Chapters You turn on the faucet letting the icy water run over your hands. You look out of the window, admiring the beauty as the suns falls beneath the horizon. “Never stay inner city I always say, else you’ll never see such a wondrous sight.” You hum to yourself, drowning out the noise from the other room. Today was a good day. Two for the price of one? Bargain! You give yourself a little taste before spitting the content into the sink. “You need more iron in your diet,” you chuckle, “A thank you would be nice.” The knife’s shine returns as the water washes away the discoloration.
Setting it down in the sink you skip out towards the den. “So, what’d I miss?” A series of groans emits from behind you after you plop down on the couch. The Skeletons are losing at home to the Vencid Hounds 89-53. “You see? I told them they’d be nothing if they traded Keyes and Zentho, and this is what happens when they don’t listen.” You take a bite off your plate and savor the tenderness. A thought strikes you as you’re about to take another. “Garlic Salt!”
You snatch out the bottle and sprinkle it liberally atop your meal. “I fancy myself a chef you see, though not many get to try my cooking. Your mouth explodes in ecstasy at the flavor. “Oh. Oh my lord. You simply must take a bite. It’s to die for.” Picking up your plate you walk towards your guests. Both of them are at the back of the room, bound tight to their chairs. You untie the first man’s gag, his head slumping over. “Disappointing, I was hoping he’d last longer. They tend to survive till morning. Oh well…” You ungag the other guy, a blue anthropomorphic lizard.
“I’m sure you’ll enjoy him more anyways.” He gasps for air as you shove one of your tasty treats into his mouth. He’s obstinate at first, but begins to chew when you brandish a familiar knife. “There you go, how is it? Want seconds?”
The piece slides down his throat while he tries not to gag. ”You’re a sick and twisted man.”
“Why thank you, I was hoping you’d be as gracious.”
”Do you even know who I am?”
“Oh please, don’t insult my intelligence. I did my research; I know everything there is to know about you. How about that mistress of yours who cleans your office, or that you have a more… intimate… relationship with your son?” He looks horrified at your words. “I’m not some run of the mill crazy Mr. President. I wouldn’t have gotten this far otherwise.” You smile and take another bite of flesh. “I even took the time to make you a special set of bonds.” You flick his snout and rub the leather straps. “Took me two years pay to be able to afford this puppy. Completely worth it though, magic is such a pest in these situations.”
“When my people find me-“You burst into laughter interrupting him.
“That’s rich you should be a come- Oh, wait. You’re serious. Let me laugh even harder.”
”When I get out, you’ll wish you’d killed me first.” You wipe a few tears out of your eyes and give him a stern look.
“To be frank, neither of us are leaving this room tonight.” Hunger leaves you. The plate falls from your hands leaving pieces of his bodyguard across the floor. “I have grown tired of this game. There’s only so far you can go before everything appears trivial.” You turn your back to him, evaluating your situation. “Maybe the magic-inclined such as yourself could find a new hobby, but for me. I’m done in this life. I seek more.” You pick up your charge and fiddle with the controls. “You were my magnum opus of this life, so that just begs the question, what is it in the next?”
Spinning around you split open the president’s neck. Placing your head against his, you stare deep into his fading eyes, cherishing every second. You place the memory along with the others that flash before you, so many you’ve lost count by now. His eyes flutter, more blood escaping from his body. “Shhhh… just go to sleep….” His heart slows, eventually falling silent like the rest. “Maybe things will be different.” The nub of the control dances along your finger before at long last, you squeeze the trigger, enjoying the fireworks.
So very warm, crispy even. Life returns to your form as air fills your lungs once more. You feel around with your hands, eyelids heavy with fatigue. The damp grass tickles your fingers atop the moist soil below. Is this the afterlife? Was the Beyond more than a simple tale? You’re not back on Riff, that’s for damn sure. Nature had long since abandoned that hunk of rock, but where could you be? The sun must still be up as you can feel its ray beating against you. Energy has been drained from your limbs, leaving you a shambled mess. With nothing to do but wait you hum yourself to sleep, hastening your recovery.
A short time passes before you awaken, your body being pulled across the dirt. How nice is that? Someone is already coming to your rescue and you haven’t even seen them yet. You’ll be sure to “thank” them when you’re all better. No no no, you can’t just go right back to it. Too many variables are at play. Best to play it safe… for now… Maybe this person could turn out quite useful. Once again you hum to yourself to sleep, inciting a giggle from your host.
You drift back into your dreams, thought none come to meet you. Something doesn’t feel right here… The dark void shifts into a murky green, a presence other than your own entering your mind. A guest? How strange, it has certainly been a while since you had willing company. Could your savior be trying to ascertain your mental condition? Your attitude swiftly changes as it starts to prod at your memories. Interesting, whatever this thing is it certainly wants something, maybe you can have some fun with this curious cat.
You guide the being through a series of altered memories, being sure to change any that contain your less than charitable acts, which turns out to be a lot of them. It appears to be digging deeper into a particular memory, but is blocked by your will. Sophie? Ah yes, one never forgets their first time. She turned you down once because you weren’t “hardcore” enough for her. Turns out she couldn’t handle the truth; it took you weeks to wash out the stains. Entertaining your guest, you formulate another past for her before granting entrance. Once where you two fell madly in love, but couldn’t be together due to your rival families. Straight Romeo and Juliet garbage. “I’ll find a way…” the memory ends. The entity appears to be sated as it retreats from your mind, consciousness returning to you.
You manage to open your eyes, taking in the view. You’re at the edge of some cave. The moon illuminates the ground revealing a rich and thriving forest. A crackling fire sits beside you, the flames flickering brightly against the night sky. You manage to sit up, your clothes charred from the blast, but your skin relatively unharmed, though your muscles themselves seem sapped of their former strength. ”Feeling better?” That voice, it couldn’t be… You turn around to another figure sitting by the fire.
“Sophie?”
Sophie sits across from you, exactly the same as you remember, before your intervention anyways. Her slender frame and pearly white skin fit her well, though hit was her short jet black hair and majestic green eyes that captivated you. She smiles at you longingly but stays silent. You continue to admire her before it dawns on you. This is just an illusion, a trick designed to fool you. She concocted this scheme around your memory. Thankfully you managed to change the contents. Whatever this thing is, it’s dangerous, but thankfully it still thinks it has you fooled. It’d be wise to play its game for now.
“W-what are you doing here?”
”I told you I’d find a way.” She walks over and embraces you. ”I’ve waited so long for us to be together again.” You nuzzle at her neck trying to act as convincing as possible. She even smells like Sophie did.
“You look wonderful, I missed you so much.”
”I know darling, I know.” She’s nothing like the real Sophie, just a cheap imitation. She runs a hand down your arm which throbs painfully at the touch. ”Are you okay Anon? You look hurt.”
“Clothes didn’t give that away,” you chuckle, “But yeah, my body aches something fierce.”
She lays you down, resting her hands upon your chest. ”Let’s see what your Sophie can do to help.” Her green eyes begin to glow, magic flowing into your body. The pain in your muscles subsides in a soothing bath of soothing currents. The creature instinctively pulls back dissatisfied with something.
“What’s wrong?” You’re worried she caught on to something.
She scowls at you, “Why don’t you love me?” Well fuck, you tended to be a better actor than that.
“I don’t know what you mean darling,” you say reaching out to her.
She slaps your hand away, “Do not lie to me.”
You smile, giving up on the charade. It was fun while it lasted. “I like my women a bit more honest first of all. You’re not Sophie.”
”Who else would I be? I tr-“
“Sophie’s dead,” you interrupt her, a confused look on her face.
”I said we’d find a way…”
“We both played the other; I just did a better job.” You laugh in her face instinctively, not one of your better choices. A sage ring of fire erupts around her, forcing you to back off. Your lack of magic makes the odds clearly in her favor. The flames strike upwards towards the ceiling masking her body in the blaze. You lean against the wall and wait for her show to end. Showing fear is a one-way ticket down bitch-lane. As the flames wither away her appearance has changed drastically. She’s horse-like in appearance, her skin black as night and her flowing blue hair draped down her neck. A twisted horn and a pair of insectoid wings exemplify her corrupted nature. “Well… That’s a new one.”
”You will show me respect whelp!” her voice greatly distorted, but somehow pleasant.
“You certainly have it. It’s refreshing to meet another who’s willing to play dirty. Now what may I call you miss?” She appears surprised at your manners, though she doesn’t let up her overpowering demeanor.
”I am Chrysalis, queen of the changelings.”
“I didn’t realize I was in the presence of royalty,” you give a brief bow, “I appreciate your help in my predicament, but I really must be going.”
Another wall of flame blocks your exit. ”You’re not going anywhere.” The flame circles you, closing tighter every second. ”It is, as you said, refreshing to meet another such as myself, and I’m not letting that just walk away.” Things are getting hairy a bit quicker than you’d like.
“What do you want?” you blurt out trying to escape your hellish prison.
”Those delicious emotions of yours of course.” The flames press tight against your skin though they don’t burn. The floor below sucks you in as she continues. ”Every morsel will feed my people, and who knows,” you disappear from view, her words ringing in your ears, “you might just like it.”
Days become weeks. Weeks become months. Chrysalis trapped you in this godforsaken cave and has begun to slowly pick away at your sanity. Pity you lost that long ago, or did you? Tricky subject that is. You bid your time with this “Changeling.” Good things come to those who wait you always say. The queen has made sure to drop by every now and then to check on you, and make sure you’re still up and ticking. At one point she sent a henchman to keep you company, who I proceeded to grace in some more unpleasant arts. You never thought blood could be so sweet.
Taking a life left you in nostalgia, the fluidity of your motions, the power of your grip… Too long since you last felt like that. The moment would have been perfect, but the queen’s hums of delight sour the mood. Her approval of your actions strikes you as odd. She sought to recreate the events again, but it wasn’t the same. There’s no sport when the target is simply sent to their death.
It doesn’t mean you spared him of course, though it was little more than a kill of convenience. No hums or giggles meet you this time, just silence. “Are you not entertained?” Another inferno sparks to life around you. Bad choice of words you presume. The trip is far more pleasant this time around as the flames ease their way to the floor. You find yourself in another chamber, this one far roomier. Two changeling guards hesitantly approach and escort you down the hall. At least they’re smart enough to acknowledge a threat when they see one. You simply grin and move onwards.
The walls are lined with cells, each containing creatures long forgotten on your world. Manticores, pegasi, unicorns, cows and even a small dragon. Each locked up and slowly siphoned by the changelings. But why did you not wind up like them? Queen Chrysalis comes to meet you. She lets out a few rhythmical chirps, probably their natural language, and sends off the guards. “It’s been a pleasure,” you say to the retreating creatures.
She’s amused at your behavior even after all this time. ”Come, there are things I would like to discuss.” You follow her lead further into the cave finally coming upon a lush underground forest. She makes her way up a mangles tree, resting on a large perch at the top. You sit across from her reveling in its natural beauty. ”Why did you not appreciate the second offering?”
“Offering? Oh, him…” You still don’t understand her motives clearly, “It is unimportant.”
”It is important to me. You enjoyed the first one didn’t you? I could taste it, sweeter than anything I have before.”
So she wasn’t being poetic when she talked about your emotions. She literally feeds on them, just like the others. ”It was not the same for the second, why?”
Her thirst for knowledge intrigues you. If only more were like her. “There was no sport in the kill.” She eyes you strangely, likely not understanding your meaning. “Whenever I do what I do, I pick my targets based on challenge. Each victim is more difficult than the last.” She nods her head as you continue. “The second minion you sent was not a greater challenge. Plus, he was not there of his free will. Had he happened across me, then maybe I would feel differently.”
”I have not come across many such as you. In fact, you’d be the first.”
“What can I say? I’m certainly unique to say the least.” She laughs heartily and looks back into the grove. You feel the same about her, unique. “How long do you plan on keeping me here Miss Chrysalis?”
”Not long. It’s apparent that I am unable to squeeze anymore out of you, and I will not waste my time trying.” Unique, intelligent, appreciates nature. Where has this girl been all your life?
“So you’re going to let me go?”
She nods though she says nothing. Her horn shimmers revealing a path back to the surface. ”I’ll see you out.” You can detect a slight bit of pain in her voice. The ascent is a tad disheartening. Relief would be an appropriate feeling, not sadness. She fills you in on what to expect when you breach the surface, mostly details about the surrounding lands and population. It’s morning when you reach the top. A new day for your new life. ”Take the eastern route until you reach the edge of the forest. From there just follow the road until you reach the nearest settlement.”
“I appreciate the help Chrysalis.” Maybe you could convince her to stay with you. Having a companion never occurred to you until now. “One last thing I want to get out.” She gives you her attention. This is turning out a bit harder to say than you thought. “I never had company before, and I’m still new to this place…” You ramble on, trying to find a way to word it correctly. “Screw it; do you want to come with me?”
She appears intrigued by the offer. “I don’t know. I have duties to attend to here…” Playing hard to get? Women… always the same…
“Well, that’s too bad. I might have liked you hanging around.” You don’t give her time to respond and whistle as you head down the route she specified. She doesn’t follow you much to your displeasure. You had actually told her the truth. At this rate you’ll end up an average person. Whatever, it’s her loss and you have plans for this place. Plans you still have to come up with.
You hum happily as you make your way through the forest. The aura about this place is rejuvenating. “The Everfree Forest. What wonders wait within your pristine folds?” Riff was never much of a home to you. More like a prison, and this forest was your salvation. The name seemed fitting. Equestria, the land beyond the void. Devoid of true violence and cruelty. Wait until they get a load of you.
You reach the end of the forest and stop to rest. Your clothes are still mostly intact even after the explosion. Bits and pieces were missing, but overall nothing of value was lost. It still surprises you how your actually body was unharmed. Once again, a few scratches, but there were no signs of damage otherwise. The lack of nutrition was starting to get to you. Chrysalis didn’t exactly keep you stocked with a variety of food, but that’s not her fault. Maybe if she had come with you… “Is this spot taken?”
You hold back the smile when you hear her words. “Not at all.” Chrysalis sits down beside you, disguised once again as Sophie. “I hope you know that I’m not falling for that.”
”And I hoped you thought that I knew that already.” Add smartass to her list of traits. ”Changelings are not exactly on good standings with the people of Equestria.”
“I couldn’t imagine why.” you reply sarcastically.
”It would be best if I looked like you.”
“You never said if there were any others like me here.”
”Because there aren’t. You are the first of your kind present here to my knowledge.”
“Which means they’ll likely react to me, us, accordingly.”
”Indeed, but at least two of us would look more natural.”
You agree. Having her along might make things a bit easier for you. “I’m glad you decided to stay.”
”I’m still weighing my options.” You both laugh before heading back out.
“So where is the closest settlement exactly?”
”It’s a ways off. Ponyville I believe it’s called, a small town nothing more.”
“Anything I should know?”
”They’re ponies, and they live in a town. What else do you want from me?” You shake your head and smile. She really is something. It takes a few hours before you make out a few buildings on the horizon.
“Is that it?”
She squints her eyes to make it out, “That would be the destination.”
You crack your neck and walk towards the settlement. “Let’s go say hi.”
Taking the disguised Chrysalis by the hand you enter the crowded streets of Ponyville. Most of the residents stare at the two of you in curiosity, while some give you a look of contempt. “Charming place we have here Sophie.”
”Anon my-“ You harden your grip on her hand so she gets the message. ”Yes. It certainly has a rustic aesthetic about it.” Like you thought, your brief conversation has done a number on the ponies here. They return to their business while a few still keep a close eye on you.
You weren’t lying when you said how this place looked. This is basically your dream town. Your time here will be short lived if you can’t obtain some sort of residence. “Excuse me my fine sir,” you say to a nearby earth pony, “Could you be so kind as to point me to the mayor’s office?” He scoffs at you and returns to his duties.
”Rude isn’t he?”
“One would think after we came all this way someone would at least be kind, alas…” You catch another pony coming towards you from the corner of your eye and you can’t help but grin a little. If ponies are this easy to fool, then this will be one enjoyable stay.
Another earth pony, this one orange and wearing a cowboy hat cuts in. ”I apologize for Amazon, he’s just busy is all.”
“No need, I understand completely.” Sophie stays silent, almost troublingly so.
”What brings you ta Ponyville?”
“We’re actually looking for a place to stay. We left our own town called Riff after an influx of dragons burned it to the ground. I think we’re the only ones who made it.” You rub your eyes keeping up the act until she responds.
“That sounds terrible sugarcube, probably cus of that Dragon Migration thing. I’m sure I can help ya’ll get settled in here. Ponyville is a right good place to live.” You shake her hoof and thank her before she leads you off further into town. ”Ya know, I never did catch your names.”
“My name is Anon, this here is my partner in crime Sophie.”
”Nice to meet you both, my name’s Applejack. I work over the hill yonder at Sweet Apple Acres, best apples in Equestria.”
“I haven’t had an apple in ages; I’ll have to stop by there sometime.”
”How about you missy?” Sophie doesn’t say much, instead keeping to herself.
“She’s had a hard time with this whole arrangement. She lost a lot of family back home.”
”That sounds awful.” She shows off most of the town, going over most of the hotspots. ”And this here is the mayor’s office. Just tell her Applejack sent ya and she’ll set you up with something.”
“Where are you- The farm? I gotcha, tell the family I said hello.” She gallops back down the road, leaving you and Chrysalis alone. “What’s wrong? You should be a bit chattier.”
”She knows who I am. I didn’t want to blow your cover.” Sound reasoning. She did say changelings weren’t on good terms with Equestrians. You open the door to the mayor’s office, two ponies conversing inside. A tan earth pony with a gray mane, most likely the mayor from Applejack’s description, and a purple unicorn who you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet. “Evening lades.”
”Well- Hello there. Is there something I can help you with?” the mayor asks hesitantly. The unicorn takes an immediate interest in you, which is odd considering how every other pony reacted.
“Yes. You see my friend and I here are new to town, and we were hoping that you could assist us with that. Applejack told us to mention her.”
”Of course. Applejack is a fine and respected member of our community. My name is Mayor Mare, and this is another upstanding citizen, Twilight Sparkle.” They extend their hooves in a kind gesture which you meet.
“Pleasure, my name is Anon and this is…” Chrysalis doesn’t respond as she stares at Twilight. You give her a death glare, forcing cooperation out of her.
”Sophie…” she says with scorn. So much for not trying to blow your cover.
“Be polite now Sophie. I must apologize, her temper has been out of whack every since we left home.” Mayor Mare walks about the office collecting several files and examining them, letting you talk to Twilight.
”It’s quite alright; you look like you’ve been through quite the ordeal.”
“And have we, but we shouldn’t talk about it around Sophie,” you turn to her, “she hasn’t been quite the same.”
”I’m looking forward to it.”
”Here we are.” The mayor blurts out, tossing a couple documents on the desk. ”If you would just fill these out we’ll have you set up in no time.”
”Miss Mayor, I don’t think we should keep them held up with all this busy work. You’ve traveled quite a ways have you not?”
“Indeed we have, but we really should fill these out. Nuisance is no excuse for sloppiness I always say.” The mayor smiles, handing you both a set of forms.
”Just have them back by weeks end. Twilight, could you be so kind as to show them to their residence? It’s just across the bridge at the north end of town.
”Of course, if you’d follow me.”
You follow Twilight out of the office, Chrysalis to your back. The two of you prattle back and forth, though you keep your attention on Chrysalis. Her attitude with that Applejack girl was one thing, but this was completely different. There was anger in her eyes. What the hell did Twilight do to make her that way? The three of you come upon a simple two-story cabin across next to a river. ”Let me show you inside.”
“That’s quite alright Twilight Sparkle. I’m sure Sophie is very tired, so I think it’d be best that we depart ways for now. May we speak again madam. You bow and give her hoof a quick peck like a true gentleman.
”I’d like that, and please, call me Twilight.”
You wave to her as she heads back into town, holding the door open for Chrysalis. Make sure no one’s around, close the door. “Okay. What the fuck was that?”
”What was what?”
“Don’t give me that bull shit. You know exactly what I’m talking.” You feel a migraine setting in. Fucking migraines. “I never hit a woman in anger before, but I’m starting to think about it.”
She sits on the couch and crosses her legs. ”It is no concern of yours.”
“No concern of mine? No concern of mine? Let me get something straight, if you’re going to follow me, then there are some rules you have to follow.”
”I don’t have time for this.”
“Rule number 1: If I tell you to do something, you do it, no questions asked.”
”Are you quite finished?”
The back of your hand stings, you aren’t used to giving into your anger like that. Chrysalis’s eyes radiate in anger as she throws you up against the wall. ”How dare you dishonor me!” She deserved as much. You give her a shit-eating grin.
“Is that what Twilight did? Dishonor you?”
”You know nothing about me!”
“I know enough. I know that whatever Twilight did was enough to spark that inner rage of yours.” Her magic wavers as she is unable to take your words. “Hit a little too close to home didn’t she? She was the one who sent you into that forest wasn’t she?” You ease off the wall, now able to physically resist her. “I may not… feed off of emotion, but I can feel yours. All that hatred and suffering dwelling within...” You wrap your fingers around her neck and slightly squeeze, eliciting a small gasp from the weakening Chrysalis. “It’s beautiful, but it’s too much for you. It peels away at your very being.” You almost see tears form in her eyes. “I want you here with me, but I can’t have you acting like a child. Do you understand?”
She meekly nods her head. You loosen your grip and set her back down on the couch. “Good, I’m glad we’re both on the same page.” You take a few steps around the house to let Chrysalis recompose herself. “I apologize for striking you, it was an act of rage, and I’m better than that. Self-composure is one of the few things I’m known for.”
”It is alright Anon. I myself wasn’t in control of my behavior.”
“Do you want to talk about it? The deal with Twilight?”
”I think I’d like that…” You spend the rest of the evening listening to her tale and filling out the paperwork the mayor gave you. Interesting story she had, but rather sloppy in your opinion. It’d have been best to kill of Cadence after assuming her identity, but not everyone can be as good as you.
”So what about you? How did you become who you are?” The question came as a shock to you. No one has ever actually asked about your past before.
“You wish to learn how I came to be? There’s no real story behind it…”
”There’s always a story; you truly are a unique individual compared to others.”
“I am now aren’t I? Well, you told me about you, so it’s only fair if I do the same.” You lay down on the couch next to her, eyes fixated on the rotating fan. “When most people think of serial killers, psychopaths, murderers, rapists and the like, they all believe something happened to them. Me? Not so much.”
“I wasn’t beaten or neglected as a child. In fact I had a better life than most. My parents were in the upper-middle class and provided whatever I wanted. They were kind, gentle and actually cared about me.”
”So what happened?”
“Nothing. I was, however, ‘unique’ amongst others on Riff. About 95% of the population had some access to magic, whether it be simple telekinesis or expert divination. The other 5% consisted of half-breeds and mutants. I was neither, instead gifted with intelligence and ingenuity.”
”Is that why you chose to act the way you are?” You laugh a bit.
“Nothing quite as melodramatic let me assure you. Life was too easy on Riff. No challenge I couldn’t accomplish with my ingenuity, except for magic of course, but that had little effect. So I decided to try something new and exciting, take a walk on the wild side as it were.”
”How was it?”
You roll your head back, nostalgia rushing through you as you think back, “Exhilarating, like nothing I’d felt before. Good ol’ Sophie, the first person I had feelings for. She hung out with a bad crowd, trying to act cool, but I saw through that. She turned me down, not ‘cool’ enough to hang with her. Shows what she knew. I tracked her down to an abandoned alley where she went to buy illegal substances with her friends. She never would have guessed that I would be the one waiting for her.”
“A crime of passion, not like they could even linked me to the murder. I put my skills to use, covering up and planting evidence, lying to detectives, giving false testimony. Watching Old Bill get locked up for a crime he didn’t commit was simply divine. From that point I simply did it for the fun of the game.” You sit back up and crack your neck.
”That was quite the story Anon. So… you killed me huh, this girl?”
“Yep, I found it hilarious that you chose that form when I met you.”
” I can see why, in a twisted and demented sort of way.”
“The best way there is,” you reply with a wink.
”Speaking of which, where do we go from here? I wish for another taste of those delicious feelings of yours, the sooner the better.”
“All in due time Chrysalis. Do you know how most killers get caught? Impatience. We take this time to settle in, let more people move in, and then we can get to work.”
”But that could take weeks, maybe even months.”
“That’s nothing quite like what you did to me.”
”Oh you…” she giggles, putting a smile on your face.
“How does happiness taste?”
”Not quite as sweet, but it’s something at least.” You sigh, trying to relieve some built up tension.
“Well, if you’re going to do it then do it already.”
”You really don’t mind?” she asks sitting beside you.
“You keep asking and I might change my mind.”
”Ok ok,” she says laying a hand on the side of your head, “Just relax.” Closing your eyes you fully relax, taking in whatever Chrysalis deals. ”You may feel a bit woozy…” she states as she rests her head against yours.
Time passes, but nothing happens. You open your eyes to see what’s up. “Is something supp-“A wave of energy interrupts you. You can feel her inside your mind, feeding off of you. It’s not a painful feeling, more like a rubbing sensation behind your eyes. Your surroundings become blurry and you lose feeling in your limbs. Sophie holds your body upright, staring deep into your eyes, an inner fire brewing within her. Whatever she’s doing works as she seems to be rejuvenated from the joining. She closes her eyes and ceases the flow of magic, settling you back down on the couch.
It doesn’t take long for you to fully recover, though you are slightly nauseous. Chrysalis stays beside you running her fingers through her hair. ”I really needed that. Maybe we can do that again some time.” She’s not the only one who enjoyed it. It feels like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders.
“I might just hold you to that.”
”You hungry? It doesn’t seem fair to leave you with an empty stomach.”
“In fact I just might be, any particular place you had in mind?”
”I figured we could stop somewhere in town. Besides, it’d be best to know more about our new home wouldn’t you agree?” Indeed you do, she might turn out to be quite the assistant.
You hold open the door for Chrysalis as she walks by. “After you.” You can’t tell if her smile is genuine, but deep down you truly hope it is. Both of you walk down the streets of Ponyville, now scarce with the coming night. You come across a Café and sit down to eat. They don’t have any meat, but what did you expect. You order a Sunshine Salad, while Chrysalis only gets a glass of water. She’s probably full from your time together so she won’t get anything else. You spot Twilight walking by who proceeds to come towards you. “Rule number 2,” you say jokingly.
”I’m over it, don’t worry.”
”Hello you two, how did you like the cottage?”
”It was lovely,” Chrysalis speaks up, “Won’t you join us?”
“Sophie please, I’m sure Twilight is very busy.”
”Not at all. It’s nice to talk with new people.” Chrysalis made up for her previous actions with her performance. She makes idle chatter with Twilight, though you still notice small snippets of her loathing. You take another bite of your delicious salad. ”So how are you holding up Anon?”
“Quite well, thank you for asking.”
”Are you two busy?”
“Not at the present time. Why do you ask?”
”Well, it’s just that I’ve never seen anyone like you before, so I thought I’d-“
“Take a few notes and learn about us.”
”Yes, if you are willing to do so.” You look at Chrysalis. She’s not an actual human, and if Twilight is any good researcher than she’ll find that out real quick.
“I’m free, but Sophie needs to finish up her paper work. Isn’t that right?”
She picks up on your meaning, “It almost slipped my mind, another time perhaps.”
”I understand, it was nice to talk to you.”
”The feeling is mutual.” Chrysalis says her goodbyes and splits from your company, leaving you and Twilight.
”She’s a strange one.”
“Ordinary for us though. So which way to your house?” You try and change the subject.
”Follow me,” Twilight says walking down another road, “I just have an odd feeling about her.”
“Really? What kind of feeling?”
”I feel like she knows more about me than she lets on. You saw how she was.”
“That’s just Sophie being Sophie. She seems to have that effect on people.” You come to a large tree, apparently Twilight’s living quarters.
”I guess, go ahead and make yourself comfortable; I’ll be back in a second. You pick a book off a shelf, Equestrian History V6, and browse through it waiting for her return.
Your eye catches a form walking into the room, your finger twitching on instinct.”So you’re that new guy huh?”It appears to be a baby dragon, barely reaching your knee, addresses you.
“I would be the one,” you reply not taking your eyes off the book.
”I’m Spike; Twilight’s talked about you plenty.”
You place the book back and shake his tiny little claw. “Pleasure.”
Twilight reenters the room, an odd assortment of tools floating behind her. ”Good to see you two have met. Care to give me a hand Spike?” They lay out the tools on a table before you. They range from syringes to some sort of spiral funnel. Most of the tests were fairly normal, rudimentary stuff you do in a doctor’s office. She pulls the needle out of your arm, a drip making its way down your arm. ”Now that wasn’t so bad now as it?”
“I know it wasn’t. Spike was the one complaining.”
”Needles freak me out man.” You and Twilight chuckle at his nervousness and proceed.
”That should do it for the basic stuff, but do you mind testing something else I’ve been working on?”
“Sure why not? Anything I can do to help.” Twilight’s positively giddy as she pulls out a large contraption. She helps you strap into the device, securing a harness around your wrist and settling a cap upon your head. She flips the switch, the machine roaring to life.
“So what is this thing supposed to do, fry me?”
”Of course not. This machine takes various readings like blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and other factors.”
“A polygraph test… To see if the person is lying.”
She scratches her chin with a nod, “In layman’s terms, yes.” Fuck… ”Spike, could you record the data as it is projected please.” He grabs a sheet of paper and quill and sits at the end of the machine. ”Now I’m going to ask you some questions. Just answer honestly.” You nod, as long as she doesn’t ask too specific of questions you should be alright. ”Is your name Anon?”
“My given name is Anonymous, though I prefer to be called Anon.” Off to a good start at least.
“Why are your clothes burnt up?” So much for that.
You smile and keep your cool, wording is everything. “I was caught in an explosion at my home.”
”How did travel to Ponyville?”
“This is starting to sound more like an interrogation th-“
”Just answer the question,” Twilight snaps. Guess this was her actual reason to keep you here.
“I walked. It tends to be a good method of transport.” You deliberately snark at her.
”Have you ever caused anyone harm?” No way to get out of this one.
“Of course I have. Roughhousing is quite common where I’m from.” Spike is hastily scribbling down notes while Twilight appears a bit offput by your answers.
”Just one last question Anon, and we’ll be done.”
“Whenever you’re ready.”
”Have you ever, intentionally or unintentionally murdere-“
“No.” you state before she can finish. The machine changes tune and powers down. All was good until that final intrusive little question. Twilight looks over the results, giving hints of approval until she hits the bottom of the page.
She gives a sigh and lays down the paper. ”All true, I’m terribly sorry about this. I didn’t want to do this, but…”
“You should be sorry. There’s no excuse for what you did. Have I murdered someone? What type of question is that?”
“The princess wanted me to ask you them even though I vouched for you. I’m really sorry.” You unstrap yourself and rub your head angrily. All according to plan.
“I trusted you Twilight. Was everything until now just an act?”
”No, please look at things from my perspective. I know you wouldn’t do anything like that, but Celestia doesn’t.” You keep up this back and forth banter, slowly weakening her will. You figure it’s time to end this argument.
“Twilight. I trust you, but I need for you to be able to trust me as well.”
”I do, it’s just-“
“I get it Twilight, you were under orders, but even still, you betrayed me.”
”Let me make it up to you. I never wanted things to turn out this way.” Like shooting fish in a barrel. You open the door, satisfied with your progress.
“Sure, but for now I need some rest.”
”Just meet with me tomorrow okay? I’ll try and make things right.”
“It’s a date,” you reply heading back home.
You slam the door shut, Chrysalis nowhere in sight. “I’m home!” you shout up the stairs.
”How was everything at ‘Twilight’s’?” She asks putting emphasis on her name.
“The usual, had a chat, did some tests, got asked if I kill people. You know normal stuff.”
”She did what now?” You walk up the stairs and into the bedroom with Chrysalis.
“Celestia asked her to interrogate me with a lie detector test. Fun times that’s for sure.”
Chrysalis looked worried, “Well what happened?”
“I passed with flying colors. Twilight even thinks that she owes me for being disrespectful, which she does. It’s all in the past now. Now… where are we going to sleep?”
She’s puzzled, “There’s a bed right there.”
“Like I didn’t know that. Do you want it, or do you hang by the ceiling like a bat?”
”I sleep normally for your information, besides we can both sleep on it.”
“This really doesn’t bother you does it? Fine, just don’t do anything creepy.” She slides under the covers while you turn out the lights before joining her. A comfy bed is a nice change of pace since the only place you’ve had to sleep the last few months were cold stone. ”Hey Anon?”
“What is it Chrysalis?”
”Do you think I could slide closer. It’s kind of-“
“No, just take more covers.” She grabs hold of the sheets and wraps them around herself, leaving you barren. Well, you like the cold anyways.
”Goodnight Anon.” You put both hands behind your head and close your eyes.
“Sleep tight.”
You get out of bed feeling slightly woozy. Seems Chrysalis wanted a midnight snack. Heading to the kitchen you help yourself to the leftovers from the café. You could really go for some succulent meat right about now. You’re not even finished when you hear a knock at the door. Who comes over this early in the morning? “Coming, give me a minute.” You clean off the table, stowing away your knife for future use. You open the door, a small group of ponies waiting for you. “Can I help you ladies?”
The white one is the first to speak up. ”You are Anon, are you not?” She yawns, “We were told to come fetch you.”
“Told by whom?”
”By Twilight,” the pink one answers.
“Oh, she wants to see me now? I presumed we-“
”-were going meet later? I had hoped so as well, but I do owe that pony,” the unicorn replies once more.
”So where’s the other one?” a rainbow maned pony asks.
“What other- Oh, she’s sleeping, but we can go without her. She’s really tired.”
The white unicorn scoffs, “And WE are not? If I have to sacrifice my beauty sleep, it’s only fair that she does as well.” The others silently agree with her. Apparently no one liked this little arrangement Twilight concocted.
“Please come in. She might be a while.” They pan out in your living room, muttering amongst themselves. It’d be best not to keep them waiting.
“Sophie! Time to wake up, we have people over!” you shout up the stairs. This incites an ‘eep’ from one of your guests, a yellow Pegasus.
“Apologies everyone. I didn’t actually get your names.”
”My name is Rarity. This is Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.” They each introduce themselves, though you could barely hear Fluttershy. Chrysalis finally comes downstairs, a bit shocked to see all of them. She must have met all of them as well due to her reaction. Her introduction is far more inviting as she talks to the others. You all head out the door onto to Twilight’s house. Best not to keep her waiting.
You get to know them a little better along the way. Rarity is a fashion designer and owns a boutique. She plans to steal Sophie away so she can get some more sensible clothing. Rainbow Dash is more tomboyish and works the weather around Ponyville. She seems the least distressed about the time, except for Pinkie of course. Speaking of her, she’s a pure bundle of energy and joy. She helps manage Sugarcube Corner, a small restraint for those with a sweet tooth. Fluttershy never really opened up to you, leaving the others to fill in the gaps. She lives outside of town and loves animals apparently. You see Twilight and Applejack up ahead talking.
”Well howdy there partner, nice to see you again.”
“Applejack, Twilight, pleasure.”
”I said I’d make it up to you, and here I am to do it.”
“I think we all wouldn’t have minded this taking place a couple hours from now.”
She ignores your comment, “I thought it would be a great idea if we all hung out together. You don’t have any friends here yet, so here’s your chance to make some.” Yes make some friends. This’ll turn out well. Oh what do you like doing? I enjoy to flay human beings, you? There’s a reason you didn’t have any real friends before.
“I appreciate the gesture, but as a personal preference, I like to keep to myself.”
”Now now,” Chrysalis retorts, “Just give it a shot. I’m sure everything will turn out.” She just loves to press your buttons.
“Indeed it might. So Twilight, what will we be doing today?” She comes up blank, not thinking this far ahead. “Anyone have any ideas?”
Rainbow Dash shoves her hoof in Pinkie’s mouth before she could speak. ”No parties today Pinkie.”
“Nice save, anything else?”
You toss around a few ideas, none of which quite stick. ”We could play a game!” Pinkie says.
“That’s new, let’s go with that. What game?”
”How about Red Rover?”
“Not enough people.”
”Buck Wild? Pony Adventure?”
“You lost me there, anything I might actually know?”
”Oooh hide and seek! I love that game.”
“Sounds good to me.”
Rainbow volunteers to go first and the rest of us dart in different directions. You jump into a bale of hay to bide your time. You feel like a little kid again whose free from life’s woes. A blur passes above you. Seems the game has begun. Other citizens of Ponyville begin to make their rounds, unaware of your presence. It’d be so easy… They’d never see you coming. No, not yet. Patience is a virtue.
You can make out Rainbow Dash high in the sky searching for you all. Fluttershy is tip-toeing around trying to find a nice spot. She’ll get caught if she doesn’t hide right now. You reach out and grab her, pulling her in with you as you cup your hand over her mouth. She lets out another gasp, but is muffled by your hand. Upon seeing you she relaxes and ceases to struggle. So vulnerable…
You move your hand down to her neck and gently squeeze, memorizing every muscle and tendon. You can feel her veins throb as blood shoots through them. Her spine is fragile, just the right amount of pressure could- ”Excuse me…”
“S-sorry.” You release her and pull your hands away from the blade in your shoe. This isn’t like you, control yourself.
”Gotcha!” Rainbow yells as she tosses you out of the hay. “I got Anon!” The other ponies convene back to you.
“Don’t get cocky Dash.”
”Let’s do it again!” Pinkie exclaims forcing a smile on your face.
You sigh and cover your eyes, “Alright, 29… 28…” They’re off like little bullets as they stow themselves away. Finding them shouldn’t be too difficult. Each of them has their little kinks of predictability. Rarity is somewhere clean, Flutteryshy with nature, Rainbow elevated, etc… You enter a dark alley thinking it’d be a good place to find one of them.
Dead end, just your luck. You turn back, Chrysalis blocks the entrance. “You know you’re supposed to hide.”
”So what did you do back there?” she asks with a devilish grin.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
”I felt that urge… that lust you had back in the cave. How delicious.” She walks towards you, her eyes lighting up. ”Feel it again won’t you.” Best not to anger the lady. You recall your encounter with Fluttershy, her blood pulsing, muscles, bones. Every little detail coming back to you. ”There it is,” she puts her head against yours, “Relax…” Her presence is noted once more as she begins to siphon away, empowering herself with your help. In this light she looks just like Sophie did in that dark alley. You squeeze her arms as you relive that day, feeling everything. Chrysalis hums away at your offering, enjoying every second.You can see it so clearly in your mind. Sophie, lying there, soaked in her blood. Beautiful.
Her eyes dim, “You can let go now.” You have no intention of doing so. This moment is yours. ”I said,” Chrysalis quickly blasting you off of her, “let go.” You’re jerked out of your memory and back into the real world. You struggle to get up, your legs trembling. She helps you to your feet, “What’s wrong with you?” She’s worried, and for the first time in a long time so are you.
“I’m fine.” You both knew you weren’t. “Game’s over guys!”
With her help you managed to reach a table nearby while everyone got back. They all notice your condition, but Rarity is the first to say anything. ”Are you alright? What happened?”
“I fell is all, I’ll be okay don’t you worry.” You smile sheepishly.
Fluttershy shakes her head, “You did that before too, a little fall couldn’t have done that.” You can’t remember shaking before. Did you?
”So you know what’s wrong with him?”
Fluttershy examines you, feeling for broken bones or some such thing. ”No I don’t, there’s nothing physically wrong.”
“Then I just need to rest. That’ll fix me up.” You manage to stand alone though with added difficulty. “Sorry to cut our fun short. Sophie can mingle with you all; don’t stop the presses on my account. Consider us even Twilight.” The others bid you farewell and let you leave at your behest. Your legs don’t make it easy, but you eventually reach home.
Rest is one thing on your mind, but you know that’s not going to help. It’ll only delay the inevitable thirst you possess. You need another hit, something to keep you going for the time being. You take out your knife and walk over to the sink. Blood drips from the laceration, quenching your inner fire. The sight is enough to calm your shaking body. This won’t last very long though. You need a more significant bounty.
You douse the wound with water embracing the painful sensations as they shoot upwards. You wrap it up with a piece of cloth and tighten it to restrict blood flow. “Time’s up.” Licking the knife clean of the coppery fluid you return it to its home. Heading back out the door somepony is going to have an interesting day. Like a good neighbor, Psycho Anon is there.
You stick to the alleys, not knowing where the other might be. Plenty of possible victims line the streets going about their business. A small family exits a nearby house, two children and a soon to be due mother. Buy one get one free. It’s tempting, but she wouldn’t put up much of a fight. Besides that, it’s in bad taste to leave the children parentless. That brings up all sorts of trouble of long reaching effects you’d rather not deal with. Little Timmy won’t get that chance. Not like he’d have any at all.
You get to the second floor of the building, using the stones to hoist yourself up. You quickly get into cover as you see Rainbow Dash fly upwards. They’re still playing that game huh? Could make things interesting… She zooms past completely oblivious to your presence. Her brain not as toned as her brawn. Stealthing along the roof you continue to canvass the area. There’s another house that looks appealing.
You peer into a nearby window, an old couple inside, and where there are old people there’s probably… A stallion walks into the room carrying a platter on his back. He sets it down and helps the couple with their food. Do-Gooders always put up a good fight. ”Mr. Martin, you’ve been too kind.”
”Please ma’am, I’m more than happy to help.” Can’t tell if really nice, or a lying ass.
”There you go again, why don’t you take the rest of the day off. You deserve it young’un.”
“Much appreciated, same time tomorrow.” You slink away from the window leaving the elderly alone. The elderly are the few that have earned your respect and admiration. They merely seek peace, and not the type you offer. Martin exits the house and heads where you presume is his home. You stick to the roof, dodging Dash whenever she comes near.
Martin seems to be an upstanding stallion, helping the elderly and other little tid-bits of kindness. He slips inside his home, briefly looking around which struck you as odd. What could he be concerned about? A clunk signals him locking the door forbidding a forward entrance, not like you’d choose that anyways. The hay cushions the impact as you leap across to his abode. Most of the windows are locked, but a side one appears to be slightly open. Quickly and quietly you squeeze into the slot, finding yourself in his upstairs bedroom.
You draw your knife and make your way through the house. You hear him open and shut a door, his hoofs fading from earshot. Wherever he went it probably will keep his attention for some time. Enough time to fuck with his head a little as you scour for information. You flip through folders, books, photo albums, anything you can use. He runs a tight ship that’s for sure. He keeps to himself, no ties to others that you can see. About to walk out you notice a concealed box beneath his bed. How quaint.
You head down the stairs and wait for your host. A familiar set of hooves echoes from behind the doors. He opens the door and stares at you sprawled in one of his seats. “Who are you? Get out of my house.”
“Why so tense Martin? Is something wrong?”
He shuts the door behind him, blocking the entrance. ”I won’t say it again. Get out or I’ll have the authorities do it for you.”
You let out a laugh, wiping away a tear out of your eye. “We both know that’s not going to happen.” You toss a bundle of photos across the table. “Been quite busy haven’t you?”
”W-where did you get those?”
“Tip for future use. If you want something hidden, keep it in a secret compartment, not under your bed like a child.” His face grows redder by the second. Apparently he thought he was hot shit. “I never pegged you for a- What’s the term in pony society? Filly fiddler? Sounds right to me.”
”You turn me in, and you’ll go down with me.” This elicits another small chuckle.
“I have no intention of turning you in Mr. Martin, don’t worry about that…”
”Then why-“
“I plan to bring you into the next life,” you say with a smile. You throw the knife, imbedding it mere inches from his skull. “But I’m a good sport, and I’ll give you a chance to fight back. Good enough for you?”
Martin’s hoof grinds into the floor boards, ”I’m going to enjoy this far more than I should.”
“We’ll see…” He charges toward you sloppily, giving you more than enough time to side step. “Come now Martin, don’t waste my time.” You beckon him, trying to get a good fight out of him.
He grunts and charges at you again, this time spinning on his forehooves before he reaches you. He bucks you against the chest which knocks you back a ways. “There we go, maybe next time I’ll try and dodge it.” You meet his charge with a brief leg sweep, knocking him over. “Dammit Martin. At least put up a chall-“
One of his forehooves smash against your jaw with an audible pop. It wasn’t enough force to dislocate it, but enough to worry. ”Tip for future use. Never let your guard down.”
You slam your shoe atop his genitals, Martin groaning in response. “Hypocrites always pay the worst good sir.” He twitches violently as he tries to subdue the thriving pain. You run your hand over his spine, finding the vulnerable spot like you did with Fluttershy. “I tend to be better at reading people, but there’s always an exception.” You find the sweet spot as you align yourself accordingly. “You won’t die right away. No sir, for what you’ve done, you are privileged to receive my more ‘personal’ treatments.” You bring down a sickening chop against his spine, the rest of him falling limp. He still has a pulse, though barely noticeable. “Now how about we see what’s in door number two.”
The musky air fills your lungs as you descend the stairs. You can’t see any windows; he probably has a light switch around here. You stumble about in the dark feeling the walls for anything to illuminate this place. Hushed breathing catches your ear. You’re not alone. You swear if that’s what you think it is… A metallic box comes across your fingers as you tug at the lever. The lights crack to life, casting aside the darkness.
Your heart, what’s left of it anyways, sinks at the sight. You’ve done some messed up shit, you’re not denying that, but this crosses the line. She doesn’t say anything, simply whimpering at your presence. She must think you’re that bastard Martin. Fucking filly fiddlers. Deepening your voice, you try and talk to her. “Don’t worry, you’re safe now. The mean man is gone.”
She doesn’t reply, the gag silencing her. You undo it, bringing a glass of water to her dry lips. She gulps it down like she hasn’t had any in days, which might actually be true. “What’s your name child?”
”Dai- Daisy *cough* Mane.”
“Listen to me Daisy, the man who did this to you won’t hurt you anymore.” You undo the ropes binding her little wings and pet her gently. “When I undo these bounds, I want you to get home as fast as you can. You need to be strong for me okay. Tell them what happened here, every detail.” Tears flow through her blindfold at the very thought.
You give her a reassuring hug, trying to help her out. “It hurts, I know, but you have to do it. When I take off the blindfold, go up the stairs and don’t look back. Promise me.”
”I promise.” Taking your knife you cut off her harnesses and move behind her. Undoing her blindfold she instantly takes off as instructed. ”Thank you,” she manages to say through her tears. You hear the door slam and run back up the stairs not wasting a second. She’ll take a while to get back, but company will be here shortly.
You hoist Martin’s unconscious body over your shoulder and head out the back. You spot a cart nearby and dump his body inside.It’s full of various pony candy, likely how he enticed Daisy in the first place. “You twisted fuck, have some standards.” Flinging the tarp overtop you pull away on the outskirts of town, making sure no one spots you. Thankfully you don’t have to enter town, as your own house was at the edge. You wrap him up in the tarp and toss him on your back porch, depositing the cart on the other side of Ponyville.
Picking him up when you return, you head into your own basement. It’s not quite as damp and creepy as his, but it’ll serve its purpose for now. You tie him up the same way he did for Daisy, borrowing a few tools he had lying around. The urge to end his pedophillian life is almost too great to refuse, but that would be doing him unnecessary justice. Gagging him, you head back up the stairs and lay down on the couch. Right about now the authorities will have found Martin’s stash and collection of photos. You did something good by doing something bad. Turns out you’re the one with the interesting day. What a twist!
You wake up a few hours later with Chrysalis poking at your abdomen. “Wakey wakey sleepy head.” You smile lightly and get up. ”Look who’s up and about now? That nap really did help.”
“This helped more,” you say raising the red bandage around your hand.
”Why would you do that!?” she yells.
“Calm down, it was a temporary solution, nothing more. I have everything under control.”
She’s not nearly convinced, “I’m sure you do.”
You remember your guest down below. “I have something to show you,” you say walking towards the basement.
”A surprise? Anon you shouldn’t have…” You lead her down, flicking on the light. Martin seems to have awoken, writhing around desperately in his chains. “Chrysalis, I’d like you to meet Martin. He’ll be staying with us for a while.”
”This- this is-“
“Word travels fast now doesn’t it? This is that Martin, the one and only.”
“But he looks so… normal.”
“We tend to seem that way, and I use the term ‘we’ very loosely as we’re nothing alike.”
”Not everyone can be as upstanding as you Anon.”
“Ain’t that the truth?”
A devilish grin creeps across her face. ”Well,” she says morphing back into her original form, “Let’s not keep our guest waiting.” In Anon’s house, no one can hear you scream.
Withdrawing your blade from his stomach you slide it into his mouth, giving him a taste of his innards. “That good huh? It’s an acquired taste.” He coughs up a wad of blood as you clean off the knife.
”When I get out of here-“ You thrust the gag back into his mouth.
“Why does everyone always think they’re going to escape Chrysalis? Do I give off a vibe of incompetence?
“Well didn’t that one guy get away?”
“If I’ve told you once I’ve told you a thousand times…” You insert a red hot rod into his wound, causing him to scream in agony. The blood stops flowing eventually, it’d be a waste for him to perish from blood loss. “I let him go. It was a part of my plan remember?”
”Of course it slipped my mind.” She’d forget her head if it wasn’t attached. The other pony Chrysalis is attending to has yet to awaken, while the third is sitting patiently. Thunder and Loyal there names were if you recall correctly. You let Chrysalis tag along on both tours. She wanted to see how you worked in the field, most of which bored her. A common misconception is that people like you think short term, snatching people with no afterthought. In truth it’s quite the opposite. Anyone who’s serious about their work is far more devious and wise than others give them credit for.
We spent weeks tailing them both before we struck. We learned everything there was to know about them. They were a couple; favorite meals are Hay Soup and Rice Pudding. Thunder worked at a hardware store off of Stirrup Street from 11-5 on Monday to Wednesday, and 5-10 Thursday to Saturday. Loyal won the “Most Likely to Succeed” award in school, and is currently trying to land a job as a nurse. They both hike outside of town on Thunder’s day off, which was when we introduced ourselves.
Thunder was a real piece of work. Anytime he spent away from Loyal and work he used to work out. He was training for the Dark Stripe Challenge, and he’d likely have won first prize if not for you. Loyal, being a unicorn, ended up putting up as much of a fight as Thunder did. She only had used basic telekinesis, but that’s all she needed. Either of them blew Martin out of the water in terms of challenge, both of them getting a few good shots on you. It still hurts a bit when you inhale.
Anything we didn’t know about the two of them, Chrysalis knows now. You excelled in physical torment, but Chrysalis? She had psychological mindfuckery down to a science. Being able to shape shift into whatever form she wanted just from their memories was amazing. Watching Daisy Mane break down Martin into a sniveling pile of tears was an all-time favorite. Speaking of which… You give him a kick to the head, knocking him out like a light. ”I think you’re food is ready.”
“Thank you,” you reply rushing over to the stove.
You slide the contents onto a plate and prompt her to follow you upstairs. You take a seat on the crisp grass outside, observing the town below. “Never shit where you eat,” you say stuffing your face.
”Martin should’ve taken lessons from you.” Compliments are always welcome from her.
“He wouldn’t have lived long enough to use them.”
You finish your equine meal and relax, staring into the clouds. ”Do you think we’re moving too fast? It’s likely to cause suspicion.”
“You’d be correct, and I’ll be suspect numero uno.”
”That’s not certain. Besides there’s no connection linked back to you, we made sure of it.”
“Intuition my dear, it’ll save your life. Trust your intuition always. The second you doubt it you’ll end up six feet under like the others.”
”You won’t get caught,” Chrysalis says attempting to console you.
“Like I didn’t know that already.” You leave Chrysalis to finish up your work while you head back into town. She was anxious to have some alone time with Martin, sharing your hatred towards his kind. The streets of Ponyville are lifeless. They should be bustling about now. A pony brushes past you running deep into town.
“Hey, where is everyone?” you shout after him.
“Town Square, someone took the Thunder and Loyal!” This isn’t good, no one should have noticed for another few days at the least. You follow him to the mass surrounding the town hall. You see Mayor Mare and Twilight trying to calm the people down.
”Anon,” Applejack calls out to you, “over here!”
”How could something like this happen?” Rarity says as you arrive.
“Must be that Martin guy, he’s back for revenge!” Pinkie exclaims. Really? She thinks he did it? The crowd picks up on Pinkie’s idea and goes into an uproar.
“Yeah! It’s Martin, you didn’t follow up and now he’s back!”
”He could be anywhere, who knows what he’s doing to them.”
Their idiocy is insulting; Martin couldn’t handle me let alone Thunder. It isn’t even his MO, he abducts kids not adults. ”We need to stop him now before he hurts anyone else.”
“Are you all stupid!?”
The crowd goes silent and everyone turns to you, even Twilight. ”Something you wish to add?” she asks. This is why you keep your mouth shut.
“Did I stutter, or do you have a hearing problem? Martin was a pedophile, he doesn’t target grown-ups.” You walk through the mass of ponies that part away from you. “Put yourself in his… hooves I guess. Would you come back? Would you honestly take that risk?” You don’t need an answer to know that they agree with you. “Thought so. He’s long gone by now, but you have another problem on your hands. Something worse than him.”
”Sounds like you’ve got it all figured out don’t you. Maybe too well.” A voice from the crowd challenges.
“Say that to my face! Someone like him left my father bleeding on my doorstep you ignorant fuck, don’t you dare try and pin this on me.” He doesn’t respond like the coward he is. Works like a charm.
”Then what should we do?” the mayor asks.
“Nothing will stop him.”
You climb onto the stage and address the crowd. “But you can watch yourself and those around you, arm yourselves, take precautions, whatever it takes to make his job more difficult.”
”We still need to find whatever’s doing this.” Twilight cuts in.
“You won’t catch him, not someone like him,” you warn her.
Twilight ignores your warning, a mistake she might not live to regret,”Me and a few others will investigate the disappearances; in the meantime stay calm everyp0ny. We’ll get through this.” You march offstage, Twilight hot on your tail.
“The answer’s no, and that’s it.”
“Anon just slow down and let me talk to you.”
“I can’t help you Twilight, don’t waste your time.”
“At least give me an explanation. What in Equestria were you talking about back there?”
“I’d love to talk about my past, but that’s all it is, the past. It was wrong of me to bring it up.”
”But you know what we’re looking for?” You sigh.
“Yes. I do.”
”Then help us Anon. You know what you’re talking about, all I ask is for you to point us in the right direction.” This is depressingly easy.
“You don’t get it, how could you…”
”Help me understand why. I won’t bother you, just give me that much.” Twilight wants a story, so you’ll give her one.
“My father was a detective, a decent one at that. He- was working on a case before he died, a serial killer like the one here had been piling bodies up like you wouldn’t believe.” You put your back against the wall and stare Twilight dead in the eye. “He got too close… I swore after the funeral that I would hunt down his killer if it took the rest of my life.”
”You didn’t catch him did you?”
“My father was a good detective, but he wasn’t me. I found that son of a bitch like I set out to do, but it didn’t take.”
“I don’t follow you.”
“I didn’t have solid evidence; all of it was circumstantial, not enough to convict him. He should have walked away a free man, but ended his own life in his jail cell before the trial ever took place.
“That doesn’t make any sense, why would he do that?”
“Let’s just say he had a little help with that,” you say head downcast. “I lied to you Twilight. It’s not something I’m proud of, but it’s not something I wouldn’t do again.” She doesn’t say anything. Just staring blankly at you. “I’m sorry, but if I catch this man, there won’t be a place in this world where he’ll be safe.”
”I… understand, I think. I don’t blame you for what you did, if it was Spike or one of my friends… I don’t know what I would do.”
“It’s not an easy position to be in.”
“Even so, you lied to me and made me feel guilty for doing so to you.” You chuckle lightly.
“I guess I owe you one.”
”Or two, but consider us even.” All of my what.
“Exactly what do you mean by that?”
”I may have said you were going to have a meeting with the Princess.”
“What! When?”
”Today… in a few hours.” Nuclear facepalm inbound.
“I presume Sophie will also be attending.”
”Oddly enough, no, but where is she?”
“She’s at the house; Pinkie’s last party took the life out of her.”
”I’ll drop later and tell her about Loyal and Thunder, the sooner everyone knows the better.”
“That’d be best, for now I have to change my attire. Rarity would throw a fit if I wore this to a royal meeting.”
“That sounds like Rarity alright.”
“Also um, as a personal favor. Please don’t tell anyone what I said. Not everyone is as understanding as you.”
”Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye,” she says cheerfully. You smile and briskly walk back home, locking the door behind you.
“If I didn’t know her so well, she’d be dead…”
Chrysalis peeks her head around the corner, “Fun day in town?”
“Don’t even get me started. How are the guests?”
”Just swell,” you head upstairs to the bedroom, “Where are you going?” You pull out a clean pair of clothes, finely stitched by Rarity, and put them on.
“Twilight granted me an audience with the Princess in a few hours, just sprucing up.”
”Now you have to tell me what happened.” You go through it step by step, Chrysalis listening intently. “You certainly pulled through at the end, quick thinking with that story about your father.”
“Who said it was a story?”
”What?” You laugh at her confusion.
“I told the truth, well mostly the truth anyways. I just tweaked a few details.”
”Like what!?” she practically screams in anxiety.
“The person I killed at the end, he wasn’t the actual killer.”
”Then who-“ You give her a wink and finish grooming yourself. ”That’s just evil.”
“When you’re in my kind of work family has a tendency to get in the way. I just dealt with the problem myself.”
There’s a knock at the door which Chrysalis answers. You hear voices, but can’t discern the words. ”Your escort is here Anon.”
“Coming!” you shout down to her. Two pegasi clad in golden armor stand in the doorway guarding a chariot. “My personal transport, how kind. Good to meet you gentlemen.”
”Are you ready to depart sir?”
“Yes I am. Sophie, please remember to feed the animals while I’m gone, I’d hate for them to get hungry. Shall we?”
You board the chariot and take off without hesitation. You must be late, not like it’s your fault. The clouds thicken upon your ascent, blurring your vision. When you pop above the layer of fog you’re greeted by a brilliant view. The sun, now a vibrant hue of orange and red, shimmers valiantly in the sky as it descends. “Never stay inner city…”
”Excuse me?”
“Nothing sir, just admiring the view.” The flight itself is uneventful, no one to talk to but yourself. You tried to converse with the guards, but they just wanted to get back to Canterlot in peace. Fair enough. They appreciate the nature of silence as do you. One seldom has time alone with their thoughts these days it seems. You break through another block of fluff Canterlot lying behind it. You always wanted to visit a castle.
The chariot swoops over the courtyard adorned with various statues and vegetation. ”Watch your step.” You cautiously step out of the chariot, taking their advice.
“So could you be so kind as to direct me to where I will be meeting the Princess.”
”Follow us.” That’d be a yes. You’re led through the main gate of the castle and into the greeting hall. A line of ponies wait their turn to speak to the Princess who sits at the end of the hall. You settle in behind them and wait.
The princess notices you and nods to the guards. ”This way sir.” Even better, a private audience. ”The princess will be with you shortly.”
“Thank you gentlemen.” They close the door, likely standing just outside. It does make you wonder when Twilight was going to tell you about all this. You decide to poke around and see what you can find. You sift through her drawers most of which are filled to the brim with old scrolls and quills. Does she not have anything of substance here?
Scouring the room proves fruitless. Nothing of value is stored within these chamber walls. A latch sounds at the door and you scurry back to the sofa. The princess steps inside the chamber greeting you with a warm smile. ”Good evening Anonymous.”
You bow, “Evening your majesty, you may address me as Anon if you wish.”
”And you may call me Celestia. Please, take a seat.” Celestia sits across from you.
“Busy day I imagine. That many people lined up to see you that is.”
”Not as busy as it seems. I mainly serve to advise, not to rule, and so they seek my counsel.”
“Why? I don’t mean to take offense, but I would assume others are more in tune with their situation.”
”There may be, but 1000 years of guidance puts weight to my words.”
“Understandable, with age comes wisdom.”
”Do you not doubt me?” she asks in surprise.
“You’re not a liar Celestia, I can see it in your eyes.”
”Hmm, you are an interesting man Mr. Anon, that I can see within you.”
“Please Celestia, you slay me.” The tension in the air dissipates putting you both at ease.
”So tell me, as the newest arrival to Equestria how does it compare to your homeland?”
“I wish I was raised here to be honest. The land and experience are both breathtaking; I would choose this land in a heartbeat, though Sophie may feel differently.”
“Ah yes, your companion. How is she?”
“She’s doing well. It’s good to have her here; she’s one in a million I’ll tell you.”
”I’m sure she is. Back to your stay…” she changes the subject.
“There’s not much else to say. I enjoy the peaceful atmosphere; it’s a refreshing change of pace.”
”Really? Twilight doesn’t seem to think so.” Ms. Sabotage is at it again. ”Ponyville is not as quiet as it used to be I’ve heard.” You should have known this would come up.
“Yes, with the disappearances and such. Troubling times…”
”You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that would you?”
“Only as much as the next person. I hope to stay out of this wretched business.”
”As would I Anon, as would I.” The two of you get off of the subject, instead speaking of other Equestrian affairs. For a land of peace she sure knows a lot about waging war. She’s wise, cunning and powerful. The deadly trio you so admire. ”Will you stay for dinner? Since Twilight left I have found myself low on company.”
“I don’t want to intrude…”
”Don’t be absurd you are my guest, and shall be treated as such.” Why the hell not? It’s not like you have anything better to do.
“Lead the way,” you cheerfully reply. The dining hall is just as extravagant as the rest of the castle from the floor to the drapes. Celestia sits at the end beside you. A guard walks beside here and whispers something to her. ”Handle it with care, no need to overreact.” He nods and trots off.
“What was that about?”
”Just more little things I’m asked to sort out, nothing to be concerned with.”
“I’ll take your word on that.”
A waiter rests several platters before you both. You both serve yourselves and dig in. ”How is it? Is it to your liking?”
“The chef’s choice of dressing was a bit off. A simple vinaigrette would have better suited the salad than the presented louis. Also-“ You realize you’re being far too critical and quiet down. You’re a guest after all.
”I’ll be sure to let him know.” She doesn’t express any disdain for your criticism. It’s probably for the best.
“So… will your sister be joining us? If she’s anything like you then we should get along famously.”
”She has duties to attend to. Even so, she doesn’t like to mingle with others. She hasn’t been the same since she returned.” She was the one pony you actually wanted to meet. How disappointing.
“Banishment has a tendency to change people.”
”Indeed.” You continue your conversation on and off as time goes on, but soon it comes time for you to leave. ”It has been a pleasure. However, before you go may I ask a favor?”
“Anything Celestia.”
“The Grand Galloping Gala is coming up in a few months, and I would appreciate it if you could attend.”
“Of course. It would be a privilege to attend, and I assume my friends will be joining as well.”
”Yes yes, I’ll send a ticket for both you and Sophie sometime tomorrow. Good night.”
“To you as well Princess.” You bow and show yourself out.
You embrace the wind as you exit, absorbing the night’s natural beauty. The moon stares down at you, gracing the land below. The guards have yet to return to the chariot so you wait inside. Crickets chirp away and ponies settle in their homes. You close your eyes and hum quietly to yourself. If only this could last forever. ”Who goes there!?” Well fuck me sideways.
A rattling shakes you off of the chariot and onto your back. You spring up and ready yourself against… your… attacker? Her sparkling mane sways in the wind, her blue eyes peeled on you. Your stance melts at the sight, her beauty rivaling nature itself. “I’m um- M-my name is Anon, your majesty.”
”I do not know of you. What is your business here?”
“I had a uh- meeting with the princess. I was just a-about to leave.” Talk clearly you idiot. Stop acting like a buffoon.
”You are that Anon?” she lowers her tone. “We- I recall you now. Celestia spoke of you.” You try to say something, but no words come to fruition. It’s uncanny. ”Why do you remain while your business is done?” This you can at least answer.
“I’m waiting for the guards to return me home. They have yet to do so.”
”The patrols have shifted, no one will be returning.” At least someone tells me. ”Perhaps, I could take you?”
You feel like someone drove a steamroller over your chest, but in a good way. “W-what about your duties? Celestia said-“
”I can watch the moon as we go. Do you accept?”
“Yes! I mean, thank you Princess Luna.”
She doesn’t say anything, let alone express any emotion you can comprehend. Her horn shimmers as she generates another chariot, this one fitting her prestige, two guards already tied in and ready to go. She boards the craft, “Are you coming or not?” You leap aboard and sit across from her as the chariot takes off back home.
You haven’t felt like this since… well you’ve never felt like this. You feel giddy, is that the right word? It doesn’t sound right, how about ecstatic? That’s not it either. What the hell is the word? Luna keeps her eye on the moon, not giving you a second thought. “Thanks again, you’re a life savor.” She doesn’t respond, still staring at the moon. Did you say something wrong?
She doesn’t act like anyone you know, like she’s off in another world. Is that how people see you? “Excuse me Luna, may I ask you something?” She merely humphs at you in response. “Why are you helping me? Why are you even here at all, you could have just got some guards to take me back?”
She finally looks back to you, “You wanted me to.” The reader just got read.
“Did you want to?” She looks away again and doesn’t reply. “You won’t hurt my feelings, just tell me the truth.”
”I did not.”
That was unexpected. Oh, ok… Turns out you were the liar. You lean back and look overhead to the sky. “The night always had a certain tranquility about it, wouldn’t you agree? I remember the first time I looked at the night’s sky. I laid back and watched it, just watched, all the way until daybreak. It was worth every second.” The stars dance across the sky, shifting playfully with one another.
”I remember it as well.” You sit back up to look at Luna. ”It was that day I learned about my gift.” Her horn glows and the stars continue their dance. ”The grace and wonder captivated me as a child, and does so to this very day…”
Perhaps you both had more in common than you thought. The chariot shifts as it descends back to the ground, right in front of your home. You slowly exit the chariot and look back to Luna. “I had hoped we could talk more Princess.”
”I as well.”
“Maybe- If you’re not too busy, we could speak again sometime.”
”I think I would like that.” Her chariot rises back into the air as you both wave your goodbyes.
You open the door, your mind clearing back to normal. You could hear Chrysalis upstairs in the bedroom. “How was Canterlot? Did they finally finish repairing that castle of theirs?”
“It was beautiful…” She could tell something was off.
”Ok Anon, spill the beans, what did you do?”
“Nothing, nothing at all.”
She isn’t sated by your answer, but drops it regardless. You slip into bed until she’s fast asleep. Once you’re certain she is you creep out of bed and onto the balcony. You sit down in the chair and relax. The night seems brighter than it was when you entered the house. You’re calmer than ever before, comfortable in the knowledge that whenever you looked towards the night’s sky… Luna was as well…
“Anon. Anon!” Chrysalis smacks you against the head to get your attention.
“Yes?”
”Are we going to do this or what?”
“Yeah, just give me a second.”
”Get your head in the game. There’s no room for hesitation remember?” You remember, but it’s easier said than done. You slip through the back door and signal Chrysalis not to follow. She’s seen enough of your work to know how it goes. Your mind turns back to the situation at hand. The target should still be asleep at this time, so this should be a quick in and out. You grab a knife out of her kitchen, taking a souvenir. Quietly, you move up the stairs and towards her room.
As predicted she’s sound asleep in bed. You move up beside her and kneel down to eye level. Her eyes flicker, still deep into her trance. You bring the blade down to her neck, ready to end her if things turn south. In this light she almost looks like… Luna? You shake your head and withdraw the blade, the girl back to normal. The hell has been wrong with you lately?
You turn away and exit the room, slamming the knife into the door. You make no move to silence your footsteps. Chrysalis is still waiting outside when you return. ”Well?” she asks when she sees you empty-handed.
“Not today.”
”If not now then when?”
“Whenever I feel like it!” Still fuming you walk back home with Chrysalis. It’s definitely not like you to lose your temper, or spare someone of their fate. Both brought worry to Chrysalis. You close the door and pour yourself a glass of water. The trembling returns like a plague, your hand shaking violently. You slam it upon the counter cleansing the annoying condition.
”So are you going to tell me what’s wrong?” You’ve been avoiding her as much as possible the last few months, and today’s event has only exacerbated the issue.
“Nothing is wrong.”
”Don’t give me that. You haven’t exactly been yourself lately you know. You barely eat, you don’t sleep, you haven’t been back to our hidey-hole since Canterlot. You barely talk to me, you lost your temper and failed to finish that lady off, and now your shakes are back as well. I’ll ask you again, what’s wrong?” There’s no easy way to say this, both to her and yourself.
“I- I want out.”
”Come again?” she asks in disbelief. You would have said the same thing in her place.
“I don’t want to do this anymore.”
”You can’t just stop like this.” You never could pass up a challenge.
“Really? Watch me.” As quickly as you came in you rushed back out with Chrysalis on your tail.
”Where do you think you’re going?”
“To make things right as much as I can.”
”Please Anon think about what you’re doing.” Oh you have thought. You’ve thought long and hard about this day. You thought you could have done this forever, but you were wrong.
“Some things you just have to let go.” The streets remain barren as you make your way out of town. You undo the latch and swing open the rusted cellar door. What horrors lie within due to you? You flick on the light and enter the tomb. The groans of its patrons catch your ear the deeper you go. The pungent stench of decay makes you want to gag. You don’t waste anymore time than you have to in this revolting place.
You step over Martin’s corpse and toward Thunder and Loyal. “I’m sorry.” You grab a pipe and strike hard against their skulls. They fall unconscious as you move towards the others. Every blow took a load off of your shoulders. You didn’t enjoy this anymore; the brutality was too much for you now. How could you have ever done this?
The room falls silent, the occasional faucet drip echoing around the room. ”You’re going to regret this.”
“I already have.” You want a clean slate, more than someone like you deserved. You drag the bodies of those still living outside and onto the grass. The taste of freedom is sweet, a flavor they soon shall taste.
”Are you really going to do this?” You had painted of picture of yourself only to burn it down in front of her.
“It’s time I did something good with my life.” You toss a bucket of water onto the mess of ponies. Thunder was the first to awaken, his weakened muscles struggling at his restraints.
”Where am I?” he weakly mutters drawing on the last of his strength.
“You’re safe,” replying in a deeper voice, masking your true self, “Do you remember what happened?”
”Where’s Loyal? Is she alright?”
”Thunder?” Loyal awoke right on cue.
He crawls over to Loyal and embraces her, both still blind to the outside world. ”It’s ok baby. It’s all going to be ok.” The other follow suit and regain consciousness. You almost feel like crying… almost.
“Do any of you remember what happened here?” They all struggle to recall the events, but none can do so. “Ponyville is merely a short walk away; you’ll be able to make it there on your own.”
”Please. Help us.” You rub your forehead and walk off.
“I already have.”
The guilt floods back into your mind just as you knew it would. They felt pain unlike anything else in the world; this is a small price to pay in return. ”I hope you’re happy about this. What if one of them identifies you?”
“I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. For now, I just want to relax.”
”And what about tonight? Are you calling that off as well?”
“Even if I didn’t, I couldn’t bring myself to harm her.”
”We planned for this for months and for what?! You’re not the person I thought you were.”
“I wasn’t a person at all.” The walk back home was a silent one. Chrysalis disapproved of your new decisions. “You better get ready to go. We still have a Gala to attend.”
”What’s the point, if we’re not going to kill her then why go at all?”
“I promised Celestia I would go, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. So suit up.” She scoffs at you and heads up the stairs. You better do the same, but your suit isn’t actually ready yet. You decide to get to Rarity’s boutique so you can check on its progress. “Rarity, you in there?”
You hear several voices inside, but no distinct reply. The door opens revealing your friends within. ”Howdy Anon, how do I look?”
“Fantastic. You all do.”
”Well shucks you might outshine us all with that fancy suit Rarity’s been slaving over.” You give a big hug to everyone, embracing the new you.
”What in Equestria are you thinking? Don’t ruffle the dresses.”
“Hello to you too Rarity.”
”You must take care of your actions. Those dresses are fresh clean, and well- you’re not.”
“I apologize, how uncouth of me. Is my suit ready?”
”I need to make some finishing touches, but you won’t be laying a hand on it until you freshen up.”
“Never change Miss Rarity.”
”Would you have me any other way?” You laugh and go to the washroom. The shower does little to mask the voices of the mane 6. This is the second Gala they’ll be attending, and they’re making sure to stick together this time around. As long as you get to see Luna you’ll be happy. You’ve only communicated through letter, something which you swore Spike to secrecy. A letter was one thing, but you really want to see her again. Just a glimpse would be enough. The shakes slowly return, but you’re able to suppress them. For now at least.
Killing has been like a drug for you, always needing a bigger hit to keep the drive going. Turns out the shakes are your side-effect. While they’re not as bad as most you’ve seen, they’re troubling nonetheless. The first few weeks were the hardest, but you’ve slowly gained more control over it. You don’t know if they’ll ever completely dissipate, but only time will tell. You dry yourself off clean as can be. Seems Rarity came up while you were daydreaming and hung the suit just outside the washroom. It’s a typical suit like those a business man would wear, but it came from Rarity and that’s what makes it special.
You tuck in the tie and regroup with your friends. ”Why Anon, you look positively dashing.”
“I can only do so much, thank you truly.”
”What else are friends for?” You all head to the train station, meeting with the disguised Chrysalis along the way. She greeted us and boarded the train, not at all in the best of moods. This didn’t get in your way of having a good time though. This was the first night of the new you, and you weren’t going to waste it.
The ride to Canterlot took longer than the chariot, but enough to make leaving early worth it. “So what’s the plan for the evening ladies? Dance the night away? Drink till you drop?”
”We don’t really have a plan. We made that mistake the last Gala we attended, and it turned into a disaster,” Twilight says.
”Now we’re just going to do what feels right. Though I may squeeze in some time with the Wonderbolts…” Rainbow follows up.
“What about you Anon?” Fluttershy asks, “What are your plans?”
“I hope to meet someone there.”
The train stops and the eight of you walk to the party. “Anyone we know?” Pinkie Pie questions.
“Maybe…” you answer with a grin on your face. Wrong answer to give Pinkie. She rattles on with different ponies she knows, trying to guess who it is. “No, no and guess what? No.”
”You’re no fun Anon. Give me a hint at least?”
“No,” you say giving her a bear hug.
The entrance to the Gala was heavily guarded on approach. The others flash their tickets and proceed through the checkpoint. When you flash your ticket however the guards pull you aside. ”You better behave yourself in there.” As far as you know you hadn’t offended anyone. ”I heard you can be quite the party animal,” he jokes and sends you on your way. You laugh and enter the grounds. At least he was half right.
Most of the guests hadn’t arrived yet, leaving the castle mostly empty. You hang out with the others, keeping an eye out for Luna. More guests started to flow in and soon the grounds became crowded with hundreds of ponies. ”Any sign of your mystery girl Anon?” Rainbow asks.
“Not yet,” you sigh in disappointment.
”Well you don’t have to stick with us all night. Go and find her,” Twilight declares.
“You guys don’t mind?” They shake their heads giving you all the approval you needed. Sophie excused herself as well, trying to stealthily tail you. She still needed to work on the stealth department. You didn’t mind though, you could lose her if you wanted, but she’ll lose interest soon enough. The VIP section housed many of the Wonderbolts, which didn’t surprise you when Luna wasn’t there. You entered the main hall, Luna not there either. Even the garden was devoid of her presence.
You searched every crevice of this blasted party and to no avail. If she was here then she was hiding from you, and that’s not who she is. The orchestra hit their slow song at the wrong time, making you sink further into depression. The one night you had an excuse to see her and she’s nowhere in sight. Wait a minute. Just ask Celestia where she is, they are sisters after all. With renewed vigor you head to Celestia at the entrance hall.
The line goes further than the eye can see, mainly because of the door blocking your sight. Thankfully, you’re not at the back of the line and can talk to her whenever you damn well please. Celestia is busily greeting the approaching ponies as you stand beside her. ”Well hello there- ‘Nice to meet you’ Anon how is ‘Pleasure to meet you’ the Gala?”
“Good, can I ask you something?”
”Of course,” she says pausing the next pony. You whisper into her ear so no one else can listen in. This isn’t a topic you really want others to hear. ”No need to be embarrassed Anon, you can speak plainly.”
“I’d rather not cause gossip.” She nods her head understanding your concern.
”I will be back in a moment,” she says to her line of subjects. The two of you head into the backroom where you can talk in private.
“So… do you know where she is?”
She appears amused at your insistence. ”And why do you wish to know exactly?”
“I um- I want to talk to her.”
”Talk? To Luna? I already told you about how she is.”
“I know what you said it’s just…” A smile grows across her face.
”You met her after we talked didn’t you?”
“Yes ma’am I did.”
”Interesting. Tell me Anon, what is it about her that captured your attention so?” There are so many things you could say, but none breach your lips >The more you try and voice them the further the words appear. She giggles at your predicament, “She doesn’t attend the Gala you know, no time for it she says. Your heart drops, the only thing you wanted out of reach. ”She’ll be at the top of the observatory watching the night’s sky.”
Your embrace startles her, but she accepts it. “Thank you Princess Celestia. Thank you.”
”You shouldn’t keep her waiting,” she says sharing your happiness. You pull out of the hug and regain your composure.
“Umm, which way to the observatory?”
”Up the stairs, down the hall and it’s the second door from the end. Luna should be at the top.”
“I won’t forget this,” you say leaving the room. You immediately head up the stairs, following Celestia’s instructions to the letter. Two guards stop you as you reach the top only to back down at Celestia’s request. Twice in the same night, how nice can you get? Ok, down the hall second door from the end. Sophie doesn’t seem to be following you anymore. Just one less thing you have to worry about. The rest of the guards don’t give you any trouble and let you pass on unhindered. The shakes come back full force, slowing you down considerably. You reach the door and pull yourself through.
You start up the stairs, but the trembling keeps your pace slow. You give your leg a hard punch, the pain subduing your condition for now. The stairs are no longer much of an obstacle as you fly up them with ease. You eventually reach the top, the tower opening up into a vast chamber. Star constellations line the walls along with various maps of Equestria. A large glass sliding glass door is located at the far end, Luna standing just outside. Any remaining shakes dissipate at her calming sight.
You slide open the door quietly and stand outside. The wind is extra chilly up here, but it doesn’t bother either of you. ”It’s a beautiful night wouldn’t you agree?”
“Most certainly Luna.” You walk next to her, both of you captivated by the stars.
”How does such a thing come into creation?”
“Only something of equal beauty could conjure such a feat.” Your compliment doesn’t go unnoticed, as you earn a small smile in return. “How have things been princess?”
”Things are good. Better than they’ve been for a while.” You hope you’re the reason for that. ”It’s nice to talk plainly to someone who is not my sister, and even then…”
“I can’t say I understand. Being a single child I never did have anyone to talk to besides my parents.
”And even that isn’t enough after a while.”
“Exactly.”
“Anything interesting happen tonight?”
”Besides the party? No.”
“Celestia said you never actually attend the Gala. Why, may I ask?”
”Before I became Nightmare Moon,” you could see she didn’t like to think about it, “it was because I was always so busy.”
“She said you thought it was a waste of time.”
”Now… Nobody would want me there even if I wanted to go.”
“That’s not true.”
”Really? Then who are the people that do? I’ll always be Nightmare Moon to them.”
“What about Celestia or Twilight? I’m sure they would want you to go.
”They don’t care, not really. I’m just ‘there.’ They barely acknowledge me unless I address them, and sometimes not even then.” Those were your only two answers for her. She wasn’t lying when she said people saw her as Nightmare Moon still. In fact Twilight and Celestia never brought her up in conversation. The only time Twilight did was when she talked about Nightmare Moon, which brings you back to square one. She’s so isolated, and it’s not even her choice anymore.
“How about me?”
”I doubt you even want me to go.” Engage Hugbox 2.0
“You’re the only reason I attended this event at all.”
”Celestia requested you to go. Try again.”
“I waited for you down there. I waited for you to show up. When you didn’t, I searched on my own.”
She fixes her gaze away from you in defiance, ”I’m sure…”
“Every nook and cranny of that party was searched. I spared no expense on my investigation; it was only when I asked Celestia did she tell me where you were.”
”Really?” she asked, cheeks slightly blushed.
“You’re the only reason I wanted to come here Luna. I don’t know why, but it is. I’m a new person thanks to you.”
She lowers her head, “Is that really true?” You drape your arm over her and hug her.
“I will never lie to you.”
The two of you say nothing after as no words need to be said. Instead you enjoy the nightly silence, admire the simplicity of the night. You rub gingerly at her neck no longer caring for the intricate details of the flesh. All you needed to know is that it was her, the person you cared about most in all of Equestria. Time seems to stand still when you’re with her. A phrase comes to mind, one you’ve wanted to tell her for a while, but only now could you find the words. “Luna.”
”Yes Anon.”
“I think I lov-“
”Mr. Anonymous!” A voice startles you both as you whirl around. A small contingent of guards blocks the doorway.
“Ummm, yes. What seems to be the problem?”
”Turn around and put your hands behind your back. You’re under arrest.” You do as they say, the restraints bound tight against your hands. It’s likely just a prankster pulling your leg.
“And what exactly are the charges?
”You are charged with Assault, Kidnapping, Obstruction of Justice, Murder and Conspiracy to commit murder.” Oh… well then… You try and stay calm under the pressure, but this is a new experience for you. You’re not used to actually getting caught. You took every measure to do the exact opposite. There’s no way you’ll get locked up, you are- were too good for that.
The commotion seems to have brought the party to an abrupt end, the patrons staring at you with their judging eyes. No snarky comments this time, it’s best not to offend anyone right now. The guards force you on your knees with Celestia towering above you.
”Anonymous,” she bellows to the crowd, “You have been charged with-“
“I know what my charges are, you can skip that part.”
”How do you plea?”
“Not guilty,” you reply. You’ll still lie to get out of jail, that’s nothing new.
”As you wish. Bring them…” The guard exits, only to return with a familiar tangent of ponies with him. ”Is this the man who attacked you, and committed unspeakable crimes against you?”
”This is the one,” each pony says in turn. Perhaps you should have hit them harder…
”That will be all,” she says as they’re led out of the chamber, “You are hereby guilty of multiple charges of Assault and Kidnapping. The stares of the guests bore into your back, all well justified.
Twilight rushes to your aid, “Princess please, they must be mistaken. Anon would never-
”Twilight. You asked Anonymous for his help in your investigation did you not?”
“Yes I did, but-“
”And did he not ‘aid’ you in the investigation?”
”Yes bu-“
”Therefore you are guilty of Obstruction of Justice, and so… Moving onto the final charges…” This is turning out just fucking grand. It is the Gala after all. ”The murder of one Martin Speartan, and the conspiracy to murder one member of royalty… me.” Well at least she has no proof there, and there’s no way-
”Your accomplice, Sophie, filled me in on the details. Every little detail of what you did to him, and every plan you made against me.” That bitch! She got herself in shit as well. How could she be so stupid? Everything, all of it could be defended if not for her fucking testimony. ”Do you change your plea?”
You look around, the faces now those of disgust. Even your friends can’t bear to look at you. The crowd parts as Luna walks up to you. She’s about to lose the only person who really cared for her, it can’t be easy. ”You told me you would never lie to me Anon. Is that right?”
“I said that yes.”
”Then tell me, did you commit the crimes charged against you?” She looks you dead in the eye, knowing the answer without having said a word. She knows, and that’s all that matters to you. You suck in your pride and answer. “
Yes.” A few gasps fill the room, Luna walking away from you forever. Celestia still towers above you, but is she… happy?
“Anon, you are hereby banished from the lands of Equestria,” a guard places a gag in your mouth as you try to speak. ”For the crimes committed, as heard by all those here today, you are to be forsaken of your livelihood, and cast back into the realm of which you belong.” You look back up at her trying to comprehend your situation. ”I had hopes for you Anonymous, but it seems they will never come true.” You thrash about in desperation only for a guard to buck strike you against the head. The force knocks something loose as you begin to drift off.
Celestia’s eyes flash a vibrant green, the tips of her mouth flaring slightly. That… Bitch… You fall to the floor, her demonic eyes still staring at you.
Chapter 6: The Forgotten Realm
You groan as you hold your head, still throbbing from the guard’s assault. Your entire body feels like you were tossed into a trash compactor and left out to dry. Your eyes flicker open, greeted by the dry grey soil on which you rested. It’s not like that of which you’ve seen in Equestria, this is far too… dead. Pulling your remaining strength together you manage to sit up. This land is far too dead.
Rolling hills fill your view though not a single blade of grass graces its tops. The air is stale and the subtle scent of decay and ash hangs about it. Not even the sky has been spared. It’s dark enough to be night, but no stars can be seen in the sky, just an over looming sense of dread. Riff wasn’t this dead in its later years. “Where the hell am I?”
A howl rings through the planes and over the hills. Turns out being quiet is the best course of action in this land, wherever this is. You get into a stance and reach for your knife, still hidden safely in the sole of your shoe. The howls get closer and you have nowhere to hide, just more open ground. A silhouette appears at the top of the hill, its blood red eyes staring you down. It licks its lips before howling and charging at you.
You can’t get a good look at it before you dodge out of the way. You roll back up and face the creature, blade ready. It hisses and dives again at you. It predicts your movement and intercepts your roll, landing atop you. ”Dammit Anon! At least put up a challenge.” That voice, why is it familiar? He digs his claws into your chest and throws you across the field. “I plan to bring you into the next life, but I’m a good sport and I’ll give you a chance to fight back.”
That sounds like something you would say. You make your way back to your feet when you realize it. That is what you said, word for fucking word. This couldn’t be him though; he wasn’t this strong or fast. His body… it’s too warped to be him. It’s not possible. He turns to you and lowers his head ready to charge again. ”The filly-fiddler wants to play!”
You barely have time to blink before he crashes into you again. ”Come now Anon, don’t waste my time.” You cough up a bit of blood as he tosses you off of him. He’d be down by now if you were fully recovered. He hovers above you in an act of superiority. ”I tend to be better at reading people, but there’s always an exception,” he cackles. You join him in his laughter giving him pause for thought.
“Don’t you remember,” you ask driving the knife into him, “Never let your guard down.” He releases a gurgling howl, blood pouring into his throat. The knife does little from stopping him as he tosses you aside again. “Why do you guys always throw us around instead of finishing us? I never got that.”
Your knife is still thrust into his underside leaving you weaponless. Oh well, your starting to feel a bit better now, cracked ribs beside the point. “You’re going to pay for this!” he screams and charges you again.
“You’ve got heart, I’ll give you that.”
He comes barreling in again full force. You don’t sidestep this time, instead meeting his charge full force. He ducks out of the way allowing you to grab him by the mane. It doesn’t take much to pin him back down. You tear the blade from under him and raise it in the air. “Hypocrites always pay… the worst…
Tarlike blood seeps from his wound, his body twitching under your force. You had tried to get away from all of this, and look at where you are. Back at square one, ready to tear him down once more. You lower the blade not wanting to head down that dark path once more. If you waver at all, then all would have been for not. You stand up and walk away, leaving the diseased Martin to his fate. Wrong move apparently.
Martin grapples onto your back and bites deep into your shoulder. Taking your free hand you grip him by the mane and toss him over you. “I gave you chance, and you had to piss it away.” You grab him by the neck and twist as hard as you can. The shattering of his bones scrapes against your ears. Why couldn’t he have just left you alone? You sit down, the adrenaline wearing off sooner than expected.
What could have turned Martin into this thing? His hooves were replaced by menacing talons sharpened for maximum carnage. Only bits of his skin remain, the rest covered in a dark chitinous material protecting him. Thankfully his underside was vulnerable and allowed you to wound him. Those red eyes of his… indescribable. The soul may have been him, but the body is not his own. Blood seeps down your arm, the tingle turning your situation to yourself.
You wrap up the wound with your tie and start walking. Not in any particular direction though, anywhere is better than here. If Martin was this troublesome then you’re worried about what else is here. You wander aimlessly across the plains, a light drizzle of rain dampening the ground. You still have to find out where here is for that matter. Another howl rocks through the plains, followed by several more. You can’t seem to catch a break.
You sprint away as fast as you can, cradling your wounded shoulder. You’ll lose in a straight up fight. Martin was a hassle to take on, and if there were more of him… The very thought is troubling. It doesn’t take long for the deformed beings to catch up with you. You make out a vast lake at the bottom of the hill. With no other choice you slide down taking care not to injure yourself further.
You’re about half-way down when you lose your balance and begin rolling uncontrollably. The pursuers laugh menacingly at your suffering as you continue spiraling down. When you finally reach the bottom you’re shoulder is torn to shreds, now gushing blood. They circle you debating who gets the first bite. You crawl towards the lake with your uninjured arm, a last ditch effort before the inevitable. ”Where do you think you’re going?”
You’re at the water’s edge when it thrusts its claws into your back. ”We’re going to have some fun with you.” It laps up your blood, reveling in its taste. ”You’re just delicious aren’t you? I think I’ll take my time with this one.”
”Leave some for us; I haven’t tasted fresh meat in a millennia.”
“You won’t get- *cough* the chance.” You rise up and kick him off, crawling towards the lake.
”I like my food with a little fight in it.” He wraps his claws around your foot and pulls back, your fingers digging helplessly into the dirt. He flings you overtop and onto your back. You’re nothing anymore just a broken shell of your former self. The creature moves overtop of you, your blood dripping from his teeth. ”This won’t hurt… at least not for me,” he says grinding his claws in your chest.
You close your eyes accepting death’s approach. A warm liquid splashes your face followed by a pained howl. ”GAH! YOU!” An arrow sticks out of the creature’s eye and he reels back, distancing himself from you. Another arrow whizzes through the air striking him in the side. One of his pack members falls beside you, someone clubbing him over and over again. The rest of the pack retreats leaving you and their comrade behind.
A pony, the one who brought down the other creature, says something to you, but you can’t hear. You try to move, but the loss of blood makes it almost impossible. She drags you off as you slip back into unconsciousness. You find no rest however, plagued with images of Her. That damned smile… those eyes… That deceptive vixen… She’ll pay dear for her betrayal.
”Burn it, we don’t need that thing attracting more of them.”
”I know Flavus, it just looks so… good.”
”Dapper if you don’t do as he says I won’t hesitate to take you down.” You look at the three individuals huddled around a small fire, a unicorn holding your blood-soaked tie.
”You wouldn’t do that to me.”
”Wanna bet?” the earth pony replies picking up her club.
You find the strength to speak up, “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” The three of them turn to you before continuing their argument.
”Don’t test us Dapper.” The griffon says with authority.
”Can’t even take a joke,” he mutters tossing the tie into the fire. They don’t look like the others you’ve seen. Instead they’re fairly normal, just paler than you expected. The female pony comes over and inspects your condition. Your shoulder seems to have healed, though it left a nasty scar. You probably have to thank the unicorn for the patch-up.
”He’s good to go boss.”
”Roger, pack up your stuff we’re leaving.”
“Hey wait a minute,” you say getting up, “I need some answers.”
”You can ask on the way, but for now try and keep up.”
“No I want answers and I want them now.” The griffon looks around, his team still getting their stuff packed. ”Fine, but hurry it up time is of the essence.” At least neither of you like to waste time, that’s a good thing.
“Who are you people?”
”The name’s Flavus, those two are Dapper and Winter.” That’s descriptive.
“My name’s-“
”Anonymous, we heard. It’s not everyday someone like you joins us here.”
“You say here. Where exactly is here?”
”You don’t know? Didn’t they tell you before sticking you in here?”
“I wouldn’t be asking if I knew.”
He chuckles and moves out with his group.”Well let me be the first to welcome you to our humble abode... The realm of Tartarus.”
Tartarus? That’s impossible, you’re not dead. There’s no way that’s right.You follow them, catching up with Flavus. “I think you made a mistake. I can’t be dead, it’s just not possible.”
“Trust me kid, I’ve been here a long time, but you’re right about one thing. You’re not dead.” His words ring true and puts a name to this place, but it doesn’t make you feel any better.
“So you’re all- umm dead?”
”As a doornail, but don’t fret. We’re just as lively as the next soul.” You four stroll across the coast line. This place sucks the beauty out of the very land. The water itself appears sapped of its livelihood. “
I never did get the chance to thank you all for helping me back there. I don’t know where I’d be if you didn’t show up.”
”In the bellies of those starving abominations,” Winter replies.
“Abominations?”
Dapper rolls his eyes at your apparent lack of knowledge. ”Those creatures they killed to save your ass,” Dapper clarifies. “That’s what we call them at least.”
“I understand what she was referring to, but what are they exactly?”
”Souls of the damned, creatures of hate who have fallen to their inner hunger.”
”They stalk these lands, hunting down anything that looks appetizing.” You come across the remains of a caravan, bits and pieces scattered around. ”You’re up Anon, go check it out.”
“Why do I have to do it?”
”I knew he was a chicken, we should have left him there Flavus.”
”And I should have let you get torn apart when I first met you Winters. I’ve got your back Anon, don’t worry.” Not having any other choice you scour through the remnants, hand on your knife. You look in the wagon, the previous owner splattered throughout. A rattling disturbs the cabin trying to throw you out. You hear a snarl on the outside, the abomination slashes at the exterior panels.
“Where’s my backup?!” you shout back to them with no response. Guess you’re on your own. You reach for the shadow as it passes over you and pull it inside. The creature goes into a frenzy and frantically claws at you. You wait for it to tire out before slamming your knife in its stomach.
It squeals in pain as you drive it deeper into its body eventually striking its heart. You withdraw, your arm coated with the black goop, leaving the dead creature in the cabin. You’re greeted by an applause as you leave the wagon.
”Congratulations, seems you weren’t as unprepared as we thought.”
“This was a test!?” you yell in anger.
”We had to be sure you could keep up. It’s not everyday that-“ His ears perk up suddenly cutting him off. You swing around using the momentum to throw the knife as hard as you can. This is followed by an arrow, both of which pierce the stalking creature. It falls off the wagon twitching uncontrollably. You curb stomp the creature and wipe its blood off on your jeans. You’ll end up like your old self in no time. ”Nice throw,” Flavus says stowing his bow. “Where’d you learn to do that?”
“Everyone has their secrets.” You especially… Your group makes camp for the night, not like you could tell, this place is always bleak. This ragtag group of yours is more interesting than they let on. “So what’s your story?”
”Story?”
“What got you here? You don’t seem to be typical citizens, so what happened?” They don’t seem to want to talk about it which only makes you more interested. “I’m not leaving here anytime soon so come on, throw me a bone here.”
”Alright then,” Dapper speaks up, “I was an arcane scholar working off the eastern coast. I was researching some ruins submerged under the sea; turns out I should have stayed on shore.”
“What happened?”
”The cave collapsed, trapping me and my team inside. It didn’t take long for air to run low. After that I woke up here, I would have died long ago if I hadn’t found Flavus and Winter. About 100 years later here I am.”
“That’s one down, how about you two?”
”Mother of two,” Winter follows up, “We lived near the Everfree forest.” You don’t like where this is going. ”My children wandered off one day while I was sleeping. They never came back. I searched for years before I finally gave up. I couldn’t live with that…”
“That must have been horrible.”
”Not as horrible as finding them here, warped and twisted like the others. I couldn’t let them continue like that. Flavus found me fighting off the rest of their pack. He saved my life. 76 years I’ve been here.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. How about you?” you ask Flavus who’s nursing his bow.
”427 years, give or take,” he replies nonchalantly, scrapping off dried patches of blood from his weapon.
“Oddly specific.”
”I was a commander in the army, battle-field promotion. My squad was tasked to defend a small settlement from the local wildlife. Easy enough job on paper.”
“What happened?”
“Manticores, an entire herd of them came rampaging through. My CO was the first one down, putting me in command. I managed to bring down one or two before getting snatched. Woke up, wandered around hunting down those hellspawn.” He finally looks up to you questionably, “And what about you Mr.Curious? Tell us something about you.”
“It’s a long story.”
”Well we’re not dying anytime soon.” You laugh the tension leaving you. You don’t know how they’ll react to your story, but fuck it you’ll be dead soon anyways.” The night drags on, your story enthralling the others as you continued. You talked about Chrysalis, Martin, all the things you’ve done, Luna, everything. Sounds like a shitty fanfic now that you think about it. ”Well… that’s new.”
“All this talk has gotten me hungry.”
“Speaking of that, what did you mean when you said hunger before?
”The hunger, that insatiable need to feed. It’s not one of our prouder attributes.”
Winter continues for Flavus, “It’s our inner evil, the one that resides within us all.”
”If you give in to that evil you become one of them. The abominations.”
It’s a wonder how they could make it for so long, living with that type of temptation, “But you guys don’t have to feed right?”
”We wouldn’t be talking right now if we couldn’t.” Flavus answers, making sure to keep his eyes off your wounds.
“But you still feel it though.”
”All the time. Just be lucky I don’t lose my composure.”
“So what happened when I woke up…”
”Dapper here was tempted by the hunger. On his own he would have turned, but we look out for each other.” You could see it in his eyes, you saw the same in yours before. That need… ”He’s fine now though. Forget about it, just try and get some sleep. We have a long day tomorrow.” You’re more worried about tonight. Dapper as well. Regardless you lie down and shut your eyes receiving a much needed rest.
You awaken with a pain in your neck. Reaching up with your hand you feel a wet spot. A small shiver of pain is emitted upon further tampering. You can’t make clear what’s up until you look over your hand, a bright red fluid upon your fingers. You look around seeing Winter and Flavus still snoozing away, Dapper being the only one missing. Seems about right to you.
Tearing off a piece of your suit you bandage your cut, making sure to see if Dapper is around. You don’t know how long the process takes, but you sure as hell don’t care. You give both of them a light tap with your shoe to stir them up from their slumber. “We may have a problem.”
”What type of-“ Flavus’s eyes narrow as he sees your bandage, understanding right away what’s happened. ”Winter, get that club ready. We’re going to have guests.” He draws his bow, howls barreling over the hills.
Three abominations are circling you in no time. Flavus takes a few potshots at them, but they do nothing against their thick chitin. “You’ve got to hit them where it hurts.”
”The eyes and stomach I know.”
“So what do we do now?”
”They’ll tire eventually, it’d be best to wait them out.” Another set of howls reaches our ears giving him a pause for thought. ”Or we could take them out now.”
You don’t need to be told twice, you and Winter charge towards two of them separating the group. She clubs the first one against its back, effectively breaking its spine. ”Watch out!” The third pounces onto your back as you fight off the other one. Placing the knife behind you, you slam your back against the ground, taking him out of the fight. It wheezes as you roll off of him, Flavus taking care of the remaining one.
”Get this thing off of me!” More abominations arrive, one already latching onto Winter’s back. Flavus can’t get a good shot at his angle leaving her helpless. She saved you, you save her. Ripping off the bandage you throw it into the pack immediately catching their attention. Their eyes brighten, the smell of fresh blood lighting their primal fire. The creature leaps off of Winter and stares you down.
She heads back to the safety of Flavus while the others are preoccupied. “You did me a favor. Now I’m asking for another, get the hell out of here.” The crowd parts, a diseased Capper making his way to the front.
”Don’t you worry about them. They’re next.”
“Take Winter and leave, I’ll keep them occupied.”
Flavus merely nods, grabbing her and escaping. Dapper on the other hand is chuckling at your attempt, “Nobility won’t save you Anon.”
“It’ll help me sleep better at night.”
He seizes up as another patch of his skin hardens into the black armor. ”I’m looking forward to another taste of that sweet blood of yours.”
“Funny, you won’t get the chance.” You throw the knife, catching him right between the eyes.
“How rude, I might just let your pal here finish you off.” He levitates the knife away, no wound present, and points to another fellow, his right eye missing.
”Remember me?”
Capper’s eye’s turn red as he bows his head. ”Time to play.” You ready yourself for the oncoming charge, the tide crashing against you. The force is too great and forces you onto your back. Claws grasps at you ruining Rarity’s suit. She’ll kill you if she ever saw you like this. You struggle against the weight, but are unable to get free. Their faces contort wildly each fiendishly laughing at you.
The smell of burnt flesh emanates from the group forcing you to fight harder. You make a little progress, some of the creatures backing off. A wave of energy knocks a few of them off of you, the smell returning. The cavalry has arrived at last. You get enough of a foothold to go on the offensive, striking against your attackers. A third wave washes over you, though strangely it doesn’t harm you. The abominations… not so lucky.
Their skin bubbles, their plating melting off of them. A few drops hits your skin searing you as well. It’s not the worst pain you’ve experienced but it’s up there. The waves keep coming forcing the pack to retreat, but not before leaving you plenty wounded. The crisis was over without you joining the dead, at least that’s something. You pick yourself up with your slashed knees, the stranger helping you up with magic.
The figure is robed, though a horn protrudes from the hood. Whoever this person is, they helped you out and that’s enough for you. “Thanks, you really helped me out there.”
”I’m sure you won’t forget this as well.” That voice… Her wings shed off the cloak revealing her multi-colored mane, flowing despite the lack of wind. She looks down upon you, her smile warm and forgiving. You take a knee and bow your head down.
“Princess Celestia…”
Celestia looms over you. Her gentle demeanor unchanged by this land. “I’m so sorry…”
You stay still awaiting her reply. ”No need Anon. You may rise.”
“But princess I-“
”Do not make me say it twice.” You stand up, still keeping your head downcast. ”Walk with me.” For someone who’s in the realm of Tartarus she’s surprisingly easy going about it. The two of you walk along the shore not fearing any sort of attack. Celestia made short work of those abominations and most certainly could do so again. ”I had heard tales of this place, many from when I was a child.”
“We had a different version of it, more fire and brimstone, and less pale and dead.”
”Speak your mind Anon. What’s bothering you?”
“What’s bothering me? Besides being trapped in this wretched place, cast into the unknown, almost getting killed three times in the past two days? A lot actually.”
”Well speak it.”
“How are you even here? The last time I saw you- well it wasn’t exactly you.”
”Your dear friend Chrysalis paid me a visit after you left. Of course I did not know it was her at the time.”
“How could you? She didn’t exactly broadcast her identity.”
”She took me by surprise, and I thought I could take her after the last time we met.”
“She told me about that, using the love from Twilight’s brother to overpower you. A fond memory of hers.”
”The lack of a host led me to believe she had lost her power. I was wrong. She turned out to be more than I could handle alone.”
“This is all my fault. If I hadn’t led her on for so long, maybe you wouldn’t be…”
”Be what?” There really isn’t an easy way to say this.
“You know… dead.”
”Really now you worry too much,” she says heartily, “This isn’t my first- what did Applejack call it? Rodeo, that’s it. She wasn’t the first to try and take me down, and she won’t be the last.”
“So you’re still-“
”Alive. She was far too hasty in her disposal. All it would have taken was little initiative to find me out.”
“I’m glad she was a shitty student.”
”As am I.” You come to a deserted dock. It had seen better days by the looks of it. She hops into the boat and beckons you, “You coming along?”
“Going along where?”
She smiles, “To the Gate of Tartarus. To freedom.”
“But you can’t escape, that’s how this place works.”
”Only those who’ve passed are bound here. We are not.” You hesitantly step into the boat, not completely sure of her plan, if she even had one. The boat immediately heads out on its own. No way back now. Your hand begins to twitch again. You can’t get a break from that. ”Tell me about the hand.”
“How long have you known? About me and Chrysalis that is.” You dodge the question, to which she thankfully doesn’t pursue.
”I didn’t learn about her until she confronted me, but you? I knew it was you before I had ever met you.”
“You couldn’t have known though. I made sure not to leave any evidence.”
”Intuition. The work was too fine tuned for any p0ny to accomplish, even ones with magic. It takes years of practice to get that good, Twilight would have caught anyone else.”
“Of course, always trust your intuition. Wait, if you knew it was me then why didn’t you arrest me?”
”I can’t give you a solid answer there. Maybe I thought you could change, and it seems I thought correctly.” Even though you were a total stranger she had high hopes for you. ”What did you think your odds were at the Gala anyways?”
Well if she wants to know… “40% chance of success.”
”That high huh? I guessed at 15.”
“Really? I guess ego had gotten my hopes up,” you try and joke.
”I’m glad you didn’t do it. When you asked to speak to me in private I had thought that was it.”
“I wanted to change, so that’s what I’ve tried to do.” You grip your pants trying to stop the shakes.
”Tell me about the hand Anon.” A thick fog encompasses the boat.
“What is up with this weather?”
”Tell me.”
“Does this thing go any faster?” The more you try and turn away the harder she pushes on.
”What are you so afraid of?”
“I’m not afraid of anything!” you shout, quieting back down after a brief silence.
”Then tell me, why do you tremble so?”
“I tremble, because people like me don’t change.” The fog starts to lift. “Killing is a part of me. That instinct will never leave me. I’m a monster, no better than the abominations here. I feel their hunger every second of the day. The shaking reminds me of who I really am, just another psycho.”
”That’s not who you are, not truly. You are who you choose to be.”
“And a part of me chooses to stay.” The fog lifts, the shore coming into view.
”I guess we’ll have to see which comes out in the end.” She climbs ashore, you remaining in the boat. ”It’s time to make a choice.”
“I don’t deserve one. This is the punishment for my crimes, and I will accept them.”
She flies back over and lifts your head eye level to her. ”This is not your fate. One day your judgment will come, but not today. Not from a creature who would betray you so.” You remember those eyes of hers. How she toyed with you, how she fed off of you. It was disgusting. Celestia is right. You’ll cross that bridge when you come to it, but for now you have a score to settle with an old friend.
“Lead the way your highness.”
She smiles and leads you ashore. It’s nice having someone to support you when you really need it. ”It won’t be long until we reach the gate.”
“So are you going to fill me in on the plan?”
”I don’t exactly have one yet.”
“We’re trying to escape the bowels of Tartarus and you don’t even have a plan?”
”Would you rather have stayed in the boat?”
“No… I have unfinished business to attend to.” The trek towards the gate is not without consequence. The lack of food and water has started to get to you both, and if you don’t get any soon you may not even make it back. Your goal is in sight, a large mountain range, higher than the eye can see, awaits you both. Bits of plant life begin to appear to your pleasure. If you could nick off a piece of that… Celestia pulls you behind a rock, covering your mouth. You don’t resist as you trust her.
The two of you peek around the boulder. You see an abomination patrolling the road though it hasn’t seen you yet. This one is bigger than the others, likely stronger as well. “We can take him out,” you whisper, “He’s no match for both of us.”
”It’s not him I’m worried about.” The abomination walks down the road towards you both. If not him then what? A piercing shriek forces you to cover your ears. The ground quakes and splits open, a monstrous figure emerging from the blackness. The abomination runs, but is not fast enough. The colossus swoops down head first and devours it whole, diving back underneath the surface. It leaves a gaping crater in its wake before emerging a ways away, a small shrub popping out from the ground. And to think you wanted to try and eat that plant.
“Well… that was interesting.”
”Not everything is at it seems here, let’s continue on.” You encounter more abominations along the way, but the two of you make it through. Her magic proves useful, keeping back anything that tries to get close. However, it becomes clear that her powers seem to be weakening. You told her to lay off on the magic for now, at least until she recovers. She agreed, relying on her physical strength which was not as great as you’d hoped. Unicorns tended to be weaker due to their over reliance on magic, and it hurt now more than ever. You’d slowly adapted to the abominations combat style and could get through a fight mostly uninjured. Celestia isn’t so lucky.
You set her down by a small fire you made. Her breathing grows heavy as she fights to subdue the pain. The tears well in her eyes, breaching the dam and flow down her face. You strip off your suit and tear it to pieces, bandaging her wounds. Her pulse is weak, slowly dropping. ”Anon-“
“Save your strength.” She cringes as she tries to move. “You’re going to be fine.”
”Anon…” You hush her, mending to her wounds. She eyes your side, a dollop of blood escaping your vest. ”You’re hurt.”
You cover it up and continue to see to her. “Just a flesh wound, nothing to worry about.” In truth it was more than you let on, but you couldn’t have her worried about you. You can see the light in her eyes start to fade, the loss of blood and fatigue catching up to her.
“You have to stay awake now. You hear me?”
”When you get back-“
“When WE get back. You’re not going anywhere.” You stroke her mane, trying to calm her down. “You know what you have to do.”
”I’m no good without it, you know that.” She’s true, but at this point you don’t care. You’re not going to lose her whatever the cost.
“I need you, Equestria needs you. Don’t leave us. Please.” Her eyes flutter and her breathing becomes erratic. “I’ll be better, just stay with me.” She closes her eyes, resting still. Not like this, not now. You embrace her one last time. “I’m not leaving you.”
”Neither am I.” Fucking Trollestia.
“I’d kill you if I wasn’t so happy.”
She returns the hug, “I doubt that.” Her wounds have closed up, the lost blood flowing in her veins once more. The feel of her beating heart calms your own. You lay back, content with her health. ”I apologize for the scare.”
“The ends justified the means. I’m just happy you’re safe.”
”Now about you…”
“I’ll be fine don’t worry. I’ve been through worse than this.” You also had medical supplies then. Just not now. She moves away your torn clothing, uncovering the wound you tried to hide. The gash cuts in deeper than you thought, as you cover it up before more blood can escape. “I’ll get through this.”
You take the bandages off of her and wrap them around your side. ”Are you sure?”
“Positive,” you wince as you tighten the bonds.
“Tomorrow’s the big day. Cerberus won’t make things easy on us.”
“I think I have a plan for him.”
She looks intrigued, “Do you care to share said plan?”
“You’ll just have to wait and see.”
”You’re certainly stubborn.”
“That I am, just go to sleep. I need you ready.”
She doesn’t complain as she rests her head and falls into slumber. You should do the same. The sooner you’re out of here the better. The morning is as dark as ever when you continue to the gate. With Celestia’s assistance you make good time. You had to lean on her once or twice, but other than that it was smooth sailing. The vegetation grows thicker the closer you get to the mountain, but Celestia is not bothered by it. Sap drips from a nearby tree which you help yourself to. It tastes of ash and tar, but you gulp it down all the same. You won’t be going down because of thirst, that’s for sure.
The two of you come across a great clearing, far below laying the gate which you both sought. ”There it is. The gate of Tartarus.” The gate itself is carved into the mountain. Light cannot escape its grasp as it’s pulled into the vortex. The door does not concern you however, but more so the titanic creature guarding it. You had heard of the one Twilight brought back, but it can’t compare to this one. Its fur is that of obsidian, and you’re fairly sure its hide is thicker than it lets on. Cerberus stands at least five stories tall, which only makes your heart sink when you realize it’s lying down.
”So are you going to fill me in on this plan of yours?” You gulp, not entirely sure of it yourself anymore.
“You go around to the mountain’s edge and wait. I’ll go straight down the middle.”
”That doesn’t sound like a very good plan.”
“I never said it was, just be ready to bolt for the gate if things turn south.” She nods and leaves you, sneaking through the underbrush. That just leaves you with the big guy.
You reach the bottom of the crater, avoiding more of those hidden colossi. It smells of wet-dog, something you haven’t smelled since childhood. You take baby steps towards the sleeping monstrosity. For a guard of the underworld it does a pretty shitty job. Sleeping on the job, how pathetic. You’d tell him that if not for the fact that he could practically inhale you. Its ears twitch, causing you to freeze. It merely scratches itself and snoozes on. It may be more like a pet than you imagined.
You’re inches away from Cerberus, its hot breathe washing over you. You look over to Celestia and give her the signal. She creeps out of her bush and waltzes over to the gate. You move over to join her. *snap* Your eyes turn to the Cerberus, still oblivious to your presence. Home clear, just to work your way around- Cerberus opens his eyes, you in full view, a howl coming from behind you.
The dog’s heads snarl as he snaps awake, rummaging to his feet. Merely his movement was enough to throw you onto your back. “Go!” you yell to Celestia who had started towards you. “I’ll be right behind you.” She turns to the portal and jumps through, taking you at your word. Cerberus looks down at you and snarls, a drop of drool coating your pants. His eyes are bloodshot as he brings his heads down to you. You may not be behind her after all.
He sniffs at you, determining what you are. You turn away as he opens his mouth. ”Go… home…” Did that thing just talk?” Cerberus shakes his head and looks ahead, getting in a stance. You look behind you as well, a wall of abominations lining the crater’s top. They hiss and growl at the giant, each ready to taste freedom as well. Cerberus howls himself, the abominations charging into the deep.
Cerberus swipes away dozens at a time, a dozen more advancing. A familiar shriek sounds as the colossus takes care of some disturbing intruders. Cerberus backs up, you trying to keep up, as he moves to guard the gate. Some abominations make it to you and begin toying with your wounded self. You kick one of them away, awakening yet another colossus. It pulls the small group underground and sends the rest fleeing. Cerberus pounds another section, the earth shaking at his force.
You get back to your feet as abominations flood the crater. Cerberus can’t take them all on by himself, he’s not fast enough. He howls, stunning everyone within earshot. This brings you back to your knees, Cerberus clawing away at the opposing force. A few abominations pass under the preoccupied gatekeeper and make it to the portal. If they get through who knows what damage they’d cause to Equestria. Too bad back-up had arrived.
Another creature jumps through the gate, pinning the abominations underneath it. It tears apart the fugitives with its fangs, all three sets of them. This is yet another Cerberus, though considerably smaller than the other one. Cerberus howls again as the miniature takes its place by its side. More coming barreling through the portal from who knows where, each charging into the fray. Cerberus seems to be able to hold them back for now, but who knows how long that’ll be. You take off towards the gate, cradling your side.
An abomination blocks your path about halfway to the gate. It winks its good eye, the other a mess of blackened sludge. “Long time no see.”
”I’m back for seconds.” A gleam catches your eye and you can’t help but smile.
“We’ll see about that.” The abomination screams bloody murder as it claws at its face. You pluck the arrow from his eye and shove it down his throat. “Here’s your main course.”
His body crumples over, another nuisance gone from your life. You look back towards the trees, a griffon and pony at the edge. Flavus salutes you and fires another arrow into the crowd, lodging into his next target. Another abomination leaps at you, engaging in a little wrestling match for dominance. You get the upper ground and pin him under your blade. Two more dart to you, collapsing mere inches at your feet. Winter extends her hoof helping you back up.
”Flavus sends his regards; he’d hoped to be here sooner.”
“I thought I told you both to get out of here.”
”And we didn’t patch you up for nothing.”
She clubs an oncoming attacker, “You get back home you hear?”
“Thank Flavus for me, and give him this.” You hand her your trusty knife. “Something to remember me by.”
”I will,” she says rushing out of the chaotic battlefield.
You limp over to the portal, its defenders starting to get overwhelmed. You look back one more time before you depart. The mindless battle rages on, bodies lying about, violence ensuing. A part of you wants to stay here and revel in its simplistic lust for blood. It needs to taste that sweet essence of another, but you already have someone in mind for that. A certain “princess” who you have to make amends with. You step into the portal, sinking away from this reality.
You gasp for air, the sweet smell of flowers filling you. You dig your fingers into the moist soil reveling in its beauty. Birds chirp away happily, their music floating on the breeze. The simplest things of this world seem to be the most important now that you’ve lost them. You kiss the very ground, never wishing to part from it again. ”Enjoying yourself?”
You had almost forgotten Celestia was here as well. “Yes. Yes I am.”
The gate is far less menacing from this side. A single guard lies beside it, snoozing away. “Like father like son.” You make your way to a nearby river, enjoying the refreshing water. Celestia too drinks deeply from its depths before coming up for air.
”So what are you going to do now?”
“Now?” you say with a grin, “I visit an old friend.”
A sense of relief fills you as Celestia pulls away. ”How do you feel?”
“Much better thanks.” You pull down your shirt. “We should reach Ponyville in a couple hours.”
You can remember the scenery as it passes; this is a road you’ve traveled before. ”Good, from there we can catch the train to Canterlot and set things straight.”
“I will be catching the train, but I have another task for you. Apologize to the mane 6 for me. I’d do it myself, but they’ll likely turn me in.”
“You can apologize yourself when this is over.”
She’s a bit optimistic about how things will turn out. “I may not be here when that happens.”
“Don’t speak in that manner. I know you’ll be fine.”
“Do you though?” She doesn’t answer. “Thought so…”
The two of you walk along the road, neither of you saying a word. You did want her to apologize to the mane 6, but more so you didn’t want her there. If you know her then Chrysalis will either be sent away or placed on the moon, both not solving the problem. This calls for a more crude solution. One only you can give.
You make out the outskirts of town, and slow down your pace. “There it is…”
”What do you want me to tell them?”
“Tell them…. This is what I am, and that in another world, I hope things would turn out differently.”
She nods,”Stick to the edge of town, I’ll draw their attention.”
“Affirmative, it was good to have met you Princess.”
”Likewise.” With that she trots into town as you trudge off the road. She’s greeted with an uproar by the sound of it. Royal visits are rare, so an unexpected one is sure to cause quite the stir. Thankfully this allows you to pass through virtually unopposed. You’re about half-way to the train station when you take a look at yourself. This is no way to dress for a royal audience, even if it isn’t truly royalty. There’s only one place in town to get clothes that fit you, and that’s home.
Going through the front door would be suicide, there’s too much of a risk to be caught. Instead you climb around the back, entering the second story window. Most of them were boarded up; you’re just surprised it isn’t burned down yet. You ease yourself into your bedroom. Everything is just the way you left it; nothing seems to have been disturbed. They respect privacy, you’ll give them that.
You literally tear off your clothing which has degraded to little more than scraps of cloth. You slip into something more comfortable, just a simple pair of jeans and t-shirt. There’s a hooded robe as well which you also put on. It’ll at least give you a couple seconds if you’re spotted. Every second counts when it comes down to it. Your stomach rumbles, reminding you that you haven’t had anything substantial since last went to Canterlot.
You head downstairs, hoping no one has raided your fridge. ”Ye… kno…” You press yourself against the wall and listen closely. Someone’s here, but who? ”We really… him go… a threat.” It’s a girl from the sound of it, but you need to get closer to hear exactly what they’re saying. You inch closer to the bottom of the stairs.
”Dwelling on the past won’t change anything.”
”What he did was wrong. You have to let him go.” You hear one of them sobbing, trying to keep it in. They don’t know you’re here which is enough for you. You head back up the stairs, eyes peeled on the bottom in case they decide to come up.
“Eep!” That turned out well.
You turn around fast enough to see a blur of yellow crash into you. You lose your balance, crashing down the stairs, forming a crumpled mess at the bottom. Why does nothing ever go as planned in this god forsaken place? ”Oh, I’m so sorry. Are you alright?” You can’t see anything, but something about her seems familiar. Why does that voice sound… Fucking Fluttershy.
More hoofsteps sound off towards you. ”What happ- Who is that?”
”I don’t know. I saw him walking upstairs, and he startled me. So I kind of…” They can’t tell it’s you yet, likely due to the robe covering you. They’ll find out sooner or later, might as well be now. You stand up, cracking your neck for dramatic effect.
“Nice to see you all again.” You face towards them, the rest of your friends now in view. ”A-anon?” Twilight asks looking upon you.
“Now before you do anything-“ Her face becomes flushed with anger as she pins you against the wall. She never was good at listening. You kick your shoe off and fling it at her face, disrupting her control.
“Listen to me. I’m not here-” You duck out of the way of an incoming chair. “Let me explain.” The others are too transfixed on your appearance to help Twilight.
”We have nothing to-“she tosses another chair at you, “talk about!” You dive over the counter and into the kitchen, the chair nicking you. You peek your head over, only to duck from a hail of apples. You dust off one of the projectiles and take a bite. Mmmmmm… juicy.
“I’m sorry Twilight. I’m sorry about everything.”
”Sorry is not going to cut it this time.”
”Twilight please you’re scaring her.” Her? Who else is here?
”She won’t be afraid once he’s gone.”
“Who is her?” you ask standing up. A pillow plows you in the face doing nothing but irritating you. She’s run out of things to hurt you with by now. Twilight’s horn begins to spark violently as she charges some sort of attack. Guess she isn’t out of moves.
A bolt of lightning tears across the room striking you against the chest. You grab onto the counter to keep yourself up as she charges another. “Twilight- just wait.”
She grimaces as she gets ready to unleash another. ”Please…” a little voice cries from behind her. Twilight turns halting her attack. You can’t see who said that, but you don’t recognize the voice either.
“Who is that?” you ask.
A filly flies up to the top of the couch, looking at you with curiosity. Daisy? This is a situation you weren’t ready for. Daisy flaps over towards you, cornering you in the kitchen. ”Are you- she pauses clearing her throat, “Anon?”
You look over to the others who’re nodding their heads. “Yes I am.”
”You may not remember me. I was in the uh-“ Her eyes turn red as she holds back the tears. Martin took so much from her, good thing you taught him a lesson.
You step forward and hug the distraught filly. Crying is one of the few things you can’t stand. You stroke her mane as the tears flow down your back. “Shh… It’s alright, he’s long gone.”
”Thank you…” she sobs. You look at Twilight who appears to be doubting her previous behavior.
“Daisy, I think you should run home now. I need to talk in private now.” She sniffs and does as instructed leaving you all alone. You take another bite of your apple breaking the awkward silence.
”So why’d you come back?” Applejack asks.
“For a fresh set of clothes and some food of course.” Your joke falls on deaf ears. “What? I was only going to be here a minute before I moved on.”
”Moved on to where?”
”And what for?” Rarity adds.
“Canterlot, I have some unfinished business there.”
All six get ready to attack at yours words. “Whoa now hold your horses! I’m not going to kill the princess.” They back off, but remain wary. “Not the real one anyways…”
”And what do you mean by that?”
“Nothing. I’m not here to cause trouble, but since you’re all here anyways I may as well offer my apology. It was wrong what I did. I deceived you all into believing I was something I’m not. I did terrible things to those who didn’t deserve it. I don’t deserve your sympathy, but for what it’s worth I’m sorry.” They part as you step towards the stairs. “I wish we had met under different circumstances… Bye.” You go back upstairs, no sign of pursuit on their part, and climb out the window. If you hurry you can make the train to Canterlot.
Celestia’s arrival still has Ponyville’s undivided attention. You stick to the back alleys masking yourself in the darkness. It’s not difficult to move around incognito. You’re almost at the train station when you’re blinded by a yellow glare. Moving out of the way you spot a contingent of royal guards patrolling the station. Why the hell are they here? They’re seldom seen outside the castle, let alone in Ponyville.
They keep a tight watch on the perimeter, though you’re barely able to slip through them. The door is tightly guarded, two of them standing ready. You’re not going to get on that way. You could go in through one of the windows, but you’re sure to be seen if you go on that route. There’s no conceivable way to get on undetected. *clash* “Watch it!” a guard says to one of the loaders, “We’ll put you in the stockade if you drop another one.”
That gives you an idea. You loosen the side of one of the crates and open it. You can’t see too clearly, but there appears to be enough space for you to squeeze in. It’s a tight fit, but you manage to get in. Resealing the side the waiting game begins. Time passes slowly, and you find yourself counting sheep. You’re interrupted by a rumbling as you feel yourself being lifted.
”They don’t pay us enough for this. This box weighs a ton.”
”Quit your yammering, or we’ll make you.”
”Dude shut up, I don’t know about you, but I like my teeth where they are.”
”I don’t know what’s up with everyone recently. After that foreigner got banished everything’s gone to Tartarus.” He has no idea how right he is.
”I’m more worried about today. Let’s just get this shipment loaded and head home.” At least someone values their time. They drop you off in the train, a sliding door signaling their exit. ”All loaded up!” he shouts. The train roars to life as it pulls off down the tracks. You can’t take the confinement of this box any longer. You kick open the side and hurl yourself out. You find yourself where you think is the storage car, a surplus of boxes crammed within. You’re mildly interesting what the cargo is, but you don’t care enough to investigate.
You look through the door into the next car, just more crates lying inside. From car to car you move trying to get to the front of the train. The train suddenly shifts, tossing a crate off of its shelf, crashing against the floor. ”What was that?”
”Probably just the crates, I’ll check it out.” Damn guards. You conceal yourself behind a stack as the guard enters. He whistles a tune to himself as he scours the storage car. That sounds awfully familiar to you. ”Aha,” he shouts finding the fallen crate, “Just a crate after all!” He sets it back on the shelf and heads back to the door. The train shifts again, sending another box flying off the shelf, right next to you. ”You need to be more careful or else-“ He silences as he spots you. ”Stop right there criminal scum! Nobody breaks the law on my watch! I’m confiscating your stolen goods. Now pay your fine or it’s off to jail.”
“Resist Arrest?”
”Then pay with your blood!” Anon vs. Royal Guard. Fight! The both of you leap towards each other. He strikes first knocking you against the wall.
“If you wanted to play rough then you should have said so.” You pick up one of the smaller crates and throw it at him. He cradles the package and sets it down giving you the opportunity you needed. You mount him, tearing off his helmet as he bucks wildly. “I think you need to take a nap.”
You bring down your fist against his neck, knocking him out like a light. This fight was curiously easy. Why did he let himself open like that? ”You alright in there?” another guard shouts. Another person to deal with, how fun. You slide open the door and walk into the next car, a passenger car. The guard is the only one there oddly enough. He’s staring out the window, not paying you any attention. ”Everything alright in there? What was the commotion all about?”
“He had a little slip, nothing compared to what’s going to happen to you.”
He turns to you glaring, “We’ll see.” Round Two. Fight! He swipes you with his hooves a couple times, each of you exchanging blows. Neither of you seem to be able to land a hit. You see a turn coming up, one he doesn’t notice. You brace yourself as the shift throws him off balance. You land your first blow against his unguarded snout, making him reel back.
“At least you’re putting up a better fight than the other guy.” He wipes his nose on his hoof, a stream of blue blood running down his nose. Blue? “Why is your blood blue? The others always had-“
He smiles and attacks again, you dodging easily. You swing off the seats and kick him backwards. Where have you seen blue blood before? This isn’t the first time you’ve seen it. Your eyes widen at the thought. The guard’s smile grows at your expression. “You should have stayed in that forsaken land.” He disappears in a puff of smoke, appearing once more as… you. He dances around on his legs for a minute, getting used to his new form. “How interesting. Chrysalis will reward me for bringing in the fugitive.”
“You’ll have to catch me first changeling.”
”Not a problem.” He lurches forward and charges. You haven’t fought a human since before you got here. His feet frantically stomp on the ground as he continues leaning forward. You jump and pull yourself to the ceiling as the changeling comes crashing beneath you. You land on his back, inciting a small groan from him.
“You have to learn to walk before you can run.” Picking him up by the collar you slam him against the wall repeatedly, bloodying his face even further. You flip him around to admire your work.
“So this is what I’d look like if I sucked.” He coughs up a wad of blood and laughs at you.
”You have no *cough* idea who you’re dealing with.”
“I kind of do,” you reply punching him in the ribs.
”You’ll never stop us all.” *cough cough*
He squirms as you introduce your knee to his gonads. Watch me.”
You open the door dragging his body behind you. ”Never… stop…”
“I have a question. You like trains?” He coughs up more blood in response. “Let me introduce you to his friend. Tracks.” You grab his arms and toss him underneath the train, giving the wheels a new blue coat. Flawless Victory. Fatality.
You close the door and sit down, finally able to relax. You’ve had enough surprises for one day. Sleep eludes you, the changeling’s words keeping you awake. Why does it feel like he knew more than he let on? You jump out of your seat and back into the storage car. The guard is still knocked out, lying in a pool of drool. “What were you trying to protect?
You grab the package and rip it open. You reach inside, pulling out some type of black object. The lack of light cloaks it, but it feels wet and squishy. You squeeze it lightly, its fluid bursting from the core. It smells disgusting, so you wipe off your hand on the unconscious guard. The smell seems to have stirred him from his slumber, giving you a chance to obtain some answers.
You grab another box and drag him into the next car. “I think we got off on a bad start.” You heave him onto a seat where he stays due to your show of force. “Let’s cut the bull and you tell me what I want to know, starting with this.” You place the box before him, his expression telling you that he has the info you want. “What is this?”
”It’s a box.”
“Wrong answer.”
You slam his head against the table and grip his jugular. “Maybe I wasn’t being specific.” You smash the package, destroying the object within. He tries to stop you, but your grip assures his cooperation. “What is that?” you ask pointing towards the goopy mess. He refuses to answer, instead raising his head defiantly. “Have it your way.”
You scoop up the remains and tighten your grip, forcing his mouth open. He shakes violently as you shove the mess into his mouth, wood and all. You ease off his throat and coax it all down his gullet. “I’m tired of playing games, what is that?!” He gasps for air, furiously trying to gag himself. You slam him down again. “We’ve got hours before we reach Canterlot. Until then you’re my bitch! Now what is it!?”
”It’s an egg!” he cries.
“A what?”
”You heard me!” You slam him down again and again.
“Don’t smart mouth me you little bitch. Now what is it?!”
”An egg.” He mutters painfully.
”An egg from what?”
“A changeling…” You turn back to the storage cart. That place is full of boxes like this, hundreds of them stacked on top of each other. If Chrysalis raises them in Canterlot…
“I’ll never stop them all.” You look back to the bleeding guard, wallowing in pain. The damage finally got to him as he returns to his regular form. You can’t let them reach Canterlot. You pull him to the back cabin, tossing him on his back. Placing a foot on his spine you grip his tiny wings. You pull with all your might, tearing both of them off of him. He pisses himself in agony, losing control of his bodily functions. “You helped me out so I’m going to let you live. Tell your buddies to call it quits, because there’s a new sheriff in town.” You lock the door behind you, sitting down on the median between the two cars. You pull the pins holding the two together, the storage car slowing down behind you.
The crisis is averted for now, but who knows how many shipments have already been made to Canterlot already. You sit down and lay your head against the window. You close your eyes and drift to sleep watching the passing scenery.
Several hours later… A screech pulls you back into reality. You stretch, cracking your back and neck with a satisfying series of pops. The guards’ voices echo around you, though none have entered the car yet. You manage to slip out the back and run to cover before anyone notices you.
Canterlot. If only you were here under better circumstances. Being a fugitive tends to dampen the mood. You look back to the tram station, the conductor arguing with some guards regarding a “lost shipment.” Happy to disappoint you boys. Sensing the opportunity you sprint into a nearby alley and away from the scene. Hope they liked the paint job.
You proceed through the alleys unfortunately far more crowded than those of Ponyville. It’s filled with garbage, street raff and some fluid you don’t want to know about. You eventually take to running amongst balconies as the roofs are too tall and guards patrol the walls above. Your cloak does eventually come in handy, hiding you long enough to escape from an oncoming group of guards. Chrysalis certainly has increased security now that she’s in command. Leaders do tend to be paranoid after all. At least this time, someone really is after her.
You make it to the Castle Courtyard, dodging in and out of the hedges. Guards pass by obliviously, allowing you further access to the castle. You pass by multiple statues, taking time to admire Discord’s. So much power, so misguided. Tragic really. The next statue is strikingly familiar. Though it’s incomplete, you look as dashing as ever. At least the sculptor got your nose right, you might have had to kill- No Anon. You’re over that. This is your final job and then you’re done.
You slide next to the wall, hiding within the bushes. Two guards are standing at the doors. Great, the only accessible entrance and it’s blocked. Quick Anon, how do you distract someone? Bing! You pick up a small rock and toss it away, its thud echoing. The guards look towards the noise and follow it. Huh? That was easy. They must be more changelings; no trained p0ny would abandon their post. Now free, you creak open the door and slip inside, Chrysalis awaiting.
Slipping inside the castle proved easier than you thought. You can hear the guards returning behind you, blocking your only route of escape. It’s a good thing you don’t plan on leaving. You hide behind a nearby pillar, a small patrol making their rounds. They don’t speak, instead concentrating solely on their duty. It isn’t long before they pass you. You peek out from behind the pillar and plot your course.
Two sentries stand at the top of the stairs, their boredom apparent. In total there are about 6 guards in total, the other four divided into two patrols. The throne rooms lies beyond the stairs, so you’ll either have to fight through the guards or find a way around. Fighting is a one-way ticket for banishment, and she might not be so kind this time. Even if you did get up there, there’s no certainty that she’ll even be in there. You need to find out her schedule before you can do anything.
You duck through an adjacent door and into the hallway. If you remember correctly Celestia’s chambers should be somewhere in the western wing. Things seem a bit different since you came here last. The torches have dimmed giving the interior a rather creepy feel. You recall how vibrant and alive the halls felt, but now it just seems dead. Celestia hasn’t been gone for more than three days, and it already shows signs of neglect. Damn shame…
”…here on the double.”
”Yes sir.” You step into an empty room and listen to the passersby. ”Anything else sir?”
”How about you tell me how an entire shipment just goes missing.”
”I don’t know sir.”
”Then go find someone who does know. Dismissed.” A set of hooves clops down the hall, disappearing through the doors entrance. ”The queen will have my head for this.”
One more won’t hurt… You step behind the disguised guard, wrapping your arm around his neck. Cutting off his flow of oxygen he starts resisting less and less. “Shhh… Just go to sleep.” His eyes flutter as he lightly spasms against you. He falls limp in your arms and you drag him further down the hall. You enter an illuminated chamber, the tiled floor and shining equipment leading you to the kitchen. How lucky for you.
You hoist him into the air, binding his body like you remember Martin did. Taking lessons from Martin… have you gotten so rusty? You slap his face trying to awaken him. “Hey, you alive in there?” He shouldn’t be dead. You take his pulse, which is still nice and steady. “Wake up dammit.” You slap him a few more times before he comes round. It took him long enough.
You give him time to fully take in the situation he’s in. “Well hello there. I take it you know who I am?”
”When I get ou-“ You introduce his face to your fist.
“Please finish that sentence. I oh-so love it when you do.” He spits at you, dirtying your jeans. You backhand him like a gent. “Rarity made me these, show some respect.” This scenario gives you a rush of nostalgia making you gitty. You grab a slender knife from its holder, running your fingers across the blade. “Before we get started, I feel that it’s my responsibility to warn you exactly what’s going to happen. I’m going to ask you a question, you answer it, simple. You see I’ve been trying to get my act together, clearing out my closet as it were. You answer truthfully, and you’ll be allowed to live. If you lie to me…” You grin, holding in the excitement built up within, “I’ll let you meet the real me. Deal?”
He stares defiantly. Maybe you need to give him some incentive. You thrust your knife into the soft meat below his knee to which he grits his teeth. “I’ll take that as a yes.” You can’t help but take a tiny taste of the knife, the flavor simply intoxicating. “Never knew how much I missed this.”
”You never were very smart.” You hum, cutting small patterns into his exposed neck.
“I’m sorry did you say something?” He grimaces, finally getting the fact you’re in charge. “Good, then let’s begin.”
“I’ll start with some easy ones. What’s your name?”
“Frill.”
“Good. How do I get from Celestia’s chambers from here?” He grows suspicious, giving you directions nonetheless. “Poor Frill, at least lie about something I don’t know.”
”I’m telling you th- GAH!” You finish cutting off his ear, slapping his face with the piece of meat against his face. “I’ll chalk it up to bad hearing. This isn’t a very good start my friend.”
You continue this grueling process for the better part of an hour. He still put up a fight, but playing the tough guy routine never saved anyone before. You take off the apron you donned a few minutes in, his blood smeared across it. His body returned to normal, his changeling magic too weak to keep up the rouse. “Hey, you wouldn’t happen to know Chrysalis’s schedule now would you?”
”It’s- in her- dresser.”
“Thank you Frill, you’ve been a sport.”
”B-but you didn’t ask me anything useful! What about the shipment? Or how many guards are fakes?”
“Silly silly Frill. Do I look like a guy who gives a shit?”
You smack him atop the head, knocking him out. It’s nice of you to let him leave, but you feel like you should have finished him off. For what it’s worth you feel like a new man, or a familiar old one. The thrill. The experience. The primal satisfaction. There’s no substitute. You hum to yourself, leaving the bloody guard dangling in the air. If he’s lucky he’ll die of blood loss, but that’s just a hope. Wonder how long it’ll take before they find him?
Your humming turns into a full-on dance and tune, going hallway to hallway without a care in the world. Chrysalis herself could walk by you and you wouldn’t make a move. Two guards turn the corner, standing in awe of your bombastic display. “An audience! How swell.” You tap over to them, hiding your dripping blade. “You two look like you could use some cheering up.”
”Th-this area’s off-limits. Leave the vicinity at once.”
“You’re even worse than I thought; let me show you a trick of mine.”
”Sir, please-“
“Shhh…. Just watch, as I perform a feat of the ages!”
You twirl around one of the perplexed guards. “Look closely, as you can see your friend here is a proud royal guard, but…” You flash your cloak at the other guard, slicing open the other guards neck while he’s distracted. “And now he’s a DEAD royal guard.”
”What did you do!?”
“Now now, a magician never reveals his secret.”
He whirls at you, slipping in the pool of cyan blood from his partner. The blue liquid coats his armor, the odd circumstance shocking the guard. ”W-what is this?” His confusion strikes you as well, knocking you out of your bliss-filled mood. ”Wait a minute, you’re…”
You look at the scene you’ve created. Seems you threw subterfuge out of the window. You bonk him on the head, his lights going out in an instant. You’ll need to move faster now; you’ve caused enough damage as it is. Celestia’s chambers is dimmer than usual, her true absence clearly visible. The fireplace lies cold, the walls darkened merely from Chrysalis’s presence. The scenery can wait; you’ve got a schedule to find. Dresser… Dresser… Which fucking dresser is it? She’s got like seven. You sift through each of them, one by one, trying to find that damned schedule. ”Looking for something?” You spin around and draw your knife ready to use it. ”So that’s how it is…”
She steps out of the shadows, her dark blue mane swaying majestically. ”You shouldn’t be here Anon.”
“Neither should you princess.”
”No, it is necessary for us to be here, unlike yourself.”
“Luna let me explain.” She raises her hoof as you try to speak.
”There is no need. I know why you’re here.” She walks towards you, sitting you down on the couch.
“I really don’t think you do.”
”We are not as naïve as our sister. We cannot defeat her alone.”
“So you know who she is?”
”I was on watch when Chrysalis struck before, and I’ve learned from her mistakes.”
“Then why didn’t you help me? Both me and Celestia were banished to the realm of Tartarus while you just watched.”
”What could I have done? She had grown too powerful for me to face alone, so I waited, biding my time.”
“Well you waited long enough. Chrysalis is my responsibility, and I’ll take care of her myself.”
You go back to sifting through her valuables in search for her schedule. When you find it you’re going to make her pay for her betrayal. ”She won’t go down without a fight, and that is even if you knew where she was.”
“I don’t expect it to be any other way.” You slam the drawer, her schedule eluding you.
”Are you so willing to face her, even if it would mean your death?” She of all people should understand how you feel. You don’t have a choice.
“Yes, and she won’t be far behind.” It isn’t here. This has been a waste of time. You wish to stay with Luna, just being beside her puts you at ease, but you have a job to finish. “I wanted to start over you know, just reset the clock, start fresh. I wanted to change, and things started to work. I socialized, I grew accustomed to pony society, everything seemed to work out… Until Chrysalis pulled the plug. I learned something in Tartarus, the lesson she wanted me to learn. We can’t change who we are, and you know what I am? A monster… You stand at the door ready to leave. Promise me one thing Luna, when everything is said and done. Forget I was ever here, allow everyone to forget.”
”Is that what you wish?”
“I’ve hurt enough people, don’t let me hurt more.” She sighs, the tension thicker than Pinkie’s cupcakes.
”She’ll return to the throne room within the hour. If you hurry-“
“I will. Goodbye Luna.” You look at her one last time, still seated on the couch. “And for what it’s worth, I’d take it all back for you…” You slip out of the door and down the hall before she can respond. Some things are better left unheard.
You enter the grand hall, the ornate décor still intact. The throne sits at the far end, a rug stretching to its steps. You inspect the area around the throne trying to find a place to hide. The entire area is open, and you can’t find anything to hide behind. The only good spots are at the other sides of the room, and she’d see you coming a mile away. You won’t have a chance without a decent spot. You aim higher searching for anywhere to stow away, when you find your target.
Sheathing your knife you climb atop the throne. You hold onto the wall for balance, your weight swaying as you steady yourself. Finally finding your balance you run your hand over the stone. Most of it is smooth, but the no building is perfect and you grab hold of one such imperfection. You pull yourself up, straining your muscles as you move further up the wall. Keeping up this process you’re about halfway to the perch you spotted. Someone’s going to be angry about building a new addition to the throne room.
Your sweaty hands begin losing their grip, and you can feel yourself slipping. You won’t be able to make it up a second time. The stone slides under your moist fingers, your hand thrown off. Before the next one follows suit, you drive your knife into the stone. You almost fall, dangling by the knife lodged between the slabs. That was too close.
You make it to the perch, ducking down to avoid detection. You pull at your knife, the blade snapping off after a strong tug. This isn’t looking good, not at all. You lean back and clear your mind. Chrysalis is going to put up a fight, and you need to be at your best. Not having a weapon is going to hurt you though. Alas, what are you going to do? Complaining won’t help. Pleasantly cloaked, you shut your eyes and relax.
”Well find him! I don’t care how long it takes, just do it.” How wonderfully delicious.
”What about the prisoner Princess?”
”Place him in the dungeon, he could be useful.
”But without the proper treatment-“
”Do as instructed, or would you like to join him?”
”Right away ma’am.” Still the domineering bitch she used to be. You peak your head over as Chrysalis takes a seat on her throne.
“What was his name?”
“Frill my Queen.”
”Finish him off. I’m not taking any chances with Anon. I want more guards here as well.”
”We have our forces scouring the building for the fugitive, but I’ll send a few your way.”
”Make them actual guards will you? We don’t need more dribble like Frill around.”
”Affirmative.”
He vacates the room, leaving two guards with her, both changelings. Actual guards could be a problem for you if you don’t act quickly. The time is finally upon you. Don’t let yourself down. You vault over the side and fall towards Chrysalis. You knock the air out of her when you land hard on her back. “Did you miss me?”
She immediately begins to buck her hips trying to throw you off of her. You grab hold of her horn, tightening your grip around its shape. “We can’t have that now can we?”
”Get off of me!” The guards try to assist her, but are knocked out by her frantic kicking. Crazy bitch is more scared of you than you are of her. You press your legs against her sides keeping balance.
“Giddyup! Move that flank!” You ride her like a bull and slowly tire her out. Like all unicorns, she isn’t physically adequate enough to keep up with you. Her kicking becomes weaker and soon she stands panting. “You tired? Well so was I when you threw me under the bus!”
”You’ll- pay…”
“Not in your condition, you’d have to-“ The realization washes over you as you forgot the most important thing about her. Your hand begins to tingle, her horn glowing a neon green. The tingling grows in intensity, soon burning your hands. You clench your teeth as your own will is tested. “Clever girl!”
She bucks again while you’re barely able to hang on. ”What’s the matter? Not so much fun?” You tighten your grip on her horn, forcing yourself to endure the pain.
“On the contrary,” you mutter through your teeth, “The fun has just begun.” You pull with all your might, drawing on every ounce of your strength. Chrysalis screams in pain and bucks stronger than ever before. You don’t let up as you do everything in your power to make her suffer. You’re not going to stop until- *snap* Chrysalis bucks once more tossing you clear of her and towards the chamber’s center. You slide across the rug, your body stinging from her rough treatment. This is the last time you try a stunt like that.
Chrysalis is hysterical, babbling on about something or other as you return to your feet. ”How could you!?”
“Quite easily actually.” You bend down reaching towards the ground. You hold out your hand to her and smile. “Want it back?” The door bursts open behind you, several guards marching in.
”Princess!”
You grip her broken horn and face the oncoming guards. A tingle works up your arm spreading through your body. You ignore it as the guards surround you. “I don’t want to hurt you, but I *cough* will.” The hell is wrong with you?
”Drop the horn and get on the ground, we will use force if necessary.” You get into a stance, ready to take them on. ”Wh-what is that?” The guards back away from you, fear in their eyes.
You look back at Chrysalis, now actually looking more like herself. ”Arrest him you fools!” You cough again before smiling.
“Nice to see you again Chrysalis again.” She looks dumbstruck before checking on her appearance. “I missed those *cough* cheeselegs of yours.” Her eyes light up, what’s left of her horn glowing. Well fuck me sideways again.
A chaotic bolt shoots out striking the nearby guards. You block the blast with her horn, the shock still shooting through you. She lights up another blast, this one you dodge. You shuffle towards her, your energy slowly being drained somehow. Chrysalis rests, the lack of her horn weakening her as well. You drop to a knee and begin heaving. “What’s *cough* wrong with me.”
She laughs weakly, “Having fun yet?” You’re going to kill that bitch. ”You can’t hold that sort of power without consequences.” The horn… she draws on others, so now it’s feeding off of… you. You try and let go of it, but your hand is forced tightly around its length. So this is how you go out. Left a lifeless husk, mission unfulfilled. No… Not like this. She doesn’t get off that easy. You stand up with renewed vigor, marching towards Chrysalis. ”Don’t you ever learn?” She fires another blast, the horn absorbing its energy.
“I’m starting to.”
”Fall damn you!” You take it full force, the horn keeping you standing.
“Were it so easy.” She tries again and again, each as fruitless as the first. You can feel yourself growing weaker, but you press on. Chrysalis backs up, cornered on her mighty throne. You step up to her and look into her eyes. “Rule number 5: *cough* Never fuck with Anon.”
You drive the horn into her chest and keep going. ”We can- still work together. Ju-st give me-“ You find your target putting a smile on your face.
“Too late.”
You jam the horn home, its form clinging to its new host. Her screams are reduced to a gurgling moan as blood gushes from her punctured heart. She falls back on the throne, her limp body drained of life. You stumble backwards yourself and fall down the steps. Voices echo from the entrance hall. You see the mane 6 and Celestia gallop up the stairs. Luna meets them at the top, all of them rushing to get to you. All you can do is smile and close your eyes. Everything grows quiet, you can finally rest.
You leap up taking a deep breathe. ”Calm down Anon, you’re safe.” You lie back down, your eyes not used to the darkness. You can feel a fire next to you and you huddle next to it.
“So how’d everything turn out?”
”About as well as you hoped.”
“Figured as much.”
”It’s good to see you again Anon.”
You smile, taking in the hospitality. “You too Flavus.”
You finish off the last abomination, impaling his belly with your blade. ”We’re going to have to keep a lower profile next time,” Flavus says.
“Well if someone had listened to me we wouldn’t have attracted attention,” you reply.
”If both of you shut up for once, we wouldn’t be arguing,” Winter barks.
“Touche.” You wipe your hands clean and take a breather, not that you need it. Seems you’ve traded one hunger for another. There’s no shortage of bodies to fight anymore. But now your stomach yearns for their flesh. You remember when you could stomach such things. How things have turned out.
“Have I ever told you about how I first came to Equestria?”
”Many times,” they reply.
“And out of all those times you never asked if I would do it again.”
”Well would you?” Flavus asks.
You hold your head, a headache sprouting within. “Yeah.” You stand up and move to the cliff’s edge, your body starting to ache. “What I wouldn’t give for some Advil.” That wasn’t even the start of it. Things begin to fade out, an excruciating sensation washing over you. You keep a plain face even as you tip over the edge. Flavus tries to catch you, but he never was the quick one. You were.
The stale wind rushes past as you fall further to the dirt. Besides the pain it isn’t so bad. It’s not like a simple fall is going to kill you. You close your eyes and just let it happen. You hit the cold ground, far softer than you thought. When you open your eyes you discover something most peculiar. The air is rich and thriving, your body aches and beats. Alive huh? Well that’s a turn of events. You look around, three faces staring at you dumbfounded. Humans huh? Acting mode. Activate! “Hoh shit! Please don’t hurt me.”Anon you’ve still got it.
Author's Note
The very end, the part preceded by the three space gap, leads to another story.
