The train pulled up to the station with a screech. We got up and grabbed our things. As we stepped out of the train we were greeted by the city buzzing with life, many ponies had gotten on the train from multiple towns to attend the Gala which was being held the following night. Many of the ponies had never seen us before and either cringed or just took a quick look. I rolled my eyes and began leading Zero to the castle, I looked back to see my brother taking in the sights.

"Is this place really built into the side of a mountain?"

"Really, after everything that you've learned this is the only one you question?"

He shrugged and resumed his sight seeing. I spotted one of the only ponies in this city I could tolerate, Fancy Pants. He and his wife waved at me and I waved back. Fancy had enough money to buy the town of ponyville and still have enough left for an ice cream, but he wasn't a dick about it. Rarity caught sight of this and pulled me down to eye level.

"You know Fancy Pants? How could you know one of canterlots elite?" She whispered/shouted in my face. I pushed her away and dusted myself off.

"If you must know we met while Celestia had shown me around the city when I first arrived here, nice guy, unlike that bastard Blueblood."

Rarity gasped and looked at me with rage. "How dare you talk about one of the most famous unicorns in Equestria, he's my soul reason for going to the Gala, so that he can propose to me and we can live happily ever after!"

Again I pushed her away. "Hate to tell ya this sweetheart, but that guy is just a jerk at the end of the day. He'd most likely use you to get what he wants and then toss you to the side when the next pretty mare comes along."

"How can you say-"

"I've met him Rarity, he is not a good pony and he never will be. He uses his wealth and status to play mares right into his hooves and then treats them as tools the next day, do you know how many times he's married just to get a mare into bed?" She looked at me with confused eyes. "Thirty, eight, times."

Rarity had tears in her eyes as she refused to accept the facts presented to her.

"He's right you know." We all turned to see Fancy and Fleur walking towards us. "Blueblood is a very selfish pony and you should stay away from him, I'm just glad that my friend here warned you before you got the chance to meet him."

"Hello Fancy, hello Fleur. How've you two been?" I shook their hooves and they smiled at me.

"We've been fine Symbol, I see you're staying true to the brutally honest nature you so greatly hold."

"Someone has to be."

Fleur looked at the group and noticed Zero. "Oh, it seems another human has joined your group."

"Oh right. Fancy, Fleur, this is my twin brother Zero."

Zero smiled and shook Fancy's hoof and playfully kissed Fleurs. "A pleasure to meet you both."

"Well you are a gentlestallion aren't you?" Fleur asked with a giggle while Fancy rolled his eyes. I hit Zero over the head which surprised the two nobles.

"He's no gentleman, he's just good at playing the good guy routine."

Zero rubbed the back of his head and chuckled nervously. "Yeah...he's right."

We said our goodbyes and headed to the castle, Applejack was comforting Rarity. As we reached the gates I handed Celestias letter to the castle guard and he let us through. As we walked through the hallway I spotted a glowing golden figure. I then felt a sharp pain in my head, I grabbed my head and I could feel myself being pulled out of consciousness. All of my friends crowded around asking what was wrong. I struggled to stay awake until I fell to the ground and closed my eyes.

I awoke in a dark void, I felt a solid floor belong me but it seemed as if it was a bottomless pit underneath. "Where am I?" I heard chuckling behind me and turned around to see a familiar figure.

"Well look what the cat dragged in, a pleasure to finally meet you in person Neo Rayleigh." It was my second demon self, as its own entity.

"Where am I, and who are you?" He chuckled and wrapped a tendril around my shoulder.

"Isn't it obvious, I'm you, well, figuratively speaking."

"Where's the first demon?"

"That's a little bit hard to explain. You see, I wasn't always in this body. I'm a being from the multiverse, a demon as you put it. I wander from universe to universe and wreak havoc, there are multiple me's in the multiverse, this me managed to get trapped in your subconscious. Thus giving you the ability to use my power, it only works because of all the negative energy you've built up inside your soul."

He began to walk and motioned for me to follow.

"However, since you've started to absorb positive energy from this world thanks to some exposure to the elements of harmony, I was not able to take full control. I can take some control however when you are extremely angry, causing your body to shape into this. There was a side effect, due to the constant battle between positive and negative energies, a new being was formed."

"The other demon?"

"Exactly. He us basically a being of unique energy, neutral energy. He doesn't have his own consciousness or soul, he is a power you call upon at any time. There are instances where you control my form, but if someone were to hurt your friends..."

"You surface and take temporary control."

"Give the boy a sticker. I'm actually here to give you a warning."

I looked at him confused as the grin on his face turned to a frown.

"You have no idea of your true heritage Neo, you are the creation of a god-like being known as The Author, your biological parents were merely vessels for your physical body to combat the other me's. Beware of the council of those that abduct and replace heroes and villains alike, for you will face a member soon. I tell you this because if you die I die as well. I will grant you the power to control my form for the time being, but take care of it, you lose your positive energy, I break free."

"I'll keep that in mind." He nodded and began walking down a hallway that suddenly appeared. "What's your name anyway?"

He grinned and looked at me with his dead black eyes. "The names Nightmare Fuel, don't forget that name, it will become very relevant soon." With that, he disappeared and I regained consciousness.

I awoke to find I was in my old room in the castle. I looked to my side to see Tavi snuggled up against me with Twilight at the opposite side. "What the hell?"

Author's Notes:

Here's a drawing of Nightmare and Symbol. Nightmare Fuel is an antagonist across most of my stories and there is plan to bring all the stories together for a huge crossover.