Unsalvageable

Cheerilee often spent her nights at the schoolhouse. There were many papers to grade, and tests to write. She created the lessons herself, which, although let her give lessons that were relevant to her students, caused her social life to suffer. She swore to spend more time with ponies her age after the Hearts and Hooves debacle, but never spent the time needed to get ahead in her lesson planning.

So, she sat there, writing and reading like any other night. Even her weekends were eaten by the endless piles of paper that needed review. It was all worth it to Cheerilee, though. She loved nothing more that giving her students the chance to learn something new. Their smiles fueled her, they gave her the energy needed to work late into the night and wake early in the morning. Some ponies made jokes that she literally fed off of her students cheer, but those rumors were always the harmless kind.

"Just one last paper until I can go. Huh, looks like Sweetie didn't hand in her test.. I'll have to talk to about that." Cheerilee sighed, Sweetie was a smart filly, but she didn't apply herself like the others. "She spends too much time making clothes." Cheerilee mused.

Knock Knock Knock

Too late for a student.. Cheerilee thought to herself. And what parent would come by at this hour either? The teacher stood up from her chair, popping her back and shoulders as she stood. I really need a new chair.. She walked out of the small classroom into the hallway, and over to the front doors of the school. It was a rather large school considering how few foals were in Ponyville, it had been built years earlier, back when Ponyville was a larger town with almost double the residents.

Something about the situation felt..off. Cheerilee wasn't superstitious, she didn't believe in karma, luck, or ghosts, but there were tales, campfire stories about the schoolhouse. Ponies said it was the starting ground of a murderous rampage that claimed seven ponies’ lives. There was no evidence to back this up, but then again, if somepony had gone insane and taken knives to other ponies, wouldn't Celestia want that information to be held from the public?

Doesn't matter, Cheerilee thought, Somepony is here, and I'm not going to leave them waiting because of some old mares tale. The teacher took a deep breath and braced herself. Here goes nothing.. She swung the double doors open quickly, and just as quickly blushed embarrassed when she saw the pony that was knocking. "Hi Berry, what are you doing here so late?"

Cheerilee's marefriend smiled, "I figured you could use some company, I have the rest of tonight off, and I didn't want to wait at home for you." Cheerilee let out a breath, "Sure, but I'm almost done, so we can get going soon."

The two mares walked into the school, and back into Cheerilee's classroom. In truth, Cheerilee only had to pack a few papers, and write "92%, Great job!" and small smiley face on the last test. But she didn't want to be alone, between the stories floating through her mind and the boredom, Cheerilee appreciated the company. Cheerilee and Berry talked for a while after the grading was done. They didn't have much time alone anymore, between Cheerilee's classes and Berry's job as a waitress, the two were only together for a few hours in the early morning. This put a strain on their relationship, but it something that they worked through, their love was something worth working hard for.

But even when something is worth fighting for, it isn't always won. Sometimes, even when two ponies love each other, even when they don't fight, there are things that cannot be accounted for. A wrench thrown in can destroy even the greatest of machines, or in this case, a knife.

***

I heard two voices from the school, one was my target, Cheerilee, the other I didn't recognize, it was a mare, but that was all I knew for sure. I suspected that Cheerilee had a special somepony, but I hadn't the time to confirm before tonight. Doesn't matter any, I've dealt with worse than some mare, but even I know that one witness can put you away. That's why I had to sit in the bushes for three hours; I almost missed the day because of that mare. It was unfortunate that she didn't fit the cutout. That would have been satisfying.

As I waited for the right time I saw a light shining behind me. It was dim, only bright enough for the pony holding it to see right in front of them. The purple light bounced slightly as the holder neared, I assumed a unicorn was making their way through town and turned back to what really mattered. The new mare was gone, but Cheerilee was humming, she must have told her friend to go home. Good. Sometimes things just go your way. Of course, the same can't be said for Cheerilee, for her, this is the worst situation she could find herself in.

Now, it isn't an easy feat for me to ambush ponies. I use a knife, it's my trademark. I hold it in my mouth, and flick my neck, that is the easy part. Having a pony stand still for me is hard, that's why sneaking behind them is the best chance I have. I'm not a unicorn; I can't use magic to hold them down, or wings, mainly because I'm not a pegasus either. More impressive for earth ponies to kill like I do, takes more work. Not many appreciate my art. They can't see the big picture; they think I kill at random. I have reasons for everypony I kill, and even where I kill them.

As Cheerilee stepped through the doorway of her math class I opened the window above me. I had quite some time until dawn, plenty to say what I needed to say. I practiced many times; having her there at the end would be no different, as I don't feel remorse for my killings. They have meaning and purpose, even when nopony else sees that.

The window I chose didn't creak when opened, that made this easier for me, meant I could just slam it open. I climbed through and made my way across the room. Small desks with chairs were aligned on one half, with a large desk covered in papers on the other side. Cheerilee was in the main hallway when I stepped through the door, she had twenty feet to go before leaving the school.

Where did her friend go? It bothered me that she had come from work just to visit, and leave literal moments before Cheerilee. There was no time to think, I had to get Cheerilee away from the door. I picked up my pace, still walking slow enough as to keep my noise to a minimum. I felt a an urge to kill her right then, but that wasn't what I had planned, it wasn't the right way.

"Number Eight, how are you?" The sudden noise from my voice made her jump. She yelled in surprise and turned to see me.

"Who are you?" She gasped out. I simply smiled wide. This was the part I loved best. The satisfaction of a job well done. The payoff from hours, sometimes days of work. The cut.

"You know me well, Cheerilee." I stepped closer as she backed away.

"I've never seen you around here before. Who are you? How do you know my name?" Her voice quivered slightly. So beautiful.

"I've been around for years, nopony has the patience to stop long enough to find me."

"I'm going to call the police ponies if you don't leave!" Anger, always anger. Why do they always try to intimidate? I obviously am not afraid of police ponies if you're alive to threaten calling them.

"They all try. Don't go out like this, dear. Your roll is the biggest, the start of the cycle. The return. It's too important to be insulted by your feeble attempts at intimidation are only going to embarrass you. You know who I am now, yes?"

"You're.. You're the Ponyville Killer. Why are you here? What do you want from me?

"One, that isn't my name, Two, don't waste you're questions. You only have two more. I'm here for you, and before you ask, yes, I am going to kill you. But you can help me out a little before you die, maybe I'l go easy on you, but that's only if you help me."

"What the hay could I do to help you? And why would I want to, you're the last pony I want to help!"

"Keep your voice down before I cut out your tongue." That got her attention. "Stop wasting questions and tell me where your friend went. Now!" Anger can be a way for your enemies to fail, and a way for them to break you. I choose to let my anger influence others instead of me.

"Why? So you can kill her too? No. Bucking. Way." You'll stop resisting when I rip out you eyes. And why the buck do you keep asking these dumb questions?

"She isn't a part of this, she's safe. I just need to know how loud I can be. And how long."

"W-what are you planning for me?" Her will is failing, she'll give in soon.

"Nothing like what you worry about." But something much, much, worse.

"Why did you hide for twenty years just to come back with the same t-thing." She can't even say it. Why do they all fear the word, it isn't alive, it can't harm you.

"Why did I wait two decades to kill again? Easy, I had to. The cycle is eight months, with a twenty year brake. Some serial killers choose to kill their specific type of target at any chance they get. I not only have prerequisites for the victim, but the where, when, and how. Each Number will have a specific place of death, and a unique process for postmortem dissection."

"Number? D-dissection?" Now comes the interesting part. "Yes, dissection, But pay no head deary, like I said, it's postmortem." Her blank expression told me to simplify. "I take you apart after you're dead."

"Oh my Celestia.." Call upon your goddess, scream for help. She can't save you from me.

"Any last words, Cheerilee? Something you want passed on to friends, family, lovers?

"Shut up! SHUT UP!" Looks like I struck a nerve.. "Come now, dear. You wouldn't want to drop dead without telling her something , would you?" Her sobs returned. Much to my satisfaction.

"I-I..Tell her I love her." Good. Now to end this.

"I'll pass it on. I believe it's story time." One more step..

"What do you mean?" You're stronger than the others. Maybe you're just a curious type.

"Well, what do you think happens after you are discovered? I continue." Her emotions are spent, she doesn't react at all.

"First, the teacher. The foals will be in fear, and the parents will be overprotective, making their choices less thought out. Somepony that is loved by all, the one who brings up the next generation. Your death will rock the foundation of Ponyville."

"I don't think you'll make it past two. You may have me, but Celestia won't let you kill seven ponies." I pay no head to her; her last question will be at the end.

"Number two will play on their hearts even more, though. The caretaker. Whichever pony helps others in need. In this case, Fluttershy. Shyness is a cute trait; nopony could bear the thought of her death that is why she is next. Number three has to cause suffering to ponies outside of Ponyville. The Farmer. Applejack has a pivotal role in keeping the surrounding towns well fed. Her death will cause hunger to reign."

"You can't kill them! You're a monster! You act as if this is acceptable, like you're helping.. You're sick." Let. Me. Finish.

"Number four is less dramatic; it shows that there isn't a connection or equation. The child. A young foal will be lost, their parents will mourn, but this will show even Celestia that I am not just some junkie looking for bits. The death of a filly or colt will have the biggest emotional response. Number five, my favorite. By now I am known, so shock value isn't a factor. The background pony. The one who is known, but not known.  Somepony who has few friends, who will not be missed by many. This time I have chosen Dr. Whooves. I doubt anypony in town even knows what his doctorate is in. Number six, another well-known pony. The leader. Mayor Mare."

"There is no way you can kill the mayor! You are insane. I'm glad you picked such important ponies; you can't get away with all this. No way."

"One more interruption. Just. One." I revealed my blade. I had it hidden in a pocket of skin I made on my left flank, where a Cutie Mark would be, if I had one. "She will be taken, and all order that has remained will be lost. The town will fail without a leader. Just like last time. Finally, number seven. The most shocking, and most important kill. Captain of the Royal Guard. Shinning Armor. When he dies, all ponies will be lost. Equestria will be in anarchy, riots in the streets." Ah, this will be grand. Seven was the greatest, so much chaos. "But the final part is not always a kill. I will make a threat to Luna's life. With news of my deeds spreading over Equestria, I will be taken seriously. That will be the peak of chaos." Now, what question will you ask next? Or will you just call me sick again?

"Did you really kill those same ponies twenty years ago?" I smiled.

"Yes, I did. Celestia hid all the deaths from you. She wanted to preserve her name, I soiled it when I slipped through her hooves."

"So why are you really doing this? You keep talking about a 'cycle', but why is it so important that you do this, what are you trying to prove?" Her voice was getting louder and louder. She was.. angry. But the rest are too when they know.

"Well, I must admit, I am not the mastermind of this plan. I am just the pony who makes the way clear for the real master. I am a mere pawn, but, even I am too powerful for you to defeat. Or maybe I'm just too scary."

"Whoever this 'master' is, Celestia and the Elements of Harmony will get him! Nopony has been able to resist their power."

"But what if my master isn't a pony? Are your Elements sill too great for him to resist?"

"Of course they are, Discord isn't a pony." Not what I meant.

"My master is different. He doesn't feel pain the way you and I do. He will claim the throne, and he will rule Equestria. But for now, you must die."

"What is your name?" Finally, the question everpony has.

"Apollyon."

"I've heard that name before.." Remember, love. You can do it.

Her eyes went wide. She gasped and held a hoof over her mouth. "No.." Yes.

"Tell my sister to get ready for war."

I pull my Knife from the skin scabbard it was kept in, and tilt back my head. With one, quick movement I bring my blade down. The Knife is forged of precious metals from the outer edge of Equestria, It glistens like a jewel. While not entirely unique, as anypony who has the right amount of bits could acquire the gems and rocks needed, it has.. sentimental value, I used It twenty years ago, when the cycle began the first time. It started with the teacher, just like now. His blood had spread, just like hers. His tears dried, just as hers. He started it all, just like she has.

The blade slices through her skin, ripping the throat open. Blood trickles out, slowly at first but increasing in speed over time. She gags, coughs, unable to breathe or think. Her mind and body shut down.

A sob echoes through the halls. Blood drips down a few lockers.  My Knife is covered in blood; my muzzle has a mist sprayed over it. The teacher was a good sport, a little strange, but I guess not everpony reacts the same to their death being right before their eyes. Speaking of eyes..

I take my knife and position it parallel to Cheerilee's body, and then I slide it forward, pressing down as I move. The blade slices the skin and coat from the teachers’ body, causing blood to seep out. I continue until her entire body is skinned, then remove the eyes, hooves, and lastly, tongue from her body. Finally, I mount her body on the wall above the door, hidden until somepony enters. They will see the blood pooling on the flood, look up and scream.

I leave through the window I entered, closing it softly. I then walk around the outer edge of Ponyville, towards Number Eights home. I need to find Berry's address. I also have a note to put in Cheerilee's house, a hello to the guards who will investigate the murder. It's all part of the cycle, everything has gone perfect.

I feel fire burning inside my soul, the sacrifice was accepted. Once down, six to go.

"Here I come, Number Nine."