffering for deceased members of the Mythic Dawn. The book was captured and given to Martian Septim after the Hero killed Mankar in his haven.

'But now I have it.' The revelation hit me like........well I don't know. A train? But that still doesn't change the fact that I have a book that can take me to an alternative version of heaven for fucked up cult members who worship a demon that wants to destroy everything.

Daedric Princes in the Elder Scrolls are neither good nor evil. They only want to watch mortals suffer for they're amusement, with the exception of Azure, Meridia, Nocturne and Jyggalag. Mehrunes Dagon is the Prince of Bloodshed and Murder, but the Dark Elves think of him as an important god to the world of Nirn, due to the fact that he is connected to floods, earthquakes and fires.

Mehrunes Dagon tried to conquer Nirn for his own a couple of times in the past. This would include the time he destroyed Morrowind, thanks to Spymaster Vidvec, who wanted vengeance against the Duke of Morrowind. By the time the Tribunal Gods got to Morrowind and stopped him, the city was already in ruins and the Duke killed in the invasion. Many years later, he would try to invade Nirn again through his followers as they assassinated the Septim bloodline. Why would they do it, you ask? Because the Amulet of the Kings prevented Dagon from invading Nirn. The artifact can only be used by the person that is a descendent of Saint Alessia, the first ruler of the Cyrodiilic Empire. However, although they killed Urial Septim and his sons, they didn't count on his illegitimate son, Martian Septim. Together with the Hero, they have manage to foil the Mythic Dawn's plot and banished Mehrunes back to Oblivion.

'No. It's impossible. There's no way this book is real.' I said. I mean, I know I'm holding it right now, but I don't think it's the actual deal, so to speak. If it is what I think it is, then there is no harm in looking.

Looking to the left and the right, I saw that no one was near me, not ever the predators that stalk the forest. 'I guess a peak wouldn't hurt.' I laced my fingers on the covers on the book and started to open it.

Now, from what I know of the book, it request a magic shield around a person so that they can read it. The fact that I'm still alive, even without the magic shield around me, is strange. I stopped on arandom page in the book. Two pictures were presented to me. The first one had a circle around one of the Daedric word, like the one on the tome. The other had a triangle with a word that looks like an 'M' in the middle of it. They were both filled with Daedric words and letters that I don't even know.

'Ugh. How am I supposed to read this? I can't even understand the words.' Right when I thought about it, a strange presence enters my mind, speaking in an ancient tongue that is as old as time itself. It felt like a headache, like something was trying to hammer my brain a thousand times. I groaned and closed my eyes as I held my head, knowing that it was to no avail.

I opened my eyes after some time and saw the book change. The words were now translated to English, letting me understand the pages

Ok, this is totally weird now. The Daedric letters were now in English, allowing me to read them.

'It feels like I'm in some bad fan fiction or something.' At least that's what I feel like. Anyway, I was able to read the first and second page of the Mysterium Xarxes. The first page read:

When I walk the earth again,

the faithful among you shall receive your reward.

To be set above all other mortals, forever.

As for the rest, the weak shall be winnowed,

the timid shall be cast down,

the mighty shall tremble at my feet and pray for pardon.

I heard a thunder in the distance. I looked up from the book and saw some dark clouds gathering in the distance. Weird, wasn't it sunny a minute ago?

I shook my head and went back to the book. An array of letters are in the circle of the first page. It read:

Of bold Oblivion fire who finds you for Lord Dagon forever reborn in blood and fire from the waters from Oblivion.

The thunder was getting closer and closer as I can feel rain drops coming down upon me. I wanted to find shelter, but my eyes couldn't leave book. It was as if I am glued to it. I traced my eyes to the second page of the book. It read:

Come slow and bring four keys.

In my first arm, a storm.

My second, the rush of plagued rain.

The third, the tinder of Anu.

The fourth, the very eyes of Padhome.

Master akin Master, mother is miasma to Destroyer.

Inside the triangle, it said:

Mythic Dawn

After I said those words, a giant sphere of orange light and fire appeared out of nowhere. I could feel the sphere sucking me in, pulling me with all it's might. I managed to grab the trunk of a fallen tree, holding it on like my life depended on it. I watched as the objects I laid down were swept into the portal, along with the Mysterium Xarxes. I felt my hands beginning to slip. I tried with all my might to hold it onto the trunk, but it was to no avail. My hand slipped and I was sucked into the portal.

The last thought that I had was the moment of comfort I had with Bon Bon and Lyra.

Unbeknownst to Marcus, someone, something was watching him. The glowing red eyes watched as the strnage creature has disappeared into the portal he created.

"Interesting." It said in a gruff voice. "Perhaps hope can come from the strangest of places."