War Attempt (Read at your own risk)(sherm/aether)

AFLiM 5: The Return (sherm/aether crossover)

INTRO (Shermanator)
>I've never really bothered keeping a journal before
>I suppose a lot of my issues would have been avoided if I had
>I just never really considered it
>I was never really one for thinking in the long term. I guess by now that's common knowledge
>One of the many lessons the people of this world taught me is to not be so stupid
>That was a lesson taught to me through a dream
>I'm not sure who cast the spell, but whoever it was should be assured that the effect was profound
>It wasn't until all those involved with this cataclysmic event were asked to record their experiences for the Canterlot Historical Archives that I got started on this
>This request makes sense. The world changed so much during this horrible time
>You will have to excuse any shortcomings. I was always a human being of few words; both spoken and written
>But for the sake of you, my fellow sapients, I will do my best to overcome my limitations as a story teller
>But, while this is an after-the-fact indictment of the events described herein...
>I am confident that cross referencing with my compatriots works' will reveal my genuine honesty
>I have no reason to try and revise what I have been through
>I have no reason to try and tell anyone that things went differently
>None of us did, and none of us do
>But I suppose I'll leave that up to the academics of future generations
>Let it be known that while this is where I choose to start, for it is when I effectively got involved,
>It is not the beginning of my personal odyssey
>Nor, by any means, was it the beginning of the struggle that befell what became my beloved homeland
>For that sort of information, I will refer you to Volumes I through IV of the accounts penned and recorded by the human who eventually became known as Aether
>I think he and I agree in that while your world has been the best thing to happen to either of us...
>We are also endlessly apologetic for the catastrophe that he and I, in our all-too-human ignorance, set in motion
>May future generations forgive us

(AETHER)
>Let’s do a quick recap shall we?
>You get burned by a plate eating unicorn named Wuten
>You made Wuten kill himself on accident thus capturing Manehattan
>Luna tells you about the current situation as far as troops were concerned and Rainbow’s loss at Fillydelphia
>That night Discord brings your paranoia and anger to life when he makes you experience the night mare of your bro dying
>Within this new found paranoia and anger you harness Luna’s magic to arrive in Fillydelphia during the night
>While there you engage in combat with the two leaders that beat back your bro: Commanders Filly and Duke
>You eventually defeat Filly and Duke, permanently crippling one while internally wounding the other
>Your concern for your Rainbro brought you to her encampment after the fight
>Your fears are put to rest when you see that she’s okay, though the loss of her eye only serves to fuel your anger further
>After being patched up by the medic within the encampment you made your way back to Manehattan
>Along the way you were unwittingly brought before Atlas through the means of chaos
>His overall demeanor put you off guard to say the least
>Discord’s own shadow willing to end Discord?
>The what the fuck moment took a new turn when Atlas revealed his ruling over Tartarus
>When he proved it by summoning the gates your jimmies became quite rustled
>His mention of a weapon held within tartarus capable of defeating Discord at his stage of power threw you for a loop
>You agreed to assist Atlas in retrieving this weapon
>Though his mention of being useless within Tartarus was off putting to say the least
>You were the only one capable of magic within the group now
>[Present Time]
>Tartarus, the afterlife for those within the realm of equestria
>A bleak wasteland, rolling hills of nothing but sand
>Luna’s moon hung within this sky, giving the sand a pale glow
>You felt the sand in between your toes as you walked
>The chilling cold that came from a night desert was quite off putting
>Such emptiness, the void was maddening
>Little clothing did nothing to help your chill
>Eventually you were forced to draw attention to yourself by using Luna’s Aura
>At least you’re now warm, despite glowing within your wasteland
>As you walk Atlas informs you that you will view Tartarus differently from others
>No one will experience Tartarus in the same way
>You, being a glowing blue bastion of life among the pale dead sands of perpetual night will only be experienced by you and you alone
>Atlas said to keep following him so that he could lead you to the section where the weapon of tartarus laid within
>Eventually the sands ended and another tartarus began
>Atlas said that this representation was brought forth by the weapon itself
>All can view it, all can access it
>The Weapon is an anomaly within a place such as this
> As you entered this new plain of Tartarus Atlas began to gallop in a random direction, you were close behind the entire time
>Eventually you reach a sight that strikes shock in to your sound mind
>A human, that’s right a human, chained up, bound, being beaten by a small dog in mobster’s clothing
>A second one of close height stood next to him, watching with amusement
>Atlas informs you that this human is the weapon to which he referred
>You were not about to have a human experience any sort of hell if you help it
>His personal Tartarus could not compare to yours in any way
>No one deserved this…..
>You spring in to action, allowing your presence to be known via unleashing it in its entirety
>You were going in to this at 100% out of desperation to free someone
>You succeeded in catching their attention
>Using your magic you free this human
>immediately your freed friend goes to work
>Beating the dog that beat him
>Oh the irony
>When the taller of the two turned to face this human I stabbed the taller dog in the back
>I felt his heart be torn asunder when I pierced him with Luna’s Gift
>With the two dogs dispatched I looked upon this human up close
“It appears as though I’m not the only human after all.”
>The relief washes over the face of the human when he realizes his hell is finally over
>This new human falls forward
>Atlas is sure to catch him
>With this human now resting upon the wings of this strong….abomination you and Atlas make your way back to Tartarus’ gates
>Along the way this Human comes back in to consciousness
"I'm sure you have a lot of questions, as do I. However I wish to catch you up to speed with what's happened first so...ask away."




(Sherman)
>I've never really bothered keeping a journal before
>I suppose a lot of my issues would have been avoided if I had
>I just never really considered it
>I was never really one for thinking in the long term. I guess by now that's common knowledge
>One of the many lessons the people of this world taught me is to not be so stupid
>That was a lesson taught to me through a dream
>I'm not sure who cast the spell, but whoever it was should be assured that the effect was profound
>It wasn't until all those involved with this cataclysmic event were asked to record their experiences for the Canterlot Historical Archives that I got started on this
>This request makes sense. The world changed so much during this horrible time
>You will have to excuse any shortcomings. I was always a human being of few words; both spoken and written
>But for the sake of you, my fellow sapients, I will do my best to overcome my limitations as a story teller
>But, while this is an after-the-fact indictment of the events described herein...
>I am confident that cross referencing with my compatriots works' will reveal my genuine honesty
>I have no reason to try and revise what I have been through
>I have no reason to try and tell anyone that things went differently
>None of us did, and none of us do
>But I suppose I'll leave that up to the academics of future generations
>Let it be known that while this is where I choose to start, for it is when I effectively got involved,
>It is not the beginning of my personal odyssey
>Nor, by any means, was it the beginning of the struggle that befell what became my beloved homeland
>For that sort of information, I will refer you to Volumes I through IV of the accounts penned and recorded by the human who eventually became known as Aether

>I think he and I agree in that while your world has been the best thing to happen to either of us...
>We are also endlessly apologetic for the catastrophe that he and I, in our all-too-human ignorance, set in motion
>May future generations forgive us

>After Aether freed me from my heavy bindings, I had for a brief moment thought it was all over
>I have survived Tartarus
>Just what, in Celestia's divine name, could the cosmos possibly have in store for me to top that?
>To this very day, I actively refuse to describe Tartarus in too much detail
>And that is only because the very act of remembering it causes me intense physical and psychological trauma
>I realize that might disappoint some of the more curious scholars who may be looking upon this work
>For you, my friends, I will simply say that this
>In one thousand eternities, you would not feel an equal amount of pain to one moment in the blasted plains of Tartarus
>While I was at first disappointed that I wasn't being delivered from my fate by a familiar face
>I was so hopeful that I would be whisked away to a promised land where I could enjoy the friendships I had hungered for, for all this time
>Alas, fate saw fit to cast me in a new role
>A supporting one, this time around
>Along side Aether
>But first?
>I passed out

>I woke up after an undetermined amount of time passed
>They were moving me
>To where? I did not know
>But anywhere would be better than Tartarus
>My saviors were good enough to stop and allow me to gather myself
>Tartarus had changed, by this time. No longer the infernal plains of my eternal agony
>I found this to be... oddly soothing


>But I suppose, in hindsight, that's just because of what I lived before hand
>My fellow human was less thrilled with this whole thing
>I struggled to find words
>It has been so long
>How do humans interact?
>I wanted to make a good first impression
>Luckily, he spoke first
>I still, even to this day, thank him for that
>"I'm sure you have a lot of questions, as do I. However I wish to catch you up to speed with what's happened first so...ask away."
>He asked
I...
>I stuttered, not wanting to come off as crass, not wanting to be ungrateful
Oh, by Celestia!
>I finally gave in and threw my hands up
Thank you! Thank you, you... who are you?
>He smiled, possibly amused to see someone so low bounce back to such high spirits so quick
>“They call me Anonymous.”
...What?
>I couldn't comprehend
>He canted his head, and I could see his cheeks rise at my inquiry
They also call... called... me Anonymous
>“...Yeah... I can already tell this shit is going to get annoying real fast...”
>He had a looser tongue than I did. I didn't mind, in fact, I was thankful for it
>But I just raised a hand to my lips, glaring at him in desperation
>I was never good with awkward situations
>Again, he came up with the solution
“...Aether”
I squinted my eyes
“Surrounded by all of this, it is the first thing I can think of. Call me Aether.”
Aether...
>I repeated
>So, what would my surrogate name be?
>Would I have on to Anonymous?
>No. If he had to sacrifice his identity, I would as well
>I thought, as hard as I could
S..sher..man? Sherman? Is that okay?
>He reeled back and gave an awkward laugh
>His little companion chuckled
> “That's....no...just no. Trust me.”
>At that time, I didn't know why


>“How about Shermanon?”
>Aether suggested
>I agreed with a smile and a nod
I thought I was the only one. The only human, I mean.
>I spoke through my gnarly beard
>“I thought I was the only one, too. But apparently, we're not.”
How... how long have I been here? It felt like...
>My breath fell short. My concept of time was already shaky, and this place did not help
>He crossed his arms, bringing one hand up to his chin in concentration
>“Well, I do not know how long you have been in Equestria...”
>I quickly gave him a rough approximation
A couple months, and then, well...
>I allowed him to assume. A couple months, and then this anguish
>“Assuming that came one after another...”
>He reasoned, audibly
>“I've been in Equestria for a little over a year”
>My eyes widened, and I recoiled onto my left leg
>The conclusion that he was drawing was impossible
“...You must have been here for a good thirteen, maybe fourteen months”
>I was speechless
>Over a year of constant torment
>So much agony
>I didn't know if I should feel proud that I have managed to maintain a grip on what was left of my sanity,
>Or if I should be shaken down to my core
>I closed my arms around myself. The later was predominant
>Every whip, every beating, was fresh in my mind
>He looked on me with genuine sorrow
>I did not blame him for what I did to myself
Is there, is-is-
>I stuttered, uncontrollably
There news from the outside? Do you know Twilight Sparkle? What of Celestia? Rainbow Dash?
Do you know them? I have to know!
>"It's all Discord's fault....and my fault.”

What? Who's Discord?
>I didn't think much of it
>My attention was on Aether
>But Atlas looked up at me, then, wearing an exceptionally quizzical look on his abominable features
>"Discord, the God of Chaos, a creature pieced together like the one that's carrying you, except much much worse.”
>"Discord....is the reason for the sorrow of a lot of ponies as of late
Well, then... who's he?
>I motioned to the chimera
>"Atlas the Abomination, Discord's own shadow, you could say its his son."
>Immediately, Atlas spoke up. Obviously put off
>"Don't relate me to that pompus prick. Now pick up the pace you got what we came here for I'd rather not procrastinate"
>"What's your rush?"
>Aether responded
>I looked between the two
>"Don't you think The Dog Father's men don't know what happened? They'll be after us eventually."
>Seeing Atlas' point, Aether returned his attention to me
>"I'd rather not fight any more of those things."
>"If you have anything else to ask now's the time Shermanon."
>I became stressed, worried. My friends; were they alright? I began to speak up
>But, just then, a heavy bolt of hellish rock lanced from the sky and shunted into the ground adjacent to us
>Our eyes widened, and we looked behind us
>No more than one hundred yards off, there was a cadre of mobsters in hot pursuit
>You knew full well that the Dog Father wasn't actually dead. Tartarus refuses the sweet release of death to its prisoners
>But if they caught us...
>Another bolt sailed through the air, slamming into the ground at my feet
Nevermind! You can explain it on the way.

(Aether)
>God this sucks
>Really, this couldn’t get any worse for you
>With Atlas being unable to use his magic he isn’t able to keep up the pace with you with Shermanon on his back
>These Mob Dogs didn’t know how to leave well enough alone
>They began to bombard your group with a stream of hellfire
>The best you could do was give Atlas some time to run while you returned fire with Luna’s Magic
>Unfortunately you’re not as powerful as Luna, you can’t completely stop their magic
>No, even if you were Luna it wouldn’t be enough, not even she can stand to the corruption that Tartarus brings
>A soul unfortunate enough to spend extended periods of time within this hell will be warped
>this is why these dogs have this power, the corruption gives its inhabitants a means to hope for escape.
>If what Atlas said is true, then this weap- human has already been exposed to Tartarus’ hellish charms
>He may need to be…pacified for the time being…can’t have him discovering his corruption just yet
>you know its dishonest, but if you and Atlas are to reintroduce Shermanon to Equestria’s inhabitants you two can’t have him going to….’his place’ so easily.
>This is something only Celestia can stop, something only she can help against
>Unfortunately for you that same being is currently your enemy
>Something you brought upon myself, for being too weak, for being merely human
>With Luna’s Magic and Luna’s Gift you intended to change that part of yourself, to become something more than just ‘human’ but that’s a story saved for another time
>Right now your ass is on fire YET A-FUCKING-GAIN!
>Fuck these dogs, seriously fuck them
>As your group near the gates leading out Cerberus swings in to action
>Immediately this dog leapt clear over the three of you and landed right where we had came from, intent on stopping the Mob Dog’s advances
>Atlas truly was this realm’s master if he was able to get the ‘guardian’ to obey him upon thought alone
>He may need to be…taken care of in the near future
>You’re still unsure as to whether Atlas has been telling you the entire whole truth or not
>Even if he’s looking to end Discord, Atlas is still an agent to chaos
>In the end Atlas will probably take Discord’s place as ruler
>He will probably kill you after you’ve been weakened enough by his late ‘father’
>But let’s try not to think of that now, right now he’s helping you…yeah that’s it convince yourself
>When the three of you finally make it out on to the grassy, open plains that lay just outside of the gates to Tartarus you collapse in exhaustion
>Relieved to be free from that place

>You’re sure the others within your presence feel the same
>With a simple spell Atlas removes the gates to Tartarus from existence
>Whatever flames of hope the Mob Dogs had of escape were now extinguished
>Atlas probably loves getting to play God like this
>Judging who gets to live come to Equestria and who gets to live in that Celestia forsaken place
>It makes you sick
>Atlas is the first to speak
>Atlas: “Well….that was an adventure.”
>You look up to that damned abomination and shoot him the bird
>He chuckles in response
>Fuck it the cold soft grass feels too good right now
>Your roll on to your back and take a look at how the ‘first’ human is holding up
>He seemed a bit traumatized at first.
>He tried to get back on his own two feet
>He succeeded, a little wobbly at first, weak, but he was mobile now.
> Shermanon began to take in the blue and green hues of the night sky and wide open landscape the area provided
>Luna’s stars permeated the sky, little lights of illumination that paled in comparison to her moon
>High in the sky, seemingly closer than normal, illuminating the ground around the three of you
>Probably a pretty grand site to return to after being in a place of hellfire
>Shermanon suddenly fell to his knees and wept
>You could hear him laughing in between his weeping
>”I’m…free I’M FINALLY FREE!”


>Well isn’t Shermanon ecstatic?
>You didn’t figure he’d have any emotion left after such a traumatic experience
>But this guy is made out of tougher stuff than you
>He didn’t even need magic to take on the inhabitants
>This human is something else
>So you know not to say shit about his weeping
>Instead you just lie there and turn your focus to the night sky
>You call out to him without looking
“Man, I know it’s quite emotional for you and all, to escape from Tartarus, a chance to join up with your friends, if they really do know you, but I gotta warn you we can’t stay here for too long.  So if you have anything to ask, ask it now.”
>You stay silent and wait
>Regardless of how long it took you had Atlas here to port you to Manehattan if necessary
>The prospect of you explaining Equestria’s current state sated Atlas’ curiosity enough for him to stay
>Atlas takes a seat near you
>You sit up and cross your legs and await Shermanon


(sherman)
>To this day I wonder just how lucky a man can be, to get all the breaks I did
>When I looked at Aether, I felt like little more than a child having to relearn how to behave with others
>I suppose it shouldn't have been so hard, since you of the equine races are so similar to humans in many ways
>But none the less, I was like a foal on his first day of schooling
>Aether, though, is a compassionate man
>An honorable man
>I do not suspect that he was entirely capable of knowing exactly what I’ve been through
>But he tried his best to understand
>And that was all that anyone could have asked him to do
>When we left the gates of Tartarus, I looked upon the bright colors of your world and I wept tears of happiness
>Usually a man of few words, I felt the compulsory need to scream my joy to Luna's sky
>Seeing me like this probably made them uncomfortable
>But after emerging from my hell I feel no shame
>It is easy to take life for granted
>It was a humbling experience, the whole thing
>And, after so many months, I hope you will understand that it took me a few minutes to collect myself

What did you mean, before?
>I asked, my voice still a little shaky
>Speaking through a beard was awkward. I always liked to keep myself shaven
I mean, Discord. You said it's his fault. What is?
>I fell silent for as long as possible after that, waiting for their response
>Because if anything happened to Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, or anyone else for that matter...
>I was ready to break something
>I didn't want to think that my sacrifice was for nothing
>The idea was so abhorrent that I blocked it out of my mind. It was impossible
>I was immature, back then


He responded to me
>Atlas just listened, maintaining a straight pokerface as Aether continued
>"When Celestia was at her weakest Discord took advantage....he used his chaotic power to turn her in to a tyrant”
>"Whatever kindness she has, is gone now.....I watched her kill a guard just because he spoke out of line"
>That last part especially shocked me, and I dropped my jaw. There was just no way that this was even remotely possible
>And yet, here was a human standing before me, one who brought me back from the abyss
>Who was I to not believe him? It didn't make me feel better about it, though
>I slouched helplessly, then, looking down to the little twisted chimera
...Then why are we trusting him, now?
>"Because I've gotten to see both Atlas and Discord in their 'best light.' Atlas is the lesser of two evils and he hates Discord...am I right?"
>Atlas nods
>"See? The enemy of my enemy is my friend right? Not so sure if that works here though..hmm.."
>It was hard to swallow
>Celestia was a being of impossible power. I could not accept that there was anything that could warp her to such an extreme
>But they knew better than I
>And I went with it
>"Also your situation peaks my curiosity, if you've been in Equestria, why has nop0ny said a single thing about you? I'm sure at least ONE p0ny....wait...is Lyra's obsession with humans your fault? I remember waking up one night with her licking my hand...."
BWAHAA!


>I threw my hands up to shoulder level, and reeled back in absolute disgust
>That little bit of information, about Lyra, caught me too far off guard to make a comment about the former issue
>"...God that was an awkward night...."
I'd have hoped she would have gotten over it after...
Eh, wow. Nevermind. So, is she okay?
>I asked, swinging my hands forward gently as I asked
And BonBon?
>I still cared for them. For what they had in one another. It was beautiful, looking past the whole crazy Wicca otherkin lesbian animal thing
>"Yeah she's fine, just fucking weird about humans. BonBon's always got a smile on her face when they're together."
>That relieved me on so many levels
Can I ask one more thing?
>Aether looked at me and nodded, thankful that I was reaching the end of my game of twenty questions
>I was, too
I want to help.
But... why in the hell did you go so far out of your way just for me?
>The response was quick
>"Atlas here tells me you beat Discord before, in a way you're our trump card if he stomps our asses. So we got you as extra insurance for our victory, I know that sound selfish as hell but an hour ago I didn't even know you existed."
>I could not help what escaped next. An insane cackling, high pitched, twisted by my time in Tartarus
>The shrill nature of it was not something that could have otherwise escaped my throat
Ah ha... HNHNHNN~!!
>They appropriately looked at me like I was sick in the head. I would have, too.
Me?!
>I gasped between my words
... Beat someone... capable of overpowering CELESTIA?!
>I crossed my arms and tilted my head forward, looking between them
>My response came to them as a shock
I've never even heard of Discord before tonight.

>I tried to be as real and deadpan as possible. I did not want to get their hopes up.
>"........Wut?"
>Aether turns to Atlas
>"Is he serious?"
>Atlas cocked his head at me, and then looked up to Aether like a kid who was caught stealing
>"Dude, this is the guy! I remember discord telling me about a human beating him to a pulp. I never let him live it down....even if I didn't know what a human was."
>I dropped it. I didn't know what was going on
>They decided to bring me back for a reason, and whatever that reason was would be to help them save my friends
>I could find nothing wrong with that
>I tend to do that, a lot. Go with the flow, let others do the thinking for me
>Atlas suddenly spoke up
>“Oh, for goodness' sake! There, he's caught up! Now, if you two are done wasting time, we DO need to be getting to Manehatten...”
>I looked to Atlas, then to Aether
>Aether looked to me, and then to Atlas
>“Alright, let's go.”
>Atlas snapped his fingers, and we were pulled from existence

(Aether)

>Entry in to the grassy fields that lay before Manehattan city limits was the appropriate place for the three of them to make their landing.
>For one you didn’t have to deal with the awkwardness of having to explain as to how a second human has been discovered and where you got said human
>For two if Atlas had been seen that’d of branded you a traitor to Luna’s cause and you’d probably be killed on the spot
>All in all the perfect choice
>Atlas: “I’ve given you the means to an end Anon, do not forget who helped you when the advantage is given to you. Call me a prophet but I believe you’ll be stronger than I when the time comes, I expect you to leave me be when I take Discord’s place.”
>You respond with a slow nod, and with that Atlas departs
>Your companion seems a bit confused as to where your allegiance lies
>You turn to Shermanon, awaiting another line of questions to be asked
>”So, are you really intending on helping that…thing out?”
“Yes and no, I do intend on helping him in the sense of defeating Discord, but I will die before I let another Agent of Chaos take his place. I’ll do whatever it takes to bring back Celestia and return Equestria back to the way it once was, even if I have to undermine and betray to get it to happen.”
>Shermanon glared when he heard your answer, he didn’t seem to quite agree with your statement. Instead of voicing out against it he said
>”How very honest of you.”
>Yeah, Shermanon here knows how to throw a punch, be it physical or emotional
>Despite what Shermanon says, you find nothing wrong with your plan despite the fact that you’re going against what you stand for….yeah…that’s fine right?


>You’ve got no time to think about your personal problems, how the hell are you going to introduce a second human to your p0nies, hell how are you going to convince them he can beat Discord….oh god how are you gonna tell them where the hell he came from?
>All of this is gonna just go up in smoke it seems
>Well you were one who liked to think on the fly, might as well just introduce Shermanon here to the city life of Manehattan
>And by introduce you mean show him how fucking deserted Manehattan looks and that nop0ny is going to approach either of you unless it’s a soldier p0ne under Luna’s flag
>You can see Shermanon looking at you, expecting you to say something, fuck it.
“Yeah ya know what, I think I got this all figured out. I think I’m just gonna go ahead and show everyone that you exist, then I’m going to help you transition in to the current standing that Equestria is in. When we get to city hall I’ll explain how all of this happened in detail.”
>You motion for Shermanon to follow you as you turn to make your way in to Manehattan
>The two of you walk in silence for the most part, that is until you actually reach the city itself
>As the two of you walk along the sidewalk Shermanon’s gaze scans the area
>Manehattan is nothing like it typically is, nop0ny roamed the streets, the only lights illuminated were the street lights, doors were locked, windows were shut, curtains drawn etc etc
>”You know….this place seems fairly clean for a city directly affected by a supposed ‘war.’”
>He says words!
“Well, that’s because of the code of honor both sides abide by. Thanks to that, that stops us from having to literally throw all of our troops in to fighting for a city or town, effectively reducing damage done to both property and ponies”
>”Code of Honor?”
“Yeah I was new to the concept as well, see the city’s commander can either engage army to army, or then he/she can challenge the invading armies’ commander. The latter allows the least amount of bloodshed, unfortunately not all of Celestia’s Officers respect The Code. For example Rainbow Dash’s unit was virtually wiped out because Fillydelphia’s Commander decided to fight on a larger scale, hell he even received troops from Whinnington, it was a slaughter…
>The mention of Dash seemed to strike a nerve in Shermanon, he stopped in his tracks and began to stare you down
>”What happened to Dashie….is she alright?”

>You respond honestly
>"She is for the most part, but she's gotten a few scars from that fight. Her left eye's gone man, she also suffered a few burns from unicorn magic."
>And that set him off
>He grabs you by your shoulders and pushes you against a nearby wall, pinning you
>"You son of a bitch! You sent her off to fight?!"
>Well shit you weren’t expecting anything along the lines of this, apparently Shermanon here knows Dash quite well.
>If that’s true then why the hell did no other p0ny mention him? What the hell is going on with everyone then, mass amnesia or something?
>also you might want to answer Shermanon before he beats you to a pulp
"I didn't send her, Luna gave Dash command of a portion of her guard and sent her on her way. Rainbow WANTED to fight, I wouldn't be able to stop her even if I tried."

>Shermanon is still giving you a death glare that would cause Discord himself to shudder in fear, he hissed through his teeth, his grip tightened, and then he shoved himself away from you in a huff.
>”….sorry.”
>You hit the ground and look up at him, judging by his actions he and Dash were close, more so than you and Dash could be. That didn’t seem to bother you in the slightest.
>You pick yourself up and dust yourself off and speak in hopes of providing him with some relief
"It appears as though Dash is a...sore subject for you. If it offers any reperation I kicked the shit out of the ones that hurt her.... The unicorn that gave her the burns now lacks a horn, the other unicorn suffered internal damage, he should be dead before sunrise.
>He just looks to you, then down to the ground between the two of you, he frowns before nodding in approval
>You offer a smile
“I’m glad you approve.”
>The two of you continue your walk to city hall in silence, the city doing nothing to help sate the dreary mood the two of you shared
>Eventually the two of you reach City Hall in all its ‘glory.’
>Two of Luna’s pegasus guards that were standing guard at the entrance fly over to the two of you
>They look from you, to Shermanon, then back to you
>”Major Anon….who’s the uh….other human in your presence?”
“Do you wanna introduce yourself or do you want me to do the honors?”
>Shermanon remained silent
“Okay…men this is Shermanon, a human wandering the Trotting Plains between Fillydelphia and Manehattan.”
>Thank god you remember a few names from the map Luna showed you a few days prior so you don’t sound like an idiot

>”Sir, if you don’t mind me asking, why were you out there? We were under the impression you had turned in for the night.”
“That’s….a long story…we’ll just say we’ve captured Fillydelphia AND Whinnington.”
>Both guard’s eyes grew to the size of saucers upon hearing this information
>Neither wanted to speak after that
>”Well…uh…congratulations sir….we’ll uh…shall we..?”
“Set up sleeping arrangements for my new friend here? Yes.”
>Both guards bow before heading in to City Hall
>One of them turns back to Shermanon
>"Hey human, if ya want somethin to eat you'd best be followin us, hope ya like salad."
>The second guard turns his head to look over to Sherman
>"Don't worry buddy I'll let the other guards know you're a okay...just don't go staring at everyp0ny like that...."
>You look to Shermanon and nod, assuring him its fine
>He nods in return and follows the two to the doors leading in to City Hall
>You decide to wait outside for a moment and collect your thoughts
>With the fall of Fillydelphia and Whinnington in a single night, no doubt Discord will get a laugh about all of this, but the closer you get to him, the more desperate he’ll undoubtedly become, and when he finds out about Shermanon he’ll likely pull out all the stops in order to stop you.
>You can’t help but think of Atlas’ mention of corruption within Tartarus
>Shermanon seemed fine for the most part, hell he seems great from taking a constant beating for over a year
>But that’s the surface, what lies below that is a mystery.

(Sherman)

>I had never been to Manehatten before
>I felt every bit like an alien there as I did my first day in Ponyville
>Although, apparently, Aether did a good job warming this world up to humanity
>Well a job, anyway
>But that was its own problem all together, come to think of it
>My time in Equestria was one of self discovery
>I had little memory of my past life
>No recollection of humanity
>Probably why I clung so hard to the friendships that I've made
>But I have also invested a lot of time and effort in understanding who I was, and who I was meant to be
>Humanity is a strange thing that eluded me
>And personal experience told me that I didn't make a very good pony
>Aether did more than save me from eternal damnation
>He gave me a point of reference to find myself
>Unfortunately, his opinions and my own couldn't have been any more polarized
>Where as I struggled to regain my humanity
>He struggled to transcend it
>To me, humanity was a supreme goal
>To him, humanity was the cause for all of this
>I looked upon what he had with envious eyes
>He looked upon what he had as dead weight
>I also fostered deep feelings of resentment for what I earlier learned happened to Dash
>My poor, poor little Rainbow
>At least, from what I was told, she was alive
>I wasn't sure how I should feel about all of this

>I would soon get the relief that I needed, though
>That evening, I had the pleasure of retreating into the City Hall of Manehatten
>A few guards escorted me. Felt very odd
>But in doing so, I met with an old friend


>I was reporting to the mess hall for food
>It was strange. Tartarus did not leave me too hungry until then; and at that point it all caught up with me
>I wouldn't show it, of course. But pain raked my body
>But, at the risk of being overly dramatic, I was used to pain
>It was there that I saw her swing in from the same direction I entered
>She took to devouring her own well-earned morsel of sustenance
>A beautiful little tray of cupcakes that she eagerly ravaged
>The pink bouncing ball of fluff was a sight for sore eyes
>Her name was Pinkie Pie
>Before my exile to Tartarus, she was a coworker of mine
>And a valuable friend who, frankly, I owe my life to
>She was always in motion
>Never in one place for too long
>And her spirits did not seem to be as dragged down by these current events as my own
>And so, I approached her
>Eager to get a taste of normality once again
>I admit, too, I was curious to see her reaction after having not seen me for over a year

Hey there.
>I said, fully expecting her to freak out
>And she did, but not in the way that I expected her to
>She looked to me, and her mouth hung open
>Confident, I smiled widely back at her
>She produced a drawn-out gasp
>“ANOTHER one?!”
>My brows flattened over my eyes
“Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie! What's your name?!”
>I was taken aback by this development, tapping the tips of my fingers together
>I had no words
>She started bouncing around me, gauging me under her huge eyes with a smile on her face the whole time
>“Oooh~! You look a lot like Anonymous! Have you met him?”
>“He's a human, just like you!”
>She produced another gasp from her ever-expanding mouth
>“I should throw you a party! Have you ever been to a Pinkie Party?!”


>It is then that I thought back to something that Aether said before
>That nop0ny had ever mentioned me in his year in Equestria
>My heart sank
>It's a hard feeling to express through written word
>Pinkie Pie has always been there for me
>Since my first day in Equestria, she was always there to offer a helping hoof
>And though it took me quite a while to warm up to her unique personality...
>I always had to acknowledge that she was nothing short of noble
>When I eventually settled in to a job in Ponyville, it was as an assistant of a pastry restaurant
>I worked right along side her, and some days it was just she and I working the store
>We were complete opposites, she and I. But it's why we became so close
>It eventually became a game. She would try to get me to smile, and I would try to resist
>Often with mixed success
>She was talkative. Always trying to get me to open up even when I didn't want to
>She was exactly the foil I needed. Before she cracked my oyster, I was largely shut away from Equine society
>And now? After all of that?
>It is as if none of it ever happened
>It was to see if they could still understand me, at least
>She was still rambling, which was par for Pinkie's course
>“I think he's a little taller than you! Oh, and his mane is a different color!”
>“Do you have a tail? Do all humans not have tails?”
You don't remember me, do you?
>She stopped her bouncing
>Then she gave me a close look, eye to eye, stretching out her neck as she did so
>It took her a moment and a half to reach her conclusion
>“Silly-filly! We've never met before.”
>“I'd remember a face like that! I know everyone!”
>Except me
>I frowned
>That was that
Oh.
>I turned away to get a helping of food for myself

>We ate pretty well, really, for it being a time of war
>I would have preferred a steak, but I was treated to a salad by a suspicious kitchen staff
>Probably only because the guards told them to make it before they left me to my own devices
>Please understand, dear reader, that the humans which your land house are omnivores
>He and I both agree that we miss the taste of a rare cut of beef
>No offense to any cows that may be reading this
>He nor I would ever entertain that hunger
>We know that we are no longer in our world, and we respect that
>But, perhaps, you can see just how alien this existence is to us
>Vegetarians, like you, exist in our world. But we weren't them
>Anyway, I took a seat at one of the cafeteria tables with my bowl of leafy greens
>When, like a shark's fin rising from the crest of the water, a furry pink mane rose over the edge of a distant table
>I watched as it shot from one side to the other before it vanished
>Then, just as I disregarded it, the pink fluffy wave rose over the edge of another table
>One closer to me
>I narrowed my eyes and watched as it moved from one side to another
>Very much like a shark stalking its prey
>I knew what was coming, and instead of digging in I kept my eyes fixed forward
>I knew her well enough
>Her head was going to rise on the other side of my table, looking me straight in the eye, and she would greet me with a 'Hi~!'
>I misjudged her angle of attack
>“Hi~!”
Gah!!
>I jumped out of my seat, freezing like I had been stricken with momentary rigor mortis
>And, much to my dismay, landed on the floor, right on my back
>When I looked up, I found her smiling, giggling face sitting on the bench right next to me
>“Teeheehee~!”

>She had her cupcake tray with her
>I wasn't laughing
>“Just because I DON'T know you, doesn't mean I don't WANT to!”
>She explained
>I got back up to my feet and sat back down at my bench, driving my fork into the salad
>I wondered if Aether had to put up with this shit
>She eyed me as I ate
>“I think someone~ is being a mister grumpy pants”
>I shot her a sideways glance before I chomped down on the leafy fork full
>This world was so different from the one I left behind
>Nop0ny mentioned me
>Nop0ny recalled me
>This just wasn't the same Equestria I left
>This was a wholly different place
>And if this wasn't 'my' Pinkie Pie, then I really didn't care to get attached
>I didn't want to go through that again
>I jabbed my fork back into my salad
>“Are you giving me the silent treatment?”
>“I know you can talk!”
>To be honest, I was
>I took another bite of salad
>I hate salad
>Everyone knew that, back then
>I eat it. Because I respect this new world
>But there are some things which I just can't eat
>Salad I can barely stomach
>It never fills me up, and it leaves me feeling drained of energy
>“Oh! I know! You must be really extra special hungry!”
>It is just then that I hear the sound of an edge striking the table next to me
>Panicked, I jumped once more – looking over to Pinkie Pie
>This world's Pinkie Pie
>She discarded a spatula. I have no idea where the hell she got it
>My eyes were locked to her, and her eyes rest on mine, wearing a small smile under her snout
>I looked down to the table, and see that she has hoofed over half of her last cupcake to me
>An unseen force of laughter pulled the corners of my lips upwards
...Thank you


>That evening I was afforded a room in a local Manehatten suite
>A lot fancier than I was used to
>Also, the bed was a lot smaller than I was used to
>To the point that it was unusable
>So, I did the only thing I could do
>I stripped it of all of its sheets and comforters and pillows, and slept on the floor
>Sleep did not come particularly easy
>I noticed that since I escaped Tartarus, I will twitch and spasm every so often as memories from there resurface
>Something that I have not shaken to this day
>It happens most often when I have time to think
>So I filled my thoughts with other things
>Like the one who I knew as Aether
>The others knew him as Anonymous, of course
>He was THEIR Anonymous
>I was just some guy
>And I resented it
>It felt like he was living my life, with my friends
>But, no. He wasn't. Because I wouldn't let something like this happen
>I wouldn't let Rainbow get hurt, then act all smug about it
>I was saved from Tartarus, but to be delivered into what, exactly?
>But, over time, I grew tired of thinking
>I was never that great at it
>I drifted off into the land of dreams
>I was hoping for dreams of rainbows
>Instead, I feel a familiar pull
>An intangible force interacting with my brain
>This is where the problems really started, between this world's two Anonymous'

>You twist
>You writhe
>You suffer
>Your life is pain
>If not physical, then psychological
>Not to mention emotional
>No one remembers you
>This is a nightmare
>Your teeth clench as you try to come to grips with this existence
>But you can't
>No matter how hard you try
>No matter what angle you try to think of it from
>There was just no way that this was real life
>This had to be some sort of fantasy
>Aether living your life?
>Your friends no longer recognizing you?
>A world of bright technicolor now embroiled in the chaos of conflict?
>This couldn't be
>This had to be a nightmare

>Suddenly, a prismatic spray overtakes your consciousness
>Your eyes rocket open
>You scream, shooting up into a sitting position
>Where are you?
>What is this?
>You look about, frantic
>Left; there's only a wall
>Up; a ceiling
>Right; two magenta orbs nestled in a white face
>“...Anonymous?!”
>It gasps

>You scream right in her face, not yet putting two and two together
>She winces and takes a step back, cocking her head back defensively
>You scramble, finding yourself in a bed
>But for your attempts, the comforter tangles around your shins and you fall over the side in a heap
>Despite the racket, you notice hooves before you
>You recognize the golden plates leading up to the shins
>As you trail your view up along the length of the white spires, your gaze is eventually met by the same eyes that welcomed you just seconds earlier
>This time, however, you remain silent
>You take a moment to recognize the wispy aurora that trailed from her mane
>The long, exaggerated horn
>The motherly demeanor
>Despite your earlier transgression, she smiles down at your helpless form
>“Welcome back, Anonymous”
>Your breathing picks up, rapidly
>Can this be true?
>You rise to a knee, and then push up to your feet
>She watches you, her eyes partially creased with satisfaction
>You stare at her, eye to eye
>And then, with a doubtful look across your features, your hands gradually come upwards
>She patiently waits for you
>Your sensitive, quivering fingers come to her face
>You feel material and matter
>Your eyes widen
>And she only smiles again
>“Yes, Anonymous. I am real.”
>Your gentle digits trace the outline of her cheeks, under her eyes, around her head
>It is then, only after you have confirmed it, that you cough a squeak
>Water comes to your eyes
>You hated doing this, but what choice did you have?
>The muscles around your nose stiffened, and you could feel thick streams roll down the insides of your cheeks

>There was no use fighting it
>You lunge forward and wrap your arms around her neck
>“Oh~!”
>She is caught by surprise, just like she was before
>But her large wings snap open, and close around you
>You can feel her mane again
>If you were not convinced before, you're convinced now
>This feeling could not be replicated
>It was a physical embodiment of serenity
>And you could not be happier

>That evening you found yourself in the palace of Canterlot
>There was a perfect change of clothes just for you in the suite in which you awoke
>A dinner with the princess was something you had never done before
>You took so many showers, trying to clean the stench of Tartarus from your flesh
>Shaved as best you humanly could
>And here you were, on the opposite end of a long table, looking straight into her eyes
>You weren't so interested in the food provided
>You were more interested in answers
>She took a sip of tea from a small cup that she levitated with her Alicorn sorcery
>It did not take long for her to notice that you weren't eating
>“Anonymous?”
>She asked
What... happened?
>You asked, confused and dazed
>This world, Tartarus, a foreign world, and then back to this world
>You didn't like being jerked around
>But given the circumstances, you tolerated it
>Because, by Celestia, you were thankful to be home again
>She set her dainty little cup down on its saucer and smiled at your curiosity
>“I will tell you. But promise me that you'll eat.”
>You hold still for a moment, then look down at your plate of leafy greens
>You look back up to her, nod, and take up your fork
>She watches, smiling, waiting for you to take a few bites before she is satisfied
>“I told you, Anonymous, that I don't abandon my subjects.”

>You listened closely to her, chewing at your meal with a single puffed cheek
>She chuckled at you
>“...and I don't abandon my friends.”
>You stop chewing for a moment, only to deliver a large smile
>Still with one puffed cheek
>She giggles, closing her eyes in an expression of happiness
>“Still as cute as ever.”
>You can't help it
>You are so overcome with happiness, that you afford yourself the opportunity to blush
>You go back to your meal
>“You have been gone for a few weeks. Ever since then, Twilight Sparkle and I have been working on a summoning spell to bring you back.”
>You swallow your mouthful and squint one eye, peering across the table at her
But how did you know that I was...
>She cuts you off
>You hate being cut off, but right now you are just so happy that you don't mind
>“It was Twilight, actually. When she learned what happened, she investigated the site of the explosion.”
>“She didn't find any trace of burns or ashes. She is quite the detective.”
>Content, you smile once more and go back to eating
>“We missed you, Anonymous”
>“None of us expected you to just do something so drastic.”
>Her voice was pained
I'm sorry
>You admit
>You can't come up with anything else
>You can't convey just how sorry you are
>Not just because of the pain you had to endure in Tartarus. No, nothing so greedy. You know better by now
>You realize that in doing what you did, you hurt those who loved you
>“No, Anonymous, I'm sorry.”
>You looked up from your plate and paused
>“I've done so much damage to you... and you still remain loyal, even after all of it.”
You're hard on yourself
I told you. I've forgiven you, and I was happy for the chance to know you all

>She smiles at you, but it is somewhat forced
>Nothing you could say will ever free her of her guilt
>And for that, you felt horrible
>But you were willing to try
Look, I...
>She cuts you off again
>“Some day I will make it up to you, Anonymous.”
>You stare at her
>“...We have all the time in the world to make things right.”
>You both share a laugh after a moment
>It's over. Finally, your nightmare is over

>After dinner you arrange with the princess to stay one more night in Canterlot before returning to Ponyville
>You couldn't wait
>All you wanted, more than anything, was to return to normality
>To just live out your life with your friends
>You didn't want any more big adventures
>No more huge heroic sacrifices
>No more anything
>You just wanted to watch and experience as time passes
>Time, time with the people who mean the most to you in your life
>With the people who gave time itself value to you
>But as you come to your door, you slow to a stop
>Standing there, waiting for you,
>It was the object of your heart's desire
>Rainbow Dash
>She smiled upon seeing you
>Tears instantly welled up in her eyes
>“...Guess it wasn't a joke!”
>She said, her voice laced with disbelief
>You couldn't think of anything to say, other than
Dashie...
>“Anonymous!”
>She skipped forward, took off, and rocketed to you
>You almost fell back as her baby blue arms clasped around your neck

>Your arms instantly locked around her, drawing her into a warm embrace
>Tighter than any that you have ever given before
I meant everything that I said
>“So did I, Anon!”
>She choked, her tears rolling into your shoulder
>A hoof beat into your other shoulder
>“Why did you have to do that, Anon?”
>“WHY?!”
>You frowned, stroking a hand through her prismatic mane
I don't know
I wish I hadn't
>She choked sob after sob into your shoulder
>And, despite the emotion of the moment, you tried to be the strong one
>Strong for your precious little special somepony
>You parted from her, just enough to look her in those beautiful rose eyes of hers
>You can nary hold back a smile as, with a single finger, you brush away her tears
>She sniffs, her lip quivering
...But I have my whole life to make it up to you.
>She smiles at you, resting her hooves on your shoulder
>You gradually draw one another in for a kiss, closing your eyes
>Your life always did miss something
>But now?
>Now, you had a dash of rainbow.

>A prismatic spray takes grip on your conciousness once more
>Your eyes shoot open
>You scream, shooting up into a sitting position
>Where are you?
>What is this?
>You look about, frantic
>Left; there's only a wall
>Up; a ceiling
>Right; a bed
>You are on the floor, covered in an array of sheets and a comforter
>Your breathing picks up as you realize where you are
>You are back in Manehattan
>You scramble to your feet and stumble to the window of your room, looking down to the street
>There was nothing
>Nop0ny dared to leave their homes
>Save for guards patrolling the streets
>This was Aether's world
No
>You refuse it
No, give it back
>You stumble back into the opposite wall before you turn, pounding a fist into the structure
GIVE ME BACK MY RAINBOW!
>You are embroiled in rage
>Hot tears stream down your face
>Soon enough, you fall to your knees, sobbing
>Lamenting the choices that you have made to get where you are now
>You choke, hardly able to breathe

>What is freedom but the ability to make choices? Between courage and cowardice, duty and love, or even... heaven and hell. The nature of the choices we make define us as human beings. We choose the world we inhabit.

>Each of us creates his own world. We conjure paradises from our hopes, and nightmares born of fear. But what if they are both illusions?

(Aether)

>After letting Pinkie and Sherman know about your return, and about what had occurred just a few hours prior(being sure not to mention Atlas of course), you make your way back to your makeshift bed, much to Pinkie’s dismay and Sherman’s confusion
>Poor Sherman was trying to figure out how you’d gotten out of your quarters, he was impressed to say the least, and Pinkie Pie wanted to throw you a ‘victory party.’
>As far as Pinkie was concerned you were certain she’d throw a party for you discovering Shermanon at some point tomorrow.
> That was something you weren’t looking forward to.
>Sure Pinkie’s carefree attitude was refreshing, it was encouraged, but there was only so much one could take of her and her happiness.
>With another march looming in the back of your mind you start tossing and turning within your bed, sleep evading you as you try desperately to obtain it.
>You thoughts fall upon Shermanon, the man was broken beyond repair to say the least, he always had this wild look in his eye that you didn’t trust
>You wondered what his mental state could be in, sure he came off as someone perfectly fine, but torture does things to the psyche of an individual whether the victim realizes it or not
>What Atlas made certain to imply when referring to Shermanon as a weapon, was that Tartarus changes people
>Maybe it really did turn living things in to weapons, from how Shermanon described it to you the corruption saw fit to implant a little something inside The Boss, and that little something was able to take on both Alicorn princesses.


>You shuddered in fear at the thought of Shermanon being capable of doing the things that dog could do if given the chance.
>Thankfully the gates in to Tartarus were sealed by that little abomination, with that last thought sleep finally overtakes you
>You’re inside Sugarcube Corner, the war has finally ended and harmony has returned to the land once again, you’re sitting with the Mane 6 along with Shermanon and Spike, everyone’s cutting up and having a good time for the most part.
>You’ve been sharing sweets with Fluttershy like an old couple, she feeds you a cupcake and vice versa
>The others are daawing at you but you don’t seem to find a single fuck to give
>Right when you turn your head away to pick up another cupcake and feed Fluttercakes you hear a raspy voice right where Fluttershy is sitting
>Okay, you turn back to feed your Flutters only to see Atlas sitting with you batting his eyes
>Atlas: “Oh Anon you’re so dreamy.”
>You thank your lucky stars he’s only being sarcastic
>Holy fuck this thing is ugly, you cringe
>Oh god he was sitting with you the entire time, your breathing quickens
>Atlas narrows his eyes, he knows what’s coming
>Atlas: “I get it, you’re freaking out cause I’m in your dream. Don’t freak out.”
>What was that Atlas? You can’t hear him over the sound of you freaking the fuck out
>You let out a shrill scream and make a dramatic dive for the nearest window
>Atlas facehoofs


>Atlas: “Oh boy here we go.”
>As you leap from the window leading out to Ponyville the scenery changes to that of the area of Tartarus that you visited to free Shermanon, the brimstone and fire within that realm gives you an all too familiar feeling of dread, that unearthly feeling of being trapped begins to consume you
>Atlas’s hoof steps can be heard as he slowly approaches you from behind
>You turn to face him as he takes a spot next to you, his features are grim, you figure Discord’s probably figured out something, or he’s getting suspicious of Atlas’ actions, either way you inquire
“Just how in the hell are you in my head and why are you here?”
>Atlas: “Your mind is a chaotic mess getting in to your dreams is a simple task for me. The reason why I’m here is because I believe I made a mistake and you’re the only one I know that can rectify it.”
“Are you referring to Shermanon?”
>Atlas nods in confirmation
>Atlas: “Bringing him out wasn’t the wisest idea.”
“Well you wanted me to get him, you gave me a good reason to get him, so I did. Why are you reneging on it now?”
>Atlas: “The reason why I wanted Shermanon out of there is because that particular portion of Tartarus was threatening to break off from the rest of that realm….when something like that happens its possible for Tartarus to appear within Equestria. As you can imagine that would be something Discord would love correct?”
“Well, yeah what’s more chaotic than the merging of realms?”

>Atlas: “Oh I know it sounds heavenly right? Well there’s a few problems with that, do you think the Dog Father is the strongest being within Tartarus? Hell no, he’s nothing compared to some of the creatures trapped within….even Discord pales in comparison to some of those trapped.”
>Upon hearing this comment you cringe in fear, sure you managed to defeat the Dog Father with a single blow, but if he’s truly weak when compared with the countless others within Tartarus you’d rather not see anything else from within that realm.
“Is…is Shermanon really capable of fucking with Tartarus to such an extreme that it’d spill in to Equestria?”
>Atlas turns to you, his eyes representing his overall stern posture
>Atlas: “Yes, that portion of Tartarus we’d entered was made from his anguish, his pain. Shermanon didn’t realize it but his presence was literally messing with the boundaries separating the realms of Equestria and Tartarus. Tartarus is sentient in a way, it will seek out the anguish an individual is experiencing and it will in turn corrupt the individual until the individual no longer feels their anguish. This corruption may be in the form of new abilities, such as The Boss being able to face down both Alicorns with magic. Both the Dog Father and The Boss know of this, that is why they constantly beat Shermanon for the 13 months he resided within Tartarus. They were going to use Tartarus’ own corrupting agent to forcibly tear their way in to Equestria, using poor Shermanon as a key with which to escape. Sure it’s a barbaric way to get out, but when faced with eternal ‘hell’ you’d do anything to escape.”


>You see a few holes with Atlas’s explanation, that much is certain, you feel almost obligated to learn more about it.
“But if what you say is true, then their constant beatings did nothing more than make Shermanon stronger, and how would corrupting Shermanon actually help them escape? All they were doing was just pumping the guy full of Tartarus.”
>Atlas: “I’m glad you made mention of that, see if Tartarus focuses on a point within itself to a great degree it’ll tear a whole within the space it resides, thus giving its inhabitants the ability to enter Equestria. See, Tartarus is home to many beasts that once were in EQUESTRIA, it knows nothing of humans, it has no idea how much corruption it takes to end a human’s anguish so it pumped him full of it. Had you not of intervened, Equestria would have been overrun with Tartarus by the end of the week. So congratulations Anonymous you saved Equestria, how do you feel?”
“I can honestly say I have no idea how to feel about that….I didn’t even know such a threat was apparent….so that’s the real reason why you wanted me to get him out.”
>Atlas: “Yes, him being a weapon capable of beating Discord is nothing more than a bonus.”
“You used me.”
>Atlas: “I used you to save Equestria, yes. Are you really going to be mad about that? It’s not like I used you to slaughter your own p0nies, trust me Anon…with all this fighting you’ve really pumped out the chaos, that chaos has made Discord stronger than he’s ever been, I in turn receive the power Discord receives.  I’m more than capable of turning you in to a mindless killer, but I’m not going to do so, do you know why?”
>You’re silent


>Atlas: “Seems as if you’ve lost your voice, no matter, the reason why I’m not making you in to a little puppet is because I still need both you AND Shermanon sane enough to kill off Discord for me. This little war of yours, Discord’s entertainment, that’s small time for me. I dream of much larger things Anon.”
“And what is within those dreams of yours?”
>Atlas turns to you and smiles
>Atlas: “If I told you, I’d be just like those common villains, I’m not one to reveal my plans or dreams until they’ve already been achieved. Hence why I refrained from fully explaining Shermanon’s situation to you until now.”
>You can’t stand this, his voice seem loud, commanding. Being within his presence is making you feel like nothing more than a mere insect, something Atlas can swat away if he finds it annoying or if it bores him.
“Why…why are you doing all of this?”
>As you ask, the entire area you are in begins to melt away, revealing nothing but black, your consciousness is slowly starting to come back, as you awake in your makeshift bed you hear Atlas’ voice, barely above a whisper
>Atlas: “I’m doing this merely because I’m bored, you provide me with entertainment and I’d like you to keep doing so, so fight your little fight, win your meaningless battles.”
>When his voice finally leaves your conscious mind you grind your teeth and slam your fist in to the bedding. This feeling of helplessness is something you could never come to grips with, this feeling of being unable to do anything to stop the plans already in motion was disheartening to say the last
>Not even the sun’s rays can stem this feeling of dread slowly filling your entire being


>The sounds of p0ny soldiers yelling at one another can be heard from outside your window, though from your position in your ‘quarters’ they’re muffled to the point of being unable to comprehend them. You quickly get to your feet and out of your ‘personal quarters’ intent on finding out just what exactly is occurring right outside City Hall and to see who’s arguing.
>As you leave you witness a site that finally brings a smile to your lips
>Leucine’s regiment has made it to Manehattan, you scan the large crowd of soldiers to see Leucine  speaking with Sherman at the western side of City Hall….rather loudly….okay they’re arguing.
>Sherman: “Hey Flank head how bout you take that helmet off and say it to my face!”
>Leucine: “How about you get on those back hooves of yours and get on my level, maybe I’ll take the helmet off then.”
>Okay this shit will NOT fly with you, you waste no time in making your way through the crowds of soldier p0nes until you’re finally beside the bickering officers.
>It looks like Leucine is just an insult away from swinging on Sherman. You can’t see his facial features  from behind his helmet but his shaking stature speaks for his overall mood
“Okay, okay what in the actual fuck is going on here?”
>Leucine turns to you
>Leucine: “How about you tell this moron that I’m not going to have my p0nies march all the way to Trottingham after having them march here. That’s a two days march! I don’t care what your orders are I’m NOT going to bring exhausted p0nies in to a battle.”
>Sherman turns his gaze upon you as well


>Sherman: “And I told Leucine here that he doesn’t have a choice in the manner, Luna’s orders are absolute. We’re already behind schedule as it is, but Leucine here doesn’t seem to understand that.”
>Leucine: “Kiss my flank Sherman I’m not moving my p0nies an inch away from city limits
>Sherman: “That’s fine, betray both sides over the course of two days, see if I care.”
>Yeah you’re not helping this case out as much as you’d like to. This is something Luna would have to solve herself, wait…that’s it!
“How about….someone get in touch with Luna and ask her what she’d like us to do?”
>Sherman: “Because she already told us what she wants us to do!”
>Well fuck there went your plan, and here you thought you were being clever too.

>Meanwhile
>A pink marshmallow limb banged an innocent beat against the portal to Shermanon's suite
>There was no answer at first, only the sound of running water
>Pinkie Pie smiled, waiting for what she expected to be a swift reply
>But it never came
>She banged once more
>“Hello~!! Wake up, sleepy head!”


>There was the sound of a lazy groan on the other side of the door, and she skipped in anticipation
>Shermanon's smiling face would greet her, and her morning would be complete!
>The knob turned, and the door creaked open
>What she was met with was the most unwelcoming grimace that she has ever seen
>Shermanon was covered in a cold sweat
>But, at the very least, the powerful odor that lingered over him from the mess hall was gone
>And he managed to shave his face completely clean, save for a few nicks and cuts
>Pinkie Pie didn't quite understand why humans mutilated their manes in such a way
>But she admitted to herself, in the case of the two humans that she knew, it did make them look better
>“Good morning!”
>Click
>The door closed in her face
>Undeterred, she just knocked yet again
>Again
>And again
>“Time to waaaaaake up~!!”
>“Wake up!”
>“Wake up~!”
>The voice of Shermanon is muffled through the wooden door
>“Go away.”
>Pinkie giggled at the resistance
>“Oh, you silly-filly! It's ten in the morning!”
>She could hear a guttural scream on the other end of the door


>“I'M NOT SILLY!”
>“And I'm not a freakin' FILLY!”
>Pinkie Pie only laughed, skipping in place
>“For such a big boy, you sure do whine a lot!”
>The sound that she heard coming from the other end of the door was a terrible roar
>“GHHAH!”
>The sound of running water shut off with a squeak, and a moment later the door opened once more
>Shermanon stood before her, running a warm towel over his chin
>“Fine.”
>“You win.”
>Pinkie grinned from ear to ear
>She always wins
>“Yay~! There's two ponies yelling outside. Wanna go see?”
>Shermanon slouched, and growled through his lips
>His eyes were half closed
>Deep, black patches carried them
>He looked like he had not gotten any sleep at all
>“Whatever you say, Pinkie Pie”
>He conceded, and he followed her happy, ever-jovial tail out of the hotel


>Moments later, they arrived at the site of the argument
>Not content with the view, Shermanon moved on forward, pushing a path through the array of Pony soldiers
>It was not a site that he liked seeing, at all
>Pinkie followed him, and before long his presence was made aware of and the various soldiers just got out of his way
>They were shocked, as the ones before, that there was a second human in their midst
>Much less in this world, period
>And, by the time he actually got to the front row and breached to the arguing stallions, he looked between them
>On the way, he had heard well enough what was going on
>Pinkie was the first to speak, however
>“Good morning, everyone!”
>She said, trying to lighten the mood
>But Shermanon was quick to follow suite
>“So, are we debating between saving Equestria and taking a break?”
>He crossed his arms over his chest, looking to Aether
>Though he spoke with a less friendly tone than before
>“I'm ready to leave Manehattan. The sooner I get to see Celestia, the better.”