Chapters I have been walking for three days, my hooves ache, my legs feel like rubber, my mind is racing. I have been planning this for two decades. It took a creature powerful enough to cast age spells to plan this, and a pony sick enough to execute it. I pull my knife from its scabbard. I have had this knife for thirty years, but the scabbard is new. For the sake of mobility I had to make the holster all-natural. Which meant cutting a sheath in my thigh and sewing leather into it, making a pocket of flesh and leather.
I have been lusting after a kill for so long, holding the knife between my teeth is the only thing that keeps me sane, knowing that it's only a few more hours away.. So close.
I finally make it to the crest of the mountain, a large valley filled with forests, ravines, and swamps fill my sight. I survey the open fields, thousands of miles stretch out before me. I have to squint to find my destination; Ponyville. It's not easy to see your home from so far after wanting it so bad. I have to sit back to prevent fainting. The images flying past through my mind bring tears to my eyes. I hadn't always been so disturbed, but these thoughts have followed me for as long as I can remember.
Father told me that I had to think on positive things so I could overcome the negative. That worked when I was young, but his solution was only treating my symptoms, I needed a cure. My new father gave me that, but the cost.. I sometimes wonder if it was worthwhile. I have to shun those regrets, if new father knew, he would hate me. I just know it. I want to make him happy, I want to help him. But without his magic it gets hard, the guilt haunts me. I feel like a foal, too young to bare this alone.
New father said that would be a side affect. I am not twenty-five. I haven't been for thirty years. New father can cast age spells, he makes sure that I am in peak physical shape so I don't fail him. He's been waiting for a long time to come back. I work hard, but I still worry about failing. If I don't succeed he can't return, neither can I. He said that Celestia will behead me, I don't want to leave him.
Sometimes I wonder why I need to do this to help, new father told me that he needs the souls of ponies to come back. I still wonder why I need to kill them. I wish I could just collect souls from ponies who die naturally. It seems more innocent. Father told me I was innocent, new father tells me I'm corrupt. I miss father.
I miss new father too, I have to see him again soon. His magic is wearing off, I feel weak, young, I'm losing my nerve. I don't think I can do this without another spell.
The sun is setting, I don't have much time to get to the schoolhouse.
"New father! Help me!" I cry out, birds flock away. My sudden outburst was the first noise of the evening. I am overcome with a feeling of drifting away. I am relieved. I feel my burden lift, I fell whole again. I feel anger.
New father helped me again, now it's my turn to help. I start my decent down the mountain. I have little over a hour to start the cycle, just enough time with the spell working in me.
"Number Eight" Or "The Cycle Begins"
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."
I took the scenic route to Cheerilee's, even in the dead of night ponies are still wandering. Some of them go out for a midnight stroll because of sleeplessness, others just spend the night awake anyway. I don't give much thought to what other ponies do to pass the time, or to entertain themselves. If they aren't a target, they only matter if they are going to interfere.
Cheerilee's house is located about a mile from the schoolhouse, easy enough walk for anypony walking straight there, but I had to walk around the neighborhood, making my trek about three miles longer. I don't mind, the exercise is good, the cool breeze is refreshing, and there's a lake on the way, perfect for cleaning the now dry blood off my coat.
I step slowly into the water, it feels so good. I love the spray of blood that covers my coat at the first strike, but dried blood is less enjoyable to have covering you. I spend a good ten minutes cleaning my coat and mane, I have to go into town and make a few appearances in the morning and can't very well have blood all over me.
After my wash I continue my way to Cheerilee's. The bath makes the walk all the more easy, cooling me off and making me feel more refreshed. I have to admit; having Cheerilee waiting in the schoolhouse is very nerve racking. I don't want her to be discovered before morning, when the foals come in, but I can't go back and take her down either. As long as Berry Punch doesn't stop by to check for her, nopony will see her early. I watched that building for months, nopony has gone there late at night before, ponies are creatures of habit, they don't like doing things out of the norm.
The only pony I see on my walk is a lantern lighter, he must have been checking to see if any street lamps had burnt out. Although why he needed to have them all light when he was the only pony out is beyond me. The walk is pretty boring, but I like boring. When times are boring it usually means nothing is happening, which means I can think. I love to think. To run situations through my mind, to reminisce, just to think. I like few things more than quiet mornings when I can just.. think.
Clearing your mind is an important thing to do, especially with the stress of a murder weighing you down. I like to think that my work is perfect, mainly because it is, but that doesn't make this whole situation any less worrying. If just one thing goes wrong, one pony is out of place, or one guard follows through on a hunch, I'll be set for execution and the last twenty-two years will be for naught.
That's right, twenty-two years . Two years of planning for the first cycle, eight months to complete it, and twenty years of spreading rumors and legends. By now I doubt there's a single pony withing Equestria's borders that hasn't heard of me. Though, most don't believe that I exist. There is one pony, a young mare, who believes. She has spread my story almost as much as I have. I'll have to remember to find her before this is all over, I think she still lives somewhere near the Everfree Forest.
I round the last corner and and stand right before Cheerilee's modest home. She kept it in nice condition, most ponies do, but she was rarely around. Berry must have been the one cleaning, there's no way Cheerilee had time to fix this place up so nice. I walk up to the front door and put an ear to it, I don't know if Berry was going to meet Cheerilee here, or if they were going to Berry's.
After a minute of nothing but my own heart beating, I try the door; locked. I walk around to the side and try to open a few of the windows, the three on the west side were locked as well. I try the east side windows, same thing. Finally, I walk around to the back door, to my relief it's unlocked. Finally I have some luck. I open the door slowly and creep in. The furnishings are nice, a few chairs and a couch, some potted plants and a few pictures. It looks like she put up some of her students papers and drawing as well.
I continue through to the kitchen; pretty basic. A small table with three chairs, normal oven and ice box. I walk over to the stairwell, I assume that's where I'll find most of her personal things, her address book, specifically. The upstairs isn't any different than below, basic furnishings and a few paintings from her students. There are only two rooms upstairs, a very large bedroom, taking up most of the space, and a small bathroom. I walk through the room, up to the bedside table. I open a drawer and find what I've been looking for, a small, leather bound book.
I flip through until I find "P", there's only two names; Pinkie Pie and Berry Punch. "Let's see, where are you Berry? Ooh, only a block away? Good."
I take a quill and mark an 'X' beside Berry's name, close the book, and take it downstairs. I place it on a small table that sits right beside the oak front door. I place a small piece of parchment on top of the book and write a message.
Investigators of The Royal Guard,
Did you enjoy the gift I left for you? I hope so, it was a lot of work setting that up. The next surprise won't be as messy, I assure you. It will be just as disturbing though. I have left this note to inform you of the secrets that are being kept from your investigation. There is a pony who knows not only * who** I am, but why I am doing this. And why I did it twenty years ago. I also have a wager for you, if you can catch me before Number Eleven falls, I will give you the name of who I am working for.*
Good Luck,
The Ponyville Killer
I place the finished note on the book and leave. My work for the night finished, I walk across town towards the Everfree Forest, I have a certain blue unicorn to meet.
I felt my will soften, new fathers' spell was fading. I know that he tries his best under the circumstances, but the fact that I only have twenty-four hours between fades is unsettling. What if I get held up and a Royal Guard finds me? I push the thought aside, I can't afford to think like this.
I have to find her before I become too weak. I can't lose my nerve before we talk, she'll walk right over me. I have to be assertive, but without new fathers help.. I just have to hurry.
Father and mother always told me I had a sister, I never met her. They said she had to go into the fields to play, that she was happy there. I still missed her, I didn't have many friends so I got lonely. It was only five years ago that I realized where my sister really was. She was a showmare who traveled across Equestria preforming magic shows. I tracked her down to Ponyville a week ago.
She lives in covered wagon, it opens up into a stage for her performances. I read about her, she caused a lot of trouble in Ponyville a few months back. From what I could gather she used a powerful amulet to take over Ponyville, she even brought an Ursa Minor to the town. I don't judge her, she grew up without father and mother. I don't know where I'd be without them, and I don't want to think about it, either.
I walk faster as time goes on, my wrath and viciousness melting with the spell. I never asked new father what it was, mainly because I'm afraid of what he'd say. I just focus on walking for now. The Everfree Forest is very dark, even with the sun rising. I run up and down the edge for a while. I grow tired, I'm weak without new father. Just before I give up I see it, a colorful wagon with paintings of magic and unicorns. I slow down to walking and begin to feel the effects of running for half a hour. I almost collapse from exhaustion, but I am able to push forward.
I watch from a short distance. I can see a silhouette of a mare through a window. She looks young, about how Cheerilee's age, maybe younger. I just sit and watch. New father told me not to be seen by anypony who I won't kill, I can't kill her. She's my sister! I can't do that. Especially without new fathers spell. Even with the spell, I don't want to kill her. But I can't talk with her either.
I watch her for as long as I can, but I do have things that need to be done. Fluttershy. She's next. Without new fathers spell I can't bear killing, I can't bear the thought or the process. But with the spell.. I can do anything. I can kill Celestia. Well, maybe that's an exaggeration, but I have no fears or regrets, that is a power in itself.
I begin the walk towards Fluttershy's cabin, I realize that I have no clue where I am, and I'm too tired to run around looking. I need help, I'm too weak to do this on my own. I need somepony to be there for me, I need more than new father can give me. His spell gives me strength, but only physical strength. I need emotional support, my mind is ruined from memories of twenty years ago. "I need my sister."
I turn right back towards her wagon and start to walk to it. I have no other choice! I need her!
"If you talk to her, if she even sees you, you will have to kill her. She can't keep this to herself, her obsession with you is more than you know, more than you can know. Be ready to do what needs to be done."
"New father, please! Don't make me hurt her, she can help us! She can be my assistant, yes! She help me with the cycle, wouldn't you like that?"
"If she even hints at revealing you, I will kill her myself."
"Oh, thank you! Thank you!" I shout almost too loud, she opens the thin curtain that blocked the window. She looks out to see who yelled, but sees nopony, as I had hid in a bush.
I wait for her to return into the wagon before exiting the brush. I know she would accept. She loves me, what I've done. My mind is made, I walk to the wagon. I step up the two small wood steps and knock twice. I hear the wood creak under her hoofsteps. She opens the door with her magic and stares at me. I smile.
"Sweet Celestia.."
"Sweet Celestia.."
I blink hard, that's not the reaction I expected. I swallow hard before saying, "I need your help, Trixie." She backs up into the wagon and slams the door.
"Please, don't do this!" I scream but my shouts are met with dead ears. I was too late. A deep green light grew into life, twisting and turning around the wagon before turning dark brown. New father.
"I told you this would happen! Now look, look at what I had to do! This is your mission, act like it!
"Yes.. new father. I'm sorry." All those years of searching to end like this. I hate it, I can't believe he did that. I didn't even have a chance to explain myself to her, he just snapped her up. How could he be so heartless? He treats me like a son, but he won't listen to me. He takes my suggestions and turns them around, making me feel so insignificant. I feel helpless. I am helpless.
"I will give you the spell again, you need it. I can tell. Be strong, my son. Soon you will not need my help."
"I won't?" I never thought the day would come.. I won't need him? I always depended on him, does this mean I won't see him, I won't be with him, he won't love me?
"You will have as much strength as I, you will be a God-kin! We will live for eternity with power and joy!"
"Together?"
"Yes, my son. Together forever. Now, go and do what I ask of you. Make the ninth sacrifice."
"I will! I'll go now!"
I felt new fathers presence leave, I was alone, but strong. He cast the spell. Now is the time, Number Nine.
* * *
With my mind clear of fear and anxiety I was able to find Fluttershy's cabin with ease. However, the time spent with Trixie and new father was time I meant to spend watching the cabin. Now I had to risk walking in with somepony else there. I don't have time to wait for voices, I need to go now. The cabin is large, made of a tree. There are animals sleeping around the cottage, all in different houses custom to their liking. I walk the path up to the front door and knock twice. I hear soft hoofsteps coming towards me, but no voices.
The door opens slightly, and slowly, a mares head peaks through the crack. "Can I help you?" Her voice is soft, almost a whisper. I know that voice. Fluttershy. I rear my front legs and kick the door open violently. She screams softly, I know her quirk of being quiet, I use it to my benefit.
"Shut up and get in that corner. Now!" I am filled with several emotions, all competing for top spot. Anger, but not with Fluttershy, at her. Relief, having an easy target is just about the best thing that can happen to a pony like me. Pure rage, a mixture of the spell and finally being in power is fuel for the fire, all I want is to see her bleed, but I have to wait. There is a right way to do this, and there's a wrong way. I made it this far, I can't mess up now.
"W-what do y-you w-want?" Her tears are freely flowing, she is weaker than Cheerilee. I can't wait to see her face when I bring out the Blade.
"Have you heard from Cheerilee recently? I heard she had an accident." Her face lost all color, in fact, her entire body went dark. Her fur literally turned to a dark shade of yellow, her main dark pink. It was weird, but I've seen weirder.
"P-please don't hurt m-m-me!" She can barely talk, I almost can't make out what she's saying. Her face is low to the ground, the rest of her body is slumped as well. I can tell she knows whats coming, but I have an odd feeling... I can't put it to words, it's like when you realize too late that you made a mistake. But this is not a mistake. New father wouldn't ask anything of me if it weren't important.
"I have to. You're Number Nine, the Caretaker. It's the rules, honey, no way around it. I'm sorry but- no wait, I'm not sorry, haha, I love this! Every moment of it!" I begin to laugh at her fear and discomfort. She looks pathetic, lying in a heap of cowardice. I understand why she's so afraid, most ponies are, actually, all ponies are afraid. But this is different. She isn't afraid, she's more than that. I can't put a hoof on it, and don't really care to.
"What?" She manages to get out between sobs. I have to hurry, there isn't time to relish her pain.
"I killed Cheeriliee." This statement sends her into another weeping fit. "I'm going to kill you." I speak slowly, making absolute sure that she hears every word. "I'm going to kill five others, you may know a few of them. But most importantly, I am going to set free a force of malice and pain that has been unknown for thousands of years, a force more powerful than Celestia, a force that has been around since her father left the throne. I am to usher the new age of damnation. You play a pivotal role in this. Your soul is a sacrifice to the force, he will gain power from the tears of your friends, the cries of remorse will allow him to grow. Let's not make him wait any longer." Fluttershy has been crying softly the entire time, every sentence I complete only makes her sob more. I want to bask in her pain, and listen to her cry. But time is up.
I pull my Knife from its sheath, its wide spectrum of colors reflect the light of the cabins many candles. I hold the handle in my mouth and bring it to her throat. Her body has to be clean, Cheerilee was the first, so shock value was a big part of her death, but Fluttershy is different. She has to die without pain. I hold the Blade to her neck, let out a breath, "Goodbye, Number Nine."
Her neck is torn open surgically, the skin open for seconds before blood starts to flow. She is dead before the pain reached her brain. I begin the set up. First, I have to clean her fur. I take a cloth from her kitchen and wet it. I dab her neck and chest to remove the red flood. I have to sew the cut shut before I can clean thoroughly. She has an abundance of medical supplies scattered around the first floor, so my search is short. The first kit has supplies for blunt injuries, mainly broken bones. The second has what I'm looking for, surgical tape and stitches.
The cleanup only takes about half an hour, easy work too. I set her body up, sitting on the large couch. I leave her eyes fixed open, I want the next friend to find her life-like. It's still early when I leave, around four in the morning. I haven't slept in three days, my body is taxed. I walk back to Trixies wagon, I need to sleep.
Her wagon is actually pretty close to Fluttershy's cottage, helpful to me. I open the door to find Trixie limp on the floor. Breathing. She is alive, new father made me think otherwise so I would focus on Number Nine. Clever. I am still changed under the spell, my old persona would be angered, hurt. I don't care, with his magic coursing through my veins, new father seems in the right. He did what was needed to get me to follow through. I respect that. I also don't care about Trixie, not in this mindset. I walk past her and lie down on her bed, sleep takes me quickly. I have no dreams that night, my mind too tired to give me entertainment.
I wake up late in the morning, Trixie is still asleep, but my toughness is gone. I stare at Trixie for a while, I want to wake her, to explain what I really am, but I know it's a lost cause. I leave before she wakes. I have some arrangements to make before Number Ten.
I am refreshed from the sleep I was able to get at Trixie's. Although I wish I could have spoken with her, I know that she'd just freak out again, and I don't want to risk new father getting angry with her. The fact that he let her live the first time was shocking enough, I know he won't show that kind of mercy a second time.
Even though I no longer have the spell effecting me, I feel strong. I don't know if sleep can make you feel this great, or I am finally growing up, but I like this feeling. I'm not dependent anymore, I can work for myself. I have to work for myself, after the trouble with Trixie, new father is definitely worn, he uses enough energy helping me already, I can't make him step in again. It would kill him.
I realize that I never gave Berry Punch the message from Cheerilee. It had only been a day, but I'm sure time was passing slower for her. I decide to risk myself by going by her home, nopony knows what I look like, except for Celestia. And I doubt she's going to be at the bartenders house.
With the cool morning air blowing softly through my mane, I walk the dirt path to Ponyville. The walk is only fifteen minutes, the only thing to see are the fields of grass. Not much has been built or planted around here, too close to the Everfree Forest for most ponies. It surprised me that Fluttershy lived right on the edge of the woods, she was so shy and timid. I would have figured her to live right in the middle of town, were everypony could look out for her, or at least scream within earshot if anything went awry.
I'm not used to having ponies see me and live long after, it's unsettling to be near so many ponies at once. I'm nervous, but I'm also determined, besides, walking in plain sight is sure to bring down the spirits of the Royal Guards' investigators once they find out. A few ponies wave or say "Good morning!" or "How are you?". I just nod, I usually don't speak unless I'm intimidating a victim. I don't want to slip up and threaten somepony out of the blue.
The rest of the walk is very unnerving. I thought that after what happened last night and this morning I would be okay, I was wrong. So wrong. Everytime somepony even looked at me I flinched. I hate looking weak, but I also hate being stared at. I hate the thought of somepony watching me, knowing what I do and say. I also hate ponies in general, and pretty much any sentient animal. Dragons are the one exception, and new father, of course.
Dragons are violent beings at heart, much like I am. Although my violence in more wishful thinking than action, or was, until I met new father. Dragons don't have regrets, they aren't remorseful, they just don't care . If you get in their way they act. If it's easier to kill you, they do. I like that. I admire that. I wish I could be like that. New father says it won't be long before I can be like the dragons. I look forward to it.
He says I'll have wings larger than the king of the dragons. I don't know if he was being metaphorical or not, but I hope he really meant it. He said I'll have pure malice in my heart, at the core I'll be hate. Like him. I want to be more like him, more powerful, sure. But also more caring. New father was there when I was weakest, when I couldn't even talk, couldn't even think. He trained me, he grew me, he taught me. He loved me. He still loves me. Even though I mess up from time to time, he keeps me.
After being deep in thought for some time, I'm startled by a pony yelling at me. "Hey, where are you going?"
I jump, I really hadn't been focusing on walking, my mind just guided me to Berry's. Convenient. I look to my left to address the pony talking to me. "Oh, hello Berry." Come on, you can do this. "I've been looking for you."
"Uh, do I know you? I've never seen you before." Her tone is drenched in impatience and anger, obviously my doing.
"You do, although you probably- no, definitely wish you didn't."
"What the buck are you talking about?" She screams, "Just go away, I don't want to talk right now!" She's about to slam shut the window, I have to tell her.
"I have a message from Cheerilee." I say flatly. She flips her emotions one-eighty and spins around to face me again.
"What did you just say?" I can tell it's still a touchy subject. Usually takes a few months.
"She wants you to know that she loves you. Or, at least, she did love you. But all you earth ponies believe love is eternal, so I guess the first is true, either way she wanted me to tell you." I let the message sink in, lucky for the rest of the plan doesn't require me to go shopping. After this I won't be able to show my face without fear of somepony screaming bloody murder. They'd be right.
"H-how do you k-know that?" Because she told me right before I gutted her.
"Just know, if you scream, you die." I turned and left through an alley behind her house. Echoes of a mare weeping rang through the walls.
Time to see what the prices of apples are this season.
As I left town I heard screams, Berry was yelling for the police. I told her that I'd kill her if she did that, I lied. I expect her to tell the guard that, which means another distraction from looking for me. New father was right, I am growing up.
My legs and hooves are starting to get sore, too much walking. Last time I did this I was only seen once, before number six. Which was only a month before the end of the cycle. I guess this time I'll be playing on 'hard' mode. And now I have to walk all the way to Sweet Apple Acres. Great, just great, my legs are just about ready to fall of as is, I can't make the journey there without a break. Well, I do need a few weeks break before Applejack dies, so I guess I could sleep in the fields furthest from the farmhouse. Yes, that'll work fine.
I guess I'll have to walk the long way though, can't risk the guards seeing me now. I wonder when Celestia will break down and confess.. probably after the foal. I doubt she'd be able to keep the citizens at rest after that one. I can't believe we're so close! I've been waiting for sixty years!
I know that seems ridiculous, but I assure you, I was born seventy years ago. My parents and I lived in Baltimare for a while, until I was about five, then we moved to Ponyville. This place was so much bigger back then, and that's not just because I was smaller, the town had over triple the population. Stayed that way for a while, it was actually my killings that swept most ponies away. Those started about a year after I met new father, and I met him two years after my first parents died.
Before you ask, no. I didn't kill them. They died of a rare form of the flu, it hit Ponyville hard. Most ponies who got it ended up fine, but my family wasn't wealthy in any sense of the word, we couldn't afford the medication needed to keep the illness down. I ran away after they passed, lived on my own stealing the little food I was fortunate enough to eat.
I got caught eventually and was banished from Ponyville. Things back then were different, it was an eye for an eye. Punishment was swift and strict. I wondered the Everfree Forest for some time before I encountered the predators that roamed it. I was able to fend of the first few Manticores and Timberwolves, but I got hungry, tired, and weak. A pack of Timberwolves found me one morning and decided I would be a great breakfast. They chewed my face and hind-left leg up pretty bad.
That was when I met new father. He used a fire spell to burn the wolves to ash. He also cast a healing spell on me, but he was weak, and I was beaten badly, so I still have to scars and disfigured flesh. He was able to save me from bleeding to death, and because of that I'm now able to save him from starving. He feeds off of fear and hate, which is pretty scarce as of late. Ever since Luna came back from the moon everypony has been happy.
The Elements of Harmony have given a false sense of security to most of Equestria. I'm going to break that feeling. And the ponies who feel it. And once new father has his full power back, oh, you wouldn't want to be on this planet once he's back. I do. I'm going to rule at his side, spreading death and hellfire wherever we go. Father and son. Devil and demon.
But that's enough reminiscing, I have a field to sleep in.
By this time I was already at the front gate of Sweet Apple Acres, my hooves were on fire. My legs felt like rubber. I was falling apart. I needed rest, and this was the place I was getting it.
The farm was large, larger than most other apple farms. The fields of trees, though, that was huge . There must have been a few hundred square miles of apple trees here. I the last time I had seen it was when Mr. and Mrs. Apple where still running things. I had heard they died around the same time the first cycle was going. Some ponies thought I was the reason they died, but after the mortician looked over the bodies he confirmed they died of natural causes. I did kill seven, no, eight others. I forgot about that last one, I like to forget about her. It hurts too much to remember killing her.
I trudged through the pain of walking until I was ten minutes out of sight from the farm. This part was already clean of apples, which made it all the more likely I would be left alone. Nopony had seen me on my walk here, at least I don't think they had. I really need to pay more attention. I'm just so tired, even after the great nights sleep I got at Trixies last night, I still feel like I could pass out any second.
I could easily make it two weeks in these fields, the soil is soft, there are apples not too far from where I'm sleeping, and the irrigation trenches are clean enough to drink from. Everything is perfect, all lose ends accounted for, and tied. New father will be proud to know how well I've been doing without him. After all, I am his son, and that alone makes me stronger than anypony whose ever lived. I could kill Celestia with a flick of my hoof, if only I had my full power.
"Just you wait 'princess'! I'll get you eventually!" I smile, I feel like a little foal, shouting at the sky like that. I know that one day I will kill Celestia, but that day is far away. So far away.
One day, one day angel and demon will wage war. God and Devil. Father with son and sister with sister. I will win the war. My father with me. We will crush them, smoulder out the light with darkness.
These thoughts fill my heart with flames of hate, I feel power course through me.
For the first time in my life, I dream. I have dreams of death, and dreams of life. Dreams that would bring any other pony to tears of fear, and dreams that would bring a smile to a foals face. I am conflicted, in the depths of my being, torn. I don't know what to think anymore. Before I went to sleep I was so sure, I wanted to kill. But now I feel like two beings, one wanting the opposite of the other.
The internal bickering continues for three days, ending on the fourth. On that morning I feel normal. Not full of hate, but like a normal pony. Whatever force is acting inside me, I want it gone. I need it gone. I need to kill.
On the seventh morning of my time on the fields, I walk towards the farmhouse, my knife in my mouth.
