The Elements of Darkness: Element #1 Suffering

Stiletto’s Mission

Palace Library

“And where is your ID?” asked the librarian who was apparently not the least concerned by a pony wanting in at three in the morning

“Right here” said Pale who produced a photo ID of a green unicorn pony

The librarian gave him a hard look but his disguise was both seamless and magic proof so he had nothing to worry about besides the charges for grave robbing and misuse of public funds

“You have a good night sir.”

“You too”, Pale paused to read their name tag, “Marion”

“Just lock up when you are done.” Said Marion as he closed down the counter and left the room.

“That’s odd. How will I check out books with him gone?”

Pale quickly cantered up the stairs to the storage room where all the out dated records were kept. After a quick check for other ponies he closed the door and pushed a bookcase against it.

“Upon the valley of death there is a keeper.” he whispered into the newly uncovered wall

“The keeper is nothing without something to stand for.” The wall whispered back

“Four is the number of beasts who come to aid the darkness.”

“The darkness means nothing without the light.”

A small panel opened in the wall and a globe of light floated over to Pale

“State the record of your need.”

“The first human project along with any and all notes and the operational debrief of agents one through five involved in the subjugation of the dragons.”

“All paper copies destroyed on Celestia’s orders. Do you wish to access the magical records?”

“Override delta five; new copies requested.”

“Order confirmed. Please stand by.” The orb hummed as it floated over to a pile of blank documents “Estimated time till completion five hours.”

Pale took this time to write his operational report to the princess

Human Project #2

Project report supplemental 1

Your decision to go against the recommendations has been noted and new calculations are being made though from the outset I can tell you that the chances of success have fallen dramatically. Your irrationality deeply troubles me and this will be my last report as overseer. I have sent a letter to the dragon king asking that I be considered for his position and all estimates point toward me being the pony chosen. Unlike you I’ve always trusted in the advice and views of the council. It pains me to say that I can no longer count you as a friend and confidant.

Forever your servant but never again a blind follower

Pale Stiletto

A single tear lands on the parchment as he addresses the scroll with ‘for Celestia’s eyes only’ and places it on the solitary reading table.

“Reproductions complete sir. Protocol dictates that I inform you that you are committing treason at this point. Do you want to continue?”

“Yes.”

“Very well then the guard has been notified. Agent Cortez you have been convicted of treason prepare for punishment.” Pale reached out with his hoof and smashed the orb back into the wall shattering the magic seal that held it together reducing both the nearby bricks and evidence into ash.

“Now to get out of here.” Pale said to himself

Finding the skylights locked Pale turned to the incinerator chute.

“Well Cortez looks like you have one more mission left.” Pale said as he stepped out of Cortez’s skin and loosened the strap that held the dead pony’s horn.

“Geronimo!” Pale yelled as he jumped down the chute hoping that the pelt and horn would be enough protection from the flames.