https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VUBnTzy_zsztVjOMagkMPnZKQNYPzMGwL-MXmZn5kOg/edit?hl=en_US&pli=1
(complete version)

Disclaimer: this is a My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic fanfic created by Hungarian Bronies. We did everything we could to make this as well as possible. Please don’t be too harsh on grammar or other errors.

Written by: HunBrony (a.k.a Czar Crystal)

Artwork and idea by: Füst Hoovekinz

Additional support by: MetalHooves, Stygian Bolt, ShyTales, Winged Justice Noi & Crosshair (thank you very much everypony!)

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is © Hasbro & Lauren Faust, 2010

All OCs are used with their creators’ permission.

The Dawn of the New World

The Sun was rising over Equestria as Celestia and Luna were standing on a balcony in Canterlot. The elder princess was doing her usual job of raising the sun watched by her eager sister. As soon as the sun was at the perfect position, Celestia turned around to walk into the castle, but her sister stopped her.

‘Hey sis, what’s the matter?’

‘What do you mean Luna?’

‘Are you crying?’

Celestia was surprised, but she realized that a tear has dropped on the floor of the balcony.
‘I can only think about how close we have been to extinction. But those dark times are over now. I should not mourn the past any longer.’

‘Celestia, it happened ten years ago. Look around, everything is alright. And it will be.’

Celestia said nothing. She turned her head around to look at the sun – her sun. She thought,
‘After all these years, it seems like it just happened yesterday…’

Chapter 1 – Beast within

Dusk. It was the best part of the day for him. He was trotting on the road from Ponyville to the Ever free forest. ‘Useless foal’ echoed the voice of his father in his mind, adding another painful memory. ‘This is the last time you ever spoke with me like that’ he thought. ‘One day I shall return and show you how powerful I really am.’

As he was thinking about this, he reached the edge of the forest. It was dark and intimidating for most ponies, but for him, it seemed like the beginning of a better life. ‘You wanted me to leave my home, to leave mom behind with you. I will never forgive you dad. Never. Useless? Pathetic? A shame to the family? One day you will regret all of this.’

The lonely earth pony was wondering aimlessly in the darkness. His green coat, his grey mane and his cutie mark – a yellow hookah – were already dirty. But he wanted not to give up, although he didn’t know where to go now. Without a home, family, friends, he wanted to find a place where he can be himself. No more playacting. No more useless quarrel with his father. No more tears in his mother’s eyes. He had to leave. But where to? He only packed some food and water, not enough to stay in the forest for too long. As he trotted deeper and deeper into the forest, he heard a loud roar nearby. As he was looking around, he spotted something he never thought to see: a Manticore. The beast was watching him since he entered the forest, following him silently among the trees. But now it was ready to kill the prey. The young colt’s instincts told him to run away as fast as he can, but he was still standing there, looking right into the eyes of the monster. ‘No more running! Time to stand up for myself!’ he thought. The Manticore started to run towards him roaring, readying it’s claws and stinger to deal with the bold colt.

‘Come on you monstrosity! Come and get me!’ he shouted, and he felt like he was burning from inside. ‘That’s it, just a little longer…’. He concentrated on his rage against his father. The anger he felt every time when he saw her mother crying. The days when he was lying in his bed, beaten by his father. He could feel every slap of his father, adding more fire to his burning soul. The monster almost reached him, but suddenly, just before it could strike, an immense flash lightened the entire area. As the light faded, only the echoes of a terrifying howl remained among the trees, dying away into the darkness of Luna’s night.

‘… wake up… please don’t die now… focus… doc, do something, he’s going to black out again…wake up damn it, don’t close your eyes…oh no…’

He was lying in a bed. The morning sun was shining through the windows as he opened his eyes. He didn’t know this place, but it looked like some kind of hospital. But not like the one in Ponyville. He tried to raise his head, but every part of his body ached.

‘Rise and shine, my friend’ said an unknown voice. He looked up, and saw a white colt with deep blue mane and a red cross as his cutie mark. ‘You really gave us a lot of trouble. How are you? And what were you doing in the Ever free forest in the middle of the night?’

‘Wh-where… where am I? And who are you?’

‘I am doctor Specter, and you are in the ‘New hope’ hospital in Mochaar. We’ve found you in the forest, right next to a Manticore’s burnt corpse. You are lucky to be alive. There must have been some kind of gas explosion. It’s rare, but not unknown in this part of the land. However, I still don’t know how you survived. The light of the explosion was bright enough to turn the night into day. And that sound… but enough of this. Who are you, my friend?

‘My name is…’

‘He’s awake at last!’ shouted a filly who just entered the room. She had a nurse cap, and was smiling widely. She was a unicorn with grey coat, white mane with a darker streak, and her eyes were shining like gold. As he turned his head to look at her, he saw her cutie mark: a bright silver star.

‘Nurse, our patient needs to rest. His wounds are not as bad as they were. Just a couple of hours and he will be able to leave. Let him rest now.’

‘No, I’m fine. Thanks for the help, but I should go.’

‘Not yet. Where do you live, Mr. …?’

‘Füst. My name is Füst. And I have nowhere to live.’

‘Why would you say that? Your parents must be worried about you by now.’

‘No. They don’t. And don’t even think about it doc, you won’t persuade me to change my mind. They left me, so I left them too.’

‘How could you even think of something like that!?’ the nurse asked angrily. ‘There is nothing as important as the family! How dare you…!’

‘Nurse, please. He is still a bit dazed. He needs more rest. We shall leave now. Have a good day Mr. Füst.’

When they left the room, Füst tried to get up, but even moving his head was painful. He could do nothing, but lay down. Moments later, he was sleeping again.

Next day, Füst has been released from the hospital. Doctor Specter had been questioning him about his home and family, but Füst didn’t want to answer. He wanted to know what happened to his stuff, because he had something important in it: a picture of his mother. It was his most precious posession. The doc told him they found nothing nearby, and that saddened him. That picture was his only link to his family. ‘As soon as I get out of here, I’ll start looking for it. I can’t leave it behind.’ While he was standing at the door, a grey unicorn pony stepped next to him. ‘She was the nurse who was so… happy to see me ok. Maybe I should talk to her.’

‘Hi Füst, I hope everything is alright with you.’

‘Yeah. I’m fine. By the way, what’s your name?’

‘Silver Star. You, on the other hand, have a really exciting name! Füst… I’ve never heard a name like that before. Where are you from?’

‘Nowhere. I don’t have a home.’

‘So… are you some kind of wanderer? I heard some stories about ponies who lived like this. They had no home, no family, no friends, nothing. A sad way of life if you ask me.’

‘Well, I may go now. I would like to see the rest of this place.’

‘I would be happy to escort you, but I still have to work. Maybe we could meet later. If you don’t mind of course.’

‘It would be great Silver. Goodbye.’ he replied with a smile.

‘Goodbye Füst! See you soon!’ Silver said to the leaving colt. ‘He looks so nice. Sure he is a little strange, but… can he be… can he be the one? Why do I like him that much? I think I’ll need to think about this…’ she thought as she walked back to work.

Having nothing better to do, he decided to explore the small town. It town was located near a great swamp, in a yet uncharted part of the Everfree forest. The buildings were built mainly from wood, but at the town center he discovered stone structures like the town hall, the blockhouse and the barracks. ‘Barracks? Why do they need a building like that?’ he thought. He became curious and walked to the building. The gates were open, so he peeked inside. He saw at least a dozen earth ponies practicing hoof-to-hoof combat, pegasus ponies exercising flight maneuvers and unicorns practicing magical attacks. He was so amused by the sight he didn’t notice one of the guards was trotting towards him.

‘Back off!’ he shouted, ‘No outsiders allowed here! Move along!’

‘Ok-ok, got it.’ Füst said. He turned around, but somepony collided with him hard. Both of them fell to the ground, rolling a few meters before they finally stopped at the docks nearby. As soon as he was able to get up – but he was still a bit dazed – he looked at the other pony. He was a blue earth pony with light brown mane and blue eyes. His cutie mark was rather unusual: it was a gear wheel.

‘Ooopsie. Sorry bro, I didn’t see you’ said the blue pony.’

‘How was that even possible you stupid foal, I…!’ Füst wanted to argue more, but he couldn’t. The other pony was staring at him with those big blue eyes; he looked so innocent that Füst started to feel guilty.

‘Oh Celestia please don’t look at me like that! Apology accepted ok? No harm done.’

‘Gee thanks bro. My name is Gear by the way. What’s your name?’

‘Füst.’

‘Füst? Cool. Where are you from?’

‘Why does everypony ask this?’ Füst thought. But soon he found a good answer.

‘The last thing I remember is a bright light, and then I woke up in the hospital.’

‘So you are the one, everypony is talking about! Is it true that you defeated a Manticore with your bare hooves?’

‘Maybe. Maybe not. I can’t remember.’ Füst looked away.

‘Awesome dude! Did you know that Manticore claws are strong enough to penetrate a basic magical shield? Or that their poison is used in black magic? Or…’ he tried to list, but Füst interrupted him.

‘Got it. Manticores are deadly. Don’t you know a place where I can eat? Because the ‘food’ in the hospital was barely edible.’

‘Why don’t you come with me? I’m a bit hungry too. We could eat in my lab!’ his face brightened up.

‘Your… what?’ Füst looked puzzlingly.

‘My lab! It’s also a workshop where I can work on new gadgets and things like that. I’m a bit of an inventor you know. ‘ his voice was full of pride.

‘Fine. Let’s go.’

They trotted through the town, and arrived at a secluded building at the edge of the swamp. Füst has never seen anything like it. It was a fairly large, wooden house with a water wheel and a small pier. Half of it was standing on poles, keeping it slightly above the water. Gear opened the door, and they walked in. Instantly, Füst spotted a large hole on the roof.

‘What about the roof? What happened here?’

‘Umm… I was working on a new machine which would help refining the water. But I… uhh… I think I’ve used more explosive gel than I should.’

‘Why the hay would somepony need explosive gel to get clean water?’ Füst raised an eyebrow.

‘I don’t now, but at first I thought it was a good idea.’

‘But… you know what, never mind. I’m too hungry to think about it now.’

‘Then let’s eat, shall we?’

With that Gear disappeared to the kitchen to find some food, leaving Füst alone in the lab. There he saw various machines, mechanical parts, metal and wooden pieces, work tools, bottles full of chemicals, potions and some books. Some of them were heavily modified versions of usual equipment, but there were a few experimental items with unknown functions. ‘I’ve never seen anypony like him’ he thought. ‘He created all these things without magic. He must be a very talented mechanic.’

‘Hey bro, the food is ready!’ came a happy voice from the kitchen.

Füst had to admit, Gear really was a great cook. After the delicious meal, he wanted to thank him and leave, but Gear stopped him.

‘Just where do you think you’re going?’ he asked.

‘Look, thanks for the food but I should go now. I don’t want to keep you up with your work. Besides, I’m not even your friend. I don’t deserve your kindness.’

Instead of answering him, Gear rushed to the other pony and gave him a big hug.

‘Ewww, what are you doing?!’ Füst was trying to free himself, but he had to give up. When Gear released him, he was confused, shocked but – awkwardly – happy. After all those years of fear and indignity, somepony (except his mom) showed him caring.

‘Ok. I’ll be your friend. And… thanks.’ Füst said with a faint smile.

‘No problem bro! We will be the best friends ever! Woohoo!’ Gear said with a big grin.

‘You know what? I think I kinda like this place. What would you say if I decide to live in this town?’

‘That would be the best idea ever! But you have to talk to our leader, Blackmane. You can find him at the town center.’

‘I’ll go then and see if I can be a resident here.’

‘See you later bro! I hope you’ll succeed!’ Gear said still smiling.

The sky was dark and the town was very quiet as Füst was trotting towards the town hall. Only a few ponies were on the streets, mostly guards and members of the local militia. ‘Strange. Why would they have so tight security? I should have asked Gear about it.’ Suddenly, he saw a familiar pony walking towards him. ‘Silver! Maybe she could explain this...’ As he was thinking about this, the grey unicorn already spotted him. She stopped immediately, having a mixed look of disbelief and curiosity in her eyes.

‘Hi Füst! How are you?’

‘I’m fine thanks. How is it going in the hospital?’

‘Not bad this time. But what about you? Why are you still here? Don’t you have a home to return to?’

‘Look, I left my past behind. I don’t have a home anymore.’

‘Then what about your family? I was there when you said they have left you. How could you say that?’

‘Because it’s the truth. I don’t want to argue with you about it.’

‘As you wish. Besides, we don’t have time for it, because…’

‘Get into your houses everypony! The curfew will begin in ten minutes! Anypony found on the streets without valid authorization will be brought in for questioning!’

‘Quickly, let’s go!’ the pony said waving to Füst, starting to gallop home.

‘Hey, wait! What’s going on? Where should I go?’ Füst asked while galloping after the grey filly.

‘Come on, follow me! I can explain all but we have to get to my home!’

A Pegasus pony flew over them, repeating the same warning they heard before. Other ponies wearing black capes were patrolling the streets, forcing everypony to go home without hesitation. They had no choice, but to run as fast as they could.

Luna’s night had already fallen on Mochaar when the two ponies reached their destination. They entered the house and the filly shut the door behind them. For a minute or so they were panting heavily, exhausted by the long sprint. Finally, Füst started to talk,

‘What is going on out there? Why do they need a curfew?’

‘Let me get something to eat first. Talking can wait.’

‘Anyway, thank you for getting me out of trouble, Silver Star.’

‘Don’t thank me Füst. My job is to take care of everypony in need.’

Again, Füst was alone in a foreign place. He decided to sit on a couch to have some rest. All the new experiences and events of the day took their toll on his stamina, and the long sprint from the guards was even more tiring. A couple minutes later, he was fast asleep.

He awake in the middle of the night. He had a nightmare again, but he was getting used to it. Whenever he had one, it was always about his father. At first, he felt like yesterday was just the pleasant part of the dream, but he was still in that couch. But he was not alone. On his left, he saw Silver Star, sleeping peacefully. It felt strange. Füst could not allow anypony to sleep with him. In fact, his father simply chased his friends away. The moon was shining through the window, embracing the filly in a beam of silver light. As Füst was looking at her, he had to admit that Silver Star was simply lovely. But at his first move, she woke up, slowly opening her eyes.

‘Mmmh… what… oh dear, I’m sorry Füst, I don’t now what came to me, I…’

‘Please calm down, Silver. No problem.’

‘I have a bed upstairs, but… I… I felt lonely. You know, I don’t have a partner and my parents are dead. I have nopony else to share my life with. All of my relatives gave their lives to protect Mochaar.’ she said with a sad tone, looking away.

‘From what?’

‘Gnolls.’ she said with disgust in her voice.

‘What are those things?’

‘They are savage, dog-like bandits living in the swamp. We have been fighting them ever since our ancestors came here and founded the town. That is why we need so many warriors. They never left the area, and are constantly attacking us. Mostly small raiding bands, but there is far more of them out in the wilderness.’

‘And what about the curfew? Why would they think that somepony is supporting your mortal enemy?’

‘Because a traitor was responsible for the battle where my parents were killed.’ she looked at Füst with a tear in her eye.

‘Who was it? Who could have done such a thing?’

‘We don’t exactly know who it was. He was a newcomer, just like you.’

‘If he was a newcomer, why do you care for me? I’m a stranger to you too.’

‘Because I was on patrol with some of the town militia at the time of the explosion. When I found you, you were barely breathing. I am a nurse and a field medic, and my duty is to protect and heal the wounded, the weak and all in need.’ Star said firmly.

They were silent for some time. Nor Füst, neither Silver could say a thing. Finally Füst broke the silence.

‘Were your parents warriors too?’

‘My father was a frontline fighter and my mother was a unicorn mage. A healer to be exact. They were both killed six months earlier, in an unusually vicious battle. The survivors told me that they fought bravely, until they met with the gnoll shaman. They told me their death was quick, worthy of any warrior. But still... as a fighter, I’m proud of them... but as a daughter, I miss them... I miss them so much...’

As she was telling the story, tears started to fall from her eyes. Moments later, she was sobbing inconsolably. Füst tried to calm her down by hugging her, letting her tears fall on his coat. Silver hugged him hard, and a few more minutes had to pass before the heavy sobbing became silent crying. She looked up with eyes reddened from tears and in the moonlight, it was like her eyes were sparkling like pure gold. Füst was unsure what to do. He could only remember how her mother comforted him when he was like this. He tried to give a small kiss to Silver’s cheek, but before he could react, Silver turned her face and pressed her lips to his mouth, hard. The kiss was unsure, but long and passionate; Füst’s eyes went wide as he felt a strange heat building up in his body. He was hesitant and shocked first, and then he closed his eyes, fully giving in for this new feeling of love. They held the kiss until they ran out of breath, and when their lips parted, both of them were blushing heavily.

‘Oh… well… I didn’t expected that’ Füst said, breaking the awkward silence.

‘I… heh… I think this was not bad. Was that your first time too?’

‘Well, it was’ Füst said shyly.

‘Then, do you mind if we… do it again?’ Silver asked. Füst said nothing, just gave her a wide smile and leaned forward.

As their lips met again, the whole world disappeared for the two lovers, and for them, the moon was shining brighter than ever that night.

The morning sun found its way through the room where Füst and Silver were sleeping. What happened last night was like a dream came true for both of them. Füst woke up first. He couldn’t remember how they ended up in Silver’s bed, but he didn’t care. He tried to sit up, but he remained where he was, because Silver was still hugging him. He felt better than ever and looking at his new lover, he knew he had to stay here. The painful memories of his past were fading away, the voice of his father became more and more silent in his mind with every passing moment.

‘I see you’re awake, darling’ Silver Star said after a yawn. She caressed Füst with her hooves while smiling at him. He blushed heavily, remembering the night that changed his life forever.

‘How are you?’

‘I feel better than ever. It was a wonderful night. I want you to stay with me. I don’t want to be alone anymore.’

‘Of course dear, I will be with you.’

Füst rolled onto his stomach trying to get up, but he couldn’t move any further. He was just lying there, and a sad thought appeared in his mind. ‘She is so kind to me… I want to spend the rest of my life with her. But what if anything happens to her? And if it happens because of me? How could I tell her what I really am? I don’t want to scare her, but… maybe she should know. Or not?’

He suddenly felt the touch of Silver’s body on his back. The filly of his dreams climbed on him, creating a loving, yet a bit awkward pose.

‘What’s wrong, pumpkin?’ she asked with a worried look.

Füst was close to telling her. To tell her everything. ‘Come on, it’s now or never! You can do it! You can…’

‘Nothing dear. Nothing at all.

‘Then don’t look so sad! Here, let me cheer you up!’

Silver gave a small kiss to Füst’s cheek as she rolled down from him, and after she was out of the bed, she walked to the bathroom to refresh herself. The young colt stayed in the bed for a while. He was smiling happily, but the sadness was still in his eyes.

He got up and walked downstairs into the kitchen to make some breakfast. As he was preparing everything he needed, he thought he should pay a visit in the town hall. He could not allow himself to be a stranger in this town after all.

After a short goodbye kiss and a tight hug, Füst and Silver went on their own way. Silver headed to work in the hospital, while Füst was walking towards the town hall. It was almost noon, and the town was full of ponies who were trotting about, going to their work, or shopping food and stuff for their families. Halfway there, he felt bitterness in his heart. He should have been happier then ever, because he wasn’t here for a long time, and he already gained a friend and a partner. ‘How long can I enjoy this? How long will it take for them to realize what I really am? I don’t want to break their hearts. Maybe staying here wasn’t such a great idea.’ He suddenly heard another voice in his head. ‘No. This is a great opportunity for you to have a great life! You can’t throw this away!’ It was his mother’s voice. She always wanted to grant her only foal a chance to have a better life. He could not deny her will. Füst suddenly remembered the lost picture, her mother’s smile crept in his mind. ‘I will find it. No matter the cost.’ As Füst was thinking, he did not realize that he already reached the town hall. He almost collided with the door, but he came to his senses, and trotted into the building.

The inner part of the town hall was magnificent. It was decorated with paintings and carpets, portraying famous ponies and events of the history of Mochaar. He found the door leading to the leader’s office closed, and it was guarded by two earth ponies wearing black armor and capes.

‘Hold it! No one can see our leader without authorization! State your business!’

‘I am Füst and I came here to inform your leader about…’

‘About my greatest invention!’ came a familiar voice from behind.

‘Gear? What are you doing here?’ Füst asked surprised, turning around.

‘Please forgive him, he is a bit lost in thought. We headed here together but I had to stop to grab some snack. Will you be so kind to let us in?’

The guards shared an all-knowing look, and one of them started to knock on the door.

‘Sir, Gear and his ‘friend’ want to speak with you. Should we let them in?’

‘Oh no, I wonder what he brought this time. *sigh* Alright let them in!’

‘As you wish’ said the guard and opened the door. ‘You can proceed, but don’t do anything stupid. And Gear, if you destroy the roof one more time…’

‘I know, I know, you will throw me out and I can never return here.’

‘Also watch for your friend, we don’t like trouble makers.’

‘Will do! Let’s go bro!’ Gear said happily.

The two friends walked into the office. It was a large, round room with bookshelves, lamps and a large desk. Behind it were a big window, and the banner of Mochaar. The flag was yellow, adorn with an image of a black alicorn with a red cape fighting with dog-like creatures. Then they saw the leader, and Füst began to tremble in fear. He was like a legendary hero of the distant past: a huge, strong pegasus stallion with a black coat, red mane and had a red lightning bolt cutie mark. Even his always enthusiastic friend had the smile frozen on his face. But for Füst, he looked like his father.
‘What do you want, my faithful servants?’

‘Greetings to you, great Blackmane. I’m sorry to interrupt you, but I have something new to ease the lives of your people. With this device, anypony can make better use of weapons and precise equipment.’

Blackmane raised an eyebrow ‘Show me.’

‘Here it is!’ he shouted happily, holding a little plastic thing which looked like two adjustable rings.

‘What is this?’ asked Blackmane.

‘I call it the Click-switch! Umm, let’s see… Do you have a stick or something?’

Blackmane said nothing. He walked to the door, where he had a wall mount full of weapons. He took a spear in his mouth and threw it to Gear. The spear landed on the floor, and after the first shock, Gear began to work. He pulled the click-switch on his right foreleg, picked up the spear with his mouth and pulled it into the other ring. He slightly adjusted it with his mouth, and a moment later he was holding the weapon tightly.

‘Tadaa! Would you like me to show you how skilled I am?’

‘Don’t even think about it Gear! Last time you said that, I’ve lost my ceiling!’

‘Ok. Hey bro, what do you think? Isn’t this awesome?’

Füst did not respond. He was still trembling and sweating. When Blackmane stepped closer, it only intensified.

‘Do you have a problem, son?’ he asked.

‘Do you have a problem, son?... Do you have a problem, son?... Do you have a problem, son?... the question echoed in Füst’s mind – in his father’s voice. ‘You will have problems soon, pathetic foal! Do you hear me, idiot? No one will save you this time! After this, you will regret you’ve even born...!’

Not being able to keep himself together, Füst fainted, hitting the floor. All he was able to hear is a mess of scrambled voices, and then the darkness absorbed him.

When he woke up, he was still in the leader’s office. Gear was still with him, but he couldn’t see Blackmane or any of the guards. When he tried to sit up, his friend was already there to help him,

‘Boy am I glad to see you’re ok, bro! What happened?’

‘I don’t know.’ (‘He must not know it! I can’t tell him yet!)

‘Well, whatever it was, get yourself ready! The town is under attack, and Blackmane needs everypony to aid the defenders!’

‘I’m not a warrior, I don’t know what I could do out there!’

‘This is some real action bro! We can’t miss it! Besides, you still don’t live here. If they find you here when the fight is done, even your blackout won’t be a good reason to save yourself.’

‘Alright then, lead the way Gear!’

The two earth ponies rushed out of the building, searching for the battlefield. Without warning, a pegasus pony in the clothes of the militia flew over them, shouting:

‘The enemy has breached the walls near the silos! I repeat: the walls near the silos have been breached! All ponies able to fight on must get there without hesitation!’

‘You heard him, let’s go!’ Gear said while galloping towards the silos.

They made their way to the silos, guided by the smoke clouds rising from the area. When they reached the end of the road, they stopped and watched in awe: ponies and stallions, earth ponies, unicorns and pegasi were fighting large dog-like creatures. Those things were fighting with makeshift weaponry, rocks, or bare hooves and teeth. There wasn’t too many of them, but as soon as one of them was killed or incapacitated, another one appeared, jumping through the hole in the palisade. The field was dotted with corpses and they heard death screams and painful wailing. Some of the gnolls had bows and poisoned arrows, and were shooting the pegasi ponies who were flying above them. As they were watching, one of them was hit by an arrow and the poor creature fell to the ground.

‘Don’t just stand there, come on and fight!’ said a pony who ran past them, leading a new squad of earth ponies and unicorns into the battle. ‘Into the fray my fellow warriors! Teach those beasts a lesson they will never forget!’

‘Come on Füst, we have to help!’

‘But I… I…’

‘You’ve beaten a Manticore remember? These dogs are nothing for you!’

Gear galloped towards the battle, and Füst noticed his legs have their own will. He was running behind his friend, right into the fight.

A gnoll with a spear was his first victim. The creature wanted to stab him, but he was faster, and bucked it hard. The kick hit the gnoll’s head and the beast collapsed to the ground. As he was looking at the immobile body, another gnoll appeared. It must have been some kind of leader, because it was wearing a pony’s skull and some bones as trophies. The beast ran towards him with a terrifying war cry, and Füst was so afraid he couldn’t do anything. But luck was on his side today: a unicorn pony sliced the gnoll with a magic sword. Right after his victory, an arrow hit his chest, killing him immediately. Füst shook his head and headed to the breach where he last saw Gear. Instead, he found Blackmane. The leader of Mochaar was surrounded by at least ten gnolls, his bodyguards were either slain or scattered throughout the battlefield. Then he spotted Gear, who was charging right towards the beasts encircling the lone warrior.

‘Gear, watch out, I’m coming too!’ he shouted while sprinting there. Together they were able to distract the gnolls, leaving Blackmane time to take them out one by one.

‘Thanks for your help. Now go and show these abominations some real fight!’

The two gave a loud war cry, and galloped into the midst of the battle. They worked as one, kicking and smashing through the enemy. Füst’s body was full of adrenaline; he wanted nothing but to fight and to prove. His power. His worth. But then he saw something. A very familiar unicorn was lying on the ground, the grey coat was covered with scars. He saw a growing pool of blood at the body. Füst stopped dead on his track. ‘Can this be… no… no… it can’t be her…’

‘Sil…Sil…Silver? Silver!? Noooooo!’

While Füst was making his way to the unicorn, a gnoll jumped at the body, readying it’s curved knife to cut the bleeding pony.

‘Don’t dare to touch her!’ Füst shouted, trembling with rage. He felt the intense heat of his anger filling his body. His wrath was consuming him. He could feel the change.

He was always cautious. He knew where to stop. But this time, the fear of death and the intense rush of adrenaline were almost too much for him to handle. However, he was able to control it.

Until now.

‘Silver… what have they done to you? Why wasn’t I here to protect you? Please don’t die my love, please don’t do this to me… They will suffer for this! All of them will die!’ Seeing her beloved Silver Star like this was the last straw. He shouted like a monster, and his body began to change. He started to grow, and soon he was bigger then the tallest stallions. His green coat disappeared, turned into a dark, black coat of fur. Simultaneously his white mane and tail burst into flames, his brown eyes were now raging with elemental fire. Even his cutie mark changed: the yellow hookah became a triangle, with an eye in it. The very earth itself vaporized under his flaming hooves. He looked at the gnoll, who was already shaking with fear, the blade fell from it’s hand, and it was kneeling on the ground. The new creature stepped closer.

‘I TOLD YOU NOT TO TOUCH HER! TIME TO DIE WEAKLING!’ he raised his head, opened his mouth, and sprayed flame towards the gnoll. The beast had no time to scream or run away. A moment later, all that was left from it was a small pile of ash.

Gear stood shocked. He saw everything. He knew his friend was not a common pony, but this… this was way beyond his wildest suspicions. Back in his lab, he read about an extremely rare pony species who were part pony and part fire. They called themselves…

Dreads. They were monstrous beings roaming Equestria in the ancient times, long before the leadership of the two princesses. Everypony thought they were extinct. But now, one of them was standing in front of him. Gear slowly walked to him asking,

‘Füst? Is that you? What happened with you?’

The Dread lowered his head and said,

‘MY NAME IS VOLTUROUS. BUT THERE IS NO TIME TO TALK LITTLE PONY’ the Dread looked at the gnolls. ‘MANY BEASTS NEED TO BE VANQUISHED TODAY!’

The Dread stepped forward again, and the gnolls before him began to slowly retreat. He smiled at the sight of the intimidated enemy. He shouted his wrath into the smoke-filled sky, and sprinted towards them like an inferno. Screams of dying gnolls filled the battlefield, and the surviving pony warriors stood mesmerized at the sight. They only saw a demon appearing from nowhere, and now it was scorching the entire gnoll army.

‘Yes… he is perfect… he will be the chosen one… time to take the first step… Equality shall be… perfect…’

End of Chapter 1.