"I... am Smokestack."

The teen coughed some more, leaving Coppermane to stare at him with wide eyes in pure shock.

"S-Smokestack?"

The teen gave a nod.

"It really is you.”

“Yeah…” Smokestack said awkwardly.

Coppermane couldn’t believe his eyes. Smokestack was laying right here, right in front of 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 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 him. The teen however, unable to see didn't move.

"Oh, uh, I'm trying to... shake your hand."

Smokestack raised his left hand up.

"Other hand."

Smokestack raised the other hand up, allowing himself to shake hands with Coppermane.

“Wait... you said you were Coppermane, right?"

"Yeah, why?"

A smile appeared on Smokestack's face. "Coppermane. I think I've heard about you. You're Fluttershy's boyfriend, aren't you? I’ve heard great things about you. Pleasure to finally meet you.” Smokestack replied weakly, still coughing heavily. “I remember... I remember Fluttershy couldn’t stop talking about you.”

Coppermane felt himself blush. “Really?”

Smokestack nodded. “She goes on and on about you. She sure is a sweetheart.”

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

Smokestack sighed. “I wish I could see... that would make this a lot better. And now I think I'm gonna be blind the rest of my life...”

“The doctor said you should have your vision restored tomorrow,” Coppermane said. “But… wait, something doesn't add up. Everyone told me you were dead.”

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

Coppermane nodded.

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

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

Smokestack just shrugged.

“But… how did you survive?”

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

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

Smoketack smiled. After being lost, alone, and abandoned for so long, it was nice to have someone to call a friend by his side once again.

“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 Smokestack's bed.

“Well, I’m afraid you don’t know the whole story… And I'd like to ask that you try and listen as best as possible. Because this is where things get a little... complicated..."

"This raises my first question. How much do you truly know about me?" Smokestack asked.

"Well, I know you are actually a unicorn from Equestria, you had an artifact brought here which you used to try and get back at the Shadowbolts, and you took Flash and the Shadowbolts with you to Equestria to fight in a giant battle, and you sacrificed yourself to save those you loved. Am I right?" Coppermane asked.

"Yes, you are. But there's some more details that you need to know..."

Smokestack's body was squirming and writhing from the pain. He felt the magic from the artifact 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…”

"You see, what I failed to understand is I couldn't handle the power of that artifact. I thought if I could try and possess all of the energy, I could have at least saved everyone even Chrysalis's life from dying. But I didn't take in the fact that I am not a god, and therefore, I am not omnipotent." Smokestack explained.

Smokestack clung onto dear life as the energy seared him. As he watched one of his arms which was suffering from the power overload, he had an idea. With what little control he had, he attempted to raise his arms up to fire beams up into the skies. With a pure amount of luck, beams shot up into the sky, ripping open a portal. Using what waning energy he had left, he removed the artifact from his neck, along with a slip of paper, and let it drop to the ground before debris covered it

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.

Smokestack 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 him out cold.

"I don't know how long I was unconscious. I don't even know what kind of sick, twisted, realm I had shot myself in. But what I did know was, I had trapped myself with the last person I hoped to be trapped with..."

Smokestack 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,” Smokestack murmured. “Oh no...”

The Queen woke up, and her gaze landed on him. 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!”

Smokestack's heart dropped. He didn’t realize until now that he was completely powerless. No artifact, no remaining energy for a fight. He was no match for Queen Chrysalis herself.

Smokestack 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 Smokestack, making contact with his chest.

“ARGH!” He held his chest in pain, continuing to flee. “Chrysalis, wait! I-I think I can get us out of here! There might be a way for us to get out! 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.”

Smokestack felt all hope had been lost. He was about to die by Chrysalis's hooves. No more would he ever see the light of day, or whatever light he had inside. But wait a minute.

He looked up at his cracked horn. It was pumping with energy... the energy from the relic. This could be his one chance to escape!

With some quick thinking, he moved his 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.

"I barely remember anything outside of Chrysalis and I vanishing through the portal with the unconscious changelings, and me slowly transforming back into this human shell..."

Smokestack 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. The last thing he saw was a small portion of light shining his way before he blacked out again.

“Everything else is a blur." Smokestack said. "I don't remember anything that happened after that, where I went, or how I got in an alleyway with you and Jet Set. 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?”

“This is a little hard to explain. You and I had an encounter last night,” Coppermane said. “You were this changeling, hybrid, monster... 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… now, our new enemy.”

“New enemy?” Smokestack said. “What twisted force of evil has shown up this time?”

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

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

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

“What?” Smokestack 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 try my best.” He was silent for a moment before sighing. “Is… Is Shimmercakes okay?”

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

Smokestack smiled. “Yeah. Is she okay? Is she still as adorable as ever?”

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

Smokestack groaned and scrunched his face. “I should’ve let her help me. I shouldn't have pushed her away when she was trying to help I... I just... I was only trying to keep her safe.”

“I think Sunset knows that,” Coppermane said.

“At least she’s safe,” Smokestack said, resting back on his pillow. "But now, I've left her a broken heart that I can't repair..."

Coppermane frowned. But as he looked at the insufferable amount of wounds on the former unicorn, a thought came to his head.

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

“Ask away,” Smokestack replied.

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

Smokestack had a confused look. "Not... usually. Honestly, I've been hacking up a lot of stuff right now from all the pain. The doctor gave me some medicine that should help clear it up a bit,” Smokestack said.

“Well, hopefully your voice along with the rest of you will be back to health in no time.” Coppermane said with a hopeful smile.

Smokestack had a hopeful smile on his face too; then thought for a moment. “Now, do you mind if I ask you something?”

“Uh… sure.” Coppermane replied.

The temporarily blind teenager 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,” Smokestack said. “I just know I would be a little paranoid. You're not at all scared that I might possibly turn back into a monster? Or go insane?”

Coppermane took a minute or two to think of a reply. Eventually, he came up with a response.

“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 Smokestack now. And they weren’t wrong. You’re pretty cool, Smokie."

Smokestack 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.

“I do remember being told about tomorrow, since my eyes will be fully restored at this point.” Smokestack 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” Smokestack said. “There should be some at my house. If it’s still standing, that is.”

“Anything in particular?” Coppermane asked.

“I just need track pants, socks, underwear, a t-shirt, and if you can find a jacket, that'd be appreciated,” he said. "I just need something clean.”

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

“Perfect,” Smokestack said. “There should be a key under the doormat."

Suddenly, Smoketack'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." Smokestack said with a nervous chuckle.

“Anything specific?” Coppermane asked.

“I don't know, I guess I'm in the mood for something greasy and fat. I know, its not good, but right now I guess I could use a little something to feel a little better. Is there uh... any chance you could order a cheeseburger, some fries, and a chocolate shake?” Smokestack nerviously smiled.

Coppermane smiled back. “I'm not gonna judge you. Besides, 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 maybe 7 to 10 minutes or so,” Coppermane said. “They said they’ll call when they’re here.”

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

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

Smokestack laughed. "I'll pay you back, okay? Its the least I could do."

“Sounds good,” Coppermane said.

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

Coppermane smiled. “Smokestack, I promise you, I’m not going anywhere. You need a buddy to talk to, and I am more than willing to provide company.”

A heart-felt smile hit his face. “Thanks.”

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

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

“No kidding,” Coppermane said.

Coppermane pulled out the food and Smokestack instantly dug into the container that had his burger. And like a rabid animal he started gnawing away, admittedly making Coppermane a little worried. But he shrugged it off. It was probably a while since he had any actual food.

After a few minutes of eating, Smokestack cleared his throat to speak.

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

Coppermane smiled and chuckled. “Yeah…”

“How did that happen?” Smokestack said raising a brow. He couldn't see, but Coppermane could easily identify the face he was making. “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,” he said.

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

“Well, I don't know, she's... she’s sweet like… like cake,” Smokestack said. “She’s nice, sweet, pretty, and… the light that guides me, she's a shimmering sun. not to mention sunsets are amazing... but back to her, I just... 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 Smokestack needs his rest,” the doctor said.

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

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

He just sighed. “Alright…”

“Get some rest, alright?” Coppermane said.

Smokestack 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?” Smokestack 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. I’m thinking maybe on Monday?”

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

“I know,” Smokestack said, laughing.

“Good night, Smokie” Coppermane said.

“Goodnight, Coppermane. One last thing…"

Coppermane waited.

Smokestack gave a sincere smile. "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. Goodnight Smokie.”

Smoke 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.

Smoke 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?” Smokestack 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?!” He 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!” Smokestack cried. “You’ve left me with nothing! Leave me alone! Get out of my head!”

“Your mind is MINE.”

A green beam of light manifested on her horn, and fired upon Smokestack.

“NO!!!” Smokestack 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?

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

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

“I’m so sorry, Sunset…” Smokestack cried. “I... I promise I'll never let anyone hurt you... I... I swear...”

Comments? Please?