Risen

by Bastinator

Rating: teen
Tags: Human, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Alternate Universe
Length: 47836

An ancient race once thrived upon the surface of Equestria, but they were exiled for their brutality. Anon, is a member of that race, and when someone is foolish enough to bring them back, Anon is ready to bring them back to their former glory.

An ancient race once thrived upon the surface of Equestria, but they were exiled for their brutality. Anon, is a member of that race, and when someone is foolish enough to bring them back, Anon is ready to return them to their former glory.

Published 2013-11-19 02:30:04 UTC
Last updated 2014-10-09 15:53:11 UTC

Chapter 1: Evil Reborn

“A long time ago, in a world, much unlike the one we occupy, there was a kingdom. A kingdom with riches beyond your wildest dreams.” The eyes in your comrades widen in awe as you speak, the simpletons. “No,” you answer their silent question, “It wasn’t gold that they built their temples, nor was it the jewels that adorned their royal cuffs, though adorn them they did.”

The ashen air fills your lungs as you inhale, the fire radiating before you not aiding in your health. Then again, what could aid it? “No no, what made them rich came not from the soil, not from the earth or mines beneath them. The stars above, perhaps? Wrong again, it was a source of wealth that we couldn’t possibly obtain.”

A hand rises in the ranks, “What was it?”

“…Magic.”

The murmurs echo through the files and lines of your men, whispering about this ‘magic.’ They couldn’t remember the term. All had forgotten that ancient mysticism, all, save for you. “Yes men, magic. The ability to manipulate the world without these hands,” you gesture, “But with your spirit, your very soul.” Soul… Soon. “Honed through the mind, this power allowed an infant race to thrive. Weak, sniveling, undisciplined they were, even with this great power. That is, until another race rose to power, their opposite in almost every way.”

”Who were they?” that same voice rings out.

Silly you, you chuckle to yourself, you had forgotten to give their name. “Equines harnessed their magic. It was the griffins who showed them the strength of steel. The flying beasts slashed and clawed at the Equine people, hunting them down like typical prey. All seemed lost, you could say, but there was still hope for them. A third race arose from the shadows, training the Equine people in the art of warfare, giving them a chance to harness their natural gifts.”

You look to the floor. How the mighty have fallen… “They won the war and their allies… exiled, too bloodthirsty, too savage for the Equines to tolerate. Peace found its way home, but this was long ago. The Equines went soft, adopting the traditions of old, nearly forgetting their strength. It was… angering…”

”Sir,” your guard whispers, “What happened to the third race?”

“The same thing that happened before.” You glance back up with a devilish grin. “We rose.”

~~~

The night lies still in the forest, Everfree, a suiting name. That’s where it all began after all. Free from the bounds that tied us in the deep dark of the earth. All of us, “Rise.” A tearing rips through you, at least, that’s the most accurate way to describe it. Your flesh cracks as your lungs gasp for air, only finding dirt in its place. Death does not come easily to you, and it shall not come once more. You lunge towards the surface, your limbs easily plunging through the soft earth, the first breath of fresh air filling you completely with a gasp.

Slumped on the ground, your fingers digging into the soil, you hear the muffled screams of others nearby. Pounding your chest, you dislodge a hunk of dirt from your throat, taking the time to look at your hand as your skin stitches back together, as good as new. “Interesting…” you flex your digits before the screams call your attention once more.

”You should help them.” Scanning the forest around you, you find a single, ugly- vile looking creature slouched upon a throne of- pink clouds? Whatever it is, it sips from a chalice before grinning back at you, “Are those ears of yours working properly? Or perhaps you would like a shovel?” With a snap of his fingers, the tool appears by your side.

“Fascinating,” running your hand along this new creation before flicking it over, “But that won’t be necessary. They’ll emerge, or they’ll die.”

He appears interested at this, “Don’t you care for your friends safety?”

“Friends are a vulnerability. To rely on those is to put a gun to your own head. Speaking of…” Your hands travel down the length of your silken garbs to the two weapons residing on your hilt. You unsheathe the sword from your belt and press it against your nose, breathing deep of its familiar earthy scent. “This is the only friend a person should keep, always trusty.” Your flintlock looks a little worse for wear, but it’ll live.

”S-sir!”

“Hop to it soldier,” you bark, marching over to the hand protruding from the ground.

Locking him at the elbow you use your rejuvenated muscles to aid in his escape, the soldier coughing profusely before smiling at you, “My lord…”

“It is good to see you brother.” His leather armor is in tatters, a side effect of such a long ‘sleep.’

The soldier blinks about in confusion, “How long-“

“It doesn’t matter. Find the rest of our brothers, quickly, we won’t staying long.” He gives a weakened salute and follows your orders. A soldier like him will make it far.

”Going so soon,” the creature questions with a laugh, “Off to do something interesting I hope.” An amalgamation would be the best way to describe him, if it is a he. “And I was so hoping that I could have some toys to play with.” Upon further inspection, you notice a book below his rump, almost wholly concealed by his lizard-like tail.

“We are not a toy to be used by a child.”

”A child? Me? Oh you slay me with your insults, how might I ever recover?” He once again chuckles, tossing his chalice aside, morphing into a turtle upon impact. “But you seem to think you have a choice.” Powerful, yes. He would make a mighty ally, but that look in his eye would only serve to betray you should his mood shift.

“I’m sure we might get to enjoy each other’s company over a cup of wine, but until it suits me, you are nothing more than rabble.”

His cheery demeanor quickly changes into one of irritation, “Your arrogance will be your downfall, whatever you are.” You look back to the book, and then back to him as you piece together what has just transpired.

“And you’re foolishness will be yours. Tell me, what did that book tell you us, or rather, how did it instruct our release?”

”Oh instruct is such an unfeeling term. In fact, it is so distasteful, I might make note to remove it completely.” Prying open the book, the creature rips out a page and swallows it whole before holding another out to you, “Paper?”

“You have no idea who I am do you?”

”Why now, I know everything about you. You are a… shaved monkey who likes to play with metal sticks. Close enough?” You only smile at his cackling, your soldiers approaching from behind you.

“Report?”

”We only have seven men sir, including me and yourself. Two could not escape the earth’s clutches.”

“Then they have been punished adequately for their weakness. Gather their effects. The rest of you, scout the surrounding terrain. We’ll need shelter for tonight. Food can wait for the sun.”

”As you command, my lord.”

”Such discipline those ones,” the creature mutters teasingly, “I wonder if I could help loosen them up a little bit.” You can only shake your head at his ignorance. Summoning those of which he is oblivious to.

“And once more, your stupidity fills me with a certain glee.”

”Why must everything you say be such a bore? It’s no matter, I can change that for you.” Rising from his throne he floats over to you, almost cheerfully.

“Has history forgotten about us? Are we nothing more than scribble in some forgotten book? Knowing nothing of your conjurations is the first step to oblivion’s gate.”

”Then aren’t I lucky that I shall never see them.” You stand your ground as he approaches you, bending his neck down to your level and placing a paw upon your head. ”Your bones must be weary, too long without stretch,” his eyes twirl hypnotically in his sockets, a tingle forming in your head, “Just play some games, let’s start with fetch.” Releasing you, the tingling ceases, the creature picking up a stick and tossing it behind you, “Go get it boy!”

“hehe…” you start to chuckle, “Hehehe. Aha ahahahaa!”

He’s confused by your booming laugh, even as you wipe the tear from your eye, “I said fetch! Hmm… Did I do it wrong?”

“Magic… How I’ve missed its usage. I still get tingles when someone is foolish enough to try it out on me.”

He scratches his chin, “I don’t understand. Why won’t my magic work on you? Where is that book?” It summons a pair of glasses as it sifts through the book, looking for the knowledge he should have already gleaned.

“We are beyond magic, what you foolishly used to summon us was a spell used to summon our dead. An old and all but forbidden conjuration. Magic, has no effect on our Living. Breathing. Fighting. Bodies. You , are an imbecile.”

“Well, this is far more interesting than I could’ve possibly imagined. The possibilities of entertainment are endless now!”

“Such power, wasted on such an immature form. You don’t deserve such a gift.” Your subordinate arrives once more, not taking note of the creature. “Report?”

”Their armor’s rotted and useless. Their weapons are still capable, and one of the scouts has returned. There appears to be a cottage just outside the forest.” Civilization goes on, your kind just a ripple in the waters. You plan to be a hurricane.

“Gather the rest of the men and tear it down. Harvest whatever they can. We’ll set up a temporary base of operations here then proceed onwards.”

”What is the plan, my lord?”

…You turn around slowly, eyeing the soldier before you backhand him to his knee. “You have your orders, should I wish to inform you of anything else, I shall do so. Understood?”

”Yes sir.”

“Understood?!”

”Yes sir!” he salutes, jogging off, “You two, you’re with me.” When you look back, Discord appears… shocked. “There’s nothing funny about hitting him.”

“Funny? I don’t do things for the joy or thrill. I do things because they must be done.”

He slumps down on his throne, snapping in another chalice, “Huh. I just- I can’t remember a time where ponies did that.”

“I do,” you unholster your flintlock plopping in a small flask of gunpowder and lead round, “It was a different time. A time of necessity.” Searching your pockets you secure your flint into the hammer and cock it back. It feels just like old times.

The creature shakes his head. “We aren’t like that anymore. They’re better than that,” he looks up to you, “You aren’t fun.”

“What’s your name, creature?”

”Discord,” a hint of grin on his face.

“Well then Discord. My name is Anonymous.” You raise your flintlock, the conjurer sitting well within the kill distance. “Say goodbye to my little friend.” *click*

Hmm, figures your friend would fail you. You unload the flintlock, rolling the round out of the barrel. ”I don’t understand, why was I supposed to say goodbye?”

“Because, if all had gone to plan, you would’ve been leaving this life,” you reply nonchalantly as you reholster your pistol.

”You tried to kill me?!” he stumbles over the back of his throne, shaking like a child during their first thunderstorm. “Why would you do that?!”

“You attempted to use your power over me. In most cases I would respect that, but you never bothered to learn about enemy. In other words, you went all-in with a pair of tens, assuming you would win, and that is unacceptable.”

”But you can’t just kill people!” his voice nearly cracks, “You make them go into a- a maze or you get them to ruin their friendship.”

“Ugh please, just the idea of that makes my stomach churn. Like I said, you’re soft and weak. Back in my time, the strong thrived. You could adapt, or you could die. There’s always a choice.”

You see him finally stand up in confidence, “You may be immune to my magic, but I don’t think you’ll be immune to theirs. The elements will stop you.”

“The- The elements of harmony?!”

His grin couldn’t be any wider, “So you do have a weakness then. We’ll see how well you like it when Celestia finds out about you.”

“Wait! You can’t tell her! The elements- You don’t understand!”

”Too late for that,” he waves with a snap, “Tata!” One flash of green light later and he’s gone, his throne disappearing with him, his book, however, resting on the ground.

“So… Celestia still rests upon the throne. How swell.” You pick it up, slipping it behind your belt as you turn back, the first of your men getting back. Counting the three men who were sent out to scavenge for supplies, they don’t appear to be carrying any. “Where are the supplies, soldier?”

The oldest of the three takes a knee before you, “I’m sorry sir, but the building was occupied by a winged Equine. We decided it would be best-“

“Hold,” you raise your hand with barely contained anger, “Who first spoke to defy my order?”

”I take full responsibility for my men. The fault rests on me.”

You wait, hand on your sword, until one of the other men steps forward, “No my lord, the fault is mine. The Equine was no threat to us. It would be best if-“ Your hands move quick, cutting off the last few words of his mouth with a single thrust of your blade. His eyes widen as his mind catches up to his body, those eyes pleading for forgiveness.

“Let this serve as an example to the rest of you,” kicking him off your blade, “Do not question my orders. If I want recommendations, I shall ask for them. Now, where is this cottage?”

At the cottage… You kick open the cottage door, a flurry of critters scampering out the door. “Let the owner of this house stand at attention!” At first there is no response. Even the rest of your company are confused as you turn to your eldest member. “Did you not inform me this was an occupied establishment?”

”Aye my lord, but the Equine… she is rather skittish.” So she has resorted to hiding from you, but that would also mean that she knew of your presence. One of your men, likely the one at death’s door, made contact. Another offense.

“Tear it all down, bring back what you can.”

”P-please don’t,” you pick up from the far side of the room. The curtains waver, a small Equine, a Pegasus, steps out from her hiding place. She is demure and gentle in appearance as well as heart, exactly how a subservient female should be. “Do you own this cottage?”

She nods, hiding behind her pink mane to avoid looking at you, “Please don’t tear it down. It- It’s all I have…” You walk over and take a knee before her, “Please don’t hurt me.”

“Now now, why would I ever to do that to such a creature?” She flinches as you raise your hand, finally resting it against her cheek. You close your eyes and savor her warmth. “The heat of another… It is a sensation that has no equal, but… There is something else.” A… tingle. Magic, like before, but she shows no sign of such a gift.

”Sir, what are your orders?” He stays at your hand once more as you think. If she isn’t a unicorn, she can’t have magic unless…

“What might I call you, Equine?”

”My- my… fluttershy…”

“Fluttershy? That is rather accurate, but answer me truthfully. You wouldn’t happen to be a wielder of the Elements of Harmony, would you? Kindess, perhaps?” For the first time you see her smile. Possibly the side effect of a newfound sense of safety.

“Men!” you stand back up, Fluttershy scooting away, “Tear this place down. She comes with us.”

”Wait what?”

Later… ”Please, I’ll do- *gulp* anything, just let me go.”

“Do not resist Equine Fluttershy,” you reply with your back turned, “I have done far worse things than merely tie up a pony to a tree.”

”W-worse?”

“Much much worse. Don’t you worry though, no harm shall come to you as long as your condition fits to serve me.” Walking around the makeshift camp, you can’t help but feel proud of yourself. Even during your initial reign, things never progressed this quickly. You know Celestia still reigns, though her weakness has returned, as well as her servants such as that Discord. Your existence is unknown to most of those who still thrive here, but not for long. A soldier finishes pitching up your tent, using the curtains of her house in place of the roof. “Good on you brother, are you enjoying the fresh air?”

”Of course, my lord. Tartarus wasn’t very nice. I much prefer it up here.”

“We all share this my brother, and perhaps we can reach our former glory.”

”My lord?” he asks before you can enter the tent.

“Yes…”

”Back in the cottage, you said something about ‘The Elements of Harmony.’ What are those?”

“Hehe,” you laugh at the thought, “Those are the Equines most powerful magical artifacts. Capable of stopping most threats if used correctly.”

”How powerful?” he asks, the fear obvious in his voice.

“Stay your fears brother, for as powerful as they might be, their magic is useless against us. Even if I did tell them otherwise,” you grin at your deception. “Rest. We’ll need it for tomorrow.”

”Of course, and my lord? The men and I were wondering. It’s been so long since we, you know…” You give him one hard look and he shuts up with a salute, “Affirmative sir, we were just wondering.”

“Keep your head clear.” Heading inside, you grab the pillow and blanket, dragging them back to the tree Fluttershy is tied to. “Here,” you chuck them next to her, “You need sleep too.”

”Don’t you need these?”

“Nah, I’ve slept on worse,” you admit sitting close by against a tree.

”But… Why are you sleeping here?” You give your men a hard look, a few passing a few unfavorable glances towards the Equine. “Just get some rest.”

Ahh… Risen at last…

Chapter 2: A New Day

Silence, the absence of sound. This is a luxury of the highest accord. No worries find refuge in silence, no misdeeds or shortcomings. Where else can the living, or those long forgotten, find sanctuary? Not from these worries or their misdeeds, bur from themselves. Who you are, what you’ve done, the ponies you’ve…

Regret, the ultimate sign of weakness. Only the silence that binds you in this slumber can cast its light into the darkness, leaving nothing in its wake. It is in this tranquil state, where true peace can be obtained… The only place…

The soft crunch of grass springs your hand, fingers tightening on the wooden grooves that bind your sword’s hilt. Silence finds you once more, the force of your swipe placing non-lethal pressure upon the interloper’s throat, the edge lifting upon his Adam’s apple. ”Sire…” he finally speaks, your blade causing him difficulty, as it should. Pressing up a degree more cuts his voice, the tips of his toes being his only resort for air.

”Leave him,” another of his kin calmly commands, “He shall rise on his own terms, not before.”

”But-” you raise the sword higher once more, soft gasps of desperation escaping him.

”Test him, and you will fail,” the wiser of your men states, well in need of a reward for his service. Soon… His reward is coming, all that obstructs you is time.

With a slight push, the soldier retreats, his light steps through the grass fading off before, at last, they are lost. Your sword finds its way back into its sheath, the leather holster embracing it with a click as the head reaches the metal tip. Replacing the interloper’s annoyance is a far more subtle, and of vastly superior quality, tune. Breathing. Rhythmic inhalations, a perfect sync in time. A calming melody.

The Pegasus continues this song, with you as her sole spectator. You can envision the flaring of her nostrils as the air seeps into her and the contraction as it escapes. The yellow of her chest, rising and falling in harmony… Your eyes open at the word, turning down to the Pegasus resting silently at your side. Well, almost silent.

Leaving the Pegasus to her slumber, you stand, the morning dew only beginning to settle on the forest green. The sky lies dark, Celestia’s sun not yet cut upon the horizon. Celestia, what have the years done to you? You kneel, fastening the bind of the Pegasus, the knot sloppy before your hand. With a stern tug you tighten the rope, the prisoner jolting in shock before opening her quivering eyes. “Stay.” A simple command of absolute authority.

She gives no response as you depart, walking into the small enclave of tents. Rugged and simple they might be, but it is in this convenience, this lack of luxury, that makes you strong. A small fire burns ahead, the crackling of wood attended by two of your men.

The flames lick and spit at their surroundings, a creature of some kind rotating above the fire’s mouth. It appears to be a rodent, small, even for the most meager of creatures, yet the scent it exudes is one beyond measure. This savory aroma earns deep inhalation, spices and herbs ensuring both a mouth-watering dish and accompanying odor. One man turns his future meal, seeing to that no side remains untouched.

The other, by far the chef’s junior, merely watches, a single hand clutched to his throat, massaging the skin below his jaw. This man you know, the interloper, and the other, the wise man. It takes not a fool to discern their identity, and a fool you are not. Both men and adorned in their age-old vestments, stained and repugnant, a reminder of the treachery that had befallen them. The battle-hardened steel rests in rustic condition, hidden by the leather cuirass it lies in.

The hooded soldier, the wise man, turns his head away from his meal and springs to his feet in salute, closing his hand across his chest, resting just above his heart. The interloper follows, mimicking his brother’s salute, but not before flinching towards the sword at his side. ”My lord,” they bow their heads in unison, rising at your hand, “The day breaks.”

”The sun shall be its judge,” the wise man responds, ignoring the hiss of his burning meal, attention placed wholly on you. You look between them, a fierce loyalty woven that’s strengths dwarfs that of any armor.

“As you were, brothers.”

They sit at your command, the interloper scooting aside, allowing you a seat at their fallen log. ”Our lord did not ask for your seat,” the other glares with the fire’s intensity burning in his eyes.

”He needn’t request that which he desires,” the interloper responds, returning the glare. Both men and in fact correct, but in the interloper’s haste to please you is where his mistake lies.

“And you think to know what it is I desire?” He looks to you as his words crumble into dust, casting his gaze in embarrassment. Should he lose his voice to you, in this time of peace, what then would stop his momentum in battle? How are you to remain sure his footings stays constant? “Should I present a question, I expect an answer, or have the ages worn your ears to the white of your skull?”

”Forgive me, sir,” he scoots back into his former spot, “I-”

“Do you now retract your silent offer in face of my disdain?” Despicable.

The crickets gossip before he speaks, voice shaken in doubt, “Should you not take the offer- it would be a waste to- to grant it vacancy.” His fears force his eyes upon the wise man, the senior authority aside from you. Every sound is a quake in silence, booming with the ferocity of a Mantic Shrew, but with a nod, silence is broken.

“Then when I say, ‘as you were’?”

”I shall act as I was, per your order, my lord.”

His breath quickens upon the wind as you step around his seat, falling just across the wise man’s fire, interloper nigh wheezing to your right. “You are correct.”

The wise man takes hold of the stick that holds his meal, sliding it upon one of the many plates that were procured from the Pegasi’s residence. A glance to the outskirts of camp shows all that remains of her home, timber piled neatly, as not to waste space, cloths and dishes wrapped and folded, a large chest holding items of a personal nature. Destroying the effects they hold dear may break them, leaving you with an easy disciple to be harvested, but the broken can often be far more trouble than those who choose to join you… willingly.

“What animal might that be?”

With a snap he breaks off a leg, passing to his kin, “Rabbit, sire. I discovered it this morning when I woke. It was attempting to take my iron, the little thief,” he pats his knife, safely holstered to his thigh.

You rest your hands atop your knees, partially absorbed by this discovery, the interloper enthralled as well, “That’s quite smart for a common rodent.”

“Quite…” you murmur softly, the story of this rabbit continuing to run about your mind, stealing your thoughts. “A piece, brother.”

His fingers dig into the golden skin, pulling away to reveal the moist white that rests beneath the succulent layer of tissue, the few swathes of red serving as a sign to his imperfection. “Our men will wake at first light, sire.”

“And their condition?” You ask, taking hold of his offering.

”Tired but recovering. The lapse of time found their condition forgot,” he gnaws at his dish, satisfying his age-old hunger, “Last night’s task did not aid in this.” They rest in their tents, but a well-deserved one it is. Though their muscles are taxed, their thorough nature is something you’ve come to rely on. This dependency must be rectified at once, you make note to yourself.

“What might I call you, brother?”

”Andrew, sire.”

Not one to be left out, the interloper answers in turn, “And mine is Brennan, lord.” He earns but a lazed glance before returning to insubstantiality. Too many men share his behavior, the uncontrollable need to please their superiors, rolling over like an excited dog though no command was given. These are the men who so often fail you.

“How long have you served, Andrew?” Calling him by name as to deny this, Brennan, of his own reply.

”It shall be the fifty-ninth year when winter passes, but my arm is as good as the twentieth.”

“How old might you be?” Brennan voices to your displeasure, a mixture of surprise and shock in his tone.

It takes no longer than an unflinching bite for the wise man’s response, “Fifty-Eight.”

Attention turns to the uneaten flesh wrapped in your fingers before you finally slip it between your lips, allowing its descent. Andrew’s question needn’t be voiced as the tips of your lips curl upwards, the first smile of the day. “Tell me, brother,” licking the salty juices off your fingertips, “How goes the grieving… for your son?”

Every second he dwells on this memory, a part of him comes in sync with his fallen child. The paleness of his skin, blood washing outwards. A wash of cold, the likes of which not even the strongest fire can free him from, and at last, the eyes, becoming of death. You have faith in this one. Some would call him a relic of an age long past, but he has yet to fail you. You admire this…

For a moment he remains still, even his heart suspended in a moment of grief until he finds himself once more, “I said my goodbyes before we returned from the Equine’s cottage.” A shield is cast around him, disguising his tone with a dull disinterest. The men at his side would ridicule him should his emotion shine through, but it is a stage that all in his position must experience. To lose one’s own flesh and blood… This, you do not envy of him.

”I didn’t know you had a son,” the wording making the truth all the more painful to bear.

Andrew’s head lowers, setting aside his plate at hunger’s absence, “Aye. He made the mistake of defying our lord, so his death came as no surprise, but his greatest error was not this betrayal but believing that the goodbye was meant for me.”

Though you might allow him some semblance of peace, his brother is unable to shake his own curiosity, “I don’t understand.” A fool, commonplace through the ages. Had you the resources…

“Andrew’s son defied my rule, his punishment being death. He knew that his father’s protective instincts would attempt to spare him, taking his place on death’s door to allow the child to live…” you look to Andrew, eyes shut but still his son stays staring back at him. “He knew I would kill his son, though his son did not.”

Straightening his back, Andrew looks upon the world again, “You have never led us astray, sire. I shall not doubt you now.” But just how strong is his will, you wonder; when will it break?

“And if I gave you an order you knew to be wrong, to slay your brother in arms for example,” your eyebrows lifting in curiosity, “Would you doubt me then?”

”No, sire, I would not,” hesitation long vanquished from his heart. Andrew was, and is, a worthy soldier, veteran of the Last Gryphonian war… your most trusted advisor once… but without his memory he recalls only the most founded of thoughts. His name, family, your authority and position. Tartarus took the rest from your men. This man would once die for you, but would his blade still strike true? Now, that would require a test.

“Good… Kill Brennan.”

“Wait a-” Not a second is spared before Andrew grabs his knife, the unseen demise of many griffons, and lunges at his kin. Brennan acts on instinct, genuine fear plastered upon his face, only managing to reach the handle before his attacker reaches him.

Shaking eyes stare back at Andrew, quivering and trembling at his ferocity and pure speed. The lungs in his chest whimper knowingly, fearing its own blood from discovering the open world, sharing the same fate as Andrew’s son. This would be the second time a blade cut softly into the forward flesh of his neck, though this time, blood flows. Crimson taints the silver of Andrew’s dagger, pressed tightly against Brennan’s exposed skin, the razor lining that draws the new dash of color not for his victim’s pleasure.

All of this, offense, defense, gut-reaction, the drawing of blood before a sudden stillness... All in the space of time it would take one to snap. ”Sire…” the need in his tone obvious, even to his trembling target, who even in his own level of obliviousness can see all that keeps him in this realm, is your hand. “If you would.”

His arm pushes forward, his strength something to be marveled even at his age, but with every push he makes, your fingers stay gripped against his arm, pushing him away that much more. Through time you allow his muscles to fatigue, pushing him back fully into his seat, a pleased grin telling him to stow his weapon. “Belay that order. I have seen enough, Andrew,” you nod before letting him go, Brennan nearly falling off his log in profound fear, “Delightful cooking on that rabbit.”

”W-what!?” Together, you both look to Brennan, sweat dripping from his forehead and down to his wavering lips, stomach only an inch from evacuation, “You can’t just-“

A furrow of your brow is all it takes to force his silence, Andrew serving as your voice, “When you question our lord, I want you to think of someone, my son, slumped upon the ground, life draining from his body. Be thankful, for the only reason you still draw breathe is due to our lord’s charity… Think of my son, and just how close you came to joining him.” Pushing off your knees you step closer to Brennan, hand outstretched, “Give him your sword.”

He pulls back barely able to hold its hilt, the combination of sweat and battered nerves greasing his hands leaving them nigh-useless. This, is becoming quite the irritation to you, a virile-solider left bumbling like a common fool, unable to follow a simple command. Perhaps he may join his brother after-

Before your temper fails the sword is pulled into the open air, your hands taking hold of it on either end, wielding it as the minotaur’s would their warhammers. “My lord, I promise-“ You quickly raise a finger, tossing the sabre up and down into your hands, learning its weight.

“When you question me, think of his son,” you tighten the grip on his blade, “But when you think of telling me what it is that I can, and cannot, do… Think of your scar.”

”What scar?” he asks, Andrew never breaking eye contact with him as your muscles clench.

“This one.” Taking your final step forward the grass snaps beneath your feet as your sword soars upwards, slicing through air and flesh alike. The blade cuts just below his right cheek, sailing up and over his eye. An act of mercy, sparing his vision but damning his visage for his act of insubordination. Brennan only does what comes natural, he screams, a heart-filled yelp, a primal call for help… “Weak.”

He grasps his bleeding skull, red soaking into the skin of his hands as the world comes crashing down around him. It’s a pitiful sight, watching him, a human soldier of his age, fall back into the earth’s motherly embrace, squirming like a turtle that’s been cast to its back. Should your men be double in quantity, you would not hesitate to cut out the cancer that is his fragility… Alas, that is not the case. Tossing his sword before him, you step over the log with your foot square on his chest as you kneel, “Please-“

“Silence!” voice raised for but a second, “You are vermin, a blight, a sickness in our ranks that I will not abide.”

Kneeling further you grip his throat, blood sinking into your fingertips, “S-ir.”

“I said silence,” you tighten your hold, caving in his throat, “You are privileged to receive my mercy, because as weak as you are, no creature lacks the potential for strength. It is a grave day when I see less of this in you, a soldier, my brother in arms… I see less in you than I do with our own captive…”

Pulling him back to his feet, you toss him away like a used rag, “Thank- thank you, my lord.” You scowl at his gratitude, kicking his blood-stained sabre to his feet.

“Go. Awaken your brothers. I have no more need of you.” Without a word, Brennan nods, turning painfully as a final warning enters your mind, “And should you ever approach our prisoner without my blessing, or have her enter your mind in such a vile manner again, that wound will cross your throat. Dismissed.”

Grasping his wound he disappears into one of the tents, allowing you to steal his seat upon the log. Andrew shakes his head as Brennan trips out of another tent, hissing at his bloody mark, “You should have let me kill him.”

“Is that doubt I hear?”

“No, my lord. Forgive me, but I shan’t hide my desire to finish him. However, his punishment is… adequate, for now.” There isn’t a doubt in your mind that he would, as you too harbor this feeling. It almost brings up another smile. ”You know what you are doing, my lord, of this I would stake my life upon, but I do have one request.”

“Hmm,” your eyes turned to the leftover rabbit that has begun to gather flies.

“When the time comes, may I kill him?” Laughter escapes your lips, quickly subdued to a small chuckle. He will serve you well yet.

“Tell me…” finger raised to the heavens in thought, “Tell me more of the Equine’s cottage.” There is something there, something that does not feel right, an undeniable itch that has yet to be scratched. It is not a pleasant feeling.

”The night was cast, but the golden glow that came from the windows acted as our guide, inviting us in. Aside from the Equine, no other race found it home.” He continues, reciting the steps they took to recon this house at the forest’s edge. By the numbers he went, at least until his son got involved.

Not even he could prevent his son from rushing ahead, breaking basic subterfuge just because- because he thought she looked nice… In truth she does, a peculiar charm of sorts, but nothing to merit such betrayal. They watched as he knocked on the door, even having conversation with her, the fool. Alerted to our presence, she went back inside, and the son to his father’s side.

No other equines, no foals to scream in the night. She was left alone, no time to contact friends or family. Then what is it about this situation that drives your thoughts amok? “Something was missed, a hidden element to that house. Perhaps not even within it, but in the surrounding area. Something…”

Andrew leans forward, “Sire, if I may, what incites this curiosity?” What indeed… Following your eyes, he too looks upon the buzzing remains, “Rabbit?”

“You awake to an animal, thieving paws that now lie still, but why? What did he stand to gain?” Look at yourself, deciphering the acts of a small furry creature. It’s more suited as a pet than… That’s it. A detail that was never brought up because it was never seen. “When I approached the house, small creatures of all shapes and sizes burst forth in escape. I held no concern of them, my attention torn by your child’s mistake.”

The land around your camp becomes clearer as you continue down this train of thought, each unraveled thought bringing more unto your surroundings, or it could be the sun. “This rabbit,” you nod to what remains, “Was her pet, a companion, one of many. Andrew, what tracks do you recall seeing around her cabin.”

His eyes lift as he thinks, shaking his head as he recites some of the more basic of creatures, “Small beings mostly, rabbits, squirrels, deer. Nothing out of the ordin…” He pauses, words forming on his lips, “There were bear tracks.” Your hand clenches as you stand, drawing your sword with a single swipe. ”I thought nothing of it, sire,” he bows his head awaiting punishment, “This error rests on me.”

You sense him tense as you lay a hand on his shoulder. “No error falls upon you, for in my own haste I too let such a detail pass, but together, we must correct this mistake in the future.”

His shoulders go slack, though still perked in strength, as he raises his head, “Sire, if the rabbit…”

“Yes…” you reply, turning back to the tree where the Equine is held, a musty scent working its way to you, “If the rabbit tried to aid her, surely a bear would too.”

Andrew grabs his dagger and swiftly gets to his feet, your hand blocking his chest, “Sire, what is your order?” Your eyes stay peeled to the top of the tree, its branches twitching with fluttering leaves as a great force meets its bark. Andrew, or any of your men, could defeat this beast, but the risk is far too great. If one were to fall… “Sire.”

You look down to the bastard sword in your hand, the first rays of the sun striking its lengthened body. You’ve made your decision. “Find out what is taking Brennan so long in that tent, brother. I shall deal with our guest.”

”Aye, my lord, it shall be done.”

With steady steps you walk along the path, Andrew departing from your side, leaving the final task to you. Behind the soft sound of your footsteps lies shallow muttering, a feminine touch all too easy to discern. What lies behind that, is far more dangerous, the harsh and heavy breathing of a killing machine. You step into the outskirts of camp, keeping your head forward and up straight, your presence silencing them both. “I suggest you tell your beast to leave, my little equine. I’d hate to see something bad happen to him…”

She says nothing in response, but that in itself says more than words. “You have ten seconds to call him off,” you turn, sword touched to the floor as you look upon the bear and her master, “Ten seconds, before I sever its bond from this world, and grant it another in the next.”

Fluttershy looks up to the towering creature, even her wings afflicted by fear, “Please, you need to go.” You look over the hulking of the beast, examining its features. It stands a good two feet above you in size, a remarkable specimen indeed.

“Nine.”

Again, Fluttershy repeats for it to retreat, to which you would like to press as well. You always liked bears.

“Eight.”

Its eyes narrow in on you, its mouth opening to reveal the bone-crushing power of its teeth. A bite that could mortally wound any man in your company.

“Seven.”

In fact, this beast is more than dangerous, it is hazardous. Though its brown fur might grant an image akin to its toy variant, the instinct it feels to protect his owner rips this from your mind.

“Six, once more Fluttershy.”

Her wings lift her in the air, rope holding her neck from fleeing as she attempts to save him one last time, “Please, Mr.B, you have to go. I’ll be fine.”

“Five,” you form a grin, staring directly into the beasts eyes, challenging it in one silent gesture. One that it can’t possibly ignore. That appears to do it, its claws and head rising in the air, releasing its potent roar before it charges you. Fluttershy cowers behind the tree, incapable of watching what is about to transpire.

“Four.”

”My lord!” one of your men shouts, Andrew holding him back as the beast continues to rampage towards you.

“Three… Two…” you ready your sword as it growls into your eyes, “One.”

You grab hold of the end of your sword just as the beast reaches you, shoving the edge into his mouth as it opens. Its mouth clamps down upon it, but still it will not yield, not even as you slide backwards, heels digging into the soft dirt. Glancing backwards you slam into a tree, the forest trembling as you hold its head backwards with your sword.

Its claws come off the floor and onto the blade, forcing you to a knee just to keep it held. The sidearm you possess crosses your mind, buts its empty chamber will only doom you when you fire. With a hefty thrust you shove the left side of your sword upwards, the bears clenched mouth following the tilt, giving you the moment to strike.

Pushing off your knee you throw the bear off balance, its fur dampening on the wet grass as it struggles to roll over. She pampered this bear, you think to yourself, too much prepared fish dampening its beastial tendencies. A shame. Your foot finds its throat and using his body as an anchor, you pull back with all your might, the bear squealing in agony, its two front teeth lying bloody behind you.

Blood fills its mouth before dripping off its sides, claws fruitlessly trying to keep its mouth shut in hopes to stop the flow. “A shame,” you remark, swiping the two fangs into your pocket as you march back over to Fluttershy, “You should’ve kept him on a leash.” The ground beneath her dampens with her tears, her legs giving out. Your men cheer behind you, shouting congratulations until you glare at them.

“This is no time to celebrate. We have much work to do, ready yourselves, my brothers.” They ask no questions as they to their task, letting you stand over the Equine.

”Please…” she keeps her head down, a snapping branch causing your eye to twitch.

”MY LORD!”

Your arm swings back to the risen bear, slicing open its neck with the tip of your blade before you grab hold of his furry chest, sheathing your sword at last. Its mouth creaks open, the blood from within his throat and mouth flooding over atop you, staining the white of your silk tunic. A claw grabs your shoulder, to which you shrug off before punching him in the stomach, erupting another torrent from his wounds. “I said,” you turn to the onlooking soldier, “Ready yourself. Now.”

He freezes, though another punch to the bear seems to wake him up, “Yes, sir.” You look over the creature one more time, breath shallow and choppy, far different from its former tone. Indeed, you always liked bears… It’s such a shame they don’t return the favor. The body falls backwards as you release him, finally becoming nothing more than a corpse and perhaps a source of food. After all, if Andrew could cook that rabbit…

You wipe the blood from your eyes, flicking off whatever that residue is that befouls their ends. Disgusting yellow gunk. A glance down at your clothes is most unpleasant, well in need of a wash, if not from the blood then from the stench of aged soil. Where to find a suitable place, you wonder. No soldier of yours possesses such an acute finesse, and you’d hate to ruin it all together. After all, it was a gift.

However, before any of this can be done, you must cleanse yourself of the stench of combat. Moving over to the Equine you clear your throat in an attempt to gain her attention, but she keeps her eyes hidden. Fear is a powerful tool, there is no question, but she is of no use to you in this state. “Equine Fluttershy, where may I find a watering hole in these parts?”

She doesn’t answer you, but instead she chances a look, an action she immediately regrets as the sight of your blood-covered body catches her tongue entirely, not even able to scream. “Ungh,” you groan, untying the rope from the tree and looking back to camp, your men inspecting their equipment, “Begin construction at once. I want walls enclosing this camp, two gates at either end. Clear the surrounding trees as well for maximum visibility. I shall return shortly.” You tug on Fluttershy’s leash, “Come along.”

Your eyes stay peeled as you march through the forest, only a few of the branches resting at eye level with you, to which you swiftly chop out of the way. Every couple minutes a rogue bush would shake, or the leaves of a nearby tree would fall, but they are nothing to be concerned about. The doom of many Everfree travelers has always been a mistake of judgment. They remain focused on the movement, the shaking bushes or snapping twig when the true danger lies in lack of these things.

An assassin will not make announce his intent, nor will a Manticore break a twig as it lurks. It is when these small cues are absent, that you are in danger. Stopping every few hundred yards behind you, the pony can be heard sniffling, gasping when you pull too hard. “I told you to send him away. He should have listened.” You rough up your hair, the drying blood beginning to cement the strands together. “If he had, then I wouldn’t be dragging you out this far. Perhaps we could have prepared a small dish for you. Andrew would only feel it right after what he did to your rabbit.”

Your arm hits a snag, Fluttershy having stopped in her tracks, “A-angel?”

“Ah, I said too much,” you smile and give her another tug to continue along, “Alas, you would have learned sooner or later. It tried to steal his knife, the clever little thing.” You stop another hundred meters up, kneeling down to the earth where a small paw track lay. Dabbing it, you rub it between your fingers, moisture traced alongside the grains. It must have come this way after fetching water, either from a lake or stream.

As you trace its steps away, Fluttershy finally speaks of her own accord, “Please… Just let me go.” Even if she uses such a shallow tone, there is no way she can honestly believe you would accept her terms.

“When your purpose has been served, perhaps. Until then,” you shorten the rope between you, “We march on.”

~~~

The sound of water rampages on from behind the trees, the waves violently crashing upon one another, but when you part the leaves obstructing your view, you are surprised by the scene. A pond is formed before you, leading off into a calming stream that stretched towards the northern and southern woods. The violent crashing you heard comes from a waterfall that rises almost thirty meters high, the sun shining in through a gap in the trees, splaying a rainbow to tie the picture together. “This will do fine,” you pull her along, quickly scanning the water’s edge for any predators.

“Wow,” she tries to hide her astonishment, but your ears have not dulled with age.

“Adequate,” you remark. She is correct of course. It is a remarkable location, hidden from the world by the infamy of these woods and guarded by those that dwell within it. “Stay on guard.” You look deeper into the water, the constant thrashing of the waterfall dampening your ears and its mist, your eyes. All it would take is one Kappa demon to escape your watch, taking your prisoner from you. If she were to be taken into the depths…

You take a knee and wave your hand through the water, the night’s cold still lingering within it. Reaching behind your calf you pull the strings that hold your boots in place before moving onto the next, setting both on an adjacent rock. A wave washes over your barren feet and through the grooves between your toes. It does feel rather nice, but you still have much to do. Until then, there is no time to feel nice.

Fluttershy flinches as you pull her over, pulling away like a child from a bath. As you untie the knot around her neck, she sighs, almost believing that you are about to set her free. She shouldn’t keep setting herself up for disappointment. It’s a nasty habit. ”Thank you,” bowing her head as you begin to remove your belt, a thud landing below you. You look down to the book, mind traveling back to that monster, Discord, the one who dropped it. “Here…”

You snap the book up before she can grab it for you, unwilling to let her take it, even if she is as innocent as she appears. She takes a fearful step back as you finish removing your belt, setting both it and the book next to your boots, “I didn’t mean-“

“Don’t apologize. Your kind has always been quick to offer such pitiful words in penance. As long as you stay with me, you shall not do so ever again. Is that understood?”

She nods, her hopes of freedom dashed in a single verse. “Y- yes, s- sir…”

“Good,” you grin as you turn your back to her and raise your arms, “If you would…” You await there, arms stretched like a mannequin, yet still you don’t feel the release you had quite obviously ordered. Perhaps you were not as clear as you intended. “My tunic has a second belt in the back. Untie it.”

“Oh,” you hear her step forward before she flaps her wings to reach it, “I’m s-” Your head twitches around, the corner of your eye showing your disdain, “I mean- Um, yes, sir.” When you feel her teeth behind your waist, you relax, head returning to its previous position. Striking a woman has never appealed to you, but when you make an order, it is to be followed. Should she fail again, you will have little remorse in her punishment.

The straps fall back, letting you know that she has finished, but before she can land you pull your arms up entirely, testing her. You wish to know of her, more so than you already do, as the element of kindness. Will she follow a command that needn’t be said? Can she sense this at all? You find your answer when you feel her nose pressed against the back of your neck, the heat of her breath running down your spine. She pulls up, the tunic lifting up and over your head, allowing you to freely stretch your arms.

Before you can begin you hear her gasps, the blood-drenched cloth more than likely reminding her of what had become of her friend, “Your back!” She doesn’t quite yell, but more of a squeak. Nonetheless, you weren’t expecting that. When she presses her hoof against your back, you react first, turning and gripping her hoof in an instant. Fluttershy hides behind her hair, only peeking out when you lighten your hold, your reassuring smile looking back at her.

“That is a scar, given by an attacker who I long left for dead,” you fully release her, quickly folding your tunic and setting it aside before you chuckle. “Family, huh?”

“Family?” she asks as you undo your third belt. You’re beginning to realize this might be a bit extravagant. “What kind of family would do that?”

Finished, you pull off the rest of your clothes, leaving you as bare as she, and begin walking into the water. “The kind we will no longer speak of,” you turn to her, now waist deep, “Come in, water’s fine.”

You sense her apprehension as she takes her first steps, the primal side of her telling her to run, but the logical side knowing that she won’t live to see it. You’re glad that she listens to reason. Living amongst simpletons grows tiring over the years. The further she gets, the more apparent it is that you have to move, Fluttershy having to swim just to stay next to you, and that will simply not do.

You lead her closer to shore where she is able to stand, only up to her neck in water, and there you take a seat, rolling your neck to relax. “You may proceed…” looking down ahead of you and closing your eyes. Of course, as it is custom, she does not act as you will. To this, you become quite irritant, but as swiftly as it arose, you subdue it, as she is not part of your culture, thus she cannot be expected to fully understand. “Take your hooves, dab them in the water and begin to scrub. It is custom.”

”B-but…” she pauses before her hoof slaps into the water, pressing against your back. Allowing her to take the lead gives you time to relax, though your ears remain trained for danger. Even as her hooves work a magic all of their own as they cleanse you, it is in this position that you are in your most vulnerable state. You cannot allow yourself to be consumed by it.

You bowl up some water in your hands and pour it atop your head, the murky red water running down over her hooves. Fluttershy’s breath quickens at the sight, remembering just who you are and what you did. This memory is what causes her hooves to pause, and your eyes to open. “How long had you known him, equi- Fluttershy?”

“Eight months,” her hooves returning to their duties, “You- you didn’t have to hurt him. He wasn’t going to hurt you, just scare you.”

You can’t help but shake your head at her ignorance, the ignorance of all her people. “Then clearly you know nothing of the beast that lies within. Tell me, what makes him different than any other bear? What made that rabbit different?”

Her voice cracks, “I- I don’t want to talk about it…”

“Did I give you a choice?!” your voice rises and falls, “What made them different?”

She sniffs, dabbing her hoof as she answers, “They were my friends… Angel Bunny…” Another sniff, all that she can muster at the loss of her pets, and friends, it would seem. She takes this pain rather well, it surprises you. Over the years, many of the ones she’s befriended must have passed along, and still she clings to them, knowing that they will one day be lost to her. That, is strength. A certain princess could learn from her.

“Friendship? This is how you know? Blech.” You express your disdain without thought, “Friendship only confuses you, clouds your judgment of another. To know someone, is not to be their friend, nor their enemy, but to look at someone without bias. Even then, you cannot trust them, no matter their character.”

“You wouldn’t understand…” her tone more sympathetic than defiant, “You never do.” By ‘you’, she certainly means those that refute that belief. Once again, ignorant to whom she speaks.

“Twice, I gave my friendship to others. Twice, I was betrayed, one of which you’ve seen the result of. Twice… Two times too many,” you lean forward, dousing your head completely to finish off your wash. “I know all too well of friendship, and let me tell you, it is far from magical.”

You stand up and shoo her away, stepping further into pool, soon waist deep once more. From there you can still see Fluttershy on the shoreline, her mind conflicted again, thinking about running. When she sees you looking, she knows better than to run. This, you know now because she is not your friend, nor is she your enemy. You smile and turn back to the waterfall, gazing up through the trees. Your finger twitches, ears alerted to a danger as you turn back to Fluttershy, her breath caught in her throat, a silent ripple cast in the water. A Kappa…

“Fluttershy, stay out of the lake,” you command taking a step back, the top of its sage shell barely bobbing out of the water. Keeping your fists clenched you look around, two more dark patches swimming through the deep end, only visible now due to the rising sun, Celestia useful to you at last.

“I’m scared…”

“I know,” you reply, another Kappa soon joining you, the first one’s webbed feet finally touching down on the gravel below. As the top of its head pops out the water you can spy its red eyes open up behind its beak, a devilish smile formed on its moss-ridden face. The second joins it too, both looking at you, bobbing their heads up and down in the water in a mantra.

”What do we have here?” the second speaks, her voice gargly and deep as her eyes stare at yours, “It tasted delicious.” The blood… Yes, like a moth to a flame they come seeking the wounded creature whose blood now taints this pool. “I don’t know,” the other replies, a male, cocking its head in confusion, “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“Fluttershy, get my sword.”

“Fluttershy?” the male looks around, eyes widening when it sees the Pegasus off shore, “Ooooh, I know what that is.”

”Hmmm,” you see the female rubbing her belly, “When was the last time we had proper pony? Oh, it’s been a long time.” Kappa’s earned a taste for equine blood long ago, and even to those who’ve never tasted one, they crave it.

“Too long…” the male steps towards her, abruptly blocked as you step in his path, “But you could taste good too.”

“Fluttershy!” you bark this time, not willing to turn your back to these expert swimmers as you like your skin where it is.

“Yes, please come in, Fluttershy,” they both beg in unison, “We’d love you to come and play.”

“Grr… Fluttershy!” you turn your head back, the Pegasus taking small steps back towards the forest. Well… That is the logical thing to do.

The male pouts , slouching his shoulders, “Aww, I was really hoping she’d come and play.” Fluttershy’s only doing what she must to survive. In this case, flee while she has the chance and allow you to fend them off yourself. You could shed a tear you’re so proud.

But as much as you’re proud of her initiative, that still leaves you with these two, the female licking her beak with her long prehensile tongue, displaying her many fangs, “That’s alright, we still have one to play with.”

You snarl at them and take another step back, “Which part do you want first, sis? The top, or the bottom?”

She closes her eyes, humming in her throat, “I don’t know. They both look sooo good.”

“Well make a decision already, I’m starting to get all pruny, and trust me, you won’t like me when I’m pruny.”

“Alright,” they both shrug, sinking back into the water, but moving unmistakably closer. Kick them over, strike the soft underbelly. That shell is near impenetrable, and you didn’t bring a hammer.

“c-catch,” you hear a voice call out from above, looking up to see Fluttershy dropping your sword. You grab it with both hands raised above your heads, water bursting out from the lake as the third shoots up to grab her. He only makes it half way when you make a downwards slash, severing his outstretched neck from the rest of his shell.

“Back to shore!” the head making a small splash as the female strikes, surging out towards you, your forearm parrying her away. The male tackles you, using his speed to counter your weight, but you quickly wrap your arms around its chest and shell, suplexing him right back into the water. Even submerged under the water, you can still hear the crack of his neck as it shatters, his body drifting upwards. All that’s left is the female as you breach the surface, it’s just a shame that she didn’t conceal herself better.

When she strikes the tip of your sword meets her, pointed right at her soft underbelly, hovering above her heart. She stays motionless, her life at your mercy. All it takes is one thrust… but when you look to the shore and the creature’s hungry eyes, you know what to do. You make a slash down her stomach, not enough to be fatal, but enough to worry of other predators. “OW! If you’re going to kill me-”

“Shut up,” you silence her, kicking her back and into the water, just as another Everfree resident enters the pool. “Now I’m all pruny.” You walk out the pool, thankfully as clean as Fluttershy got you, no blood added, and start putting on your clothes, tossing your sword to the ground.

Fluttershy lands next to you, “You let her live.”

“No,” you point out to her, the unmistakable ridges of a rockodile descending into the depths after the wounded Kappa. “I just gave her a few seconds to regret.” You hold onto your shirt, still drenched but unwilling to clean it yourself. You do need it washed though. Maybe Fluttershy… Hmm, now that is a quandary isn’t it? Why is she still here? “Why did you come back, Fluttershy? You were right to leave me.”

Fluttershy shakes her head, “No, I wasn’t. I was only thinking of myself.” Exactly your point, she could have run away, and she’d likely get away with it as well. “Even if you did k…” she holds back her sorrow but her eyes still grow red, “Kill my friends, I can look past that, I can forgive you. No one deserves to die. Not even you.”

That… that’s almost sweet. The innocent child saving the barbarian on the very beliefs that he despises. You could even reform after such a speech, become a farmer or something, make the world a better place. “That’s real nice of you, Fluttershy.” You put on your belt, stowing your book and sword back into place, not bothering with the shirt, “But you’re wrong. People do deserve to die. Criminals, rapists, tyrants… But the strong live, and the weak die. This is life.”

“You- you can’t really believe that. If you did… then you wouldn’t have saved me when I helped you.” Very true, very true. Most cases you would’ve let her die, but it wasn’t one of those.

“You are my prisoner, and only one person is allowed to take your life. Me. Until such a time, you are under my protection. Forgive me, or don’t. Just put on the leash.”

She sighs, taking the rope in her hoof and sliding it over her neck, “I don’t even know your name.” Well, that would certainly be some crucial information, you think, tightening the rope.

“My name is Anonymous.” You bow your head before giving her a swift tug, “Get moving. Oh and Fluttershy?”

“Umm, yes, Anon?”

“Who can I find to wash my shirt?”

Chapter 3: Tour of the Town

Your ears turn as you make your way closer to your own encampment, equine still in tow at your rear. Hammers, or rather the resonance that comes from the repeated pounding upon wood. That is what reaches your ears. Their diligence, their resolve, this is what separates the average man from their equine counterpart. If there is one element that has survived your long rest, it is the nature of man.

You step out from the forest, allowing your first gaze upon the state of the new fortifications. A flare burns in your gut, a sudden feeling of rage or perhaps it is disappointment? Regardless, you tighten your hold upon the rope and push on into camp. The soldier working the gate rushes into salute, “My lord.”

Your eyes move between him and the work he neglected to engage you in conversation. The planks are uneven and shoddy, a strong breeze or equine alike would find the battlement easy prey. ”The construction is not quite finished, my lord. We are-”

“My eyes have not yet rotted away, but perhaps yours have. This is not the work I would expect of my men.”

The obvious look of disgust forces his back to firm to a more acceptable level, “Yes, sir. I will rectify the problem at once.” With a nod you allow him to continue his work using the edge of his sword to pry loose one of the boards he had already set up. Should they have the proper tools their task would surely deflate in difficulty, but there exists not a tool in Equestria that they are trained to wield.

Only the sword, the axe, bows and arrows, weapons of warfare from those simple to the exotic, these are the tools of their trade. They never were the greatest architects in this world, that honor went to the Dogs of Steel… It is a shame that Mudt did not live to lead them. “Come,” you pull Fluttershy along as you move to the center of the camp where Andrew is speaking with another of your men. Surely he is attempting to speed up the process. After all, Canterlot was not built in a day… The castle… you had not thought of that…

“There is a castle that had once resided in this forest. Tell me, does Celestia keep her counsel in its walls?” you ask your prisoner. A mumble escapes her, the key points of her personality serving to thwart even your most basic of questions. You have no time nor patience to goad out a response. Your voice must be stern so that she never again makes this mistake. “In my presence you shall not mumble, nor groan, nor whimper. You shall speak as one of my soldiers, not the measly guards that Equestria now calls a stallion-at-arms. Am I understood.”

“Sorry…” her voice trails off and that would be enough to invoke your wrath, but what is more, is her apology. You gave her warning. She must be punished. You wrap your hand around the rope, tightening the tie between you, and thrust it forward, pulling the mare before you with a gasp. Gripping her by the throat you lift her so that you may stare into her fearful eyes, but not once did she whimper, not once did she resist.

“Apologies are kept for those who fail me. Those who fail me are punished accordingly. Those who are punished are not given a second chance.” She tries to shut her eyes but you tighten your hold, the crushing strength of her grip forcing them to open. “Do you fear me, Equine?” You loosen your grip so she might speak, but instead she nods, adding further fuel to your flame.
“Speak!”

“Yes,” red fills her eyes, a sight you find most unpleasant.

“I am not like the others that you referred to, am I, those other villains?”

She shakes her head again, “You aren’t.” Fear is a powerful tool, but it only goes so far. To build loyalty, you need trust. If you do not have trust, you must build faith. Faith in your cause, faith in your leader. She must have faith in you.

“I vouched for you this morning, before the sun had truly graced the sky. I spoke of the strength I saw within you. Your eyes hold secrets that no mere mortal can see, but I am not mortal. I am Anonymous, leader of Humanity since the stars first breathed life into this world. I have existed long before the Crystal Mountains felt the freeze of winter. I have shed blood before your precious Celestia could walk. I have protected Equestria from threats that hold no place in your history books. I… am Anonymous. I did not get this far by making mistakes. I did not make a mistake this morning and I will not allow you to call me ‘liar.’ Am I understood?”

Though crimson coats her eyes, a tear is not shed. “I understand.”

“Good.” You release her, her hooves massing her throat much as the disappointment that is Brennan had. He felt the sword while she, your raw strength. You are unsure which is more deadly. “As long as you obey me no harm shall come to you. A word of a villain is not a word to trust, and though I am no villain, you would be wise not to trust me. I make no promises, give no word. Obey, and you will be treated no worse than one of mine. Resist, and I will not punish you. Instead, I will hunt all those you hold dear.”

”I…” Her voice is frail but she need not your words to rectify it, “I understand… sir.” You almost chuckle, but instead you find a smile would work best. “Celestia lives in Canterlot. The castle is abandoned.”

“Excellent. You have done well.” You notice the silence of construction, eyes fixed upon you from your men. “Return to your duties. Do not find distraction again…” A multitude of ‘yes sirs’ and ‘of course my lords’ answer you and soon they return to work. Andrew simple shakes his head and continues his conversation.

Content with the equine you finally approach Andrew who send off the soldier with a dismissal. “My lord,” he salutes, “Your trip was adequate?”

“Most certainly. Cleansing oneself is a luxury all beings should enjoy. Your knife, brother.” Without question he slips it from his sheath and into your hand, watching as you cut the rope off Fluttershy’s neck.

Still he does not voice his curiosity, though his eyes do lock onto those of Fluttershy’s, causing her to look away. “Have you eaten?”

She almost looks surprised by his question, “N-no.” You clench your fist.

“Not to me, nor to my men…”

”No, I haven’t eaten,” she corrects herself, though the quivering of her legs is undeniable. It will take some time…

“Some of your food reserves were stored along with the rest of your home. I will have someone fetch you something to eat.”

“Belay that, brother. It will not be necessary. We will be taking another trip soon. Once there, she will be fed.” His lips part for a mere moment before clenching together, his disapproval already noted. This is curious. “You disapprove?”

”No sir, you will act as you wish.” He is saving face, you know this, and he knows that you are now aware. He is not a fool and you appreciate his opinion when appropriate.

“Speak freely, what is it that concerns you?”

”As you wish… Is it wise, sir, to venture off once again while the few that remain are in infancy?”

“You doubt your own ability to govern in my stead? Nonsense, you have always had my support in this venture.”

”No, sir. My only concern is-” He struggles to find the adequate words. “I am old, older than my father or his father before him. My time will soon come and should I fall, there would be no other for my role to fall upon.”

“You’re worried about him,” Fluttershy speaks up, earning a glance from both of you.

”Only should you not return, my lord. I do not doubt your skill, only-”

“Please,” you silence him with a motion of your hand, “I will never doubt your loyalty. You have served me well and I ask for nothing more. Your concerns are noted but discarded. The events that follow will always be in my control, no others.” You lay a hand on his shoulder and embrace him, Andrew following suit. “Meet me at the edge of the golden city and take the road less traveled.” You whisper this into his ear to escape your prisoner’s prying ears, “The sun shall not rise before our next meeting.”

“I understand.” You release him and look down to Fluttershy, oblivious to your conversation. “Any orders before your leave, my lord?”

“Yes, there is a castle in these woods, ruined and old. Do you remember it?”

”A castle?” He tries to think, the loss of memory fighting him all the way. “The castle. The Castle of the Two Sisters? Yes, I recall though I can’t quite remember the look of it.” Understandable. You look around, no part of the fortification looking any better than that you had already seen.

“This project serves only to exhaust our resources. Why build when you can simply repair?”

“Ahh, I see, my lord.” Andrew understands where your new goal lies, “Shall I scout the region before your return, or shall I move our encampment?”

“Discretion is the better part of valor.”

”Aye, my lord. It shall be done.” You tap Fluttershy with the sheath of your sword, scooting her along into the forest. “When shall I expect your return?”

“Before the sun falls. Should I not return, retreat to where the sky meets the earth. May strength find you.”

”And may steel guide you.”

His image fades from view as you reenter the forest, this time allowing Fluttershy to lead. This takes faith on your part, but she has proved quite submissive thus far. It is doubtful this will change. You toss your bloodied shirt from your hand and onto her back, the mare squeaking at the sudden appearance. Her hooves shake ever so slightly as she walks but she does not make a peep. “The blood has dried,” you inform her looking at your now red hand. “Not as fast as I would have liked, but it shall show no sign when we reach your ‘Rarity.’”

“It’s not that,” she whispers under her breath, a fatal mistake, “They were my friends.” Still hung up about that is she? It is only natural for her kind to allow such thoughts to cloud your vision.

“The nights darken and the day breaks. Some hunt while others flee. Some die while others live. You will do well to remember that.” She doesn’t say a word and this you will allow as nothing more needs to be said from her. “I allow you this single moment of grief for your past companions, Mr. B and Angel Bunny. All should have a chance for grief, no matter their race.”

“You… remember their names?” She almost stops to ask this but you prod her forward.

“Long ago, I made it a habit to recall the names of those I kill, or those whose lives have been lost due to my actions. Mr. B and Angel are two, Andrew’s son, John, the third. I have kept up with it the best I can.” Her head turns, as if to ask a question but she continues on. Still, her silence deserves an answer. “I couldn’t remember half of them if I tried. I sometimes wonder if I should stop, to let my mind go free for the crimes of my hands.”

“Why don’t you?”

You look forward, almost able to see their faces in the forest brush. “Because I’d be no better than the ones who put that scar on my back. Let’s pick up the pace; I don’t want any more complications today.”

~~~

You step out from the forest without incident, the sun beating upon your bare chest as you look across to the town. “Ponyville, yes?” Access to fresh water, local source of timber with adequate room for crops, large population easy to control. “Had I the men…”

You follow Fluttershy as she moves down to the river, following until you meet the road. “When we’re there-”

“I will not change my behavior for them. Those who allow me peace will be left alone, those who disturb me will not. I would recommend you ensure they do not choose the latter.”

“I understand. I think I should do the talking, if that’s alright with you…” You look over the water, a small group of ponies already looking on with curiosity, and nod in agreement. It would be unwise to advise one thing to Andrew and yet choose another path for yourself. A shared venture is one that will succeed.

Regardless, you keep one hand upon your sword’s hilt, the other instinctively hovering over your pistol, defunct thought it is. And so you walk, two paces behind the mare at all times as you inspect those who choose to glance in your direction. The mares look on in curiosity though they keep their children firm by their side. Instinct, it is a most troublesome quality.

Children? Eyes full of wonder, no doubt a rain of questions pouring down on them like arrows in a heated battle. The stallions… They are who you seem to despise the most. Young, virile, energy packed to the bone. Then where are the scars of their work, their marks of exertion from where they struggled to fight for the good of their families, for their people. These creatures do no justice to their ancestor, the great stallion himself whom all should aspire to reach.

If he were here, if he could see what became of his race… You both would share in this frustration. All the work you had done for them, lost.

“H-hello,” Fluttershy ducks behind her mane as she passes another mare. Moving alongside her you release an audible growl, enough just for her to hear.

“One whose face changes with company is one who shall know me a time most short. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes,” she almost shouts much to the surprise of the onlookers who begin to murmur amongst themselves. “Yes, sir.”

“Calm yourself. Allow time to flow through you without fear of the present nor future, but always be aware of it,” you instruct her as you move past the rather piercing looks of those behind you, “Unless you allow them, no being can take this state of being from you, not even I.” Perhaps these lessons will not fall on deaf ears this time.

A soft growl hits you, though it comes not from any creature who means you harm. You look down at Fluttershy, her cheeks a deep shade of ruby red. “We should be there soon, I promise.”

“Do not give me promises. I need no reassurance,” you answer unfazed as you watch the passing buildings.”

“Rarity… She’s a good friend of mine and- I just want you to know that if she says something, she almost always doesn’t mean it in a bad way.” A silver tongue? Most dangerous in the field of diplomacy, useless in the field of battle.

“You inform me of this for what reason? I have already made my position clear. Moderate them, or I shall do it for you.” She swallows hard and looks forward, her response making you smile. “Despite the population, I find this town most… refreshing. It calls me back to an earlier time when each pony struggled to get by the day to day. How long ago that was.” Magic is a powerful construct, capable of the most destructive act imaginable, laziness.

“Look at these ponies, Fluttershy.” You point out a stallion and mare enjoying an iced treat together, “What do you see?”

“I see, whatever you want me to see.” She winces when knee her ribs, not hard enough to hurt her but enough to make her think twice.

“Brownie points are rewarded with punishment. Again, what do -you- see? What can you feel?”

“Two ponies enjoying ice cream,” she flinches, opening a single eye when you fail to strike her again.

“Indeed, but look closer. What about them differs from you? Use your senses.”

You move back so she may look closer, the pair laughing at some amusement or another. “They’re unicorns.”

“Yes… Look closer, how do they feel, what worries trouble them? Draw this knowledge from within yourself.”

“I- I don’t know,” she looks up at you and she asks you a most important question, “What do you think they feel?” Very clever mare. It is a shame she was not born when you were at peace in an earlier time.

“Happy. Content. Euphoric, if you would allow the term. Their hooves lie clean, muscles relaxed, a certain aroma in the air, strawberry?”

Her nostrils flare as she inhales in mimicry of your own, “I don’t smell anything.”

“Your nose has been dormant for far too long. Close your eyes and truly breathe the morning air.

Her jaw drops slightly as a new aroma engages her senses, “I can smell it. It’s… cherry.” She sniffs again and almost smiles, “And vanilla.”

“Of course. Equines have always had an acute sense of smell unlike myself, and yet you have squandered this gift in favor of your ice cream.”

You usher her along, Fluttershy still in a state of discovery. “Wait, you smelled it too. Wouldn’t that mean-”

“It takes years to train ones senses. Even after my work, I only barely sensed it upon the breeze. Cherries… I was almost certain.”

She looks to her feet then back up to you, “You never cared about the two ponies, did you?” You furrow your brow which silences this train of thought.

“There are many lessons to be learned, and the one I will teach you now is to never allow yourself to think you know me. I despise what those two represent, but in their inactivity I saw a chance for you to learn something of yourself. Something your dear Celestia snubbed from your crib at birth.”

Fluttershy doesn’t agree with you, you can see it in her eyes, “Celestia would never do that. She’s kind and helpful and-”

“It is obvious you will not agree, and this is good. A thrall is of weak mind, a soldier or tool. Do not let my words sway you with ease, but listen to what they preach. Let us move.”

~~~

You walk in silence until you reach a rather large establishment, “Here we are. Carousel Boutique.” You look up the swirling pillars and to the gold and violet rooftops of this place, a palace of cloth if Fluttershy’s words strike true.

“This place reminds me of another, an abhorrent establishment in the streets of Canterlot Castle. Far too clean for my tastes, and the patrons… abominations, the disease infesting from within the meat of society.”

”Canterlot is nothing like that,” she starts to say before silencing herself.

“Please, do go on. When we are alone, I intend for you to speak your mind.” This is not a lie, despite what she may think. She is not a soldier but a prisoner, and a prisoner can become so much more when set free.

“It’s beautiful there,” she finally speaks up, “The buildings, the people, but the garden animals especially. I just- need to find a way for them to like me.”

“You can only be who you are, Fluttershy. One whose face changes with company-”

“Is one who shall know you for a short time,” she recites bowing her head, “I remember.” Her leg twitches as you lay a hand on her back.

“Do not fret. Keep calm but aware. Remember what I have told you and nothing shall came to pass that you do not wish… mostly.”

Taking your hand off you allow her to lead you to the doorway, “Mostly?”

“I shall not lie to you. Few actions of mine have resulted in the acceptance of others, but you know enough of me at the moment to know what it is that will trigger my action. Yes?”

“When someone tells you what you want to hear, when they bother you-”

“Annoy,” you correct her matter-of-factly. “Should an important event arise, I have no qualms of being bothered or interrupted.” You look to the doorway, a hum echoing from within this ‘Boutique.’ “Everything of this place has me in an irritated state of mind. Watch my language, not of my mouth but of my form. I will attempt to restrain myself from rash action, for the sake of my shirt.”

If Rarity is as skilled as Fluttershy says, then it would be wise not to allow personal feelings to get in the way. Unfortunately, when you open the door and the first stench of Canterlot filth hits you, you find this to be a most difficult task. The bell from the door rings but not before the waves of perfume fill your nostrils in such ferocious quantity that you would almost prefer the bogs of tar and rot. Your nose clenches thought you attempt to save face, as you told Fluttershy you would. “You don’t like the smell?”

“The sooner we leave the quicker I can allow myself to recover from this sweet stench.” Across the ways, attending to a cloth laden mannequin is a unicorn, and if your nose is correct then the source of your misery stems from her.

"I'll be with you in, one, moment..." the unicorn mutters as she attempts to hover a needle just below her target's neckline. A few inches to the right and an accidental stab would be fatal to a normal pony. Perhaps her skills are up to par... Fluttershy twiddles her thumbs so to speak, content to wait for another's charity. This is unacceptable. Tapping the wooden floor with your shoe provides an audible thump, and when she looks up at you it's very clear that you will not wait.

"Rarity," her voice firm and to your liking, "I need your help."

Her friend almost jumps at the voice but keeps her body calm as she puts down her needle, "Fluttershy? Oh of course, whatever you need must be important for you to- Gwah!" She hadn't made a full 180 degrees before she gasped at the sight of you. This will not go over well for her. "Fluttershy! What is the meaning of this?"

"Rarity, please let me-"

"No, no and no!" Rarity shakes her head, making sure her precious mane stays in position all the while, "I cannot tell you enough to keep your animal friends -out- of my store." Fluttershy tenses, and for good reason seeing as how you've tightened the grip of your sword. The last time someone called you an animal, their head adorned a spike outside the chamber walls for all a nation to see.

Even still as hopeless as it is, Fluttershy attempts to calm her down. "No, he isn't an animal. Just let me explain. This is-"

Rarity gasps, "My floor!" You look down, light smudges of brown brought in from the dirt had graced her establishment. The travesty. "I just cleaned up from one of Sweetie Belle's messes. Why? Why?!" The plague of Canterlot has spread then, only now can you be truly sure of it. Even in a remote town such as this, luxury has made all of equine kind weak and irritable. Magic, her being a unicorn does not help. "You, out!" she points a hoof at you, your response of which is to stare her back down. "Shoo, vanish!"

Despite your size, despite the tools of war you wield, she decides all the same to come forward in a stance of aggression, intending to intimidate you as kelp before a whale. "Rarity, please wait!"

Apparently not one to listen to reason, Rarity raises upon her hooves to match half of your height, "Run away before-"

"Before what?"

The unicorn lets out a yelp and falls over, not aware of your ability to speak. "Please, not the mane," she begs covering her head and tail.

Fluttershy looks to see what you do next, but at your silence she moves to help Rarity up, "Rarity, please, he's not going to hurt you." She has to look over again to verify that last part, though your lack of expression makes it difficult to decipher. However, she should know not to make promises that she cannot keep. Even still, you see no reason to injure her, yet. After helping her up, Fluttershy finally decides to introduce you. Rarity does not interject this time. "Rarity, this is Anonymous. He's..."

"Human." You will provide assistance where she needs but will otherwise remain silent.

"A- a human?" Rarity stammers as she attempts to collect herself. Unsuccessfully, you would say. "I don't think I've ever seen something like you before. Maybe that minotaur, Iron Will, but nothing so... different."

The Iron family? It is good that their line had not died out over the ages. Many a fine warrior came from their house and few you have had to put to the sword. Despite this good fortune, you cannot help but tarnish it with the thought of how they might have degenerated over the years. This, Iron Will, has almost surely not wielded the hammer that 'dorns their banner. "Well, is there- something I can do for the two of you? Fluttershy?"

"Anon's shirt was- umm..." Her eyes drop, surely churning to formulate a lie in your place, or are her emotions resurfacing along with the thoughts of her friends. "Damaged."

"We'll just have to see," Rarity's smile fails to grace your own. "Is this it here?" She hovers the material before her, giving a rather puzzled at its distinct discoloration, "My oh my, what is this?" Dabbing a hoof against the material a few fine particles cling to her as she attempts to formulate just what this might be. Surely she has seen blood before, but in the infant culture that Equestria now lives it is likely she has never seen it in such abundance.

"Anonymous, umm, fell." Your eyes roll at her sheer ineptitude when it comes to deception. It can't be helped. "He was- was walking by a river, a shallow river, full of clay. He tripped and uh- You know..."

"Fell?" Rarity looks you up and down, "I can only imagine how difficult it must be to walk on only two legs." You are more than willing to give her a firsthand experience. "Still, I don't think I've ever seen clay so, fine, or red for that matter. It must have been a messy business... Why isn't your bottom ruined as well?"

By the stars above and the damned below if this mare continues to talk... "He had some spares," she smiles dishonestly to her friend before noticing your increasing state of agitation. "Oh darn, look at the time. We really have to be going, I'm so sorry."

Rarity gives her an understanding grin, "Nonsense, darling. I always enjoy you stopping by... even with guests." It would be appropriate to return with a kind gesture, but you are in no mood for social games. "I'll have this done shortly, just for you my dear. Are we still on for the Spa this week? I would hate to cancel."

“O-of course, I mean, yes. Yes."

"It was a- a pleasure, to have met your acquaintance Mister Anonymous," she extends a delicate hoof, bent at the knee. You've seen this before, stallions kissing the hooves of another. Unhygienic and deplorable... The upper class always has been. Instead you shake her hoof as you would any stallion of worth, except you'll make an exception this... Tingle. The sensation runs up the frame of your arm, in the same fashion as when you had touched Fluttershy.

"Generosity," you mumble, bowing your head. "We will meet each other again, Rarity. I expect it to be under different circumstances."

"But of course, darling. Any friend of Fluttershy is a friend of mine." She misinterpreted your meaning, but you choose not to correct her. No need to ruin what will surely be a most interesting surprise. Making your way to the door you let out a sigh, only now feeling comfortable in this... environment. "Excuse me, one question before you leave." Turning around you see her looking over your shirt again, "What -is- this made of? I don't think I've seen anything like it."

Now this, this is a matter in which you can understand her confusion. Few Equestrians have been graced by the foreign stitching. It is merely a matter of distance. "Silk, hailing from the webbed forest of Arac beyond the eastern sea."

Remarkable place, the efficiency of their society rivaled almost that of the Changelings. "Spider silk," she remarks with almost fright before looking upon the cloth in a new light. "It's- beautiful."

"Effective." You can't help but smile when you think of the day the young princess first gave you that. Stumbling through the doorway barely able to hold onto her gift. So poorly wrapped that she struggled to keep it together. There are few days you recall that bring you joy... It's a shame her older sister is not among them. "Take care of my wares and I will show you the same courtesy one day." With a nod you see yourself out, the door shutting just behind Fluttershy.

By your side Fluttershy takes a gasp of air as if she had been without it for an age. Anxiety followed by a feeling of relief, you have seen this before. “For a human, I would recommend they place their hands atop their heads to aid in their breathing. Equine anatomy is a fair bit different from our own, as you can tell.” Where to next? Your main objective is nearly complete, but what else might you accomplish in an Equestrian town?

Hmm, you do have a promise to keep. “I- I can’t do this. Lying to my friends, acting like nothing’s wrong…”

“Then act like something is wrong. Tell them the truth, I will not stop you.” You could swear that you see anger in her eyes when she looks at you. Promising, “Should you have something to say to me, do so. Don’t allow your anger to bottle up within yourself.” She shouldn’t allow it to flow freely either. You’ve met too many humans whose anger ends in the death of the innocent.

“You’re- You’re a big meanie! Who do you think you are treating others like this? I’ve met plenty of bad ponies in my day, but you top the cake!” When her rant ends she looks upon your face again, this time in fear, “B-but-”

“I understand. You do not like me for my actions, how I treat you and others with barely contained hostility. I am not surprised no being alive is quite as… real, as I am.” Alive is most certainly the operative term here. If either of them had risen and you not… Fluttershy would have joined you in the dirt. “Come, you hunger and I shall not allow my prisoner to die of starvation. Lead the way to a place where we can alleviate this ailment.”

“Why do you care? Is it just because you said you would so now you feel obligated?” Fluttershy bows her head as she leads you regardless. “I thought I could help you…”

“And I you, Fluttershy.”

“No, you don’t want to help me. You hate Equestria and every pony in it… You would never help us.” She couldn’t be any further from the truth. You run a hand through your hair and crack your back, relieving some pestering tension.

“I do not hate Equestria,” you confess with a sigh. “I do not hate ponies. This may surprise you, but I have always felt a, sense of belonging in this place. Almost as if this is where I belonged.” You watch as your feet kick up a cloud of dirt, the particles swirling hypnotically before you. “What I do hate, are those who do not try to improve upon themselves. I hate when a being becomes complacent, docile, lazy. Magic had done this to Equestria long ago, it made them weak and they paid the price.”

“I don’t remember anything like that. The first I knew about you was when you entered my home… and tore it down.”

“The reason your memory fails to recall this incident is because you were not alive to hear it, and you seem to believe that it was I who was the source of this conflict. You are wrong, I was the solution.”

“I don’t understand, not even my grandmare said anything about a ‘conflict.’ You would have to be older than her, or you’re not telling me the truth.”

“I do not lie!” you bark, calming yourself all too late. You loathe having to raise your voice. “Forgive me, but I detest being called a liar. I have not told you false truths thus far and I will not begin.”

“It’s okay, I forgive you.” She doesn’t quite look at you, but you can understand why. The last time you were angry you nearly suffocated her. You hope another lesson is not in order.

“The reason she had not heard of this either, is because she too was not alive, and I am older than she. I am older than the princess of the sun, because I am just like her. A leader of their people.” Fluttershy doesn’t seem to know what to say. The vague implications mixed with your message may be a bit too much for a mortal. Well, this next one should surely confuse her. “And the reason you have not heard of me sooner is because I have been rotting beneath the earth with my kin. Recent events have changed that.”

“You were- I don’t think I understand.”

“Of course not. Perhaps one day you will come to recognize the sacrifices I have made so you can now live your life of luxury, where your magic has made you complacent once more, but today is not that day.” Whispers and muttering once more stirs your attention to the ponies that watch you both from all sides. You hear the words ‘complacent’ and ‘lazy’ through their inaudible gossip, your disdain slowly becoming public knowledge.

“And yes, Fluttershy, I am allowing you to get food because I said so. My words are my bond… but I also do not wish to see a being starve, human or otherwise. The things I do may scar you, may have you doubt my humanity, but I am not without conscience. I am no monster, only a man.” Man. That word too is beginning to spread amongst the onlookers. You have started a chain of events that cannot be stopped. Not by you. Not by Fluttershy. Not even by Celestia herself, though she may try.

In fact, you’re counting on it.

~~~

You spend a moment watching the sky, ears trained for the beating wings of the royal guard, and the next moment you find yourself before what appears to be a hybrid between the a building and the immature dreams of a hungry filly. Frosting teases the edges of the chocolate cracker roof, though you know both to be merely an imitation. A towering layer of muffins extends from the roof’s base, a trio of candles lit with an almost magical aura.

“If a place such as this existed in Canterlot, I fear no pony would be capable of passing through the castle gates.”

“This is Sugarcube Corner. One of my friends works here.” Fluttershy almost sounds proud.

“Another element of harmony I presume. I relish to see what she might have in store for us.” This causes her to pause, piquing your interest. Something you said? “You do not wish for me to meet her,” you more so state than actually ask. “Is she a unicorn as well?”

“No, she’s an earth pony but… She can get excited when she sees someone she doesn’t know. Really excited.” Ahh, you see. If this pony’s excitement were to not be to your liking, she fears what you may do, quite similar to how she felt with Rarity. Leaning to the right you peek inside the window, a mare with a coat of blue paired with a pink mane working behind the counter.

“She seems rather calm,” you turn to her unsure of why she was worried. “She has the look of a mother, strained and hardened. Why do you-” Eyes, big broad eyes plastered to the window looking at you. This is what you see when you look back to the window. Her pink mane and coat squish up against the glass, almost blocking your view entirely.

“Oh no…”

”Hiya!” the face somehow manages to spit out despite being wholly consumed by the window. You allow yourself to blink only to find she has disappeared from sight, an act which brings you on alert, hand still tight on your sword.

“She’s not going to hurt you,” Fluttershy tries to plead but you know this already.

“Allow yourself to relax and your enemies will exploit it. I know this well.” You keep your eyes trained to the doorway, but a scent catches your nose, sugar. Combined with the subtle yet hasted hoofsteps coming from behind you, you would think you have two seconds to avoid impact. One-

“Hiya again!”

You spin to your left away from the building just as the pink blur barreled through your position, only the air that escaped her path gracing your skin. Her forelegs are locked around herself as though she were attempting to grab something, to which you realize was supposed to be you. She treats you in an all too familiar fashion. The mare blinks, shaking the dust from her disheveled pink mane, “Where’d he go?”

“Pinkie please, this-”

“There he is,” she hollers at the top of her lungs as she pops off the ground with inhuman speed and leaps at you again.

You reach a hand out, gripping her by the skull so that she dangles just above the ground before allowing her to fall. “…is Anonymous.” A tingle, the very same as Rarity and Fluttershy. This one… laughter seems to be the appropriate choice.

Your grip almost seemed to have flattened her mane out, but a single bounce and it returns to its chaotic form. “Anonawhoony?” She smiles and you have to force yourself not to share it. She reminds you of Luna as a filly. “Whoever you are, you’re fast mister.”

“I’ve seen faster,” you admit as the mare hops a little every few seconds. Yes, definitely like Luna. “So I assume you are this ‘Pinkie’ character Fluttershy warned me of.”

“Warned? Pfft, why would she have to warn you about me? It’s not like I was going to tackle hug you into the ground or anything. Wait, I did do that didn’t I?”

“Tried, and might I say that I only narrowly escaped your clutches. Your speed is on par with Pegasi, I would go so far as to say.”

“Oh you…” Pinkie blushes and slaps your leg, Fluttershy nearly having an aneurysm. “My name’s Pinkamena Diane Pie, but everyone just calls me Pinkie.”

“Anonymous,” you take a short bow, “Pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Fluttershy watches in horror from the sidelines, a meeting she was almost certain would turn deadly now nothing more than an innocent introduction.

“You’re Anonawhoony! Wow, I didn’t think I’d meet another minotaur before. Why are you wearing pants?” You open your mouth to answer only for her rear leg to buck unexpectedly. “The cookies! Be right back Anonytallman!" She zips away leaving only a cloud of dust... only to appear a second later, "You too Fluttershy!" This time you wait to make sure she has left... No? Alright then.

"Fascinating mare. She reminds me of a filly I knew long ago." You turn to find Fluttershy's face a deep shade of blue as she has apparently forgotten the ability to breathe. "In through the nose, out through the-"

"Back!" Now now, this mare is certainly a bundle. Should her mind be a degree more still you would welcome her in your company. As things are, that is impossible. "I'd love to stay and chat but Misses Cake has me super duper busy today. See you later Anonarooni!"

"Anonymous."

"Who?" Gone, vanished before you can even correct her. The only thing that remains is a plate on the ground, two cookies and a trail of chocolate making a smiley face. When this place falls and hordes of soldiers hold these streets, you will keep Pinkie safe. Anyone who can make you smile deserves such a gift.

Picking up the plate you with your free hand, the other still locked to your blade though your grip has 'laxed, and look to find a suitable place to consume your gift. Ahh, a bench will do just fine and seeing as how it is remote from the surrounding equines will allow you to eat in peace. "Fluttershy," your voice causes her to flinch, "Come."

You set the plate down next to you and tap the bench, signaling Fluttershy's descent. "I- What-"

"Use your words. Stuttering and the like does not allow my mood grace. Besides," furrowing your brow as you speak, "I thought I told you otherwise."

"But you also said to speak my mind. This- it's who I am." Her mane hides herself from you as she sits, "I won't be someone else." How interesting...

"Do not sour this occasion, equine, and do not forget your place. You will do as I say and follow my orders." Your voice raises with each sentence, even if anger does not truly fill the words.

"No means no," you hear her mutter before looking into your eyes, swiping her mane aside, "No means no."

"Fair enough then, I would eat that if I were you," pointing out the still steaming cookie, "before it gets cold."

Hmm, you do not often indulge yourself in sweets, but to refuse a gift- "Are- aren't you mad at me?"

"For what reason do I have to be mad at you for? You have performed exemplary."

"But I stood up to you. Why-" You hold up a finger and finish off another chunk of cookie.

"Your behavior is much like wetted clay, weak and moldable. This is not how I wished you to be. While your voice is not firm like that of a devoted veteran, your clay has firmed in its original form, unbent by my will. Now, please eat. I would hate for you to waste Pinkie's baking."

She hesitantly picks up her cookie and takes a bite, unable to hide her smile. "So... You like Pinkie?"

"Without question," wiping the crumbs from your lips as you answer her. "I respect those of worth, those who have worked for their position and contribute to their fellow brothers and sisters."

"Well, Pinkie can always make a pony smile, turn any frown upside down... Even you."

"Quite so," you look around, eyeing a large tree off in the distance, a rather out of place location in this town. "Pinkie has a most unique gift, the ability to raise morale or to make ponies smile in your own words. Her skills as a cook, also impressive. She is an active member of this 'Ponyville,' one of its few redeeming qualities."

"...please don't hurt her," she mutters in almost silence, "Don't hurt my friends. They're- they're the only family I have left." Of course, it would be a pony to ruin the mood with her worries... but you may sympathize.

"I cannot promise you this. As I said before, I am not a man without conscience, but I will do what I need to ensure the survival and flourishment of my people... and the training of yours." You look over to the tree once more, windows shimmering off the sun's rays. A house? Possibly. "That building over yonder, the tree, what is it?"

She squints down to see where you're pointing to, "Oh, that's Ponyville Library. One of my friends used to live there..." Live in a library? They must certainly have a thirst for knowledge, another admirable trait. In any case, it has been some time since you last wondered the halls of a library, as limited as this one seems to be. Perhaps, since you have time. You stand up and crack your neck, Fluttershy hopping up beside you hastily. A part of her must still fear you if she still thinks she must follow you like a canine to his master.

"I will travel to the library, perhaps even read a book while I am there. Equestria is not famed for its literature. It is a hidden treasure, one few plunder." You start you way in that direction stopping at the hoofsteps behind you. "I, as in, alone. You need not join me for this endeavor."

"But I'm-"

"You are still my prisoner," you reassure her, something you doubt she wanted to hear. "Should you run, I will find you and your friends. I told you once I have done worse to a pony than merely tie them up, do not allow me to demonstrate."

"Well, what do you want me to do?"

"Speak with your friends, if there is something you wish to say I would recommend you do so before we leave. I doubt we will be seeing this town again for some time... Bring me my shirt when it is done. Now go, tell Pinkie I appreciate her gift."

You don't wait for her response before turning away from her and heading to the tree in the distance. Gifts, you think to yourself. You remember a time when the concept was foreign to you, but a filly changed that. If it was not the shirt on your back, it was a poorly drawn picture of you, her sister and herself. If not that, she would not shy away from the kitchen, producing some sweet or another for you to eat. You are sure that she was aided by the Canterlot chefs, though you imagine the stick-figure design was her idea.

Those times- You push yourself harder, shoving these memories aside for the time being. In another time, another place, but not here, not yet...

~~~

By the time you reach the library the sun’s hue has changed, resonating a vibrant orange instead of its traditional yellow. You take your first step inside the library and close your eyes, inhaling its delicious sterile odor as if it were your own home. In truth when you had visited civilization in the past, these places acted as your home, a place of seclusion from the other weaker species, whether they were ponies or otherwise. It was there that you could be free from distraction so your mind could finally find rest, even if your body remained in a high state of alert.

You walk along the left-hand wall, running your hand along the bookcase and each individual item, absorbing each rough leathery bump and caress. There is a residual energy held within these tomes. You know the feeling, magic. Whoever was here used magic upon these books with great consistency. That is the only explanation for their continued aura. You make your way upstairs only to find a bed where normal supplies are kept. It is strange, though Fluttershy did say a friend of hers once inhabited this place.

Taking another look you find nothing of importance, just more books and a window to view the sky, albeit the sun now occupies it instead, staring at you, an omen. You return downstairs and walk to the center of the room, examining the bust that sits the upraised stump. Strange, you feel as if you know this carving, yet something about it feels… diminished.

You pick it up, staring into the dead wooden eyes and then around to its mane. Yes, you almost certainly recognize it. “Nova,” you set down his bust in its rightful place, “It is good to see you again.” The great stallion himself, immortalized in a wooden sculpture though it appears his horn was removed by its creator. This must have been sculpted after his death when time had forgotten his image. How many have forgotten his tale, you wonder?

Moving around you sit between him and the doorway, crossing your legs and closing your eyes. Despite your knowing better, it feels comforting to have him at your side once more. You once said that the only friends are those at your sides, weapons and tools that fail you only for your own incompetence. In truth, there was one you considered a friend, one who never betrayed despite the urgings of his fellow leaders.

Nova… Together you shared the same goal, only separate by the paths you chose to reach them. “I met my promise to you, old friend. I protected them in your stead.” Placing your hands on your knees you bow your head, clearing your mind. “What I do now is for the good of this world, whether they know it or not.”

The library lies silent, absent of sound. This is a luxury…

~~~

You hear the song of chirping birds as your mind comes out of focus, the faint sound of hooves echoing from outside the door. The town has been basked in the suns deeper glow, still bright yet the unmistakable twinges of darkness mixed between them. Andrew should be on his way now, your men continuing their duties. You hope the he did not leave Brennan in charge, but considering his own feelings towards him, you would doubt it. Fluttershy cracks open the door just as you stand, “H-hello?”

“Do come in, I was expecting you.”

She closes it behind her, a white bulk folded upon her back, “I wasn’t umm, disturbing you, was I?” You inform her that she need not worry; nevertheless she is surely to fall back into this state. It is who she is after all. “Rarity finished your shirt,” her false smile doing little for you. Despite this, you thank her. “She wanted to take a closer look, but I told her you needed it right away.”

“And I shall thank you for that,” you turn away from her and lean against the center stump. “Remarkable place, isn’t it, a library?”

“It’s nice… and quiet,” you think you hear fear in her tone but also dotted with truth.

“It has been the folly of many races to forsake themselves of knowledge. Diamond Dogs, Minotaurs… even humans have ignored its teachings. Nova, he understood.”

“Who’s Nova?” You could be angry with her ignorance, this place is a sacred temple and he its architect. He deserves better, but the fault does not lie on Fluttershy’s shoulders.

“Him,” you move so she might gaze upon the sculpture, the strength of his facial structure, the firmness of his mane. “He was a leader of Equestria’s past, much like Celestia is now. One of the original three, the same as I.”

Fluttershy’s interest scoots her closer to the bust, allowing you to put on your shirt in peace. “I’ve never heard of him.”

“Nor have you Celestia’s mother, nor Luna’s father. I was, surprised, when I found his bust. Nova, otherwise known to me as the Great Stallion, the first man amongst ponies. He is who all stallions would aspire to, but they only looked to his strength.”

“You knew him?” She asks as you unbuckle your belt, weapons falling to the floor with a distinct thud.

“Indeed. He is one of the few ponies that I would consider a friend and only just. He built the great library of Canterlot, one of his few lasting treasures. Nova knew that knowledge was a great source of strength, not for the body but of the mind. He envisioned a world where all could share this knowledge together, in peace. He did not live to see it, unfortunately.”

You do not enjoy the memory of him after his loss, age slowly creeping upon him like his fellows, only a sole heir to inherit his gift, the same gift that would allow Celestia and Luna such a lengthy span of life. ”How did…” she quiets down, death a touchy subject in her culture, but for her more specifically.

“He brought to this world a child, leaving me to protect his legacy... I tried to preach his beliefs to Celestia and a part of me thought she had listened.” You finish tightening your shirt with a belt, stretching your arms around the libraries desolate interior. “And look, how many ponies are here now? Where is the thirst for knowledge that the great stallion had once dreamed of? Nova is dead… Celestia let his dream die with him.”

You reattach your belt, sword and pistol swaying by your side once more. “Twilight loves books. If- As long as somepony comes here… Then his dream is still alive, right?”

“A heartwarming sentiment, the type of hope I have admired in Equestrian culture. One day, perhaps…”

Your finger twitches, head spinning to one of the upstairs windows, “What’s wrong?”

“Silence!” you snap at her, ears trained for the slightest sound… nothing. “The birds. Do you hear them?”

Fluttershy tries to listen but even she is unable to hear the slightest chirp, “I umm, don’t hear anything. Is- something wrong?”

“When we moved to the waterfall, I told you that silence is the most the dangerous noise of all. The birds did not leave, I would have heard that. They’re in their perch, silent. Why would they-” You pause when you look back to Fluttershy, flushed face with a dot of sweat upon her forehead. She knew they were coming. “So, they’re here for me,” her breath quickens as your grip tightens on your sword. “How much have you told them?”

“Noth- nothing, I promise. EEP!” You grip her by the throat and pin her against the wall. “I told them where you were. I- I couldn’t lie to the princess.”

“And yet you lie to me,” you squeeze an ounce more but hold back from actually injuring her. “Good. I was hoping for an act of selfishness sooner or later.”

She clutches her throat as you let her go and walk over to the door, gesturing for her to follow. “Those ponies haven’t done anything wrong. You don’t need to hurt them.”

“Then I hope they don’t get in my way,” you pause briefly and look back to her, “One more thing, do not lie to me again, lest it be the last time you think to do so.” You push open the door, the tension thicker than even the hide of Maler the Manticore. And across the ways standing directly opposed to you, the sun princess herself, Celestia.

“Celestia.”

She glares back at you, the sun’s intensity burning in her eyes. “Anonymous.” By her side is a contingent of guard ponies, Pegasi and unicorns dotted between the ranks. You count a total of twenty seven, eight chariots sitting empty at their flank. It would make a fine battle, but even as skilled as you are, numbers have a way of overwhelming quality. Escape is your only option, retreat inside and wear them out, find a gap in their line.

Nonsense, you are Anonymous. You do not go into a situation without a way to get out. You will not escape here. No one says a word, every eye trained on you, even those bystanders who watch from a distance. You lean over to Fluttershy. “It’s alright to breathe. I will not judge you.” You hear her wheeze again, the third time today she has done this. It is amusing.

“Do not speak to her!” Celestia’s voice booms over, managing to frighten your prisoner before resorting to a more peaceful tone, “Come here, Fluttershy.” She doesn’t make it a step as you draw your sword out an inch, just enough to reveal your blade.

“She is my prisoner. She does not take orders from you.”

“P-princess?” Fluttershy squeaks, the situation spiraling more and more out of control.

“Everything will be alright. Trust me.”

“Trust,” you laugh in the face of her own hypocrisy. “That would be a first.”

“I am not speaking to you, Anonymous!” You can only grin at her loss of composure, something you always managed to make her do, unwillingly even. Sheathing your sword you tap her flank with the tip, the poor mare eeping once more.

“Go to your princess, but remember what I told you would happen if you run. Go on now.” Even you are surprised the by the tenderness of your tone. You have never enjoyed taking hostages. In fact, there are plenty of things you have done that cause your own stomach to churn, but they were necessary.

Celestia wraps a wing around Fluttershy when she arrives, holding her close like a babe in the cold of night, even still she stares at you, wishing they were daggers. “Surrender now, and let us end this. I have no wish to harm you.”

“We both know that’s not true. Who is to say that you won’t have me starve in my cell once I am captured? I wouldn’t put that past you anymore.”

Even her guards raise a brow, some breaking their pose to look at their princess, the pinnacle of pony kind to them. “We are not like that.” You like how she forgot to say anymore. “You will be put on trial for your crimes. Justice will be served. You actively scoff at her idea of justice.

“Justice? I was under the impression that you dispensed that long ago, or am I remembering things wrong?” More and more eyes turn to Celestia, but you will admit, you trained her well. She does not break her pose, her eyes do not waver. She could still succeed you, she is not without hope.

“I will give you one last chance, Anonymous, surrender now or we will be forced to take you in.” You’d like to see her try. Magic would be a foolish choice against you, so only their brute force could stop you. Their armor is strong but likely degraded after such an era of peace. You think half of their forces would fall before they manage to bring you down. Just imagine the horror on these ponies faces as you cut down their kin like rabid dogs… Still…

Your hands work slowly but effectively, the weight of steel sliding off your hips. Celestia’s eyes twitch. Your knees drop to the floor, digging into the soft tuft of dirt beneath them. Your hands pick up your discarded belt, tossing it between the gap that separates you. Celestia’s heart picks up in speed, her body tense as she awaits any sudden acts of aggression. Finally, your hands move to your knees as you bow your head, smile hidden from her careful gaze.

“I surrender.”

Chapter 4: Bane of Canterlot

Your wrists chafe at the iron gauntlets locked to your wrists, every twist and squirm only serving to make your comfort level decrease. If anything, you’re proud of Celestia. She treats you as a proper threat and not one who can be merely passed along to her guards or disciples. Leaning back you allow the breeze to slip through the strands of your hair and caress your face and neck. Of course you are careful not to lean back too far, you note peeking over the chariot’s side, it’s a long way down and you would hate to end the story here.

Next you look to the chariot two carts away, Fluttershy safely tucked away with her own personal set of guards to protect her. If only she knew how incompetent these guards had likely become. They couldn’t stop a rogue kitten let alone you, but… She believes herself safe and there is a lesson to be learned in this area as well. Speaking of lessons, Celestia hasn’t spoken a word to you since your departure, despite being in the same chariot as you, separated by mere inches. She doesn’t look at you, she doesn’t speak to you, she simply ignores you, and here you had thought she still might have manners.

You attempt to pull the restraints apart, the two metal prisons welded together with master craftsmanship. It’s almost as if… they were designed for you. Oh Celestia, you shouldn’t have. In fact, it looks like she took nearly every precaution to secure you, including binding your ankles together with a dual locked chain. Even still, she may have bound your body but your other senses face no such obstruction. You glance over to the dropping sun, hitting just the right angle for light’s spectrum to show its true colors.

“The view is acceptable. I believe we have you in part to thank for it,” you attempt to initiate conversation, cocking your head to the side in a smile when she further ignores you. “Griffon got your tongue?” Her only response is a nosey huff, turning away from you a degree more. In the grand scheme, this is progress. She’s acknowledged you. “A trial, then, hmm? Have you called you others yet? No no, I would’ve felt it. You’re waiting for something, aren’t you?” Still no response? That’s alright, she tells you everything you need to know. “You want to stop my men first? Of course, even if I am locked away they are still very much a threat to your precious kingdom.”

Hmm, her reluctance to answer is rather annoying, you think to yourself, scratching your nose with the cold iron binds. “Do the other leaders not know of me anymore? Of course not, you’ve likely had to suppress everything related to my kind. I’m sure the others will love your history lesson.” Then, a thought hits you that was left in plain sight. “How is Luna doing?”

“You’ll be held in the dungeon until it comes time for your trial. I trust you’ll behave yourself.”

“Ahh so the muted princess finally speaks,” you chuckle lightly but keep your gaze locked on her. “No, Celestia, I aim for the contrary.”

Her once calm expression descends into a grimace but still, she doesn’t look at you. “You won’t be hurting any ponies anymore. Equestria isn’t your toy any longer.” Oh how naïve has this mare has come that she has learnt to believe her own lies to be true?

“Are you still angry over the Aviaris incident? How long ago was it now? Time has failed to counsel me these last few days… Death might have something to do with that.”

Her eyes snap to yours, regret and anger tied together with those two pale purple orbs. “Those were innocent griffons! The women… the children… They didn’t deserve what you did to them.” Agatha, Delia, Eloisa, Loreto… Only a handful of names you recall, but you do not have time for regret. It’s easy to judge someone for actions they thought were necessary, but…

“You knew that as well as I, Celestia. Perhaps time has dampened your memory, but I do not recall you ever attempting to stop me. Not. Once.”

The silent staring contest between you comes to close as her emotions get the better of her and forces her away, something you learned to control long ago. “There’s always a way, a better way. Didn’t you say that?”

“Yes, perhaps there was a better way, but what we did ended the war and-”

“No, what -you- did!” Her voice retreats into the powerful echo you taught them long ago, but when she sees others begin to watch she returns once more, calm and peaceful. “We could have talked to them. Convinced them to stop this, but you wouldn’t give it a second thought.” Your hands clench in their metal trappings, that flare you long hoped to control burning through your bones and through your very blood.

“The last time you attempted diplomacy nearly killed you!” You snap at her, standing against the torrent of wind but never losing your footing, “I saved you! ME! Not your precious militia, not your personal maids, ME! They almost killed you once,” you finally sit down, stewing in your own unkempt rage. “Did you really think I would allow them a second chance?”

A long pause begins between you, the only murmur being the breeze and the hushed muttering of her royal guards. It was your fault, if you are to be honest. You should have advised against it, forced her to comply with your request… When she didn’t listen, you let the ambassador get too close, far too close. Cele- Equestria is yours. It is your land and no griffon is going to steal it away from you.

By the time she starts talking again the castle is already in sight, the famed ‘golden city’ no more. It looks almost practical. “Land inside the castle gates,” she instructs to the guard pulling her chariot, “I don’t want any of my subjects to see Anonymous.”

“Too late,” you murmur as you spot a group of Pegasus hovering just outside the walls, flashes of light popping from their cameras. “How little Canterlot has changed…” With a single look Celestia commands the other chariots to intercept the approaching band of paparazzi Pegasi, the bottom feeders of Equestria’s high society, stirring drama and gossip into the porridge of the common pony.

“Celestia! Princess Celestia! Why did you reassign the Canterlot guard to join you this morning? What required your-” Each pony bombards her with questions, even resorting to attempts to break through the line of chariots. At least, until they saw you. Then they asked an all too important question. “Who is your guest, Princess? Is he wearing-”

“Anonymous!” you shout out, already annoyed by their presence and earning a glare from Celestia in the process.

“Be quiet! Gleam, take us to the castle.” Two sides of her, one kind and gentle, the other short-tempered and firm. This struggle has laid dormant for far too long.

“As you wish… Princess.”

“Anonymous! Anonymous! What’s your relationship with the princess?” Now now, that’s an all too personal question for you to answer. They needn’t worry though, they’ll get an answer from Celestia in due time.

The chariot reverses its pitch, rolling to the left as you descend upon the castle with increasing speed. The chains on your feet make it difficult to compensate the sudden shift in direction. “Careful, now,” instructing Celestia as you had in an age long past. “You wouldn’t want your prisoner to fall. You’d be the first to have someone’s death on their conscience twice.” No answer again? Poor show, but you can tell you’re getting to her, there’s a slight twitch just below her eye. “Not that it would make much difference. You seemed to have handled my first passing well enough.”

Celestia’s head bows, her first real sign of weakness thus far, “What I did to you… I haven’t gotten over it Anonymous. Two millennia and I still haven’t forgiven myself. I will never make that mistake again.” Where did you go wrong with her? When was the point that she finally slipped through your grip?

"Look at yourself, you're pathetic," you sneer at her, this apologetic mood of hers acting as nothing more than an insult to you and your honor. "The day I left this world was the proudest day of my life. You did what needed to be done to secure your people's future." Sweeping down to the floor below you brace as you touchdown inside the rear gardens, away from the prying eyes of her subjects. You stand up as a regiment of guards surrounds your position, each armed with spear and horn, ready to poke you to unconsciousness. "Don't expect an apology when I do the same."

You hop out off the side closest to the castle, one particularly friendly guard's spear deciding to introduce itself to your face. Two others join him and all you manage back is an impassive glance. Part of you wants nothing more than to let them have their moment of glory so that you can put those weapons back in their wielder's necks... but you'll cooperate, for now. "Careful with those, you wouldn't want to hurt yourselves."

You hear Celestia disembark by your side while you keep your eyes locked onto those of the recruits. They try and stay stern by you can see past that facade. You are twice their size after all. "Princess Celestia," a soldier calls out to her from across the courtyard, this one different from the others. "At last you've returned..." He works his way closer, eyeing you closely, "Is this him?"

His armor's hued a tint of purple while it remains trimmed a pale gold, overall a more earthy suit than those of his vibrant kin, and instead of a star upon his chest there rests a shield, his 'cutie mark.' "It is. Did you find the passage I mentioned?" At the same time she motions us inside, Fluttershy's carriage dropping in as you depart.

You only manage a glimpse before a guard pushes you forward toward the castle doors. "I did. It took some tunneling but we found it. The whole place smelled like-"

"Good," Celestia interrupts him, stopping at the doorway inside. "I want you to escort Fluttershy to the guest chambers. Ask her to tell you everything she knows about Anonymous and his friends."

"Princess, I must protest." You grin at his disobedience. He almost seems angry to not see your imprisonment. "As captain of the guard it's my duty-"

"Shining, please," she puts a hoof on his shoulder, "You're only here for two more days before your return to the Crystal Empire. Escort Fluttershy for me and take some time off for Cadence. I can handle Anonymous."

Cadence, of the Cadenza line? You'd quite like to meet Nova's descendent but another time. You're here on business. "As you wish, Princess." He squeezes past you, both sharing a momentary glance before he disappears behind the guards.

"Closed the dungeons, did we?" You ask, watching the so-called Captain help Fluttershy from her chariot. "I suspect I'll be its newest resident."

"Just stop talking and walk..."

The shimmering marble walls aren't quite the same as you remember, nor are the wall tapestries as ornate as when Celestia's mother had a say about them. While they're still equally as clean they seem to lack the same essence of arrogance about them. No longer do they say they are pinnacle of civilization, but rather they move to serve. It's still not quite as Spartan as you would hope, not like the Castle of the Two Sisters that you had them build. Canterlot was designed as a temple, yours as a fortress.

"The air seems cleaner than I remember. Have you finally purged yourself of the riffraff that long poisoned this city?" Surely she hasn't, the act would be too barbarous for her to stomach. "A shame, I met one like them in Ponyville. A 'Rarity' I think she was." You keep an eye peeked over towards her for any breaks or tears, still nothing but the mention of that name has her on edge. You could always tell. "I think I'll take her the next time I visit Ponyville. A unicorn can still prove useful, especially considering how she could increase morale in... other ways."

"If you dare-"

"Of course, if she were to somehow not be there when I arrive. Then... I can't be sure how many unicorns I'd have to take. Tell me, Celestia," your smile couldn't possibly widen further, "How many mares are worth an Element of Harmony?"

"Silence!" In that instant she snaps, your shirt slammed back against the wall and you along with it, the aura permeating your chest sending tingles up and down your spine. " I won't let you hurt any of my subjects!" If she weren't an equine, you would take her word on that. If she were from any other point in the past, you would take her word on it, but you know she won't this time. She doesn't have the stomach for it.

"You know how to stop me." Pushing against the fabric you force yourself off the wall though the force of her magic still struggles against you. "You won't need the amulet this time, it's just one man."

"I said be quiet!" You slam back against the wall but remain unharmed, her magic pushing you a foot up the wall. She's trying too hard to intimidate you, to make you follow her commands like the rest of this world has after your fall.

"Kill me." You happily lean your head forward, "My men are too few to finish what I started, so do it. Finish me, it's your move. Check? Or Checkmate?" She forces the tears from her eyes as she holds you there, her guards watching in awe as you ask her to perform such a malicious task. Their princess would never consider that... Right? The longer you're held the more doubt they'll place in her, and that only works in your favor. "Make your choice."

"P-princess..." One of her guard speaks, the rage-filled trance you placed upon her shattered.

She closes her eyes as you gradually slide down the wall, a bead of sweat formed on her neck as she finally calms down. "Move along, Anonymous, and stay quiet this time." You nod but take a good look at the guard first. You were just getting to the good part. A tragedy.

You make it down another hall before your silence is broken by the growl of your stomach, something you have no control over despite your efforts. "I'll have the guards bring you some bread and cheese," she doesn't look at you when she talks. "You may be a prisoner, but I won't let you starve."

"I'm not so certain. You were ready to kill me a minute ago."

"I thought I told you to stay quiet."

"Did you not wish me to answer? Perhaps you shouldn't speak to me then."

"...I wasn't going to- to do -that-." Are you still not supposed to answer her? In any case, she needn't inform you of what you already know. Maybe she's the one who needs to hear herself say it. You're about to reply when a smell hits your nose, butter and garlic. The grumbling in your stomach grows this time and Celestia can tell as she turns to a guard, "Can you find a loaf of bread, please?"

He nods and gallops off ahead, turning left into an adjacent hallway. That must head towards the kitchen... Interesting, you make of note of that. "I could use a knife to cut the bread as well," you smile knowingly at Celestia who finally looks back to you. "Is my request so unfeasible?"

“Do you really think I would allow you access to a knife?" You shrug in amusement of yourself, Celestia returning to her expressionless self.

"You cannot blame one for trying, and I will continue to try," you admit, not at all hiding your intentions from her.

You think of this as another test, one not of herself but of the 'valiant' ponies-at-arms that serve under her. A test to see if they are capable of handling what is to come. "I doubt you'll be going anywhere. We'll be taking extra precautions until your trial."

"Oooh," you shiver mockingly, "What will it be I wonder? Full-body suit? I hope nothing magical in nature, you know how that works."

"All too-" A gasp cuts off Celestia as you reach the hallway towards the kitchen, an expression of shock appearing on her face. Curious what did she- Oh my... While Celestia's reaction is one of distress, you find this to be a more pleasant surprise.

"An-Anonymous?"

"Well now, Celestia, why didn't you tell me to expect a family reunion?"

"Anonymous!" The mare practically screeches as she gallops to you with frantic speed, even the guards at your sides moving out of the way in fear of being trampled. You would be too if this were any other mare, but not her. The next thing you know her hooves are wrapped around you as she uses your body to keep herself up on two hooves. "It is wonderful to see you again! It has been too long." The shouting in your ear is something that you could live without, but you will allow it for the time being.

"It is good to see you as well, Luna. I would return your embrace but alas," she breaks the hug as you display the metallic gauntlets that keep your arms bound, "I cannot."

She seems rather taken aback by your condition, her concern for you well-founded in her youth. "Sister, what is the meaning of this?"

Now this will be interesting, you think as you look to Celestia who's finally escaping her self-imposed paralysis. "This is no concern of yours, Luna. I will explain it to you later. Come-"

"If something is wrong, you will tell me now." Her little sister halts her efforts to drag you away, something you find most agreeable. "Why is Anonymous chained like a feral animal? Have they harmed you?"

"Nothing I can't handle," you reassure her with the same smile you exhibited in her youth.

Content with your condition, Luna again turns her attention to her sister who is no doubt trying to find an easy solution to her predicament. Normally, she would simply tell her that I have returned and that I must be taken into custody before I spread disorder or chaos or whatever it is that Celestia has worked so hard to eradicate. This would be the answer, but given how Luna has responded to your arrival, you doubt Celestia ever bothered to tell her what happened to you.

"This is for our own protection, sister. Please, return to your chambers and I will explain everything." Luna always was a troublesome one and her sister should know that. She's not going to be content with a second-rate answer or an IOU.

"Anonymous would never do anything to harm us, sister, especially after such a lengthy journey. He should be treated to a feast, not dragged by the hoof in chains." Celestia tries to speak but Luna isn't quite done yet. "No, I will not return to my chambers as if I were still a foal, not until my questions are answered." Tsk tsk, Celestia, look at what you have done.

"Luna," you speak up on Celestia's behalf, "Have you heard of 'Rabies?'"

You glance over to Celestia who should be grateful that you've chosen to aid in her deceit. She matches your gaze and agrees to this unspoken collaboration. Luna's breath catches in her throat as you say the word, "Rabies?! How could something like this happen?" Her hooves drag you an inch closer so she can inspect you for fever, the guards flinching at your movement. "You feel normal, is everything-" Her eyes meet yours and while you keep your expression that of steel, you allow a gentler part of you slip through.

Luna needs a moment to gather herself as Celestia steps in between the two of you, likely due to her discomfort with how close the two of you were. "We cannot have him harm anypony while he is here. Surely you understand, sister."

"I do but..." she takes another look at you, your posture and form almost a spitting image of those days long past, "He bears no signs of this ailment."

"Do not mistake a lack of symptom for a lack of illness. Those in a state of regress often do not bear such signs, little one."

Her lips purse in annoyance at that last part but she can't help but crack a smile as well, "I am not a 'little one.'" Foolish Luna, always the child, always needing to prove her maturity. The mature have no need for proof.

"Alas, you will always be my little one."

You swear you see her cheeks darken before Celestia blocks your view with that vast mane of hers. Still, you take a stealthed breathe, it has a most soothing aroma of vanilla, a contrast to her adoration of chocolate. "I am taking him to his chambers so that he may be treated in peace, and we must be going soon. We fear when his next episode may arise."

"Then I shall attend as well... To ensure he is treated-"

"Luna, the moon will not rise without its host," you call out from behind Celestia. "Do you remember the words?"

It would not come as a surprise if she had forgotten them. After all, she has been without your guidance for- "My duty is my charge." You swear you hear a snicker somewhere in the ranks beside you. "How could I forget?" You nod even if she is unable to see you past Celestia's bulk, only wishing that she knew how proud you were of her. "Celestia, my sister, I will speak with you at a later date to discuss Anonymous's condition. Until then my sister."

"Until then..."

Luna does manage to get a peek around and wave a hoof, you failing to return a proper farewell with your bindings. Soon enough the princess of the night has vanished back around the corner and Celestia returns to your side, nodding for her guards to continue in their escort. It doesn't take much longer before you come to the end of a hallway, a large cast iron door standing before you, the visage stained with the dust of stone that had long buried it.

One guard pony attempts to open it himself, though his magic is seemingly insufficient at sliding open the mammoth of a door. His magical aura flickers and ultimately fades as he struggles to grasp it in its entirety, a side-effect of Equestria's long held peace. Why hone one's skill when it is sufficient for the task? Useless... As a second guard aids in his plight you take a moment longer to inspect the entrance. Yes, you know very well where it leads as you've passed through them many times in the past, but never have you had to open them yourself.

The most striking feature isn't the tri-deadbolt lock that ensures a minotaur cannot simply smash through the exit with sheer strength. Nor is it the magical field that emanates a most eccentric sensation upon those who attempt to manipulate the material, a field which even from this distance has the hairs of your neck stand at attention. No, what does draw your attention is something you are ashamed to have missed upon your many visits. It lacks a handle... Very problematic.

The tap of Celestia's gold cuffs stirs the two ponies along until they finally manage to open the door, the rusted creaks and groans of metal an all too familiar tune. You take a deep breath as the first of the millennia old air stirs to life in a coalition of mold and death. No wonder Celestia closed it. This won't be the first time you've been escorted into the dungeon, but it will be the first time you'll be expected to stay. As a guest, of course.

"So..."

"The answer is no," she answers before you have a chance to ask. Smart mare, always was but also somewhat overconfident. "I... never got around to it."

"Two thousand years, you said? I'll say, it must've been quite a journey I was on. Somewhere dangerous I hope."

"She stopped asking long ago. I was hoping we could avoid the confrontation entirely."

"The young filly I once knew has grown into a fine mare, you could have told her the truth."

Her glare points you towards the entrance, two guards nudging you in by the spear. "For someone who speaks of truth you chose to lie almost as if it were instinct. It seems you left your honor long ago."

A spear tip digs into your back as you stop unexpectedly and turn to Celestia, the discomfort merely that. "Do not insult me with these false crimes. Though I deceived her my words were not untrue, you know me better than that."

"I'd rather I didn't," she chides you once as she passes, lighting her horn as she leads you into the depths below. You tread carefully as you hit the cobblestone steps that lead downward, knowing all too well how slick they can get. The guards around you don't take the same approach, a Pegasus to your rear losing his footing only to be helped up his kin. You shake your head in disappointment. You were right, this lot are no better than the militia that once called themselves Canterlot's 'protectors.'

Despicable. A child of your own kind could better wield a sword than any of these so called Royal Guard. "I am surprised, Celestia, how distant your sister seems to be towards you, a far cry from your youth."

“I have you to thank for that, filling her head with your stories-"

"Stories she requested to hear. I seem to recall you excusing yourself from those."

Her eyes burn into you as you continue to descend, "Do you have any idea what has occurred since you were away? Do you know what you caused my little sister to do?" You caused nothing, the actions of one are theirs alone, but when you look to Celestia you see her pain. "Darkness consumed her heart, darkness that you placed within her. You were long gone... and you still managed to take my sister from me."

No... that is not the filly you remember. You did nothing that Nova did not request of you. "More lies and falsehoods. I may not have the same endearing nature as your dear and beloved Uncle, but I would never lead Luna astray."

Celestia shakes her head as you reach the bottom, lines of cells washing over the righthand wall. "You told her how every pony loved the night's sky and would cheer each night as she rose the moon. I hope you're happy because when she did and the citizens of Canterlot didn't show her your attention, it destroyed her." You only meant to make her happy... When she was- Huh, maybe a part of you was as well. "You made me banish my sister. One thousand years I was left to rule Canterlot, alone, and when she returned she wasn't the same. We weren't the same."

You nod as a guard opens the cell door for you. Her pain, the sense of isolation, always feeling that she is in this world alone, you understand. The difference between you and her is that your pain, was physical. Your isolation, forced. The reason you have been alone in this world, only because no one will step up to take your place.

"A question, Celestia. In a world of harmony, there is always good and evil, light and darkness. In your post-Anonymous world, you were the beacon of hope. You were the light... Why then did your sister fall to the shadows?”

"None of this was my fault..." She says that with such vigor and yet it isn’t you that she is trying to convince here, is it?

"You upset that balance. So intent were you to shine that you left your sister in the shade, alone. It was you who drove her to darkness, but now my kind has returned to restore this balance. You see, I am not good nor evil, I am only what the world needs of me." You step through the cell door; the painful screeching permeates the air before the doors shut with a clash. You look at Celestia, ignoring the posse assembled around her. "Equestria now needs a villain, an evil to restore balance to this 'land of harmony.' My revenge is merely a fortunate outcome. Innocent ponies will get hurt, and all of this... because of your actions two thousand years ago. Think about that."

To her benefit her stare never wavers, in fact, you swear she's smiling. "Perhaps I will, but for now, strip." Oh, that wasn't quite the response you were expecting.

“An interesting request.” Looking down at yourself you fail to see a way to accomplish this task. “And how do you expect me to comply without the use of my hands?” A guard’s horn starts to light up but you stare him right back down. “If you damage my garments then every pony in this castle will fall by daybreak.” The mere mention of such an action causes him to stutter like a fool. “Trust my words as they do not lie. Isn’t that right, Celestia?”

Celestia nods, the guard backing down in response, but that still leaves you fully clothed. What do you have that could help you escape, you wonder. “Anonymous,” the princess says after her short period of thought, “I want you to promise that you will not take any action or use this time to escape your cell.”

“And leave myself defenseless? Why might I agree to such a foolish proposal?”

At last, she attempts to use your own sense of honor against you. It only took her so long. “If you want your shirt to remain undamaged, I would advise you to comply.” You look to the floor, feigning a deep sense of thought, then moving onto the walls. Chains lead from the wall opposite of the cell door to a pair of manacles, likely designed to hold a Minotaur if their sheer bulk is to say anything. They’ll have you chained to the wall, likely keeping your existing bindings intact. The chain itself is rusted, degraded almost to the point where a strong enough pull might just… “Do you promise?”

“I will not attempt to escape, nor take any action… for now.”

Though your word may not sit as well with the others in her party, Celestia knows that will suffice. “Release him,” she commands, another of her guard levitating a key from under his chest plate. This same key is then used to unlock the cell itself, allowing the guard to come through albeit rather shaken to be alone with you. Overall, this was not a smart maneuver on Celestia’s part. Bit by bit, piece by piece, your plan comes together. You might succeed in your task after all…

The guard looks up at you, eyes filled with fear as he unlocks your restraints, the heaving pieces of metal falling to the floor with a resounding clang. Fresh air on your wrists is welcome, but you were more interested in the echo that resonates from the gauntlets. Noise carries well here, better than it had before. Your initial movements must be hushed to avoid suspicion.

All eyes stay glued to you as the guard takes a step back, but you do not move, every muscle locked in place. After all, that is what she asked from you, inaction. “Take off his clothes,” Celestia finally understanding why you aren’t moving. “He will not resist.” The guard in your cell nods, but her words won’t protect him if you were to break your promise.

He starts by attempting to remove your boots but makes the mistake of attempting to do so without his hooves. As his magic wraps around the laces, the field fluctuates as it would if he attempted to do so on your bare skin, and despite his best efforts, the miniscule pieces of string remain unmoved. He scratches his head, almost worried that his magic had no effect, “Uhm, Princess? I don’t seem to be able…”

Celestia focuses on your legs, short and scattered dots of brown almost blending in with the dirtied surface. If Andrew’s son had one use, it was his blood. After all, if magic will not work on your body, why would it work on blood? “You must remove his clothes by hoof,” she silently curses herself for not seeing this before. To be fair, you never mentioned it either. “Your magic will have no effect.”

“Yes ma’am,” he returns to you, lowering his head down to your boots. Using his teeth is he? Wouldn’t it be strange if your leg experienced a sudden twitch? Much like a deer as it prowls in the forest, ponies too can be so easily- “Gwah!” Spooked.

The ‘guard’ falls back on his flank at the sudden movement from your leg, clambering over to the door in such a hasty retreat. You can’t hide your smile as much as Celestia can’t hide her underlying annoyance. “Are twitches uncommon?” you shrug, your position still unchanged since your agreement.

Celestia looks to her fellows, each equally as timid as the next. What would you do next? He said it was a twitch, but could it be? “Open the cell door.” A true guard would contest such rash action, but in their current state they are more than happy to oblige. She walks over without fear in her stride, an attempt to prove that there is no need for alarm.

“Their armor is worth more than the guard itself,” you mock as she hovers close by, an inch away.

“You said you wouldn’t take any action.”

“Now, Celestia, what constitutes an action? Should I not breathe, I would soon perish and fall. All three are actions in some degree.” Knowing how futile it is to argue she merely shakes her head and begins to undress you. This experience takes you back to another moment in history when you had just returned from the field of battle. It was early in their quest for salvation, so none of the Canterlot hands would touch your blood-ridden clothes. You never wore armor, too bulky. Only Celestia had the strength to persevere, one of her finer qualities. “Just like old times,” you reminisce as she takes off your boot before moving to the next.

“This is nothing like old times.”

“The scenery is a unique change, but otherwise, the difference is marginal. Have you ever wondered what might have happened if the war had turned in the griffon's favor? Truly, how might the world have changed if I had simply... sat back and watched." Celestia focuses on the task at hand, the laces a tricky feat for those who lack hands or magic. "It crossed my mind once as I was rotting beneath the earth, soul trapped in that pit of fire known as Tartarus. Your city would've been sacked, I can assure you of that."

Stormguard the Conqueror, he would have called himself after his successful crusade. A pitiful achievement, to conquer those who could hardly wield a spear. Perhaps if they chose the Minotaurs or the Dogs of Steel, but not Equines. "The mares would be spared, for a time. Have you seen the results of a sacking before, Celestia? Of course not, how dense am I to think that? Well, when a city has been siege the soldiers-"

Celestia snaps to you, nose flared and anger beginning to boil over. "I will not hear anymore of this." What else can you do? She will not listen, why would she lie? Her guard however, cannot help but do so.

"They rape them and take great pleasure in causing them pain." How you detest the filth... "The children are spared, for the most part. Separated from their parents, indoctrinated, turned to little more than walking husks. Any hopes and dreams your foal's might have had, swiped away the second those griffons set talon into your city."

"Enough! Your lies will have no affect on my guards. The griffons are our allies, our friends... Finish undressing yourself." Celestia turns her back to you, not even having finished the other boot. Shameful.

"They kill the stallions," you shout after her as the guards open the cell door while you disrobe. "All of them. It's a massacre, something your foals and fillies should never hope to see, the harsh truth of reality."

You take off your shirt, Celestia's back still turned away from you, "Two guards shall remain here at all times. No pony enters his cell without my permission and no-" A weight lifts from your waist as a thud echoes from behind you, the appearance of which causing Celestia to pause and look back. Ahh yes, interest. You don't bother yourself with such an action while you still have some undressing to do. These belts... "What is that?"

"Hmm?" You feign ignorance as the object is lifted closer to the bars separating you from the outside world. "Ah yes, a rather strange creature dropped that upon returned. I believe you might know him. His name was Discord."

"Discord?!" Her ears and neck spring to attention, an act which causes you to experience an immense feeling of joy. "How did he find this?"

"Perhaps you should ask him yourself," you finish pulling off the rest of your clothes, allowing a guard to lock the gauntlet back onto your arms. "He is the one who informed you of my presence, did he not?"

Her attention seems fixed upon the book as she runs a hoof along its spine. "Move back, Anonymous. This no longer concerns you."

"As you wish."

Stepping back you raise your arms, the manacles attached to the wall proceeding to lock around your wrists. "On your knees." Testy testy... The muscles in your arms ache in an attempt to compensate for this uncomfortable position, both of your arms almost locked behind your head. "Should he so much as move, I want you to report it at once."

"And how am I to eat my bread and cheese?"

"I'm sure you'll find a way."

You stop her just before she leaves, most of the guards at her heel. "If you look at me for a monster then so be it, Celestia, but know that I have slain monsters far worse than me in the name of peace. Perhaps you should have listened to my stories..."

For the last time, she looks into your eyes, only malice held within them. "Gag him."

~~~

You remain in this position for hours on end, only the weak heat from the torch located outside your cell giving you company. The taste of cotton repulses you, the saliva that had once wetted your mouth seemingly absent since its arrival. The beast within you, the primal instinct that drives much of your kind, wishes for nothing more than to squirm, to free yourself of this cloth that brings you such discomfort. With a series of long soothing breaths you dismiss these urges, not the only ones you have had the displeasure of dealing with over your long years. You wouldn't want to attract Celestia's attention after all.

Your eyes move over to the plate located just inside the cell door, your hunger only worsening as the hours pass. Long has its steamed bread been without heat, staleness overtaking it and even still you crave it. Persisting once again you avert your eyes to the two guards outside, their lengthy post drawing a contagious yawn from the two equines. Soon, you just need a little more time. Time... That element has always been on your side hasn't it?

Taking another deep inhalation of the mold scented air you begin to twist your wrists, an invisible motion not likely to stir the attention of the guard. Pain shoots down your arm, and through you have taken blows in the past, you have never quite adapted to the unique sensation. The waves hit your forearm, the tingling effect induced by the manacles there elevating the pain exponentially. Your teeth dig into the cloth and even the gag cannot fully drown out your momentary yelp. Fate seems to be on your side, however, as the guards fail to take notice of this.

You feel the wetness take hold behind your eyes but you force them away, this is no time to draw their attention. You are not yet ready. The agonizing ripples reach your spine and chest, your lungs seizing up at the moment of impact, air exhumed from your throat as it had so long ago. Just a little longer, you repeat to yourself in a mantra, anything to keep your mind free for thought. Your wrists continue to churn in their prison, fists clenching as you start to feel the skin break from flesh. So this is how it feels...

That niggling doubt worms its way into your thought, the voice that speaks for you to listen to reason, to give in and let events unfold. Long has your conscience been a nuisance to you, but when you look back to the ponies, you understand why you must keep some semblance of sanity. A warmonger will destroy all in their path, leaving nothing but ash, but you are not them and you will never fall to such depths.

With a final nerve-shattering twist your wrists come to a halt, forearms facing your slumped almost ragdoll-esque body. At this wave of agony you could not cease the groan from escaping you, and it was now that the guards had learned of your activity. But it was too late for them, your plan had already begun as the first drops of blood ran from your restraints and onto the enchanted manacles that hold you bound.

The tingle subsides as a trail of crimson liquid contacts its surface, staining the rusted steel and negating its magic entirely. "What's wrong with him?"

Yes, allow your empathy to guide your actions as no other soldier of season would. This is your weakness. "He just grunted and... is he unconscious?" When those doors open, you must act quickly, as even though the manacles are now no more than weakened steel, they still require strength to shatter.

"Should we inform the princess? Her orders were quite clear."

"He hasn't moved, maybe he's just- What's that on his arm?" It takes but a thought to wipe the growing smile from your face. You've come too far to fail. "He's bleeding! Open the door, now!"

"B-but Celestia said-"

"He needs medical attention, if he doesn't..." A sole eye creaks open to watch the conflict on the opposing guards face, but you already know how this will play out. Celestia's caring instinct is too driven into the foundation of Equestria. What hope do they have to defy it? Removing the key from his chest plate, the guard opens up the cell door, his partner galloping inside and kneeling in front of you.

The door slams shut but that is to be expected. They are kind, not touched... not that touched, you revise. Continuing your ruse, the guard paws at your wrists, blood soaking into his hooves as he attempts to help. You wish to tell him he is only making it worse, but that would give you away. Instead, you allow him to undo your gag and attempt to wipe up the blood, another ill move from a sanitary standpoint. You could get an infection.

Your jaw hangs open, another element to your deception, and you can even hear the frantic beating occurring within his chest. He's never held a prisoner before, nor has he been responsible for another's death before... That second part will change soon enough. For a moment he stops, the cloth having reached your gauntlets where the blood seems to be leaking from his perspective. "Undo the lock, Aegis, hurry!" He tries to stop the bleeding again but to no avail. The guard looks over at his partner again, "What are you waiting for? We need to get these off of him."

"We- we need to tell the princess. H- He's dangerous, Celestia told us that. This could be-"

"A pony is bleeding under our watch!" He attempts to argue, the reluctance of his partner starting to sour your plans. "We can't afford to wait!"

The pony, Aegis, shakes his head and steps away from the cell door. "No, this feels wrong. We need to tell the princess." Damn, and here you were hoping for a simple escape, no need for casualties. Well, not everything can go to plan.

Staying on your knees you pull down on the manacles, the culmination between this and the burning of your wrists causing you to grimace. Aegis is the first to notice this as the chains begin to crack under your strength, and when the second guard turns to face you it's already too late. The chain shatters at your wrist, sending harmless shrapnel across the adjacent cell and freeing your body to move once more. "Ahh, much better."

He raises his spear to stop you only for you to cleave it in half using the weight of your gauntlets, Aegis stunned and unable to move. "Wait! I was just trying to help!"

"Oh, you've done more than help," you answer him with a smile, cracking him on the jaw and sending him to the floor limp. "You just don't know it yet." Aegis manages to take a step back, well outside the range of any strike you could hold, his movements leading in a direction to the exit.

"Stay back! I- I'll get the princess."

"Please do," you reply as you lean down and pull up the unconscious guard behind your gauntlet. "Because the moment you leave I'll be snapping your friend's neck like a twig."

This seems to give him food for thought. Will he score brownie points by informing the princess of your actions while leaving his friend to die? You know this not to be the case. "Please, don't hurt him."

"Yes, of course," you answer him as if the option was out of the question. You lean in closer, placing an ear to his neck. "You hear that? He's breathing, quite remarkable really. I wonder..." you begin again, placing pressure on his throat, "How hard must I squeeze to end his suffering?"

"Stop! Please! He has a wife, foals! Three and five."

"Truly? Will they save him as they dine in ignorance? Are they unicorns as well, or just he? I can't say that I enjoy the company of his race."

The more the talk the more you squeeze, and even though he might be unconscious his body struggles uselessly against you. "What- what do you want?" You're about to squeeze again when he asks that question, all force put into that action evaporated in an instant.

"Well that's simple, I want out of this cell," at the same time you raise the metal gauntlet, still bleeding, "and out of this contraption." His body trembles in its entirety as he pulls out the key again, the 'key' to your freedom hovering just outside the door lock... and he pauses. Why did he pause?!

"I'll let you go," he gulps, unable to remove the lump in his throat, "but you have to promise you won't hurt him." So the would-be guard was not only listening, but learning as well. Impressive, but all too late to be of any use.

"You have my word." At your promise he unlocks the door and you release his partner, freely walking out of the cell door. "My restraints..." The key turns with a click, the metal abomination falling to the floor and allowing you a feeling of relief at long last. You ball up and relax your hands in unison, fresh air another commodity you will learn to enjoy. "Celestia said I was dangerous, meaning you were briefed before my capture. Now, your princess is nothing if not thorough, which means she would have a way for you to leave in case of an emergency." You smile, looking down at him. "What is the password to leave?"

"Solar..." Still conflicted is he, a well-earned scowl will do the trick. "It's Solar Eclipse. Just- Don't hurt anypony." He thinks to give you orders? You recall the last person to attempt this earned a scar that almost blinded him.

"I will not hurt your partner, as part of our agreement. Aegis, that is your name, correct?"

Calling him by his name puts him at ease, a sense of familiarity no doubt. Discord was the same way. "Yes and you're-"

Your fist jabs him in the throat, collapsing his wind tunnel in one swift but devastating attack as he falls to the floor clutching his throat. Pushing his helmet off with your bare foot, you place it just below his neck, a single eye looking up at you, begging for mercy where none shall be found.
"You were never part of that arrangement." The crack echoes throughout the desolate halls of this long forgotten temple, a signal of things to come. It's a shame only you are here to listen...

You slide the key back into the cell door and lock the remaining guard inside. He should consider himself lucky, if it were up to you he would have taken your place in Tartarus. Leaving the two of them behind, one cold and the other with his heart still beating, you move to the dungeon's entrance, rubbing your wrists along the way. The mere touch enflames your exposed flesh, the remnants of skin that hadn't perished as a result of your escape now stained red.

That guard was correct, you must stop the bleeding whether it be an injury of fatal or miniscule scale. Not only would it be foolish for a mere drop of blood to give away your position, attracting the attention of any pony that might see it and would be inclined to investigate, but you deplore making a mess. Excess and useless fat only serve to take up space in this world, and you would rather it be tidy, free of filth.

You reach the top of the stairs, the lack of torches making the trip difficult but you persevered. Though your eyes lack the ability to see in such darkness, the hairs of your neck serve to guide you to the entrance and the indestructible door that holds you within this place. With an outstretched hand you touch the door, the aura it exudes most intense, even for you. Pulling your hand back, you decide the only way through is to knock.

Three times you strike the mass of steel, the vibrations causing a stir from the outside world. "You're not due to return for four hours," the voice outside questions you, his voice muffled. "What's the problem?" Despite the dungeon's echo they appear to have not heard the commotion within, most fortunate for you. It appears this door works in your favor still.

"I need to relieve myself, sir. I haven't had a chance since we left Canterlot."

You hear a shuffle outside the door, their cuffs giving away their change of position... They are skeptical of you. "Princess Celestia said no pony is to enter or leave without her express permission. You can take it up with her upon her arrival." He says this, yet you hear no more hoofsteps, only silence. A poor act, something which will cost him two pawns.

"Yes sir, I'll wait until the Solar Eclipse if I have to."

They don't say a word, but neither do they open the gate. Pressing your ear to the door you hear them mutter amongst themselves. Did Aegis lie to you? In your haste you never took the thought that his words might be laced with such a venomous ploy. If he had- "Sorry about that, you can never be too careful, and drop the sir. Shining isn’t around to ride our flanks."

"Hehe," you chuckle to yourself as a blue glow surrounds the exit, "Yes sir." You put your hands behind your back as it begins to open slowly but surely, a sliver of light casting itself upon you. "Thank you for that," you take a step outside, practically paralyzing the two guards with your appearance. "I couldn't do it without you."

~~~

Stepping over the pair of corpses you wipe off your bloodied wrists upon their coats, not that they'll need them prim and proper in the afterlife. You seal them inside, a temporary tomb that the next shift will uncover. How quaint... You look out into the hallway, night long having fallen upon Canterlot with only the hot orange glow of torches to light the castles interior. "What to do," you ask yourself, "So many places, so little time."

It is then that you recall that, yes, you still lack in attire, a most disturbing act in your own culture. Clothes it is then. With no attempt at subterfuge you walk through the hallway, most of the guards having left to rest for their morning shifts. Pulled out all the stops, did she? You fail to see the effects of such an act. She should know you would call her bluff. With each step your toes dig into the ruby carpet, the rough texture of which something you had missed since your first days in Canterlot.

You map your location in the castle in your mind, reciting places you've been or what you have heard in passing. A hallway comes up to your right, the same one where you had met Luna earlier today. Luna... Pausing from your quest you take a closer look down the hall, two doors on the right, one on the left.

Allow your memory to come forth, Anonymous. What did you feel, what did you see, what did you- Smell. Garlic. A kitchen, yes you had all but forgotten. In fact, you seem to recall a plate in your cell still ready for consumption. Perhaps you can place your current quest on hold, just for the moment. Luna had always spent her time coercing the chefs into making a treat for you. It would be unfair not to have returned the favor.

You follow your nose leads you to the second door, pushing it open to reveal the kitchen's interior, a clean stone cut floor with a shimmering table of steel. Steel which could better used in other affairs, but you digress. Finding the chef does not prove a challenge as you hear him humming away, a boiling pot before him with ingredients scattered about. He poses no threat to you, a civilian whose ears have not yet heard of your nature, and with this knowledge you move opposite of him and open a drawer- Nope. The slam causes him to jump, "Excuse me- Sir, but the kitchen is closed."

"You'll make an exception, of that I'm certain."

It doesn't take much convincing for him to... cooperate. You merely explained how it was in his best interest. You watch as he breaks out the flour and other essential ingredients. Time is of the essence, you assure him, restraining a laugh as his movements seem to gain in speed. As he prepares to make your ‘donut,’ a treat whose cravings gear more towards those of Luna than Celestia, you continue your search through the kitchen drawers until you find a suitable cloth.

Opening up yet another failed drawer it is difficult not to become overwhelmed with a sense of pointlessness, but the bleeding must stop. The searing hiss of the fryer fills the room as the oil bubbles and cracks, a test for the oncoming dough. So you must wait, a painful conclusion but one that you must adhere to. It is in good fortune that shortly after this that he had procured you the towel you had sought out.

You nod in turn for his generosity, locating a suitable knife and cutting the cloth into two pieces that adequately wrap around your wrist. The pain is true, your hiss would tell him that, but with continued pressure you allow it to subside, dots of red barely visible through the thick cloth. Clenching your fist you test the wrappings. While they are not as functional as true battle wrappings they will suffice nonetheless. Pulling the dough from the pool of oil he begins to make the frosting. “Blueberry flavored. Her preferences are well known to me.”

He has to return to the fridge to procure them, but procure them he does. As he applies the frosting you balance the knife in your hand, a deadly weapon used for such an innocent purpose. “I’ll be taking this,” you state rather than ask. “Its uses suit my needs far greater than your own, no?” He stutters his agreement, putting on the final touches at your request, sprinkles. You had them shaped in a precise fashion with you on one side of the donut and Luna, as a filly, on the other.

The chef did what he could with the room he had, and it is true that you were not expecting a masterful portrait. Alas, you find it quite pleasing. You can feel the weight lift from his shoulders as you give it an approving nod, the chef placing the pastry in a small box so that it might be easier to transport. “Your efforts have been most useful in my quest, equine. Continue as you were and speak of this to no one… Your face is most memorable.” You help yourself to his fridge to his pantry before you leave, stealing the bread and cheese left forgotten in your cell. Hmm, this one’s fresh. How wonderful.

Wiping your lips as you enter the hallway again, box in one hand with knife in the other, you move to the end of the hallway and peer out the window into the darkness beyond. The moonlight shines through into the courtyard, a sliver of light reflecting off the garden leaves and bushes. Beyond this is where your gaze rests to the three towers resting off in the distance. One stands tall, raised above all others. This is where Celestia rests, you are sure of this.

The second remains lower, always the younger sister and never allowed the chance to exceed her limited expectations. Luna, she is your first stop. The third tower differs from the others as while it lacks a true balcony so that their princess might raise and lower their celestial objects, this tower instead offers a glass dome. This must surely be Cadence’s residence, the books stored within once owned by Nova himself. You make a mental note to meet her after your ‘appointment’ with Celestia has finished. You will want to be properly clothed in your first encounter with Nova’s descendent after all.

The echo of muttering hits your ears as you dive behind a corner, the chink of armor unmistakable. By the sound of it they are headed your way… You hear them mention a door and the hairless creature held within it. Have you truly let time slip by so quickly, or is it that Celestia had altered the shift schedule. Regardless, you gently lay the box to rest as they approach, keeping your back held against the wall as you flip the knife in your hand. You almost have its weight burnt into memory when they make first contact, their spears stretching out in defense. “He’s esca- Grah!”

The knife embeds itself into his throat sending him down screaming in his own blood, the gap in his armor an oversight you hope Celestia addresses in the future. His partner is stunned only for a moment before weakly thrusting at you, his spear cracking against the wall leaving only the shattered wood as his tip. Swiping it from his glass you twirl, gaining momentum before you swipe beneath his knees and sending him to his side before applying the a second blow to his chin.

“Your armor is designed for appeal not for combat,” you review his flaws before driving the splintered tip into his side, the innocent twirl of his chest plate leaving an open gap for you to pierce his heart. “But your attempt will not be forgotten. Rest well.” You close his eyes and those of his comrade, dragging them to a nearby store room before continuing onward. Your hand clutches to the knife with an even fiercer grip as the anger swells within you. Too many equines must die for Celestia’s mistake. But that is something she must learn for herself.

~~~

Stairs you ascend, hallways you skulk, patrols you eliminate, each occurring in differing intervals. However, you reach the location you had sought at last, the ‘Royal Wing’ as Celestia’s mother and father had referred to it. You knock over a statue to draw away the guards, your hands moving swift to steal the life from their veins. The blue star that had displayed proudly upon the chests of their fellows are not prominent on these, instead you see the sun’s insignia in its place. These are Celestia’s personal guards… At least you are now certain this is the correct place.

You check on your package as you move through the doors and into the Royal Wing, the donut still fresh and alluring in scent. Hers shall be delivered first, you think as you pass by the rows of doors that line either wall. Celestia’s shall be at the far end, likely guarded by two, perhaps three more guards, but the insignia placed upon the entrance will tell for certain. Celestia’s shall bear the sun. Luna’s will display the moon. You pass by another, a purple star… This must be the mark of Cadence.

You find Luna’s quickly enough, the entrance located in isolation from the others, the torches within shining an ocean blue instead of the sun’s orange. You slip inside and make your way up the stairs, the spiraling staircase always a nuisance for those without wings or magic to help traverse. It is more of a time vampire than anything… By the time you reach the top you silence your footsteps, lowering yourself to the form of a mouse, paws silent as it sneaks in the shadow to steal the lone wedge of cheese. However, instead of whisking away such a gift you will be placing a treat for her own satisfaction.

The door opens with a slight push revealing the darkened interior. To say the room is a mess would do it justice. And while your position on the nature of organization and tidiness would bring Luna into disgrace, it is in this disorder that you cannot possibly allow this action. The star charts that line her walls, each slanted and sideways with no particular direction, stem from a time when she lacked the concept of organization. She was more concerned with the present, as most fillies were.

When you make note that Luna is not currently in the room you allow your stance to drop as you reach out and place a hand upon one such chart. Celerus Nebula, a formation she found one day in her studies, and here… A Venure Cluster, you had helped pin this one up for her. You remember because it is the only one which is straight… A simpler time, a peaceful time…

Her bed lies empty, sheets discarded and lumped to one side. Remarkably she has cleaned up the floor, a sign of maturity that you had hoped she would achieve. No more do the colored tools of drawing scatter themselves under your feet while her ‘action figures,’ no more than glorified dolls, are now placed neatly upon her dresser. The things that might disrupt her have all been tampered with, fixed and cleaned so they might not work in distraction, but when you look to the walls…

These are her memories with each chart standing as symbols for her years of study and work. She would be outside on the balcony, her telescope lowered so that she might gaze upon the stars while her legs were mere stubs. You would be out there with her, you think as your silent motions steer you to the exit outside, helping her, pointing out the areas she might have missed. You smile and lean against the opening. There she is, still standing by her telescope though she no longer has it dropped to the height of a filly.

All it would take are a few more steps to join her, to relive that moment in history where- A breeze catches you off guard, a fatal mistake should you have been in the field. The past is history, this is the present. You allow her peace as you move to leave, placing your gift upon her nightstand on your way out. But before you do you take one more moment to soak yourself in the moment and memorize every detail. It is unlikely you will be seeing this room again. With the same hushed steps as before you shut the door and leave the princess to her work.

The cloth that keeps works upon your wrist loosen as you bound down the steps again, each shake twisting upon the exposed flesh beneath. The pain is the least of your worries. Should infection infiltrate this wound you may not have the necessary strength in the days to come. You are almost finished tightening the makeshift bandages when you exit the door, a peculiar silence cast upon the air. With a deliberate turn you face the source of this newfound silence, a guard, the same sun insignia upon his chest. He can barely think let alone speak. There you are, after all, so close to the princess, to him, and not a soul could have warned him of your swift arrival.

“Don’t-“

”He’s here!”

You sigh as he runs off further into the Wing, stumbling and hollering as he does, to regroup with his peers. “Scream. Enough blood has been shed this night.”

You follow as he turns down one another hallway, this one wider than the others, pillars running parallel just off either wall. At the far end a group of three, as you had guessed, guards are stationed, each scrambling into formation as the recruits you do not doubt they are. “Stay back!” Their leader shouts as you approach, his voice unlikely to travel all the way to the tower’s spire. “We will be forced to remove you if you do not comply.”

“Where’s your yearning for combat, stallion? Have you ever wished to truly test your skill? I am merely the teacher. Consider this a test,” you grin mischievously, not attempting to hide the blade in your hand. “No cheating.”

“Bub, center shield. Do not let him pass.” The unicorn of the group takes the lead as a bubble forms around the three guard ponies while the other two hold out their spears.

“A good act, I must say,” clapping your hands as you descend upon them. “You stutter less than the others, but your hooves are unsteady and there is a scent of fear in the air.” Veterans in year but not in experience, this is unmistakable but respect is due to them even should this case be true. Perhaps you had misread their earlier actions…

They don’t back down. They don’t flee. These are the truest soldiers Equestria has to offer at the moment. A tragic loss. “Stand back! We will not warn you again!” You stand just outside their little bubble, twirling and flexing the digits of your hand as a dancer would upon a stage.

“I will give you a single chance to walk away, stallions of your yield deserve such an opportunity. Harm shall not come to you… but you must walk away.” Not one budges at your offer, their loyalty as ingrained as that of your own soldiers. “So be it. If it is any consolation, your courage is worthy of the highest honor,” your hand reaches towards the shield… and slips through.

They can hardly believe their eyes as your arm breaches what to them must have seemed as their ‘ace in the hole.’ Your entire arm tingles as you manage to grab hold of the unicorn’s horn, his eyes stretched wide as you drag him to you in a single pull. “My condolences.”

Your knee slams against his snout, the shield dissipating as he falls back with nose dripping blood. A spear jabs your way only to be caught and parried by your blade, the second spear piercing air as you duck underneath his thrust. You lock your arm around the second spear, twisting your body around so the handle smacks against his kin’s neck and sending him stumbling into the pillar.

Discarding the spear held by your elbow you descend upon your would-be attacker only for your shirt to pull against you, a weakened form of telekinesis common amongst their kind, but you push forward without pause. The screech of scraping metal has you turn at the last moment, the unicorn whose efforts were seemingly in vain sweeping the fallen spear in your direction. His attacks prove most effective, as though the swipes have no definitive destination, the sheer speed gives you little time to react.

You block two more strikes before breaking the spear in two at your first opportunity, your heart sinking as now both pieces move against you, both as wild as the first. While you busy yourself with the act of ensuring your own safety, this time allows the other two ponies to regroup, arming themselves once more for combat. They are a true unit, each working together to achieve a common goal. Perhaps they might learn from this experience and prove a worthy fight another day, but for now, you have had enough.

Ripping off a blood-soaked towel from your wrist you toss it into the fray, both weapons caught under the mass of cloth, the blood rendering the tools inert. Their attempts to reanimate the weapon fail as you pick up the rag again and squeeze, the gathered liquid flinging itself upon the three with a wave of your hand. It disorients them at first, a short-lived state of confusion before they rose again to attack only to find themselves disarmed. The unicorn’s magic fizzles as he attempts the most mundane of tasks, while his Pegasus and earth pony brethren take up the spear in a final act of defiance.

You merely swipe away the Pegasi’s strikes before you slam your head against his, the feeble nature of his physiology resulting in this attack rendering him unconscious. The earth pony gets in a single stab as well before you recite your jab from earlier in your escape, though by his short gasps upon collapse, the blow will turn fatal. Finally, you look upon the unicorn, nose still running red from your earlier blow. He eyes the spear of his comrades between glances at you and you only smile. “Make your move, unicorn. I’ve waited for a pony to test my-”

He leaps for it, only for your knee to meet his ribs on the way there, knocking the air from his lungs as he falls, gasping alongside the earth pony. “Three brave equines… May fate allow us a second meeting.”

You look back on them once before ascending the second tower, sure that their wounds will not result in a fatality. Equestria will need stallions of their caliber in the days to come. You reattach the towel upon your wrist, teeth clenched with every bump that renews the sharp stings beneath them. When you finally reach the door… you stop. In the past you had always knocked before entering, one of the few manners you upheld for her sake, and for you and your people tradition is a difficult behavior to break.

Three inaudible taps suffice this pestering voice, opening the door soon after to find the light from the fireplace dim and Celestia sleeping soundly upon her bed. Upon the trunk at the foot of her bed rests your effects, clothes folded neatly with care, belt coiled as she had seen you do in the past. Even with the pressing need to clothe yourself, you cannot help but let your eyes stay captive to the sleeping princess, mane draped over her sheets as her breathes sing through the air.

It is almost out of a fairy tale, the story Nova would read to them as children, far more innocent than yours to be truthful. She looks perfect, you repeat to yourself as you approach her, knife still clutched in hand. “Guess who?” you whisper, knowing full well her ears will not take notice. She was always the heavy sleeper. “Please, don’t get up. I won’t be staying long. The truth of it is, Celestia… I’m disappointed in you.”

Your knife picks up a single strand of hair, scooping it to the side after dying red. This mare has caused you such pain, such anguish. “I only ever wanted to help you, to help Equestria. Your parents wouldn’t listen to me, forbid me from their council, nearly forbidding me from the city. Nova put a stop to that… I protected your society for generations upon end, losing my men, -good- men, in the process. Did you know that they wouldn’t let me see you when you were born? You and your sister. They told Nova not to allow me after they passed, and he agreed… but who would look after you when he passed.”

A conflict of emotions rages through you as you trace the knife along her neck, one puncture and that’s it, she’d be gone. All your problems… Your vengeance… Things would return to the way they were… “It wasn’t my decision to raise you two… I may not have admired your parents but I respected their decision. Before Nova passed he asked a favor of me, to raise you how your parents would have wanted. Warriors… do not make the best parents as you well know, but I would not fail him. I couldn’t always be here for you and Luna… my duty is my charge… But what became of my attempts? Betrayal.”

The blade presses against her throat as you think of that day, as you watched your men suffocate at their own feast, their own celebration. She destroyed a nation that day, your people! But try as you might, you can’t finish it… Not yet. “I did my best to raise you until your maturity. When the war arrived and the griffons descended upon your kind, I saw a chance, a chance for another to take my place… so that I may finally set down the sword. Raising you both… revealed a life I was never privileged to receive, to have a family, a real family, but now I see that this is impossible. I can as much drop the sword as an ocean may cease its waves. My duty is my charge, this has long been my creed.” With bloody hand you push her hair behind her ear, the red of your own blood stained against the hair of her coat. “Rest well, Celestia, for you will need all your strength in the coming days.”

You clothe and wash yourself while you have the time, retrieving the book she had taken from her nightstand. If she were to keep such an item here, then this would also be its current location… yet you feel nothing. Keeping your movements hushed you search the room thoroughly, no nook or cranny untouched, no hiding place unseen.

It is… frustrating that its location eludes you, the book itself only one half of the puzzle. It took a creature of incredible power to bring back your dead, and seeing as how the monster is no ally of yours, you must locate another of his power. That is, unless you have an artifact to give one the power of a god… or an alicorn, that is.

Celestia wore it once, long ago on the day of your defeat. You had hoped she might use it for a more honorable purpose, but mistakes still find you a willing subject. She would keep such an item close to her… unless she had lost knowledge of it, a forgotten artifact left behind in her haste to return home. The meal of capturing the forgotten fortress is all the sweeter when a hidden jewel rests within its walls.

You place the knife on her nightstand, drops oozing down upon the wooden surface, and with a final farewell you lean down and peck her on the cheek. “Perhaps one day you may better understand me and my actions… Before I fall to Tartarus once more. Farwell, Celestia.”

Hand returned to the sword, you shut the door behind you and leave her to slumber. With the words left behind this quest may not be a total loss. While you may not have obtained the amulet, you instead procured a peace of mind. You looked face to face with your opponent as you had with your many adversaries long dead and gave your intent. Whether they be the alpha of the timberwolves, Cumaru, or the lord of the manticores, Melvor, you give them each a fair chance, as each shares a common trait with you. They lead their kind, life everlasting so that their guidance might shape the future of their kin.

Celestia has born a leader, but not you. You were crafted from the earth itself, much as her parents were, as Nova was. None wished for events to fall as they had, nor could they have predicted such a fate would befall their children, but it is none of their concern. They rest now, away from the planes of Tartarus and... You pause as you reach the bottom.

One pony.

Two pony...

Where is the third?

Oooh, there he is. He's crawling away, barely able to breathe and yet his body persists. You might regret letting them live, but the decision has been made. "Morning," you call as you pass, nudging him to the side so your path might remain clear. "Have my respect indeed." It will take him time to reach any guard whom you haven't have the pleasure of meeting already, and even then they must mobilize themselves. All it would take is for you to force them single file... Very much akin to how they must proceed when climbing a tower. Fate is a marvelous thing at times.

Finding your way back to Cadence's door you take each step two at a time, a feeling of, giddyness. It must be, seeing as how they are driving your motions to such an effect. The trip takes little time as you factor in this increase in speed along with the height of the structure. In fact, you already hear voices from above, one hushed... the other questioning but soft. Oh Fluttershy, meeting the princess are we, or is this 'Shining' applying a more personal touch.

You will have no qualms with ending him should it be the latter, adultery has a habit of bringing out the worst in you. Stopping just outside the door you await a moment to enter. This trip has seemed to bring your manners to the surface, something you must eradicate before returning to your men. "...I- I don't want to talk about it anymore, please."

"Fluttershy, I'm your friend. I understand how you must be feeling, but the safety of Equestria could be at stake."

"I know. Oh, Twilight, I know, but... You don't understand. He's not like the others. He seems angry but, I know there is good in him." Pfft... "He's only doing what he thinks is best."

"He destroyed your cottage and-" 'Twilight' pauses and seems to calm down. "He's delusional, Fluttershy, coo coo, and that's just him. The others could be just like him."

You hear Fluttershy sniffle, this entire conversation obviously putting her on the defensive while she would much rather be simply left alone. "I told you everything I knew, Twilight... Please, if he heard what I said-"

"He's locked away, under guard, behind a two ton door with guards stationed all over the castle. He won't be bothering you any time soon." Aaand that's your cue to drop in.

"I wouldn't be so sure of that." Cutting yourself into their conversation you- you... "Alicorn?"

Fluttershy freezes but doesn't run, a single eep escaping her throat. Her 'friend' and this you cannot stress enough, takes a stance against you, "You-"

"Fluttershy..." Rage laced upon your tone like a healthy dose of poison, "Who is this..."

Twilight stomps a hoof, horn igniting as if she were prepared to face you, "You aren't going to- GWAH!" You descend upon her in an instant, slamming her against the wall with your forearm to her throat, your sword pinned to her stomach just begging for a push.

"I was not -speaking- to you, abomination!" You push harder against her throat to accentuate your point. "Fluttershy! This, is your friend Twilight?"

"Y-y-y-yes s-sir..."

"And she is a princess of this castle?" Fluttershy mumbles the answer again, your eyes burning into the creature before you. "There is a Cadence, a pony whose name I have heard uttered... She is of the Cadenza line. Fluttershy, is this Cadence a princess as well, an alicorn?"

You eagerly await her answer, ears trained for that subtle whimper masked in doubt, "Yes."

Celestia... What have you done?

"GRAH!" you throw the monster clear across the room, landing on the second level where Nova's library still stands, tainted by her mere presence. "This is the tower of an immortal, a leader of Equestria! Not for you! Not for whatever it is that you are!" You practically throw yourself up the stairs, ignoring the pain that seeps from your wrists as you head straight for Twilight, the atrocity. "Stay back! I'm warning-"

"Silence, fiend!" You grab her the throat only to throw her back down to the floor, "Three alicorns, three griffons, three humans, always three! Never a fourth!"

"p-please stop," Fluttershy's pleas fall on deaf ears, their owner consumed in bloodlust. "you're hurting her." You throw the ‘princess’ against an adjacent bookcase, little to no fight left in her as she attempts to stand, each falling book knocking her upon her stomach.

How could Celestia allow this? Has defiance filled her heart so completely that she would forsake the world? And for what? This is no gift; this is a perversion of nature. "S-stop," this time it's Twilight who speaks up, a single string of blood running from her nose.

"I. Am. Not. Speaking to you!" Grabbing the bookcase you tip it back over, eagerly awaiting to her the soft crunch of shattered bones. Only, that joyous day never comes and you're left fuming, sword pinned to the floor as Fluttershy sets down her 'friend.'

She risked her life for that thing, that monster. You'll kill her, you'll kill all of them, you'll... "It's going to be okay. Everything will be alright." The pegasi's soft spoken mantra soothes her friend... and calms the fire in your soul, but only just. "Anon, she hasn't done anything-"

"Do -not- call me Anon. I am Anonymous." Trudging over you grab Twilight once more and pin her against glass dome, drawing your weapon into an impaling position. "This creature must be exterminated."

"Wait!" Your thrust is cut off as her hooves attempt to draw you back, weak and helpless but enough to distract you. Spinning back you smack the mare with the full force of your palm, sending her crumbling to the floor in tears. "Don't hurt her."

"Do not make demands of me, equine. Remember your place."

Still recovering from your blow Fluttershy makes her stand, albeit a trembling one. "I- I'll come with you willingly. I won't run, just please don't hurt her anymore."

"Another pony asked for me to spare their friend today? Would you like to know what happened to him?"

Fluttershy closes her eyes, knowing full well what you mean. "Then... do what you will, but leave Twilight alone."

This fucking mare... "Flutter-"

"Shut up!" The alicorn twitches in fear as you raise your hand, but your attention is focused on the Pegasus, not the would-be princess. "You would die for this mare? Allow your own life to be taken if it meant to save this... thing?"

Fluttershy nods, head downcast which you find unacceptable.

"Look at me!" Her eyes snap to yours as she gathers what strength she can. "You would sacrifice yourself for her?"

This time she does not allow her eyes to yield, her head does not cast itself in shame. Now she shows promise, "Yes." Your finger traces the handle of your sword, the gears churning within your mind... Celestia's actions are more dire than you had feared, a great flame she burns against the darkness. You will not be enough to balance this war... As a wise old buffalo once said, fight fire with fire and the world will burn. You choose to ignore the second half of that saying. In a single motion you sheathe your sword, an action which allows your past prisoner to breathe a sigh of relief. "Thank you..."

"Do not allow such a pleasant response yet. Move!" You shout the last part behind you, the alicorn limping her way to the stairs in retreat. "You are no longer my prisoner, equine Fluttershy. You are now my servant, a personal aide until my dying breath."

Still her gaze does not yield, even if they darken with moisture. "I understand."

"Fluttershy don't." You snap your head to Twilight who immediately looks away.

"If that mare speaks again I will cut her throat."

"I am your servant..." Fluttershy's voice calls you back to her, the mare's expression failing to keep the emotionless visage you often display. She is too human for that.

"You will be at my beck and call. You will clean my clothes, bring me my meals, most consisting of varying meats..." She almost breaks at that comment but she remains vigilant. "Each time you bathe me, you will cherish it as a gift. My bed that you warm, a temple held sacred. I am your savior and protector; you are my servant and carl. This is your charge. Do you accept?"

Twilight can't bear to listen as her friend swears her life away, all because of her... because of Celestia. "I accept."

"Then repeat after me: Sworn upon my vows I pledge."

"Sworn upon my vows I pledge."

"From now until my light has faded."

"From now until my light has faded."

My oath is sworn but my actions bring it truth."

"My oath..." Her lip quivers but she continues, "is sworn, but my actions bring it truth."

"My duty is my charge."

"My duty is my charge."

"Let death befall me should I forsake it."

"Let death befall me, should I forsake it."

Kneeling down you place your hands upon her trembling shoulders and lean your head against hers, closing your eyes as you do so. "Let it be known that on this day, Fluttershy vows her loyalty to me and only upon her death will she be released from this oath."

"Let it be known-"

"No," you can't help but laugh. "That part's for me. We shall forsake the bond of blood in favor of time."

"E- excuse me?" You look up at the regiment of guards pouring in from the entrance, Twilight scattered in amongst them.

"We have company… How much weight can you carry in flight, Fluttershy?"

"N-not much," she admits, the first of the guards reaching the top of the stairs. That isn't quite the answer you were leaning towards, but it will have to do.

"In an emergency, could you glide to safety while carrying a great burden?"

More fill the second level now, a row of golden armor and pointy spears each ready for you. "Maybe... W-why?"

"Just remember, if you cannot we both perish this day," you whisper back to her as Twilight takes position behind the guards, her head only slightly taller than them.

"There's nowhere to run, Anonymous. Release Fluttershy and you will not be harmed." You scoff at her demands, the oath is absolute.

"Counterproposal... Return to whatever hellhole you call home, demon. Now!"

Scooping Fluttershy under your arm you charge through the glass at your rear, the two of you hurtling down to the ground below. "Oh no oh no oh no oh no!"

"Any time now Fluttershy," you lift her above your head, having to shout over the wind.

"R-right..." Her wings flare outwards and already you can tell the difference. "Oooh- very- heavy-"

"Remember your oath and bear the pain, it is your keepsake." You attempt to motivate her, half out of sympathy and the other out of not wishing to turn into a flesh pastry. “Aim for the wall.”

“Okay, Fluttershy. You can do this. Deep breathes. In. Out. In. Out...” You turn your head to the tower above, the faded form of Twilight's purple coat barely visible from this distance. You can only imagine their faces when you jumped. Were you in their place, you wouldn't have expected it.

By the time Twilight can muster the pegasi to pursue you, it's already too late. Your feet come to a running start as you hit the castle wall, slowing down as Fluttershy's forward momentum quells itself to a more reasonable level. "We must be quick," you set her back down as you sneak away to the edge, gazing out to the forest just outside the city walls. "An associate of mine will be arriving shortly."

"We'll want to go this way, I mean, if we want to reach the gate."

"Who said I wanted to reach the gate?"

She paws at the ground, "When we were at camp, you told your friend to meet you at the edge of the golden city... The gate is on the far edge..." This- How- You whispered this to your comrade deliberately, you spoke so openly in hopes to lead her astray from the truth so that any information she have might only serve to distract...

"How?"

"Not all the animals I talk to are big and noisy. Sometimes I have to try really hard to hear them... I guess- umm, I have good hearing." This mare... She never ceases to surprise you.

The two of you sneak along the wall, taking a detour down the city's back alleys before the guard could close in around you. You reach the gate soon enough, and by then the Royal Guard had already spread themselves too thin, their net too narrow to catch such a sly fish. Crossing the bridge you take a rest next to a set of bushes well outside the range of any guard to see. Fluttershy sits upon the grass while you keep a lookout for Andrew's arrival. "I didn't tell them that part... What you said to your friend."

"He is my kin, not my friend. If you must refer to him, his name is Andrew."

"O-okay..." She quiets down as she stares at a particularly interesting blade of grass. You can't help but steal glances at her, a familiar question forming in your head.

"Why?"

She keeps playing with the grass, much like a filly you used to know when asked one too many questions, "I don't want to hurt anypony... When Shining Armor started asking me questions, I- I thought of how they treated you... Like you were a monster."

"To most, I am. You of all ponies should share their sentiment."

Fluttershy shakes her head. "Monsters don't care about how other ponies feel... Your- Andrew cares about you, and, you care about them... You're just a pony deep down, you don't want to hurt anypony." A whistle catches upon the wind, your eyes pinning down on a humanoid shaped shadow on moving through the brush. You return the call, turning back to Fluttershy.

"I have killed for longer than any pony alive can remember. I've spilled more than my share of innocent blood as well. I've done things that no sane pony would even consider... What I feel about the world doesn't matter. How I feel about killing, maiming, bringing pain unto others... None of it matters. It is but a means to an end. Do I take pleasure in the act? The truth is, Fluttershy, that a part of me does. I am a monster. You just don't know it yet." His face coming into view you grab hold of Andrew's hand and pull him into your embrace.
"Strength has certainly found you, brother."

He releases, taking in the two patches of cloth around your wrist, "Steel has taken you out of its grace, my lord."

"Yet it has seen fit to grant me another day still. How fare the men?"

"Their work hastens my lord, a small infestation of arachnid plagued the ruins, but we made short work of them." He looks to Fluttershy who has taken a stand by your side, "Shall your prisoner be requiring permanent lodging?"

"Not necessary. She has token the oath and has vowed servitude beneath me. My room is hers."

He nods and falls to a knee, "As a fellow taker of the oath, it is only proper we become acquainted. Andrew, your brother in arms."

Fluttershy bows her head in turn, "Fluttershy, umm, your... sister?"

The elderly veteran chuckles and returns to his feet. "Did you find what you were looking for?"

You shake your head, Andrew nodding once more. "Each failure is a battle better known. Come, sire, day shall be upon us soon."

"Yes..." you take a look back to the city, to the tallest tower where a princess still rests. The next time you meet you will not bend so easily. That is your oath to her.

Chapter 5: A New Home

With another swipe from his blade, Andrew lays one more vine to rest at his feet, the tattered remains resembling more a defeated snake as the three of you move along. At last you reach the clearing, a pathway of soil leading to the aged planks that once held strong many a pony and man alike, and beyond that… The castle, an ancient ruin left discarded by those who wish not its former purpose. A grand feat it was to construct such a fortress, a final testament against the griffons, a symbol to demonstrate that even against their horde, the equines would still find strength. Of course, you never cared for such symbolism. The essence or function of the stone walls served a much higher purpose than stirring the hearts of the people.

You look up from the path and to the sky, sun nearly blinding but still you stare, almost able to make out the tower from where Celestia once stood. You can imagine the breeze that swept through her mane, those streaks flailing in the wind while her own form remained constant and unbreaking. The fire burned low that night, but not a soul, man or beast, would notice it. Each was consumed in an aura of their own triumph, their arrogance. A battle may be won, your enemy might perish, you might proclaim peace, but the war never ends. Even knowing this, you did not find reason to suspect… You can almost see the glow, the ruby’s shimmer consumed in its violent light, still up there where the tower once stood. Almost, but it exists now in only a memory.

“The view does it no justice, my lord. While the entrance and many of the upper levels have collapsed, the majority of the castle has gone unblemished despite the years.”

“Good,” you take a deep breath to ease the quickened state of your heart, the unruly organ thumping against your chest with vigor. “Our brothers shall repair what they can…” You shut your eyes a moment as you take another series of breaths, each deeper and more swift yet as equally insufficient as the last. When you open them again, you find Fluttershy paused ahead of you by the bridge, a pondering look upon her face as you stand toward their rear. “Continue, equine, your duties lie forward not behind.”

She turns quick enough, already having tasted what she might gain from disobedience. When both sets of eyes leave you, your shoulder leans against that of a nearby tree, a silent spectator who would not speak of your ills. A warm trickle flows down the palm of your hand, as it has done for the past several hours, cold and pale, wetted by its many brothers and sisters. You aren’t done yet, Anonymous. Your blood will not run dry this day.

The rags upon your wrists squelch as you push yourself off the toughened bark to regroup with the others, but not before leaving your bloody mark upon its wooden skin. The same mark left trailing the countless miles at your back…

Your feet measure each step as you begin across this bridge, the wooden planks beneath you molded and weak, yet another piece long forgotten by these equines. Andrew stands at the other end, helping Fluttershy make the final step across before looking back to you, ever-watching. No fear finds its way upon your visage, nor does the pain that creeps up your arm. To show such weakness before your men would be to invite doubt into your ranks, and doubt is no true soldier.

Another step causes your racing heart to skip, the plank beneath your foot cracking in half exposing its damp core and forcing a hand to the nearby rope. The scare, as some would call it, is one you predicted may occur, but it is the pain from the grip that causes the grimace upon your face. Perhaps doubt will be drafted after all… ”Sire-” You cut him short as you raise your other hand and continue across the bridge, once again focusing on your breathing.

“No mere fall shall call itself my bane, brother. My demise will come from the blade…” He locks you at the elbow and pulls you across, the wet squash of your rags against his leather vambrace earning another look. “What spins about your head, brother?”

His eyes travel to your forehead and the gathered sweat that dampens your brow before lowering down to your arm, still locked with his, still dripping… ”Open the door, sister. We’ll be along shortly,” he calls back to Fluttershy, already adopting her as his own. He should know she’ll have trouble opening it herself… and he does. Andrew waits until the strained grunts of Fluttershy can be heard before he finally speaks in whispers. “How much have you lost?”

“Some… I’ll manage.”

“May I?” He asks with a raised hand, to which you nod, allowing him to set it atop your chest. “Your chest pounds against me, my lord.”

“Almost falling has a way of afflicting men with such a condition,” you try to smile at him, but his gray stubble remains firm and unyielding.

”How much have you lost, my lord?” Always perceptive, this one. Despite your attempts, Andrew will always see, will always understand. It’s the reason you keep him close.

“Our path runs red… My hands as warm as the winter breeze.”

His lips scrunch as he inspects them for himself. “You fought in Canterlot, after your blood first broke from skin,” he states rather than asks. “You need to rest, my lord.”

“Out of the question!” you snap at him, stopping yourself when you see Fluttershy pause her efforts to look back. “… our brothers require a firm hand.”

”And they shall have it,” he pleads with you, placing a hand upon your shoulder, the simple act almost collapsing your legs. “Should the men see you in such a state… I must insist.” You stare back into his eyes with furrowed brow, “My loyalty is yours, sire. I will not doubt your judgment, but only when your mind is your own.”

You’d kill him for this defiance, he knows it well as does each member of your race… and to sacrifice himself for the betterment of his people? No leader can ask for a truer soldier. “One day’s loss, another’s victory.”

”Rest today, gain strength tomorrow.”

You pause, silently nodding your head before the door finally creaks open. “G-got it.”

Andrew smiles before returning to you, “And what of the mare?”

“She has taken the oath… She shall tend to me while you oversee our men.”

”And you trust her?” A question of paramount importance. Can you trust her? Will you?

“We shall see…”

Released at last you move to the doorway with the same posture you would any other moment in passing, chest held high, chin looking forward, no signs of weakness. You can’t help but note Fluttershy’s gusty inhalation as you pass, no doubt noticing the crimson drops that fall from your sword arm. “Sister,” Andrew starts behind you, “Where might your medical supplies be?”

You tune them out as you enter the ruinous entrance, fresh sunlight still beaming down upon you, yet even now you can feel the torch’s glow. You revel in every crunching step, the cold of stone that once complimented your own ghostly appearance now eroded away beneath your feet. Crates and other supplies are still piled near the entrance and before you lies the resting place for the elements themselves, no longer hidden from the world but robbed of their gems. ”Sire!” Ahh yes, you have certainly returned to your people.

“As you were, my brother,” you call out, not bothering yourself to look in whichever way he was from you. For now, for these precious few seconds that have not yet lapsed, you wish to be there, back in that ancient corridor when the air still held her scent. It was a different time. When you close your eyes, you can see her sitting upon that throne, head held high, the leader you had known she could become, but when they open…

”Go on, sister,” Andrew waves Fluttershy further down the corridor to where the thrones now lay cracked and discarded, no leader to hold them. “She searches for her provisions. We made no note of them.”

“Where did we falter? How cruel a mistress must fate be to us?” You lay a hand on the Element’s pillar, not a speck left of its vibrant aura. “To betray us…”

”You shall bring upon them the vengeance of ten thousand men… When we return to such numbers, of course.” You sport a half-cracked smile and nod, swallowing hard as your hand falls back to your side, a most unpleasant sensation accompanying it. “Let us make haste, my lord. To delay, would be to invite unwanted company.”

“Death?” You can’t help but chuckle in your growing haze as you follow Andrew with feigned strength in your step. “That reaper has ached for my company since our first meeting… Shame I could not prolong our engagement.”

“And you will not be making his next appointment, sire. I will see it so.”

“Please do…” You rub your hands together in hopes to bring some warmth to their form. “I hate surprise visitors.” Raised voices beckon you from further ahead, two of your men towering over the equine, hands clenched upon their steel. What fools they are. Fluttershy stands trembling between them, her ears drooped and tail tucked at their barking, their questioning. It is too early to hope for the equine to have adapted to such conditions.

”…never. Run back to where you came from Equine.”

“Lie to us again and we will not be as merciful.”

The two men are hardly in their late twenties, their spirits firm and unyielding but also arrogant and without thought. These men are fit for war, yes, but for what other tasks you would require, they would surely be worthless. ”B-but Andrew said-” She starts only for one of your men to raise his hand, an act which sends a surge of energy pumping through your veins.

As sluggish as you have slowly become, you move forth without fault, catching his hand before it moved to strike her. “My lord!” The soldiers shout in unison, the one whose wrist is locked in your bloody grasp riddled with a fearful unevenness. You struggle to keep your eyes fixed on his face, a white glaze or… or glow pasted alongside his form, but you make sure that your limbs do the talking.

“This one is mine,” the words seep from your mouth like chilled honey, slow but steady. “Raise your hand to her again, and you shall lose it. Am I understood, soldier?”

“Yes, si-“ He begins to nod only for his breath to escape him as your knee collides with his gut, the force of which breaching even that of his armor. Your legs buckle at the act, but as always, Andrew’s timing is impeccable, lending a helping but subtle hand to keep you stable and your standing unbroken.

You fight the grimace before it ever reaches you as you turn to the paired soldier, also attempting to keep his emotions in check as he stays in his paralyzed salute. You have half a mind to make an example of him as well, but cruelty without cause is one step that you shall not take.

Andrew, having served his purpose to you, kneels to the equine and sets a warm wrinkling hand upon her neck, “Did you find what you were looking for?” It is unknown whether her newfound silence stems from your men or even your own actions, but even though she may nod, a silent servant is of no use to you.

“Our ears still serve purpose, make use of them.”

”Y-yes.” Your head swings back around to glare at her, Fluttershy quickly learning what she had missed. “My lord.”

Your lips curl upwards as your eyes pass over the chest that rests beside her. The lids of your eyes quiver, and that is enough to firm your resolve. “Brothers, take hold of this chest and follow the equine… I take it you will keep your mouths shut this time.”

”Yes, sire.” Good. You are far too tired to listen to their needless dialogue.

The men grab hold of the chest as you struggle to look back up to the two thrones. So much could have changed… If only she had seen the truth of your actions. Andrew steps beside you, the old man holding in a laugh as the men are left holding what must surely be a hefty load, and they will continue to do so until you give the word otherwise. “We must be off, my lord.”

“No. I shall take my leave, but you shall remain.”

He pauses with a nod, “Our men shall work ‘til their backs lie broken.”

“Only then?”

He smiles before you take him in an embrace, “Strong sleep, my lord.”

With a wave of your hand of your hand Fluttershy follows behind you, only for you to stop and take a final look back. “Andrew, when I return that throne shall not meet my gaze.” With that, you turn your back upon the spectral equine that looks down upon you from her seat of power, a projection of what could have been and what you had lost.

“What are you waiting for,” Andrew shouts behind you, “Follow your newborn sister, now!” With a grunt of affirmation they shuffle behind you as you move east through the aging passageways. Fluttershy sticks close beside you, and as you are you find her warmth welcome.

“Have you not walked these halls, equine?”

”We umm, only came in once but we never-”

“A great deal of your history rests within these walls,” you allow your fingers to trail across the coarse stone that runs down your path. “A darker part, one shielded and forgotten through time. We shall make use of its former purpose…”

Fluttershy moves to whisper, “You should save your strength- I mean-”

“Do not think to know what I should do, equine,” you snap back in response. “I have lived longer than you can know, and I did not do so by following the orders of others.” Her lips fall silent, though the soft chuckle of your men sounds off as a poisonous cloud in your air. “You will not laugh when your hands dirty upon your work in the latrine, soldiers… Andrew will see to that.” Once again you find yourself in the company of silence, save for the echoing thump resonating down and throughout the hall, each step a note in this peaceful chorus. As it stands, your own feet find trouble repeating this rhythm.

At last, you arrive at your destination in the eastern wing, your old chambers. Shame your men could not receive the same treatment in times past. They shall finally know the comfort of walls, a damning sensation that will prove to weaken them, but… it might lift their spirits. You seem to lack that quality. “Place the chest along the wall there,” you sigh, pointing absentmindedly to your right against the wall. “A realm undisturbed. At least Celestia had the good sense to allow it peace.”

Heaving as they do, your men place it alongside your cupboard as you allow yourself to walk around your room once more, parting a gaze to the adjoining rooms. One where you might clean yourself, and the second, thanks to Celestia’s touch, one where you might relax in true silence, only a window high above where you might be disturbed. ”Sir,” they interrupt your thought as a finger trails the bed, the room’s focal point as it juts out towards the doorway.

“Leave us,” you shoo them away, your shoulder resting against the bed’s corner column as they turn away with a salute. “Fluttershy, take what you need.” Is it hard to breathe in here or… No, it is merely you. Fluttershy passes you, making her way to the chest as you make your own to the table sitting against the leftward wall, more of a curve than anything but… “Damn these wounds,” you grunt, barely able to pull out your chair enough to sit. “Damn them.”

Your attempt to sit is hardly elegant as your legs finally break their form, collapsing under your own weight and slamming your back against the wall. “Ano-”

“As you were, Fluttershy,” you manage through clenched teeth. You take your time and allow the moment to pass, settling back into a rhythmic trance of breathe. “As you were…” The chest clamp springs open as she gets to work in her search, though the metallic click is nothing compared to the wet squelch as your right arm rests upon the table, a pool forming under the rag.

”I-it’ll just be a few seconds.” You lean your head back and focus on your breathing, deep breathes in and out.

“Take your time…” This will not be your end, you know this to be true, but it is this feeling, this sense of lifelessness that serves as a reminder to what you stand to lose. One mistake, even planned, can result in such- loss.

The ding of a bottle stirs your mind and body, Fluttershy taking a seat across from you as she lays down a small white box adorned with a red cross. She opens it, revealing a healthy armament of supplies within it, along with several types of bandages and alike. Opening the bottle she douses her hooves in the liquid before settling her eyes on the rag that binds your wrists, the troublemaker of the two that is. ”I’m going to umm, have to open it up. Is that alright?” You nod your head, saving your breath as she had suggested. It was a good suggestion, but your men might think something to be amiss should you listen to an equine, especially a prisoner such as her.

With a great deal of care, Fluttershy nudges the soaked bandage aside, the mare almost gagging as the mass of flesh comes into view. “O-oh-”

“The wound shall leave its mark upon me, even after it has healed. Scars are but memories, Fluttershy, each wound a chapter.” She takes the bottle in hoof and raises it above your arm, your fist clenching in suspense, a short ooze of blood escaping beneath your wrist. “Do it…” You await the sting, that blistering pain you had hoped to never experience again, but it never comes. It stings, yes, but in no way does your skin squirm at the touch, the shredded flesh of your arm parts as grass in an evening breeze. “There is no pain,” you look even closer, almost as if you could see this strange paradox of medicine. “That was alcohol, yes?”

“Oh no. I would never let any of my friends use that. They’re just so small and I hate to see them in pain.”

“An alternative to cleanse a wound? Fascinating.”

”Nobody should get hurt trying to get better.” What should and what will occur often never walk the same road. Dampening a small cloth, the mare sees to your wound, the muscles of your cheek twitching with every ounce of pressure. “Sorry.”

“Quit with the apologies,” your irritation getting the better of you. “I wish you to speak your mind in privacy, but your insistent begging for forgiveness turns my stomach.” As you had hoped, she remains without response, instead choosing to focus on your bloodied arm.

”I umm…” You turn your head back as Fluttershy seems to stop herself from removing your drenched rag. “Can you- Eep” It takes her a minute to replace it with a more sterile towel, the strands brushing against your exposed flesh causing you to bare your teeth. “Okay… Can you flip your wrist for- Oh my…” Adhering to her request reveals the true source of your suffering, a ruptured vein below your wrist that your body saw fit not to seal, though your actions may have kept such a pathway open. As they say, six of one, half dozen of another. That is what they say?

Almost on instinct she presses the cloth against the vein, not stopping even when you strike your own leg in response. “I have to stop the bleeding.”

“I know that!” You grunt, part of you glad this condition does not apply both of your wrists, else your body had run dry outside of Canterlot. “I am… not as accustomed to pain as I wish I was.” Sucking in breath you clench the cloth of your pants, partly to distract yourself from the pain, partly because you never liked the way they felt, alas… You chuckle to yourself, almost out of insanity you’re sure Fluttershy might think so. “It’s quite humorous, even I, Anonymous, the wicked two leg of Equestria, have my own Uru’s bane. Heresy, some might say, even to suggest such a thing.”

Despite the pain you can’t help but smile. The blood loss really is getting to you. “E-excuse me?”

“One day you shall awaken to find history not such a boring place. Uru, the Hydra, the lord of the bog, the terror of the wood… No no, that was Melvor. Or- When he fell wouldn’t the title- Titles, words and nothing more.” Further inspecting your wound she moves to apply her a bandage, the bleeding down to a mere trickle. “As I was saying, Uru, massive Hydra, one of the few threats Equestria has faced that posed a true danger. Some days I question just why he turned mad, then again, when one has seven minds the likelihood of sanity raises exponentially.”

Fluttershy pauses her work for but a second, “You killed him…”

“I did what needed to be done. Monsters roamed the countryside, fleeing the confines of the forest merely to avoid a chance encounter with the beast. Were I them, I would do the same, but to my fortune, I am Anonymous.”

You see the red of her eyes but choose not to acknowledge it. “And I assume- *sniff* -you slew it singlehandedly. Even if it didn’t do anything wrong.” She speaks not of the hydra, but of another, the bear you slew before her, the one whose blood she washed from your back. The past is a dream, and such memories, nightmares. Some are best to be forgotten.

“No, my little equine, I was content to allow Uru life, but when his path pointed towards the city, my hand was forced. I rode to meet him, but not alone. I travelled with my company of fifty men-at-arms, brothers who had earned my respect through years of combat. Other immortals came to my aid, Melvor the manticore, Cumaru and his pack of timberwolves, minotaurs and buffalo alike.”

Grabbing a roll of cloth, Fluttershy begins to wrap your wound. To her benefit, she is performing much better than you. “All of them?”

“Make no mistake, I do not revel in war, as I said, bloodshed is a necessity, and I will only choose to fight when it is needed. Uru was one such case where others recognized the danger he posed if left unchecked.”

”And… Celestia?” She asks, almost fearing what you might say but wishing to hear all the same.

“Merely a child at the time. Nova, stood watch for her and her sister, allowing me to defend Canterlot in his stead. No, Fluttershy, Uru’s blood does not stain her hooves.”

Each pass of her hooves tightens your bandage, the underlying red soon covered in a pristine alabaster. “We- We saw a hydra once. He was so big and- and scary.”

“A babe in comparison, I’m sure. Even with our small army we failed to defeat him head on. A foolish strategy, but an insightful one. Even in defeat, one might learn more of his opponent. ‘Sever the head,’ they said. ‘It will stop him,’ they said. The simpletons fought with their body, but not with their mind. They stormed the field without a care in the world, facing a monstrous opponent of strength unparalleled save for their draconic kin.”

You watched. You waited. Every bite, every slam, every breathe both gaseous and of air, every twitch that rode through his scales as his neck swayed amongst the trees. You studied him, as any good hunter would.

“Many fell, even my own men whose guts outweighed their brains, but I found what I was looking for, I found Uru’s bane. It was a gap in his scales between his second and third head, just where the two necks met. The next day we faced him once more, our forces dwindled, either from death, injury or fear. We drew him out, wore him down for twelve hours before that gap opened and I severed the arteries that ran beneath those scales. It took the beast two days to bleed out… but when the sun rose on the third day, Uru joined our own who had perished.”

”They died, trying to protect Equestria,” Fluttershy whispers to herself. “They were heroes.”

“Heroism is a young man’s game,” you reply as she finishes up your bandage, applying an adhesive to seal it in place. “One born of selfishness. Heroes work only to build their own legacy, a memento against their inevitable demise.”

”And what is it that you do then? Why would you risk your own life for Equestria?”

“I’m not sure I like the tone of your voice, equine. I am no hero, I want no glory or medals. My goals stretch beyond this mass of flesh and bone,” wagging your newly patched arm in demonstration. “I fight, I kill, I murder, so that Celestia could be raised in peace, so that the farmer working his fields may feed his children, so that at the end of the day no child must feel worry if they shall see the morning next. That is what I have fought for. It is what I will always fight for until the day I am no longer needed…”

A feeling of light-headedness pours over you, stopping you from continuing your rant, for which you are thankful. Your heart can hardly stay contained within your chest as it is, and your excited speech has not worked in your favor. “I- I in need of rest. We may speak of this another time.”

”But- but your other-”

“You shall work in my slumber,” you strain to push yourself up, your muscles taxed though they have gone without work. “Surely, you know how to be discrete.”

Hunching over like an elderly man you grasp onto the nearby column of your bed, your breathing already labored from a simple exertion. “Let me help you.” Coming beneath your arm, Fluttershy uses her wings to help straighten your back as she guides you to bed. It is fortunate that there is no wall to slam yourself upon as you sit this time. Undoing your belt you hold it out to Fluttershy who hesitantly takes it from you so you may position yourself better.

“I have not felt a bed’s warmth for many a generation. I find the experience, refreshing.” You manage to undo the rag by yourself and drop it to the floor with a heavy plop. “Fluttershy,” you call out still raising your arm, “Might you have another towel that I might rest this upon. A male with bloody sheets is quite the role reversal.”

She scurries off to her chest once more as you ease back into the firm yet yielding pillow beneath you, ears keen as the latch clicks open once more… followed by silence. From this angle you can barely see her, neck crooned in such a way that she would be looking upon something with great fervor… and a whimper. “Fluttershy, what draws your tears?”

She shakes it off with a sniff, wiping her eyes so you might not see the wetness that plagues them. “It’s- it’s nothing. I should have a…” She slowly turns to meet your gaze, not needing to hear your words to obey your command. From within her chest she draws out a square frame, simple, ordinary but it is what lies within that allows her such grief.

Placing the towel beneath your arm you take the picture from her with your good hand, though it might be hasty to provide it such an adjective. “These are your friends,” you question mindlessly as you scan over the picture. “I recognize some from your village.” Fluttershy doesn’t stop her work to answer, but you are too engrossed to notice. Six ponies reside in the picture, most of whom you know. On the top resides a Pegasus, rainbow of mane, not the most outlandish that you have come across but very Sue of her nonetheless.

Beside her, in her usual joyful manner, is Pinkie, hoof stretched to the sky with an unsurprising grin that even now finds a way to stretch to your own. Beneath sits three different ponies, only the far right one binding in mystery. Golden mane tied at the ends with a hat of some sort atop her head, you assume her to be part of a more rural culture, as the discoloring of her hooves, while not prominent, can be seen all the same. To her left are two you do recognize, the deplorable Rarity, whom you hope to reintroduce yourself to once the amulet is in your grasp, and Fluttershy, as demure a creature as she is today.

But it is when you look to the center, to the last pony, does Pinkie’s infectious smile fall. Twilight, the pretender, the abomination, the ‘princess.’ “This shall not reside in my chambers while I draw breath. Remove it,” pushing the frame back into her hooves.

“They’re-” she quiets down, bowing her head, “They’re all I have left.”

“Did I ask you of its importance? No. As long as that abomination resides in that picture it shall not taint my chamber. Understood?”

“As you wish,” she turns back, voice riddled with the pains of rejection… You never enjoyed watching another’s distress. Perhaps-

“Wait,” you stop her with a sigh, finger motioning her back to you. Taking hold of the picture again you stare down the abomination, wings absent. “This, Twilight, has yet to succumb to blasphemy… Rest them where you wish and do not let us speak of it again.”

She doesn’t smile as you’d expect her to, an oddity you will make note of in the future. Instead she returns to the cupboard, setting the frame atop, staring directly at you. “She’s not blasphemous…”

“So this is why you lack the thrill of victory? Because of my feelings towards that pretender? Perhaps I should inform you of this, but you will not come to like me. I was raised in a much different time, one where we honored tradition, unlike your own where you allow such a creature to climb your highest ranks.”

For the second time, you see anger burn within her heart, her irises sending a tingle down your spine. “She is not a ‘creature!’ Twilight is my friend, she’s nice, and fair, and she wouldn’t hurt anypony like -you- would!” You smile and manage to push yourself up to meet her, your heart nearly fluttering as she does not back down. “You talk a lot about how you just want to help, but all I ever see is you try and hurt ponies.”

“Do not think to know me, Equine,” you cease to address her by her name as you scold her. “Do not think to know what I have lost to stand where I am today.”

”You don’t care about anypony but yourself, not even your own ponies. They’re scared of you.”

“As they should be!” You shout as you rise to your feet, only to collapse beneath your own weight, your forearm colliding with the floor to break your fall. “I am of the three. I did not ask to be a leader,” you pant breathlessly, hardly able to speak.

Fluttershy lowers herself, your prone form seemingly taming the inferno within her, “Let me-“

“Away!” You slap her hoof away and draw your sword, the mare gasping as if it were her final breath, but instead of impaling the disobedient swine, you instead pin it to the floor so you might drag yourself back up. Plopping back down upon your bed you return the sword to its sheath before collapsing back, the rest of your strength utterly sapped.

Fluttershy looks over you with worried glances only to calm at your smile. “W-why are you smiling?”

“Blood loss. Insanity. The rush of nostalgia over a heated argument. Choose wisely, Fluttershy, for each is as deadly as the next.”

”But- You’re not angry?”

“Furious,” you chuckle, “but you are right. My men do fear me, my actions have not proven true to my goal, but often times the flow of a stream holds no clue to the beauty as it falls down the mountain side. I did not choose to lead, and perhaps neither did your Twilight. Alas, I cannot ignore what she is, nor can you ignore what I am.”

”Why do you hate her? She hasn’t done anything wrong. She- she’s helped Ponyville so much, she- She stopped Nightmare Moon and Discord, saved the crystal ponies from Sombra, she even-“

“Actions unseen to me, as my actions are unseen to you. Should she have been born in my time, we still would despise the other, but our works would act in unison. I despise her, Fluttershy, because in the beginning, when life first reached this hunk of rock, there were three,” you recite to her as you had the children of your own kind when you found the time to do so. “Three races who rose above all others. The Griffons, the Equines, and man. Three from each were blessed with a great gift, immortality, strength, some even magic. Nova, the great stallion, was one of these three Equines, as were Celestia’s mother and father. When one brings forth a child, their spirit passes, as I told you once before. No fourth was ever born, only the three. Only ever three…”

You grimace as you unclasp your belt and lay back upon your pillow, Fluttershy attempting to help but amounting to little more than a bother, not that you will complain. Turning to her, you do not see the Pegasus whom has sworn you servitude. Instead, you look up at Celestia herself, mane drifting despite the lack of breeze, those eyes that’s light never seems to fade. “I protected you. I-” you reach out to touch her, only for the pain in your arm to cast her image aside, leaving only the Pegasus beside you. “I need water. There should be a pump in the next room over…”

Galloping away she returns, a small cup in hoof. She lowers it to your lips, the taste of dust polluting the liquid, but it serves its job well. Shutting your eyes you sink deeper into the sheets, Fluttershy continuing her treatment of your other injury. “The days before you will be dark, my little pony. No light shines upon our path, no harmony will ease your heart. Strength, is not simply a matter of muscle, of steel, of magic. Strength… of the mind,” you point to your own skull before drifting down to your chest, “And of the heart. To endure where others would fall. To suffer while others run free. This is true strength, Fluttershy.”

”I’ll do my best.” You lean forward a hair, locking your hand to her forehoof forcing a gasp from the timid mare.

“My days will lean me down a familiar road, a path I watched my kin take long ago. My actions will reveal the demon that resides within this mass of flesh, and he will be the monster Uru could only hope to be.” You need to sleep, to give yourself to the weight of your eyes and the embrace of comfort, but not yet. A little longer. Fluttershy tries to turn away but you pull her back into your gaze. This next part is crucial. “I tell you this, not to frighten or intimidate, but to teach you of your duties. When I return to these chambers, when we are but two souls together, speak to me, tell me of your friends and family, remind me of what it is I have fought for.” You’re not sure if it’s the loss of blood or a last minute attempt of redemption, but you have to, just this once. “Please…”

Her eyes stretch at the word, and to be fair it is one you had predicted. You are not one to ask for- for anything. Humans take, or they do not. We do not ask. ”I-” Damn your stuttering, your suspense helps me not. “I’ll- Phew… I’ll do my best, my lord.”

Content, you fall back, releasing her hoof as well. Drowsiness begins to take you, each moment your lids falling another inch. “When we are but two souls together, I am Anonymous, no rank or title to my name. Just Anonymous.”

She puts a hoof atop your head as your eyes finally close in slumber, “Hush now, quiet now… It’s time to lay your sleepy head.”

~~~

Your eyes snap open to find the black void awaiting you, death’s- Wait, no ash fills your lungs, no monsters lurk behind these shadows. “Ugh,” you groan as you manage to push yourself up, a single hand moving to your blistering head, “By the light, from what infernal pit do I wake?”

A single ray of light pierces the blackness, the moon’s aura illuminating the doorway before you. “Hmmm…” Your head twitches at the hum, your eyes adjusting just enough to make out the sleeping Pegasus at the table, head bound within her arms like a child in their studies.

“Fluttershy,” groaning once more but with increased fervor, the mare slowly awakening from her own sleep.”

Her wings flex, stretching outwards as she escapes her unconscious, eyes flickering much a growing flame, “Anonymous!” Almost as if she had not missed a step, she flurries over to your side, hooves pawing at your every inch, “You really should go back to sleep. You need your-”

“Water,” you interrupt her, mind slowly becoming clearer. When her hoof fails to leave your eyes meet hers, “I will not give an order twice.”

“Al-alright.” Grabbing the cup she retreats into the washroom, allowing you to swing your legs off the side, still rubbing the sides of your throbbing skull. Your limbs seem to have gained in weight since their last use; it would be unwise to tax them at this hour. Pushing your chest skyward you take a deep breath, heart and lung still paced as the racing hares of the north. “Here we-” she doesn’t finish as you snatch the cup from her grasp, drowning yourself in its contents before giving a relieved sigh. “T-thirsty?”

“Drier than the Sa-hare…” you give her a light smirk before returning to a more serious look. “My belt, where…”

You trail off as she opens your cupboard, the handle’s metallic glimmer shining true in the moonlight. “You fell asleep on it after taking it off…”

“Hmm, a most uncomfortable sleep you prevented me, my thanks.”

Though the words dare not leave your lips, her smile is welcome to you. As you begin to tie the belt back around you, Fluttershy speaks up again, “I saw- I mean, when I was putting your belt away, that you had a uh, chess board. Do- do you play?” You nod, unclasping your sheath from the belt itself and planting its tip to the ground. “I didn’t know-”

“Many things, I am sure. Did you know the first game was played by the Buffalo? They invented the game, after all.”

“Oh, I uh, didn’t know that,” she hushes down for a minute as you tighten your belt, “but, I didn’t know you played.”

“Yes yes, many times. My skills have not yet allowed me to overcome that of my teacher, High Chief Winterstead, an old buffalo, wise beyond his years.”

“Is he… like you?”

“Similar. The son of another, he was, but I would hope he still walks to this day so that I might face him once more. Perhaps this time, it is he that will lose.”

You start to stand only for Fluttershy’s protective nature to spring her into action, “No no you mustn’t-” Your hand catches her hoof with a light squeeze, your strength still not yet returned to you, and with a single glare you force her down. Settling upon your sword, you use it as a crutch, allowing most of your weight upon it so that you might stand.

“While my flesh might need recovery, this grants you neither right nor power over me, equine. Remember your oath.”

”Sworn upon my vows I pledge,” she murmurs, allowing you to test your limbs as you walk about the room.

“You are my servant to the eyes of my men, no act against me will be tolerated, lest my hand strike you once more.” Hitting a woman, hitting a mare… When your blood runs hot- After all these years you lack the ability to control that savage piece of you, the familial instinct that runs in your veins.

When you look back to her through the darkness you see her rubbing her cheek, a memory that might haunt her for some time, reality smacking her back out of the illusion Celestia has cast upon her. Though… even without her leader’s deceit, she is of pure heart. Her next punishment is not one you shall look forward to.

“Do you play chess, Fluttershy?”

“Once… I was never very good, and umm, I never had the time. Animals and all…” Understandable, they likely kept her occupied for many hours of the day, but perhaps she might entertain you. Crutching over to the door you ask if she might wish to do just that, and even in the darkness you see her cheeks flush red. “Well, Twilight always tried to get me to play so…” She pauses as your face turns sour, the mere mention of her name- “I would love to.”

“Save such words for an activity of merit, Fluttershy,” holding open the door to follow you. “It would be unfortunate for such a term to lose its meaning.” She raises a brow in question, but does not allow her lips to query the statement, instead moving behind you as you enter the scantily lit hall.

“Where are we going,” she asks as you make your way slowly down the hall, the moon’s light barely reaching the castle’s inner workings. “I mean, if you want to tell me.”

“Night is upon us and I have yet to eat since sunrise, surely your stomach growls in appetite as well.” On cue, you hear the rumble of her tummy- Note, never use that word again. Old vocabulary is often the most persistent.

”Just a little, I guess.” Of course she is. It is only natural.

“However, I must query, Andrew, in a matter of grave importance.”

”And that is?” Should you not know better, it would appear she were extracting you for information on matters she needn’t be concerned about. “…Nevermind.” You chuckle as you continue onwards, the boisterous sound of laughter echoing down the hall to you. “At least they’re happy.”

“They shall have their moment beneath the stars, but once morning breaks their laughter will turn to labor, their true art.”

”Don’t you think you-” She cuts herself off with a shake of her head, and, in her own way, almost beckons you to discover this rogue question of hers.

“Do I not think what?”

“D-don’t take it the wrong way, but- Don’t you think you’re a little… harsh? To your men.” Hmm, you never thought about it before truth be told, it was merely how this relationship went.

“No,” you answer her as you make your way back to the main corridor, “Do you?”

”Well…” She shrugs her shoulders, keeping her face behind that fluorescent mane of hers.

“My men have learned that this is their place to me, and I do not tolerate misconduct under my command. If other leaders had taken note of my practice, this conflict need not have occurred.” No, her force would be strong, resilient, trained. Upon your revival, she would be exactly what you had envisioned, but her betrayal… Tsk tsk, your men deserved better.

The scent hits you first, an aroma of freshly cooked meat that makes your mouth salivate and stomach grumble. Alas, Fluttershy is not as susceptive to such an aroma, quite appalled or offput by it, in fact. Equines… Trudging along with your sword you feel the first waves of the warmth escaping from the fiery pit where you men now huddle. Skewered above the fire, only the tips of flames licking its underside is the source of this delightful aroma, bear.

Fluttershy’s breath cuts short at the sight, first Angel, her bunny, and now it is Mr. B that resides upon the fire and soon in the gut of your men. “Strength to endure…” you begin, keeping your voice hushed for the time being.

”Where others would fall,” she croaks, the sight almost too much for her to bear… Don’t say it, Anonymous… That was good though.

“You are a sister to them now, do not show them weakness for they will exploit it should you allow them.” Placing a calming hand on her neck you can feel the frantic beating of her heart, mirroring your own. “And you are my sister as well.”

She looks to you at this, this familial bond you now verbalize to her. “I’ll do my best… my lord.”

“I expect no less, sister.”

From the fireplace you see Andrew turn, passing his cooking to one of the others as he makes his way to you, “My lord, you have returned so soon?”

“My actions are my own, are they not, brother? I shall not stay locked up while my men lack guidance.”

His eyes travel down to your bandages, thankfully having kept their white exterior, a sign of their success. “It would appear my sister’s work proved triumphant,” he smiles down at her. “You have my gratitude, small one.” Once more she blushes and hides behind her mane with nothing more than a ‘thank you.’ ”How do you feel, my lord?”

“A few pints lighter,” you chuckle with him, placing a hand on his shoulder, “How are the men?”

His smile fades at the question, changing to that of concern, even Fluttershy notices the change, “What’s wrong?”

“I was… hoping to have resolved the situation before you had awakened, but… It seems I was unsuccessful.” Your eyes turn to your men around the campfire and in the flailing shadows you would not see a rise for concern, but that is at a glance. “It happened before the sun had fallen. They walked right in, almost as if they belonged.” Six men walked from your burial site that night, only six. Then why is it that same number sits around that fire, while two stand and watch. “I have attempted to learn more from them, but have acquired nothing of merit. Forgive me, sire.”

The hand that grips your sword tightens as your eyes travel to the two infiltrators, their black husks morphed into the shape of your own kind, the leather armor you possess crudely mimicked as if they thought it our own skin. What truly turns your stomach is their eyes, hungering bulbs of blue seeking to devour any source of affection they might glimpse. “Changelings…” you growl as Fluttershy moves from behind you to see. “Parasites, the lot of them. Why have they crawled from their caves?”

“I have failed to learn as much, sire, but as of yet, they do not know of their discovery.”

“I don’t see them,” Fluttershy tilts her head in confusion, her own eyes susceptible to their illusion. “Where are they?”

“Soon, Fluttershy. Brother, what of our men?”

“They mingle as best they can, but the changelings’ appearance… Disgusts them.”

“And so we shall do the same. See to it that your sister is fed, then I will require food of my own, Fluttershy.” You wave them off, Andrew leaving with a salute as you climb the steps to Luna’s throne, no longer joined by her sister’s. Clenching your teeth you take your seat, looking out as the moonlight shines down upon you, silently drumming your fingers along the cold stone at your side.

Silently you watch these two interlopers interact with your own troops. What could they be thinking coming here? Were they intrigued by you, by your kind? Most certainly, after all, you have not roamed these lands in many ages. Their husks sag in wrinkled strips at their wrists, crude mimicry at its finest. They have watched your men, but what they learned? Nothing.

A soldier of yours speaks to one of them, the one with the scar. What was his name? Brian? Brennan, yes, that miserable sod. Even now you can see the barely contained repulsion in his eyes. He laughs heartily though his face is strained, the changeling recipient obviously confused by the joke but soon follows in the same manner. They gave an attempt, you will give them that.

Fluttershy scurries off with Andrew, the changelings spying her movement from the corner of their insect-like eyes as do your men, though they seem more interested in her backside… Have they no control? You’re sure that should either you or Andrew be absent, they would not hesitate to… use her, and that very thought warms your blood. Not in the good way.

As your eyes follow her, you almost miss a certain scene, an innocent gesture that might work to your advantage. Brennan had just cut a piece of bear for himself, but with crimson knife still in hand, the changeling shook his head… You needn’t ears to hear his offer. Yes, this will work quite well. Fluttershy soon comes forth to the group, still unaware of the infiltrators true identity, bearing a plate upon her wing.

She refuses to watch as Brennan cuts off another piece, her throat clenching in an effort to stop herself from hurling. She must learn to accept this, lest each day be a trial of endurance. Brennan looks to his brother as she leaves, smacking him upside the head when he sees where he’s looking and you can’t help but smile. There is always a glimmer of hope. Andrew returns to the men before turning his gaze to you, lighting a plank of wood once you give him a nod.

”Your umm…” She stutters only for you to slip it from her wing without another word. “Thank you.”

“You may wish to excuse yourself.” Andrew begins rounding up the men, changelings as well and sends them upwards towards you. “They are coming.”

“I- I should stay by your side.” Her hesitation is amusing, as is the audible gulp where she swallows her fear. “My duty is my charge.” What else can you do but shrug. The choice was hers, and somehow she still surprises you.

“As you wish.” Biting off a piece of meat the last of your men finally reach your throne, each saluting before taking a knee, even your guests. “Men…”

”Sire.” They call in unison, changelings a second behind.

“Today… is a good day to die, but I do not see the gates of Tartarus once more. Neither shall you as long as arm strikes true. You!” You point to one of the changelings, “Stand. What is your name?”

“Daybreak, sire.” It takes all your effort not to slay him right here, giving himself an Equestrian name.

“You look a strong sort, one whose loyalty shall remain forever unbroken. Can my assumption be deemed truth?” He nods, another offense. “Sit.” He does as you ask, a drop of sweat building on his face. You turn to Andrew, the only of them who still stands, torch in hand.

“You, what is your name?”

“Andrew, my lord,” he answers in salute, voice firm and unyielding. “How might I serve as example?”

“You see men, even in his elder years, this man’s strength remains eternal, unbroken. By my side on the field of ash we slew many a griffon together, and his loyalty proves true even till this day. Why do you still fight, Andrew, my brother?”

”My duty is my charge, my lord.”

“And when does your oath end?”

”Only when my light has faded.” The group rests in silence, your nod allowing him to return as he was. “Thank you, my lord.” You sigh, tearing another bite from the cooked flesh, quite savory but now is no time for such compliments. Even now you can hear Fluttershy’s harsh breath, each bite turned a gasp.

“Brennan, stand,” you gesture him up, his hand trembling atop his chest. “Why do you serve me still?”

”I took an oath, swore by blood. I will follow you to death’s door.”

“There is no need to expand,” raising your hand at his needless bloating. “Tell me, were you to deceive me, what would be your punishment?”

He opens his mouth but pauses, “I’m not sure, my lord. My punishment would be of your choice.”

“Certainly. Now, brother, on the night of our rebirth, how many men left that stretch of forest alive?”

You can see him counting in his head, starting over when he loses count, “Six, my lord, yourself included.”

“Very good, brother. It puzzles me, how many stand here today?”

He looks around before choosing his final answer, “Nine, my lord.” By Tartarus itself.

“How many ‘men’ stand here today?”

”Eight, I apologize.”

“Unnecessary, brother. Sit.” You twiddle the last hunk of meat on your plate between your fingers before turning your gaze to the second changeling, the air surrounding him positively humid from his sweating. “You… Come closer.” You look from under your brows as he approaches, kneeling as the others do with such lovely finesse, blech. “All of these questions, they can be interpreted different ways. Andrew might answer his oath ends upon death, true enough. Brennan, whose academics are lacking might simply say a few of our men walked with beating hearts that night, but… There is one question that cannot be misinterpreted, a simple question that’s answer resides so deep in the human psyche that each could answer without fault or hesitation. Do you know what this question is?”

You find yourself bearing a twisted grin as you lean forward, almost anxious for his answer. “No, b-but I’m ready to answer.”

“Enthusiasm, some find it a positive quality. I do not, but! The question… It’s simple really, you should have no trouble answering it. What is my name?”

Silence… No crickets in the distance, no shallow breaths, no whimpers, even the crackling of fire has ceased in this one moment. “Uh-”

“Hold him.”

His bulbous eyes nearly burst from their sockets at the command, Brennan pinning him down by the shoulders before the thought of escape dares cross his mind. Behind him the second changeling turns to flee, sprouting those transparent wings of his to take flight, only to be thrown down to earth by Andrew, knife pressed tight against his neck. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

Fluttershy watches in horror as he’s brought to the front, his nose dripping the green evidence of his nature. “He-”

“And him,” you struggle to raise your sword to the other. “Changelings can morph into any creature they wish, but it is the illusion they project that fools their prey. Magic, it cannot fool the human eye.”

Baring their teeth with a hiss they change back to their natural form, legs choppy with horn and wing displayed proudly, even their two fangs… Some things never change. ”I didn’t even suspect… They could have come in your room and-”

“Hush now, Fluttershy, we’re in the presence of company. Unwanted company, I might add. Why have you come here?” Only air escapes their lips, and you dislike being ignored. It is… rude. “Bring this one forward,” you point to the one on the left, the one who had failed to answer your question. You know him the weaker one. “Are you hungry, changeling? I know I am.”

You bring your meal to your lips once more, savoring that last bit of juice that remains ever so succulent. The mere sight of it causes that scowl of his to twist into a more fearful pose.

“Why are you here, changeling, and I’ll think about not forcing this hunk of meat down your throat. Or have your kind become carnivorous since our last meeting? I would welcome the experiment.”

His lips open to speak only for his kin to shout before him, “We tell you nothing. We rather eat meat.”

”This one must have a strong stomach,” Andrew booms outward before squeezing tighter on his knife, “If you speak again, you’ll be feasting on your own intestines.”

“Now now, brother, let’s not act hastily. What say you, changeling, do you hunger for a true meal?”

”We-” He steals a glance over to his kin who shakes his head, “We were just looking for new sources of food. We meant no harm.”

“So said the scorpion to the frog,” you pause for a second before giving Brennan a nod. “Food time.”

”No! You promi- Grech!” You cut him off as you force the sizable chunk down his throat, the changeling gasping for air once your hand is free. “Promised…”

“I said I would think about it, nothing more,” you reply, wiping the saliva upon his neck. “But since you have been a good sport, I will allow you to live. No more harm shall come to you.” His throat convulses as he tries to throw up your offering, but a quick smack by Brennan puts him in line. Interrogations… How they seem to drag on. “What hive do you serve, changeling?” This time asking his peer, allowing the other a chance to digest. “I can’t say I am able to tempt you with more bear, but… Perhaps your own life will do.”

He sticks his nose up to your threat, a damning decision on his part, so instead you turn back to his more cooperative friend.

“Let us play another game, you answer my questions and I won’t flay your comrade. Sound entertaining, brothers?” The four of them cheer, slamming fists against their chests in their own warcry, only Andrew and yourself remaining silent. Fluttershy seems to have been paralyzed by recent events… She should have left.

“Andrew, Fluttershy is not feeling well. Bring her to my chambers.”

”No…” Was that a mere whimper upon the wind, or was that a refusal on the part of Fluttershy? “I- I can stay… To serve you, my lord.”

“As you wish… Again, changeling, what hive do you serve?”

”I- How you want answer?” Not what you were looking for. With a tap of your foot Andrew’s blade cuts down the length of his prisoner’s forehoof, the scream held in place by Andrew’s steady hand. “The- the hive! South hive!”

Strange, there are no hives upon Equestria’s southern shore, but the desperation in his voice… He does not lie. “Who leads this ‘Southern Hive?’ Do they hail from the Cavern Dwellers?”

“Don’t know second,” you raise your foot triggering a hasty response, “But! But name Chrysalis. Queen!”

“Shut up! They hold us anyways!” Is that the worst they can think will happen? Foolish creatures. Crutching over you take a knee so that you may remain at eye level with him. Your voice is hushed to a whisper but still loud enough for all to hear.

“If you fail to cooperate, or if you speak once more, I will have my men peel the husk from your flesh. We will break your hooves and nail them to the side so that your soft underbelly is exposed, and then we’ll drizzle you with butter and other seasonings, leaving you outside to cook a bit. We’ll leave you there, scaring off just the predators who would grant you a swift death. Bugs, worms, rodents… We’ll ignore the screams, the cries for mercy, and if the forest doesn’t finish you by sundown, I’m sure some of my men will be hungry. I won’t let them use a blade or axe. They’ll use their hands, picking bits of flesh off your body until you break, and you will break. I’ll be there, watching, waiting… Your kind has done nothing but oppose me, the least I can do is show my gratitude. Understood?”

With quivering lip he draw in a final breath, “Buck you.” You lower your head with a sigh. What a waste.

“Regretfully, brothers, you have one last task this night.”

Andrew yanks him by the neck, dragging him away clawing and screaming towards an isolated section of the castle… That’s when the real screaming begins. You return to the other changeling, this short trip already stretching your limits as it is. He’s positively stunned, mouth agape, stomach churning, but still standing. He has proven useful, and according to your promise, you shall leave him unharmed and intact.

“He was friend… Known since hatchling.”

“Return to your hive, changeling. Tell them what you have seen here and what I will do to your comrade…” You pause before turning away, finding one last thing to send him away with. “Tell your ‘Chrysalis’ that should I find one more changeling in this land, I will ensure that after I am finished with Equestria, her hive will be next. Now go… GO!”

It takes not a second after Brennan’s release that the prisoner bolts, the only evidence of his existence being the trail of vomit leading to the doorway. “We’re not really going to eat that thing,” Brennan asks hesitantly, knowing all too well the results of such questioning, “are we?”

“Only if you’re stomach growls, brother. I recommend a large lunch.” Moving off you look to the rest of your men who aren’t entirely sure what they’re supposed to do. Blind without orders, useless without a leader. “Should you spot another, I am to be informed at once. For tonight, seek accommodations within these empty halls. No man shall step forth in the northern wing… unless they wish to join our new guest.”

The last howls of the changeling end with a final salute from your men, your body finding rest upon the empty throne. “Why?”

“Speak up, Fluttershy, you are an Equine, not a mouse.”

“Why?” Ahh, the question of the ages. Why would you do that? For what purpose does that serve? You’ve had to answer that questions many times for Celestia, always doubting you, always questioning your intentions. It has pestered you since the first words were spoken. Perhaps it is life’s irony, that this question be the first you ever asked.

“Fear. I can as much place a blade upon this ‘Chrysalis’s’ neck as I can upon Celestia’s now. No, my presence is powerful but has not the range. Fear, fear is a concept, a virus upon the wind, an infectious organism that will not stop until all would submit… or it shall perish. His resistance was, convenient.”

Ascending the steps, Andrew returns from the prisoner’s ‘quarters,’ a splatter of green stained upon his boots. “Persistent creature, fighting put him right to sleep. I guarantee he’ll stay that way ‘till the sun rises.”

“Very good. Very very good…” You take yet another deep breath, but it never seems to be good enough. An, emptiness, still lurks within your chest. You need more rest.

“My lord…”

“Recovering still, brother. I will not be quite the same for some days I imagine. However, what luck have you with our… trinket?”

“I have searched her chambers, yet found nothing, and the armory held no better results.” You silently curse your luck. Without that amulet and a suitable host… Even with Celestia’s forces as they are, even a simple wave will destroy this castle in the sand. “I will continue my search, sir. I will find it.”

“Had I the men…” grumbling under your breath, you slam a fist upon your throne, “Damn her. Where did she put it?”

Keeping her head low Fluttershy eases into your conversation, “Maybe, I can help?” You scoff at the idea, making your feelings no secret as you delve deeper into thought, scouring over the castle in your mind. “I can- I mean, I may not be helpful for heavy things, but I’m very thorough. Angel always used to hide his carrots so I wouldn’t take them away.”

Andrew chuckles innocently, unaware of the inadvertent distress he had caused her, “While your intentions are pure, I fear you will not be of much use in this endeavor. We search for a, lost gift of our lord.”

“I want to help, please. What- what did it look like?” Rather insistent isn’t she?

Looking to you for approval you grant it, still caught up in thought. “It is an amulet, silver. The base resembles that of a shield and in its center a gem, ruby if I recall and just above the shield there is-”

“An alicorn.”

The word snaps you free, your eyes slowly turning to the helpful little pony. “You… you know of it?”

“Well, yes, I mean I…” she backs up into a corner as both of you share a piercing gaze at the equine. “I- I-”

“Fluttershy,” you push yourself over and kneel, making yourself as unthreatening as you can. An impressive feat if you succeed. “You swore an oath to me, do you recall?”

”Yes, but-”

“No buts. Now… This amulet,” you try to speak softly as not to spook her, “is very important to me. I want to ask you a question. Very simple, and by all means, take your time before answering. I’d hate for your answer to be false.”

She bites her lip and desperately tries to hide behind her mane, but not even there can she escape your overpowering, longing, deathly gaze.

“Where is the Alicorn Amulet?”