Atonement

by Crackshot

Rating: mature
Tags: Human, Sweetie Belle, Twilight Sparkle, Lyra, Applejack, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Sad, Princess Luna, Original Character, Spike, Rarity, Tragedy, Adventure, Princess Celestia, Pinkie Pie
Length: 13982

I have ruled Equestria for four hundred years. In that time, I have seen generations live and die. Empires, rise and fall. Ponies cringe in fear at my very name.

For four hundred years, I've waited for them to return. And now they're back. Now this nightmare can finally end.

Now I can atone for my crimes.

Alright. This is the ONLY sequel to my story "The things I do for love", and it picks up where the sad ending left off. I just kinda had this crazy ass idea, and decided 'what the hell, it sounds like a decent sequel, might as well post it' and here it is. I don't expect this story to be very long, but stranger things have happened. I will add characters a chapter or two before they're actually seen by the main character. Anyway, constructive critisism is appreciated at all times, enjoy the story!

Published 2012-03-09 18:04:02 UTC
Last updated 2012-09-05 01:22:19 UTC

Th beggining of the end

I leaned against the wall, looking down at the marble floor. The waiting was killing me, and if I was lucky someone would soon be doing the same thing.

“It’s been too long.” I heard the familiar feminine voice call out from my left. She was angry, and with good reason. I was dressed in a light leather armor, and my hair was cut short. I looked no older than nineteen, but that was a side effect of what I had become.

“That it has.” I called back, looking up to see the angry faces of Celestia and Luna.

“We want our land back.” Luna said, making me chuckle. She had always been more straightforward.

“Take it.” I said with a weak smile.

“We will use… Wait, what?” she said, almost making me laugh. Almost.

“I said take it. I don’t want it. I never did.” I said, ending my lean and walking away from them, towards the windows.

“Then why did you seal us away?” Celestia asked, the confusion obvious in her voice. I sighed.

“I was angry. Angry at Discord for putting me in that position where I was almost completely unopposed. I was angry at you for letting me live. But most of all, I was angry with myself for making the decision that, in the end, has brought us here.” I said, the sorrow apparent in my tone. I thought back to the moment that started me down this path, so long ago. I heard a sigh from behind me.

“Do you really expect us to believe that story? You’re a liar and a manipulator by your very nature, and I will not fall prey to your tricks, or to the tricks of any servant of chaos!” I heard Celestia yell defiantly. It made no sense to me, as there was nothing to defy.

“Please sister, I find no deceit in his words. It seems he truly wishes to atone for his sins.”

“Silence, Luna!” I heard Celestia yell, loud enough to even make me wince. “Your lack of wisdom is what brought us here! If you hadn-” I couldn’t stand to hear anymore.

“It was a lack of foresight on both your parts. No one could have anticipated what happened, and arguing and placing blame on each other won’t change anything, nor will it bring anyone back.” I said, my voice monotone. I sighed again, more heavily as I grasped the mask that had become my crown. “I have been waiting for four hundred years for you two to return. Four hundred years, I have worn this accursed mask to try and keep me in touch with what I really am. Four hundred years, I have walked these empty halls, with no desire or will to do the things my predecessor took joy in, for they bring me nothing but more pain.” I said, walking towards them, still staring at the mask. It was in the shape of a wolf’s head, and only covered my face from the top lip up. What can I say, I’ve always been a sucker for super-hero type get-ups. The mask was enchanted. When I wore it, my chaos powers left me, and I was a werewolf again. In all the years I’d been wearing the mask, I’d come to be able to control my wolf form completely, unless I went into the blood rage.

Then it was game over for everyone. I heard a giggle from in front of me, and I knew Celestia was mocking me.

“More pain? Please, don’t act like you feel anything anymore. You’re nothing but a cold hearted killer who can’t make up his mind about whether to act like he feels bad about it or not.” She said, making me wince slightly, but I didn’t falter.

“Then explain to me why you’re still alive.” I said, looking up to the two sisters. “Enlighten me as to why a clod hearted killer such as myself wouldn’t simply end his greatest threat when he could. Tell me why they would wait patiently for their return, and then talk with them, unarmed at that.” I said, shooting the sister of the sun an evil glare.

“I-I…. I don’t”

“Exactly.” I interrupted again. “I didn’t kill you,” I said, snapping my fingers. In a puff of smoke, a sword appeared in my hand. My sword. The one I had used to get this far. I twirled it so that the blade was pointing towards me, and dug it slightly into my chest. “because I want you to kill me.” I finished. The looks on their faces was priceless. They were confused by my actions, as I knew they would be.

“I-I-I don’t understand…. Why would you want this?” Luna asked me. I sighed.

“I’ve destroyed this world beyond recognition. I have slain those who trusted me, and for what?” I ask rhetorically. “For immortality and the ability to fuck with reality? For power? For money?” I shook my head. “No. I did it for hope. I hoped that, in the end, I could die happy knowing that Rainbow was alive, but all I got was smoke and FUCKING mirrors!” I yelled, my temper getting the best of me, as it always did. I took a deep breath. “This is the only way I can think of to make up for my mistakes. I know it won’t change what’s already happened, and that it won’t bring them back…. But it’s what I deserve.” I said, locking eyes with Celestia, who began to slowly approach me.

“Do you truly wish this?” she asked, slowly walking closer, until her face was in mine. I nodded.

“I do.” she nodded back, and placed a hoof on the pommel of my sword. She was about to push it in when Luna spoke up.

“Wait! There’s another way!” She yelled, rushing towards us. Celestia seemed confused at first, but a look of grim understanding soon crossed her face.

“You’re right sister, but it is dangerous.”

“He wishes to atone for his crimes. He wishes he could undo what he’s done. Let him.” she said. Now I was confused.

“I’m sorry, but what are you talking about?” I said, lowering the blade. The sisters looked at each other and nodded.

“This might sting a little.” Celestia said, before driving her horn deep into my chest. I gasped for air as I felt her horn penetrate my lung, and even coming out my back. When she pulled it back out, I looked at her with eyes pleading for an explanation as my vision began to fade.

“We needed blood for the ritual, and we can not transport you if you yet breathe.” She said as her voice began to fade from my hearing. I nodded lamely and placed my mask upon my face. If I was dieing, I was dieing in full gear. I fell onto my back, and my vision faded to black.

I was dead.

Again.

I drifted through the void of death for a time, wondering if I’d been betrayed. I could feel the darkness close around me, the fires of hell coming ever closer. But then I felt something different at my finger tips. I felt grass, and could smell fresh fruit. But there was one thing that my senses picked up that caught my attention more than anything. It was close, and it seemed far louder than I knew it was.

A heartbeat.

I awoke again, gasping for breath. I found myself in what seemed to be an orchard. I stood to find green grass beneath my feet, and fresh apples littering the ground. Then I heard a voice, and my heart froze solid.

“C’mon Big Macintosh, we still got a ton’a apples ta buck!” I remembered the accent well. That voice, along with many others, was burnt into my mind.

“Applejack…..”

Memories in the Moonlight

I took a quick survey of my surroundings, and found myself in the orchard of Sweet Apple Acres. “Shit!” I swore under my breath as I looked for a place to hide. I had obviously gone back in time, but how far?

“Hold on Applejack.” I heard Big Macintosh’s voice call out, no too far away. I needed to be fast. “Ah think ah heard something’ over here.” I spotted a nearby tree, and climbed up into its upper branches, hoping the foliage would hide me.

I hoped wrong. I saw him come around the corner of the barn and walk my way, his eyes fixed on mine. I knew he saw me, but something told me to stay.

“What tha hay is that!?” he yelled when he got closer, and I took that to be my queue to get the hell out of dodge. I leapt out of the tree, and hit the ground running. I was faster than most, even in my human form, but even I got tired eventually. I sprinted as fast as I could, occasionally vaulting over a cart or a fence.

But, one thing brought my flight to an end.

“Aren’t ya gonna stay fer brunch?”

Applebloom. As soon as I heard her say that, I made the mistake of looking behind me. I then tripped on a rock, falling onto the side of my face and getting a mouthful of dirt. I spit it out as I began to stand again.

“Hold on right there.” I heard the voice of the all too familiar farmer mare say, closer than I would have expected. I froze.

Well, mostly.

“Alright, I’m waiting.” I said with a chuckle. Messing with ponies was fun to an extent.

“Ya’ll can talk!?” she yelled, making me wince slightly. I went to rub my head only for my hand to be met with my mask. At least I still had that.

“Yes, yes I can.” I said, standing to my full height and looking at her. God, she looked just the way I remembered… Minus the blood, and the never fading look of betrayal.

“Ya’ll got a name? Or am ah jus’ gonna be referin’ to ya as ‘it’?” she asked with a giggle. She had a sense of humor still. Maybe I went back further than I thought.

Maybe he wasn’t here yet. Either way, they couldn’t know who I was, I refused to take that chance. I thought for a moment before thinking of a somewhat appropriate name for myself.

“Call me Lone Wolf. That’s all you’re getting.” I said, my tone more serious. She seemed to take the hint, because she nodded.

“So, ‘Lone Wolf’, jus’ what are ya anyhow? Besides half yer head, ya don’t look like any wolf I’ve ever seen.” I sighed. It always came down to this question, with everyone.

“I was human once. That’s all you need to know.” I said before starting to walk away. She cut me off, making me slightly angry.

“Hold on just one pony pickin’ minute, what do ya’ll mean ya was human?” she asked. I sighed and shook my head.

“I don’t have time for this, I need to find Twilight. I have business with her.” I said, pushing past the farmer. To my irritation, she followed beside me.

“How do ya’ll know Twi’?”

“Let’s say I know a lot about a lot of things, and leave it at that, okay?” I said, my irritation evident in my voice. She took the hint and dropped the topic.

“What’s today’s date?” I asked out of the blue after a moment. She looked at me like I was retarded, which I guess the wolf mask didn’t help with at all.

“It’s tha eighth. Ma friend Rarity’s birthday is today. Ah’m sure Pinkie’ll invite ya soon as she meets ya.” She said with a giggle. My heart froze again as my mind went back…

Well, I brought you here as a surprise present for my friend Rarity’s birthday tomorrow.

“Shit!” I yelled. “I’m too late to stop her!”

“Stop who from doin’ what?” Applejack asked. I sighed as I picked up my pace.

“Alright, I’ll tell you all I can. Last night Twilight made the worst mistake she’s ever going to make, and tonight everypony will know just what it is.” I said, my tone serious. I was walking quickly so she could keep up. I noticed the sun beginning to dip beyond the horizon. I was running out of time.

“What is this mistake Twi made? Ah’m sure she can fix it.” Applejack said confidently. I shook my head.

“She brought someo….. Something, into this world. I’m here to subdue it. Kill it if I have to.” I said, ending the conversation there. I could see Ponyville ahead, and broke out into a full blown sprint. I was soon in the main town, getting odd looks from anypony who saw me. I didn’t pay them any heed. I was on a mission, and nothing would distract me from it.

Unfortunately, my single mindedness distracted me from everything else, and I ended up running into someone, sending us both tumbling to the ground. “Hey watch where… you’re…..” she started saying as we both stood to our feet. I looked and saw the familiar mint green coat of Lyra.

‘Shhhiiiiiit’ I thought to myself, looking towards the horizon to see the sun about to give way to the moon. “Sorry Lyra, but I don’t have time to chat right now, just don‘t go to Sugar Cube Corner any time soon.” I said, running towards Sugar Cube Corner.

“How’d you know my name!?” she called after me, but I ignored her. I was in a hurry, and didn’t have time to waste.

‘Well, that’s one life saved.’ I thought to myself. As I approached the door.
*****************************
INSIDE SUGAR CUBE CORNER
*****************************

Pinkie began twitching uncontrollably, her eyelids and legs twitching at the same time. “Hmmm….. Somepony’s gonna try to crash my party!” she yelled, though nopony could hear her over the music playing.

*********
OUTSIDE
*********

I decided the best way to go about this was to be stealthy and subtle, making sure nobody knew I was there until I was already gone. I could hear the first song still playing inside, and knew I still had plenty of time. I snuck around the back of the building, finding the kitchen door. It was locked, but that never stopped me from doing anything before. I grabbed the small padlock and gave it a hard tug, breaking the locking mechanism inside it. I slipped it off the door and opened it slowly. I could hear one of the cakes whistling a tune nearby, and could smell fresh baked goods. “Fuck.” I swore under my breath. I hadn’t known the cakes had been home that night. I sighed before moving to a nearby shadow. I could see Mister Cake making something, but not what. He stopped for a moment, looking around the room.

“Is someone there?” He asked. I panicked for a moment. I was running out of time, so there was only one way to do this.

I used a bird call. I whistled in a way similar to a blue jay. His eyes locked onto my location, making me panic more.

“Is that you Pinkie?” he asked, stepping towards me. When he got close enough to see me, his eyes went wide and he opened his mouth to scream. I didn’t give him the chance. I clamped my hand over his mouth and brought his face close to mine, making him look me in the eye.

“Mister Cake, listen to me. I’m gonna let go in a moment. Before I do that, I’m gonna tell what happens if you scream. Okay?” he nodded, and I nodded back. “Good. You scream. Ponies know I’m here. I kill you for fucking this up. More ponies die, but not by my hand. I live for another long ass time, and have to do this all over again. Understand?” another nod. “Good.” I let go of his mouth, and he proceeded to faint. I sighed with disappointment before looking for the way to the stage. I could hear two familiar voices talking, and followed the sound of their voices.

“And you’re sure this will work?” I heard when I was closer, and fell into my memories for a moment.

“And you’re sure this will work?”

“Yes, for the one hundredth time, it will work. You won’t be stuck as part of the curtain. Do you always worry this much?”

“Who’s that over there?” I heard, and I cursed myself for being so foolish. I knew my cover was blown, so I stood and walked towards them. I had the strangest feeling of déjà vu as I saw the young man standing next to Twilight. When I saw her face, my heart broke slightly, and I fought back tears of guilt.

“My name is not important.” I said. “What is important, however, is you.” I said, pointing at the scared teenager. He looked around for a moment, checking to see if I was talking to him.

“Me?” he asked, pointing up at his face. I nodded. He shook his head. “Nononono, you’ve got the wrong guy bro, sorry.” I sighed heavily.

“Christian Fleury, age sixteen, height five foot nine, approximate weight one hundred thirty five pounds, favorite band Mumford and Sons, favorite song Brompton Cocktail by Avenged Seven Fold, song you were going to sing tonight was Because I Got High, by Afroman.” I said in an uninterested tone.

“How’d you know all that shit!?” he yelled, confused. I chuckled.

“I study my prey. I know everything you’ve ever done and ever will do.” I stopped and looked at a nearby clock. The moon was about to rise. i was out of time without completely changing the course of history for the worse. I heard the DJ announce the mystery guest.

Nobody moved.

“Did you say… Prey?” Twilight asked. I looked at her for a moment before coming up with a half truth.

“Me and him are alike in more ways then you know. Go Christian. Do your show.” I said, walking away. I heard him walk through the curtains to the applause of the crowd while I walked. “Walk with me Twilight, and be prepared to put a dog down.”

Minor Revelations

Spike was fussing over Rarity, occasionally giving me a dirty look. It was clear he wanted me to stay away from her, considering what I was. It was also clear that he hated me for deciding I would break the news of what happened to Sweetie Bell to her. We had decided that I would before we left for Canterlot, as I was the only one willing to do so. Rarity, however, still had yet to awaken, and so Applejack, being the strongest pony among us, carried her on her back, both at Spike’s insistence and out of respect for me, thinking my current load enough. I carried the teenage boy, still in wolf form, over my shoulder as I walked on my hind legs. He wouldn’t wake up until later that day, unless this seemingly alternate world decided to screw with me yet again.

“So let me get this straight. You show up around the same time as this guy,” Spike started, jerking a thumb at the unconscious body slung over my shoulder. “You’re both werewolves. According to Twilight, you both seem to know a lot about our world, but you seemed to know what was going to happen before anyone else?” I nodded. There was no point in denying what was already known. “Who are you?”

“Remember Spike? He can’t talk in that form, so unless you understand wolf don’t even try.” Twilight said. We were all growing weary, both from our travels and Spike incessant questioning.

“Yeah Spike. ‘Sides, ya should show ‘im a bit of respect. He saved lives today.”

“But he didn’t save Sweetie Bell, now did he!?” Spike yelled, obviously angry. I hung my head in guilt. I never knew he felt so strongly towards her, nor did I know she was among the original casualties.

“There was nothin’ he coulda done Spike, ya’ll know that.” Applejack said, her tone comforting. It seemed to ease Spike’s pain, but it did nothing to ease mine, as I knew that was not true. I could have saved her, but chose not to, as not to reveal myself to all for what I really was.

A monster. An abomination from another time, and quite possibly another reality, born in the blood and tears of countless ponies. I whimpered quietly, hoping no one would hear. Alas, my hopes were shattered once more, as I saw all the conscious ponies that were present give me a look somewhere between pity and confusion. I looked away, seeing the sun begin to rise over the horizon.

“Well, it looks like we might be getting some things explained sooner than we thought.” Twilight said to nopony in particular. I felt the boy changing on my shoulder, but I held on for a while longer. We were almost there, and I did not wish to carry the burden without some added strength. I let out a low growl, the sun testing my will power, compelling me to let slip my feral strength and intimidation in exchange for my voice and ability to reason.

We were almost there. I could see the gates of the palace in the distance. I just had to hold on for a while longer.

But I could not. Despite my years of training and testing myself, I could not withstand the sun’s power for long. We were almost to the gates when I let the boy slip from my shoulder and allowed myself to return to my human form, my bones shifting once more. I barely winced as it happened, but was glad to have my voice back once more.

“Well…. I guess I’ll pick him up again. Hope I didn’t do any permanent damage.” I said with a laugh as I picked the boy up again, slinging him over my shoulder once more.

“And why not, huh?” Spike asked angrily. “He killed somepony, and could have killed more! Doesn’t that mean anything to you?” he asked, seeming to plead to my sense of justice.

I laughed at him. “You obviously don’t have much knowledge of our kind, do you Spike?” I asked. He shook his head dumbly. I sighed. “A werewolf, under the spell of the full moon, no longer controls his actions, nor does he remember them. The feral instincts of the wolf inside take over, and the first thing they wish to do is feed, as their stomachs expand to fit their new size, making them eager to fill them.” I explained, sounding much like a teacher who was tired of answering the same question over and over again.

“Well if that’s what a werewolf is like, then why weren’t you like that, huh?” Spike asked, going into interrogator mode.

“I’ve had many years to train and study ways to remain in control at all times. A small amount of magic helps.” I said, tapping my mask with a finger.

“I’ve been meaning to ask you about that.” Twilight said. “Just what is the purpose of that mask?” I thought for a moment before answering.

“I guess you could say it keeps me human. You could also say it keeps me honest, but that’s stretching it a bit.” I said with a chuckle. No one else seemed to find it funny.

“If ya’ll need some fancy magic ta keep ya honest, what kinda person are ya?” Applejack asked, making me shrug.

“Not a very honest person. Most people I know of aren’t. However, even without this mask, odds are I’m the second most honest person you’ll ever meet.” I said with a laugh.

“Who’s the first then?” Twilight asked. I bumped my load a little bit, indicating that he was. “But ho-” I cut her off with a stare that said everything I dared not with words in our present company. She shut her mouth, and we walked through the doors of the palace. No sooner were we through in the door than I had spears at my throat. The guards holding them said nothing, making me laugh.

“That is not the best idea. Trust me. If you’re smart, you’ll put those down before you get hurt.” most of them listened, slowly lowering their weapons, but one seemed to be a new recruit, bold and eager to prove himself. He took a jab at my gut, and I quickly grabbed spear right below the tip. He showed signs of extreme exertion, while I wasn’t even trying. I soon grew bored and simply snapped off the spear head. “Be grateful, and learn from this. Don’t attack something you’ve never seen before. Especially when it’s bigger than you.” I said seriously before walking past them all, heading for the throne room.

“Wait! We need to wait for an” I stopped listening to Twilight as I simply pushed the doors open.

“Celestia!” I called out in a friendly tone. She looked from her sister to me, a look of disapproval on her face. “Well, I see I’m not exactly welcome here.”

“No, you are quite welcome here. Twilight sent me a letter detailing your actions. I simply wonder why he,” she said, pointing a hoof at my burden. “still draws breath.”

I dropped the boy to the floor. “Because this world needs him more than you know.”

“And just how do you know this?” she asked. I sighed, removing my mask once more. With a wave of my hand the doors to the throne room closed, leaving me alone with the princesses. They both seemed shocked by my power, but retained serious faces.

“Because I am his future. I am Christian Fleury….. And I am chaos incarnate.”

Explinations

I walked back out of the throne room, mask on my face and boy on my shoulder once more. “What did you talk about?” Twilight asked as soon as the doors closed behind me.

“I’ll tell you later. Now isn’t exactly the time or place, considering our current company.” I said, gesturing to the other elements of harmony.

“An’ jus why can’t we know?” Applejack asked. I shook my head.

“Because the princess told me not to tell any of you anything, Twilight’s the only exception because she already knows certain things.” I said, giving Twilight a look and a nod, which she returned.

“An’ so the rest’a us can’t know anythin’? Seems a might suspicious, but ah trust the princess.” Applejack said, sounding less suspicious than I thought she would. I sighed, heaving my past self a little bit.

“Now, if there are no further question”

“Actually, ah got one more.”

“For the love of god, what is it!?”

“Where’s Pinkie Pie?” that actually turned out to be a good question. We looked around for a moment, but found no sign of the hyper-active pink pony. I shrugged as well as I could.

“Well, I’m sure she’ll turn up eventually. For now, I suggest we get this kid strapped to something so he can’t run anywhere, and get Rarity to a bed. She must’ve either been taking something before the show, or hit her head really damn hard.” I said with a slight laugh. Nopony seemed to find it funny. “Let’s just go.” I said awkwardly as I walked away.

Twilight led us to a part of the castle that seemed highly familiar. There were bedrooms on either side, and a large table in the middle. I laid the boy down on the table before turning to Applejack, who had unceremoniously thrown Rarity onto a bed. “I don’t suppose you have any rope on hoof, do you?” I asked. She giggled a little bit before removing her hat and producing a rather large length of rope from within. Four hundred years, and I still don’t understand some of the rules of this world.

“Ah always keep some on me in case ah need ta tie somethin’ up.” she said, tossing the rope my way. I caught it, and proceeded to tie the boy to the table.

“Well that should keep him occupied for a while. When he wakes up he still won’t fully understand his own strength.” I said, my tone serious. I heard someone loudly clearing their throat from behind me, and turned to see Twilight.

“I think now would be a good time to explain everything.” was all she said. I gave Applejack a look and she took the hint, walking away. For further security, I jerked my head, motioning for Twilight to follow me. I lead into one of the bedrooms, which seemed larger than I remembered, and sat down at the foot of the bed.

“I guess I have a lot of explaining to do.” I said as she shut the door behind her.

“Yes you do!” she said, sounding upset. “you can start with how the hay you technically just tied yourself to a table!” I sighed, pulling off my cowl and placing it on a bedside table.

“Four hundred years, Twilight….. That’s how long I’ve been alive Twilight.” I said, hanging my head slightly. “I’ve ruled Equestria for as long as I care to remember. I’ve walked these very halls for centuries, the very mistakes that brought me here weighing heavily on my mind.” I said, looking up. Her face held a look of both confusion and horror.

“W-w-what?” she asked, obviously scared. I told her my story, from beginning to end, leaving out the four hundred years between my rise to power and now, and certain who’s, why’s, and how’s. She seemed shocked, appalled, horrified.

But mostly confused. “Why would you go through all that, do all those… unspeakable things, just to come back in time to stop them from happening?” she asked. I sighed.

“Part of that is what the princess and I talked about. Funny thing is, I didn’t actually come back in time. Apparently that’s impossible.”

“Then what are you doing here!?”

“You see Twilight, while time travel is impossible, inter-dimensional travel isn’t. For every decision you make, an alternate world is created for all the other options you could have chosen.” I said. She looked at me dumbly, making me sigh. “Here’s an example; let’s say your walking down a road, and you come to a fork. You choose to go right. An alternate world is created where you go left, and deal with the consequences. Do you understand?” I asked.

“Yes, I think so…. But what does that have to do with this?”

“Well, while it’s impossible to alter the past, it is possible to alter the future of a world that closely mirrors your own. Only real difference I see so far is a change in my funeral attire, and certain lines of dialogue.” I explained, to which she nodded her understanding.

“I see. So, what was your original plan?” she asked. I shrugged.

“Stop anypony from dieing, and if I failed that, kill him. At the time I figured that would, by default, erase me from time and undo the future I created.”

“What’s your plan now?”

“Stop anypony from dieing, and failing that, kill him before he can create the same future I did.”

“What if he doesn’t do that though? Like you said, for every choice made, an alternate world is created for the choices left behind.”

“Better safe than sorry.” It was that moment that someone knocked on the door.

“Hey you two, get your pants back on and get out here.” came an all too familiar voice. It was the voice that haunted my every dream and waking moment. It was the voice that I had done so many unspeakable things to hear again, only to be let down.

It was the voice of Rainbow Dash. And it made my blood run cold and my heart sink.

A/N: Hey everyone, sorry about this chapter being a lot shorter than most of the others, I wanted any interaction with Dash to be pretty much it's own chapter, or at least happen during the first half of a chapter. That and, as you probably noticed by now, I like leaving cliff hangers and/or ending on some kind of dramatic note. Anyway, hope you enjoyed it!

A reunion cut short

I grabbed my cowl and put it back on just as the door opened to reveal that my guess was right. Rainbow had showed up with Fluttershy in tow not too long after we got here. “Come on Twilight, I know you’re desperate to get laid, but really?” she said with a laugh as she walked in, not seeming at all fazed by my presence. Twilight began to stutter, looking indignant, opening and closing her mouth repeatedly, trying to find the right words to say. I chuckled, though inside I was dieing from Rainbow’s mere presence.

“Yes, well, desperate or not she’s not getting any today.” I said with a laugh as I stood.

“And just who are you supposed to be, pal?” Rainbow said, now glaring at me. “Last I checked, the only human supposed to be around here was strapped to a table. That and I‘m pretty sure you weren‘t on the guest list for Rarity‘s party.”

“Yes, well there was a change of plans. I had to get in, otherwise there’s a good chance we wouldn’t be having this conversation.” I said, sounding far more grim than moments ago.

“Ha! Like anything can take me down, I would’ve whooped his flank into next week!” she exclaimed, just as proud as I remembered. She still had the same scent as well. I know it sounds weird, but a few centuries go by and you remember the little things more and more. She smelled of singed hair and grass after a light storm. It was a combination I thought I’d never smell again.

“I never said it would be because you got taken down. It would be because you were too busy grieving over the massive loss of life.” I said, which shut her up instantly.

“Well, how did I get here?” I heard from outside, and I knew Rarity was up. I sighed.

“If you’ll excuse me, I have news to break. Twilight, fill her in on everything she needs to know.” I said, pointing from Twilight to Rainbow as I walked away. “Rarity.” I called out as I grew closer to her. She looked startled at first, but otherwise unfazed.

“Yes? Can I help you?” she asked, taking a quick look around the room. She noticed Christian tied to the table and looked from him to me and back again.

“I can explain everything….. But you’ll want to sit down.” I said, making her seem more nervous than before. She used her magic to summon an all too familiar couch, almost making me laugh as she slowly sat down. I took a chair from the table and sat on it, looking her dead in the eyes. “Rarity, right now you’re at the royal palace”

“The palace!? Oh, what happens when I drink….. I’m sorry, but I simply must get home, my sister” she started, beginning to get up. I gently placed a hand on her shoulder, lowering her back to her sitting state.

“Rarity…. I’m sorry….. Sweetie Belle isn’t going to be there when you get home.” I said, trying to stall while I found the right words to say. It’s amazing, really. I’ve broken the news of death to countless widows during the many wars of my reign with no problem.

But then again, this was more personal for me. “Why, whatever do you mean? Is she staying with Applejack? Please sir, you must explain!”

“Rarity…… Sweetie Belle died last night….. There was an….. Accident, of sorts…” I said, choking up slightly. “I guess the more appropriate word would be ‘mistake’……” I could see tears welling up in her eyes, and saw that her inner strength was fading. I have to commend her ability to keep them back for as long as she did. “Christian….. He made a terrible mistake….. Now, you must understand that it wasn’t his fault, but….. He made a deal with the wrong being….. And he ended up becoming a werewolf.”

“A-a-a wh-wh-what?”

“A werewolf. Some say it’s a disease, others a curse, others still a blessing.” I sighed. “All I know is that when the full moon rises, most werewolves lose their humanity. They turn into something between wolf and man, and primal instinct takes over. I’ll spare you the details, but Sweetie’s death was not his fault.” she looked shocked by what I told her.

“Y-y-you mean….. H-he killed her?”

“Yes, but not by his own will.”

“How so!?”

“A werewolf doesn’t know of his or her actions until they are told…. Or the nightmares kick in.” she didn’t seem convinced at all. In fact she seemed suspicious.

“J-j-just how do you know all this? And wh-who are you anyway?” she asked. Though her face held a stern look, her voice and eyes gave away her uncertainty, fear, and pain. I sighed and shook my head.

“I know all of this because I’m a werewolf…” I looked away for a moment, my gaze catching a nearby mirror. In it I saw my own eyes, pained, sorrowful, bloodshot…. Tired. I could still see the traces of my humanity I had fought so hard to retain. “As for who I am”

At that moment, Applejack reappeared, walking into the room. “Well, he told me to call ‘im ‘Lone Wolf’, but ah don’t really think that’ll work. Lone wolf is more’ve a description than a name, way I see it.” she said, which slightly surprised me. I never thought of her to be the kind to actually think about those distinctions. I chuckled sadly.

“I guess you’re right.” I said as I looked towards the farmer pony. “I could do with a change of name.” I said as I put a hand to my chin in thought.

“W-w-well, when you’re done with that, come find me…. I’m going to go…. Take care of some things.” Rarity said, to which I nodded. She’d need some time to recover from the suddenness of the loss. She got up and trotted off, and I could see a small trail of tears following her as she left. I shook my head lightly, the full scope of my actions beginning to reveal itself. Applejack sighed and walked away to check the ‘prisoner’.

“I never meant for any of this to happen…” I whispered as my own tears began to fall, splashing against the floor. I felt a comforting hoof around my shoulder, and looked to see Twilight smiling at me.

“It’s alright. Time heals all wounds.” she said, her voice comforting, but useless. I knew all too well the effects of time.

“You have no idea.” I whispered, not wanting Applejack to hear. “There are some wounds time makes worse….” I looked away. “Some losses that haunt you forever…. That make you stay up at night, wondering ‘why? Why did I go this path?’….” I sighed. “Some faces that never leave you alone.” I whispered, my past coming back to haunt me once again. She knew what I was talking about…. But not who.

“I’m sure they’d forgive you.” she whispered before walking away. I sighed and watched my tears splash on the white marble floor.

If she only knew.

The fire was red.....

I was tired. I hadn’t slept in over a century, and even then I found it hard to sleep. I sighed as I stood from my seat and looked at the assembled ponies, namely Applejack, Twilight, and Rainbow…. “Alright, it’s been a long day. I suggest we all get some sleep, and take turns watching this guy.” I said, jerking a thumb at the younger me on the table.

“Ah’ll take first watch, an’ Rainbow can take second.” Applejack said, to which Rainbow nodded.

“And I’ll take third!” Pinkie Pie said, appearing out of a random bedroom, making everyone in the room but me jump.

“Good to see you, Pinkie, I was about to send someone to look for you.” I said jokingly, making her laugh as she went back into her room. I sighed and headed for an empty room and closed the door behind me, completely ignoring the others as I did so. Once the door was closed, I took my cowl off once more, and my room took a different shape around me, one that reflected what I was inside.

A beast in a cage. My room changed, the walls becoming dark, cold stone, the only source of light a torch on the other side of a set of bars that kept me separated from the rest of society. I knew this cage well. After seven years, I had learned every square inch, and knew it like the back of my hand. The only thing that remained as it was was the bed, which I laid down upon, staring at the ceiling. Soon enough, my sleep deprivation caught up with me, and I fell into a deep, disturbed sleep….
*********************************
I fell to my knees at the sight before me. I could hear the screams of animal and pony alike as the flames spread mercilessly, destroying all in it’s path. I could smell the smoke as it rose to the skies above, painting them a shade of black I can scarcely describe.

The Everfree forest was burning.

It was my fault. All of this was my fault. I watched as a dragon flew above the flames, spreading more as it approached me at an alarming rate. It landed before me, not as large as it’s companions, but still large enough to threaten me. It’s scales were a variety of purples and greens, and it’s tone was about an octave lower than it had been the last time I’d seen him.

“Spike…. Why?” I asked, looking up to meet his eyes, only to see them filled with untold rage. “Why would you do this? Why kill so many innocents?”

“Your soldiers will lose the will to fight after this massacre, and my troops will rise victorious.” he chuckled lightly, smoke flying from his nostrils. “And I knew it would draw you out of hiding.”

“Is that what this is about?” I asked as I stood to my feet. “This is about your rebellion!? These innocents didn’t need to die for you to get to me!” I yelled, my emotions a storm of sadness and anger. “I can’t die, not yet!”

“And why not? Rarity certainly died before her time. Twilight too. You, however, are alive long past your time, old man. Your need here is done!” he suddenly spouted flames at me, and I barely managed to dodge them. I drew my sword, ready to fight the only being I’d known who’d survived as long as I had.

“You don’t understand!” I yelled over the flames and screams of the dieing as he and I circled each other. “You could never understand! I can’t die until Celestia returns! This world needs leadership!” I yelled, dodging one of his claws and countering with a slash of my own, leaving a deep wound down his arm, making hi screech in pain. He then swatted me away like a fly, sending me into a nearby tree. I shakily got back to my feet, and shot him a glare. He snorted again as a slightly burned pony ran from the depths of the forest, only for Spike to pick him up and crush him and toss his remains at my feet.

“Is this what you wanted, all those years ago Christian?” he asked, to which I looked away.

“No…. I never wanted any of this…” I muttered. I heard him rushing towards me, and quickly spun around and slashed, leaving a deep cut down his eye and making him fall to the ground. I poised to strike and finish him… But something stopped me.

“Go ahead… Finish it… end this war like you did all the others… Like you ended harmony… With one… last… strike…” he muttered. I sighed and lowered my sword. I touched the tip of one of his wings and began to walk away.

“I won’t kill you, Spike. You will be free once more when I no longer live. Until that time, stone you will be.” He roared in defiance, and I turned around to see the plague slowly spreading from his wing to his legs and torso. He was trying to get up, to face me one more time… But he couldn’t. His legs and torso were already taken, and the stone slowly began to spread to his face.

“We will meet again….. One day…” and with that the stone covered his mouth and eyes. I sighed, tears escaping my eyes as the fire raged around me. I walked away, a simple tune coming to mind of this whole moment.

“Far over… The misty mountains cold… To dungeons deep… and caverns old… The pines were roaring.. On the height… the winds were moaning… in the night… the fire was red…. It flaming spread… The trees, like torches…. Blazed with light.”I stopped suddenly. I felt like someone was watching me.

“Do you…… Have this dream often?” I heard a voice ask from behind me. I looked to see Twilight, her eyes wide as she stared at the flames.

“When I sleep, it’s usually something like this.” I said as I walked to her side. “Do you invade others dreams often?”

“Not on purpose, no.” she said with a sigh. “I guess we both have things that make us stand out from the average citizen, don’t we?” she said with a sad laugh. I looked her in the eye, the flames reflected in her lavender eyes. “I’ve been dream-walking since I was a filly.” she said to which I nodded. “Dream-walking is”

“When a unicorn has an excess of power, and expels it in their sleep in the form of actually experiencing not only their own dreams, but the dreams of someone near them.” I said with a nod. She looked at me, and I chuckled sadly. “Four hundred years is a long time. I needed something to keep me occupied.” she nodded in understanding, then returned her attention to the flames. “How much did you see?” I asked, wondering if she’d seen Spike, in which case my cover was blown.

“Not much. I saw that dragon statue over there, and caught the last bit of that song you were singing, but that was about it.” she said. I sighed with relief.

“Good. There are some things you’re not ready to know yet.”

“Like what?”

“Like what happened here.” I said, sighing again. “this time period was one of…. Unrest among the ponies and dragons.”

“What caused this unrest?” she asked, to which I shook my head.

“I did.”

Bad dreams and bad jokes at a bad time.

A/N: Sorry bout the late update guys, been real busy with a lot of stuff lately. Anyway, hope you enjoy the new chapter!

The scene changed suddenly, and we were standing a pure darkness, deep in the recesses of my mind. There was no light, but it was easy to see each other.

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked, not noticing or caring about the change of scenery.

“I mean that, after a few centuries without the princesses, not many remembered them.” I said as we . “But those who did remembered how I took Equestria from them and…. Changed it.” I said with a sigh. She gave me a questioning look. I shook my head slightly.

“What happened? How did it change?” she asked, and I shook my head.

“Don’t you get it Twilight? I was, and always will be a creature of the night. Equestria, under my rule, became a world with no sunlight. A world with no peace, and a world without order.” I said sadly. “There was no harmony in the world… I had destroyed it.” I said with a sigh.

“What do you mean you destroyed harmony?” she asked, now sounding suspicious.

“How else do you think I got this far?” I asked.

“So you destroyed the elements of harmony?”

“You could say that.” I said, still trying to hide the truth from her. She would know what her fate had been one day, but if I had anything to say about it, it wouldn’t be any day soon. “Let’s just say that the elements no longer held any power, and that without them chaos reigned supreme. There was nothing anyone could do to stop my rise to power, though that didn’t stop them from trying.” I said sadly. She looked thoughtful for a moment, probably trying to figure out just how that could happen. After a moment, she sighed.

“Alright, I give up, keep your enigma.” she said, sounding disappointed. “I guess I’ll go back to my own dreams. Try to get a good amount of sleep, alright?” she asked, sounding legitimately concerned. “We’ll need all the energy we can get to face down Discord.”

“I know, don’t worry. I’ll be fine.” I said, lying through my teeth. She nodded, then faded away. When she was completely gone I sighed and fell to my knees, knowing that in just a moment my sleep would be interrupted anyway.

“Just a few moments more…” I whispered to myself as my mind warped the world around me once again, placing me inside the cage I had inhabited for seven years. I cursed myself for such wishful thinking, knowing that the more I wanted to stay in a specific dream, the more likely it was to fade.

I watched as the door opened up, revealing six ponies standing in the torchlight.

“Well look what we got ‘ere. What do ya’ll think ‘bout this?” asked one.

“I think we’ve got a piece of trash that we need to take out.” replied another.

“Trash? Hardly, what we have here is a…. Oh, that was a metaphor wasn’t it?” said another, making me laugh. In turn, a hoof cracked against my jaw, making my head snap to the left.

“I’m the only one allowed to laugh here, silly! Especially after what YOU did!” said one. It was hard to distinguish faces in the dim light, but the voices were easily recognizable. I coughed slightly and rubbed my jaw.

“My apologies. Maybe your friends shouldn’t be so humorous next time you come to beat me.” I said sarcastically, earning me a kick to the gut, which made me cough heavily.

“Well, someone isn’t being very nice, are they?” asked one, who sounded very timid, but still very angry. “What do you think we should do about that girls?”

“Well whatever we do, we best make it clean. Do you have any idea how hard it is to get torture stains out?” asked another in reply, making me laugh again.

“What did I tell you!?”

“Pinkie, save it fer later. We don’t want ‘im to beat up just yet.”

“Oh darn it Applejack, you always spoil my fun.” they all advanced on me, and I felt multiple kicks to my ribs snuck into the fray as I struggled to get away from them. However, I was too weak to fight, and in the end, they dragged me away down the dimly lit halls of Hel. They spoke amongst themselves of my deeds and the appropriate punishments, but I ignored them as I simply waited for my waking moment.

“Get up.” I heard a voice call out. I looked around, and the world of my minds creation began to crumble and fade. “Get up!” came the call again, and I sighed with relief.
****************************
I felt a kick at my knee and I bolted upright in bed, sweating profusely and panting slightly. I saw Twilight at the foot of my bed, looking worried. “What’s up?” I asked as I rubbed my face clear of as much sweat as I could.

“I could ask you the same thing. Bad dream after I left?” she asked. I chuckled a little bit.

“You have no idea.” I replied. She nodded in understanding as I got up, slightly sore from the days events.

“I’m sure. Anyway, he’s up. The girls and I decided that, considering you’re human, it would be best to let you deal with him.” She said before looking at what had become of my room. “Nice decorations.” she said sarcastically, making me laugh as I grabbed my mask and placed it back on my face, making the room return to normal.

“I know, right? You can thank whoever designed the psych ward in Hel. The food was great, and there were bars in every room.” I said as I walked towards the closed door, opening it and walking into the room to see the scantly clothed teen struggling against his binds. I walked up and lightly taped him on the head with my knuckle.

“What the fuck!? Where am I!? Who the hell are you!?” he yelled, trying to turn his head to look at me. I decided to help him out and walked into his line of view.

“You’re in Canterlot, Christian. As for who I am….” I paused, thinking for a moment. “You can call me Fenris.”

“Oh, how fucking original.” he said, sarcastic and angry.

“I’m not here to entertain you, boy. And that temper of yours will be your undoing, trust me.” I said, my patience already wearing thin.

“Alright, whatever, now untie me for Christ’s sake.” he said, sounding equally impatient. I almost smiled with reminiscence, but I stayed stoic and kept my angry appearance.

“I will…. Momentarily. But first….” I said, placing my hands on an empty space on the table. “You’re fucking retarded, you know that?” I asked. “You make a deal with an entity whose identity you don’t know so you, a violent, angry and depressed individual from a inherently violent species, can live in a world of peace, love, and vegetarianism?” I sighed and shook my head. “I’m disappointed.”

“Did you tie me up just so you could give me a lecture?”

“No, I tied you up so you wouldn’t wander off when you woke up. And so I could do this.” I said before slapping him across the face so hard that my hand stung and the sound reverberated throughout the rooms around us.

“Was that really necessary?” Twilight asked, walking into the room as Christian groaned slightly. I shrugged as I looked around for the others. In the end I assumed they‘d gone to get some sleep.

“No, not really, but it made me feel better. Anyway, my boy, do you understand the full scope of your mistake?”

“Ummm….. Not really, no……” he looked slightly scared, and I couldn’t blame him. “What did I do? The last thing I remember is talking to you two.”

“Well I’d tell you to sit down, but you’ve already got that covered.” I said, making him roll his eyes. I sighed. “Well, you killed the DJ for one.” his eyes went wide.

“I did?”

“ Oh yes, indeed you did, quite brutal for while you were in human form. Then you changed into a werewolf and killed Sweetie Bell.” I said nonchalantly, making his eyes go wider and his skin turn pale. I think there was a tinge of green in there too.

“I think I’m gonna be sick.” at that point I untied him, easily breaking the knots with my bare hands to allow him to roll off of the table, onto the floor, and vomit his guts out.

“Oh, you will be someday. Just not yet.”

A talk amongst gods.

A/N: Hey everyone, sorry I haven't been uploading a lot lately, just goin through a bit of a rough patch at the moment. Anyway, this chapter was written over a farily long period of time, so if you notice any kind of change in the writting, that'd be why. Hope you guys enjoy the new chapter, and have a nice day!

I gripped him by the shoulders and held him up, as his strength had left him. He’d finished emptying his stomach all over the floor, and had proceeded to sobbing and muttering incoherently. I was at my wits end, so I slapped him across the face. Again. “The hell was that for!? Can’t you see I feel like shit right now!?”

“I do see that, I just don’t care. At the party, before you changed but after you killed the DJ, you said something. I think it was ‘I wrote about this’?” I said, and he nodded in understanding.

“Y-yeah… It’s something I’ve been working on for a while… S-self insert, human in Equestria, shit like that…..” he said. Outwardly I remained calm, but on the inside I was seething.

“Tell me about the story.”

“W-what?”

“Tell me about the damn story boy. My patience wears thin, and this is too much to be mere coincidence.” I said. He nodded furiously before seeming to delve into thought.

“W-well, basically the story is about me dieing”

“How.”

“Is that really”

“I won’t ask again. How?” he stopped for a moment, seeming to contemplate telling the truth or lying to me.

“Overdose. I smoked a shit ton of weed, did a few shots, took what I thought was Advil, and blacked out.” he said, and the light that flickered in his eyes told me he was being truthful. “The rest, I think you can figure out.” he was being rather calm now, considering the circumstances, but it was nothing I hadn’t expected. There was nothing to hide now. He had nothing to fear.

“I can, but where does the tale go from here boy?” I asked. The future was unknown to all but those who wrote it, and it was a rare chance to meet someone who did so literally. With the circumstances I wouldn’t pass up the chance to know what was coming.

“W-well, there’s a lot of minor things,” he started, obviously nervous again. Knowing the bit about Rainbow and liquor, I didn’t blame him. “but the important things are me being forced to help turn Discord back to stone, since I fucked up and let him out, so I get a bunch of armor and a sword and stuff like that, we go to find him, get mind fucked into a maze”

“I know these things, but how does it end?” I said, getting impatient. I knew these things all too well, and didn’t want to dwell on them too much at that moment. “And what is my part in this story?” He seemed confused then, as if the answer to my questions eluded him.

“I don’t know.” he said flatly, starring off into space for a second. “I have no idea how it ends….” he looked at me and pointed, as if I didn’t belong. “But you, you have nothing to do with this. Why are you here?” I sighed, releasing him and backing up slowly. Step after step, the sound of my boots hitting marble resounded throughout the chamber. When I finally stopped, I’d decided on what to tell him. You’d think a few hundred years would help me come up with something for that question, but it didn’t.

“I’m here to make sure you don’t fuck up any more, and if you do, I’ll kill you. Plain and simple. I’ve explained this way too much today, so if anyone else asks what my plan is,” I pointed to Twilight, who had just been observing the entire exchange and taking notes. “You’ll explain it to them. Be as wordy as you want, I don’t care.” I said, sighing heavily. I was still so tired, my arms felt like lead. I felt a simple urge to kill the boy and be done with it, but I fought it back, knowing that as thin as my patience was I had to keep my composure. I began walking away, feeling a need for fresh air and space.

“Where are you going? And why do I have to explain it to the others?” Twilight asked, making me stop in my tracks. I didn’t turn around, nor did I answer. I simply kept walking, taking the steps one at a time as time seemed to slow, and ponies I remembered from throughout the centuries all rushed up and down them at the same time, some yelling in fear, others clad in armor and carrying spears, others still seeming to be mindless drones carrying out their masters will. It was amazing, honestly. I never paid them much mind, but now I could see every detail. Every scar, every tear, every wrinkle on their face. I felt the pain of hundreds of years catching up to me.

But right as it was about to hit with a force that could cripple me, it was over. The ghosts were gone. I was alone on the marble staircase once more, and the only sound I heard was my own breathing as I stood motionless. I was so close to the outside world, to the fresh air I so desperately needed.

I started climbing again, hurrying to reach the solace of the night sky as I tore the mask from my face, feeling claustrophobic for the first time since I was young. I felt my demons wrap their fingers around my throat as I reached the end of the steps, breaking out into a full ran down the corridor. The door seemed miles away and getting further as I ran, and the claws of my past had started to squeeze, stealing from me my very essence. When I finally burst through the door, I quickly shut it behind me, finding myself on the ramparts of the castle.

Breathing heavily, I tried to find my “happy place”, the place in my mind where nothing haunted me, where my ghosts no longer sought to steal my breath from my lungs to fuel their sirens song. As I caught my breath, I found a place to sit, my legs dangling over the ramparts as I lit a cigarette, exhaling the smoke as I rubbed my face and set my mask down next to me.

“That’s not healthy, you know.” I whipped my head around to find Discord himself sitting to my left, looking almost….. Sad.

“Yeah. I know.” I replied, turning my gaze to the city of Canterlot, which seemed surprisingly peaceful. “Can I ask you a question?”

“If you give me one of those, sure.” he said. I laughed half-heartedly, handing him one out of my pack. We sat there for a moment, silent, both inhaling and exhaling smoke that did nothing to our bodies. “So, what do you want to know?” he asked, finally breaking the silence.

“How do you do it?” he seemed caught of guard by this, and he stopped the rhythmic motion of smoking.

“What do you mean?” he replied after a moment, never averting his gaze from the city below.

“How do you handle being what you are? A being of chaos, anarchy, and suffering?” I asked, making him sigh.

“In truth, I don’t.” he said, taking a slow drag on his cigarette. “I try to pretend that it’s all fun and games to me. That I don’t care, and honestly, some of the things I bring I do find enjoyable.” he chuckled slightly. “As a kid, I always wished it would rain chocolate, so there was that last time. And the cotton candy clouds were nice too.” he said, a sad smile on his face. “How do you handle it?” he asked, and it was my turn to sigh. I knew he’d know, as like minds are drawn to each other.

“I try to restrain myself. I keep my chaos locked away inside my heart until I actually need it.” I chuckled a little bit, thinking for a moment. “I also do a lot of writing in my spare time.” I sighed again, tossing the spent remains of my pointless habit from the walls to the city below. “So, how exactly did you attain the power to make your dream come true?” I asked, and again he fell silent. I looked over, and saw slight trails of moisture running through the fur of his face towards his chin.

“It is a long story, and not a very happy one.” he explained.

“I’ve got time. And besides,” I said, taking a moment to sigh again, but more heavily. “what true story is ever happy?”

Never again whole

A/N: Hey everyone, new chapter. Just a heads up about the song, neither the original or the cover, is mine, and it belongs solely to those who made it. Anyway, yeah, first musical number of the story I think, so there's that milestone out of the way. Anyway, hope you guys enjoy it, and I'll see you never because we're on the internet.

It was so very long ago, in a world you wouldn’t recognize. It was our home, where ponies, the draconequus, and all other manner of creatures lived in peace…. and Harmony.

It was the beginning of the twelfth era, Celestia and I were still relatively young, and Luna…. Well, she was too young to remember what happened.

You see, Celestia and I, believe it or not, were… close. As close as two could be, we were. We would spend the days laying beneath her father’s sun, or playing in the fields, and we would spend the nights sending each other letters, or sneaking out to kiss beneath the night my father brought forth.

Yes, I know, it’s a shocking revelation. Our parents were good friends, even going as far as to call each other brother. I can’t remember their names now, but I will always remember their faces. Both old warriors with faces hard as stone, covered in scars. They’d fought side by side since they were children, they said. Some say I’m the spitting image of my father, but I don’t see it. His face was longer; his fur was always a darker shade of brown, all those minor details. I like to think of myself as more like my mother, but I digress.

Our parents were close friends, yes, but there’s always something that can tear friends apart. In this case, it was many things. Land. Resources. A slight rising tension between them about the budding romance between Celestia and I. But, in the end, it all came down to one thing.

Her.

Queen Chrysalis, as is her nature, had wiggled her way into our kingdoms, kidnapping our mothers and taking their place while our fathers were out at war with the gryphons. They returned to find something amiss, something they couldn’t quite place. Their wives would disappear for days on end, never letting anyone know where they were going. Eventually father began to suspect something, and caught my mother sharing a glass of wine with King Solari. He’d always had a temper, and this threw him into a rage, while mother, whom I later discovered was Chrysalis, accused father of being tempted by Queen Cadenza, and he flew off the handle beyond any hope of return.”
********************************************

“Wait wait wait….. You’re saying that princess Cadence is not only older than Celestia and Luna…. But their mother?” I asked, cutting him off mid story.

“No, no.” He replied with a said laugh. “You see, her mother, which of the princess she is I’ll never know, named her after the late queen due to their similarities.” He explained, which I acknowledged with a slight nod. “Now, as I hope is obvious, this turn of events started a war….
************************************

You see, our fathers were proud, but neither could find the strength to strike down the other on the spot. They retreated to their respective fortresses, executed their respective wives, whom had been returned under cover of darkness, and assembled their armies.

Now, my father was a great speaker. So much that he not only convinced me to end my budding relationship with Solari’s daughter, but to convince me that the ponies had killed mother dearest and that she’d wish vengeance by my claw. And thus it was that day, when father fell during the end days of the war, that I took his place and led our kind to what I thought was a brighter future.

Instead… I led them to their extinction.

Solari had perished as well, long before my father, you see. He shed no tears for his old friend, but I know it broke him inside.

So, it came down to me against Celestia. At first she pleaded for me to end the war, to remember what we had years before, but her pleas fell on deaf ears… I should have listened. Maybe then I wouldn’t be here now. But, what’s passed has passed. I don’t know why I didn’t listen. Maybe all of father’s propaganda had actually broken my mind beyond repair. All I know is it was the downfall of my people.

When the last of my cities fell, I appeased to dark gods for help, for power. I promised them my soul, and they gave me madness in return. They told me the rules, how things worked, that I would have to give up my hereditary power over the moon to one whom I hated. And thus, Luna became who she is, as Celestia already had power over the sun. Of course, my actions probably led to her becoming Nightmare Moon as well, but such is life.

Anyway, it wasn’t until after the ritual was complete that I realized just what I had done, and it drove me over the edge. I snapped, and I turned to spreading chaos, my vengeance, across the world, all in a sick attempt to get her back, and then…… [It all came to an end for me….

At that point, as if on some unheard and unseen queue, music began to play, and memories of ages past rushed into my head. A musical number](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTx6jmKp6_o&feature=related) that brought a sense of déjà vu with it, as I saw the seen unfold as if Discords eyes were my own. And it was then that I understood just what he’d tried to do, and felt a pit grow in my stomach as it reminded me of my own tale.

"And never again shall I be..... Whole." he said at almost a whisper as the music, as well as the memory, faded. I sighed heavily, knowing how he felt.

"Never whole are we who give in to darkness, as our place is simply to keep the balance, nothing more, nothing less, until the day we die. Then, and only then, are we whole again." I said, repeating a quote I made centuries ago.

"Like I said, never again shall I be whole." he said with a small laugh before flying off into the night. As he left, I felt sorrow, both for him and myself. Two beings that had their love taken from them by the words of another, but their own actions. I sighed again as I stood once more, and proceeded inside.

"And never again shall we be whole, for light begets darkness, and darkness begets fear."

This isn't right.......

A/N: Alright guys, for any newcomers to this series in general, there will be plenty of references to previous installments, if you haven't read those yet, I suggest you hit the back button right now and do that. Anyway, just a shout out to all my fans, old and new. Thanks guys, your praise and encouragement are why I do this. Enjoy!

As we walked towards the area where the crowd was waiting, I could hear the cheers of the crowd and the whistles and requests of the more promiscuous female fans. I smirked slightly, but then Twilight began asking questions.

“What did you mean back there? Who are you? How did you get here? Why” I cut her off then. I had forgotten about her hunger for knowledge, especially of things previously unknown.

“Why do you ask so many questions, Twilight? Can’t you just be content learning everything when everybody else does?” I asked jokingly. At first she seemed offended, but soon realized I was being humorous and giggled nervously.

“No, I can’t.” she said nervously, which was understandable considering the situation. “Can you answer at least one of those questions for me?” she asked, making me sigh as I stopped walking to look back at her. Our eyes met, and my memory consumed me again.

Why are you doing this?

I shook my head. “Fine.” I said, slightly irritated. She deserved that much after everything I had, or rather would, put her through. “You really wish to know who I am?”

“YES!” She yelled, sounding more angry than excited. I sighed again, removing my mask.

“My name is Christian Fleury.” I said, looking her dead in the eye. She looked from me to the general area of the stage.

“What?” she asked, her confusion evident. I chuckled lightly at it.

“I’ll explain later Twilight. All you need to know is that the kid on the stage is also Christian Fleury. He’s just not me.” I said, my sorrow getting the better of me. “Not yet, anyways. Now come on, we need to hurry.” I said calmly, walking briskly towards the dance floor as I pulled my mask back on. I soon found myself in the middle of a silent room, everyone starring at the stage. I looked around and found the crumpled and lifeless body of the DJ. I sighed. “Too late.” I whispered. A voice from the stage caught my attention.

“No…. no no no no nonononononononono NO!” I heard from the stage, looking to see the perpetrator kneeling on the stage, head in his hands.

“This isn’t right….. This isn’t how it happened…..” I whispered as I looked around for any signs of Discord. I could hear a faint laughter resonating throughout the room, but nopony seemed to notice it.

“Damn it, no…. This can’t be happening….. I wrote about this…” That’s where I stopped listening. This wasn’t how it happened at all. It was also when I noticed some slight differences. His hair was on the border line of short and medium, and he wasn’t wearing the funeral clothes I remembered wearing. Instead of a suit, he wore a white hoodie and a black leather jacket with some blue jeans.

“This isn’t right…… This is all wrong….” I said, looking around. I then looked out the window and my blood ran cold.

The full moon was rising.

“Everybody out, now!” I yelled. Everyone’s attention turned to me. I punched a hole in a nearby wall, and they figured out that I meant business and began running for the doors. I was sweating bullets and my hands were shaking. I hear Twilight approaching quickly, as it seemed that she had fallen behind.

“What’s going on?” she asked in a panic. I didn’t have time to explain.

“Every thing is going wrong! I” I was cut off by Discord, who chose that moment to reveal himself.

“Oh, come now my little ponies, don’t be frightened by the big bad wolf, he just wants to play like any other dog.” he said, and me and the boy on stage growled in unison as he slapped a claw on his shoulder. “Sic em boy. Come on now.” he said in a tone one would use when speaking to a dog, and that’s when he began to change. His whimpering screams could be heard throughout the town, but unlike him I attempted to maintain my human form. It was possible, but difficult, even for me. The more I resisted, the more I began to ache all over, to the point where I doubled over, groaning in pain.

“Are you alright?” Twilight asked, putting a hoof on my shoulder.

“I’m fine.” I growled at her, pushing her away as gently as I could. I hear a howl, and knew his transformation was complete. I looked up and saw him laying on the ground, his outfit in tatters except the jacket, which seemed to remain mostly intact. He was surrounded by multiple ponies, which slowly approached his whimpering form. “GET AWAY FROM HIM!” I yelled. Most of them seemed to take my advice, but one in specific, a young filly which I vaguely recognized, stepped closer. It only took me a moment to realize just who it was. “SWEETIE BELL, NO!” but it was too late. No sooner were the words out of my mouth than she stepped on his tail. His head shot up, and he roared, knocking her to her back. Everything seemed to slow down as he pounced on her, digging into her body like a three course meal. I could hear her scream as I could do nothing but watch. It was over as soon as it began, time resuming it’s normal pace as he tossed her mauled, lifeless body to the floor at my feet.

“Oh sweet celestia…..” I heard Twilight mutter next to me. I looked at Sweetie Bell, her eyes seemed to be begging me to save them from a fate they had already met.

I snapped. I let go. My change was more rapid, my bones already knowing where to go and how from centuries of moving about. I felt my mask meld with my face, elongating slightly as my nose and mouth became a snout. It still caused pain, and I let out a howl when I was done. I looked at Twilight, who was looking from me to him and back again.

“You too?” she asked. I could see specks of vomit at the sides of her mouth, and assumed she had thrown up from the sight of Sweetie’s corpse. I nodded, being unable to speak. I then turned to my opponent, who paced up and down the stage on all fours, eyeing me like an alpha male eyes a challenger.

“Oh dear, it seems we have a two man wolf pack. My my, my dreams do hold some merit.” Discord chuckled. I shot him a threatening glare, to which he only smiled and flew off into the night. I turned my attention back to the task at hand only to find the other wolf lunging at me. I let him have his moment, but kicked him over my head as soon as we hit the ground, quickly regaining my footing. We circled each other like rival lions, each simply waiting for the first sign of weakness or a chance to pounce.

His gait faltered momentarily, and I took my chance, lunging onto his back. I knew that if I could assert dominance, he would stand down. We may have been werewolves, but canine instinct was still present. This was no more than a newcomer challenging the alpha male of a new pack. I dug my claws into his ribcage and hear a slight howl. I also felt a slight burning sensation as the wounds I left mirrored themselves in my flesh as the scars he would have soon. I craned my neck towards his ear, knowing that if I could bite it hard enough he would recognize himself as the omega male and stop fighting.

He seemed to catch on, and jerked his head back, catching me under the jaw and knocking me backwards. Unfortunately, my claws were still embedded in his flesh, and thus his wounds were made larger, as were my scars. I whimpered slightly and tried to regain my bearings. Were as I had actually intelligence and strategy, he had brute strength and primal instinct. While most believe that the former would defeat the latter, it is not necessarily true. I had little more time to ponder this and get a grip on my situation before he was upon me, digging his claws through my leather armor and into the flesh of my chest, making multiple swipes before I could shove him off. As he fell backwards, he managed to leave long, deep cuts in my forearm. I ignored them, though, and took my opportunity to take the offensive.

I positioned myself so I could weaken him and do what I had to. I took his head and slammed it into the floor multiple times, hearing both the floor and his bones crack and break beneath the punishment. When I let go, he was alive, but barely. He maintained consciousness, but his breaths were shallow, and he whimpered uncontrollably. I leaned down and bit into his left ear, taking a decent sized chunk out of it. I yelped briefly as I felt the corresponding piece of my ear simply disappear. He was too beaten and battered to do anything more than whimper louder.

I took multiple steps back, and saw him looking at me. He understood. I was the alpha male now. I would have simply killed him on the spot, but he was still needed in this world. I sat on my haunches and began licking my wounds as best I could, beginning with my forearm. I had already started when I heard a slight cough. I looked over to see the assembled elements of harmony, with few exceptions. Rarity had been dragged outside during the conflict, would have to tell her about her sisters death when she awoke, Fluttershy never was one for this kind of atmosphere, and Rainbow Dash was nowhere to be found.

Good.

I looked at them, my tongue still on my wounds, when Applejack spoke up.

“I don’t know which human ya are, what jus’ happened, or what yer doin’, but it looks like something’ ya should do in private.” She said with a giggle. Pinkie giggled with her, and the mere sound of it made my heart break. It was somewhat melodic, and it made me think of times long past….

Do you, re-mem-ber
way back then
when, we all were
such happy friends...

I, un-der-stand
that you are sad
but what, you’re doing
is ve-ry bad...

Think, of Dashie
for Celestia's sake
Pinkie, is here
to ease you’re heart-ache...

Please, just stop this
Chris-tian
if, not for us
then do it for her...

I felt a tear run through the fur of my face as I put my paw down, remembering the distant past, and heard a slight gasp.

“Awwww, why are you crying? Did somepony call you the big bad wolf? Cause I think you’re pretty nice, I mean you did just beat the living crap out of someone, but it was to save a bunch of ponies, so I guess that makes it alright, does that make it alright Twilight?” Pinkie asked, talking a mile a minute as always. Twilight didn’t answer, she just slowly approached me.

“Christian?” She asked quietly when she was close enough. I nodded sadly. “What happened here?” she asked again, though more loudly so the others could here. I shrugged and pointed towards my throat. “Oh, right, werewolves can’t talk, can they?” I shook my head.

“We’re gonna need some help luggin’ his flank back to tha castle. Any chance this feller could help us out?” Applejack asked. I nodded again before looking towards my opponent. He would be a lot easier to move were he unconscious, so I did something I’d wanted to do for a long time.

I knocked myself the fuck out.