It was 6:00 in the evening, and a majority of the city was quiet. Coppermane was walking down the street to his car having gone to the store to get some supplies to help Pinkie set up the Halloween party at CHS.

“Okay, last bit of supplies on the list. This Halloween party’s gonna be awesome.” Coppermane said with excitement.

He put the supplies in his car and turned around and his heart dropped when he was face to face with Jet Set.

“Hello, Coppermane,” Jet Set said.

“Um… hi, Jet Set,” Coppermane said. “What do you want?”

“Oh, nothing… except for this.” Without saying anything else, slipping behind his back was two mini light cannons strapped to his wrists.

“Whoa!” Coppermane yelped. “Wh-What the hell?!”

“Now, if you will kindly come with me, I won’t harm you.” Jet replied. “Hands on your head.”

Coppermane complied, and Jet roughly forced him around. Coppermane managed to glimpse the gun in Jet’s hand, and noticed something. It looked suspiciously familiar to one of the light cannons Sunset and Twilight were taking apart.

“Where did you get that?” Coppermane asked.

“And why should I tell you?” Jet asked.

“Um… I don’t know,” Coppermane said. “I-It just looks cool… I guess…”

Jet raised an eyebrow, and sighed with clear frustration.

“Well, if you must know, we found it in your friend’s home,” Jet said. “Not sure why these were laying around without being properly secured, but why am I complaining? It made it easier for us.”

“I’m sure were guarded fine until you decided to pull them out. They’re extremely dangerous you know.” Coppermane snarled.

“No, the only things that are dangerous are you and your friends. And since of you’re already out of the way, it's going to make our job easier. It's kind of funny really, since one of you has already been taken care of for us, it only leaves you nine left.” Jet snarled.

“Are you talking about the dead one? You’re sick,” Coppermane glared. “Wait… the rest of us? I swear, if you hurt my Fluttershy…”

“You know exactly what I mean. I can’t even believe I was even friends with that wretched little... traitor.” Jet said.

“Wait… friends?” Coppermane sputtered.

“That’s beside the point. He’s dead, and you’re going to come with me. And if you try anything, I will use this. And just to give you a little demonstration...” Jet said as he pointed to his right on into the alleyway completely darkened.

He pulled the trigger and a high powered bright blast fired off into the darkness. However, little did he know by that one shot, he set off a loud groan which scared both Jet and Coppermane.

Both of them froze from hearing the groan and their eyes looked at one another.

Jet nodded with a look of fear on his face. Curious, he shot into the alleyway again erupting the same groan, followed by the sight of a glowing demonic red eye.

“Ow...” the voice said.

Coppermane’s eyes widened. He recognized that voice from the night the monster tried to kill him.

Jet, scared out of his mind, fired another shot into the darkness which made him wince again and this time sent something bouncing onto the ground. A metal clanging could be heard and soon something slid across the concrete in front of Coppermane’s shoes.

He bent down to take a look and discovered it was the Alicorn Amulet gleaming bright gold with a bit of green blood on it.

“You’re the bastard that stole the Alicorn Amulet.” Coppermane muttered.

He reached out to grab it, but a metal hand yanked it away in a flash. Coppermane stood back up and stared down into the darkness as the one red glowing eye stared into their souls.

“Jet Set… Royal Pin…. Upper Crust…. Trenderhoof… Suri Polomare… Fleur De Lis… Neon Fricken Lights… who will die first? Only time will tell..”

Coppermane and Jet slowly backed away, realizing they were facing a mutual threat.

The eyes slowly got closer. Slowly, some defining features emerged from the shadows as it got closer and closer.

A figure finally stepped out of the darkness, roughly their same height but was completely covered in shadow. The only defining features seen were the gold Alicorn Amulet around his neck and his one eye.

“Well as much as I question who you are, I’ll kill you last!” Jet snarled as he pointed the light cannon towards Coppermane.

Coppermane braced himself for what would happen. He heard shots fired, but didn’t feel the impact. He opened his eyes to see the shadowed figure in front of him with some smoke billowing from him.

Coppermane just stared in disbelief.

“Did... did you just save me?” Coppermane asked.

“Get… behind… the car. Now!” he grunted.

Without question, Coppermane jumped and hid behind his car and watched as he slowly turned around to fight Jet.

“I don’t know who you are but I won’t let you interfere!” Jet barked.

The shadow figured wasted no time, and charged at him. They ran into each other, and began practically wrestling, waiting for the prime time when their weak points.

Coppermane then noticed that the shadow figured was removing one of the light cannons off his arm, and soon he tossed it behind him which landed on the hood of Coppermane’s car. Moving quickly, he grabbed it from the hood and strapped it onto his wrist and gripped the bar/trigger.

Once both figures were both off the ground, Jet began firing energy rounds towards the shadow figure. A shot hit the Alicorn Amulet perfectly, knocking it off the figure’s neck. Suddenly, the darkness around the figure vanished. No longer concealed by the shadows, the figure was completely visible. Jet gasped.

“You!” Jet shouted. “No… that's… that’s impossible!”

The no-longer-concealed figure’s eyes opened up. His right one was blood red, and the left one was a pitch black orb with an artificial looking yellow light in the middle. It even looked a little… corroded. Like metal.

He held the side of his stomach as he tried to stand up, while some blood leaked onto his hand. He had dark green skin, shredded short black pants, a ruffled-up tank top, a prosthetic, skeletal-like arm, and a similar looking prosthetic right foot.

He was demonized, weakened, and somehow still alive.

“Toxigo Paralysis?” Jet beckoned.

“Remarkable… isn’t it Jet Set?” Toxigo snarled.

“No… th-that’s impossible!” Jet cried.

Toxigo pulled the trigger, but none of the energy shots made contact with Jet’s body. His injuries rendered him unable to aim.

“Are you serious right now?” Jet uttered trying his best not to laugh.

Toxigo didn’t yield, continuing to fire, but his every shot sailed past him like all the rest.

The gun magazine ran out, and he quickly tried to reload, only to be shot in the chest by Jet Set, making him cry out.

“Urgh… Please… s-stop…” Toxigo wheezed.

“First you try to take us down, now you beg for mercy?” Jet said with a chuckle. He pointed the gun at Toxigo again. “I don’t think so.”

“I… I was trying to save you!” Tox stammered. “Cinch… needed… to be stopped! You were tampering with forces beyond your control!”

“You didn’t save anyone. You’re pathetic…” Jet uttered. He pulled the trigger again this time landing a shot to his face hitting his red eye.

“AGH!!!!” Toxigo yelled.

“If you can’t see, you can’t fight.” Jet laughed.

Jet reloaded his magazine and pointed the gun back at Toxigo.

“I’m going to enjoy this…” Jet said.

Jet was about to pull the trigger, but froze when he felt cold metal touch his temple.

“Put the gun down,” Coppermane said off to the side. Jet looked to his side to see Coppermane with the energy gun Toxigo threw in his hand. And the barrel was resting on Jet’s temple.

“And just what are you doing with that?” Jet remarked smirking.

“You pull the trigger, and I will too,” Coppermane said. “Put the gun down, and leave him alone.”

Jet saw nothing but ice in Coppermane’s eyes. He was serious.

What choice did he have, unless he wanted the streets to be painted with his blood. Jet lowered his gun.

“Leave. Now.” Coppermane snarled. “And don’t try anything. I will use this.”

Jet just simply snarled back and his attention turned to hearing Toxigo continuing to groan.

“I’ll be back,” Jet said. “And you won’t be so lucky.”

Jet didn’t waste any more time in rushing over to his car and driving away, leaving Coppermane and Toxigo alone.

Coppermane moved back and helped Toxigo get off the ground.

“Please…. Help… me…” Toxigo wheezed.

“Don’t worry, I’ll get you to a hospital.” Coppermane stammered.

Without any further question, Coppermane got Toxigo into his car and quickly sped off to the hospital.

Coppermane kept pacing back and forth in the waiting room, hoping Toxigo was okay.

It took a little longer than he would’ve liked, but a doctor eventually came out and approached Coppermane.

“How is he?” Coppermane asked.

“Your friend will be alright. It’s a good thing you got him here quickly,” the doctor said. “We just needed to patch up some wounds. He seems to have sustained a lot of damage throughout his life. He’s blind at the moment, as is bleeding quite a bit. He should be fine by tomorrow, though.”

“I allowed to see him?” Coppermane asked.

“Yes, you are. In fact, he requested that he see you,” the doctor said.

“Really?” Coppermane said. “Can you take me to him, please?”

“Absolutely,” the doctor said. “Right this way.”

Coppermane followed the doctor down to Toxigo’s room. He entered, and was a little surprised at everything Toxigo was hooked up to. He had an IV needle in his right arm, and a bandage wrapped around his head, as well as his shoulder where the border of flesh and his prosthetic limb existed. One more bandage was wrapped around his left eye, with the synthetic one still exposed. Coppermane has never seen anyone in such bad shape.

“Hey,” Coppermane said. “Y-You alright?”

Toxigo turned his head towards Coppermane, who winced a little at seeing his synthetic eye.

“I’m still breathing” Tox replied. “You… you are over there right?”

“Yeah,” Coppermane said. “Who are you?”

“Toxigo Paralysis.” replied Toxigo, coughing heavily.

Coppermane’s eyes went wide. “It really is you.”

“Yeah…” Tox said awkwardly.

Coppermane couldn’t believe his eyes. All of the things he heard about him about how great he was and how he died, he was actually right in front of him and he was alive. He’s heard from his friends about how amazing he was, and how heroic he was in sacrificing himself to save everyone. He never thought he’d actually meet him.

“Wow…” Coppermane said. “Well, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Coppermane.”

Coppermane then moved forward and shook hands with Tox’s metal hand.

“Coppermane, I’ve heard great things about you. Pleasure to finally meet you.” Tox replied weakly. “I remember Fluttershy couldn’t stop talking about you.”

Coppermane felt himself blush. “Really?”

Toxigo nodded. “She sure is a sweetheart.”

“Only the sweetest girl in the world,” Coppermane said.

Toxigo sighed. “I wish I could see.”

“The doctor said you should have your vision restored tomorrow,” Coppermane said. “But… everyone told me you were dead.”

“You actually believed I was dead?” Tox asked.

Coppermane nodded.

“Not to brag or be rude, but it takes a little more than a power overdose to stop me. I know that for a fact.” Tox boasted.

“Really?” Coppermane said. “That’s… that’s actually kind of freaky. And awesome.”

Tox just shrugged.

“But… how did you survive?”

“Do you have time for a story?” Tox asked.

Coppermane smiled. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Toxigo smiled. After being in hiding for so long, it was nice to have some company for a change.

“Very well… I believe I can explain. You know how I supposedly exploded from magic overdose?”

Coppermane nodded, taking a seat in a chair next to Toxigo’s bed.

“Well, I’m afraid you don’t know the whole story…”

Toxigo felt the magic surging through him, and the sheer levels of energy burned him. He could see his limbs starting to deteriorate.

“No… stay strong… hang in there…”

Toxigo clung onto life as the energy seared him. As he watched the arm that was fusing with the power, he had an idea. He used the power he already had, and fired it into the sky, ripping open a portal. Using what little and waning energy he had left, he removed the Alicorn Amulet from his neck, along with a slip of paper, and tossed it to the ground next to his prosthetic arm before it was covered with debris.

Using the energy, he soared up towards the portal in order to keep the explosion away from the town. But Queen Chrysalis was not far behind.

Toxigo crossed the portal, and looked back at Canterlot. He summoned all his strength and fired all his energy into the rift. The beam crossed the gateway into Equestria, and struck the ground with force comparable to a thermonuclear explosion, and the force knocked Toxigo out cold.

Toxigo awoke, his vision still blurry. Once his sight came into focus, he saw nothing but void, and felt the sensation of weightlessness. Indeed, he was floating in complete darkness. But he wasn’t alone. Looking around, he was able to make out some unconscious changelings, some debris, and…

“Queen Chrysalis,” Toxigo murmured. “Oh no...”

The Queen woke up, and her gaze landed on Toxigo. Once she saw him, her eyes flickered with rage.

“You…” Queen Chrysalis snarled. “You and your friends have ruined everything I’ve worked for! And now, you will suffer!”

Toxigo’s heart dropped. He didn’t realize until now that he was completely powerless. No Alicorn Amulet. Practically no magic. He was no match for Queen Chrysalis herself.

“I… I have to get out of here,” Toxigo panicked. Left with no other choice, he swam through the void with what little energy he had.

“You can never escape from me!”

Chrysalis fired green beams at Toxigo, making contact with his chest.

“ARGH!” Toxigo held his chest in pain, continuing to flee. “I can get us out of here! W-We don’t have to stay in this realm! J-Just stop!”

“Not so powerful without your precious necklace, are you? Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. But you… the void will be the last thing you see.”

With some quick thinking, Toxigo used his intact arm, and the residual energy he absorbed, and fired a beam into the shadows and ripped open another portal. He swam to the rift, closely pursued by Chrysalis. They crossed the boundary, and both began falling from the sky right above Canterlot.

Toxigo opened his eyes to find himself in a grassy field. Lying not too far from him was Queen Chrysalis. She wasn’t moving. Not even a twitch. He couldn’t even see breathing.

He caught a glimpse of her horn in his own hand, covered in green and red blood before he blacked out again.

“Everything else is a blur,” Toxigo said. “Though, I can vaguely waking up in an alley with… changeling skin. The doctor said he found a strange green substance in my system, but he said it was nothing harmless. Figured that would be cause for alarm in a hospital, but maybe I’m wrong. The stuff isn’t toxic, but I kind of assumed it would be affecting me somehow more… significantly.”

“I think it has,” Coppermane said.

“What do you mean?”

“You and I had an encounter last night,” Coppermane said. “You were this changeling, hybrid thing. That’s probably why you found the skin. From what we know, and what we believe, it was probably cooked up in the basement of… well… our new enemy.”

“New enemy?” Toxigo said. “Who?”

Coppermane cleared his throat. “You sure you want to know? You’re not going to like it.”

“Just tell me who it is,” Toxigo said. “They’re obviously a big threat. Just tell me.”

Coppermane sighed. “This world’s Sunset Shimmer.”

“What?” Toxigo said. “Why?”

“I wish I could answer that. We have no idea,” Coppermane said. “We’re trying to figure out a way to stop her. But hopefully with you back, you can help us.”

“I’ll do my best.” He was silent for a moment before sighing. “Is… Is Shimmercakes okay?”

“You mean Sunset? Our Sunset?” Coppermane asked.

Toxigo smiled. “Yeah. Is she okay?”

Coppermane sighed. “Honestly… no. She took your death really hard.”

Toxigo groaned. “I should’ve let her help me. I was only trying to keep her safe.”

“I think Sunset knows that,” Coppermane said.

“At least she’s safe,” Toxigo said, resting back on his pillow.

“Hey, Toxigo. I know we just met, but can I ask you something?” Coppermane asked.

“Ask away,” Toxigo replied.

“Does your voice always sound… raspy?” Coppermane hesitated.

“Not usually. The doctor gave me some medicine that should help clear it up a bit,” Toxigo said. “My eye’s just a permanent curse, though. It’ll probably be red forever.”

“Ouch. Sorry to hear that,” Coppermane said.

“Don’t be. I’ve gotten used to it.” Tox then thought for a moment. “Now, do you mind if I ask you something?”

“Uh… sure.” Coppermane replied.

Toxigo sighed. “I need to know something. You said I was the monster who attacked you, right? Aren’t you the least bit scared right now?”

Coppermane shook his head. “Why would I be scared? Should I be?”

“No no, it’s not that,” Toxigo said. “I just know I would be a little paranoid. That’s all.”

“I suppose you have a point,” Coppermane said. “But now I know you didn’t have control. And from what everyone’s told me, you seemed like a good guy. I know I’m looking at the real Toxigo now. And they weren’t wrong. You’re alright, Tox.”

Toxigo was silent for a moment, before giving him a small, yet sincere smile. “Thanks.”

“So, do you know when you’re going to be out?” Coppermane asked.

“They told me I should be fine by tomorrow,” Toxigo said. “But… if it’s not too much to ask… can you bring me some stuff?”

“What do you need?” Coppermane asked.

“I need a set of clothes,” Toxigo said. “There should be some at my dojo. If it’s still standing, that is.”

“Anything in particular?” Coppermane asked.

“Just a simple tank top, black pants, the small sheet attached with the belt, and some socks and underwear,” Toxigo said. “Something simple. I just need something clean.”

“I can bring it up tomorrow,” Coppermane said. “Does that work?”

“Perfect. Thanks,” Toxigo said. “There should be a key under the doormat, or in some pebbles near the pond.”

Suddenly, Toxigo’s stomach grumbled loudly.

Coppermane chuckled. “Want me to get you some food as well?”

“If it’s not too much trouble, that would be great,” Toxigo said.

“Anything specific?” Coppermane asked.

“Any place with burgers is fine. A cheeseburger, some fries, and a chocolate shake?” Toxigo said. “I’m in the mood for something greasy.”

Coppermane laughed. “I hear you. I think I know a place that delivers.” Coppermane got his phone out and called for delivery. A few minutes passed as Coppermane talked with them.

“Alright, they said it’ll be about 25 minutes or so,” Coppermane said. “They said they’ll call when they’re here.”

“Thank you so much,” Toxigo said. “I’ll pay you back.”

“I mean, you don’t have to,” Coppermane said. “But I certainly won’t stop you.”

Toxigo laughed. “I’ll pay you back. It’s the least I could do.”

“Sounds good,” Coppermane said.

“Oh, and… do you think you could stick around?” Toxigo asked. “I could use some company.”

Coppermane smiled. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Toxigo smiled. “Thanks.”

“Alright, food’s here,” Coppermane said, walking in with the food.

“Thank goodness,” Toxigo said. “I’m starving. This’ll be way better than anything they’d serve here.”

“No kidding,” Coppermane said.

“So… you and Fluttershy, huh?” Toxigo said.

Coppermane smiled and chuckled. “Yeah…”

“How did that happen?” Toxigo said. “Not to be mean, but she seems a little out of your league.”

“Oh, I know she’s out of my league,” Coppermane said. “But that only makes me love her more. Besides, she’s just the cutest thing ever. So sweet and kind, and the prettiest girl I’ve ever met.”

“Sounds just like how I feel about Shimmercakes,” Toxigo said.

Coppermane chuckled. “Where did that nickname come from?”

“Well, she’s sweet like… like cake,” Toxigo said. “She’s nice, sweet, pretty, and… the light that guides me. I’ve never met anyone like her.”

Suddenly, the sound of a door opening caught their attention.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but visiting hours are over, and I’m afraid Toxigo needs his rest,” the doctor said.

Toxigo groaned. “You sure he can’t stay for a few more minutes?”

“It’s fine, Toxigo,” Coppermane said. “I’ll be back first thing tomorrow. Besides, you’ll have your vision back tomorrow.”

Toxigo just sighed. “Alright…”

“Get some rest, alright?” Coppermane said.

Tox began stretching his arms and soon yawned. “If you say so. Wait, one more thing.”

“Yeah?” Coppermane asked.

“Can you maybe… not tell anyone that I’m alive?” Toxigo asked. “I just need to stay incognito for a little while.”

Coppermane smiled. “Yeah, sure. My lips are sealed. We should probably say something soon, though.”

“Oh, of course,” Toxigo said. “I’m thinking maybe on Monday?”

“Sounds good,” Coppermane said. “Just be ready for Pinkie Pie to throw a party.”

“I know,” Toxigo said, laughing.

“Good night, Tox,” Coppermane said.

“Goodnight, Coppermane. One last thing… thank you. You saved my life. I don’t know what I would have done if you didn’t stand up for me.”

Coppermane smiled. “Anything for a friend. See you later, Tox.”

Toxigo watched as Coppermane walked out of the room. The doctor closed the door, leaving him alone. He yawned loudly, realizing he was more tired than he thought. He laid his head back on the pillow, and slowly drifted off to sleep.

Toxigo found himself in nothing but pitch-blackness. He had no idea where he was, but he knew something wasn’t right. He looked around as many figured came into view. He was thrilled when he realized it was his friends.

Then his happiness came crashing down again when he saw their current state.

They were hanging‒all of them‒from nooses.

“What?” Toxigo panicked. “No! How?!”

“Because of me…” A voice bellowed from the darkness. A bug-like, equine creature with menacing green eyes emerged from the darkness, and stepped into the light.

“You?!” Toxigo cried. “No! That’s not possible! You were dead!”

The entity bellowed a ground-tremoring laugh. “I’m a part of you. You can never defeat me. I’ll always be with you. I AM you…”

“No… no, please!” Toxigo cried. “You’ve left me with nothing! Leave me alone! Get out of my head!”

“Your mind is MINE.”

A beam of light manifested on her horn, and fired at Toxigo.

“NO!!!” Toxigo screamed, sitting upright in his bed. He felt the cold air hit his sweat-drenched skin, sending chills through his body.

A dream? A nightmare? A vision? What was this?

Toxigo fell back on his pillow, now wide awake. It was impossible. Chrysalis was dead. He saw her. She couldn’t possibly…

Toxigo’s gaze was fixated on the ceiling. Sweat poured down his face as tears welled up in his eyes.

“I’m so sorry, Sunset…” Tox cried. “I… I failed…”