Prolouge: My Pitiful Exit
MLP: What is Sanity?
Prologue: My Pitiful Exit
I have to question what brought me to where I am every so often. The answer I have found is simple circumstance. I wasn’t anything special in the life I used to live. I was a simple 18 year old kid with an interest in law and a craving for adventure. I had no talents that would have ever made me believe that I was the target of a millennia old god to be used as a pawn in his grand master plan to destroy his enemies.
Regardless, I’m getting ahead of myself. My name is Alec Graves. I was a college student in a small city, where my biggest concern was not procrastinating and failing my next assignment. That all changed when I decided to play the hero.
It was a late night and I had just decided to make a quick run to a convenience store down the road from my dorm to grab some milk for the next day. That in itself wasn’t strange. I often suffered from bouts of insomnia and dealt with it by going out and doing something. However, I picked the worst night to come to this particular convenience store.
It was quiet when I first entered, the only other person there being the clerk behind the register. Said clerk looked up as he heard me approach, a look of bored indifference on his face. Ignoring him, I went about my business, quickly gathering the milk and other snacks I wanted.
I soon finished and started to make my way towards the cash register. It was then that I heard the automatic door at the front of the store slide open. I looked towards the sound and observed a tall individual wearing a brown hoodie enter. I thought nothing of it.
I gave the clerk my groceries and waited quietly as he rung them up. Out of the corner my eye, I noticed our hooded friend pacing slowly a few feet away. That was when I first started to feel something wasn’t quite right. The clerk finished ringing up the groceries, which I paid for. As I made my exit, I slowed down and lingered near the entrance. That was my first mistake.
The hooded figure quickly moved to the register and said in a gruff voice “Hand over the money and no one gets hurt!” The clerk, who until that point had maintained his air of indifference, started slightly and stared dumbly at the soon-to-be robber. Getting impatient, the robber pulled a handgun from his hoodie. Pointing it at the clerk he shouted “I said, hand over the fucking money!”
I had watched the scene unfolding before me and felt a trill of terror run through me. The first and most rationale thought that entered my mind was that I should simply turn around and forget I’d ever seen this. The second and far more reckless thought, was that I should try and subdue the robber. I didn’t listen to my more rationale mind. I dropped my groceries and moved towards the robber quickly. That was my second mistake.
As I neared the robber, I knew my best chance was to get his gun away from him as quickly as I could. With that in mind, I grabbed the base of the gun and pulled with all my strength. That was my third and final mistake.
What I didn’t account for, was unlike me, the robber had actual training in martial arts. I had stood no chance. Though I had surprised him, the robber reacted instantly. Pulling me towards him, he knocked me off balance and delivered a quick shove that pushed me away and broke my hold on the gun. He followed up with a swift kick to my stomach, which knocked the air out of me instantly. As I recovered, the robber leveled his gun on my chest. He didn’t hesitate.
I heard, rather than felt the gunshots. They were loud sounds that filled my mind as I felt searing pain streak across my body. The world blurred as I collapsed backwards. The robber said something in the following silence, but I was too focused on how hard it was to breathe to care. Things grew fuzzy after that, but I was able to distinguish that the robber made a quick getaway after taking everything in the cash register. After that, I saw what I assumed was the clerk make his way over to my side, talking franticly into a cell phone.
The world soon faded to darkness. I was dead. Fortunately or unfortunately, that wasn’t quite the end for me.
Author's Note
A/N: Well, hello dear readers. After a long hibernation on this beloved sight, I felt it was finally time to stretch my writing muscles and write a story. Weirdly, I chose MLP to begin. Anyways, leave a comment and look forward to the real beginning of the story next chapter. Ta ta!
-Raventalon
Chapter 1: Dance With the Devil
MLP: What is Sanity?
Chapter 1: Dance with the Devil
I don’t know how long after my death that I began to feel consciousness again. For me, it was sudden and overwhelming. I had no body that I could feel, yet I sensed a vastness in the space around me. As I dwelt in this strange sense of being, the moments preceding this entered my mind. With rising panic, I realized what happened to me.
I was dead. That thought struck more terror into me than any other moment in my short life.
I don’t know exactly how much time passed as my terrified essence drifted along in that accursed limbo. What snapped me out of it was the approach of a large presence. It was, in a word, huge. It approached me over the vast space in what seemed like a blink of an eye. I felt the presence wrap around me, trapping me within its overwhelming presence and sending my already terrified thoughts to a new level.
“Don’t be afraid my human friend.” A voice spoke. Its pitch was deep and rumbling, echoing through my mind, doing nothing for my nerves. There was a chuckle, the voice seemingly amused by my fear. Not knowing what else to do, I spoke. “W-Who are you?” The presence drew even closer, its aura mingling with mine.
I recoiled as a deluge of what can only be described as pure chaotic energy coursed throughout me. “I am known by many names, but you may call me Discord.” I didn’t know quite how to respond to that, so I asked, “Where am I? What happened?” Discord laughed loudly this time. “My, full of questions aren’t we? You know very well what happened. You kicked the bucket, expired, and walked through Death’s door!”
The answer, coupled with Discord’s strange energy, rendered me speechless. “As to where you are,” Discord continued “You’re in limbo. The place in-between the physical plane and wherever it is you humans go when you die.” As I absorbed that information, something he said hit me. “You keep calling me human as if you’re something else. What are you exactly?”
There was a pause, and then a sudden flurry of energy as an image appeared in my mind. What I saw was an animal. At least, I think it was. It was a strange mixture of goat, lion, eagle, and many other things I didn’t even recognize. “I am chaos.” Said Discord suddenly, “A spirit, manifestation, and god of the true order of all things.”
I swallowed that little tidbit as calmly as I could and attempted to gather myself. Considering my words very carefully, I asked, “What do you want with me? I hardly think I’m something a god would waste his time over.” The image of the animal, who I now knew to be Discord, grinned. “That’s where you’re wrong little human. It’s been a long time since I’ve run into one of your kind, but I remember fondly that you were creatures after my own heart.” Discord opened his arms widely, emphasizing his serpent like body. “Humans are one of the few species I’ve ever encountered who can create death and destruction on a large planetary scale. Naturally, the fallout from such destruction breeds chaos.”
Discord’s grin widened, a faraway look in his eye, “Yes, humans are wonderful creatures.” Shifting his yellow, disproportional eyes back to me he said, “I’ve come to offer you a deal.” I felt a shiver snake through my essence as I responded, “A deal?” Discord rolled his eyes. “Yes, a deal. As you may have noticed, you’re dead. I can fix that little inconvenience for you.”
I felt a glimmer of hope rise, which I quickly smothered. Even I had lived long enough to know nothing came without a price. “That’s nice, but what‘s the catch?” Discord pouted, a strange look on his alien goat-like features. “Catch? You wound me! Can I not offer something out of the goodness of my heart?” I remained silent.
Discord sighed in exasperation, “You’re no fun. Though, I suppose there is teeny favor I would ask in exchange for your life.” His two hands came together, one an eagle’s claw, the other a lion’s paw. “I would ask that you retrieve a few…items that have garnered my interest.”
Perhaps, if I had known exactly what he meant, I would have refused and been sent on my merry way. As it happened however, his terms seemed…almost easy. “Ok. What are these items exactly?” Discord shrugged, smiling nonchalantly. “I’ve not the slightest clue.” I felt a flash of disbelief at that. “So, let me get this straight. You’re willing to give my life in exchange for items you don’t even know anything about?”
“Yes, that’s exactly it. I would just ask that when I summon you. You will retrieve the items for me.” I simply couldn’t believe it. It was almost too good to be true. Discord stretched, sending an audible pop into my mind. “So, do we have a deal?” I was desperate for a way to avoid death, so, foolishly, I jumped at Discord’s offer. “Yes, just give me back my life!”
Discord’s everlasting grin turned crooked as he raised his lion’s paw, snapping it loudly.
I was completely unprepared for the sickening lurch that rocketed throughout my soul. The image of Discord vanished from my mind as I felt myself being drawn away from his presence. Suddenly, I found myself being pushed into a tight confining space. With a start, I felt myself being absorbed into the barriers of this new space. Panic was the only emotion I felt as I felt my mind start to fade. My last thought was wonder of what exactly I had just gotten myself into.
My perception came back to me suddenly. Jolting upright, I found that I had been seated on a large yellow rug. Blinking rapidly, I placed a hand on my chest, feeling for any wounds. Not finding any, I felt as though a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. With a sigh of relief, I rose to my feet.
“Feeling better?” came a voice from behind me. With a start, I turned around swiftly. Discord sat on a large rickety looking wooden throne. While Discord was a strange sight all on his own, what really held my attention was a large swirling vortex directly behind him. Finding my voice I answered, “Yeah. Death’s not the most pleasant experience I’ve ever went through.” Discord shrugged carelessly, a lazy smile on his face. “I wouldn’t know. I’m immortal.”
I acknowledged this comment with a nod, finding myself once again distracted by the large vortex. Discord seemed to notice what I was looking at and grinned. “I guess you’re wondering where we are now. The answer is quite simple. We’re in my realm.” At my bewildered look, he continued. “This place is a direct representation of my power and what I represent. Take a look for yourself.” He raised the eagle’s claw, gesturing grandly at our surroundings.
It was then that I noticed something odd; the yellow rug which I had been standing on was no longer there. Instead it had been replaced a startling white marble floor. It didn’t stop there. Taking a look around me, I noticed the walls all around us. If you could call the mess around us walls.
If you were to take a random piece of a variety of buildings from any time period around the world, smash them together, and toss in a large dash of multicolored lights, you would get something like what I was seeing. Not to mention the various disembodied voices now whispering incoherently from seemingly nowhere.
Tuning out the voices, I turned back to Discord muttering, “Right, this definitely fits the whole chaos theme.” Discord grinned widely, showing off a row of sharp fangs. “Glad to see you noticed!” he boomed. Feeling a bit like a broken record I asked, “So, why am I here?”
Discord rose from his throne, his gaze turning serious for the first time I’d seen. He approached me saying, “We’re here to discuss the specifics of our agreement. After all, I can’t send you to a completely foreign world without some form of preparation.” Caught off guard by that statement, I cut in before he could continue. “Hold on. A foreign world? I thought I was being brought back to life!” Discord laughed humorlessly, “You are, but not in your world. Not even I can alter what has occurred in a different existence. You’re dead to your world. Thus, it gave me the wonderful opportunity of sending your being to a new one.” I could only stare dumbly as he chuckled.
“Regardless, I think I should go over what exactly you’ll be faced with.” Discord continued, “You will be the only one of your kind. For none of you have graced this world for many thousands of years. This is good news, for no one will know exactly what you are. Your capabilities and intelligence will be completely unknown to them.” Discord circled around me, making me feel a bit nervous as he continued. “The specific land you will be visiting is called Equestria. It is ruled by two Gods like me. They are the gods of the Sun and Moon, which are raised to create night and day. Its inhabitance varies, but the most common sentient creature you will find are called ponies.”
Feeling a tad bit overwhelmed I stated “Ponies? Like the tiny horse things?” Discord only rolled his eyes once again. “Yes, like the tiny horse things. Anyways, there three main types of ponies; Earth ponies, who are much like your horses. There are Unicorns, who can control magic, and finally, Pegasi, who have wings and can fly.” I started to rub my head as I felt a migraine coming on. “Can this day get any weirder?” I muttered. Either not hearing or ignoring my comment, Discord continued with his little speech.
“You will interacting with them on a regular basis, so it is important that you understand one thing.” This made me pause in my head massage “You’ve never heard of me. Once you’re sent to that world, you are to not mention me even in passing. If asked, you’ve never heard of me. You’re aura reeks of me too much already; it would not end well for you if I was brought up.” As he said this, he paused directly in front of me. His gaze burned directly into mine, bringing an image of pain and suffering to the forefront of my mind. “I-I un-understand” I stuttered.
“Good.” He nodded his gaze breaking off from mine. As I sagged in relief, Discord raised his claw above his head. His grasp seemed close around some invisible object, which as he grasped it, started to glow a serene red color. Before I could fully realize it, he pressed the red object to my head.
There was a flash that blinded me, as well a searing and jagged pain that left me reeling. Blinking the whiteness out of my eyes I yelled, “What the hell was that?!” His claw still on my skull, patted my hair. “That was merely your new magic.” Ducking away from his touch, I only looked at him questioningly. Seeing my expression, he elaborated. “As you go into Equestria, a human like yourself would develop an ability of some sort. The most likely being immunity to magic. While that’s useful, it wouldn’t be enough for you to honor our agreement. So, I merely helped you develop magic.”
With those words he meandered back to his throne, a cup of what appeared to be chocolate milk in his claws. “A little warning before you go.” Discord said over his shoulder. “As you settle into your new home, learn how to use that magic of yours. You’ll be needing it soon enough.” Thoroughly baffled by his words and this experience in general, I said “How do I know this isn’t some stupid dream?”
At my words, Discord snorted waving his claw in a dismissive manner. “If you think this a dream my friend, you’re going to find this is one you won’t ever wake from.” As I tried to form a response, I was cut off as I felt the floor beneath me disappear. I could only scream as I tumbled into darkness, my conciseness fading from me for the 3rd time that day.
Chapter 2: Baptism through Fire
MLP: What is Sanity?
Chapter 2: Baptism through Fire
As was the common theme lately, I awoke not having the slightest clue as to where I was. To make the situation even better, I had a throbbing headache that left my mind feeling foggy. Grumbling, I turned onto my side from my spot on the ground, taking stock of my surroundings. What I found wasn’t very comforting.
I was in the middle of what looked to be a large forest. There was thick vegetation surrounding me on all sides. With large trees reaching far into the sky, their large canopies obscuring the sun and draping the terrain in shadows.
Lovely. This is just what I needed.
I rose to my feet with a grunt, the world twisting in a nauseating fashion before my eyes. I stumbled over to a nearby tree, leaning heavily on it in an attempt to regain my faculties. Releasing a series of deep breaths, I realized that I needed to find out exactly where I was.
Considering I wasn’t back home in my bed, I was presumably in Equestria. Other than that general idea, I didn’t have much else. That meant my very first goal should be to find some sign of civilization. I wasn’t much of a survivor and I wouldn’t last very long in a forest I knew nothing about. Especially if any alien creatures were lurking within. Discord did say this wasn’t my world after all.
I pushed myself away from the tree, already feeling a bit better than I had when I had first woken. All I needed was to decide a direction to go and hope I didn’t become hopelessly lost. That would be horribly disappointing.
With a shrug, I started off in a random direction. If anything, a long walk through the forest would give me plenty of time to process what the hell had happened to me.
At this point, I was thoroughly convinced that this wasn’t a dream or some coma induced delusion. I wasn’t nearly creative enough to imagine half the things I had experienced. Not to mention, this seemed far too real to be anything else but reality. With this in mind, that presented me with several options.
One; I have a severe mental breakdown and a subsequent panic attack. While tempting, it wasn’t a very productive option. Two; I sit in the dirt and cry like a baby. I decided to simply save that option for later. Three; I just take what’s happened to me and roll with it. This seemed to be the best course of action.
With my mental state sorted out for the time being, I turned my attention to the surroundings once again. From my admittedly small outdoorsman experience, I was able discern a well-traveled game trail. I smiled. While this wasn’t exactly a huge blessing, it would make my trek through the forest just that much easier.
I’m unsure as to how much time passed as I trudged through the forest, but it seemed to be more than enough time for the sun to dip under the horizon. Not that I could tell with all these damn trees in the way. Regardless, I was starting to get more than a little worried.
I was stuck in a dark forest with no food or water and absolutely no clue as to where exactly I was. I couldn’t walk forever either; the fatigue of the day’s events was starting to catch up with me. However, every time I found a place to rest I was driven onwards by the sensation that I was being watched. It felt as if the forest itself didn’t want me there.
With mounting paranoia, I picked up a quicker pace; my ears straining to catch the slightest of sounds. I was met only by an unnerving silence, broken only by my own clumsy footsteps. This didn’t last as I heard the lone call of an animal in the distance.
“Oh come on!” I groaned. “When am I going to get a damn break?” Deciding that it would be a better idea to take shelter than become food, I occupied my mind with finding a suitable place to rest. My search wasn’t very productive, as the trees were all too tall for me to climb easily and I had wasted day light walking instead of gathering materials for a makeshift camp.
The howls of the unknown creature broke me out of my musings. It sounded a lot closer than it did before. I picked up my search once again, feverishly looking for something, anything that would provide some of kind shelter or defense. I eventually found a long piece of timber that was weighty and easy to swing.
Feeling a little bit more secure with my new ‘weapon’, I started off down the path once again.
The oppressive nature of the forest continued to weigh on me, disturbed only by snatches of moonlight that shined brightly through the thick canopy. I was really starting to feel my exhaustion; each step I took was becoming more and more difficult. Fortune seemed to take pity on me, because I stumbled out onto a more open and less natural path.
Squinting against the darkness, I was able to make out the faint hoof prints of horses. Or in this case, ponies. “Thank god.” I muttered. These prints meant I was at least on the right path to civilization. Of course, I wasn’t quite out of the woods yet. (Ha! I’m punny!)
Shaking off my fatigue, I’m started off down the path with a new energy in my step.
Unfortunately, the forest wasn’t planning on letting me escape unscathed. I was soon brought to a halt by the rustling of bushes a few meters behind me. Whipping around, I brandished my piece of timber.
I was met by two glowing sickly yellow eyes that absolutely radiated malice. I shivered, the beginnings of an adrenaline rush starting to seep into my system. Its position exposed, the source of those horrible eyes emerged from the foliage.
Its appearance was distinctly canine in shape, making me recall the howling I had heard not too long ago. However, something seemed to be off about it. Even in the faint light, I could make out unnaturally long stick-like limbs. It seemed unnaturally stiff, as if it were not entirely alive.
I took a couple steps backwards, keeping my eyes trained on the predator in front of me. I knew there was very little chance that I could out run it. Exhaling shakily, I shifted into a wide stance, trying to keep my rising fear under control.
There was more rustling in the forest and two more shadowy shapes joined the first.
Dread took root in my mind as the three creatures started to circle me slowly. ‘Why God? What did I ever do to deserve this?’ I thought forlornly. Taking several more steps backwards, I readied myself with an inspiring internal monologue.
‘SHITFUCKMOTHERFUCKERGODDAMITSONOFABI-‘
My thoughts were interrupted by the sudden charge of the first creature. Reacting quickly, I brought my weapon back and swung with all my strength. There was a resounding snap as my swing intercepted the predator mid-pounce, sending it tumbling off to the side where it lay still.
Turning as quickly as could, I brought my weapon up just in time for the powerful jaws of the second creature to snap closed on my weapon. Up close, I could easily see that it was a wolf. However, it seemed to be made out of wood. It had bark like covering that was camouflaged to easily blend in with the surrounding forest. But, what really drew my attention were the razor sharp teeth that were deeply imbedded in the wood of my makeshift staff.
As I struggled to keep the second wooden wolf from knocking me over, I failed to notice the third circle behind me. I promptly took notice when it sank its teeth into my right calf. With a cry of pain, I pivoted and slammed the second wolf into the third, sending both a few feet away where they landed in a heap.
Stumbling away from the two wolves, I chanced a look at my injured leg. What I saw wasn’t pretty. Apparently, as I shoved the two wolves away, wolf number 3 ripped a nice large chunk out of my jeans. Oh, and my leg too.
Trying to ignore the debilitating pain in my right leg, I refocused on the two wolves in front of me. They had already regained their footing and were circling me once again. This time I was ready when they lunged.
Wolf number 2 leaped towards me, jaws open and salivating. I swung my weapon, catching it in the side and sending it off with a yelp. Predicting that wolf number 3 would repeat his last strategy, I turned and swung low. Luckily, the wolf had indeed tried to use the same strategy.
The piece of timber impacted with its forelegs, making it collapse to the ground with a sickening crack. Without hesitating, I brought my weapon down on the wolf’s skull several times, reducing it to green goo.
Turning once again to face the last remaining wolf, I felt my confidence rise. Shaking its form as it rose, the wolf locked eyes with me. Regarding me with something akin to caution, the wolf started to circle once again; a snarl on its features.
I imagine it looked quite dramatic, a wolf facing off against a human with moonlight filtering in to illuminate our impromptu battlefield.
A bead of sweat dribbled down my brow as me and the wolf regarded each other.
The moment was broken as the wolf suddenly lunged. Taking a step back, I swung with all my might. I was too slow. I gave a shout of agony as the wolf’s jaws locked on my left forearm, causing me to release the piece of timber. Unprepared for the additional weight, my injured leg collapsed beneath me, sending both me and the wolf to the ground.
As it sensed my vulnerability, the wolf redoubled its efforts. Its teeth tearing in to the flesh of my arm while its claws raked across my chest. I cried out, thrashing and shoving to keep the predator away from my throat.
Even as red hot pain poured into my mind, I could see what would inevitably happen. My arms were wounded and tiring, letting the damn beast ever closer to my sensitive throat. I was going to die, again. My throat ripped out by some freaky wolf in an alien world. After all I’d been through, I would still die.
That was completely unacceptable.
I felt a surge of rage as I stared up into those damnable yellow eyes.
I felt a wave of inhuman strength course through me, allowing me to force the wolf’s muzzle closed. I turned and rolled on top of the wolf, which was now thrashing and clawing in an attempt to escape. As I held the creature down, a word came unbidden into my mind.
“Burn.” I whispered hoarsely. To my surprise, the word seemed to have some kind of effect. The thrashing of the wolf increased as red haze rose on the edge of my vision.
I gasped as I saw a small flame dance across my right arm. Strangely, it didn’t hurt. Instead, it felt as warm hand was grasping my arm. The flame soon spread, flickering across my shoulders and onto my other arm. The flames ferocity rose, freezing the wooden wolf in place as it gazed into the flames with fear.
There was a sudden flurry of motion as the flame charged down my arms, completely engulfing the wolf below me. Pushing myself away from the unlucky creature and shakily standing. I could only watch as the wolf yelped and howled as it twitched madly on the ground. Its movements soon ceased as the flames consumed it.
The flames soon died down, leaving only a patch of ashes on the dirt path.
A wave of weakness flashed across my body as the last of my adrenaline left me. I fell to my knees as my chest heaved with exhaustion. I turned away from the grisly sight and focused my attention on the wounds I had obtained.
I viewed the wounds with a strange sense of detachment, only reminded that these were my body parts by the pain I felt. As it were, my left forearm was completely shredded. I could see bone as blood seeped from the wound. With a shudder, I glanced down at my chest. It was marred with numerous gashes, my gray t-shirt barely clinging to my frame.
Shifting onto my rear, I took a look at my calf.
Yep, still missing a chunk.
I spent the next few minutes tearing up the remains of my t-shirt and binding them tightly to the wounds. As I finished, I collapsed on my back. I took a moment to stare at the moon above me. It was larger than the one I was used to.
I blinked, snapping myself back to reality.
I needed to get up. The longer I stayed here the greater chance that another predator would stumble across me. Rising woozily to my feet, I limped over to my makeshift staff. Griping it firmly in my right hand, I hobbled down the path.
I could only hope that I was nearing civilization. I wouldn’t survive the night otherwise.
As my life fluids flowed steadily from my body, I slipped into a kind of daze. My mind became foggy and thoughts were difficult to form. I became focused on only one goal; leaving the forest.
Minutes passed in what felt like seconds and I soon emerged from the forest and into some kind of valley. I blinked dumbly as the oppressive nature of the forest left me, replaced by the knowledge that I needed medical help.
Faintly, I noted that there was a village roughly two miles off. However, I wasn’t sure if I could make it that far. Walking had become increasingly difficulty, my feet dragging with every step.
Turning slowly, I made out the form of a cottage far closer than the distant village. I decided to dedicate the last of my energy to making it there.
The journey was torturous, each movement causing pain.
As I neared the cottage, my dragging steps startled several animals out of the bushes. Ignoring them, I continued on my path.
I somehow made it to the door. Leaning heavily on it, I knocked as loudly as I could. Startling several bunnies from their resting places. I pressed my ear against the doorway, listening for any movement.
After a moment, I could faintly hear the sound of a female voice saying “I wonder who that could be at this hour.” There was the sound of a bolt sliding open.
The door opened suddenly, causing me to lose my balance and topple inwards. My weight forced the door open and I collapsed on my side. I released a slight hiss as my wounds made their displeasure known.
I clenched my eyes shut as the female voice exclaimed “Oh my!” There was the sound of movement as I heard the voice call out “Angel! Get the first aid kit!” I shuddered as I finally allowed my exhaustion to overtake me.
Author's Note
Here's the second chapter. Hope you enjoy.
