Hell Boundby Foxes33ChaptersFrom The Depths of HellCan't Heal ScarsWeeks in TimeExploring the PastFrom The Depths of Hell From The Depths of Hell Deep in the base of the demons, was a dark room, the room had ice cold water inside of it, making it bone chilling. Most thought flames would be all around, but instead of warmth, it was cold and there were few flames that kept ponies warm enough to live, but demons could live easy. The bricks were dark and made it all seem much more worst. There were also scratches from claws that dug into the brick, along with blood splatters. The scent could make ponies gag, from the filth and the heavy smell of blood. Then something began to stir in the middle of the room with water, ripples coming from the location. Slowly a young pegasus's eyes open, they are a deep blue, almost like the ocean. Her mane is black and messy and her pelt is a pale grey. She almost seems like a figure from an old photo with her black and grey colors, but her cutie mark is three flowers. Her memory disappeared from her mind, but only some remains. I can't remember, I know what happened to me, I know that I was betrayed, used only to be thrown like trash. What is my name? Who do I know? The young mare thought. She looked around at her the room, she wished she had never trusted the demons, the mare knew she was lucky not to be dead. Slowly she soon decided to get up, when she does, a sharp pain enters her legs and she looked at her legs to see that she had many cuts that covered her grey legs. She watched as blood seeped out of them and she knew it was highly probable that her pelt would be stained. The mare stretched out her wings, and another sharp pain entered her body, and this time she winced. The mare wanted to cry out in pain and just fall to the ground, but she knew, that she had to press on. However she knew what she had to do first, she knew she had to think of a name for herself. The mare didn't know why, but she felt like she wanted to be able for people to address her by a name. She looked down at the shadows and she knew soon what she wanted to be called. Shadow, I am no longer what I was, I am Shadow. I know what I did, I released the demons, set them free and now, I have to fix this. She thought, telling herself what she had done, although she already knew. Shadow knew where she was, she knew the way out also, however it would take longer from her injuries. She moved very slowly, trudging through the water. It was difficult for her to walk from the many injuries and she knew that some may turn to be scars. As she moved slowly, she knew one thing, she was hell bound from what she did. Even if she managed to fix her mistakes, she was going to be sent down into the depths of hell. Although she was deceived, it was obvious to her that she would be sent to hell. Shadow sighed as she continued to trudge through the water. She walked over to the dark brown steps that would grant her freedom from this room. As she stepped onto the first one it creaked, but she knew no one was here for they all left, for they all craved freedom. She continues to clop up the stairs until she got to the door. Even though she knew none would be in this fortress, she opened it very slowly and looked around. The torches were out and there was a chilly damp breeze, but she wasn't too far in. Although she was already cold from the water, she had enough time to escape before hypothermia settled in. Her breathing and footsteps was the only thing that she could hear, although they echo off the walls of the dimly lit corridor, she found them comforting. She began to weave through the halls, heading closer to the exit. Her hooves burned with frostbite, its stinging cold bring much pain. With each step she found it was even more agonizing, as though each step sparked a new pain. The pains rippled up her legs and seemed to infect the rest of her body, spreading fast with each step. Shadow was beginning to moan with every single step. Soon she knew that she needed a few seconds of rest, so she went to the wall, and slowly settled herself down against the wall. Her wounds bringing her more and more pain, in seconds she she knew she had to escape. The frostbite seemed to be crawling up her legs. Shadow already knew it was impossible for her to run her injuries would just make her give up too soon. It would be pointless for her to even try. As she weaved her way through the dark halls, she knew she was drawing closer to the exit. There was a slight thrill inside her to be escaping this place. She was no longer going to live in Manehatten, she was going to live in the forest. She sighed once again, for she knew she would miss her home, for it was warm and comfortable, but she knew what she had to do. Shadow knew her friends, if she had any, would miss her, also her family if she had any. Although she knew, that most people with amnesia go to a hospital, she knew she couldn't, she would be locked up and unable to fix her mistakes. The mistakes that had put the world in great danger. Every time she thought of what she did, the worst she felt inside, she almost felt, dead. She craned her head, and looked down at her hooves, she she looked back up she could see a brown door with pale sunlight gleaming through it. Her heart thudded loudly against her chest, she was scared to see what she unleashed. Shadow was tempted to go back to the room where she was and let hypothermia eat away at her until she died, yet something made her want to go on. It was the fact she didn't want to be a disgrace, she wanted to fix all the problems she had just caused. Soon courage worked its way up and although she would still her the loud beating of her heart, she slammed open the door, eyes closed at first. She felt the warmth on her face and she opened her eyes to see dark grass, most in dead patches, and she knew that the demons had done all this, death. It was maybe just grass, but she still felt bad, her head went up towards where Manehatten was. Her mouth gaped as for she saw Manehatten in ruins, buildings had fallen over, and she already knew from that, her home was a mess. She remembered faintly about her home, but she felt tears roll down from her eyes. Shadow didn't know if she hated her home or not, but it was her home, and now it looked like this. She soon ignored the pain that stung greatly in her body and walked down the hill and drew closer to Manehatten. The tears fell as she got a closer look, she could see the streets and they were covered in blood and remains of buildings, the demons must have feasted here. She could see shattered glass and in the middle of the street, a doll for a little filly. More tears came, until she heard the sounds of clawing. She went forward, scrapping up a shard of glass, ignoring the pain as she rain although it hurt a lot. She stopped to see a demon and a stallion, the stallion had no weapons and stood low, fear in his eyes. He looked to see her, and gestured for her to leave now. She shook her head no, for the demon wasn't aware she was there. She wanted to fly and kill it by stabbing its head, but the heart would also be fine. She quietly ran forward, the demon turned, but it was too late as Shadow pushed the blade into its chest. The creature let out a cry of agony and soon disappeared into ash, as any demon did. She huffed, still injured, that was when her mind seemed to snap back into focus and her wounds seemed to become real again, making her fall to her knees. The stallion was a unicorn and was now beside her, he was her age, and light brown with a short mane that was darker brown. "Do you need help?" He asked in a concerned voice. Shadow felt that all she could do was nod and she soon nodded yes. The stallion assisted her back onto her hooves. "Come on, I can help you with your wounds, besides you did save me from that thing." He said, and as he moved, she leaned on him. She knew that right now she had no chance, so instead of complaining, she went with the brown stallion. Can't Heal Scars Can't Heal Scars The agonizing pain came like small spikes, the pain shot up from her legs and rippled through the rest of her body, although the stallion was assisting her. She limped, only making there progress slower. All was silent between the two ponies, as though talking was forbidden. They walked through ally ways to hopefully avoid the demons that might still be lurking around Manehatten. However Shadow wished she hadn't asked, the ally ways were harder to walk on, considered they were cluttered with stuff. The stallion just looked at her briefly, quickly seeing the difficulty she was having moving, and the safe place wasn't much further, but he knew her cuts might be getting worst. "Do you need a break?" He asked, cocking his head as though he was completely clueless. Shadow wanted to say no, but she even knew he just needed a few seconds to regain her lost energy, limping having consumed most of it and the slow movement. "Yeah, I think so." Shadow said, knowing she hadn't talked much. The stallion stopped and let Shadow rest, while he did a little bit of scouting, until he returned back to her. He had another confused face, and she could tell he was looking at her flank. Her eyes followed to where his looked. That was when she saw it, the pretty three flowers were gone and instead a black skull was there with a knife in the top, and a few cracks where the knife contacted. She had heard legends of this extraordinary occurrence, it was very rare. Sometimes a pony couldn't fore fill there talent, so they were given the next best, until they were able to. All this long her destiny was to maybe be a slayer of these demons? Shadow didn't think it was a good thing, more like a dangerous need. Soon the stallion looked back to her face, seeing she was still looking at her cutie mark. He didn't know why she was, but just shrugged it off. "What is your name anyways?" He asked, "Mine is Broken Earth." Shadow soon snapped back into her focus, wishing she hadn't lost it, for she didn't here what he said, other then his name. She decided just to follow suit. "My name, is Shadow." She answered. Broken just nodded and continued to keep a look out for any demons that had come to ruin there day further. His ears pricked and he knelt back behind the broken building. He looked at Shadow, who already knew, there were demons. She soon walked backwards underneath some boxes, trying to hide herself. She could just hear the hooves of Broken who came closer, he nudged her shoulder to get up. She knew what he meant, he wanted her to get up so they could try and get around the monstrous beast. She slowly got out from under the boxes and leaned on Broken and they moved slowly. There was a noise until she had stepped on a stick. She gasped and they both look back to see the large black head of the demon swing to see them, its red eyes at them, as though it could kill them from here. It turned its large body and roared loudly at them, as though to cause fear. "Shadow come on, you get in front of me, I don't want you to get hurt further!" He cried, pushing her ahead with his right hoof. She tried to run, but was partly tripping, yet Broken kept her ahead. Soon he pushed her to the side, and she was soon going to say something until she saw him get slammed by the beast and he fell to the ground. Shadow could hear his groan of pain and she watched in terror as the beast lumbered closer to him. She got up, wobbling closer to the large demon. "Leave... him alone!" She yelled at the beast the best she could, trying to stand tall. The best turned, letting out a snicker, as it came closer. Shadow could tell that Broken was also weak now. The beast swung its arm, swinging claws out. Shadow was just able to jump out of the way of the long claws. Shadow could hear her heart beat with fear, but if this was her talent now, she had to fore fill it. She turned slamming the beast's stomach with her back hooves, but its arm came down and threw her towards a building. She crashed into it and there was a cracking sound, she knew now some of her ribs were broken. It hurt severally and she could help, but to cry out in pain and let hot tears fall from her face. "No!" She heard a voice. She looked at the beast and saw Broken on its back, slamming a piece of glass into its thick body, hover the monster cried and bucked him off and he slammed to the ground, getting up wearily. That was when she noticed something, a sticker, that was his cutie mark. She looked up to see two swords, and he to seem to notice his cover was blown. He smiled and then she could see his real skill. He used no magic and was battering the beast, even as it swung, making contact with the stallion's left shoulder he pushed on. Then she saw the last move, he levitated two shards of glass, finally using his magic and stabbed its eyes. The creature cried in pain as blood came from its eyes, until it fell is a loud thud, finally dead. Shadow was astonished, she didn't know Broken well, but he was a fighter. He walked over to her, and looked at her, shaking his head, knowing she was too badly injured to walk. She was still silent and watched as he walked over to the building. He searched around the rubble of the building, finally finding an old blanket. Broken assisted her onto it, taking the two ends in his mouth and dragging her with it. Although the ride was bumpy, it was the only way. She curled up on it and waited for them to get to Broken's home, when they arrived, he further assisted her. He lead her to a room, showing her a bed where she could lay. "Do you feel okay, need anything?" Broken asked, being nice. "I am fine, but I think I am badly injured, do you maybe have an ice pack or something." Shadow asked. "Sorry, but no, I don't have much. Just rest for a few days, you should be fine. I can protect you until your heal, don't think I am calling you weak, your quite tough." Broken said, giving her a warm smile. "May I ask, but why didn't you defend yourself when we first met?" Shadow asked, curiously, somewhat giving him a glare. She had to go through the pain when he could have done it himself, it was just weird. He looked down briefly, until back to her. "Sorry, I just don't like ponies knowing I am a fighter, that makes them want to use me." She nodded, understanding. With that he left and she was unsure of what would happen. She didn't know why he was like that, the way he explained himself, seemed strange. Shadow sighed and laid in the dimly lit room. Weeks in Time Weeks in Time It had been three and a half weeks since Shadow was injured. She wasn't quite healed, but her cuts were healed, some already making scars, but her ribs still hurt. Broken was getting her to go outside for walks, but of course he had to accompany her to make sure she didn't get hurt. She was able to fly, but not at a fast speed, her wings still quite sore. Broken had a feeling they were sprained and that was why thy hurt a little still. However Broken still made her curious, he was strange and different, and when she actually saw his eyes, they were dark green, almost clouded. Most would probably mock her, saying that she crushed on him, but that wasn't true, there was something else, and Shadow could sense it was dark. She laid in her small bed, thinking of what it could be. Was he an assassin? Perhaps he was a helper in the freedom of demons? She felt like she had to know, but her time was getting cut short. She had to leave soon, she had to fix her mistakes, and the only way was to get rid of the demons that were still in Equestria. She slid off the bed and onto her hooves, the boards below her squealed. She began to walk, only feeling a slight stinging, nothing she could ignore. She got to the dark brown wood door and pushed it open in the room where Broken normally was, but he wasn't here. Maybe he had gone out scouting? Shadow cocked her head and let out a sigh, so much for questions. She opened the door to the outside world, feeling the warm sunlight hit her face. There was a slight breeze and everything was getting colder for winter. She closed the door behind her, and opened up to the embrace of the wind that seemed to wrap around her. Her black mane was blown back and it felt great to feel nature again. The trees loomed high with the colors of Fall, making the forest almost seem alive. The small stream trickled down the smooth rocks into a pool of water. It was midday and Shadow had a bad feeling, Broken normally told her when he was going out to do scouting, did something happen? She knew that he wouldn't get up and leave, but he would be more of a coward then she had thought, although Shadow highly doubted it. Leaving her to one conclusion, he died or he was just a back stabber. She growled, her face feeling warm with anger, if he just went up and left, he was nothing more then a jerk. That was when she noticed something, on the rocks of the stream. Like most people she recognized the dark red colors of blood. For a second she was horrified that the creature was still here, but how did she not notice. Maybe she had been napping, and this had happened, but she hardly slept, or maybe last night an animal was killed by the evil shadow beasts, but there was something there. She walked forward, hesitant, afraid to go into the clearing and become exposed to the demons. However Shadow pushed on, to see there was a trail of blood, whatever did this wanted something for later. It was close to the cabin where her and Broken stayed for the time being, she could just let it be around here, it would be too much of a risk. Sorry Broken, that is if your didn't betray me. Shadow thought. She didn't have long, but who knew when the beast would be back. She went across the stepping stones and got to the other side. Some fear still cluttered her mind, but she didn't care anymore, even if Broken was gone, he wanted to stay here for maybe two more days or at least until she was very strong. She kept going, the shadows of the trees making it gloomy, but she felt it was right. As though her sins made her knew this was somewhat where she belonged, in the shadows where she could be a silent killer. She walked slowly, only to make sure she was following the trail, however soon she found a clearing, drenched in warm sunlight. She hesitated, then that was when she became shocked to who was there. Broken? But that isn't possible, he wouldn't be a murdered, would he? Has he just been playing me like this? In such a simple way? Shadow thought and ducked down. She watched to see that there was something different with Broken, he was shaking, as though beaten, a pony that was dead at his side. Maybe it was a friend, maybe he needed help? Yet Shadow was unsure, but guilt was eating at her from the inside, climbing and giving her an aching feeling. She was somewhat scared he would see her, so her legs quivered, was this what spying felt like? She had to come out. Shadow lifted herself and forced herself forward, and Broken's ears pricked and he turned his whole body, backing away. "Broken? What's wrong?" She asked, stopping where she was, there was something different about him. His eyes seemed to flicker with black and dark green, it was strange. Her heart thudded, for she was scared of what was wrong, was it something to dread? However she breathed, soothing herself and just looked back up at Broken. "Broken tell me. What's going on?" Shadow said, courage in her voice. "Go, just go away." Was all he said until he turn and ran. Shadow went forward, immediately she felt her sides burn from injury. She knew she would catch up to him, it wasn't possible with her injuries. She was at a disadvantage, but she knew what she had to do. She had to catch up, if there was something wrong with her only ally, she wanted to help. "Broken! Come.. on, I-I .... still can't run.... well." She huffed, even though she knew he wouldn't stop, he wouldn't come back. She felt abandoned, he had just ran off, leaving her to fend for herself. She felt tears in her eyes, was there something wrong with her? Was she no longer a pony? She laid under a tree, not wanted to know. Her thoughts buzzed and her stomach ached, as night fell she heard something. She hoped it was Broken, but instead it was a large demon, large then the one that had broken her ribs. She was already cornered from her stupidity, and she was trapped. She could slam forward, she couldn't fight. Her heart thudded and she knew all she could do was yell. "Help! Somepony, anypony!" She screeched, trying to back further into the tree. The large arm of the beat was about to slam down on her. She could feel her heart beating and she was scared, she coward down, until she realized, nothing came. She lifted her head and opened her eyes to see Broken was back. Rage instantly filled her, so first this pony just runs off and scares her half to death. He had maybe saved her life again, but she couldn't help,but to be mad. "What the hell Broken?! You run off, and scare the me half to death only to come back and act like a hero?! What is wrong with you?!" She yelled, in a furious tone. "Please, Shadow listen, I have a good reason." Broken said, looking down at the ground. That was when Shadow noticed his eyes were normal, no longer being strange, but there was something else behind them and she could tell. "Okay then tell me." Shadow said. "Not here, I would rather keep it a secret, so no wondering ponies can know." He explained. He began to lead her through the forest and to an old ruin, taking her inside. "Listen Shadow, I am not a regular pony. As you can tell. I know you saw my eyes." He began. Shadow just nodded, admitting she had seen his eyes flicker, but what was the secret? Everyone was different, so why did it matter. "I am a... half breed." He admitted, looking away, as though embarrassed. "What? What do you mean by half breed?" She questioned. She soon shivered at the thought and took a few seconds to look where they were. There was a hole in the sides and it was made of stone, it was old and cold, she shivered from the cold. "I am half demon. That is why I tell no one. they will just, run." He said, his voice fading off. She just looked, knowing he was an outcast, she knew she had done this, but what had he done? "I won't run. Broken you are good, besides worst has been done. You helped me, but I do have to go. I am sorry, please, don't take it wrong, but I am on a mission." She said and began to walk away. "Wait. I want to come with you. Besides, you will need help considering how loud you were screaming back there." He said, laughing at his joke. "Shut up!" Shadow said, laughing herself. Maybe this adventure was for two. Exploring the Past Exploration They had been traveling for hours on end, Shadow didn't allow them to stop. Broken didn't struggle, but it was more herself that struggled. Her injuries had healed, but she wouldn't stop pushing herself, as though if she didn't, something bad would happen. Her eyes glanced at the thin birch trees, their limbs stretching out to create a canopy over there heads. The sun kept off of them, making it not too hot to walk all the way to Ponyville. Broken looked at her, he was concerned, his dark green eyes scanned her and the surrounding area. "I think you need a break Shadow, your having trouble and it is easy to tell. The demons can't see us as weak." Broken explained, speaking up. "But it might be-" Shadow started before she was interrupted. "No, you injured." Broken cut off in a stubborn way. Shadow seemed to growl, but nodded. She slowly walked over to one the birches and laid underneath the tree. Her deep blue eyes were focused on her wounds as she scanned them to see how severe they were. None were still open, and they looked mostly closed, yet they looked terrible. However one grabbed her attention, it looked black and disgusting. "Hey Broken, come look at this." Shadow called to her companion. Broken looked behind him and walked over to the grey mare and looked at the wound. It looked infected and he grimaced. "Its infected. We have to get to Ponyville sooner then expected." Broken sighed. This isn't good, infections can lead to sickness, or maybe even worst death. We will have to keep moving. Broken thought. "Then lets keep moving." Shadow muttered, getting to her feet quickly. She staggered to her hooves. It was clear to Broken that she was having difficulty getting up just by her stagger. "I will help you if you need it, just tell me so." Broken said. Broken didn't go faster and instead kept at a slow pace so Shadow wouldn't feel she had to go faster. They remained silent, as though speaking was a sin. However Broken didn't like the silence, it gave him a bad feeling. "Shadow, I never asked, but where do you come from?" Broken asked curiously. Shadow anted to stop for a moment, for she didn't know if she was from Manehatten, but that was all she remember now. Her head lifted and she looked at Broken. "Manehatten." Shadow mumbled. Broken paused, hoping for more of an answer, but she said nothing else. "So, who are your parents?" Broken asked, persistent to learn more about Shadow. Shadow paused once again, "Umm, I honestly don't know. I-I can't remember." Shadow admitted. "Oh, I am sorry." Broken whispered, feeling kind of bad. "What about you? Where did you come from and how are you half demon?" Shadow asked curiously. The twosome didn't know much about each other, even if they had time to ask during the week they knew each other. Broken sighed, and took a deep breath. "I was born Hollow Shades. My parents worked as poor farmers, we had nothing. Farming was hard in Hollow Shades, it was just so dark. My parents were starving and when they had me, they had no way of caring for me. One night we were attacked by a criminal, my mother was killed. On that night, my father took me to an old shrine, he offered me for my safety. He thought he was giving me to a god, but instead, he gave me to demons he didn't know about. That was what I was told, and from then on, I have been a monster." Broken explained, his voice dreary. "That's... that's terrible! Didn't he notice?" Shadow cried. Her face felt hot, she wanted to cry for her friend's hardships. He doesn't deserve to be half demon, a monster! I do, I have a cold heart, I freed the demons, but I can't tell him that. What if he thinks I am dangerous? He is my friend, he is the only one I have. Shadow thought. "Don't worry about. My father may have not noticed, but I have a feeling he didn't mean to. My mother was gone and he felt he had no choice." Broken explained, putting on a fake smile. "So what else happened to you, if you don't mind telling me?" Shadow asked. The story was making her interested. It was like a book, not real, but she knew it all too much. Broken just smiled at her and nodded. "When I got older, I joined the Canterlot Guards, I was always good at fighting, but soon I couldn't help myself and I began to commit murder. I was found out and left. For the last few years, I used that sticker to make it seem like I wasn't who I was. That is my history in a nutshell." Broken explained briefly, trying not to make it long and boring. "So that is why you can fight so well." Shadow exclaimed, piecing it together. "Yep, my mentor taught me well, you could say." Broken said, somewhat gloating. They both laughed as Broken put out his chest as a joke to look like an all powerful warrior. All of a sudden, a twig snapped, they immediately stopped. "You get down." Broken whispered over his shoulder. Shadow nodded and lowered herself into the brush. Her wounds hurt, mostly the infected one. She watched to see a skinny little demon appear. It was tiny and it squealed when it fell on the floor, but it was covered in wounds. "Somepony was here." Shadow guessed when she came out of the brush. Broken nodded, it had to be true, there was somepony out there. "Who is out there?" Broken called into the thin trees. As he called he heard hoof steps, and two figures appeared. One was a teal stallion with odd orange eyes and a sky blue mane. The other was a filly, she was a pegasus with dull blue fur, but a lighter muzzle, with darker freckles, her eyes were stunning yellow and her mane navy colored. The stallion stepped forward and looked at the twosome. "I do apologize, my comrade and I never meant to scare you." The stallion said, his voice soft. "Hey, look big brother, the mare is injured! Can I help her?" The young mare asked, having the same kind of accent. "That is if it is alright with Miss. umm, I don't know your names if I recall." The stallion said. "I am Broken and this is Shadow." Broken explained, introducing them. "I see, I am Crayton and this is my little sister Ellie. We come from Canterlot, we came this way in hopes of sanction." Crayton introduced them. Ellie scrambled closer to Shadow and began to look at her wounds, "I can help you if you want?" She squealed. "That would be nice, thank you." Shadow answered, and laid down. As Ellie moved, it was easy to see the first aid cutie mark she had, well her brother had one with a book, but he also had a dagger. "Perhaps an alliance is in order. I can't protect Ellie by myself, and if I die, she has no pony, maybe we could travel together." Crayton offered. "That would be fine with me, how about you Shadow?" Broken answered, somewhat nervous. "Fine with me too, we need a medic." Shadow answered. "Splendid."
From The Depths of Hell From The Depths of Hell Deep in the base of the demons, was a dark room, the room had ice cold water inside of it, making it bone chilling. Most thought flames would be all around, but instead of warmth, it was cold and there were few flames that kept ponies warm enough to live, but demons could live easy. The bricks were dark and made it all seem much more worst. There were also scratches from claws that dug into the brick, along with blood splatters. The scent could make ponies gag, from the filth and the heavy smell of blood. Then something began to stir in the middle of the room with water, ripples coming from the location. Slowly a young pegasus's eyes open, they are a deep blue, almost like the ocean. Her mane is black and messy and her pelt is a pale grey. She almost seems like a figure from an old photo with her black and grey colors, but her cutie mark is three flowers. Her memory disappeared from her mind, but only some remains. I can't remember, I know what happened to me, I know that I was betrayed, used only to be thrown like trash. What is my name? Who do I know? The young mare thought. She looked around at her the room, she wished she had never trusted the demons, the mare knew she was lucky not to be dead. Slowly she soon decided to get up, when she does, a sharp pain enters her legs and she looked at her legs to see that she had many cuts that covered her grey legs. She watched as blood seeped out of them and she knew it was highly probable that her pelt would be stained. The mare stretched out her wings, and another sharp pain entered her body, and this time she winced. The mare wanted to cry out in pain and just fall to the ground, but she knew, that she had to press on. However she knew what she had to do first, she knew she had to think of a name for herself. The mare didn't know why, but she felt like she wanted to be able for people to address her by a name. She looked down at the shadows and she knew soon what she wanted to be called. Shadow, I am no longer what I was, I am Shadow. I know what I did, I released the demons, set them free and now, I have to fix this. She thought, telling herself what she had done, although she already knew. Shadow knew where she was, she knew the way out also, however it would take longer from her injuries. She moved very slowly, trudging through the water. It was difficult for her to walk from the many injuries and she knew that some may turn to be scars. As she moved slowly, she knew one thing, she was hell bound from what she did. Even if she managed to fix her mistakes, she was going to be sent down into the depths of hell. Although she was deceived, it was obvious to her that she would be sent to hell. Shadow sighed as she continued to trudge through the water. She walked over to the dark brown steps that would grant her freedom from this room. As she stepped onto the first one it creaked, but she knew no one was here for they all left, for they all craved freedom. She continues to clop up the stairs until she got to the door. Even though she knew none would be in this fortress, she opened it very slowly and looked around. The torches were out and there was a chilly damp breeze, but she wasn't too far in. Although she was already cold from the water, she had enough time to escape before hypothermia settled in. Her breathing and footsteps was the only thing that she could hear, although they echo off the walls of the dimly lit corridor, she found them comforting. She began to weave through the halls, heading closer to the exit. Her hooves burned with frostbite, its stinging cold bring much pain. With each step she found it was even more agonizing, as though each step sparked a new pain. The pains rippled up her legs and seemed to infect the rest of her body, spreading fast with each step. Shadow was beginning to moan with every single step. Soon she knew that she needed a few seconds of rest, so she went to the wall, and slowly settled herself down against the wall. Her wounds bringing her more and more pain, in seconds she she knew she had to escape. The frostbite seemed to be crawling up her legs. Shadow already knew it was impossible for her to run her injuries would just make her give up too soon. It would be pointless for her to even try. As she weaved her way through the dark halls, she knew she was drawing closer to the exit. There was a slight thrill inside her to be escaping this place. She was no longer going to live in Manehatten, she was going to live in the forest. She sighed once again, for she knew she would miss her home, for it was warm and comfortable, but she knew what she had to do. Shadow knew her friends, if she had any, would miss her, also her family if she had any. Although she knew, that most people with amnesia go to a hospital, she knew she couldn't, she would be locked up and unable to fix her mistakes. The mistakes that had put the world in great danger. Every time she thought of what she did, the worst she felt inside, she almost felt, dead. She craned her head, and looked down at her hooves, she she looked back up she could see a brown door with pale sunlight gleaming through it. Her heart thudded loudly against her chest, she was scared to see what she unleashed. Shadow was tempted to go back to the room where she was and let hypothermia eat away at her until she died, yet something made her want to go on. It was the fact she didn't want to be a disgrace, she wanted to fix all the problems she had just caused. Soon courage worked its way up and although she would still her the loud beating of her heart, she slammed open the door, eyes closed at first. She felt the warmth on her face and she opened her eyes to see dark grass, most in dead patches, and she knew that the demons had done all this, death. It was maybe just grass, but she still felt bad, her head went up towards where Manehatten was. Her mouth gaped as for she saw Manehatten in ruins, buildings had fallen over, and she already knew from that, her home was a mess. She remembered faintly about her home, but she felt tears roll down from her eyes. Shadow didn't know if she hated her home or not, but it was her home, and now it looked like this. She soon ignored the pain that stung greatly in her body and walked down the hill and drew closer to Manehatten. The tears fell as she got a closer look, she could see the streets and they were covered in blood and remains of buildings, the demons must have feasted here. She could see shattered glass and in the middle of the street, a doll for a little filly. More tears came, until she heard the sounds of clawing. She went forward, scrapping up a shard of glass, ignoring the pain as she rain although it hurt a lot. She stopped to see a demon and a stallion, the stallion had no weapons and stood low, fear in his eyes. He looked to see her, and gestured for her to leave now. She shook her head no, for the demon wasn't aware she was there. She wanted to fly and kill it by stabbing its head, but the heart would also be fine. She quietly ran forward, the demon turned, but it was too late as Shadow pushed the blade into its chest. The creature let out a cry of agony and soon disappeared into ash, as any demon did. She huffed, still injured, that was when her mind seemed to snap back into focus and her wounds seemed to become real again, making her fall to her knees. The stallion was a unicorn and was now beside her, he was her age, and light brown with a short mane that was darker brown. "Do you need help?" He asked in a concerned voice. Shadow felt that all she could do was nod and she soon nodded yes. The stallion assisted her back onto her hooves. "Come on, I can help you with your wounds, besides you did save me from that thing." He said, and as he moved, she leaned on him. She knew that right now she had no chance, so instead of complaining, she went with the brown stallion.
Can't Heal Scars Can't Heal Scars The agonizing pain came like small spikes, the pain shot up from her legs and rippled through the rest of her body, although the stallion was assisting her. She limped, only making there progress slower. All was silent between the two ponies, as though talking was forbidden. They walked through ally ways to hopefully avoid the demons that might still be lurking around Manehatten. However Shadow wished she hadn't asked, the ally ways were harder to walk on, considered they were cluttered with stuff. The stallion just looked at her briefly, quickly seeing the difficulty she was having moving, and the safe place wasn't much further, but he knew her cuts might be getting worst. "Do you need a break?" He asked, cocking his head as though he was completely clueless. Shadow wanted to say no, but she even knew he just needed a few seconds to regain her lost energy, limping having consumed most of it and the slow movement. "Yeah, I think so." Shadow said, knowing she hadn't talked much. The stallion stopped and let Shadow rest, while he did a little bit of scouting, until he returned back to her. He had another confused face, and she could tell he was looking at her flank. Her eyes followed to where his looked. That was when she saw it, the pretty three flowers were gone and instead a black skull was there with a knife in the top, and a few cracks where the knife contacted. She had heard legends of this extraordinary occurrence, it was very rare. Sometimes a pony couldn't fore fill there talent, so they were given the next best, until they were able to. All this long her destiny was to maybe be a slayer of these demons? Shadow didn't think it was a good thing, more like a dangerous need. Soon the stallion looked back to her face, seeing she was still looking at her cutie mark. He didn't know why she was, but just shrugged it off. "What is your name anyways?" He asked, "Mine is Broken Earth." Shadow soon snapped back into her focus, wishing she hadn't lost it, for she didn't here what he said, other then his name. She decided just to follow suit. "My name, is Shadow." She answered. Broken just nodded and continued to keep a look out for any demons that had come to ruin there day further. His ears pricked and he knelt back behind the broken building. He looked at Shadow, who already knew, there were demons. She soon walked backwards underneath some boxes, trying to hide herself. She could just hear the hooves of Broken who came closer, he nudged her shoulder to get up. She knew what he meant, he wanted her to get up so they could try and get around the monstrous beast. She slowly got out from under the boxes and leaned on Broken and they moved slowly. There was a noise until she had stepped on a stick. She gasped and they both look back to see the large black head of the demon swing to see them, its red eyes at them, as though it could kill them from here. It turned its large body and roared loudly at them, as though to cause fear. "Shadow come on, you get in front of me, I don't want you to get hurt further!" He cried, pushing her ahead with his right hoof. She tried to run, but was partly tripping, yet Broken kept her ahead. Soon he pushed her to the side, and she was soon going to say something until she saw him get slammed by the beast and he fell to the ground. Shadow could hear his groan of pain and she watched in terror as the beast lumbered closer to him. She got up, wobbling closer to the large demon. "Leave... him alone!" She yelled at the beast the best she could, trying to stand tall. The best turned, letting out a snicker, as it came closer. Shadow could tell that Broken was also weak now. The beast swung its arm, swinging claws out. Shadow was just able to jump out of the way of the long claws. Shadow could hear her heart beat with fear, but if this was her talent now, she had to fore fill it. She turned slamming the beast's stomach with her back hooves, but its arm came down and threw her towards a building. She crashed into it and there was a cracking sound, she knew now some of her ribs were broken. It hurt severally and she could help, but to cry out in pain and let hot tears fall from her face. "No!" She heard a voice. She looked at the beast and saw Broken on its back, slamming a piece of glass into its thick body, hover the monster cried and bucked him off and he slammed to the ground, getting up wearily. That was when she noticed something, a sticker, that was his cutie mark. She looked up to see two swords, and he to seem to notice his cover was blown. He smiled and then she could see his real skill. He used no magic and was battering the beast, even as it swung, making contact with the stallion's left shoulder he pushed on. Then she saw the last move, he levitated two shards of glass, finally using his magic and stabbed its eyes. The creature cried in pain as blood came from its eyes, until it fell is a loud thud, finally dead. Shadow was astonished, she didn't know Broken well, but he was a fighter. He walked over to her, and looked at her, shaking his head, knowing she was too badly injured to walk. She was still silent and watched as he walked over to the building. He searched around the rubble of the building, finally finding an old blanket. Broken assisted her onto it, taking the two ends in his mouth and dragging her with it. Although the ride was bumpy, it was the only way. She curled up on it and waited for them to get to Broken's home, when they arrived, he further assisted her. He lead her to a room, showing her a bed where she could lay. "Do you feel okay, need anything?" Broken asked, being nice. "I am fine, but I think I am badly injured, do you maybe have an ice pack or something." Shadow asked. "Sorry, but no, I don't have much. Just rest for a few days, you should be fine. I can protect you until your heal, don't think I am calling you weak, your quite tough." Broken said, giving her a warm smile. "May I ask, but why didn't you defend yourself when we first met?" Shadow asked, curiously, somewhat giving him a glare. She had to go through the pain when he could have done it himself, it was just weird. He looked down briefly, until back to her. "Sorry, I just don't like ponies knowing I am a fighter, that makes them want to use me." She nodded, understanding. With that he left and she was unsure of what would happen. She didn't know why he was like that, the way he explained himself, seemed strange. Shadow sighed and laid in the dimly lit room.
Weeks in Time Weeks in Time It had been three and a half weeks since Shadow was injured. She wasn't quite healed, but her cuts were healed, some already making scars, but her ribs still hurt. Broken was getting her to go outside for walks, but of course he had to accompany her to make sure she didn't get hurt. She was able to fly, but not at a fast speed, her wings still quite sore. Broken had a feeling they were sprained and that was why thy hurt a little still. However Broken still made her curious, he was strange and different, and when she actually saw his eyes, they were dark green, almost clouded. Most would probably mock her, saying that she crushed on him, but that wasn't true, there was something else, and Shadow could sense it was dark. She laid in her small bed, thinking of what it could be. Was he an assassin? Perhaps he was a helper in the freedom of demons? She felt like she had to know, but her time was getting cut short. She had to leave soon, she had to fix her mistakes, and the only way was to get rid of the demons that were still in Equestria. She slid off the bed and onto her hooves, the boards below her squealed. She began to walk, only feeling a slight stinging, nothing she could ignore. She got to the dark brown wood door and pushed it open in the room where Broken normally was, but he wasn't here. Maybe he had gone out scouting? Shadow cocked her head and let out a sigh, so much for questions. She opened the door to the outside world, feeling the warm sunlight hit her face. There was a slight breeze and everything was getting colder for winter. She closed the door behind her, and opened up to the embrace of the wind that seemed to wrap around her. Her black mane was blown back and it felt great to feel nature again. The trees loomed high with the colors of Fall, making the forest almost seem alive. The small stream trickled down the smooth rocks into a pool of water. It was midday and Shadow had a bad feeling, Broken normally told her when he was going out to do scouting, did something happen? She knew that he wouldn't get up and leave, but he would be more of a coward then she had thought, although Shadow highly doubted it. Leaving her to one conclusion, he died or he was just a back stabber. She growled, her face feeling warm with anger, if he just went up and left, he was nothing more then a jerk. That was when she noticed something, on the rocks of the stream. Like most people she recognized the dark red colors of blood. For a second she was horrified that the creature was still here, but how did she not notice. Maybe she had been napping, and this had happened, but she hardly slept, or maybe last night an animal was killed by the evil shadow beasts, but there was something there. She walked forward, hesitant, afraid to go into the clearing and become exposed to the demons. However Shadow pushed on, to see there was a trail of blood, whatever did this wanted something for later. It was close to the cabin where her and Broken stayed for the time being, she could just let it be around here, it would be too much of a risk. Sorry Broken, that is if your didn't betray me. Shadow thought. She didn't have long, but who knew when the beast would be back. She went across the stepping stones and got to the other side. Some fear still cluttered her mind, but she didn't care anymore, even if Broken was gone, he wanted to stay here for maybe two more days or at least until she was very strong. She kept going, the shadows of the trees making it gloomy, but she felt it was right. As though her sins made her knew this was somewhat where she belonged, in the shadows where she could be a silent killer. She walked slowly, only to make sure she was following the trail, however soon she found a clearing, drenched in warm sunlight. She hesitated, then that was when she became shocked to who was there. Broken? But that isn't possible, he wouldn't be a murdered, would he? Has he just been playing me like this? In such a simple way? Shadow thought and ducked down. She watched to see that there was something different with Broken, he was shaking, as though beaten, a pony that was dead at his side. Maybe it was a friend, maybe he needed help? Yet Shadow was unsure, but guilt was eating at her from the inside, climbing and giving her an aching feeling. She was somewhat scared he would see her, so her legs quivered, was this what spying felt like? She had to come out. Shadow lifted herself and forced herself forward, and Broken's ears pricked and he turned his whole body, backing away. "Broken? What's wrong?" She asked, stopping where she was, there was something different about him. His eyes seemed to flicker with black and dark green, it was strange. Her heart thudded, for she was scared of what was wrong, was it something to dread? However she breathed, soothing herself and just looked back up at Broken. "Broken tell me. What's going on?" Shadow said, courage in her voice. "Go, just go away." Was all he said until he turn and ran. Shadow went forward, immediately she felt her sides burn from injury. She knew she would catch up to him, it wasn't possible with her injuries. She was at a disadvantage, but she knew what she had to do. She had to catch up, if there was something wrong with her only ally, she wanted to help. "Broken! Come.. on, I-I .... still can't run.... well." She huffed, even though she knew he wouldn't stop, he wouldn't come back. She felt abandoned, he had just ran off, leaving her to fend for herself. She felt tears in her eyes, was there something wrong with her? Was she no longer a pony? She laid under a tree, not wanted to know. Her thoughts buzzed and her stomach ached, as night fell she heard something. She hoped it was Broken, but instead it was a large demon, large then the one that had broken her ribs. She was already cornered from her stupidity, and she was trapped. She could slam forward, she couldn't fight. Her heart thudded and she knew all she could do was yell. "Help! Somepony, anypony!" She screeched, trying to back further into the tree. The large arm of the beat was about to slam down on her. She could feel her heart beating and she was scared, she coward down, until she realized, nothing came. She lifted her head and opened her eyes to see Broken was back. Rage instantly filled her, so first this pony just runs off and scares her half to death. He had maybe saved her life again, but she couldn't help,but to be mad. "What the hell Broken?! You run off, and scare the me half to death only to come back and act like a hero?! What is wrong with you?!" She yelled, in a furious tone. "Please, Shadow listen, I have a good reason." Broken said, looking down at the ground. That was when Shadow noticed his eyes were normal, no longer being strange, but there was something else behind them and she could tell. "Okay then tell me." Shadow said. "Not here, I would rather keep it a secret, so no wondering ponies can know." He explained. He began to lead her through the forest and to an old ruin, taking her inside. "Listen Shadow, I am not a regular pony. As you can tell. I know you saw my eyes." He began. Shadow just nodded, admitting she had seen his eyes flicker, but what was the secret? Everyone was different, so why did it matter. "I am a... half breed." He admitted, looking away, as though embarrassed. "What? What do you mean by half breed?" She questioned. She soon shivered at the thought and took a few seconds to look where they were. There was a hole in the sides and it was made of stone, it was old and cold, she shivered from the cold. "I am half demon. That is why I tell no one. they will just, run." He said, his voice fading off. She just looked, knowing he was an outcast, she knew she had done this, but what had he done? "I won't run. Broken you are good, besides worst has been done. You helped me, but I do have to go. I am sorry, please, don't take it wrong, but I am on a mission." She said and began to walk away. "Wait. I want to come with you. Besides, you will need help considering how loud you were screaming back there." He said, laughing at his joke. "Shut up!" Shadow said, laughing herself. Maybe this adventure was for two.
Exploring the Past Exploration They had been traveling for hours on end, Shadow didn't allow them to stop. Broken didn't struggle, but it was more herself that struggled. Her injuries had healed, but she wouldn't stop pushing herself, as though if she didn't, something bad would happen. Her eyes glanced at the thin birch trees, their limbs stretching out to create a canopy over there heads. The sun kept off of them, making it not too hot to walk all the way to Ponyville. Broken looked at her, he was concerned, his dark green eyes scanned her and the surrounding area. "I think you need a break Shadow, your having trouble and it is easy to tell. The demons can't see us as weak." Broken explained, speaking up. "But it might be-" Shadow started before she was interrupted. "No, you injured." Broken cut off in a stubborn way. Shadow seemed to growl, but nodded. She slowly walked over to one the birches and laid underneath the tree. Her deep blue eyes were focused on her wounds as she scanned them to see how severe they were. None were still open, and they looked mostly closed, yet they looked terrible. However one grabbed her attention, it looked black and disgusting. "Hey Broken, come look at this." Shadow called to her companion. Broken looked behind him and walked over to the grey mare and looked at the wound. It looked infected and he grimaced. "Its infected. We have to get to Ponyville sooner then expected." Broken sighed. This isn't good, infections can lead to sickness, or maybe even worst death. We will have to keep moving. Broken thought. "Then lets keep moving." Shadow muttered, getting to her feet quickly. She staggered to her hooves. It was clear to Broken that she was having difficulty getting up just by her stagger. "I will help you if you need it, just tell me so." Broken said. Broken didn't go faster and instead kept at a slow pace so Shadow wouldn't feel she had to go faster. They remained silent, as though speaking was a sin. However Broken didn't like the silence, it gave him a bad feeling. "Shadow, I never asked, but where do you come from?" Broken asked curiously. Shadow anted to stop for a moment, for she didn't know if she was from Manehatten, but that was all she remember now. Her head lifted and she looked at Broken. "Manehatten." Shadow mumbled. Broken paused, hoping for more of an answer, but she said nothing else. "So, who are your parents?" Broken asked, persistent to learn more about Shadow. Shadow paused once again, "Umm, I honestly don't know. I-I can't remember." Shadow admitted. "Oh, I am sorry." Broken whispered, feeling kind of bad. "What about you? Where did you come from and how are you half demon?" Shadow asked curiously. The twosome didn't know much about each other, even if they had time to ask during the week they knew each other. Broken sighed, and took a deep breath. "I was born Hollow Shades. My parents worked as poor farmers, we had nothing. Farming was hard in Hollow Shades, it was just so dark. My parents were starving and when they had me, they had no way of caring for me. One night we were attacked by a criminal, my mother was killed. On that night, my father took me to an old shrine, he offered me for my safety. He thought he was giving me to a god, but instead, he gave me to demons he didn't know about. That was what I was told, and from then on, I have been a monster." Broken explained, his voice dreary. "That's... that's terrible! Didn't he notice?" Shadow cried. Her face felt hot, she wanted to cry for her friend's hardships. He doesn't deserve to be half demon, a monster! I do, I have a cold heart, I freed the demons, but I can't tell him that. What if he thinks I am dangerous? He is my friend, he is the only one I have. Shadow thought. "Don't worry about. My father may have not noticed, but I have a feeling he didn't mean to. My mother was gone and he felt he had no choice." Broken explained, putting on a fake smile. "So what else happened to you, if you don't mind telling me?" Shadow asked. The story was making her interested. It was like a book, not real, but she knew it all too much. Broken just smiled at her and nodded. "When I got older, I joined the Canterlot Guards, I was always good at fighting, but soon I couldn't help myself and I began to commit murder. I was found out and left. For the last few years, I used that sticker to make it seem like I wasn't who I was. That is my history in a nutshell." Broken explained briefly, trying not to make it long and boring. "So that is why you can fight so well." Shadow exclaimed, piecing it together. "Yep, my mentor taught me well, you could say." Broken said, somewhat gloating. They both laughed as Broken put out his chest as a joke to look like an all powerful warrior. All of a sudden, a twig snapped, they immediately stopped. "You get down." Broken whispered over his shoulder. Shadow nodded and lowered herself into the brush. Her wounds hurt, mostly the infected one. She watched to see a skinny little demon appear. It was tiny and it squealed when it fell on the floor, but it was covered in wounds. "Somepony was here." Shadow guessed when she came out of the brush. Broken nodded, it had to be true, there was somepony out there. "Who is out there?" Broken called into the thin trees. As he called he heard hoof steps, and two figures appeared. One was a teal stallion with odd orange eyes and a sky blue mane. The other was a filly, she was a pegasus with dull blue fur, but a lighter muzzle, with darker freckles, her eyes were stunning yellow and her mane navy colored. The stallion stepped forward and looked at the twosome. "I do apologize, my comrade and I never meant to scare you." The stallion said, his voice soft. "Hey, look big brother, the mare is injured! Can I help her?" The young mare asked, having the same kind of accent. "That is if it is alright with Miss. umm, I don't know your names if I recall." The stallion said. "I am Broken and this is Shadow." Broken explained, introducing them. "I see, I am Crayton and this is my little sister Ellie. We come from Canterlot, we came this way in hopes of sanction." Crayton introduced them. Ellie scrambled closer to Shadow and began to look at her wounds, "I can help you if you want?" She squealed. "That would be nice, thank you." Shadow answered, and laid down. As Ellie moved, it was easy to see the first aid cutie mark she had, well her brother had one with a book, but he also had a dagger. "Perhaps an alliance is in order. I can't protect Ellie by myself, and if I die, she has no pony, maybe we could travel together." Crayton offered. "That would be fine with me, how about you Shadow?" Broken answered, somewhat nervous. "Fine with me too, we need a medic." Shadow answered. "Splendid."
