Lament of a Sin

The Fool

---3rd POV---

"The sound came from over here!" A gold clad guard flew above the area a couple miles from Canterlot, the sound of the blast had been unsettling to the local guards. As the guard flew above he spotted something that didn't belong, a person laying in the grass the area around him stained faintly red. Determination filled the guard as he flew down to help whoever this man was, but as he drew closer his determination slowly turned into disgust. The teenager was only a couple years younger than he and on his back he carried a large bloodied scythe, the blood still fresh, and his clothes where covered in things he'd rather not think about.

"Captain! Over here!" The guard called, he knelt next to the sprawled form inspecting the damage. The stranger had a large wound in his shoulder a strange looking weapon still clutched in his hand, as the guard put his finger to the strangers neck he waited. Then a moment later he was rewarded with a faint and slow pulse. He heard the sound of his companions rushing to him, as they drew closer two casters teleported to his side there hands shinning with magic as they tended to the stranger's wounds. Soon her was breathing again his chest rising and falling slowly, but he did not awaken.

"Get him into a chariot now." The Captain ordered, his subordinates carried the stranger into one of the chariots gently laying him propped against the front.

"Captain Armor, we found these in his possession." The first guard said showing the Captain the bag of food, the scythe, and the smaller device that had not doubt cause the wound.

"Bring the bag and scythe to the hospital and leave them with the doctors, keep two guards by his door. As for this thing... give it to Princess Twilight she would know more about it than me." He said as his soldiers went about their orders.

---Silas---

The smell of a wax candle filled my nose, the sound of crackling fire illuminating the room in an amber light, and old gramophone was playing a smooth jazz beat. I was sitting in a fine crafted chair my clothes clean and undamaged, sitting across from me was me. The doppelganger tapped his foot to the music a glass of wine in his hand, the entire scene made complete by the fluffy white cat in his lap.

This was my mind, or better yet his domain. The ganger grinning at me was what I was, he was anger, hate, and the part of me that would bathe in the blood of entire cities if given the option. He took a sip of the wine before speaking in a deep, calm, but malice filled tone.

"Don't look at me like that, you said to kill with the exception of the girl. You really should word you sentences more carefully." He chuckled scratching the cat's ears.

"You knew what I meant, as soon as we wake up I'll make sure I don't miss again." I said, his grin never failing closed his eyes and leaned hi head back.

"You might not want to do that, try looking around a bit before you square us both away. You saw those guy throwing lightning, I'm curious as to what else this place is like." He said, I couldn't disagree this place was interesting and wasn't short on dangerous people. I also needed to make sure dad is okay, I didn't know if he was taken with me. Dad rarely panicked but if I went missing for a long time and he had no idea why, he might be worried.

"I ain't asking much just a look around then, bang, a bullet to the brain. I'm in no condition to try and take control back so you won't have to worry while you play tourist." He said, I sighed my own curiosity of this place proving too much.

"If you even poke at the door I'll end it." As I rose from the chair the ganger raised a finger.

"Before you leave, have you finally thought up a name for me?" He asked childishly completing the act with an attempt at puppy eyes.

"Why do you care, no one will know it but me?" I sighed back to the rooms one door.

"Names have power, yet here I am, one of the most powerful entities you could think of withering away in this room with not but these clothes." He said with fake woe.

"No, I haven't thought of one. Just give your self one if it matters that much." As I went to open the door he spoke up.

"How about... Wrath." It wasn't a question more of his way of tasting the word.

"Fine,Wrath. Now shut up." I turned the door handle and left him to our thoughts.

---Canterlot Hospital, Lunar Wing, 9:47 AM---

I let out a sigh my body felt refreshed and mended. Opening my eyes I knew I was in either a hospital or an asylum, most likely the first option. Looking around the room I saw my clothes sitting on a table having been cleaned, my mask lay on top of them. Reaching up I moved my hand over the scars that covered my face, there presence insuring I remembered who I was. Rising from the bed I noticed I wore nothing at all, not even gown was given to me. Standing up I walked over to a mirror that was hung against a wall, I looked at the numerous scars the covered most of my body. Some cuts from blades, burns from fire, spots from bullets, and finally the branded letters on my chest.

The letters spelled, BM Co.

It had barely been a few months after the outbreaks for everyone to loose their already fragile minds, and the large criminal organizations took this opportunity to show their colors. One of the larger organizations had been an enterprise of slave traders lead by one man, Boris Macchico. Before the outbreaks his name was everywhere from wanted lists to news reports. As it would happen one of his larger set ups was in Utah, I don't think it needs to be said what happened to me and my father. We were taken by swift unrelenting force, we where worked to the bone and barely clung to life by the end of the day. But it wasn't being taken and turned into a slave that made me who I was, no I was similar to how I am now back then just less on the homicidal side. But after two months being treated like an animal I gave them what they wanted, a monster.

During the night me, dad, and a group of slaves broke free from our cages, like the dead that walked outside our prison we moved silently but we had purpose to our silence. After arming ourselves we began freeing slave slitting the throats of sleeping guards, and stabbing the backs of those who turned their backs to us. By midnight we had free the majority of the camp, soon the slaves had taken up arms and as forceful as our captors we turned the tables. Slavers where gunned down by the dozen their blood paving our path their corpses laying the foundations of our fortune. In two hours after our initial escape the whole camp save for the center most guard tower was under our control.

Personally I had lead the people whom would later come to be like family to me into the tower. One by one we shot down those who shot back, we tied those who surrendered and finally we entered the control room of the tower. The man who had been place in charge of our camp stared at us fear in his eyes, it was the same fear I had seen in the eyes of everyone who I had killed and would kill. It took no time to knock him out, tie him up, and hang hi by his feet from the top of the tower with his allies. I remember all of the slaves were standing with me as we watched out captors individually get set ablaze by our flare guns, we watched in silence as they screamed and begged. No one smiled, grimaced, or even blinked as they burned, it was as if everyone had knew of our one intent, and that was to make them pay.

Having all fulfilled our parts we went out separate ways, some banded together others took their chances on their own. This was how me and dad had found our home in the Rocky Mountains. I knew after that day, of our self obtained freedom we would never let something like that happen to our own, ever again.

A small sigh escaped me as I looked at my reflection in a mirror. My mask seemed to have been polished up and cleaned, my clothes had been restored and washed, I also felt as if I had taken a bath this was also a bit strange as it meant someone washed me.

Shaking my head I took notice of two figures behind the blinds of my rooms door, they where talking one male the other female. I knew this by their tone, but I couldn't make out any words. It was only a moment before two people entered my room. The first was a tall man, his face and body where covered by gold and silver colored armor, a symbol of an intertwined sun and moon printed on his chest plate. The women who was holding a clipboard with her magic was my doctor. They both stared at me as I stood only about 5 feet from them.

The doctor was the first to speak. "It's good to see you awake sir." She said looking down at the clipboard. "You're a very lucky person, you lost more blood than I thought possible yet here you are a day later back on your feet." She walked over to me looking me over and noticing my bandages had been removed yet no blood was pouring out of me. "You are a real piece of work you know that." She wrote something down before stepping to the side.

"This is the Captain of the Royal Guard and Prince of the Crystal Empire, Shining Armor." The metal clad man stepped forward and raised a hand.

"I'm glad to see you're alright, you were beat up pretty bad when my men found you." I took his hand and gave it a shake.

"Thanks for the help, firefights can be pretty brutal." I decided not to tell him why I had a hole in my chest.

"Didn't look much like a burn but it doesn't matter, if you're feeling better I wanted to ask you a few questions." He said, taking his helmet off. His hair was two shades of blue, one being dark the other light.

I crossed my arms. "If you give me my things back I'll tell you what I can." Armor looked hesitant but nodded.

"I may not know you but you seem like an alright kid, I'll send word to have your things brought in. But, you are not to draw or even reach for any or your weapons within the city, am I understood?" He said, I simply nodded.

He tried to ask me a few questions as the Doctor went to retrieved my gear but I stayed silent and still holding to what I said, he kept a straight face the whole time but the slight twitching and fidgeting in his expression told me he was getting irritated. A few minutes later the doctor walked in my scythe on her back and my bag in her hands. Passing them to me I gave the scythe a quick twirl and slung it on my back happy to feel the tempered steel's weight, after a quick scan of the bag's contents I noticed the magnum was missing. I wasn't really surprised that they would not have given it back, as the Captain and other guards had at best crossbows so they were most likely studying it. But I needed it more than they did.

Looking towards the Captain I said. "I asked for all my possessions, Captain Armor." The doctor looked confused, Armor took on a pensive look.

"When we found you there was a massive hole in your chest that had almost destroyed your heart, there was no firefight so tell me what you were doing with that weapon you had in you own hand." He said sternly, I glared at him under my mask I could already feel my hands around his neck.

"Until I have all of my things returned, you aren't getting shit." I leaned against the bed post staring back at the captain, by now his emotions were on his sleeve.

"Fine, if your well enough we can check you out and retrieve your weapon from my sister, Princess Twilight Sparkle." I cracked my neck and back before nodding. "Alright lets go."

As we left the hospital the Doctor had given us a form to fill out, I was pleased to find this place had free healthcare even for a foreigner. Leaving the building I took in the sights of the city, buildings where made from mostly stone, they were trimmed with gold and colorful banners hung from them. As we walked I had felt safer in the moment then I had been in a long time, even though the the man I was following may hold a small grudge on me I didn't feel like I was about to be torn to bits or stabbed in the back. It was strange to me but I actually felt... nice.

A while passed as we walked down the main street people passing us by, until we reached the main castle. The view was unlike anything I had ever seen on Earth. The castle towers stood over the city like a benevolent overseer protecting the city from harm, the high walls giving the castle a sense of protection while the structure itself gave of a very welcoming feel. The inside was equally stunning with fine rugs and paintings, numerous vases and sculptures dotted the walls.

A few feet inside I felt Shining Armor's armored hand stop me. "When you meet the princess you will show her respect and you will behave." His voice was cold and demanding.

I moved his hand down. "I am not a child captain. I will say to whom I pay my respect to, not you or anyone else." Armor was grinding his teeth but moved on. We didn't have to go far until we reached a tall door with a dark pink star carved into the center, Shining raised his fist and knocked the sound echoing through the halls. I could hear light footsteps on the other side, they stopped before the door I hear a lock unlatch.

As the door opened it reviled a thin purple hair girl, her wings where a bright but plain lavender, she had a pointed purple crown on her head and was dressed in expensive looking robes. As she saw me I noticed a small tattoo moving atop her forehead, I knew she was a caster. She didn't acknowledge her brother or the other guards that had followed us. Her hand shimmered with magic as she raised it to my head. I stepped back and gripped my scythe, she stopped and shook her head.

"U-um, sorry I got a bit ahead of my self." She shied away with a sheepish grin, she looked back up at me a gentle smile on her face. "It's nice to meet you sir, my name is Twilight Sparkle Princess of Equestria's International Affairs." She gave curtsey.

I returned a small bow. "I'm Silas Clayton." I saw my magnum inside a small glass case on a table a few feet into the room.

Twilight noticed my glance at it and motioned for us to enter. Armor and I entered the room but the rest of the guards went to their own jobs as two remained at the door. As the door closed Twilight turned her attention to Armor. "I studied the weapon like you asked Shiny." Armor seemed to go red at the pet name. "It's not actually as special as you made it seem." Picking the weapon up she spun the gun by the trigger subconsciously , I can't say it wasn't impressive. "It looks like a griffon combustion rifle, just more compact and much more lethal." Catching the revolver by the barrel she handed it back to me. "If you don't mind I would like to study the weapon a bit more while your in town?" She asked giving my a pleading smile.

I holstered the gun, her face dropping. "No I'd rather not part with it again." Her face fell as she sighed. "But I can give you this." I pulled one of my many gun magazines, it was an issue on pistol mechanics and maintenance. Her face beamed at the sight of the issue and levitated the paper from my grasp.

She threw her arms around me and pulled me into a hug. "Ohthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!" She jumped around the room before landing in front of me again. Armor looked amused by his sisters antics, Twilight just sat in a large chair already tearing into the magazine. I just stood their my mind trying to make sense of what the hell just happened. Shining motioned me to follow a smile on his face.

As we left the room he closed the door. "She'll be occupied for a while," He chuckled before turning to me. "also sorry if I gave you a hard time things have been rough around lately." He held out a hand. "Let's start over."

I thought for a moment before taking his hand and giving it a shake. "Sorry for being difficult, where I grew up made me a bit edgy about others taking my things." If Armor hadn't been any other person I would have torn his head off with my own hands for touching anything of mine.

"Glad to get passed it. By the way where you planning on staying in Canterlot for long?" He asked. His question made me think about that deeply for the first time. I had no way of getting back to dad at the moment, and I wasn't in a hurry to fight against more bandits. I had also told the voice in my head, Wrath, I would take a look around this place before deciding if I would put a .44 through my skull.

"I guess so, don't really have anywhere I need to go at the moment." I said, he nodded and motioned me to follow him.

"I keep track of the people in this city, so I can safely say I haven't seen you around." It was a bit strange he knew the countless people in this city. "So I'm gonna go out on a limb and say your not from around here." I just nodded sarcastic comments filling my head. "Well we didn't find any form of currency on you, so I assume you need a place to stay." I nodded again, a thought also crossed my mind.

I'm broke here, hell my wallets been empty of anything but a few photos and dust. I had to find someway of making money. I listed a few things in my head.

"Well seeing as your in need of a hand how about you stay here for a while," I looked at him curiously but my expression blocked by the mask. "it is after all the least I can do."

This guy is either the most generous and slightly influential person I've met so far, or he has other plans than just charity. I wanted to take him up on his offer and finally be able to rest, but I couldn't knowing dad was somewhere out there and most likely he was close by. "Sorry Captain but I have to decline, there's someone I need to find and I can't spare a second knowing his life could be in danger."

The Captain looked surprised for a moment. "Most people leap for a chance to stay in the castle, but if you have to do something you have to do it. Just know that the gates are always open if you find yourself in the area." He dug in his armor and pulled out a generously sized bag, I could hear the coins jingling inside. "You're going to need these more than I do, I'll be fine  seeing as this is my bonus salary for a bit of work earlier." He explained.

I opened that bag, inside it was filled with gold, silver, and copper coins, I noticed a few of the gold coins had gemstones in them making them much more valuable. "Thank you, I'll make sure I pay you back." I tucked the pouch into my bag.

The Captain smiled. "It's no problem, I'll see you out but after that I have to get back to my duties."

True to his word Shining Armor lead me to the front gates of Canterlot, he had also given me information as to where some of the nearby settlements where as well as some misc information and supplies.

"Good luck out there Silas, also if you happen to wander close to the Everfree Forest I would advise against going as there been some unsettling rumors going around." With a pat on the back the Captain took his leave and the large gates slowly drew close behind him.

I looked out over the view, large areas of plains and forest covered almost every inch of the land no large cities or factories polluted the air or ground. Taking out my map I saw a  large city called Manehatten I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and nostalgia, before the infection Manhattan had been common place me and dad had gone to visit family for holidays or for whatever reason. If dad was anywhere in this world it would be there I was sure of it.

Checking the route to the city on my map I dotted  few point on the map of places I would need to stop off at to rest and get supplies. Location marked, I headed away from Canterlot and towards my first destination.

---5 day after departure from Canterlot.---

Hollow Shades, a moderately sized settlement north east of Canterlot according to my map. After my leave from Canterlot It had walked along the trails and roads, the scenery ever changing. It had been an uneventful trip, only one thing had happened along the road. It was my second day on the trail when a traveling caravan and me had crossed paths, once I talked with the man in charge and found we where both heading on the same route he offered a place as a guard for the caravan pay and all. Needless to say I had accepted, along the road I had familiarized myself with my fellow guards.

The guards were a loud but honorable bunch. The leader was the only one I really talked to though, her name was Subtle Rose, although her fighting style is the only thing subtle about her. She was loud and rough but an expert fighter when sparing, I could easily understand how she manage to keep her loud mouthed crew together. But the gambling and sparing aside nothing happened for the next three days on the road.

Eventually we arrived at a smaller town inside a forest, after learning the towns name the caravan leader gave us all our payments and went to do whatever he was doing.

"Oi, Silas!" turning around I found Rose standing a few feet behind me. Her hair was a deep red tattoos on her forehead indicated she was a caster.

"Yes." I responded.

"Me and the boys wanted to invite you to join us." She said, I glanced behind her where her men were rough housing.

"As much fun as it would be, I still have to find my dad." I had told her why I was traveling, she told me a similar story but the roleser voice  were reversed.

"I know, still thought I should ask." She took a small coin from her pouch, on it was her groups emblem. "If you ever need help from one of our branches show them this." I took the coin and placed it in my pocket.

"Thanks, glad to know someone has my back. If we meet up again don't hesitate to ask for help as well." We shook hands and she left to go back to their own city, a place called Stalliongrad.

Turning my attention back to the small settlement I spotted a large Yurt of the the side of the road, a sign with two mugs of beer hung out front. I checked my bag to find I had a pleasing amount of gold, silver, and copper coins. Walking under the cloth roof I took a seat along the edge. The calm atmosphere and the music let a gentle peace wash over me, it was here that I began to write in a small journal I had picked up from the caravan. I simply jotted down my thoughts and happenings, I listen to Wrath as he told me to simply write down a few things I forgot or that he thought important. This wasn't the first time Wrath had been something of a bystander to converse with but it was the first time the subjects of discussion were something not completely unpleasant, he had managed to not talk about violence or hatred of something.

I hadn't noticed that I had written so much in only a few minutes, it was only when one of the waitresses walked over to me that I snapped out of my trance. She pulled the chair opposite me, she rested her head on her hands as she looked at me with half lidded eyes. We stared at one another for a few minutes.

"Can I help you?" I asked closing the journal.

"Oh you have no idea." She said, her voice made my skin crawl. Narrowing my eyes she just looked more and more entranced.

I drew my magnum and aim it at her under the table. "Talk or get out of my face." I clicked the hammer of the gun.

She gave a disappointed sigh. "Fine." Reaching into her shirt she drew a small glass bottle, gold vines wrapped around it. "Me and a group of others who would rather you not die so soon would like you to have this."

Setting the bottle in the center of the table she leaned back. "And who are you, and how the hell do you know me?"

She  stretched her arms making her chest more pronounced. "I'm no one, really. All you need to know is that me and my friends want to make sure you don't go keeling over before you do what you need to do." Standing up she walked close to me and leaned next to me ear. "And if a few of us want to lend a hand every now and again then we can." With a peck on my check she faded into a cloud of ash. None of the other patrons seemed to have taken notice of her disappearance. My gaze went to the small glowing bottle in front of me. The bottle was filled with a pink liquid the outside was wrapped in vine looking gold strands. I gently stored it inside my bag for safe keeping.

---2 hours later---

After a writing a bit more and a few drinks I saunter over to the inn I had seen on my way into town. Pushing the door open felt the warm air inside wash over me. I paid for my room the man at the counter giving me the key.

Inside I let my bag drop to the floor the top part opening revealing the bottle. With a sigh I pulled the bottle out, I sat on the large bed leaning against the wall. I stared into it wondering if it where was worth the risk.

*Drink it, that girl is like us. I could here the other in her head talkin' to her* Wrath said.

I had never ever heard Wrath say something as informative as that, although I was more expecting Wrath to make a comment more on her body than her head. Taking a moment to think I pulled the cork from the bottle. From the top a sweet candy like smell wafted from the contents.

"You'd better be telling the truth." I said and downed the bottle.

The drink tasted like saltwater taffy, a pleasant surprise as it was my favorite candy as a kid. I sat there for a few minutes slowly feeling a warm haze fill my mind.

*Who ever that broad was she sure had some good shit.* Wrath's voice sounded slurred and echoed in my head. My hands and chest felt as though they where left in front of a fire. I couldn't see straight, and as my eyes got more and more blurred I lost all sense of self awareness. In the next few seconds I barely noticed my head falling on the pillow.

"Night night sweet heart."