This is the start of a halloween crossover special! Make sure to head over here if you want to read more!

https://www.fimfiction.net/story/544884/crossing-swords

For the first time, in a very long time, I relaxed, and reclined in a chair, though like me, it was made from stone. Despite that, it was still quite comfortable, probably due to the fact that I was currently inhabiting a relatively small form. Made mostly from lava rock, and a collection of other lightweight, and porous materials it didn't look the greatest but I also didn't break everything I sat on.

With my mind wandering to the various forms I had under construction, I watched as my ponies moved about. Going from the caves to the plains I noticed that there were a few canid forms amid them and reminded myself that they weren't just ponies. Diamond Dogs though few in number, were becoming an increasingly common sight in the small colony we had established.

It was a joyful sight, and I could tell that joy seeped into the various individuals I observed moving around. None were quick to go back to work, nor did those assigned to watch over them seem to want to push their workers. That was to be expected, they had just finished the biggest celebration our little town had ever thrown just a day earlier.

The work orders had already been halved, with those who did decide to lend a hoof doing so mostly out of a desire for routine. I couldn't deny them, plus there was still lots to do, so I simply watched, and waited, thinking about future plans.

My mind immediately went to the assault walker I had been formulating at the back of my mind. I had begun forming it but wasn't quite sure of the specifics, though I did know its ultimate purpose. Siege breaking and long-range support, and to that end I had made it have far wider shoulders than any that came before.

So wide were the shoulders that the head stuck out of the middle section like the body had a hunch or something. It was slightly silly, but once complete, would be able to sport two ballistas, one on each shoulder. Either that or a single trebuchet, though I was still struggling with how to fit all that on top of a body as such a task was beyond me.

As I thought about that little issue, and watched my charges, I felt a new presence pop up somewhere nearby. It felt like a pony, moved like a pony, but it was also wrong for some reason I couldn't quite place. The individual in question came into view a moment later, setting my mind at ease somewhat.

A small, effeminate stallion with orange fur, and a mohawk of mostly red, but with that same gold mixed in, he certainly didn't seem intimidating. His green eyes radiated a gentle mirth, though there was an edge there that I immediately took note of. Glancing at his flank, I could see that his cutie mark was that of a jester’s stick, a short pole with a plush head, and plenty of bells.

“I got a pretty hot flank, eh?” he teased, wiggling his backside at me.

“Apologies,” I opened. “I haven't seen you around before and I was curious.”

“Hey no problem,” he replied, trotting the rest of the way up to me. “And yeah, I just got here.”

“From a caravan, or?” I inquired.

“Yes, though it was attacked by do badders out by the pass thingy over there,” he exclaimed, waving a hoof over in the direction of the outpost I had ordered built.

“Really now,” I muttered. “You seem rather relaxed despite apparently being the only survivor.”

“Oh yeah I think I’m still in shock,” he offered. “Oh, and the name’s Jest by the way.”

“Okay, so where did you last see these marauders,” I pressed.

“Oooh marauders, that's a good word,” Jest commented.

“Your friends,” I redirected.

“Right, yeah my associates, they were last spotted heading back out of the valley, but I saw that there was a camp that way,” he answered.

“Which means that they may still be near,” I murmured, rising from my chair. “Could you guide me to them?”

“Yeah totally!” Jest declared.

“Wonderful, then please do so,” I encouraged.

Jest stuck out his hoof. “I’m glad you decided to help, put ‘er there.”

I wish I could blink, or mimic a look of amused confusion though this body had minimal facial features it could muster.

“Don't look at me like that. Just shake my hoof,” Jest whined, waving the limb about wildly.

“I suppose if that would make you feel better,” I murmured.

“It would, here, let's shake on it,” Jest exclaimed.

I had some strange feelings about this, but for some reason, I didn't seem able to stop myself. I reached forward and shook his hoof. I was about to take my hand back when I felt like it was locked in place, his strange, fiery eyes staring into mine.

“With this, the bargain is sealed. You will assist me with the task at hoof, and for your assistance, I shall grant you a boon,” Jest whispered in a low, menacing tone.

“Uhh,” was all I could muster.

“Don't speak, just think about what form you wish to bring with you. I wouldn't want you to go into battle with this… weak body,” Jest murmured, looking at my stony physique up and down.

My mind whirled, and though I wanted to resist, to fight him, I again couldn't help but feel my thoughts drawn to my last body. It wasn't quite done, namely, it had no extra layers of protection or shoulder-mounted siege weapons but it was by far the largest.

“An excellent selection,” Jest remarked. “You will make a fine team.”

“Wait, team?” I exclaimed aloud.

No sooner had the words left my metaphorical mouth before I fell into some manner of pit that had opened beneath me. The mid-afternoon soon vanished, along with the rest of the world, the portal closing the moment I was out of view. Then I was weightless, trapped in the familiar void between words though thankfully that didn't last long.

What came next was perhaps the most confusing moments of my second life.

(Want to find out how this ends? Head over here!