Ancient Threat
3rd Person POV

The Canterlot gardens, a place of beauty. Flowers bloom throughout the years, even in the winter months. Many different animal species call the gardens home. But the most interesting thing about the gardens is the statues. Many different marble statues line the gardens. Each sculpture depicts something odd or a creature that once roamed Equestria. Famous ones include the king and queen of Equestria, and the Draconequuses, Discord, and Eris. But not every sculpture is just marble. No, for deep in the gardens lies a dangerous creature that once roamed the early ages of Equestria, a beast that even the powerful alicorns feared. And now the seal that once kept it in its marble prison is disappearing, and soon it shall return and feast upon the living souls of the lands of Equestria once again.

***
Xavier POV

"Canterlot station!"

The conductor screamed as the Friendship Express came to a stop at the train station. Ponies began to file out of the train cars and gather their luggage. I stepped out with my duffle bag in my right hand. I looked behind me to see White Claw, Chi, Barb, and Moon Star, who was carrying Flame, step out behind me.

"Man, I'm glad to be off that train." Said White Claw

She began to stretch out her body before I went over to gather the last of the bags. I handed White Claw, Chi, and Barb theirs bags. I grabbed Moon's little backpack.

"Alright, let's head over to the castle," I said

They nodded, and we began to walk through the streets of Canterlot. A week had already passed on Twilight and the other's punishment for breaking into the alicorn tomb. I had to make up a reason to tell Moon, why Twilight wasn't going to be at the house for the next three weeks. I did tell Flame the whole story as I thought he needed to know the truth. So after a week of not seeing four of my harem members and Moon not seeing her mother, I decided it would be a fun idea to come up for the weekend and see them all. Plus I decided Moon could spend a little time with her grandparents. I had Barb send letters to Celestia to alert her and Velvet and Night Light about my plans. Velvet and Night Light seemed happy to watch Moon Star for the weekend, and Celestia gave me a room, which Barb and Flame would be staying in, Chi and White Claw got separate rooms.

The first stop was for Moon Star to say hello to her mother and to put our stuff down in our rooms. After that, I would take Moon over to her grandparents and then head back to the castle.

As we walked through Canterlot, I could see the ponies looking at me with disgust and fear. Many mothers were hiding their kids behind them. I heard a few whispering about why Celestia hadn't done anything to me. I ignored it as I did in Ponyville. Sure it hurt to know that my acts of bravery to protect Equestria wasn't enough for ponies. They wanted me gone all because of the black magic that was flowing through my veins. I stared down at my right hand and clenched my fist and would open it again before closing it again. I guess they'll never understand the horror I went through. I sighed as I continued to walk.

We reached the bridge that separated Canterlot Castle from the rest of Canterlot. A line of ponies waited to enter the castle to see the Celestia for morning court. We all walked by the line of ponies, and they spoke out their disgust. We reached the guards watching over the bridge, and they let us head into the castle. I heard a few of them scream about why the guards were allowing a demon into the castle. I turned to see Chi stop and reach for one of her throwing blades, but I placed my hand on her shoulder.

"Forget about them," I said

Chi looked at them before sighing and turning back to the front doors. I looked back at the ponies and made my way towards the front doors. The guards watching over the doors nodded as we moved inside.

"Daddy, why are those ponies mean to you?" Asked Moon

I bent down and rubbed my daughter's head, "Don't pay much attention to them, dear. They don't like the fact of who I am now."

"Why?" Asked Moon

"People fear what they don't understand, Moon, and that is why they are mean to me," I said

Moon nodded, and we made our way to find Twilight. After a little while of walking, we happened to run into a certain white stallion.

"Uncle Shining!" Exclaimed Moon

Moon let go of Flame and run up to Shining. Shining turned and smiled as he got down and scooped up Moon Star into his arms. He gave her a big kiss on her cheek.

"Well, how's my favorite niece doing?" Asked Shining

"Great, Uncle Shining." Said Moon

"I didn't expect to see you here, Shining," I said

He turned to see the rest of us walking up to him,"Well, Cadance and I decided to come down to enjoy a little vacation. We originally were going to stay in Canterlot for a few nights and then come down to Ponyville to see you. But I guess Cadance and I won't have to go down to Ponyville." Said Shining

"Well, how lucky for me to come down to Canterlot for the weekend," I said

"So where you all off to before I appeared?" Asked Shining

"To find Twilight," I said

"Twilight, oh right, I heard she was working here at the castle for the three weeks as Celestia servant." Said Shining

"Know where she is or the others are?" I asked

"I think there in the dining room." Said Shining

"Dad, we're going to see mommy right?" Asked Moon

"Of course, let's head down to the kitchen," I said

***

Luckily Shining led us the way to the kitchen because I still didn't know my way around Canterlot Castle. I still don't understand how anypony can know where to go inside this castle. We reached the doors to the dining room, and we pushed them open, and there were the girls each in a maid's uniform that the maids that work around the castle wear. I saw that Twilight, Fluttershy, and Rarity had Celestia's cutie mark on their shoulders and Rainbow, Pinkie and Applejack had Luna's cutie mark on their shoulders. I guess I know who is serving who.

"Mom!" Moon Exclaimed

Twilight turned to see Moon running up to her. She got out of her seat and scooped up Moon and began to kiss her across the face, causing her to giggle. I smiled as I continued forward with the others behind me.

"Oh, Moon, what a surprise to see you here." Twilight turned and looked at me, Barb, Chi, White, Flame, and Shining. "Man this sure is a surprise to see all of you down here."

"Well, you've been away for a week, and that's far too long not to see my friends and mates as well as a daughter to be away from her mother," I said

"And Chi and I needed a break from work." Said White Claw

"Well, it's nice to see you all." Said Twilight

"So when you coming home, mom?" Asked Moon

"Two more weeks and I'll be home Moon." Said Twilight

"I heard you were here."

We all turned to see Cadance walking into the dining room.

"Hi, Aunty Cadance." Said Moon

"Hi, Moon Star. So when did you get into Canterlot, Xavier?" Asked Cadance

"Only an hour ago," I said

"I suppose you're taking Moon to my parents since I saw a letter to them from you." Said Twilight

"Yes, after she saw you," I said

"Well, I am going to see Velvet. I could take Moon over to her. Plus it would give me some time to spend with my niece. Would you like that?" Asked Cadance

She nodded with a happy smile on her face.

"Great, then give your mother a big hug, and we can get going." Cadance turned to me as Moon was giving Twilight one last hug. "When I return we should catch up."

"I would like that," I said

Finally, Twilight put down Moon, and I gave Cadance her bag and rubbed Moon's mane.

"Now you be good for your grandparents and Cadance," I said

"I will, dad." Said Moon

"That's my girl; now you have fun," I said

Moon gave me a quick hug before following Cadance out of the kitchen.

"I hope Moon has been good for you." Said Twilight

"She sure has, but now how of all of you doing?" I asked

"We're fine, dear. It isn't all bad serving the princesses." Said Rarity

"I still don't get why you girls even chose this as your punishment. The way Xavier explained it to me, it sounded like Celestia blackmailed you into servanthood." Said Flame

"That's what we all thought at first." Said Applejack

"But Celestia told me she didn't want to see our lives destroyed because of having a record of being in the dungeons. Plus Celestia has been letting us train with our weapons." Said Twilight

"Can I see them?" Asked Flame

The girls nodded, and each of their weapons appeared, and their right eyes became their cutie mark.

"Oh man, those are neat, though I'm not sure the price for obtaining them was worth it." Said Flame

"I have to agree with Flame here. You all took a big risking going after those weapons. Afterall, you could have died, or Celestia could have outright thrown you in the dungeons for the rest of your lives." Said Shining

"We knew the risks." Said Twilight

"Well, I'm happy to know you girls are ok. But what you did was still stupid and not worth the risks." I sighed as I ran my right hand through my hair, "But it does warm my hearts that you girls want to fight next to me. So is that still your plan, to fight next to me." They all nodded their heads. "You know it's going to be dangerous as more and more of Pandora's followers become free from their prisons."

"We know the risks, Xavier. But we won't back down." Said Fluttershy

"Yeah, you're our friend, and we can't let you risk your life alone." Said Rainbow

"You're stuck with us until you die." Said Rarity

"Well, I guess since you have weapons, seem to be training with them, and determined, I won't stop you from helping me. What about it, White Claw and Chi, want to let them join?" I said

"The more help we can get, the better we'll be." Said White Claw

"I agree with White Claw." Said Chi

"What do say, Flame?" I asked

"If they think they can do it, then I see no reason to stop them." Said Flame

"I guess its unanimous, welcome in girls," I said

The girls cheered and ran up to hug me. I returned it and gave a kiss to each of my harem members. The girls broke the hug and Twilight looked up at the clock in the kitchen.

"Well, we have to get back to work. I guess you'll be seeing you after work. You are staying at the castle?" Said Twilight

"Yeah, I have a room with Barb and Flame, but you're more than happy to come over," I said

"Then we'll see you tonight, darling." Said Rarity

My mates kissed me on the cheek before running off to work.

"So, let's go get our rooms," I said

The others nodded, but Shining stopped me by putting a hand on my shoulder. I motioned for the others to go ahead of me and I would catch up.

"After you get settled, what to go into Canterlot and get a beer? I know a great pub that serves the best beer in all of Canterlot." Said Shining

"I don't see why not," I said

"Great, I'll be waiting at the gates of the castle when you're ready to leave." Said Shining

I nodded, and we went our separate ways.

***

"I heard, Fang took you and Twilight down to the Batting Pub, I decided that you need a taste of one of the best bars in Canterlot. I'm taking you to my favorite bar, the 'Bucking Bronco.'" Said Shining

More horse puns. I followed right beside Shining until we arrived at the bar. The outside looked like all the shops you would find around Canterlot, the same white brick face that shines in Celestia's sun. Shining pushed open the door and place looked like an average bar. We walked up to the front seats, and each took a seat. The bartender came over to us. He was a stallion with an amber coat and a jet black mane with twin grey strips running down each side of his head. He had dark blue eyes. He was wearing a button-up shirt and a pair of brown pants.

"Two specials." Said Shining

The bartender nodded his head and walked off, before bringing back two glasses filled with a dark colored beer.

"Go ahead and try it." Said Shining

I picked up the beer an gave it a quick whiff. I couldn't get much out of the smell but shrugged as I began to drink it, and man did it have a kick. I couldn't place the taste of the punch, but it tasted like cinnamon with a little hint of fruit juice. Overall, it wasn't a bad tasting beer, but I still preferred the Batting Pub's ale.

"Well, how was it?" Asked Shining

"Good, but I still have to say that I enjoyed the ale at the Batting Pub," I said

"Oh well, but I'm happy you like it." Said Shining.

We tapped our glasses and began to drink the liquid.

"You know, I'm a little afraid for my sister. I know she wants to help you, but I'm not sure if she can handle the pressure of being a soldier. I told don't have to tell you what happens to those who enter the military." Said Shining

I placed my cup down, "Yeah, I know."

"I guess I'm just concerned for my sister. She has no formal training in combat or even fully understands her weapons. That goes for the rest as well." Said Shining

"You can try to convince them why they shouldn't do it Shining, but I doubt that'll listen. I think the girls all have made up their minds about fighting next to me. Sure I'm scared for their safety, especially when Twilight is Moon's mother, and the other three are my mates, but I have to have faith that they can do it," I said

"Yeah." Said Shining

"But have no worries, Shining. I'll be by your sister's side through it all," I said

I could see him smile and nodded as he tapped on the counter to the bartender's attention. He ordered another round for us. The bartender went off and began to fill two glasses with beer. I decided to look around and saw that there were only a few patrons. None of them seemed to care I was here. I guess ponies only come to bars to drown the high class of Canterlot out of them as well as everything else.

The bartender set down two full glasses, and we tapped them before drinking them. I could hear the door open to the bar and hooves walking up to the front of the bar. I listened to the hoof steps and started to hear them grow ever closer to me. I kept my mind away from the fact they were coming up to me. I tried to calm my mind as memories of Kozama's torture came flooding back into my mind. The memories of how I could hear Kozama's hoof steps as he approached the cell before Scissor Arm would grab me and drag me to whatever Kozama had planned that day for me.

I could feel my body getting tense and a few beads of sweat beginning to roll down my face. I heard the steps end and felt a presence behind me. I fought back my nerves to strike as I knew it wasn't Kozama, but every fiber in my body wanted me to grab my sword and gut whatever was behind me. I finally got myself together when a hand landed on the bar in front of me. I turned to see three stallions with disgusted faces. Something I saw on a daily basis, so I didn't bother me.

"What are you doing here, demon? You know you shouldn't be here." Said the first stallion

"Last time I looked, this was a public bar," I said

"Maybe for us, ponies, but not for a demon." Said the first stallion

"Yeah, you should be in a cage." Said the second stallion

"Ok fellas, leave him alone or you'll deal with me." Said Shining

"And you would be?" Asked the third stallion

"Captain and prince of the Crystal Empire, Shining Armor. And unless you boys want to deal with a trained guard, you better get moving." Said Shining

"Wait the great Shining Armor is standing up for a worthless demon. Shouldn't you be the one pushing to put him in a cell in the dungeon." Said the first stallion

"Why would I do that to a hero of Equestria? What you all see as a demon, I see a man who went through two and a half weeks of hell. A man with a tortured soul. Now either get moving, or I'll make you." Said Shining

"Hero, this guy ain't no hero anymore. Equestria is just waiting for the time he turns, and we all know he'll turn. You hear that nobody wants you here." Said the first stallion

I completely ignored him as I do all those who call me out in Ponyville. In truth, it was getting old. But I could see the stallion was starting to attract the attention of the other patrons of the bar. No point in making a scene in a bar. I finished my drink as I placed the glass on the table and pulled out a few gold coins on the counter. I pushed back my seat and got up. I straightened out my coat and tapped Shining on the shoulder. I was nearly out of the bar without an incident, but I guess it wasn't going to be that easy.

"I'm not done with you yet, demon."

I felt the first stallion's hand touch my shoulder and that spiked my flight or fight senses. The hand felt the same way Kozama would touch me before throwing into one of his torture machines. I felt my eyes widened and on instinct to protect myself, I clenched my fist and spun around and struck the stallion behind with a mighty punch to his face.

I heard a thud as the stallion hit the ground. I was breathing quickly my body still shook.

"The demon broke my bloody nose." Said the first stallion

I felt my body getting back together to see the stallion on the floor holding his nose as blood leaked from it. I looked at my right hand to see blood dripping from my glove from the force of the impact. I continued to look at the stallion on the ground holding his nose, with his two friends next to him. I slowly backed out of the bar and went back to the castle.

***

I sat alone in the Canterlot gardens. It was peaceful as birds chirped and animals gathered food to store for the winter. A cool breeze passed over me, shaking the turning leaves on the trees. I always loved Fall because of how it transformed the environment into a more colorful place. I was happy that I didn't miss any significant events that happen in the Fall.

"I thought I might find you out here."

I looked to see Sin looking down at me. I saw she was wearing a pair of jeans and a light blue jacket. She looked good since I hadn't seen her since I left to return to Ponyville. I was glad to see that she was still doing ok.

"Hey, Sin," I said

"I heard that you might be out here." She walked over and sat down next to me, "I heard you had a throw down with a few stallions in a bar."

"Yeah, one of the stallions was telling me that no pony wanted me around anymore. I decided to leave as it was causing a scene. I got up and was about to leave when the stallion grabbed my shoulder. It caused me to flashback to my torture, and I struck the stallion's nose. I think I broke it and before anything else could happen, I ran back to the castle and came here," I said

"I see." Said Sin

"Yeah, so how's Canterlot, Sin?" I asked

"All I can say is that everypony pony in this town is a prick. Sure there are a few ponies don't act like they have poles up their asses. I get a few feared stares from the guards because of my blood magic, and probably the way I look, but I ignore them. The princesses are nice to me. So I guess overall, it isn't that bad, well except for one super asshole stallion." Said Sin

"Who is that?" I asked

"Prince Blue Blood, I swear he has to be the largest prick and asshole in all of the ponies in Canterlot. Not mentioning, he's a complete bastard the way he treats me. I mean, he has tried to get the princesses to throw me out or kill me because of ability to use blood magic." Said Sin

"Prince Blue Blood, yeah I heard he's an asshole," I said

"Oh yes, he is." Said Sin

"Well, at least your life is ok. I can't even walk around Ponyville without ponies looking at me like a monster. Ponies have completely forgotten everything I did for them. It seems all they see is a man that could kill them without blinking his eyes. I've heard the ponies that once asked for Rarity as her designer are leaving her because of me. Applejack is losing business because of me. The two don't say why they are losing customers, but I know it's me." I paused as I clenched my fist "Students at Moon's school shun her because of me, well except her closet friends. Twilight and I have received letters about people talking with child services, saying that I'm not fit to be a father. I'm happy those finally stopped thanks to Celestia." I released my fist and looked at my hand. "The Cakes barely let me into Sugar Cube Corner because they fear for there foals and their business. I'm not sure if my transformation is hurting Rainbow Dash or Fluttershy. I heard the Bon Bon is losing a little business for standing next to me. I'm not sure about Vinyl or Octavia." I clenched my fist and struck the ground, "They think that I chose to wake up one morning and decided to use black magic or look the way I do. No, I fucking didn't get to choose this fucking life! No pony cares that a crazy stallion strapped me to a chair and tortured me for his kicks. He made me the way I am. No pony will ever understand what it is like to live through hell and survive it. To live every day wondering if that was the end. And ponies won't ever understand what it's like to live knowing that anything can bring me back to those two and a half weeks of hell."

I felt tears run down my face before feathers wrapped around me. I looked to see Sin looking at me. She brought up her right hand and wiped away my tears.

"I understand, Xavier. I sat next to you through those two and a half weeks of hell. Kozama tortured me as well and made me what I am now before you came along. He only had me for a week before you came along. So I understand everything you went through with Kozama." Said Sin

I snuffed as I smiled at her, "Thanks, Sin."

"No problem." Said Sin

We sat together until it started to get a little too chilly for us. Sin and I got up and decided to head back into the castle and see about getting a bit to eat in the kitchen. It was nice to have somepony that knew the hell I went through with Kozama.

***

"You call this food!"

Sin and I stopped at the outside doors of the kitchen. We looked at each other as we looked at the doors. I didn't recognize the stallion that was shouting, but I did see Sin was growling. I pushed up the door to see guards looking at a scene with Rarity, Fluttershy, and a stallion I didn't recognize. He had a white coat and amber mane. He had artic blue eyes. He was wearing a white suit with a gold star with blue points coming out of the angles of the gold star on his suit.

"Well, is that food!" Exclaimed the stallion

"It's...what....you...ordered." Said Fluttershy

She had tears in her eyes as the stallion yelled at her with a plate of food. I growled at the stallion for making my Fluttershy cry.

"Oh is that true, then why don't you taste it." Said the stallion

He threw the food and hit Fluttershy. It hit her square in the face. She fell over with food all over her as the stallion laughed as Rarity went to comfort her friend. I growled as I felt my anger rising into my chest. I decided to help Fluttershy and get her away from the stallion.

"Blueblood, how dare you!" Exclaimed Rarity

So that's Blueblood, I guess it fits from what I've heard about him. The guards looked as I walked towards my mates and Blueblood. None of them moved as they all knew not to mess with me. But what spiked my fury was when Blueblood slapped Rarity across the face. She fell to the floor with a significant red mark across her face. Tears were welling up in her eyes.

"You dare speak back to me! I'm Prince Blueblood, and you are servants, and I think you both need to learn your place." Said Blueblood

His horn began to charge, "You do it, and I'll be making the biggest mistake ever."

Blueblood stopped and turned back to look at me. I was glaring at him.

"I thought I heard you were here, demon. I would never believe why my aunty would ever let you into the castle." Said Blueblood

"Get away from my mares or else," I said

"So these bitches are yours, I guess it makes sense because who could love a monster like you." Said Blueblood

I glared at him before deciding not to continue this conversation was there was no real point. I came to check on my mares and get them away from him. I walked past him as he looked at me. I bent down and wiped the food away from Fluttershy's face.

"Let's go, girls," I said

They nodded as I got up and reached out my hand and pulled both girls up and led them past Blueblood. I didn't look at him or say a thing as we passed him. I reached Sin, and we all went out. I kept the rear, in case prince asshole decided to come at them. I sighed as we left the dining room and he didn't return.

"Thank you, Xavier." Said Rarity

"You should have put him in his place, in my opinion." Said Sin

"No point in causing trouble when it's not needed," I said

I looked at Fluttershy as she picked food from her mane, "Let's head back to my room so that you can get cleaned."

"Yeah." Said Fluttershy

We began to make our way towards my room.

***

Rarity rested her head on my lap as I stroked her mane. Fluttershy was in the shower cleaning all the food out of her mane. I knew the others might come looking for them, in time. Flame snored on the couch as he laid on his back. Sin wasn't here because she decided to return to her room. I continued to stroke Rarity's mane until I heard a knock at the door.

"Open," I said

The door opened, and Celestia stepped inside, "Hello princess."

"Hello Xavier, can we talk in private?" She asked

"Sure," I said

I lifted Rarity's head from my lap and rested a pillow for her head as she fell asleep. I shook Flame, and his eyes opened as he groaned at me. He never liked waking up from a nap.

"Tell Fluttershy and Rarity I'm speaking with Celestia," I said

He nodded his head before rolling over on his stomach and going right back to sleep. I stroked Rarity's mane one last time letting my hands glide through her silky mane. I saw her smile as she snuggled into the pillow. I smiled as I walked out of my room with Celestia. I gently closed the door and ushered Celestia to walk. We began to turn and walk down the hallway.

"Let me guess, you want to talk to me about the stallions at the bar and the prick of a prince," I said

"Yes." She said

"Well, let me first say for the stallions, I only attacked because I had a PTSD episode. As for Blueblood, I need nothing other than getting my mares away from him after he threw food in Fluttershy's face and slapped Rarity. I stopped him before he could do anything else he was planning," I said

"Well, the stallion you struck was seeking to sue you, but after Shining told me that you had an episode, I told the stallion he would never see the case in court. As for Blueblood, I'll take your word over his." Said Celestia

"What did he say?" I asked

"That you took away Fluttershy and Rarity from him when he did nothing wrong and threatened to kill him if he came near them or the others." Said Celestia

"Sounds about right for that prick to say. But I don't understand why you keep Blueblood around, Celestia?" I asked

"Because Blueblood happens to be Luna and I's nephew. He grew up thinking all ponies are below him, the reason for his attitude." Said Celestia

"I can't believe he is family. Man, I bet he's not fun to be around," I said

"You have no idea, he still treats Luna like Nightmare Moon, and I know Cadance can't stand him." Said Celestia

"I completely understand why, but I suppose you wanted to talk more than about those stallions and Blueblood?" I asked

"Yes, I want to see how your life is going?" Asked Celestia

"What life, Celestia? I have no life since I can't even walk to get my daughter at school without ponies talking about how I'm a monster or looking at me with disgust. I can't look at the mail without seeing multiple letters telling me to get the hell out or wishing you did something to me. I can't visit a business without driving away the customers. I can't even spend time with my daughter because ponies are always trying to steal her away from me. So tell me, Celestia, how do you think my life is going?" I said

"I know it can't be easy, but in time my ponies will accept you. Ponies did it for Luna." Said Celestia

"But I also heard that ponies still don't trust Luna. But ponies also didn't see Luna as a complete threat when she returned to the throne," I stated

"Yes, but not everypony is that way." Said Celestia

"Princess I doubt that any pony will trust me except my friends and mates. Everypony only sees who I am. And I'm getting tired of it." I stopped as I felt my anger rising in my body. Celestia stopped and turned to me, "I swore when I first appeared here in this world, you accepted all. Everything is worse than when I first showed myself to the ponies of Ponyville. They never treated me like an outsider, but that's all I am now. A fucking monster to them that they wish Celestia would hang from her gallows. I know my status if affecting Applejack and Rarity's businesses, even when they won't outright say it is me. No pony gives fucking care that I didn't choose this life that Kozama made me this way that I fought tooth and nail to survive his torture. Hell, I even considered suicide after the first week to end my suffering, but it was the smiling faces of my friends and family that kept me from doing it." I felt tears starting to run down my cheeks as I released the death grip I had on my fists, "No pony understands, Celestia and I know they never will. Your subjects don't seem to understand friendship as well as I thought. I'm tired of it Celestia; I'm fucking tired of it. I can't take anymore; I just can't."

I fell to the floor and cried, I truly was at my wit's end. I wished it all could go back the way it was before Kozama. But I knew that wasn't possible. I started to stop when I felt a warm feathery wing drape over me. I looked to see Celestia covering me with her wing.

"I'm sorry, Xavier for everything my ponies have done to you. I know it isn't right for them to treat you like that." Celestia pulled me up, "Let's head back to your room; I'll get your harem mates to join you."

I nodded as we made our way back to my room.

***
Celestia POV

I looked outside my throne window out into the gardens. The trees shook in the wind as a few leaves began to fall from the trees. I loved Fall; it was one of the most colorful times of the year. Sure Spring was a close second with the blooming of the flowers, but Fall was the best. Watching the leaves turn different colors was the best part of Fall. I especially love watching the Running of the Leaves across many of the cities of Equestria.

Xavier. I returned him to his room to see Barb in it. I gave Barb Xavier and ran into the others hard at work. I decided to give them all the weekend off and told Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy to be with Xavier. The girls nodded and ran off to his room. He needed them as I could see in his eyes that he lost all faith in my ponies. And when he was talking, I could tell he was at the end of his rope and ready to snap. I sighed as I knew I was failing as a princess. My job was to watch over and protect my subjects and keep them in line. But here I was not looking out for one that has saved Equestria multiple times, and now all ponies see is a monster. I know the world fears him because of the black magic flowing through his veins, but I guess they don't care that he didn't choose that life.

I did visit Sin to see if I could find somepony that would back up Xavier's story and she did. I knew Sin wasn't the most liked pony in the castle, but I knew I could trust her if she watched over Xavier. I was happy to know she was watching over him, especially after I heard that Xavier turned to suicide to end his pain. I got the same story from her that Xavier spun, and was now figuring out how to punish Blueblood, but that was back burner idea. Right now, all on my mind was how to help Xavier.

I could feel my anger towards my subjects boiling deep inside of me that they would turn against him. I thought he would be back in warm hands when he returned to Ponyville from his journey, but I guess I can't put that much faith in my subjects. Equestria is well known for our ability to accept all that come to our country, no matter the reason or the way one looks. But I guess that's a fake slogan if Xavier, one that Ponyville accepted with open arms, is now a monster, a threat, and one ponies are trying to get me to hang.

I let out another sigh as knew getting worked up wasn't going to fix the problem. I should talk with Luna tonight and see what she thinks we should do? I should also bring in Cadance as I know the Crystal Empire isn't accepting of Xavier either. I wasn't sure if there was anypony not against Xavier, except those that were his close friends, his family or his mates. I looked down towards the large doors that led out of the throne room. I'll make this right, Xavier. I took one last look before I decided to start the last few hours of morning court before I would lower the sun and speak with Luna and Cadance before Luna would begin night court.

***
3rd Person POV

The night rested over Equestria. The Lunar guards began their shifts of watching over the castle and allowing ponies into the castle to speak with Luna for night court. Luna, Cadance, and Celestia spoke in the throne room about Xavier. Xavier slept in his covered by his mates. Twilight on his right, Applejack on his left, Barb next to Twilight, Rarity next to Applejack and Fluttershy snuggling on top of him. Flame snored on the couch as he slept.

A few guards walked the gardens, making sure no pony was trying to sneak into the castle. But little did they know that a statue was gone, the only thing left was rubble of where it once rested in stone. The creature now freed roamed Canterlot as it sought a meal. Its mouth was drooling with a desire for flesh and blood. Soon it spotted three stallions walking back with one having bandages around his nose. The beast snuck up on its prey as the stallions voiced their anger about Celestia dropping their lawsuit because of Xavier's PTSD. The creature crept ever so slowly towards them before raising one of its hands with sharp claws adorning the ends.

Screams echoed out only for a second before it went quiet. No pony in Canterlot heard the cries of the stallions as the beast tore them apart. No pony knew what was in the city. No pony knew the danger that was upon them.

***
Xavier POV

I rolled over and snuggled my head into my pillow as I felt the fuzzy mare blanket around me. I smiled as I felt my mates tails all around my legs as well as Flame's snoring. I settled with my mind not wishing to get up from my position as this felt nice. But somepony wanted me up as harsh bagging came over the door. I knew everypony winced as they moved to different places. But the bagging didn't stop. I opened my eyes to look at the door and then at the clock, it read 7 am in the morning. I heard Barb groaning.

She picked up her pillow and threw at Flame. It hit him right in the head, causing him to jump up.

"Get the door." Said Barb

Barb looped her hands around Twilight and laid her head on her pillow. Flame yawned as he got up and walked over to the door. The bagging continued as I tried to get back to sleep and enjoy the presence of my lovers.

"You can stop with the bagging!" Exclaimed Flame

I cracked my eye open to see Flame open the door to two stallions in suits. One had a brown coat and grey mane, while the other had a crimson coat and a blue and red mane. The first stallion had a file as a cutie mark, and the other had a magnifying glass for his cutie mark.

"Can I help you two?" Asked Flame

"Yes, my name is Cold Case, and this is my partner, Spotting Glass." They both produced badges and showed to Flame, "We are detectives from the Canterlot Police Department."

"Flame, who's at the door?"

He looked to see Twilight getting up and rubbing her eyes.

"Detectives." Said Flame

"Detectives." Said Twilight

"So can I ask why you were pounding on our door? Someponies may like the morning, but I prefer to sleep." Said Flame

"We have a warrant for the arrest of Xavier Young." Said Cold Case

Spotting Glass pulled out a folded paper and gave it to Flame. He unfolded it as Twilight used her magic to put on her clothes and got out of bed over Barb. She walked over and looked at the document as well.

"We'll give you some time to get ready, and tell him not to escape as we have the palace surrounded." Said Cold Case

Flame closed the door as Twilight held the paper in her hands. I gently pushed Fluttershy up from her, causing her to yawn and wake up. I slipped past Barb as she was fully waking up like the others.

"Why the hell are they arresting my brother?" Asked Flame

"What?" Asked Applejack

"Two detectives appeared at our door and just gave us an arrest warrant for Xavier." Said Flame

"What?!" Screamed the others

"Why?" Asked Rarity

"The warrant is for the arrest of Xavier as a suspect in the murder of three stallions last night." Said Twilight

"Murder, my brother doesn't kill!" Exclaimed Flame

"Its all official." Said Twilight

I threw on my coat and kissed each of my mates as I grabbed the warrant.

"Xavier, you be serious, you weren't in Canterlot last night." Said Flame

"Yeah partner, ya were with us all night." Said Applejack

"I know, but the faster we get this over with, the faster we can move past it," I said

"We'll find you the best lawyer in all of Canterlot, Xavier. We won't let you take the fall for a crime you didn't commit." Said Twilight

"Doubtful they'll help me," I stated

I kissed Twilight and rubbed Flame's head, and walked out the door. I closed it behind me as I gave Cold Case the warrant. He nodded as he and Spotting Glass led me out of the castle and down to the police station.

***

"Just tell us why?"

Spotting Glass slammed his hands on the table as I sat silently in the interrogation room. Spotting Glass and Cold Case told me my rights, the same that one on earth has when the cops interrogate them before placing a pair of restraining cuffs on my wrists. The cuffs were blocking me from using any of my abilities. And then began to interrogation, but I wasn't going to say a word as it was my right to stay silent.

"Come on, if you tell us what happened then we can try to get a lesser charge for you." Said Spotting Glass

His finger was pointing to the three stallions that were in the bar yesterday. I recognized them easily especially when I broke the middle one's nose. The other pictures were of a gruesome scene of blood and guts. Something tore through the three stallions like wet paper. Their guts were spilling out of them, and I could see where something was eating them. It was gruesome, but being with Kozama further destroyed my sense of gore and blood.

"We know you had a run in with these three stallions. Partons at the Bucking Bronco told us that they were trying to get a response from you. But instead, you left, but when the middle stallion touched you, you attacked him by breaking his nose. But Celestia pushed the lawsuit away because you're prone to server cases of PSTD flashbacks from your time at the Blood Dome in the hands of a stallion by the name of Dr. Kozama. He tortured you for two and a half weeks before you were able to escape thanks to Celestia." Said Cold Case

"So why did you do it, Xavier? Did you finally snap after everypony in Equestria calling you a monster and demon? Did it feel good when you cut them to pieces?" Asked Spotting Glass

I looked up at Spotting Glass before saying something to him, "Lawyer."

"I doubt you'll find a lawyer willing to take your case." Said Spotting Glass

"Well then you better find me one, because it is my right to have a lawyer," I said

Spotting Glass slammed his hands on the table, "Just talk!"

"Enough, Spotting Glass, he asked for a lawyer, and any further conversation isn't worth losing." Said Cold Case

Spotting Glass huffed as he ran his hand through his mane before the two got up and left. I watched them exit the door, leaving me alone in the room. I looked down at the pictures. I knew it wasn't me because of all the marks that looked like teeth chewing through flesh. For a couple of detectives I can't believe they missed that detail on the bodies. I pushed the pictures away.

After about ten minutes of waiting around for the detectives to return to me, I heard the door open, and Fang walked inside wearing her armor. I was happy to see her. I still felt a little guilty that I was the reason she had a prosthetic arm, but it didn't seem to stop her from doing her job. She walked over and sat down. She looked at me as I looked at her.

"It's good to see you, Xavier." She said

"Same here, so what are you doing here?" I asked

"The princesses wanted me to come down and see how you were holding up, while they work on finding you a lawyer." Said Fang

"Doubtful they'll find somepony that's willing to take my case. I beat everypony is waiting for me to walk out found guilty so they can finally see me hang from the gallows or stuck in a cell for the rest of my life," I said

"Don't think like that Xavier, you aren't what ponies are saying about you. I still see the same Xavier that defended Twilight when Calvin turned evil." Said Fang

"It's glad to hear your still on my side," I said

"I never left it." Said Fang

I smiled at her statement, "So how are you talking to me?"

"As the captain of the guards, I'm allowed to interrogate any pony suspected of a crime. I heard from Cold Case and Spotting Glass you invoked your right to a lawyer." Said Fang

"Yeah, and now they get to wait until I get a lawyer. I guess that goes for you as well?" I said

"Yes, but I know you didn't do it. I know you wouldn't do it." Fang picked up a picture, and I watched her nose scrunch up, "The last gory thing I saw like this was when Kozama killed Calvin. So you have any idea?"

"I think I might have one, if you look at the picture of the bodies closely, you can see teeth marks," I said

I watched Fang looked at the picture, and it seemed to go with her. She got up and left the room. I was only left alone for about a minute or two when I heard something growling at me. I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end. I turned to look at the closed window before it all left. I sighed before a long red hand bashed through the window and grabbed me.

"FUCK!" I screamed

It pulled me out of the window, and I was face to face with a beast that looked like it should reside in the depths of hell. It was completely red all over with long slim limbs. At the end of each hand was a set of five sharp red claws. The head had no holes for eyes and coming from the head was a mouth surrounded by flesh. The beast had three rows of sharp teeth on both the top and bottom. I saw blood leaking from its mouth.

It growled at me as it brought me close to its mouth. It opened, and I knew what it wanted with me. I budged against the restraints around me. Damn it! I only had one option left as I looked to see that if I followed up with my plan, the outcome would hurt. Well, this is going to fucking hurt! I kicked out my legs, striking the beast hard in the chest. It howled as its gripped released and down I went. I braced myself for the impact and then I felt it. The concrete of Canterlot striking my back.

"FUCK!!!" I screamed

I was happy that Icicle's ice barrier around my body made it possible to survive the fall. If I didn't have Icicle's ice barrier, I would have died. I slowly pushed myself up to my feet to hear a giant thud and looked to see the beast snarling at me. It howled and began to run at me.

"Oh fuck!" I exclaimed

I began to run for my life as the beast kept right on my heels as it seemed intent on killing me. All I could do was run as fast as I possibly could until I found a way to get the cuffs around my wrists off and get my powers back.

***
Fang POV

I couldn't believe it, but Xavier was right, I did see teeth marks all over each of the stallion's bodies. I was sure that was enough proof that Xavier wasn't the culprit. Cold Case looked over the picture with a magnifying glass. Spotting Glass had his hands over his chest as he waited for his partner to finish looking at the pictures.

"How do we know he didn't eat them?" Asked Spotting Glass

"Please, Xavier isn't a cannibal," I said

"But he is a carnivore." Said Spotting Glass

"Omnivore to be more precise," I said

"Either way, his desire for meat finally came out." Said Spotting Glass

Cold Case put down the picture, "Sorry Spotting Glass but the teeth mark show no barrings to the teeth of Xavier. These teeth look like a wild animal's teeth."

Spotting Glass took the picture and magnifying glass and examined the image. I turned to Cold Case as Spotting Glass looked over the image.

"So now what?" I asked

"Well, we first have to confirm it isn't Xavier's teeth, and if they aren't then we will drop all the charges and let him go." Said Cold Case

"Fang," I turned to see Twilight come walking up to me with Natasha riding her shoulder.

"What are you two doing here?" I asked

"I came to present Xavier as his counsel." Said Natasha

Spotting Glass looked up at Natasha, and Cold Case raised his eyebrow.

"How?" Asked Spotting Glass

Natasha dropped down and opened the briefcase she had with her and produced a document and showed it to the two detectives.

"I recently passed the bar exam here in Equestria. I'm a full-fledged lawyer here in Equestria. So I would like to see my client now?" Said Natasha

"Well, I won't say no to the signature of Princess Celestia." Said Cold Case

But before any of us could see Xavier, a mare in her blues came running up to us. She seemed to have a worried expression on her face.

"What's up, Blue Collar?" Asked Cold Case

"Xavier Young has escaped his cell." Said Blue Collar

"What?!" We all screamed

We all ran to the interrogation room and saw that Xavier was indeed gone. Cold Case opened the door and looked at the window bashed open.

"Why didn't we have some pony watching him?" Asked Spotting Glass

"Because the restraining cuffs block all of his powers." Said Cold Case

I walked up to the window and saw the bars were coming inside. I bent down and picked up a shard of glass from the floor. I saw most of the window's glass was inside the room.

"Xavier would never do anything like this." Said Twilight

"How can you think like that, your lover boy is a danger to all." Said Spotting Glass

"Enough," everypony turned to me. "Unless Xavier can go through solid matter, he didn't break out."

"How can you be certain?" Asked Spotting Glass

"Look at the window; everything points to something bashing the window from the outside to grab Xavier. And if Xavier did escape, why did he escape with the cuffs still around his wrists," I said

"That means something is after Xavier." Said Twilight

"I'm afraid so, which means that we need to start moving if we are going to help him," I said

The others nodded as we exited the building. Cold Case began to rally officers and detectives as Twilight, Natasha and I teleported out of the building towards the castle as we were going to need guards. Stay alive, Xavier, were coming.
***
Xavier POV

I huffed and puffed as I peeked over the building as I looked for the beast. I then looked up as I knew it was using the structures to travel. I wasn't sure where I was in Canterlot, but it seemed to be a part where there weren't that many ponies around. I heard scrapping and covered my mouth.

I peeked to see it looking for me. Fuck! I slowly started to back myself up and ran for it. I saw a large dumpster and dove behind it as I once again tried to catch my breath. What the fuck is that thing anyways?

"Its called a Red Devil."

"Crystal is that you?"

"Yes, I was finally able to break through the cuffs to speak with you. After I saw the Red Devil, I knew you would need me."

"No kidding, so what can you tell me about it?"

"Red Devils are ancient creatures that roamed Equestria in the age of alicorns. They were powerful creatures that could kill an alicorn without much effort. Alicorns tried to fight back against them, but everything seemed to do nothing to them, they were unkillable."

"That's nice to hear that I can't kill it."

"Well that's how alicorns thought until they learned that the beast has one weakness, black magic. The powers of black magic seemed to be the only thing that could kill it. But because of this, alicorns who used black magic became the Red Devil's primary target."

"I guess that explains why it's hunting me."

"Yes, it knows you can kill it. Xavier, you need to get out of those cuffs otherwise you won't be able to do a thing to it."

"Easier said then done."

I looked at the cuffs before I saw a red liquid drip onto my hands. I felt my hairs stand on end. I looked up to see it, the Red Devil looking down at me.

"RUN!!!!"

I quickly got to my feet as the beast struck the ground in front of me. I had no other option but to run and find a way to break the cuffs around my wrists; then I got an idea.

"Crystal, could you break the cuffs?"

"I can try, but it will take a while."

I looked behind me as the Red Devil came running at me, "Do it!"

I quickly turned the corner as the Red Devil nearly caught me with its claws. I turned to see it scaling the building and looked up to see it coming at me from the top. Come on, Crystal. I passed another corner and looked to see the Red Devil leap at me from one of the building's roof. I turned to look at another alleyway. I jumped into it as the beast landed on the ground. I quickly moved over to a wall and covered my mouth as it looked around for me.

"Crystal, how does a Red Devil hunt?"

"Alicorns assumed a form of echolocation when it growled. Some thought it hunted by sound and other smell. No pony was certain of what helped the Red Devil to hunt."

Perfect. I peered over the wall and saw it was gone. I blinked my eyes as I saw it was no longer around. I moved out from my hiding place and moved towards the exit of the alleyway behind was a dead end. I peeked outside and looked up at the buildings. I know its a fucking trap, but I guess I have to spring it. I took a breath and looked to see that to the right was a dead end, and the left seemed to be my only option. Here we go. I ran out of the alleyway and heard a thump; I didn't look back as the scraping sound of the claws was enough to tell me that it was right behind me.

"Crystal, how much longer?"

"I almost have it."

I looked down to see nothing happening. I guess Crystal doesn't have it just yet. I looked to see that the sun was bright at the end of the alleyway. I moved quickly and jumped out as I saw I was now in Canterlot. I turned to see the thing coming at me. I began to run again as the Red Devil stayed right on my heels.

"There."

I peered down at my hands to see them free as the cuffs fell to the ground.

"Great work, Crystal."

"Give it hell, Xavier."

I slid to a stop as I turned myself around. I watched the Red Devil also stop just a few feet from me. It growled at me as I looked at it.

"Alright, ugly, let's see what you got," I said

I formed both my arms into my blades, and I heard it growl at me. It howled before it came running at me. I screamed as I ran it.

***
3rd Person POV

"Anything?" Asked Fang

"No, ma'am." Said a guard

Fang growled as he looked at all the guards searching the city. How hard is it to find one human? Fang saw Cold Case pinching the bridge of his nose as a couple of cops left him. Fang flew down and landed next to him.

"Anything?" She asked

"Not a thing." Said Cold Case

"You think somepony would have seen him." Said Spotting Glass

Cold Case, Spotting Glass, and Fang heard hooves and looked to see Chi, White Claw, and the Mane Six running up to them with Flame on Twilight's shoulder and Natasha on Fluttershy's shoulders.

"Please tell me that you have something?" Asked Twilight

"Sorry, Twilight, but we have nothing." Said Fang

"Its the Kozama event all over again." Said Rarity

"You think it's Kozama?" Asked Rainbow

"I'm unsure, but we can't rule it out." Said Applejack

Soon Cadance and Shining came running up to the large group.

"Anything on your side?" Asked Fang

"Not a thing." Said Cadance

"I see you have his sword, Shining." Said Flame

Shining looked at Xavier's sword strapped to his back, "Yeah, I knew Xavier might need it."

"What about the belt?" Asked Natasha

"We left it in the room, but I can teleport it out the second Xavier's needs it." Said Twilight

The group looked to see Celestia and Luna land next to them. Luna yawned as she was still tired from watching over the night. But she seemed ready to aid Xavier the second he needed it.

"Let me guess, nothing." Said Celestia

"Correct, princess." Said Cold Case

"Canterlot isn't that big, and we have both the police department and the Solar Guards out looking for him. We should have found him by now." Said Luna

"True, auntie." Said Cadance

"Princesses!"

Everypony turned to see something flying through the sky. Ponies pointed as it came crashing down in a building. Ponies placed their arms over their faces to block the debris coming at them.

"Check that building!" Ordered Celestia

"Princesses, something else is coming." Said a guard

Everypony turned their attention down the street, and they all left their hair stand on end as the Red Devil came charging at them. Ponies screamed as the beast came right towards them. It leaped into the air and went into the building. Celestia and Luna froze as they knew the creature. It was one of the most feared beasts in Equestria. Their parents showed them the sculpture in the gardens. But they never thought they would ever see one in real life.

"What is that?!" Screamed Shining

"A Red Devil." Said Celestia

"What the hay is a Red Devil?" Asked Spotting Glass

Before Luna or Celestia could answer, the Red Devil went flying out of the broken building and went smashing against the ground. It howled at the top of its lungs as Xavier stepped out of the debris. He brushed off the rest of the debris from his clothing, which had rips and tears all across it.

"Xavier!" Exclaimed everypony

Xavier raised his hand, and Shining felt the sword leave the sheath and into Xavier's hands.

"Princesses, get everypony away, the Red Devil is mine." Said Xavier

Celestia and Luna knew that Xavier was their only weapon against the Red Devil. Celestia and Luna used their magic to draw all ponies to them. Twilight teleported in Xavier's belt.

"Xavier, catch!" Twilight tossed Xavier the belt. He caught it and smiled at Twilight. "Go get it, Xavier."

Xavier slammed the blade into the ground as he strapped the belt back to his pants before grabbed his longsword from the ground. He spun it around in his hands as he pointed it at the Red Devil.

"Alright ugly, you ready for round two." Said Xavier

It howled at Xavier, while he smirked, "I'll take that as a yes."

Xavier ran at the Red Devil with his hands tight around the handle of his sword. The Red Devil raised its right hand and brought it down, and Xavier's raised his sword and blocked the attack. The Red Devil continued to attack Xavier with its claws. Xavier blocked each attack from the Red Devil.

Xavier leaped back and charged a Chaos Sphere before sending it at the Red Devil. The beast dodged it as the Chaos Sphere crashed into a building, obliterating it. The Red Devil growled before opening its mouth and out came a torrent of red liquid. Xavier dodged it, and princesses placed up a shield up as the liquid splashed on it.

The Red Devil moved again and barfed up more red liquid. The liquid this time hit Xavier, and it pushed him back. Once it was over, Xavier shook himself as his nose got hit with the rancid smell. Fuck this stuff stinks. Xavier tried to move, but he couldn't. What the hell is this stuff? The Red Devil howled before running at Xavier as he tried to break free of the liquid on him.

"Flames will burn off the liquid."

The Red Devil leaped to kill Xavier but got pushed away as flames began to engulf. Xavier stepped out them as he brushed away the ash of what was once holding him in place. The Red Devil growled before it howled at the top of its lungs. The skin began to bubble on the top as four more arms burst from its body. It got up on its two feet, and its stomach started to split open revealing another mouth with an eye in the middle.

"What the fuck is happening to it, Crystal?"

"It's transforming to its second form, meaning that it sees you as a greater threat."

The Red Devil's mouth began to pull more from the skin around its head showing holes for eyes. It broke its upper and lower jaw in half, and it now had four parts to its mouth. It finished with tentacles coming out of its mouth. It howled louder than ever as it looked down at Xavier.

"Sister, Xavier isn't going to make it." Said Luna

"What?!" Screamed Twilight

"I still don't understand what is that thing anyway?" Asked Applejack

"A Red Devil, a creature that roamed the early ages of Equestria. Alicorns feared it because nothing they threw at it would harm it. It wasn't until Reaper, the Crystal Dragon of Darkness, told an alicorn that only black magic could kill a Red Devil and it worked. But in response, the Red Devils hunted down those who could use black magic. But it also showed its true form, a form that once it took, not even the best skill alicorns in black magic could kill. It took armies of alicorns wielding black magic to kill one." Said Celestia

"Then we need to get out there and help Xavier." Said White

"I can't allow that." Said Celestia

"And why not?" Asked Chi

"Because you'll die before you even get a chance to attack. It'll attack anything that gets in front of its prey." Said Luna

Xavier gripped his sword tight as he looked at the vile beast. He slowly walked around it as he licked his lips. The Red Devil snarled and growled as it looked at its prey. Xavier flexed his grip around the handle of his sword. Here we go. The Red Devil launched its hands at Xavier, who quickly brought his sword up to block claws. The Red Devil continued its onslaught of claws, never letting up.

The tentacles in its mouth leaped out and took a grip around Xavier's right leg and pulled it under him. He fell hard to stone below. He coughed up a little blood before getting pulled up, so he was face to face with the eyeball in the Red Devil's chest. The mouth was wide as it swung Xavier towards the gaping maw. No fucking way I'm getting eaten. The Red Devil swung him into the mouth, but Xavier stopped himself by impaling the teeth of the maw into his hands. He held back a screamed as tentacles tried to push him into the mouth. Xavier spotted the eye.

"You want a taste, well have my boot!" Exclaimed Xavier

Xavier raised his right foot and smashed his boot into the eye of the Red Devil. It howled out in pain as Xavier continued to do it. He saw the beast was letting up its attack from the tentacles, which gave Xavier his shot he needed. He pulled his right hand free. Better late than never to try this. Xavier began to morph his right hand into a new weapon, a large claw hand. Xavier pushed his right foot against the mouth and then went right for the eye. He grabbed it and began to pull. He pulled his left hand free and made it into the same claw hand as he used his left foot to keep the mouth open. The Red Devil could fell Xavier pulling on its eye.

It sent all its tentacles to pull Xavier away. Xavier took a grip on the eyeball from both hands before the tentacles wrapped around his waist and pulled him away. But the Red Devil underestimated Xavier's strength for as it ripped Xavier away, it ripped its eye out. Xavier hit the dirt as the Red Devil howled in pain as the cords of the eye hanging from the mouth in its chest.

Xavier got up as he held the eye in his right hand. He dug his clawed fingers into the flesh of the eye as he crushed it. The Red Devil howled in complete anger for losing its eye to Xavier. Xavier released the eye from the grip of his right hand before morphing both of his hands back to normal before raised his right hand and brought back his sword.

"Let's finish this once and for all." Said Xavier

He ran at the Red Devil and disappeared into smoke before appearing behind the Red Devil. He spun around and sliced off the four arms on its back. The Red Devil used its two remaining arms to grab Xavier and toss him into a building. Xavier crashed hard into it. The Red Devil closed its mouth before releasing a blinding light. The light exploded when it hit the building, turning it to rumble.

The Red Devil howled but stopped as it was barely to escape a Chaos Sphere, which turned another building into ash. Xavier stepped forward as he let his blade scrap on the ground. Sparks flew up from the blade as Xavier dragged it. He stopped as he was now back in the battle. Xavier gave a wicked grin as he placed the blade behind his back. An essence of darkness leaped off of Xavier's sword as he got down low to the ground.

"Shadow Cut."

Xavier disappeared before reappearing in the same spot. He gave the Red Devil a wicked grin as he snapped his fingers. Substantial cuts appeared across the flesh of the Red Devil, cutting it to pieces. The final two arms fell to the ground with other chunks of flesh. The Red Devil howled in utter pain as blood poured from its wounds. Xavier walked up to it as it cried.

"I heard you were the killer of alicorns, even those that used black magic that in this form it would take an army of alicorns. But here you are dying at my hand. I guess you can't kill something that you don't fully understand. Well, let me tell you who I am. I am Xavier Alexander Young, the Devil's Fable, a warrior serving the good of all. I am one who embraces his darkness and uses that to kill all those who threaten harmony. Now, I think its time we end this little fight." Said Xavier

Xavier gave a wicked grin as everypony watched as Xavier pressed his right pointer finger on the chest of the Red Devil, right above the mouth. Xavier never let his smile leave as he walked away and placed his longsword on his shoulders. He snapped his fingers, and the Red Devil began to bloat before it exploded in a shower of blood and guts.

"Obliteration." Said Xavier

Xavier kept walking as he went back to the castle leaving everypony looking at him as he walked away. They all heard him laugh as he continued to walk away.

***
Xavier POV

I leaned against the sink in the bathroom of my room looking at myself in the mirror. I had finished showering away the battle with the Red Devil. I looked down at my hands as I could see my powers were healing up the wounds and leaving a new set of scars. I looked over all the scars on my chest and body. I traced a few as I could recall how I got them.

I sighed as I looked at my reflection and saw the dull nature of my eyes. I think I finally lost it, the last of who I initially was. I laughed as I ran my hands through my wet hair. Yes, I finally lost all of the Fabled Warrior and fully accepted the Devil's Fable. I gave a heavier chuckle as I gave a wicked grin. I pushed the door open to find a concerned Cadance.

"Hello, Cadance," I said

"Xavier, are you ok?" She asked

"Sure, why do you ask?" I asked

"Because I heard you laughing in the bathroom and the way you were acting at the end of that battle with the Red Devil." Said Cadance

"Oh, I was saying how I think I lost the last of the Xavier that first came here before Kozama. And I'm now fully accepting of who I am now," I said

I could see Cadance still had a concerned look on her face. I walked forward and placed my hands on her shoulders, "I will never become what Kozama wanted me to become. All I'm saying is that I'm leaving my past behind me, and embracing who I am as this will be the only way to fight Pandora and his followers as well as many other enemies of Equestria." I walked over to a window and looked out of it at Canterlot and the lands of Equestria, "For I have a feeling that more than Pandora's followers are going to be gunning to destroy the harmony of Equestria. Sure it's strange to think that I fight for all those who call me a monster and demon, but I still believe in protecting all. I still do care how they treat me, but it won't stop me from protecting them. It's my duty as a Young to protect all from evil and bring peace."

I heard Cadance walk to me as she also looked out at Canterlot and the lands of Equestria, "But you know you're not alone in the coming battles. You have plenty of ponies behind you, who are willing to fight with you until the bitter end."

"I know Cadance, I know," I said

Author's Notes:

Man oh man, this was a long chapter. When I started working on this chapter, I never expected it to be this long. Oh well, I know you all enjoyed it as this is the first update I have done for The Fable Warrior in some time. So I bet you didn't care how long it was.

Well, I guess I should get moving on to the next update as I know you all want to see what will happen next. So as always: Comment, like, follow, share and tell. See you all in the next update, whenever that'll be.