Nemesisby CrypticMetaphorChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 1One year, it seemed like an eternity during the rebuilding. But none the less, everypony was happy at the renewal of their once more prosperous land. Ponyville saw the greatest recovery as ponies of all ages happily went back to familiar shops, some having even been renovated and increased in size. Even though ponies were happy, one gave off the illusion of happiness but was deeply troubled. Twilight Sparkle sat in her library going over calculations after calculations of arcane readings and experiments, but they all came back positive. Twilight had been greatly distressed since the day she had almost taken HIS life with his own sword. That day she felt not only frightened, but furious to the point of her rage turning into something much worse. When that had occurred she had felt….good, and it scared her. Could she have almost succumbed to the same darkness Luna was once possessed by? Or maybe perhaps, an even worse evil than that was now growing within her. Twilight hoped she was wrong, that it had merely been nothing more than some sort of magical fluctuation. But the readouts claimed she now had a malevolent energy within her, similar to the signatures that had existed in Sombra and Nightmare. It was the sign of evil and if she wasn’t careful, it would grow larger. Twilight jumped slightly when her clock chimed, “Oh sweet Celestia I’m LATE!” Twilight quickly grabbed her saddle bags and a letter before rushing out the door. As she rushed down the street to the train station she rounded the corner to reveal…her friends. “Hello darling, heading off somewhere?” Twilight was nervously shuffling, “Um…yeah. I’m just going to visit my mom and dad, no biggy.” Rainbow snatched the letter from her saddle bags and read who it was addressed to, “Twilight!” “Ah thought we agreed that you should stop torturin yourself like this,” she placed a hoof on her with a concerned look, “He’s not your responsibility.” Twilight sighed, “And I keep telling YOU that he is in a way,” she yanked the letter from Dash, “Besides…he needs somepony to-“ Rainbow Dash waved her front legs in exasperation, “To what?! The guy was…is a monster. I say let him stew in the hole he dug for himself,” she hovered above her friend, “Need I remind you of what he did to Lillyhoof? To all the other ponies after he employed the Brazen Ponies?!” Applejack silenced her as ponies picked up on the conversation and stared, “We’re not the only ones who think so sugarcube. A lot of other ponies are still sore on the subject of,” she noticed a few other ponies lingering, “you know who.” “He has a name Applejack,” Twilight looked to the side. Rarity snorted slightly, “A name that’s spoken like a curse word or in private.” Twilight shook her head, “Regardless, I’m going to see him,” she looked at the letter with the spidery handwriting, “he deserves to read this.” Pinkie Pie nodded, “Normally I’m not one to refuse a smile to a pony, but in his case….,” it almost pained her to speak the two words, “buck him.” Pinkie then proceeded to wash out her mouth as Fluttershy looked at the letter, “Who’s it from?” Twilight only spoke nine words, “It arrived in a burst of ruby red fire.” Rainbow Dash grumbled, “So the little guy is still alive and kicking.” “Ah’m actually curious where he and the Queen went off to,” Applejack pondered upon this as Twilight walked past them. “I’m going and that’s final,” she glanced back, “and I would appreciate it if you all respected my decision.” Her friends were surprised at the statement but sighed collectively in reluctance. Applejack stepped forward and opened her mouth to speak but put on a small smile, “Jus…be careful.” Twilight smiled, “Thank you girls.” * The train ride was silent but held a sense of dread in the air. As Twilight exited the tunnel, she noticed out the window the valley where the battle to gain entry to the castle was fought. On its soil was a mass of marble white grave markers that had the names of their owners upon them. Twilight looked to the repaired city and smiled at its familiar buildings as she disembarked. She traveled the streets to the main gate and entered the main hall. Sighing, the alicorn steeled herself and approached one of the guards with what confidence she could muster. The guard nodded, “Princess Twilight,” he noted her saddle bags, “I assume that you have come to see…him.” “Yes,” she tilted her head with concern, “Has there been any change?” The guard shook his head, “None.” The guard led the alicorn through the mountainous halls and decided to cut through the main hall to shorten the route. They passed the stained glass windows that now lay peacefully within new frames. The latest edition depicted the army of Equestria standing victorious in the sun, while a dark shape garbed in gold lay below them in shadow. Twilight looked to the side and sighed, the memories flooding back to her. True the day had been won, but the cost leading to it had been great. Many of the kingdoms cried for the human’s blood that Celestia refused to give them. Regardless of his actions, he was still on Equestrian soil and under the protection of its laws. If any attempt was made upon Jasper’s life, it would be considered an act of war, which Celestia would not be afraid to answer. Twilight to this day didn’t know why her teacher still sought to protect Jasper. Once she had even asked why she would put herself in the line of fire from the other races. Celestia merely gave a small smile and responded calmly, “When you are where I am now, you shall understand.” Twilight though still confused, did not question her mentor’s judgement. Her attention returned to the present as she took in the area around her. Only once had she seen the Canterlot dungeons, it was when Cadance and her were playing hide and seek. She had decided to flee below and hid in a cell, it took Cadance all day to find the frightened filly of which she later soothed with her embrace. The dungeons had been built both under the castle and within the mountain itself, so light coming in from the surface was severely limited. The dark and smooth stones were a shine with moisture, the gentle dripping reached Twilight’s ears as the guard stood before her upon the landing. “I will wait nearby my lady,” he bowed his head, “call if you have need of me.” Twilight inclined her head and continued on. Small torches illuminated her path as she walked through the dark halls; the cell she was going to was further back from the others. She glanced at the empty cells she passed, mere shells that lacked contents but craved to be filled. Her gaze came to rest at the last cell at the end of the furthest most rows, the darkness within stirred slightly. Twilight inhaled calmly and approached, the door was far larger than the others spanning the length of a massive window composed of iron bars. She pulled a cushion in front of the door and sat gently on her haunches and stared within in silence. Soft breathing was heard from within, to which she looked to the ground at before leveling her stare at the darkness and lighting up her horn. “Good afternoon Jasper.” Against the far wall sat a shape, a sad and loathsome shape of a man who didn’t move. The shape though lean had lost some muscle, but not all. He now had long ash hair that descended past his shoulders in an unkempt torrent obscuring his face from view. He was garbed in dirty and tattered pinstripe prison clothes, no shoes or socks were upon his bare and dirtied feet which twitched slightly. His arms lay limply at his sides, either he was weak or had not bothered to move them. The light revealed that his knuckles were red and covered in dried blood, similar splotches decorated the room. His cell was also visibly destroyed, bed and all. The magic light reached the man who glanced up, his hollow storm bluish green eyes staring at the Alicorn with no emotion to speak of. Fuzz adorned his face in a weak looking beard which was streaked with dirt. The voice that responded was airy but held some volume, “Did you know I turned twenty-one last month?” Twilight smiled slightly, “OH! Well happy birthday then.” Jasper looked to the side refusing to meet her gaze, “What do you want.” Twilight felt her heart ache but she held firm, “I-I received a letter from…well…you know.” Jasper looked at her and spoke firmly, “Give it to me.” Twilight levitated the letter through the bars which Jasper plucked from the air with amazing speed. He opened the envelope and unfurled the note which was written upon yellowing parchment. Jasper’s eyes scanned the paper like a predator and sighed with a shaky breath. “My heir…,” his voice was distant, “…it’s been born…yet she refuses to say more. Good.” Twilight’s eyes widened in both curiosity and intrigue at the fact that a child was born of both an Equestrian and Earthling, oh how desperately she wanted to know more. But she didn’t want to pry, she merely sat and looked on at Jasper who then lowered the note and gazed into nothing. “Twilight,” he spoke softly, “though I’ve been here for a while. I’ve heard tell among the guards that much has happened in my absence….could you…tell me of these exploits?” Twilight gave a warm smile, “Of course,” she looked to the side and noted a dead piece of vegetation near the cell door; “For starters, I think you might want to know where all those vines came from.” Jasper nodded still looking into the distance, “Yes…I would like that….” * As tales were told at Canterlot, a different yarn was being spun within the Griffon Kingdom. Word had reached Queen Brighton, sister of the deceased Silver Wing, that a possible location of Queen Chrysalis had been found. This gave Brighton joy to no end, the mere fact that she could deal such a blow to the one who had taken her sister from her made her restless. The entirely snow white griffon in silver royal armor smiled as the messenger finished her report. “Excellent,” she placed her talons together, “Captain, mobilize the troops would you?” The captain nodded and went to the grand doors, only to freeze at the sound of an ear splitting scream from the other side of them. The doors burst open as black fog surged into the room accompanied by the now dead body of the griffon messenger. All remained silent as the fog dissipated; standing within the fog was a creature that surprised the queen, a human. The human however was unlike what she had been told. It was garbed in head to toe in armor of some form. The armor plates seemed to be a mix of organic and metal in terms of appearance. Each plate was a dark almost black acidic green the armor covered the creature’s legs up to its knees, its arms to the shoulders and its torso. On the top of each hand seemingly bonded to the gloves it wore were magenta flesh orbs that gave an ominous glow. Underneath and visible on the unarmoured parts of the human was a black flesh material that covered it in a form fitting body suit, dark magenta veins spanned it’s surface. Its face was a different story. The mouth and nose area were covered by a plate of the armor like some form of mouth guard, and two glowing orbs of magenta energy glared at the Queen. The hair and ears of the human were covered by the black flesh material. Brighton glared at the human, “Who are you?” The human spoke two words, “Your executioner.” From the humans back a mass of bladed tentacles made of both the armor material and body suit, surged at the queen. Chapter 2A full day passed by, but to Jasper, he did not truly know how much time had passed him by. To him, the days melded into each other. There were some fleeting instances when he would regain his internal clocks placement, remembering his birthday was one of those times. After that his mind and drive had faded back into darkness, though the guards noticed no visible change, deep down Jasper was indeed changed. Many times he had contemplated becoming the monster that the ponies perceive him to be. No…that would allow them further victory. Instead he would merely remain where he now lay, upon the cold stone ground wrapped in his blankets. His eyes stared at the stone before him, every crack and hole a familiar sight to the man who refused to move. “Dude, come on, at least get up.” Jasper didn’t meet the voices owner but responded with mild annoyance, “Why bother.” “Because if you don’t, you’ll get fat from being inactive.” “Heh, true,” Jasper gave a small smile but it vanished, “You do know that talking to me in this state is insane right?” “I know.” Jasper rolled over and stared at Tony who leaned against the bars inside his cell, “Then why do you bother?” Tony smiled, “Because no one should be alone.” Jasper’s eyes flicked to the side and noted the sound of approaching hooves. When he looked back, Tony was gone. Jasper sighed and rolled back over. The hoof steps had faint metallic tings to them, familiar ones that he knew all too well. They stopped at the entrance to his cell, the sound of breathing caused Jasper to narrow his eyes. “Your highnesses,” he spoke with a lack luster tone, “If I had known you were going to grace me with your presences I would have tucked in my shirt.” Celestia shook her head at a fuming Luna, “Jasper, I wish to speak-“ “How’s the wing?” Luna grit her teeth, “You insolent worm!” Celestia raised her wing in question to silence her sister, “It’s healed, thank you for asking.” Jasper chuckled, “Damn, and here I thought that you would be a cripple.” Celestia sighed, “Sorry to disappoint. But there is still a lot of kick left in this mare.” “Did you come to bore me with banter,” Jasper responded dryly, “or is there an actual reason?” Celestia glanced to the side and bit her lip for a moment. How could she announce her intentions to a man such as this? A man that could pick apart her every word and lay bare her reasoning? She sighed; she would have to play it close to the vest for the time being. “Jasper, I realize that….the circumstances are not ideal for something as casual as a conversation,” Celestia stated calmly. “That’s an understatement,” the human responded warily. Celestia approached the bars, “Listen…this is of great importance, something that you have to know.” Jasper rolled over, still wrapped in his blankets like a cocoon of mild warmth, “And what exactly should I be hearing? I know all about what has happened,” he then gave a mild sneer, “Or do you want ME to do your gardening for you?” Luna growled and approached the bars, practically sticking her head into the cell, “Listen here you vile ape! Talk in such a manner to us again and I swear-“ Jasper stood in a flash and approached the alicorn who scampered away from the man. Luna stared at him as if expecting something to pierce her hide. Jasper stared evenly at her and then turned to return to his sleeping pile. Celestia inhaled and quickly proclaimed, “There seems to be another human in Equestria!” Jasper froze. “You’re lying,” He stated coldly. Luna stood straight and regained herself, “My sister speaks the truth.” Jasper stared at him, his stormy eyes boring holes into them, “And how do you know this?” Celestia stood tall, “As you are most likely aware, all races in Equestria possess a certain form of inert magic, an Aura-“ “Spare me the history lesson Sun Butt,” Jasper stated in annoyance, “get to the point.” Celestia shook her head, “The point is. You humans, I have noticed, possess an Aura with a distinct texture. When we received word that the sister of the Griffon that YOU had slain was murdered during a court hearing,” she gestured to Luna, “We departed to examine what was left. When we arrived, I picked up the traces of the magic signature. It was human.” Jasper stared at her with indifference, “And why are you telling me this?” Celestia’s face was an unreadable mask for a few moments before she answered. “The reason I am asking is simply this,” she leaned toward the bars, “Did you, when you wielded the Gem of Ages, summon a conspirator to work alongside you?” Jasper threw back his head and laughed. The laugh had been heard many a times before, even now, it still sent a chill through the spines of many who heard it. Jasper however, when his laughter died down, started to think. Indeed the Gem had granted him much power, but that cursed stone also made his mind lapse….could he have summoned a human during these blackouts? Jasper looked up at the royal sisters, “No. And even if I did, to what end would I tell you,” a small smile crept onto his face, “and how did this little theory of yours come to pass? Might I ask?” Luna snorted but spoke in a level voice, “Lately there has been….killings,” she pointed an accusing hoof at him, “all of the victims being enemies of YOURS! Or, ones who seek your head!” Jasper raised an eyebrow but scratched his chin, “Interesting….” “Luna and I are unsure as to what we might be dealing with,” Celestia stated, “but we are here for a purpose, something more than telling you of this news.” Jasper was silent. Celestia steadied her nerves, “We…..wish to ask for your help.” Jasper stared at her incredulously. Celestia nodded, “You heard me right. I wish to call on you for aid,” Luna looked away, “Granted this wouldn’t be my first choice, but you of all…beings know how a human thinks, acts, and operates. With you, we might be able to avert a catastrophe.” Jasper tilted his head, “Oh really? I sense an underlying motive Sun Butt, perhaps you think if I assist in Equestria’s salvation that perhaps I might acquire some form of….absolution?” Celestia looked to the side in shame, “I realize that there isn’t anything I can offer you or any kind of apology I could give. But understand this….,” Celestia steadied her nerves, “If you serve Equestria, not as a foe, but as an ally. I am willing to absolve you of your crimes and allow you to live as you see fit in anonymity.” Jasper narrowed his eyes, “And what’s stopping me from strangling the two of you the second I get out of this cage?” Celestia stared evenly at him, “I think the question you need to ask yourself is if you would be able to.” Jasper smirked, “Ah, is this the coldness of the sun goddess I see?” Celestia ignored the comment, “Jasper. All I want is an answer. What is it?” Jasper thought for a moment, his eyes lingered to the note that he still had. Lying on the floor where Twilight had deposited it. He stared them dead in the eye, “Very well…” Celestia nodded, “Alright. Now, Princess Twilight has been informed of my…plan, she’s ready to receive you at her castle. There you will stay, under her constant watch.” Luna stared evenly at him, “Your duties are as such, you will act under OUR terms, you will assist in whatever task Twilight lays out for you in the assistance of the capture of this human. Failure to comply,” Luna smiled with dark glee, “and I will personally take your head.” Jasper glanced sideways and snorted. To his left, out of the corner of his eye, Tony stared at him. He shook his head and he was gone once more. “When can I leave this godforsaken cell?” * Down in Ponyville, Twilight sat patiently in her library, her friends with her. They all had been simply told to meet with her on a very important matter involving the mission that Princess Celestia had selected them to assist in. Though as for the details, Celestia informed her of who would be giving them, she….omitted that part to her friends. “Ugh!” Rainbow grumbled, “How long are you going to keep us in the dark Twilight?” Rarity nodded, “Indeed, frankly if we are going to undertake this mission, we should at least know who this…specialist is.” Twilight felt the tingle of approaching mana, “Well…here’s the thing. You all know him…somewhat,” she nervously bit her lip, “Just….promise you won’t freak out?” Applejack raised an eyebrow, “Sugarcube, we’ve face dangerous creatures on a regular basis, it takes a LOT to freak us out.” Pinkie’s mane suddenly started to tremble, “Hm…that’s weird. I’ve never felt this before.” Fluttershy looked at the earth pony, “A new pinkie sense?” “Yeah, but it’s not ‘oooh cool’ weird, it’s kind of…dark weird,” she waved her front hooves, “like spooky weird.” At that moment, a massive surge of white and yellow enveloped the room. The girls coughed and stared as the smoke cleared. Standing before them…was a being they wished never to see again in their lives. Clad in prison rags. Stubble on his face with dirt and dried blood in his skin, this being would at first seem like a nightmare. But those eyes, those eyes and hair, that’s what tipped them off. Jasper stared at the utterly shell shocked mares, “Hello.” Applejack closed the distance immediately and tackled the human to the ground, her eyes a blaze with fury never before seen. “YOU DIRTY ROTTEN SON OF A BITCH,” she placed her hooves firmly on his neck and started to press down. Jasper started to gag. His hands bound in shackles. Twilight panicked as the girls slowly regained themselves. The next thing she knew, she hit Applejack with a stun spell and knocked the fuming farmpony on her side. Jasper coughed and looked over at Applejack who shakily stood. “Twilight! What the hay?!” “Applejack, just calm down for a second will you,” Twilight stated, “don’t hurt him!” “What?!” Applejack stared dumbfounded at her friend, “This maniac killed innocent ponies and now he’s standing here clear as….,” a light went off in her head, “you knew.” The girl’s eyes were all on her. “I…I was going to tell you, but,” Twilight’s stammer died in her throat when she saw it. Jasper was upon Applejack in a flash. The chains of his shackles wrapped around her wind pipe as he grabbed her in his arms, Applejack gagged loudly as Jasper’s eyes burned with fury. Twilight could only stare on, frozen in place. Chapter 3To think in just a few short moments, something could turn into a complete nightmare. The girls were petrified as Applejack thrashed in Jasper’s grasp, the chains of his shackles wrapped around her wind pipe. Twilight couldn’t react; she was frozen in fear and was afraid to make a move. Jasper leaned forward and whispered in Applejack’s ear, “You know, I’ve dreamt of this moment for a long time,” his voice like ice, “Me strangling the sickeningly sweetness out of one of you,” his grip slackened and he threw her to the floor roughly, “But unfortunately for me, that time has LONG since passed,” he grumbled under his breath, “Lucky for you.” Applejack coughed and glared daggers at the human who glanced around at the interior of his new surroundings. He pursed his lips as he inspected the walls of the castle in interest. The girls, having regained themselves stared at Twilight who now felt SEVERAL inches shorter. Rainbow Dash landed in front of her and glared straight into her soul. “How long,” she stated with an even glare. “What?” Rainbow jabbed a hoof in Jasper’s direction, “HOW BUCKING LONG DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS AND DECIDE NOT TO TELL US?!” Twilight looked down at the ground, “I received the letter a few days ago, after the incident with the griffons.” Rarity shook her head, “You should have told us, withholding this kind of information from us all was most uncalled for.” shook her head as Jasper snickered, “What’s this? Disharmony amongst the elements of harmony, not good,” he shook his head and tsked, “Not good at all.” Rainbow reeled on him, “Cram it Jasper,” she raised a threatening hoof, “Unless you want me to scramble that brain of yours!” Jasper snorted, “If you so much as touch me, horse, I’ll snap your neck.” “Oh really,” she flew up to him and shoved him into a table, “Oh look, I touched you!” Jasper turned his head and grasped a nearby chair. Twilight stared at the two, her friends rushing toward the fray yelling at the human. In a split second, something in her snapped. She narrowed her eyes and grit her teeth in annoyance. “STOP THIS STUPIDITY NOW,” she yelled in a loud booming voice reeking of a commanding tone. In that instance, an onyx aura wave flared from her horn and blasted everypony present to the ground. Everypony was winded and stared in shock and mild fear at Twilight. Even Jasper was taken off guard by the outburst. Twilight glared at them all as Rarity slowly stood and calmingly spoke, “Darling, stop channeling your magic,” she gave a shaky smile, “We’re all friends here.” Twilight caught her reflection out of the corner of her eye in the crystal wall. Her eyes widened. Though she was staring at her reflection, what stared back was not Twilight Sparkle. This Alicorn’s horn was alight with dark onyx colored magic. The eyes, which burned with anger, were onyx in color with slits for pupils. She stumbled backwards, her magic fading and her eyes returning to normal. She looked around at her friends, her lower lip trembling as tears welled up in her eyes. “I’m….I’m sorry, I didn’t mean,” she ran off into the castle as the girls gave chase in an attempt to talk to her. Jasper shakily stood and looked down at his shackles, the chains of which were damaged; he smirked as he gave then a sharp yank. A satisfying snap was heard as the two chain ends dangled freely. He glanced around, curiosity leading him from the room. As the human wandered, he started to take note of the layout, as he passed a closed door however. “Hey.” Jasper sighed, “You’re here….” Tony nodded, “Yeah, of course I am, I’m your friend dude. Jasper turned to fully face Tony, “No, you’re not,” he pointed a finger at him, “you’re dead….,” Jasper looked away in shame but then regained himself and mumbled, “Either you’re a ghost….or…” “You’ve actually lost your mind and I’m a hallucination? Well,” Tony shrugged, “Who knows, but most doors, like the mind. Have to be opened.” Jasper shook his head and looked up, and he titled his head. He had failed to notice Tony had been standing in front of a half opened door. Tony of course was nowhere to be seen, but the human’s curiosity had been peaked. Walking to the door he eased it open and raised an eyebrow. Sitting in the room before him was a familiar object he had never thought to see again. “Ah, hello again old friend,” he approached the Crystal Mirror which seemed to be hooked up to a machine of some form, “Interesting, so this is the contraption Twilight told me about.” He looked down at the shackles on his wrists and removed the metal rods keeping them sealed, the bracelets falling to the ground with a clatter. He rubbed the flesh that had been covered and stared up at the glass surface, scratching his chin stubble he approached. “Well, I really don’t want to walk around in these forever,” he glanced down at his attire, “And I don’t want to ask garment horse to make me anything….though I’m curious….” He glanced behind him and quickly placed his palm against the glass. For a moment he thought nothing would happen, but then it gave and his hand sunk through. He smirked in satisfaction. “Well,” he stated calmly, “at least that little failsafe I installed still works.” Glancing around once more, he passed through the glass. * In moments, he emerged into light. He gazed up at the familiar school and took note of the fact that it didn’t seem as active as it usually was for that time of day. Shrugging, he approached the doors and eased them open. The school’s halls were deserted, though he heard murmurs occasionally as he silently meandered through the halls, all with the purpose of finding what he was looking for. Eventually he came just outside the office and saw a large box with a hanger rack marked ‘lost and found’. He shuddered slightly as he started digging through the box. Eventually, after close to twenty minutes of digging and avoiding some close calls, he emerged with a green t shirt just his size, a pair of dark blue jeans that were a little large for him. Thankfully he found a belt that had a flower buckle; he took a mental note to deal with that later. He then found a pair of black runners that was one size big for his feet, but they would have to do. Making haste to the bathroom, he swapped his clothes, minus the prison pants which he modified to be undergarments before donning the jeans. Slipping on the shoes, he took note of himself in the mirror. Shaking his head, he went back toward the office and noted the receptionist wasn’t even looking up at him when he entered. Noting a pair of scissors, he quickly swiped them and went back to the bathroom. * After a couple of minutes of trimming his hair and beard, though the latter involved him angling ONE of the blades, he emerged cleaner looking than when he went in. He had also taken the liberty of washing his hands and face. His hair was still long, but more manageable looking now. Shrugging, he made his way back toward the statue, but on his way out, he heard muffled arguing from outside. “This is stupid, why do we have to resort to throwing trash.” “Because we can’t do ANYTHING else, we’re out of options. We lost our magic in case you’ve forgotten,” one voice grumbled. “I think its fun, it’s like making modern art,” one voice paused, “I think…” Jasper had emerged from the front doors, and he stared straight at the three girls before him. One with this really puffy hair stared back at him. “What’re you staring at,” she growled. Jasper shrugged, “Nothing, just a trio of depowered sirens.” All three girls stared after him in disbelief but he halted, “I have to say though,” he turned to them, “I might see the three of you again soon. Just in case…” He then exited the human world.
Chapter 1One year, it seemed like an eternity during the rebuilding. But none the less, everypony was happy at the renewal of their once more prosperous land. Ponyville saw the greatest recovery as ponies of all ages happily went back to familiar shops, some having even been renovated and increased in size. Even though ponies were happy, one gave off the illusion of happiness but was deeply troubled. Twilight Sparkle sat in her library going over calculations after calculations of arcane readings and experiments, but they all came back positive. Twilight had been greatly distressed since the day she had almost taken HIS life with his own sword. That day she felt not only frightened, but furious to the point of her rage turning into something much worse. When that had occurred she had felt….good, and it scared her. Could she have almost succumbed to the same darkness Luna was once possessed by? Or maybe perhaps, an even worse evil than that was now growing within her. Twilight hoped she was wrong, that it had merely been nothing more than some sort of magical fluctuation. But the readouts claimed she now had a malevolent energy within her, similar to the signatures that had existed in Sombra and Nightmare. It was the sign of evil and if she wasn’t careful, it would grow larger. Twilight jumped slightly when her clock chimed, “Oh sweet Celestia I’m LATE!” Twilight quickly grabbed her saddle bags and a letter before rushing out the door. As she rushed down the street to the train station she rounded the corner to reveal…her friends. “Hello darling, heading off somewhere?” Twilight was nervously shuffling, “Um…yeah. I’m just going to visit my mom and dad, no biggy.” Rainbow snatched the letter from her saddle bags and read who it was addressed to, “Twilight!” “Ah thought we agreed that you should stop torturin yourself like this,” she placed a hoof on her with a concerned look, “He’s not your responsibility.” Twilight sighed, “And I keep telling YOU that he is in a way,” she yanked the letter from Dash, “Besides…he needs somepony to-“ Rainbow Dash waved her front legs in exasperation, “To what?! The guy was…is a monster. I say let him stew in the hole he dug for himself,” she hovered above her friend, “Need I remind you of what he did to Lillyhoof? To all the other ponies after he employed the Brazen Ponies?!” Applejack silenced her as ponies picked up on the conversation and stared, “We’re not the only ones who think so sugarcube. A lot of other ponies are still sore on the subject of,” she noticed a few other ponies lingering, “you know who.” “He has a name Applejack,” Twilight looked to the side. Rarity snorted slightly, “A name that’s spoken like a curse word or in private.” Twilight shook her head, “Regardless, I’m going to see him,” she looked at the letter with the spidery handwriting, “he deserves to read this.” Pinkie Pie nodded, “Normally I’m not one to refuse a smile to a pony, but in his case….,” it almost pained her to speak the two words, “buck him.” Pinkie then proceeded to wash out her mouth as Fluttershy looked at the letter, “Who’s it from?” Twilight only spoke nine words, “It arrived in a burst of ruby red fire.” Rainbow Dash grumbled, “So the little guy is still alive and kicking.” “Ah’m actually curious where he and the Queen went off to,” Applejack pondered upon this as Twilight walked past them. “I’m going and that’s final,” she glanced back, “and I would appreciate it if you all respected my decision.” Her friends were surprised at the statement but sighed collectively in reluctance. Applejack stepped forward and opened her mouth to speak but put on a small smile, “Jus…be careful.” Twilight smiled, “Thank you girls.” * The train ride was silent but held a sense of dread in the air. As Twilight exited the tunnel, she noticed out the window the valley where the battle to gain entry to the castle was fought. On its soil was a mass of marble white grave markers that had the names of their owners upon them. Twilight looked to the repaired city and smiled at its familiar buildings as she disembarked. She traveled the streets to the main gate and entered the main hall. Sighing, the alicorn steeled herself and approached one of the guards with what confidence she could muster. The guard nodded, “Princess Twilight,” he noted her saddle bags, “I assume that you have come to see…him.” “Yes,” she tilted her head with concern, “Has there been any change?” The guard shook his head, “None.” The guard led the alicorn through the mountainous halls and decided to cut through the main hall to shorten the route. They passed the stained glass windows that now lay peacefully within new frames. The latest edition depicted the army of Equestria standing victorious in the sun, while a dark shape garbed in gold lay below them in shadow. Twilight looked to the side and sighed, the memories flooding back to her. True the day had been won, but the cost leading to it had been great. Many of the kingdoms cried for the human’s blood that Celestia refused to give them. Regardless of his actions, he was still on Equestrian soil and under the protection of its laws. If any attempt was made upon Jasper’s life, it would be considered an act of war, which Celestia would not be afraid to answer. Twilight to this day didn’t know why her teacher still sought to protect Jasper. Once she had even asked why she would put herself in the line of fire from the other races. Celestia merely gave a small smile and responded calmly, “When you are where I am now, you shall understand.” Twilight though still confused, did not question her mentor’s judgement. Her attention returned to the present as she took in the area around her. Only once had she seen the Canterlot dungeons, it was when Cadance and her were playing hide and seek. She had decided to flee below and hid in a cell, it took Cadance all day to find the frightened filly of which she later soothed with her embrace. The dungeons had been built both under the castle and within the mountain itself, so light coming in from the surface was severely limited. The dark and smooth stones were a shine with moisture, the gentle dripping reached Twilight’s ears as the guard stood before her upon the landing. “I will wait nearby my lady,” he bowed his head, “call if you have need of me.” Twilight inclined her head and continued on. Small torches illuminated her path as she walked through the dark halls; the cell she was going to was further back from the others. She glanced at the empty cells she passed, mere shells that lacked contents but craved to be filled. Her gaze came to rest at the last cell at the end of the furthest most rows, the darkness within stirred slightly. Twilight inhaled calmly and approached, the door was far larger than the others spanning the length of a massive window composed of iron bars. She pulled a cushion in front of the door and sat gently on her haunches and stared within in silence. Soft breathing was heard from within, to which she looked to the ground at before leveling her stare at the darkness and lighting up her horn. “Good afternoon Jasper.” Against the far wall sat a shape, a sad and loathsome shape of a man who didn’t move. The shape though lean had lost some muscle, but not all. He now had long ash hair that descended past his shoulders in an unkempt torrent obscuring his face from view. He was garbed in dirty and tattered pinstripe prison clothes, no shoes or socks were upon his bare and dirtied feet which twitched slightly. His arms lay limply at his sides, either he was weak or had not bothered to move them. The light revealed that his knuckles were red and covered in dried blood, similar splotches decorated the room. His cell was also visibly destroyed, bed and all. The magic light reached the man who glanced up, his hollow storm bluish green eyes staring at the Alicorn with no emotion to speak of. Fuzz adorned his face in a weak looking beard which was streaked with dirt. The voice that responded was airy but held some volume, “Did you know I turned twenty-one last month?” Twilight smiled slightly, “OH! Well happy birthday then.” Jasper looked to the side refusing to meet her gaze, “What do you want.” Twilight felt her heart ache but she held firm, “I-I received a letter from…well…you know.” Jasper looked at her and spoke firmly, “Give it to me.” Twilight levitated the letter through the bars which Jasper plucked from the air with amazing speed. He opened the envelope and unfurled the note which was written upon yellowing parchment. Jasper’s eyes scanned the paper like a predator and sighed with a shaky breath. “My heir…,” his voice was distant, “…it’s been born…yet she refuses to say more. Good.” Twilight’s eyes widened in both curiosity and intrigue at the fact that a child was born of both an Equestrian and Earthling, oh how desperately she wanted to know more. But she didn’t want to pry, she merely sat and looked on at Jasper who then lowered the note and gazed into nothing. “Twilight,” he spoke softly, “though I’ve been here for a while. I’ve heard tell among the guards that much has happened in my absence….could you…tell me of these exploits?” Twilight gave a warm smile, “Of course,” she looked to the side and noted a dead piece of vegetation near the cell door; “For starters, I think you might want to know where all those vines came from.” Jasper nodded still looking into the distance, “Yes…I would like that….” * As tales were told at Canterlot, a different yarn was being spun within the Griffon Kingdom. Word had reached Queen Brighton, sister of the deceased Silver Wing, that a possible location of Queen Chrysalis had been found. This gave Brighton joy to no end, the mere fact that she could deal such a blow to the one who had taken her sister from her made her restless. The entirely snow white griffon in silver royal armor smiled as the messenger finished her report. “Excellent,” she placed her talons together, “Captain, mobilize the troops would you?” The captain nodded and went to the grand doors, only to freeze at the sound of an ear splitting scream from the other side of them. The doors burst open as black fog surged into the room accompanied by the now dead body of the griffon messenger. All remained silent as the fog dissipated; standing within the fog was a creature that surprised the queen, a human. The human however was unlike what she had been told. It was garbed in head to toe in armor of some form. The armor plates seemed to be a mix of organic and metal in terms of appearance. Each plate was a dark almost black acidic green the armor covered the creature’s legs up to its knees, its arms to the shoulders and its torso. On the top of each hand seemingly bonded to the gloves it wore were magenta flesh orbs that gave an ominous glow. Underneath and visible on the unarmoured parts of the human was a black flesh material that covered it in a form fitting body suit, dark magenta veins spanned it’s surface. Its face was a different story. The mouth and nose area were covered by a plate of the armor like some form of mouth guard, and two glowing orbs of magenta energy glared at the Queen. The hair and ears of the human were covered by the black flesh material. Brighton glared at the human, “Who are you?” The human spoke two words, “Your executioner.” From the humans back a mass of bladed tentacles made of both the armor material and body suit, surged at the queen.
Chapter 2A full day passed by, but to Jasper, he did not truly know how much time had passed him by. To him, the days melded into each other. There were some fleeting instances when he would regain his internal clocks placement, remembering his birthday was one of those times. After that his mind and drive had faded back into darkness, though the guards noticed no visible change, deep down Jasper was indeed changed. Many times he had contemplated becoming the monster that the ponies perceive him to be. No…that would allow them further victory. Instead he would merely remain where he now lay, upon the cold stone ground wrapped in his blankets. His eyes stared at the stone before him, every crack and hole a familiar sight to the man who refused to move. “Dude, come on, at least get up.” Jasper didn’t meet the voices owner but responded with mild annoyance, “Why bother.” “Because if you don’t, you’ll get fat from being inactive.” “Heh, true,” Jasper gave a small smile but it vanished, “You do know that talking to me in this state is insane right?” “I know.” Jasper rolled over and stared at Tony who leaned against the bars inside his cell, “Then why do you bother?” Tony smiled, “Because no one should be alone.” Jasper’s eyes flicked to the side and noted the sound of approaching hooves. When he looked back, Tony was gone. Jasper sighed and rolled back over. The hoof steps had faint metallic tings to them, familiar ones that he knew all too well. They stopped at the entrance to his cell, the sound of breathing caused Jasper to narrow his eyes. “Your highnesses,” he spoke with a lack luster tone, “If I had known you were going to grace me with your presences I would have tucked in my shirt.” Celestia shook her head at a fuming Luna, “Jasper, I wish to speak-“ “How’s the wing?” Luna grit her teeth, “You insolent worm!” Celestia raised her wing in question to silence her sister, “It’s healed, thank you for asking.” Jasper chuckled, “Damn, and here I thought that you would be a cripple.” Celestia sighed, “Sorry to disappoint. But there is still a lot of kick left in this mare.” “Did you come to bore me with banter,” Jasper responded dryly, “or is there an actual reason?” Celestia glanced to the side and bit her lip for a moment. How could she announce her intentions to a man such as this? A man that could pick apart her every word and lay bare her reasoning? She sighed; she would have to play it close to the vest for the time being. “Jasper, I realize that….the circumstances are not ideal for something as casual as a conversation,” Celestia stated calmly. “That’s an understatement,” the human responded warily. Celestia approached the bars, “Listen…this is of great importance, something that you have to know.” Jasper rolled over, still wrapped in his blankets like a cocoon of mild warmth, “And what exactly should I be hearing? I know all about what has happened,” he then gave a mild sneer, “Or do you want ME to do your gardening for you?” Luna growled and approached the bars, practically sticking her head into the cell, “Listen here you vile ape! Talk in such a manner to us again and I swear-“ Jasper stood in a flash and approached the alicorn who scampered away from the man. Luna stared at him as if expecting something to pierce her hide. Jasper stared evenly at her and then turned to return to his sleeping pile. Celestia inhaled and quickly proclaimed, “There seems to be another human in Equestria!” Jasper froze. “You’re lying,” He stated coldly. Luna stood straight and regained herself, “My sister speaks the truth.” Jasper stared at him, his stormy eyes boring holes into them, “And how do you know this?” Celestia stood tall, “As you are most likely aware, all races in Equestria possess a certain form of inert magic, an Aura-“ “Spare me the history lesson Sun Butt,” Jasper stated in annoyance, “get to the point.” Celestia shook her head, “The point is. You humans, I have noticed, possess an Aura with a distinct texture. When we received word that the sister of the Griffon that YOU had slain was murdered during a court hearing,” she gestured to Luna, “We departed to examine what was left. When we arrived, I picked up the traces of the magic signature. It was human.” Jasper stared at her with indifference, “And why are you telling me this?” Celestia’s face was an unreadable mask for a few moments before she answered. “The reason I am asking is simply this,” she leaned toward the bars, “Did you, when you wielded the Gem of Ages, summon a conspirator to work alongside you?” Jasper threw back his head and laughed. The laugh had been heard many a times before, even now, it still sent a chill through the spines of many who heard it. Jasper however, when his laughter died down, started to think. Indeed the Gem had granted him much power, but that cursed stone also made his mind lapse….could he have summoned a human during these blackouts? Jasper looked up at the royal sisters, “No. And even if I did, to what end would I tell you,” a small smile crept onto his face, “and how did this little theory of yours come to pass? Might I ask?” Luna snorted but spoke in a level voice, “Lately there has been….killings,” she pointed an accusing hoof at him, “all of the victims being enemies of YOURS! Or, ones who seek your head!” Jasper raised an eyebrow but scratched his chin, “Interesting….” “Luna and I are unsure as to what we might be dealing with,” Celestia stated, “but we are here for a purpose, something more than telling you of this news.” Jasper was silent. Celestia steadied her nerves, “We…..wish to ask for your help.” Jasper stared at her incredulously. Celestia nodded, “You heard me right. I wish to call on you for aid,” Luna looked away, “Granted this wouldn’t be my first choice, but you of all…beings know how a human thinks, acts, and operates. With you, we might be able to avert a catastrophe.” Jasper tilted his head, “Oh really? I sense an underlying motive Sun Butt, perhaps you think if I assist in Equestria’s salvation that perhaps I might acquire some form of….absolution?” Celestia looked to the side in shame, “I realize that there isn’t anything I can offer you or any kind of apology I could give. But understand this….,” Celestia steadied her nerves, “If you serve Equestria, not as a foe, but as an ally. I am willing to absolve you of your crimes and allow you to live as you see fit in anonymity.” Jasper narrowed his eyes, “And what’s stopping me from strangling the two of you the second I get out of this cage?” Celestia stared evenly at him, “I think the question you need to ask yourself is if you would be able to.” Jasper smirked, “Ah, is this the coldness of the sun goddess I see?” Celestia ignored the comment, “Jasper. All I want is an answer. What is it?” Jasper thought for a moment, his eyes lingered to the note that he still had. Lying on the floor where Twilight had deposited it. He stared them dead in the eye, “Very well…” Celestia nodded, “Alright. Now, Princess Twilight has been informed of my…plan, she’s ready to receive you at her castle. There you will stay, under her constant watch.” Luna stared evenly at him, “Your duties are as such, you will act under OUR terms, you will assist in whatever task Twilight lays out for you in the assistance of the capture of this human. Failure to comply,” Luna smiled with dark glee, “and I will personally take your head.” Jasper glanced sideways and snorted. To his left, out of the corner of his eye, Tony stared at him. He shook his head and he was gone once more. “When can I leave this godforsaken cell?” * Down in Ponyville, Twilight sat patiently in her library, her friends with her. They all had been simply told to meet with her on a very important matter involving the mission that Princess Celestia had selected them to assist in. Though as for the details, Celestia informed her of who would be giving them, she….omitted that part to her friends. “Ugh!” Rainbow grumbled, “How long are you going to keep us in the dark Twilight?” Rarity nodded, “Indeed, frankly if we are going to undertake this mission, we should at least know who this…specialist is.” Twilight felt the tingle of approaching mana, “Well…here’s the thing. You all know him…somewhat,” she nervously bit her lip, “Just….promise you won’t freak out?” Applejack raised an eyebrow, “Sugarcube, we’ve face dangerous creatures on a regular basis, it takes a LOT to freak us out.” Pinkie’s mane suddenly started to tremble, “Hm…that’s weird. I’ve never felt this before.” Fluttershy looked at the earth pony, “A new pinkie sense?” “Yeah, but it’s not ‘oooh cool’ weird, it’s kind of…dark weird,” she waved her front hooves, “like spooky weird.” At that moment, a massive surge of white and yellow enveloped the room. The girls coughed and stared as the smoke cleared. Standing before them…was a being they wished never to see again in their lives. Clad in prison rags. Stubble on his face with dirt and dried blood in his skin, this being would at first seem like a nightmare. But those eyes, those eyes and hair, that’s what tipped them off. Jasper stared at the utterly shell shocked mares, “Hello.” Applejack closed the distance immediately and tackled the human to the ground, her eyes a blaze with fury never before seen. “YOU DIRTY ROTTEN SON OF A BITCH,” she placed her hooves firmly on his neck and started to press down. Jasper started to gag. His hands bound in shackles. Twilight panicked as the girls slowly regained themselves. The next thing she knew, she hit Applejack with a stun spell and knocked the fuming farmpony on her side. Jasper coughed and looked over at Applejack who shakily stood. “Twilight! What the hay?!” “Applejack, just calm down for a second will you,” Twilight stated, “don’t hurt him!” “What?!” Applejack stared dumbfounded at her friend, “This maniac killed innocent ponies and now he’s standing here clear as….,” a light went off in her head, “you knew.” The girl’s eyes were all on her. “I…I was going to tell you, but,” Twilight’s stammer died in her throat when she saw it. Jasper was upon Applejack in a flash. The chains of his shackles wrapped around her wind pipe as he grabbed her in his arms, Applejack gagged loudly as Jasper’s eyes burned with fury. Twilight could only stare on, frozen in place.
Chapter 3To think in just a few short moments, something could turn into a complete nightmare. The girls were petrified as Applejack thrashed in Jasper’s grasp, the chains of his shackles wrapped around her wind pipe. Twilight couldn’t react; she was frozen in fear and was afraid to make a move. Jasper leaned forward and whispered in Applejack’s ear, “You know, I’ve dreamt of this moment for a long time,” his voice like ice, “Me strangling the sickeningly sweetness out of one of you,” his grip slackened and he threw her to the floor roughly, “But unfortunately for me, that time has LONG since passed,” he grumbled under his breath, “Lucky for you.” Applejack coughed and glared daggers at the human who glanced around at the interior of his new surroundings. He pursed his lips as he inspected the walls of the castle in interest. The girls, having regained themselves stared at Twilight who now felt SEVERAL inches shorter. Rainbow Dash landed in front of her and glared straight into her soul. “How long,” she stated with an even glare. “What?” Rainbow jabbed a hoof in Jasper’s direction, “HOW BUCKING LONG DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS AND DECIDE NOT TO TELL US?!” Twilight looked down at the ground, “I received the letter a few days ago, after the incident with the griffons.” Rarity shook her head, “You should have told us, withholding this kind of information from us all was most uncalled for.” shook her head as Jasper snickered, “What’s this? Disharmony amongst the elements of harmony, not good,” he shook his head and tsked, “Not good at all.” Rainbow reeled on him, “Cram it Jasper,” she raised a threatening hoof, “Unless you want me to scramble that brain of yours!” Jasper snorted, “If you so much as touch me, horse, I’ll snap your neck.” “Oh really,” she flew up to him and shoved him into a table, “Oh look, I touched you!” Jasper turned his head and grasped a nearby chair. Twilight stared at the two, her friends rushing toward the fray yelling at the human. In a split second, something in her snapped. She narrowed her eyes and grit her teeth in annoyance. “STOP THIS STUPIDITY NOW,” she yelled in a loud booming voice reeking of a commanding tone. In that instance, an onyx aura wave flared from her horn and blasted everypony present to the ground. Everypony was winded and stared in shock and mild fear at Twilight. Even Jasper was taken off guard by the outburst. Twilight glared at them all as Rarity slowly stood and calmingly spoke, “Darling, stop channeling your magic,” she gave a shaky smile, “We’re all friends here.” Twilight caught her reflection out of the corner of her eye in the crystal wall. Her eyes widened. Though she was staring at her reflection, what stared back was not Twilight Sparkle. This Alicorn’s horn was alight with dark onyx colored magic. The eyes, which burned with anger, were onyx in color with slits for pupils. She stumbled backwards, her magic fading and her eyes returning to normal. She looked around at her friends, her lower lip trembling as tears welled up in her eyes. “I’m….I’m sorry, I didn’t mean,” she ran off into the castle as the girls gave chase in an attempt to talk to her. Jasper shakily stood and looked down at his shackles, the chains of which were damaged; he smirked as he gave then a sharp yank. A satisfying snap was heard as the two chain ends dangled freely. He glanced around, curiosity leading him from the room. As the human wandered, he started to take note of the layout, as he passed a closed door however. “Hey.” Jasper sighed, “You’re here….” Tony nodded, “Yeah, of course I am, I’m your friend dude. Jasper turned to fully face Tony, “No, you’re not,” he pointed a finger at him, “you’re dead….,” Jasper looked away in shame but then regained himself and mumbled, “Either you’re a ghost….or…” “You’ve actually lost your mind and I’m a hallucination? Well,” Tony shrugged, “Who knows, but most doors, like the mind. Have to be opened.” Jasper shook his head and looked up, and he titled his head. He had failed to notice Tony had been standing in front of a half opened door. Tony of course was nowhere to be seen, but the human’s curiosity had been peaked. Walking to the door he eased it open and raised an eyebrow. Sitting in the room before him was a familiar object he had never thought to see again. “Ah, hello again old friend,” he approached the Crystal Mirror which seemed to be hooked up to a machine of some form, “Interesting, so this is the contraption Twilight told me about.” He looked down at the shackles on his wrists and removed the metal rods keeping them sealed, the bracelets falling to the ground with a clatter. He rubbed the flesh that had been covered and stared up at the glass surface, scratching his chin stubble he approached. “Well, I really don’t want to walk around in these forever,” he glanced down at his attire, “And I don’t want to ask garment horse to make me anything….though I’m curious….” He glanced behind him and quickly placed his palm against the glass. For a moment he thought nothing would happen, but then it gave and his hand sunk through. He smirked in satisfaction. “Well,” he stated calmly, “at least that little failsafe I installed still works.” Glancing around once more, he passed through the glass. * In moments, he emerged into light. He gazed up at the familiar school and took note of the fact that it didn’t seem as active as it usually was for that time of day. Shrugging, he approached the doors and eased them open. The school’s halls were deserted, though he heard murmurs occasionally as he silently meandered through the halls, all with the purpose of finding what he was looking for. Eventually he came just outside the office and saw a large box with a hanger rack marked ‘lost and found’. He shuddered slightly as he started digging through the box. Eventually, after close to twenty minutes of digging and avoiding some close calls, he emerged with a green t shirt just his size, a pair of dark blue jeans that were a little large for him. Thankfully he found a belt that had a flower buckle; he took a mental note to deal with that later. He then found a pair of black runners that was one size big for his feet, but they would have to do. Making haste to the bathroom, he swapped his clothes, minus the prison pants which he modified to be undergarments before donning the jeans. Slipping on the shoes, he took note of himself in the mirror. Shaking his head, he went back toward the office and noted the receptionist wasn’t even looking up at him when he entered. Noting a pair of scissors, he quickly swiped them and went back to the bathroom. * After a couple of minutes of trimming his hair and beard, though the latter involved him angling ONE of the blades, he emerged cleaner looking than when he went in. He had also taken the liberty of washing his hands and face. His hair was still long, but more manageable looking now. Shrugging, he made his way back toward the statue, but on his way out, he heard muffled arguing from outside. “This is stupid, why do we have to resort to throwing trash.” “Because we can’t do ANYTHING else, we’re out of options. We lost our magic in case you’ve forgotten,” one voice grumbled. “I think its fun, it’s like making modern art,” one voice paused, “I think…” Jasper had emerged from the front doors, and he stared straight at the three girls before him. One with this really puffy hair stared back at him. “What’re you staring at,” she growled. Jasper shrugged, “Nothing, just a trio of depowered sirens.” All three girls stared after him in disbelief but he halted, “I have to say though,” he turned to them, “I might see the three of you again soon. Just in case…” He then exited the human world.
