Chapter 17

“Okay, I picked up the parcel for Mr. Rich, dropped off Diamond at school, and somehow helped Pinkie Pie with those annoying ass Parasprite things,” I said to myself.

Yeah, those things were strange as hell, Dante said in my head. You think they’ll come back?

Not unless they want another face full of lighting, I scoffed. I was making my way through town with a package under my arm that I got from the post office.

So…Celestia seemed pretty happy to see you.

And what does that mean?

Are you as dense as you are stupid?

I ain’t even gonna dignify that with a response. And for the record, she was happy to see everyone.

Uh-huh, but mostly you.

Would you-!

I was cut off when I accidentally bumped into someone, making me drop the parcel. I turned around to see a guy rub his shoulder and a newspaper on the ground as well.

“Shit, sorry about that, man,” I said as I picked up both the parcel and the paper and handed him the paper. He looked back at me and was a pale fellow. Strange thing about him was his eyes were almost as red as Dante’s and his hair was as white as snow. He looked at the paper and then to me and simply smiled as he took it back.

“No I’m sorry, I should have been looking where I was going,” He said while rubbing the back of his head and bowing.

Dude, what’s with the bowing? This ain’t Japan.

Dante, shut it.

“No need to bow, dude, I was also lost in thought.” I held out my hand to him. “Axel.”

He smiled back and he grasped my hand firmly and shook it. “I’m Orion, nice to meet you.”

“So what brings you to town?” I wondered.

“Oh, um, well you see, I’m looking to find myself a job, and a place to stay. I had to move out of my old town,” He said, a bit saddened.

“Heh, well you’re in luck,” I smiled as I wrapped an arm around his shoulder. “Cause I know all too well what that’s like. So how’s about I lend you a hand in finding work?”

Orion had an almost shocked expression. “R-really? Oh I couldn’t, we just met and I wouldn’t want to trouble you.”

“Aw, come on!” I smirked as I patted his back. “It’s no trouble at all. You seem like an honest dude, looking for honest work, right?” He nodded a little. “See? Of course you are! So answer me this, what’re your thoughts on manual labor?”

“Uhh okay I guess, why do you ask?” He said while cocking his head to the side.

“There’s an apple farm just on the outside of town who’s been looking for an extra pair of hands. And I think you’d make a good fit. What do you say?”

He shrugged his shoulders awkwardly looking unsure of himself. “I guess I could try, I don’t have many options right now.”

“Great! Trust me, I think you’ll fit right in,” I said as we began our way towards Sweet Apple Acres. On the way, I was showing Orion the in’s and out’s of town and he seemed to take a liking to the welcoming atmosphere. As we walked, I overheard some people calling me by my nickname again.

“Look, it’s the Demon of Ponyville!”

“Hey, don’t call him that!”

“Yeah, he might get mad at you!”

Orion was looking over at the people as they ducked away after calling me by my nickname. “What was that all about?”

“Ugh, it’s…a long story. To make it short, I made a bit of a bad first impression on my first day here. How, you may ask? Again, long story, I’ll tell you later.”

“Well I think you seem like a good guy to me, after all you’re helping a complete stranger find a job,” He added with a smile.

“Yeah, I guess, but you just don’t know the real reason,” I said under my breath.

“What was that?” Orion asked.

“Nothing, hey look, we’re here.” We walked past the gates leading to Sweet Apple Acres and Orion was gazing at all the apple trees that we passed by. “Yep, that was my reaction when I saw this place. Still kinda hard to believe that they can take care and harvest all these apples by themselves.”

“Who?” He asked while looking around at all the trees full of bright red apples.

“Howdy Axel!”

As if on cue, a little girl with a cute bow in her hair came running up to me. I came to know her as Applejack’s little sister, Apple Bloom, and I’ve heard that she’s also been Diamond’s new friend recently. The little farm girl had a bright smile stretched across her face as she jumped up and wrapped me in a big hug by wrapping her arms and legs around me.

“Oof! Apple Bloom, how many times do I gotta tell you to not jump on me like this?” I deadpanned as I supported her with my arms.

“Ya haven’t complained before, so why start now?” Apple Bloom asked.

“It’s cause you’re so damn cute, and your siblings and granny will kill me if I so much as harm a single strand of hair on your head,” I chuckled as I put her down. “Apple Bloom, this is Orion, he’s here to answer that add your brother put out.”

“Really?!” Apple Bloom asked excitedly. “Ya really wanna work with us, mister?”

Orion looked slightly nervous before nodding his head. “I sure do, that is if I’m qualified to work here.”

“Well come on then! Mah sister and brother should be around here somewhere.” The little farm girl led us towards the farm house as Orion looked a little anxious.

“If it’s any consolation, they’re all as nice as Apple Bloom is,” I whispered to him.

“I’m just hoping I can land this job, I’ve tried four different places already today,” He whispered back.

We soon made it to the barn and we saw Applejack and her brother Big Mac hauling barrels of Apples on a wagon. Applejack had her shirt tied up halfway, exposing her toned stomach as she took off her hat to fan herself.

You gotta admit, that blonde knows how to work it.

Shut the fuck up!

“Sis! Look who came to visit!” Apple Bloom chirped, gaining their attention.

“Well howdy there Ax, what brings ya by?” Applejack smirked at me.

“Howdy,” Mac nodded.

“Hey you two, I brought someone here who wants to ask you something,” I said as I looked at Orion, who seemed to be eyeing the farm girl before I elbowed him.

“Ugh…I uhh, hi I’m job may I apply for the Orion here?” He spat out nervously.

“You what and you’re where now?” Applejack asked, arching a brow in confusion.

I gave him a firm slap on the back which caused him to speak properly. “Hello my name is Orion and I’d like to apply for the job here!”

“The job? Oh! From the ad Ah put out!” Mac said, tapping his fist on his palm.

“You put out an ad without askin’ me?” Applejack questioned.

“Well we do kinda need the extra hands,” Mac shrugged.

“I’m sorry, but does this mean there is or isn’t a job opening available?” Orion asked, now sounding nervous again that there may not be a job after all.

“Yes/No!” Both Mac and Applejack said. They looked at each other before looking back at us. “Give us a sec.”

Both elder apple siblings walked away from us and began mumbling to each other. Applejack elbowed Mac, Mac scowled at Applejack, and both looked like they wanted to wring each other’s neck for a moment. Soon they both relaxed and came back to us.

“Orion, was it?” Applejack asked, crossing her arms under her bust.

“Um yes ma’am,” he said stiffly while doing his best to remain calm.

“Ah got sort of a personal policy of mine that we Apples be the only ones to work on this here farm. Thing is, this farm’s been run by mah family for generations.” Orion seemed to be a little discouraged. “But, since mah brother put in the trouble askin’ fer help around here, Ah’ll throw ya a bone. So follow me.”

We followed Applejack and she led us to a tree with fresh apples on it.

“Kick it,” she said, pointing at it with her thumb.

“Kick it?” Parroted. “Umm how hard?”

“Hard as ya can, now git to it. Unless ya don’t want the job?”

Orion looked at the tree and gulped nervously. He walked over to the tree and looked it over. “Okay, here goes.” He took a step back and turned his body sideways, with his right foot back, and taking a stance.

Hm? Hang on, is that…karate or something? I thought.

He swung his leg around at a sideways angle. The moment his leg connected with the tree, the bark splintered before shattering. Soon his leg cuts clean through the tree snapping it in half. The top of the tree slammed into the ground, the branches rustling.

All of us went slack-jawed at the display as a few birds nearby were flying away. We all were silent for a solid minute until I shook my head from my shock.

“THE FUCK ALMIGHTY?!”

“Hey! Language!” Mac snapped, covering Apple Bloom’s ears.

“Oh crap, I did it again,” Orion said with a worried look before turning to Applejack and bowing his head repeatedly. “I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to break the tree like that.”

“Hot damn on an early mornin’!” Applejack yelped. “How the Celestia did ya do that?!”

“THAT WAS SO COOL!” Apple Bloom cheered.

Orion was tapping his index fingers together looking rather guilty. “I’m still learning how to control my strength properly. Does this mean I failed the Interview?”

“Failed?” Applejack said as she calmed herself. “I say ya overqualified.”

“Ummm…is that good or bad?” He asked rather nervously.

“Ah’ve been kickin’ these trees since Ah was a youngin’, Mac too, and we ain’t never seen anyone kick as hard as you, partner. Ya got a gift, a crazy strong gift, but a gift nonetheless. So here’s mah proposition: if Ah agree ta let ya work on our farm, will ya try your damndest ta keep that leg of yers in check?”

Nodding his head, Orion had the brightest smile I've ever seen on him. “Of course, I promise I’ll do you guys proud!”

“Then put ‘er there, partner,” Applejack smiled as she extended her hand. “Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres, home to the best dang apples in Equestria!”

“Thank you Ms. Applejack, I promise I’ll work as hard as anyone here.” He grasped her hand and shook it hard.

“Just call me Applejack, sugarcube,” Applejack winked.

“Congrats, man,” I nodded until he grabbed my hand and shook it wildly.

“It’s all thanks to you man, I’m so grateful!”

“Okay, okay, I get it!” I said, pulling my hand away. “Oof, you sure are strong. Anyway, now that you got a job, where are you planning to stay for shelter?”

“Umm…I guess I’ll need to find a hotel or an inn around here.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a few bits. “Not sure how many nights this will get me.”

“Now wait just an apple pickin’ minute,” Applejack cut in. “Our work place, our hospitality. You’re stayin’ here on the farm with us.”

That caught Orion by surprise as his eyes widened. “Wait, are you serious Ms. Applejack? I wouldn’t want to take advantage of you guys.”

“Nonsense! You’re technically already an Apple by workin’ here,” Apple Bloom said. “And you can use the spare room next to mine! We’ll be room buddies!”

“Besides, it don’t look like ya got anywhere else to go, do ya?” Mac asked.

“Seems like a pretty sick deal, dude, I’d take it,” I added.

“I-I don’t know what to say, thank you guys. This is honestly the nicest thing that’s happened to me since I got here,” Orion said while smiling warmly.

“We’ll go and get your room all sorted out,” Applejack smiled back as she and her siblings left.

“See? What’d I tell you?” I said with a confident smile.

“You were right, I honestly wasn’t expecting this level of kindness. Thanks to you, I now have a place to work and stay. You’re a real hero, Axel.”

“Hero…” I said, feeling bittersweet. “If only the others felt the same way.”

“What do you mean?’ He asked curiously. “Did something happen?”

“Orion, can I show you something? And please promise not to freak out?” I asked him.

“Umm sure I guess.” He shrugged his shoulders before nodding.

I took a deep breath before holding my arms out in front of me. I activated Smoke as small cinders danced around my body and smoke trails coiled around my arms. The whole spectacle seemed to surprise him as I showed off my power by turning into smoke wisps and appearing off to the side, on a tree branch, and reappearing to where I was standing.

“Before you ask, no, it’s not magic. To put a name for it, I’m what’s called a Conduit.”

For a moment he stared at me before nodding his head. “Not gonna lie, that seems pretty cool.”

“Look, I know it’s creepy but-wait, what? Cool?”

“Yeah, that looks kinda cool. And since it belongs to you, I can only imagine how well you use them,” he said as he circled around me, looking at the smoke.

“You…don’t think it’s scary?” I asked hesitantly as I deactivated Smoke.

“You do know there are three headed hydra, manticore, Timberwolves in the world right? No offense but I think those things are scarier,” He added plainly.

“Okay…then what about this?” I asked. I activated Neon and sprinted down the tree line at top speeds and ran back to Orion. “Or this?” I activated Concrete and stomped my foot, making small walls of concrete shot up from the ground. “Or maybe this?” I activated Video and summoned my digital wings, making them flap a little. “Or lastly, this?” I activated Electricity and sparks of lightning danced along my arms and up my shoulders. “People say none of what I can do is unnatural, which is part of the reason why I’m called the Demon of Ponyville.”

“That's it?” He asked somewhat unfazed. “You can’t turn into a fiery winged monster who steals souls?” He asked, looking me over.

“Nope, just the powers I have just displayed,” I said as I deactivated my power.

He seemed somewhat disappointed. “Wow, so much for the people here being nice. I mean, so what if you have abnormal powers? This world is full of magic and monstrous creatures. And yet all it takes to be labeled a demon, is to have powers no one else has,” he huffed as he leaned against the barn.

“True, but you weren’t there when they started calling me that. I literally almost sliced a guy in two.”

He cringed a bit, and I was sure that would have been the moment he turned on me, like everyone else. But then his expression changed. “Did this happen to be a guy who gave you no other choice, and was this done out of pure malice?”

I then told Orion the whole story, minus the part about Dante, and he seemed pretty ticked off by the whole situation. “I heard from Princess Celestia and my boss that these Northerners have been causing a stir all over Equestria. Each one, I imagine, is as scummy as the last and are pressuring Celestia and Luna for a peace treaty, or so they say; which is complete bullshit.”

“This is the first I’ve heard of these Northerners, but from what you told me, they can’t be trusted.” He patted my shoulder trying to comfort me. “If it makes you feel better, I don’t think you’re a demon. They just don’t understand what’s going on.”

“I know, I’ve been trying to show them I’m not all bad, but it’s a slow process,” I sighed.

“Honestly I wish I could help, but I’m so new here that I doubt I could do anything that might work.” He rubbed the back of his head while sighing. “But I’ll do whatever I can to help, after all you helped me, so it’s only fair I try and help you.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it,” I nodded.

“Welp, your room’s all nice and ready.”

We both turned to see Applejack come out with her siblings.

“It’s got the essentials: a bed, nightstand, dresser, and the bathrooms two doors down to the right,” Applejack explained.

“Yo Mac, we still on for happy hour at Berry’s Bar?” I asked as I fist bumped the farmer.

“Eeyup,” Mac nodded. “Oh and Orion?” Mac smiled warmly as he wrapped his large arm around Orion but glared at him so Applejack couldn’t see him. “Ya try anythin’ with mah sisters, and Ah’ll personally show ya where Ah’ll be stuffin’ apples where the sun don’t shine.”

Orion, not looking the slightest bit nervous, looked at Big Mac with a genuine look of confusion. “Try something? I’m afraid I don’t understand what you mean. Also don’t you guys put the apples in the barn?” He asked while pointing to the barn.

“Wha? No, Ah mean don’t do anythin’ funny with them.”

“Oh, so we can’t tell jokes here? Well this is a business, I suppose we have to maintain a professional work environment,” he added honestly.

“Ah…Y’know what, nevermind,” Mac waved his hand as he walked away.

“Pfft, nice one Orion,” Applejack giggled and joined her brother. “Come on, Ah’ll show ya around the Apple acres.”

“Wait for me!” Apple Bloom chirped.

“Wow, never thought I’d see Mac get all flustered,” I said. “You do realize he’s the overprotective type when it comes to his family?”

Orion smiled as he followed the rest of the apple family. “Of course, but he has nothing to fear, I’m not sure if I’m looking for a relationship anytime soon, much less with my employers.”

“Well just make sure you keep an eye on Applejack,” I said as I walked away. “She likes to stick it to people when she wants to. See ya later!”

“Bye, and good luck with everything man!” He called out.

I waved goodbye until I realized that I still had the parcel from earlier. “Shit! Gotta book it!” I activated Neon and sprinted to Mr. Rich’s place.

That Night

I was within the realm of dreams and I dreamt I was sitting at a bar and I was alone with my alter ego, Dante, and we were sharing a drink together. It was kinda weird at first, considering he’s an exact replica of me excluding the eyes, but we were enjoying the ambience of the smooth jazz in the background.

“So what’s your take on that Orion dude?” Dante asked as he sipped his drink.

“What do you mean? He seems alright,” I shrugged as I leaned back on my chair.

“Really? We’ve been here for a month and you don’t find it weird how he managed to destroy an apple tree with a single kick?” Dante questioned.

“He said he can’t control his strength, so what?”

“Axel, the guy may be an earth pony human, but let’s be honest. Mac is arguably the strongest earth pony human in town, and not even he can kick that hard! Something’s up with that Orion, I can tell.”

“So he’s a little stronger than we thought, I still fail to see the point,” I shook my head as I sipped my own drink.

“No one that meek looking can be that strong and act like he can’t help it,” Dante pointed at me. “I’m telling you, he’s not natural. And what was up with that thing he did before he kicked the tree? That sure looked like some kind of karate stance if I’ve ever seen one.”

“Did you maybe consider that this world might have something similar, if not the same, as karate? We may be in a different world, but that doesn’t mean everything is different.”

“Fine, but what about how he acted when you showed off your powers? They guy didn’t even flinch when you showed them off, meanwhile the rest of this prejudiced town avoids you like the plague and calls you Demon.”

“Your fault, by the way,” I reminded him.

“Your choice for letting me, by the way,” he countered. “Those girls and the Rich family are the select few who have accepted you for who and what you are; the Princesses and your little girlfriend included. But the fact that Orion accepted you right off the bat seems too good to be true.”

“What exactly do you want me to do, Dante, spy on him?” I asked as I set my glass down. “He’s just one guy who isn’t as biased as I thought him to be. I helped the guy get a freaking job for crying out loud. Besides, I’m sure you’re well aware that we have more concerning things to worry about than just one out-of-towner.”

“Sam Spade and the Northerners are a different issue,” Dante stated. “I, for one, don’t trust that Orion guy.”

“The day you trust someone else is the day I’ll let you use my body for an entire day.”

“Is that a fact?”

“Don’t know,” I shrugged as I sipped my drink. “We’ve been here a month and you’ve yet to say anything positive about anyone. You don’t even trust Moon.”

“I keep telling you that this little relationship of yours seems too good to be true, since you two did jump into it.”

“We may have jumped into it, but we’re still taking it slow,” I glanced at him. “And you know, that brings up a solid question: do you even trust me?”

“Well sure I do, we-”

“Dante,” I interrupted him and looked at my alter ego dead in his red eyes; I felt like I was looking at a mirror. “Our agreement with each other aside, look me in the eye and tell me that you trust me.”

Dante was silent as he stared at me and we sat like that for several minutes before he decided to speak. “I…I’m not entirely sure.”

“What’s that mean?” I asked.

“I don’t know…” he said as he looked away.

“I agreed to let you share my mind and body so long as you don’t do anything out of line to anyone who doesn’t deserve it. That, in itself, is a big step for me in trusting you. So why can’t you trust me?”

“Well who’s to say that you won’t lock me up in your subconscious again?!” He snapped, making the music stop. “I was created from your dark thoughts that spiraled around that head of yours ever since that night, but then you decided that I was a burden so you pushed me away! Then, all of a sudden, as soon as you came to this world and got these sweet Conduit powers, I somehow was able to free myself! And just because of one little scenario I played out for you back in Canterlot, you freaked out and treated me like I was a curse that should never return.”

“But we came to an agreement.”

“That we did, but I, as you have described me as, am a loose cannon. I’m literally the embodiment of all your sinister thoughts and I want to tear my way through anyone who crosses me and deserves it, like those Northern scumbags. But this world is too uptight for me to do any of that and this is still your body. However, despite the few times you’ve let me out, I still crave more action, more violence! Who knows, I might do something so bad that it will worsen your reputation?”

“Well…maybe I’ll just have to accept that,” I said plainly.

“Accept what?” Dante questioned.

“You said before that you’d fight, or possibly kill, any who deserves it. Does that mean you won’t do that to those who don’t?”

“Even I can see there’s some good eggs around here,” Dante scoffed. “I ain’t some monster who’d hurt kids, if that’s what you’re wondering.”

“Then that’s why I trust you,” I said firmly. “You have a code, a strict one, but still a code. I could probably let you walk about Ponyville for an entire day and you’d probably just keep to yourself, right?”

“Most likely,” Dante nodded.

“And all the names they’d call you?”

“They got a problem with me, then they can say it to my face.”

“Look Dante, we may not see eye-to-eye on most things, but I’d like to at least try. You’re a part of me and that’s just how things are. I promise that I won’t push you away like I did before.”

“Really? So if I decide to kill a bunch of guys who I say deserve to die, you won’t push me away?”

“No, I won’t.”

Dante stared at me in the eye before he smiled and chucked to himself. “Man, that almost sounded serious.”

“But I was-”

“Kidding, kidding,” Dante waved me off. “Okay Axel, I’ll hold you to that promise of yours, but you can’t say shit for whatever I do when I take the wheel, got it?”

“Yeah, I got it,” I nodded.

“Good.” I looked out the window of the bar to see the sun coming up. “Sun’s about to rise, I’ll talk to you later.”

One Week Later

The day was like any other and it was my day off from working for Mr. Rich. Since it was my day off, I decided to stop by Rarity’s place so I can order some more new clothes for Moon’s wardrobe. Moon told me that she wanted to expand her clothing a little more since Rarity was nice enough to make her casual attire, I decided I’d surprise her. I thought about Orion and how he was doing at the Apple Farm but figured he’d be okay since he’s got that freaky strong kick of his. As I approached Rarity’s boutique, a woman exited the building and her entire atmosphere just screamed important. She wore a fancy looking frilly dress and her makeup looked like it was done by a professional and she wore dark blue leggings that went all the way up her legs and she wore a snazzy looking shirt. Her hair was a brilliant sapphire blue and hung in a nice long ponytail with a small top hat on her head.

“Pardon me,” I said politely as I walked past her.

“Hm? Excuse me,” she said to me, making me turn to her. “Oh I knew it! You’re the talented young man I saw on that video!”

“Huh? What? What video?” I asked. The lady reached into her skirt pocket and pulled out her phone, which unexpectedly looked similarly like mine, and showed me the screen. To my surprise, it was a video of Moon and I singing at the party from a while back.

“You’re a hit on MagiTube!” The lady chirped. “Already over two million views from a sensational song that not even I had heard!”

Seriously? MagiTube? They couldn’t think of a better name?

“I…thanks?” I shrugged.

“Oh! Sorry honey, I forgot to introduce myself! I am Sapphire Shores! The Lady of Pop!”

“Nice to meet you, my name’s Axel Rickert,” I said to her, offering my hand for a shake. She looked at my hand curiously before taking it and I shook it gently.

“Hmm, how curious, most people would freak when meeting someone like me,” Sapphire said.

“Why’s that? Are you famous or something?”

“Famous?! Hah! I’m one of the most influential singers in all of Equestria! I’m about to start my tour throughout the land it’s completely sold out!”

“I’m sorry? I’m not really from around here,” I shrugged again.

“Well I suppose I can’t blame you for that,” She smiled at me. “Anywho, I was wondering how you’re able to sing so interestingly like that?”

“Sing? Oh no, Ms. Shores, that wasn’t singing. That’s rap.”

“Rap? What is this rap?” She tilted her head.

“You don’t know what rap is?”

“Afraid not. Why? Is it a new, growing form of music that I haven’t heard about?”

Wow, that’s a first.

“You could say that, I guess I’m just the first one to introduce something like it.”

“How sensational!” Sapphire chirped. “Mr. Rickert, was it? If you would be so kind, I must ask that you give me a sample of this rap style. I had just ordered a special set of costumes to be made by an upcoming fashion designer who runs this boutique, and I figured I would do a small show in this town while I wait. Something as a sort of dress rehearsal for my tour. And since the winds of fate had drawn us together, you could be my opening act!”

“You want me to perform on your stage?” I questioned and she nodded. “Why? We only just met.”

“And that’s what makes it so…SENSATIONAL~!” Sapphire sang the last part out loud.

Hmm, this could help boost morale for me in town, but it also sounds like a pain in the ass. I mean, what do I care about performing? I can’t even sing for shit. On the other hand…it does sound admittedly fun.

…

“Well…I guess it wouldn’t hurt.”

“Splendid!” Sapphire grabbed my arm and pulled me towards the center of town. “Come! The fans await!”

“What have I gotten myself into?”

I found myself standing behind a curtain of a stage that was set up by the mayor for Sapphire Shores and everyone in town was attending. I’m not entirely sure how they were able to set all this up so quickly, but with an entourage like Sapphire’s, I shouldn’t really be surprised. I started having second thoughts since I never performed on stage until Sapphire came up from behind me with a wide smile.

“Are you ready?”

“Are you sure about this? I’m not exactly the performing type.”

“That’s what everyone says when they’re about to sing! Trust me, this will be simple!”

“Ugh…if you say so,” I sighed as she went to prepare for her own thing.

I pulled the curtain aside to see if I could see anyone I’d know. Unfortunately, I didn’t see the girls or even Spike, but I did see Moon in front; even Lapis and she was decked out in Sapphire Shores merch. I pulled out my smartphone and scrolled through my playlist to choose a song. Once I picked the perfect one, I made my way over to the tech guy who was looking over the speaker system.

“Hey man, you mind hooking this up for me? It’s for the song I’m gonna sing.”

“Oh, you’re Ms. Shores’ opening act,” the tech guy said. “Sure, give it here.”

“Thanks, I’ll give you a thumbs up when it’s time to play it.” I handed him my smartphone and there was a loud round of applause as Sapphire made her appearance to the townsfolk of Ponyville.

“Heeeellllooo Ponyville!” Sapphire called out, earning more applause. “It’s great to visit such a SENSATIONAL town! Such a great place to begin my tour of Equestria for my concert: Sapphire Shores’ Zigfilly Follies! And today, I thought I’d give you all a taste by performing a couple of my own songs!” The crowd cheered for her and I saw Lapis begin to cry. “But first! I have made a recent discovery! A young man whose video on MagiTube caught my attention! I’ve never heard of this genre of music, and I just so happen to meet him by chance! So as an opening act, he shall perform for all of you!”

Taking this as my cue, I gave a thumbs up to the track guy as I was handed a microphone. He pressed play as Sapphire left the stage and I slowly made my appearance, which surprised everyone as the song played and I began.

“You’re all probably wondering why someone like me on Ms. Sapphire Shores’ stage?” The beat began as I face the crowd with now confident smile.

“Cause sometimes you just feel tired, feel weak. And when you feel weak, you feel like you wanna just give up. But you got to search within you, and try to find that inner strength. And just pull that shit out of you. And get that motivation to not give up, and not be a quitter. No matter how bad you wanna just fall flat on your face and collapse.”

I bobbed my head and stomped from one side of the stage to the other. I rapped to the beat and soon the crowd was getting into it as they bobbed their heads with me. I saw Lapis in front and she was having a blast with my rapping by bobbing her head and cheering for me. Moon, surprisingly, was also having as much fun as she clapped to the beat. I decided to up the ante by activating Video and made my digital wings appear. I flapped them so I could hover in the air and fly over the crowd. I pointed and made many hand gestures at the crowd and they were all enjoying every second of my performance. As I rapped, I noticed some of the people had their phones out and were recording me. I landed back down on the stage and continued to rap as the song was nearing its end.

When the ending chorus played out, I raised my fist in the air and struck a pose for them all. There was a brief silence before the crowd erupted in a cheer and applauded for me. I relaxed my pose and bowed for them and waved goodbye as I exited the stage. Sapphire was there to greet me and she had the widest smile possible.

“I take it you enjoyed the show?”

“THAT WAS SENSATIONAL~!” She sang. “Never in my entire music career have I heard anything so unique! It definitely got the crowd going!”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” I nodded. “Welp, I’ll leave you to your own performance.”

“Oh now hold on, honey!” Sapphire stopped me. “Why stop here? You obviously have amazing talent that shouldn’t be squandered! I would be delighted to tour with me!”

“Tour with you?” I was surprised. “Um…look, Ms. Shores, I appreciate the offer, truly I do, but it’s like I said before: I’m not the performing type. I only did this cause you offered and it sounded kinda fun.”

“But you have a gift! Don’t you wish to share this gift?”

“Not so much a gift, more like just a hobby if the occasion arises,” I corrected. “Besides, I sorta have other responsibilities that are a little more important than being on a stage, no offense.”

“Oh none taken, honey,” Sapphire said and sighed. “Well, I’m not one to pry since prying is not very sensational. If you insist, then I’ll just leave you be, dear. But perhaps, if our paths cross again, you’ll indulge me in a duet?”

“Thank you, and sure, I had fun,” I smiled.

Sapphire grinned and gave me a quick hug before she made her way on the stage. I retrieved my smartphone again as I left around the back and walked back to the boutique as the townsfolk enjoyed the rest of the show. Suddenly, I saw something that made me do a double take. I saw Spike hobbling towards town and he had blood trickling down his head and was holding his arm in pain. I ran towards the young dragon kid and he nearly collapsed before I managed to catch him.

“Holy shit, Spike, the hell happened to you?!”

“We…Rarity…gem hunting…Diamond Dog humans…help,” he said weakly.

I wasted no time as I used my power to heal him. Smoke covered his whole body and his wounds managed to close up and he looked a little more healthy. He groaned as I stood him up but he gasped and grabbed my shoulders.

“Ax! You gotta help me! Rarity is in trouble! She got captured by Diamond Dogmen!”

“Diamond Dogmen? Who or what’re they?”

“They’re vicious humans who live underground and in caves! Rarity had gotten some big order from someone important and we went to the gem caves outside of Ponyville to hunt for them! But then the Diamond Dogmen came outta nowhere and attacked us! I tried to stop them…but I ended up getting knocked out.”

“Shit, where’s the cave?” I asked and he pointed to the small mountain range.

“Just below those mountains! We gotta do something! Rarity could be in grave danger!”

“No Spike, I’ll take care of this,” I said firmly. “You go find the others and tell them what happened. Bring the guards too, we’re gonna need them.”

“You’re going by yourself?! That’s too risky!”

“I can handle myself, Spike, don’t worry about me. Just do as I say!” I activated Neon to run to the library to pick up my Amp and pack. “Just when I thought I’d have a good fucking day…”

I sprinted towards the small mountain range with Neon as fast as I could. These Diamond Dogmen fuckers thought they could hurt my friends and get away with it? Big mistake. I eventually arrived at the base and slowed down. I walked around the area to find any clues as to where Rarity was taken. A red spot caught my eye and I went to see that it was blood. I frowned as I examined it, which looked fresh and I noticed gravel kicked around and holes in the earth that looked dug out by claws. I didn’t bother hesitating and jumped down the hole and was met with a cave filled with gems sticking out from the rock. I slowly walked through the cave and had my hand ready to unravel my chain.

Crack!

I stopped in my tracks when I heard a noise from behind me. I waited and stood like a statue for a minute until I quickly unraveled my chain and swung it around my shoulder. My attacker yelped in surprise as my chain coiled around his neck and I pulled him forward and onto the ground. I stomped on his back and held up my Neon powered hand to his face. He looked like a very hairy man with scruffy hair and wore tattered clothing and worn-down armor. He glared over his shoulder at me and I could see he had sharp K9’s. Not to mention that I noticed his nails were long and sharp like claws.

“Shot in the dark here, but I’m guessing you’re one of those Diamond Dogmen fuckers who took my friend?” I growled.

“Who you?!” He asked in broken English. “Why you in cave?! Only Diamond Dog aloud in cave!”

“I’m the one asking questions, asswipe,” I snapped. “Where’s the girl?”

“Who?!”

I sneered at him as I pulled my chain around his neck, choking him. “Where. Is. The girl?!”

“Gak! You mean pony girl?! She deeper in cave! Work as slave! Whiney bitch, she is! We make her bleed to work!”

My entire being shook in anger at his words. “You hurt her…?” My Neon was replaced with Smoke as cinders flared around my hand. “You fucking hurt my friend?!”

“She die if she resist! We want gems! She good at finding them!” He said with a sick grin.

Axel…

You don’t need to ask, do it.

I closed my eyes as my consciousness was pushed away.

Dante 1st POV

I opened my eyes as I glared down at my new victim with a twisted smile which made him on edge.

“So you like hurting girls, do you?” I hissed.

Before he could respond, I raised my fist and slammed it down on his head. I kept bashing my fist into his skull as I tightened my chain tighter and tighter as he tried to escape in vain. My fist was soon bloody and he was barely moving as I loosened the chain from his neck.

“Don’t worry, I won’t kill you just yet.” I used Smoke to pin him down and I stood up straight and walked in front of him. “More of you are farther down this cave, right? Then you get to lay there and listen to the show.”

“Sh-show?” He spoke as he glanced up at me.

“That’s right, you get to listen to all the blood curdling screams of their pain as I slaughter them down to the last drop of blood.”

“N-NO!” He cried, struggling to stand but couldn’t due to the smoke trails pinning him to the ground. “NO KILL! YOU CAN’T KILL! DO NOT!”

“You just sit tight,” I chuckled as I swung my chain around in circles. “I’ll be sure to give you a very descriptive visual.”

“NO! NO KILL PACK! PLEASE! ME BEG! ME BEG YOU NOT TO KILL!”

I ignored his plees and continued down the cave. It felt good to be out again and I could feel Axel’s newfound hatred for these Diamond Dogmen shit brains. This is the kind of action I was hoping for, to unleash my power and show this world that I’m not here to fuck around. I eventually made it to a much larger open area of the cave. The whole place had dozens of Diamond Dogmen, all armed with clubs and hairy as hell. As I scanned the room, my eye caught something on the far end of the room that made my blood boil. That girl Rarity was on her knees, her clothes torn to shreds and multiple bloody wounds on her arms and legs. She was crying and holding her cheek as a bigger and hairy Diamond Dogman loomed over her with his fist raised.

“Stupid bitch! You find gems!” He barked.

“Leave me alone! Someone please help me!” Rarity shrieked. The man was about to bring his fist down on her, but I was NOT gonna let that happen.

“DON’T YOU FUCKING TOUCH HER, YOU MOTHERFUCKER!!!”

I sprinted towards the man, catching his and everyone else’s attention and raised my hand. I fired multiple Cinder Shots at the man, causing him to jump out of the way just in time. I chased after him and swung my cinder chain, lashing his body and made him cry out in pain. I didn’t bother to give him time to recover as I grabbed his head and slammed it into the wall as hard as I could.

Wham!

“YOU!”

Wham!

“MOTHER!”

Wham!

“FUCKING!”

WHAM!

“COCK SUCKING!”

WHAM!

“PIECE OF!”

WHAM!

“FUCKING DOG SHIT!!”

WHAM!!

I rammed his head into the wall once more as blood splattered across the wall and my hand was drenched in blood. I pulled him back and his face was completely destroyed as he gurgled on his own blood and fell backwards. I breathed heavily as I slowly turned to face the rest and was met with looks of shock and horror.

“Who’s next…?” I growled as Rarity took the opportunity to finally faint and collapse. I raised my foot over the fallen man and activated Concrete as my leg was covered in stone.

CRUNCH!

I stomped my foot down on his head, causing it to explode in a gorey spray of brains and blood. I smiled a wide and sadistic smile, I just killed someone….and it felt exhilarating.

“I. Said…WHO’S NEXT?! WHO WANTS TO FUCKING DIE?!”

The other men growled and charged at me to avenge their fallen comrade. I quickly pulled out my smartphone and put in my earbuds and selected a song and hit play.

I dashed towards the dogmen while activating Smoke and swung my chain at them. The chain whipped across a few of them, leaving nasty burn marks across their bodies. I followed it up by peppering them with multiple Smoke Shots and finished them by tossing a Sulfur Bomb at them. It exploded and blew the dogmen apart, sending bits and pieces of them flying. One dogman ran at me with a club in his hand and swung at me. I side-stepped out of the way thrusted my hand in his face while firing a shot point blank. Part of his head blew off as he fell and I could hear more cries of anger from the other dogmen.

“GIVE ME MORE!!” I screamed as I then activated Neon and a red lightsaber formed from my chain. “I WANT MORE BLOOD AND SCREAMS!!”

I charged at them with my red saber and hacked and slashed my way through the crowd. I cut through their bodies like butter as they tried to hit me with their crude weapons, but to no avail. I bodychecked one dogman into a pile of rubble and I jumped on him and stabbed my saber through his hand, making him scream in agony.

“YOU LIKE BEATING ON GIRLS?! HUH?! YOU LIKE MAKING THEM BLEED?! I’LL SHOW YOU BLOOD!!”

I pulled my saber out and stabbed him in his gut. I pulled my light weapon upwards and cut him up the middle and all the way to his head. Blood and guts sprayed out of him as I laughed maniacally and whipped my head around to face the rest of my victims. Some of them looked fearful as they tried to run away to any nearby holes. I snarled as I replaced Neon with Concrete and stomped my foot in the ground. Spikes of stone shot up from the ground, implaling some, while the fleeing dogmen were encased in concrete shells that covered their bodies all the way up to their heads.

“WHO THE FUCK SAID YOU GET TO LEAVE?!” I snarled at them with hatred. “YOUR ONLY FATE IS DEATH BY EVISCERATION!! SPEAKING OF WHICH, YOU THINK YOU HAVE SHARP CLAWS?!” Wrapped my chain up around my wrist and activated Video. Large red digital claws grew from my hands as a pair of digital webbed wings appeared on my back. I gave them an evil and manic smile as most of them all cowered at the sight of me. “THESE ARE CLAWS, BITCH!!”

“D-Demon…!” One dogman whimpered.

“A demon!” Another yelped.

“THAT’S RIGHT, ASSHOLES, I’M THE FUCKING DEMON OF PONYVILLE!!!” I laughed as I charged at them.

I jumped in the air with a flap of my wings and brought my clawed hands down on two dogmen. They stood there for a moment until their bodies split in two, causing blood to erupt all over the place. I tore my way through the rest of them as they made a feeble attempt to try and fight back. Their screams filled the area as I shoved my hand through one and tore out his still beating heart anc crushed it right in front of him. As the song was nearing its end, there were only a handful of dogmen left. None of them could even speak, let alone breathe, and all of them were literally pissing themselves.

“How fucking pathetic…” I huffed as I deactivated Video

“M-Mercy…” One one of them managed to get out.

“Sorry, not sorry, I’m fresh out,” I said as I raised my hands and activated Electricity. I slammed my electrically charged hands on the ground as bolts shot across the floor and struck my remaining prey. The electricity caused them to all scream in agony as they were burnt to a crisp and bloody foam leak from their mouths, eyes, and noses.

The song then conveniently ended as I stopped my attack as well and I stood back up. I looked around the room to admire my work as bodies littered the area and blood drenched the floor around me. I looked down at myself to see that my hands and sleeves, including my feet and pant sleeves were also covered in blood. I decided to clean myself by burning the blood off my hands and feet with Smoke, which worked well as most of it was burned off. I looked towards where Rarity was left and saw her still unconscious. I sighed as I made my way over to her but then noticed my clothes glowing red a bit from the corner of my eye. I paid it no mind as I kneeled down in front of Rarity and scooped her up in my arms. I slowly walked out of the area and glanced back once more. There was no point in coming back here, since nothing but death is left, so I decided to cover my tracks. I activated Concrete in my foot and kicked the wall hard, causing the room to shake and crack all around. As I left through the entrance I came in, the ceiling in the area collapsed all around, burying all that remained in the room. I eventually saw the dagman from before, still pinned under trails of smoke and he looked like a complete wreck. There was a noticeable puddle under his face, a mix of tears, snot and drool, and he was breathing heavily and barely glanced up at me. He tried to speak, but his voice was so hoarse from screaming that barely anything came out.

“Almost forgot about you,” I scoffed. “They’re all dead, in case you were wondering. Every. Last. One of them.” The dogman croaked out something, but I could barely make out what he said. “I’ll choose to spare you since you’re so pathetically vulnerable right now, the smoke holding you down will wear off in a couple hours, but not without a few parting words.” I glared down at him, making him cower. “Come near Ponyville again, or even think about pulling a stupid fucking stunt like taking someone against their will, and I’ll feed you your balls through your severed head.” I said nothing more as I walked past him, leaving him a quivering mess with an emotionless expression.

3rd POV

Outside the gem caves, most of the main six, Nightmare Moon, Spike, and Lapis Law and a few of her guards were on the scene. Lapis was patrolling the area as she was briefed on the situation by Spike.

“You’re sure he came this way?” Lapis asked Spike.

“Yes, this is where I told him Rarity and I were attacked,” Spike nodded.

“I hope Rarity is okay,” Fluttershy whimpered.

“Me too, damn those Diamond Dogmen! How could they stoop so low?!” Rainbow Dash said bitterly.

“It certainly is strange behavior for them to act so violently,” Twilight said. “They were always a crude race of humans, but to go so far as to attack someone?”

“Whatever the reason, they’re guilty of kidnapping,” Lapis said.

“Ma’am! Look!” One of the guards called out, pointing to an opening in the ground.

Axel jumped out from the hole and was seen carrying Rarity. Everyone gasped at the sight of her as her friends rushed over to her side.

“Axel!” Moon said with a smile. “Thank the stars!”

“Rarity! Oh my goodness, what happened to her?!” Fluttershy cried.

“Those hairy fuckwads roughed her up, but I made it just in time before she was hurt any more,” Axel said.

“Thank goodness she’s only unconscious, thank you Ax-” Twilight was cut off when she noticed Axel’s red eyes. Another strange visual about him was that his hoodie that he wore seemed to have a slight shade of red to it. “Dante…?”

“Glad you’re catching on, Ms. Bookworm,” Dante scoffed as he walked away.

“Axel, what happened down there?” Lapis asked, oblivious to who she was actually talking to.

“I saved her, that’s what happened,” Dante said as he tucked his hands in his pockets. Lapis glanced at his feet and noticed something.

“Hold up, is that…blood?” Everyone turned to Axel as he stopped and looked over his shoulder. He grinned at the group as he raised a finger to his lips and hushed at them.

“What have you done…Dante?” Moon demanded.

“What, indeed…princess,” Dante said maliciously as he continued to walk away.

No one could say anything to the eerie atmosphere surrounding Dante. All they could do was watch him leave and stare at the sigil on the back of his denim vest that looked a little more sinisterly different than before.

Author's Note

A bloody trail left in his wake…

Hope you enjoyed.

~WurkyWilk has left the building…