Demonicby DJDemitriChaptersDear diary...LanaRe-Apply RealityFirst Night OutDear diary...Time Unknown, Gate classification 0022902 Section 13.32 Void Status: Inactive "Novi Liberi" accounted for: N/A Job Classification: Guide Even in my own journal I continue to work, I want to keep track of how many souls I push through the gate each entree. I'm not entirely sure why I choose to do this or write down my thoughts but here I am. It has been a time since time began since I had a moment long enough to realize my own feelings of loneliness. I guess I should talk to myself as if I'm meeting a new friend, who the hell am I kidding I am new to me. Who am I? What do I do? I guess I can start somewhere simple... like my name. Name, name, name, name... what is a name... I have been called many and they seem to mean nothing. Just a label so that you can be called by your lesser and be blamed by your superiors. Out of the many names I guess my favorite would be Caleb, short, sweet, and easy to remember. That was easy enough... my occupation... that may be hard to explain to you. A guide is what I'm classified as I believe. I like to think that I am something more. Thousands and thousands of new souls come through, lost, scared. I guide them into the void, into a world built entirely of consciousness. If all that time ago I had not been such a scared little child I too could have created a new world, one where I could be a god and do with what I please. Unfortunately I was too afraid of what would happen and instead became Lucifer's helper. It isn't that bad if not a bit monotonous and boring. It is interesting to see the types of souls who come through, retaining their appearances of their previous world. As it were told they retain any appearance they can think of but more than ninety percent of the time they just remember what they were before their deaths. Usually young looking and scared, these beings come in all shapes and sizes. The most beautiful of their kind to the worst of the lot comes through these gates. The most interesting are these humans who walk on two legs. They are very rare considering they are usually taken by a more evil force of their world, who takes them and causes the souls to lose everything it has worked for to praise that consciousness as a god. There is no purpose to it besides satisfying that beings ego, and to make matters more complicated for those souls they are taught to strive for that existence while they lie about ours! Calling us evil and giving us all sorts of terrible names. Really it doesn't matter, because there are a bunch that do get through and the ones that do sometimes tell me about their world. They have this thing called television that can peer into the lives of others for entertainment. You should see their surprise when I tell them that they are actually seeing recorded events in another dimension. Its a weird magical little loophole in this vicious cycle of creation that nobody can really explain. This life fascinates me but really I long for something simple that makes me.... happy. I wish I could just poke my head into one of those void portals and just live there momentarily. I want to visit different worlds and see what other people dream of. Unfortunately, even if I were able to leave duty, I could never visit one of those portals without coming back. I feel like such a coward... passing up some other worldly adventure just because I'm so scared of what I'll find... I'm going to sleep... Time "Day 1" Gate classification 0022902 Section 13.32 Void Status: Active "Novi Liberi" accounted for: 1,002,122,044,118 Job Classification: Guide Note to self: I started marking this on a day scale, there is really no time and I have no intention of marking the dreaded thing so I am just going to either mark it a day when I write in this journal or sleep. It seemed silly to just have a run on of what happens each entree without stating any significant point. / A full days work, leading the blind by the nape of their neck so to speak. I don't need sleep but it makes me feel a whole lot better. It didn't matter today though because only a few went astray today, they held in the back behind the rest and tried to go back where they came from. It is kind of sad really how they continue to journey to a plain they have died in. I rounded them up and had to explain to them the nature of the situation and guide them back. It no longer hurts when they cry or beg. I have seen too much of it to feel bad. There was one that caught my attention though, a rather thin female from the δύο πόδια dimension, a human, who was more than just a little reluctant to follow me. I had swayed her with conversation and I did manage to bring her back here to the gate but I still can't make her go in. It is a long standing rule that I cannot force a soul into the portal, they must go on their own. It is strange having a familiar face around but it wont matter in a matter of hours. Eventually they all decide that going in is better than staying here whether by boredom or just a sense of adventure. This one is a little weird though, just sits and stares into that black pit wishing that she could just go home but doesn't go when I tell her she can recreate the world she knew, however she wanted. She just says its not the same and sits there staring. It is weird, but I cannot ponder on it too much, the break is over and a new batch of souls is coming through, which means I will have to guide a few astray again. Perhaps watching others like her go in will giver her the motivation to go in herself, save me the trouble. Time: "Day 3" Gate classification 0022902 Section 13.32 Void Status: Active "Novi Liberi" accounted for: 23,764,143,244,962,563 Job Classification: Guide It is really strange to me. I have let so many through, counting them up, setting them right, bringing them back, so fourth. I have had minimal conversation with any of them, usually they are too afraid of me calling me Thatanos or Death. I would love to be Death, going into millions of worlds and guiding the dead of those universes here. No, instead I am just a guide, a gatekeeper, and a lonely collector. Well, I am not sure how much of a loner I am when a particular soul wont leave me alone. She continues to follow me and she insist on sleeping in my chamber. She watches me write, sift fire, pull books from my library, or sleep. Being a soul she doesn't need sleep but she insist on doing so when I work and can't pay any attention to her (she learned that day 1). I think she is just so scared of what will happen that she gravitates to something she knows. I'm the only thing that reminds her of her world by what she tells me but I haven't really gotten much response from her though. I tried to find out her name and why she seems so malnourished compared to other humans that come through. She remains quiet when I ask and hides behind her hair. After she hides there really is no point in even discussing anything because she just goes back to hiding behind my robe or looking into the void. This really is a strange creature, able to flip emotions like that. I would like to think that I can flip emotions or even have any but really it is all superficial, I have just one feeling all the time and that is emptiness. I choose that because I believe it involves longing, sadness, and apathy all in one. Poetic maybe? Probably not, desperate more likely. It is sad that I can keep this rather boring existence going. The only thing I find fun is the fires I tend to or the books I can pull. Perhaps I can show that little soul how to use my library. She can't read nearly any the languages that I can but I may show her how to pull books from her world. That should keep her occupied so I can go and think in peace when the souls are too few to move or my "break". Strange how they make the few wait rather than have a constant stream but who am I to argue? I would like some time to myself so I can just exist without thought. The constant questions and descriptions of her world passed just drives me crazy. Maybe it is just because it has been so long since anything has stayed with me for more than a few moments. You remember the last soul that stayed with us? That little reptilian male who absolutely refused to leave your side. He stayed for a while before I convinced him to leave, but he was defiantly happy about going after a sit down with me. I must remember what I told him to get this girl out of here. Then I can go back to my endless existence. Time: "Day 5" Gate classification 0022902 Section 13.32 Void Status: Active "Novi Liberi" accounted for: 733,734,933,982,987,523,696 Job Classification: Guide It has been five days since I started marking the "time" and really I am not sure why I haven't burned this stupid journal. I guess it is a little part of my mind and I can't just up and get rid of it without cause. I don't know, I just sit here and reason with myself, the thoughts I don't write down are just the ones that lost, giving more meaning to history is written by the victor. Well at any rate I showed her how to use the bookcase and she has been keeping herself busy. I really shouldn't be giving her more reason to stay but it's a better solution than to have her cling to my robe all day or watch me sleep. I tried to turn her onto some of my favorites but she seems to cling to these certain parts of literature called comic books. I have never seen any for myself because I never thought that there would be picture books that you can read. It is a particularity disturbing comic called Johnny the Homicidal Maniac which a boy who can't come to grips with his own existence or sanity murders people who think differently of him. I would hardly think that such a meek girl would be into such a violent book but when I ask her response is just that it makes her feel better that there is someone like her. I never took her for a maniac serial killer, but if she is that would explain the avoidance of questions and the fear of going into the void. I'll have to ask her about it I'll be right back... Time: "Day 6" Gate classification 0022902 Section 13.32 Void Status: Inactive "Novi Liberi" accounted for: 733,734,933,983,087,523,696 Job Classification: Guide It is funny how a common interest gets people talking. I showed a little interest in her books and she started talking like a deflating balloon. The souls at my gate aren't piling up so as fast as I like so I just dispelled them to one of the other gates and called this portal inactive for a time. I have been sitting with this girl and we talked, she answered my questions for the first time. Her name is (or was anyway) Lana and she wasn't a serial killer or anything like I previously thought. Turns out she gravitates to the nature of these books because she feels like an outcast and the anti-hero she reads about is in the same shoes but he deals with it unlike her. She likes a bunch of other types of art and that television came up again. She talked about one show in particular very fondly. It was called My Little Pony I think? I have seen all types of "ponies" as those beings classifies themselves. This one in particular are the type that walk on four legs and has a coat of fur and then hair that makes a tail and... you know what I'm talking about, anyway, these ones can talk and have these magical adventures where they learn about friendship. It sounds so innocent and childish that I love it. I am surrounded by sadness and darkness all the time, so I feel like its normal to feel attracted to such a colorful and carefree world. Maybe I should tell Lana that she can live in that universe if she really wants too. She has still avoided certain questions like why she is so skinny or why she wont pass on? I guess she will tell me when she is ready but right now, I want to sleep until I open the gate again. Hopefully she moves on soon, she is such a sweet girl that I really want her to move on, unlike me... yea... she shouldn't end up like me. LanaTime: "Day 12" Place classification 0022902 Section 13.32 Void Status: Active "Novi Liberi" accounted for: 908,974,468,208,782,901,789,568 Job Classification: Guide Another day another selection of souls pushed through the gate, I may have missed a few when counting but does it really matter? Lana is still here regardless of what I tell her. I still try to convince her that her perfect world is waiting but she just curls up in the corner with another book. I keep asking about her previous life but she gives me nothing in response, not even a "stop asking" or "piss off", just silence. I don't know what to say, so I just play with the fire some more. It really is a pretty flame, allowing me to play with it changes its color, intensity, and brightness. Lana tried to play with me but it still hurts her very severely. She has since kept a safe six foot distance from it since. She has taken to writing down her feelings and thoughts as well. When I'm not she is and it is truly saddening to see how content she is with what I do. If this continues she will just end up in the same boat as me, alone at another gate just pushing every type of being through to the void. I don't know, what to say though. It has been nice having extended conversation with a face that doesn't change. All things must end though. I have taken to going on walks with her to show her the emptiness and loneliness of this plane of existence but all it seems to do is draw her closer to me. She refuses to go farther than arms reach of me and it really starting to worry me. I feel like some sort of father figure at this point, which is bad for both of us. I have to find some way to get her out of here on her terms. I don't know but I may just take a peek in her diary to find something to convince her to go out on her own. By the next time I write in this journal she will have moved on and I can get back to work. Time: "Day 15" Place classification 0022902 Section 13.32 Void Status: Inactive "Novi Liberi" accounted for: 1,740,037,368,983,589,309,094,794 Job Classification: Guide I know it has been a while since I wrote in this but it has been hell since my little plan backfired. I screwed up looking through her diary and she found me in the act. She is upset, I know nothing new, and now I can't find her. This is really bad because if I lose a soul out there not only will I be reprimanded but Lana will end up in a whole new type of hell. Damn it, why am I writing in this thing? I have to go out and find her before it's too late. I remember, I am writing because I need to calm down and collect my thoughts. This is helping a lot actually but I need to go out there, sorry for not writing too much this time around. I hope I find her... Time: "Day 18" Place classification 0022902 Section 13.32 Void Status: Inactive "Novi Liberi" accounted for: 1,740,037,368,983,589,309,094,794 Job Classification: Guide Well this has been an enlightening experience, I have found her and brought her back to my chambers. She traveled quite a distance before I found her. It didn't take much convincing to bring her back, she is deathly afraid of the dark and now I know why. As it turns out she had a terrible life before her death. She was living in poor conditions with an abusive mother who drank away their food. She lived most of her life crying in her bed or walking the streets looking for something to eat. They stole cable and spent enough time at a comic store which is why she knows so much about these little things like the show. Turns out the last month of her life was spent locked in a basement, alone and in the dark, because her step father was "tired of looking at her". There is a lot more but I don't feel it is appropriate to write every filthy detail she talked about with me down. This is why she is afraid to let go of me and move on to the void. The void is dark and cold but I am the only thing that speaks nicely to her and treats her kindly. The worst thing though is that she has grown too attached to me in the short time we've known each other, because she will only go through the void if I do it with her. I don't even know if it is possible for two souls to share a world... I really don't know about this, I will have to really think about it. I mean one one hand, leaving my position and going in is what I always wanted and this girl could give me enough courage to make that final step in... on the other I have been doing this for so long I am not sure who else would? Could I really push this repetitive life onto another? Is this a weak argument? I don't know why I need convincing but... I really just have to take a walk... Side note: Lana has taken to sleeping beside me when I lay down. I'm not sure why, but its nice to have something to protect or at least pretend to... whatever, it's nice and I don't need to convince myself it's for a reason. Time: "Day 20" Place classification 0022902 Section 13.32 Void Status: Inactive "Novi Liberi" accounted for: 1,740,037,368,983,589,309,094,794 Job Classification: Guide I think I will walk in with her. There is nothing for me here and I think I have spent my time here. I have put a note to Lucifer that I am making the final step and will do the customary of leading the last batch of souls in through the gate before I close up and make this step. Everything is happening so quick since I started writing but... every adventure starts somewhere I guess, and for as long as I have been here it is about time I got mine. This will be the last time I open this gate and collect lost souls. I can't believe I'm really saying that. Time: "Day 21" ~~Place classification 0022902~~ ~~Section 13.32~~ ~~Void Status: Active~~ ~~"Novi Liberi" accounted for: 000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000~~ ~~Job Classification: Guide[/s~~ ~~Everything is put in order and I am ready to take the step. She wants to hold my hand and jump in, I think that is beautiful if not a bit corny. I will miss the fire and the books but I guess I can't have everything I want. After this entree I will become something completely different from what I am now. I will lose everything I have known... that is scary... too late to talk myself out of it. Now I'm just stalling.~~ ~~Goodbye life I knew.~~ ~~--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------~~ ~~They jumped in hand in hand. The demon and the spirit, together created a world that mirrored the lives they knew and damned if they didn't have the perfect outline to start. That show she talked about with the ponies, strangely became their new reality. It was dark at first, then a light started bright and shining. Then a moon came and soon it was dark again. After a few hours Caleb woke up in a field alone. He felt strange trying to stand. He stumbled a fell a few times before realizing he had to stand on all fours. He wobbled to his feet...uhh... hooves and looked up. "Lana?" He called out into the field. So much for sharing a world, even still this was a nice place to come into. A very bright a exuberant land with plenty of creatures fluttering about or scampering on the ground. They all seemed very much.... alive. What a change! Alive! Amazing how much better it is to be in a world that has life and color! It felt so safe and heavenly and, well, happy. Lana did tug at him a bit though. It was a shame she couldn't be here with him. He figured there was no real use to sit around without testing out his new legs.~~ ~~After a few clumsy steps he simply walked. It was astonishing feeling the fresh grass with dew and the cool morning air. He stopped and breathed in. Breathing in itself was nice but there were all types of smells. He couldn't name a single one except... Cinnamon? How did he know that? He also knows that smelling cinnamon was usually in a pastry which isn't found... it's cooked. With the power of deduction that means there are other intelligent beings that he can communicate with. What is he exactly? A pony he guessed if it was anything like what Lana told him about the show, but she mentioned there were other creatures besides ponies. Well first things first, find out what that smell is and where it is coming from, and what that sharp pain in his lower abdomen was. The smell got stronger in the direction of the rising sun so that was his first destination.~~ ~~Walking a few feet he kept his nose in the air, amazed how smell can lead someone so... *CRACK* A snap and a excruciating yell. Pain is also a new concept and breaking your front left foot by stepping in a hole you never saw coming was a very active way to introduce yourself to it. After a while of yelling in pain Caleb looked up to see an audience of gathered animals all staring him down. A paranoid feeling ran through him as the animals crowded around. The thought that they might be hungry was a recurring one. Stood up on three legs and made sure to keep his hurt one raised. He walked a few inches before a medium sized bird landed on his raised hoof. I guess it had mistaken it as an invitation to land when all it really did was cause Caleb to collapse in pain and whimper.~~ ~~"What a great way to start his new life." He whispered to himself. As he tried to stand again he saw a pair of yellow legs and pink hair ahead of him.~~ ~~"Oh my Celestia! Are you okay you poor wittle thing? Are you hurt?" The mares voice was soft and sweet but panicked and fast. A weird combination really but he wasn't sure how to respond.~~ ~~"Oh, no. Please I am fine. I just have to find something." He stood up again lifting his hoof once again and making sure that flying rat was safely away from the injury. Getting a better view of the creature it was a rather pretty mare with excessively long hair and she was hiding behind some of... "Lana?"~~ ~~The mare looked at him and blushed and looked away "Oh no...~~ I'm Fluttershy~~..." She immediately looked back down at Caleb's hoof and seemed to gain back confidence. "There's no time, we have to deal with this now! Come with me your poor, poor, pony."~~ ~~She fluttered next to him and leaned against his hurt side and applied weight to keep him balanced. He was more dumbstruck that she could go from silent and shy to caring about his injury immediately. She spoke 'Come on to my cabin and I'll fix that right up. And then you can ask me any question you need to."~~ ~~That's probably the best news he got. It is a little overwhelming having all these feelings, new territory, and some other being helping him through this new thing of pain.~~ Re-Apply Re-Apply The couch itself wasn't too impressive, but it certainly more comfortable than the dirt he laid in only a few moments ago. Caleb managed to keep the weight off his hurt foot and the birds away from it as he took in his surroundings. It was a cozy little cabin that was very modern but still very much like nature. He also took note of little animals coming in and out as they felt necessary. They took food and bed making Caleb feel that this was more of a zoo than a home if not for the kitchen right across where only one little critter would find a carrot and munch at the counter. Nothing besides the over abundance of animals really stuck out. It was kind of serene and would be relaxing if not for the fresh injury. As he had his back turned a certain mare had flown a first aid kit next to him. She spoke so sweetly as she gently grabbed the hurt hoof "How does it feel?" Caleb kinda winced as she moved his hoof up and down "Fine!" She immediately stopped moving it at his obvious pain "Alright this is going to sting a bit." She took the broken hoof and wrapped it up and and put a splint on it. After about a minute of wrapping, asking if he was okay, and ice Fluttershy made Caleb lay down on the couch. He protested "please miss but I think I can go now, you have done enough and I must find my friend." She denied his attempts to sit up by gently but forcefully placing a hoof on his chest. "Now, I wont have any of that. You got hurt in my yard now I'm taking care of you. When you feel better we will help you find your friend." Caleb reluctantly laid down and waited. He never had been waited on and it was uncomfortable to think that he was some kind of burden on some creature he just met. There was still this new feeling tugging at him. He was unsure of what it was, like a heavy feeling, perhaps it was a feeling of frustration? The sun was starting to set by now and Fluttershy came in with a blanket and a pillow. Caleb protested "Please you don't need too, I don't sleep." She looked at him with a smile and continued to fluff the pillow. She placed it behind his head and started to unroll the blanket "I can tell, you look exhausted you poor dear." The blanket gently puffed over him finally resting on his lower half. "If you need me my room is upstairs, it might get cold tonight so don't be shy to ask for another blanket." Caleb didn't fight it, he figured that he can simply leave when she was asleep. He had read that creatures usually sleep during the night, so he would just wait until he could no longer see the sun. _______________________________________________________________ -The next morning- Caleb woke up the next morning to the smell that he had smelled before he was injured. This must have been where it came from. "How the hell..." he groggily sat up making sure that he kept pressure off of the wrap. He lazily stood on three legs gaining his balance before sitting back down. "What happened to me? Was I drugged?" Caleb yawned. Fluttershy, who was wearing a light green apron, came into the living room with a bag full of feed. "Oh your awake!" She saw him sitting on the floor "Did you fall on the floor while you were sleeping? Oh my I'm sorry I didn't notice, I'm so dumb. I should have noticed and put you back up..." This was a sensitive situation and had to be handled with the utmost care, after all, mares are known to be irrationally emotional when it came down to it. Caleb knew exactly what to say and he mustered up enough strength to speak... "There, there..." Nailed it. Fluttershy stopped beating herself up "Look at me being selfish and thinking about myself again, you must be starving." Caleb came to the sudden realization that he was no longer feeling that happy, light,feeling that he had when he arrived but instead one of a rumbling sensation in his stomach. He was an idiot for not realizing that the things he was used to not dealing with were important factors in this decision he made. Sleep, hunger, boredom, "companionship", things like that which he could ignore forever if he wanted with no real drawback would now psychologically and physically hurt him. He was mortal and he had to remember that or else he would go back to where he was not as a Soul gatherer, but a soul. Something about the sudden realization that death was a new factor made him desire food that much more. He stood to his feet and walked his way to the kitchen behind the pink maned mare. He sat at a small three seated table while she continued to work on the meal. Looking around everything seemed to keep the same nature like theme, she was defiantly a care giver for animals and the sick. "Alright, you eat up, I have to feed the animals." She laid a plate full of glazed looking swirly things in front of Caleb. "I will be in and we can check on your hoof." Caleb nodded as he poked at his food. "Their called cinnamon swirls, Pinkie showed me how to make them. She says everypony she knows loves them and she knows everypony so... I assumed..." He looked up at her with a confused look "Who?" Fluttershy looked at her own hoofs "Oh sorry, I should have known you aren't from around here. I mean, Pinkie is my friend who works at the bakery." Caleb didn't change his expression in the least bit. "There are others?" He questioned a little too enthusiastically. She didn't bother coming out from behind her hair for her very common squeak. He didn't press anymore and let her leave as he poked at his meal. He leaned over and bit into it. It was absolutely lovely! An assortment of flavors perfectly mixed into each other and created a very sweet bread. He could not help himself and pigged out and ate three of them from his plate without even a breath of air in between. It was a very delicious meal but it left him a bit parched. He stood and walked to the sink and drank straight from the faucet. He had no idea how thirsty he really was until the water hit his lips, he must have been there forever. He stood up panting and looked over to a mare stifling a giggle. "What?" Is all he could say through dripping glaze and water dribbling mouth. "Here, go ahead and clean yourself up. Do you need me to...ummm...unwrap your bandage?" She blushed as she motioned to the bathroom. Caleb spoke very frankly "No, I may need you to help me put new ones on." She just nodded and closed the door behind him. He looked into the mirror to see a very messy looking creature. His mane was wild and leaned to the left as well as his weird eyes and dark coat. "Red eyes, black fur, black hair, pony, wings?" He looked on his side to see wings, weird, but the fact he never touched the floor in his old job was one of the things he loved and it made since considering his new companion had wings. He did contradict this world in every way possible and looked more like he would belong in a vampire movie rather than a color filled world of helpful ponies. He looked scary no wonder that mare was so shy around him. First things first, he used his teeth to remove the splint and bandage. It took a little longer by himself but it got done with minimal pain. He turned on the sink and grabbed a wash towel. Scrubbing with the wet cloth he got rid of the morning meal and some dirt from his face but that was just the start. It took a few hours cleaning himself with the one towel and sink but he was sure he was considered clean except for his head which he was going to soak in the sink and use another, dry, towel to clean off. He pushed his head the best he could under the sink and wet down his mane. Grabbing a new towel he dried his hair only to rip it with his horn. "Wait what?!" Caleb became alarmed, why did he have horns? The mare didn't have horns and he was sure that the ponies he had seen and read about didn't have horns. "Like it?" "Who said that?" "Down here Thatanos" He looked down to see a little red man with goat horns and a rather luxurious looking suit looking up at him. "My name is Caleb, I am not death, I quit my job and you should know that Lucifer." He was confident that he did not break any rules and was free to live his new life as he saw fit. Lucifer smiled and climbed onto his shoulder "You should know that I do not just let things go without being involved in some way, and as I recall you are too afraid to just become mortal." Caleb didn't like the truth, but he could not hate his boss for telling it. He was afraid of being mortal and was more than willing to at least listen to Lucifer. The red man pointed to the mirror "you like the horns? They come with the job, and so do the wings. I am offering another life, another more, hands on experience. You stay in this world and collect souls as Thatanos, and you can live normally as Caleb." Caleb looked at himself "How do I collect every soul and still live a normal life? This sounds like a trick." The little devil smiled "contrary to popular belief death does not deal with every soul. Most find their way to my gates but others we call lost souls. You only deal with the souls who don't know where to go or refuse to leave which is not too terribly common. Hell, I'll even sweeten the pot by giving you a hint to find Lana." Caleb's ears perked up at that. "Got your attention now?" Lucifer smirked. "Why can't you just tell me where to find her?" Caleb protested "this sounds too fishy to just be simple. Lucifer nodded "I never said it was simple, you just have to enjoy the ride on your own by having your own experiences and learning how things work in this world both spiritually and in the world of the living. You don't have to take it, you can be normal with your hurt foot and have no idea where to go." Caleb couldn't argue with him "What do I do if I accept?" Lucifer once again smirked "Well I can sense your concerns, only you and those who are dead can see the horns and other things. All you have too do is find those who can see you for you and guide them to a portal to the gates, then we take care of the rest. Sometimes it's sad, other times it's frustrating but it has to be done. You understand? And don't worry, if there is an abundance of dead or a VIP I will personally guide you to them." Caleb nodded "Well it seems like you have everything figured out." Lucifer spoke again "I have done this more than you will ever know. Once you accept this injury, sleep, and hunger will no longer be a problem. But because you want to be 'normal' you can keep your feelings that you didn't used to have. Love, desire, pain, hate, ect. All of that stuff." Caleb looked a little wary "Why pain and hate?" "Because life has good and bad, you have to have both." "Makes sense." He puffed. Lucifer adjusted his tie "So do we have a deal?" Caleb looked at himself in the mirror again and his hurt foot. "I do this, I am going to feel pain, but just not be injured?" "That's correct, no more broken bones, just a short pain relating to what hurt you. You will figure it out." Lucifer was getting anxious. "Can I have an answer soon I am a busy guy." Caleb looked at the little man "I'll do it." "Great! You'r clue to finding Lana is sticking with Fluttershy and looking for the starts." With that Lucifer flashed a bright light and was gone. "The hell does that mean?" A knock on the door brought him back to reality. RealityFluttershy knocked on the bathroom door. "You okay? You've been in there a really long time?" Caleb didn't know how to explain that he was now completely fine. "Yea, I'm okay. Just washing up, I'll only be a few more minutes." "Okay..." She said "but please hurry." And with that he could hear hoof steps leave. "Alright, I am the new death. That's good... no, that's amazing!" Caleb had always wanted to be a reaper, to be more hands on rather than that gloomy job he used to have, but it was short lived and bittersweet. "What do I do now? I can't simply walk out there completely fine, that would be too weird." Then the thought that he could just fake it occurred. He wrapped it up best he could and held it up by his chest like he had been. "Alright, same deal only I have to pretend it hurts." He put the towels he used in a hamper and walked out. Discomfort apparently were one of the things he could still feel and the splint was just that. As soon as he took two steps out the door a flash of yellow light raced by him "OHMYGOSHTHANKYOUSORRYI'LLBERIGHTOUT" and the door slammed. He walked back to the couch and sat down. What was he going to do? It didn't hurt and he felt well rested, he didn't want to just stay here all day and pretend to be injured, he wanted to go and find out what the hell that clue meant and who that Pinkie character was that the mare mentioned earlier. He didn't want to just up and leave though, that would be rude to his host and seeing how she reacted to him sitting on the floor he doubted she would take him disappearing lightly. On top of all this he had the figure out what job Lucifer had given him and what he was supposed to do. It is scary to think what might happen if he cannot do his job but whatever would happen wouldn't be good. As he imagined the possible outcomes the bathroom door closed and Fluttershy came walking back into the room. She smiled and took a seat next to him. "How does it feel?" she asked. Caleb glance from her to his arm and back. "It still hurts but I'll manage. I know it must be weird taking care of someone you know literally nothing about and have never met." Fluttershy looked away "well it is a little, but you were hurt and I have a duty to all living creatures." He nodded "You never even told me your name." She looked a little embarrassed "well I have but..." "But what?" "I can be very..." "Hm?" "Shy..." "Please speak up. We're friends here." "My name is Fluttershy." "Well there you go." Caleb kinda gave her a pat on the back. "Heard that." She smiled still embarrassed. "Well who are you? Are you an astronomer pony or a star gazer?" Caleb gave her a confused look "Not in the slightest, I have never looked at a night sky. What made you think that I did?" Shy hid behind her hair again "Well you'r cutie mark being a star I just thought.... I'm sorry I shouldn't have made assumptions." "What is a cutie mark?" It was Fluttershy's turn to be confused "You don't know what a cutie mark is? It's your birthright, it defines who you are as a whole. It's been on your rump your whole life almost." He has no clue what she was talking about but he humored her by looking at her rump. "What do the butterflies mean then?" She thought for a moment before speaking "Kindness, for my love of taking care of every living thing." He nodded. "So what's that star mean?" He looked at his own rump and noticed a pentagram almost etched into him. "I... well... I guess you could say that I am a collector." "A collector of what?" She asked eagerly. "Um... well I guess you could say unusual paranormal items?" She was confused. "It doesn't matter, what matters now is that I get some exercise. I was hoping that I could go into town. "With your injury? Are you sure you'll be okay?" "Of course, it doesn't hurt that bad." "Alright... but I'm going with you." Caleb stood up "Fair enough, then we'd better head out." "You know you don't have to lean against me, I can stand perfectly fine." Fluttershy jumped away. "Oh sorry... I just thought it would help." They made their way over a bridge into town square. It was buzzing with ponies of all styles of life going to and from their destinations or just enjoying a nice day. "I think you're going to love Pinkie Pie; she is very energetic and very special. Just... please keep an open mind." Caleb looked at her "What's that supposed to mean?" Fluttershy shifted her eyes away "You'll see..." They made their way to a tall gingerbread looking building. "Her house is a giant cookie?" A little giggle came from the yellow pegasus "No, it's the bakery. She rents an apartment above the store and works here." Caleb took a look through the store window. "Then where is everyone?" She responded "Well it is Sunday so everypony is probably doing errands or enjoying the day. The bakery is closed but Pinkie is usually still baking something or planning one of here super fun parties." "I don't see anyone in th- "PFFFFFFTT!" A barrage of string confetti and glitter shot both of them square in the face. Seemingly from nowhere a pink pony appeared with non other than her infamous party cannon and a noisemaker to boot. She picked up Caleb by the neck and effortlessly invaded his private space with a rib crushing hug. "NEW PONY!" She cried. Fluttershy regained her footing "This is Pinkie Pie." Caleb couldn't speak let alone breath. Pinkie still held him in a death grip with little to no hope of escape. "Oh my goodness I haven't met a new pony in ages mostly because I know everypony already and it is fun and everything but a new pony means I can have even more parties and can make a new friend smile and OHMYGOSH I am going to throw you the bestest most greatest party of your entire life and I will invite everypony! You need to tell me what kind of cake you like and what kind of fruit punch to get THIS WILL BE GREAT! Do you have friends who want to come, NO, need to come! Well do ya!? You don't talk much." Caleb pushed himself away just enough to speak "Miss! Release me at once! I have no intention of going to a party and I would appreciate some space!" Pinkie let go and her happy go lucky attitude was immediately replaced with a shock of horror and then to one of a sad nature. "No....party....is it because of me? I'm sorry... I didn't mean to come on so strong..." Her hair went from its poofy, bright, curly form to a straight and dark form. Caleb was aware of this bi-polar attitude from reading a psychology book called madness but has never met a soul who could do that and was sure put off by the display. However he couldn't help but feel bad for the creature. "Well, I mean... if it means that much to you I guess you could throw a small party if you want... I guess..." "SQUEEEEEEEE!" And the poofy hair and the vice grip returned. "Oh we are going to be the bestest of best friends! Just like Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow dash! I just know it Mr. uhh...." "C..Caleb...*Cough*" "Oh I have to send out invitations and bake and get ready for this swell party! Where do you live? I'll bring everything over!" Caleb again wrenched the beast away from him. "I live nowhere." This however did not deter the Pink menace. "Oh a traveler! Well that's okay! We can have it here later tonight when the Cakes go out!" "The cakes?" "Ya! They own the bakery, but they don't mind I do this all the time!" Fluttershy piped in "Literally." Pinkie spoke "That's it then! Come inside and we can get this set up in two hours tops! It will be fun!" and with that she disappeared into the Bakery behind the counter. Fluttershy trotted next to Caleb "I... I'm sorry I should have warned you better." It's no big deal, I mean I'm not in a rush or anything to get lost. If I'm going to find my friend I might as well get to know everyone else while I'm at it." She smiled "Well we better go before Pinkie drags us in." Fun Fun Fun First Night OutThe night was going great. Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Caleb spent the rest of the afternoon preparing decorations to Pinkie's specification. Fluttershy put up the hanging decorations up high and Pinkie baked her little heart out. Caleb, still pretending that his hoof was broken, was given the all important task of putting out snacks and punch. It was getting pretty dark by the time Pinkie's baking frenzy ceased and a plethora of sweets were mounted on the tables around a dance floor. The ecstatic pink pony ended the days work by turning off the main lights and turning on her own spotlights that illuminated the place just barley enough to see. Caleb had to ask "So miss, how many of your friend are supposed to come? I mean it's getting late and..." She threw her hoof over his mouth "One more second!" She released him and opened the back door letting in a wild haired white unicorn floating in her own sound equipment. She set up in an empty corner near the door to the kitchen. "Okay... that's one but miss Pin..." She shushed him again "one more second!" Caleb sighed in frustration, he had no idea where Fluttershy went and was less than thrilled to be apart of this party. Going from solitude to social gatherings was a chore on its own let alone having this obviously mentally sick mare throw what she would call the biggest party ever. As he collected his thoughts, the white mare that came in had set up some sort of booth and with a nod of her head gave to go ahead for Pinkie to begin. With a gleeful skip in her step she bounced to the front door and swung it open with force. "WELCOME PARTY PONIES!" To Caleb's surprise a small mob had formed out front of cheering ponies. There seemed to be more than the town could hold let alone the bakery but the surprises never ceased as they all fit comfortably inside. The white mare had spun a loud record letting all sorts of loud music play. The place went from dead to bumping withing two minutes and it was almost overwhelming for the black stallion. Caleb tried to fight his way through the newly formed crowed to the bathroom or the door or somewhere else. He pushed and moved his way through but to no avail, because a Pink pony had grabbed him around the neck "Pretty neat party right? Oh you have to meet my bestest friends they will love you!" There was no protest, he couldn't bear to be stuck in the middle of the unknown and was not going to be rude to this bi-polar creature again. However he wasn't going to pretend to like it. She seemed to navigate the crowed a lot better than he did, getting where she wanted with almost no resistance. She brought him to a table with three mares sitting around it. Two of them were in an intense arm wrestling match and the other was sitting with a file tending to her hoofature. "Hiya Rarity! Where's Twi?" The mare looked up and noticed Caleb hanging out of Pinkies grasp "She couldn't make it tonight darling, she is studying. Who's your friend?" Pinkie picked Caleb up and put him in front of Rarity "This is my friend Caleb! He's new to Ponyville." Rarity stood up and circled him like a hawk, not taking her eyes off of him. "I can see that Darling, I'm Rarity. Charmed?" She held a hoof gracefully out towards him. He took it in a gentle shake and released her. "So what happened to your hoof?" She asked. "Well, I just came into town and kinda dumbly stepped into a hole." She got in real close and started a barrage of questions "So, where'd you come from? What is it that you do? That star must mean something pretty interesting." He was dumbstruck "Well I uhhh..." She made a pouty face "Oh please share dear. I find this stuff very interesting."A thick country accent saved him from the awkward situation. "Aw Rare leave e'm alone would ya? Ya'll just met him a second ago." The country mare and her blue companion had finished their little match. "I'm Apple Jack and this is RD." Rainbow Dash looked at him "That's Rainbow Dash to you scrub." "Ya'll be nice." Rainbow pulled the same stunt as Rarity and looked him over. "You got wings kid but I bet you don't know how to use them." Caleb didn't say anything. "Ya'll leave e'm alone, he don't need to'a be roped up in ya'll's stupid challenge. That's what I'ma here for." The two girls started to bicker and Rarity continued to ask Caleb questions while Pinkie had left. "I ah... have to use the restroom..." Caleb sat in the bathroom washing his face. "This is why I am a solitary creature." "I thought you were doing pretty good making friends." Caleb jumped in fright, a voice from out of nowhere just talked. "That white one seemed to like you. I would be careful though, wouldn't want to upset that one that fixed your leg." Caleb looked around the bathroom. There wasn't really a place that anyone could hide. "Shoulder dumb dumb." Caleb looked to see Lucifer standing there. "What are you doing here?" The small man jumped to the sink. "Well I am your training officer. You get to grab your first soul today." Caleb looked back wide eyed "Now?" Lucifer looked at him and snapped his fingers. "Yes, now." A dark aura came from the little man's fingers and enveloped the black pony. Caleb startled did his best to push off the attacking black magic but to no avail. This didn't stop him from making a mess of the bathroom by knocking over shampoo bottles and the mirror as well as pulling down the shower curtains. The aura gave off a burning sensation as it covered Caleb's face and body. He was terrified, not of death but that he was being dragged back to his old position. Something he dreaded. However it dissipated and left him belly up in the tub covered in the shower curtain. He made his way to his feet and stood there feeling pretty normal. Lucifer grinned "how do you like it? I take pride in my handy work." Caleb didn't feel different and was unsure of what his boss was talking about. "I guess you need a mirror to appreciate it." He used his powers again to lift what was left of the shattered mirror. The sight only made him fall back into the tub. From what he could make his face had been swallowed in darkness aside from his eyes that glowed like fire pits, no pupils or iris, just red. He had horns sticking out of the top, in a bent back fashion. It was eerie to look at himself. "Who would ever follow such a scary figure to the afterlife?" Caleb asked. Lucifer put down the mirror again "That's the best part. Your appearance changes with every person you visit in this form." Caleb looked at Lucifer with a confused expression. "I know it may sound weird but that's why death changes in everyone's eyes. Some people expect to see god a family member or even what they interpret as death. Some souls might see that skeleton head and so fourth." Caleb nodded "So I can be anyone in this form?" Lucifer nodded back "Not up to you who you become, but yes. You can turn back into your mortal form when we are done, for now we must go. I still have to show you the ropes of the job." Caleb put his hoof on the door handle "wait! I cant go out there, not like this." Lucifer hopped onto his back. "It's fine. Only those who have passed or are about to may see you." Caleb walked out into the mob. None of the ponies seemed to notice his presence. If anything they seemed to let him pass without any resistance like Pinkie did earlier. He walked out the front into a cool night. "Alright kid take off." Caleb stood there "I've never flown with wings, how am I supposed to do that?" "Just try it. Jump and flap." Caleb took Lucifer by his word and jumped and flapped. The first thing he realized was that he had no control and secondly that he was moving faster then anything he has ever seen. The landscape blurred past as his wings did what they did. Lucifer, griping at his fur yelled into his ear "I made it that so the wings would take you to any souls that need your attention. This way you don't have to waste time learning to fly on the job." Caleb was in love with flight. He felt free and fast and that nothing would stop him... until the ground getting closed snapped him out of it. He braced for impact only to find that he hovered two inches from the dirt. "Don't want you to crash either." Lucifer said from his spot. "Now, this can be a little tricky to find the soul. If they realize they died they are usually distraught or panicky but on the other hand they may not realize they died and could just be blending in." Caleb looked back at the little man. "There really isn't any other way to tell?" Lucifer nodded. "Other than they notice you, no." Caleb took a deep breath "I can't believe I'm about to take a life." Lucifer cleared his throat. "Guiding, you guide the soul not take it." Caleb nodded and looked around. He was on a farm, secluded from the town. The night sky was in full view and the moon illuminated the entire field. It was quite and quite... "It's breathtaking." Lucifer agreed "I know, the night sky is always the best, in almost any world." Caleb when back to walking around aimlessly around the fields. "How am I supposed to find anyone? There is literally nobody out here?" There was no help from the dark lord on his back as he came to the realization that there wouldn't be anyone out in a field this late. "Farmhouse, got it. Thank's for the help." Lucifer just gave a slight yup from his back. "Are you reading rather than helping me?" Again his question was met with a half assed yup. Making their way to the farmhouse they were hit with a drizzle of rain. "What the hell? The sky is clear." Looking up a few pegasai moved dark clouds in the way of the stars. "I have so much to learn about this world." That moment an apple struck him across the head with a resounding force. "What the..." an angry looking green mare who looked older then the world itself stood on the porch with a couple apples ready to throw. "What do ya'll think yer doin on mya property!" she yelled. "Hey, I think I found her."
Dear diary...Time Unknown, Gate classification 0022902 Section 13.32 Void Status: Inactive "Novi Liberi" accounted for: N/A Job Classification: Guide Even in my own journal I continue to work, I want to keep track of how many souls I push through the gate each entree. I'm not entirely sure why I choose to do this or write down my thoughts but here I am. It has been a time since time began since I had a moment long enough to realize my own feelings of loneliness. I guess I should talk to myself as if I'm meeting a new friend, who the hell am I kidding I am new to me. Who am I? What do I do? I guess I can start somewhere simple... like my name. Name, name, name, name... what is a name... I have been called many and they seem to mean nothing. Just a label so that you can be called by your lesser and be blamed by your superiors. Out of the many names I guess my favorite would be Caleb, short, sweet, and easy to remember. That was easy enough... my occupation... that may be hard to explain to you. A guide is what I'm classified as I believe. I like to think that I am something more. Thousands and thousands of new souls come through, lost, scared. I guide them into the void, into a world built entirely of consciousness. If all that time ago I had not been such a scared little child I too could have created a new world, one where I could be a god and do with what I please. Unfortunately I was too afraid of what would happen and instead became Lucifer's helper. It isn't that bad if not a bit monotonous and boring. It is interesting to see the types of souls who come through, retaining their appearances of their previous world. As it were told they retain any appearance they can think of but more than ninety percent of the time they just remember what they were before their deaths. Usually young looking and scared, these beings come in all shapes and sizes. The most beautiful of their kind to the worst of the lot comes through these gates. The most interesting are these humans who walk on two legs. They are very rare considering they are usually taken by a more evil force of their world, who takes them and causes the souls to lose everything it has worked for to praise that consciousness as a god. There is no purpose to it besides satisfying that beings ego, and to make matters more complicated for those souls they are taught to strive for that existence while they lie about ours! Calling us evil and giving us all sorts of terrible names. Really it doesn't matter, because there are a bunch that do get through and the ones that do sometimes tell me about their world. They have this thing called television that can peer into the lives of others for entertainment. You should see their surprise when I tell them that they are actually seeing recorded events in another dimension. Its a weird magical little loophole in this vicious cycle of creation that nobody can really explain. This life fascinates me but really I long for something simple that makes me.... happy. I wish I could just poke my head into one of those void portals and just live there momentarily. I want to visit different worlds and see what other people dream of. Unfortunately, even if I were able to leave duty, I could never visit one of those portals without coming back. I feel like such a coward... passing up some other worldly adventure just because I'm so scared of what I'll find... I'm going to sleep... Time "Day 1" Gate classification 0022902 Section 13.32 Void Status: Active "Novi Liberi" accounted for: 1,002,122,044,118 Job Classification: Guide Note to self: I started marking this on a day scale, there is really no time and I have no intention of marking the dreaded thing so I am just going to either mark it a day when I write in this journal or sleep. It seemed silly to just have a run on of what happens each entree without stating any significant point. / A full days work, leading the blind by the nape of their neck so to speak. I don't need sleep but it makes me feel a whole lot better. It didn't matter today though because only a few went astray today, they held in the back behind the rest and tried to go back where they came from. It is kind of sad really how they continue to journey to a plain they have died in. I rounded them up and had to explain to them the nature of the situation and guide them back. It no longer hurts when they cry or beg. I have seen too much of it to feel bad. There was one that caught my attention though, a rather thin female from the δύο πόδια dimension, a human, who was more than just a little reluctant to follow me. I had swayed her with conversation and I did manage to bring her back here to the gate but I still can't make her go in. It is a long standing rule that I cannot force a soul into the portal, they must go on their own. It is strange having a familiar face around but it wont matter in a matter of hours. Eventually they all decide that going in is better than staying here whether by boredom or just a sense of adventure. This one is a little weird though, just sits and stares into that black pit wishing that she could just go home but doesn't go when I tell her she can recreate the world she knew, however she wanted. She just says its not the same and sits there staring. It is weird, but I cannot ponder on it too much, the break is over and a new batch of souls is coming through, which means I will have to guide a few astray again. Perhaps watching others like her go in will giver her the motivation to go in herself, save me the trouble. Time: "Day 3" Gate classification 0022902 Section 13.32 Void Status: Active "Novi Liberi" accounted for: 23,764,143,244,962,563 Job Classification: Guide It is really strange to me. I have let so many through, counting them up, setting them right, bringing them back, so fourth. I have had minimal conversation with any of them, usually they are too afraid of me calling me Thatanos or Death. I would love to be Death, going into millions of worlds and guiding the dead of those universes here. No, instead I am just a guide, a gatekeeper, and a lonely collector. Well, I am not sure how much of a loner I am when a particular soul wont leave me alone. She continues to follow me and she insist on sleeping in my chamber. She watches me write, sift fire, pull books from my library, or sleep. Being a soul she doesn't need sleep but she insist on doing so when I work and can't pay any attention to her (she learned that day 1). I think she is just so scared of what will happen that she gravitates to something she knows. I'm the only thing that reminds her of her world by what she tells me but I haven't really gotten much response from her though. I tried to find out her name and why she seems so malnourished compared to other humans that come through. She remains quiet when I ask and hides behind her hair. After she hides there really is no point in even discussing anything because she just goes back to hiding behind my robe or looking into the void. This really is a strange creature, able to flip emotions like that. I would like to think that I can flip emotions or even have any but really it is all superficial, I have just one feeling all the time and that is emptiness. I choose that because I believe it involves longing, sadness, and apathy all in one. Poetic maybe? Probably not, desperate more likely. It is sad that I can keep this rather boring existence going. The only thing I find fun is the fires I tend to or the books I can pull. Perhaps I can show that little soul how to use my library. She can't read nearly any the languages that I can but I may show her how to pull books from her world. That should keep her occupied so I can go and think in peace when the souls are too few to move or my "break". Strange how they make the few wait rather than have a constant stream but who am I to argue? I would like some time to myself so I can just exist without thought. The constant questions and descriptions of her world passed just drives me crazy. Maybe it is just because it has been so long since anything has stayed with me for more than a few moments. You remember the last soul that stayed with us? That little reptilian male who absolutely refused to leave your side. He stayed for a while before I convinced him to leave, but he was defiantly happy about going after a sit down with me. I must remember what I told him to get this girl out of here. Then I can go back to my endless existence. Time: "Day 5" Gate classification 0022902 Section 13.32 Void Status: Active "Novi Liberi" accounted for: 733,734,933,982,987,523,696 Job Classification: Guide It has been five days since I started marking the "time" and really I am not sure why I haven't burned this stupid journal. I guess it is a little part of my mind and I can't just up and get rid of it without cause. I don't know, I just sit here and reason with myself, the thoughts I don't write down are just the ones that lost, giving more meaning to history is written by the victor. Well at any rate I showed her how to use the bookcase and she has been keeping herself busy. I really shouldn't be giving her more reason to stay but it's a better solution than to have her cling to my robe all day or watch me sleep. I tried to turn her onto some of my favorites but she seems to cling to these certain parts of literature called comic books. I have never seen any for myself because I never thought that there would be picture books that you can read. It is a particularity disturbing comic called Johnny the Homicidal Maniac which a boy who can't come to grips with his own existence or sanity murders people who think differently of him. I would hardly think that such a meek girl would be into such a violent book but when I ask her response is just that it makes her feel better that there is someone like her. I never took her for a maniac serial killer, but if she is that would explain the avoidance of questions and the fear of going into the void. I'll have to ask her about it I'll be right back... Time: "Day 6" Gate classification 0022902 Section 13.32 Void Status: Inactive "Novi Liberi" accounted for: 733,734,933,983,087,523,696 Job Classification: Guide It is funny how a common interest gets people talking. I showed a little interest in her books and she started talking like a deflating balloon. The souls at my gate aren't piling up so as fast as I like so I just dispelled them to one of the other gates and called this portal inactive for a time. I have been sitting with this girl and we talked, she answered my questions for the first time. Her name is (or was anyway) Lana and she wasn't a serial killer or anything like I previously thought. Turns out she gravitates to the nature of these books because she feels like an outcast and the anti-hero she reads about is in the same shoes but he deals with it unlike her. She likes a bunch of other types of art and that television came up again. She talked about one show in particular very fondly. It was called My Little Pony I think? I have seen all types of "ponies" as those beings classifies themselves. This one in particular are the type that walk on four legs and has a coat of fur and then hair that makes a tail and... you know what I'm talking about, anyway, these ones can talk and have these magical adventures where they learn about friendship. It sounds so innocent and childish that I love it. I am surrounded by sadness and darkness all the time, so I feel like its normal to feel attracted to such a colorful and carefree world. Maybe I should tell Lana that she can live in that universe if she really wants too. She has still avoided certain questions like why she is so skinny or why she wont pass on? I guess she will tell me when she is ready but right now, I want to sleep until I open the gate again. Hopefully she moves on soon, she is such a sweet girl that I really want her to move on, unlike me... yea... she shouldn't end up like me.
LanaTime: "Day 12" Place classification 0022902 Section 13.32 Void Status: Active "Novi Liberi" accounted for: 908,974,468,208,782,901,789,568 Job Classification: Guide Another day another selection of souls pushed through the gate, I may have missed a few when counting but does it really matter? Lana is still here regardless of what I tell her. I still try to convince her that her perfect world is waiting but she just curls up in the corner with another book. I keep asking about her previous life but she gives me nothing in response, not even a "stop asking" or "piss off", just silence. I don't know what to say, so I just play with the fire some more. It really is a pretty flame, allowing me to play with it changes its color, intensity, and brightness. Lana tried to play with me but it still hurts her very severely. She has since kept a safe six foot distance from it since. She has taken to writing down her feelings and thoughts as well. When I'm not she is and it is truly saddening to see how content she is with what I do. If this continues she will just end up in the same boat as me, alone at another gate just pushing every type of being through to the void. I don't know, what to say though. It has been nice having extended conversation with a face that doesn't change. All things must end though. I have taken to going on walks with her to show her the emptiness and loneliness of this plane of existence but all it seems to do is draw her closer to me. She refuses to go farther than arms reach of me and it really starting to worry me. I feel like some sort of father figure at this point, which is bad for both of us. I have to find some way to get her out of here on her terms. I don't know but I may just take a peek in her diary to find something to convince her to go out on her own. By the next time I write in this journal she will have moved on and I can get back to work. Time: "Day 15" Place classification 0022902 Section 13.32 Void Status: Inactive "Novi Liberi" accounted for: 1,740,037,368,983,589,309,094,794 Job Classification: Guide I know it has been a while since I wrote in this but it has been hell since my little plan backfired. I screwed up looking through her diary and she found me in the act. She is upset, I know nothing new, and now I can't find her. This is really bad because if I lose a soul out there not only will I be reprimanded but Lana will end up in a whole new type of hell. Damn it, why am I writing in this thing? I have to go out and find her before it's too late. I remember, I am writing because I need to calm down and collect my thoughts. This is helping a lot actually but I need to go out there, sorry for not writing too much this time around. I hope I find her... Time: "Day 18" Place classification 0022902 Section 13.32 Void Status: Inactive "Novi Liberi" accounted for: 1,740,037,368,983,589,309,094,794 Job Classification: Guide Well this has been an enlightening experience, I have found her and brought her back to my chambers. She traveled quite a distance before I found her. It didn't take much convincing to bring her back, she is deathly afraid of the dark and now I know why. As it turns out she had a terrible life before her death. She was living in poor conditions with an abusive mother who drank away their food. She lived most of her life crying in her bed or walking the streets looking for something to eat. They stole cable and spent enough time at a comic store which is why she knows so much about these little things like the show. Turns out the last month of her life was spent locked in a basement, alone and in the dark, because her step father was "tired of looking at her". There is a lot more but I don't feel it is appropriate to write every filthy detail she talked about with me down. This is why she is afraid to let go of me and move on to the void. The void is dark and cold but I am the only thing that speaks nicely to her and treats her kindly. The worst thing though is that she has grown too attached to me in the short time we've known each other, because she will only go through the void if I do it with her. I don't even know if it is possible for two souls to share a world... I really don't know about this, I will have to really think about it. I mean one one hand, leaving my position and going in is what I always wanted and this girl could give me enough courage to make that final step in... on the other I have been doing this for so long I am not sure who else would? Could I really push this repetitive life onto another? Is this a weak argument? I don't know why I need convincing but... I really just have to take a walk... Side note: Lana has taken to sleeping beside me when I lay down. I'm not sure why, but its nice to have something to protect or at least pretend to... whatever, it's nice and I don't need to convince myself it's for a reason. Time: "Day 20" Place classification 0022902 Section 13.32 Void Status: Inactive "Novi Liberi" accounted for: 1,740,037,368,983,589,309,094,794 Job Classification: Guide I think I will walk in with her. There is nothing for me here and I think I have spent my time here. I have put a note to Lucifer that I am making the final step and will do the customary of leading the last batch of souls in through the gate before I close up and make this step. Everything is happening so quick since I started writing but... every adventure starts somewhere I guess, and for as long as I have been here it is about time I got mine. This will be the last time I open this gate and collect lost souls. I can't believe I'm really saying that. Time: "Day 21" ~~Place classification 0022902~~ ~~Section 13.32~~ ~~Void Status: Active~~ ~~"Novi Liberi" accounted for: 000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000~~ ~~Job Classification: Guide[/s~~ ~~Everything is put in order and I am ready to take the step. She wants to hold my hand and jump in, I think that is beautiful if not a bit corny. I will miss the fire and the books but I guess I can't have everything I want. After this entree I will become something completely different from what I am now. I will lose everything I have known... that is scary... too late to talk myself out of it. Now I'm just stalling.~~ ~~Goodbye life I knew.~~ ~~--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------~~ ~~They jumped in hand in hand. The demon and the spirit, together created a world that mirrored the lives they knew and damned if they didn't have the perfect outline to start. That show she talked about with the ponies, strangely became their new reality. It was dark at first, then a light started bright and shining. Then a moon came and soon it was dark again. After a few hours Caleb woke up in a field alone. He felt strange trying to stand. He stumbled a fell a few times before realizing he had to stand on all fours. He wobbled to his feet...uhh... hooves and looked up. "Lana?" He called out into the field. So much for sharing a world, even still this was a nice place to come into. A very bright a exuberant land with plenty of creatures fluttering about or scampering on the ground. They all seemed very much.... alive. What a change! Alive! Amazing how much better it is to be in a world that has life and color! It felt so safe and heavenly and, well, happy. Lana did tug at him a bit though. It was a shame she couldn't be here with him. He figured there was no real use to sit around without testing out his new legs.~~ ~~After a few clumsy steps he simply walked. It was astonishing feeling the fresh grass with dew and the cool morning air. He stopped and breathed in. Breathing in itself was nice but there were all types of smells. He couldn't name a single one except... Cinnamon? How did he know that? He also knows that smelling cinnamon was usually in a pastry which isn't found... it's cooked. With the power of deduction that means there are other intelligent beings that he can communicate with. What is he exactly? A pony he guessed if it was anything like what Lana told him about the show, but she mentioned there were other creatures besides ponies. Well first things first, find out what that smell is and where it is coming from, and what that sharp pain in his lower abdomen was. The smell got stronger in the direction of the rising sun so that was his first destination.~~ ~~Walking a few feet he kept his nose in the air, amazed how smell can lead someone so... *CRACK* A snap and a excruciating yell. Pain is also a new concept and breaking your front left foot by stepping in a hole you never saw coming was a very active way to introduce yourself to it. After a while of yelling in pain Caleb looked up to see an audience of gathered animals all staring him down. A paranoid feeling ran through him as the animals crowded around. The thought that they might be hungry was a recurring one. Stood up on three legs and made sure to keep his hurt one raised. He walked a few inches before a medium sized bird landed on his raised hoof. I guess it had mistaken it as an invitation to land when all it really did was cause Caleb to collapse in pain and whimper.~~ ~~"What a great way to start his new life." He whispered to himself. As he tried to stand again he saw a pair of yellow legs and pink hair ahead of him.~~ ~~"Oh my Celestia! Are you okay you poor wittle thing? Are you hurt?" The mares voice was soft and sweet but panicked and fast. A weird combination really but he wasn't sure how to respond.~~ ~~"Oh, no. Please I am fine. I just have to find something." He stood up again lifting his hoof once again and making sure that flying rat was safely away from the injury. Getting a better view of the creature it was a rather pretty mare with excessively long hair and she was hiding behind some of... "Lana?"~~ ~~The mare looked at him and blushed and looked away "Oh no...~~ I'm Fluttershy~~..." She immediately looked back down at Caleb's hoof and seemed to gain back confidence. "There's no time, we have to deal with this now! Come with me your poor, poor, pony."~~ ~~She fluttered next to him and leaned against his hurt side and applied weight to keep him balanced. He was more dumbstruck that she could go from silent and shy to caring about his injury immediately. She spoke 'Come on to my cabin and I'll fix that right up. And then you can ask me any question you need to."~~ ~~That's probably the best news he got. It is a little overwhelming having all these feelings, new territory, and some other being helping him through this new thing of pain.~~
Re-Apply Re-Apply The couch itself wasn't too impressive, but it certainly more comfortable than the dirt he laid in only a few moments ago. Caleb managed to keep the weight off his hurt foot and the birds away from it as he took in his surroundings. It was a cozy little cabin that was very modern but still very much like nature. He also took note of little animals coming in and out as they felt necessary. They took food and bed making Caleb feel that this was more of a zoo than a home if not for the kitchen right across where only one little critter would find a carrot and munch at the counter. Nothing besides the over abundance of animals really stuck out. It was kind of serene and would be relaxing if not for the fresh injury. As he had his back turned a certain mare had flown a first aid kit next to him. She spoke so sweetly as she gently grabbed the hurt hoof "How does it feel?" Caleb kinda winced as she moved his hoof up and down "Fine!" She immediately stopped moving it at his obvious pain "Alright this is going to sting a bit." She took the broken hoof and wrapped it up and and put a splint on it. After about a minute of wrapping, asking if he was okay, and ice Fluttershy made Caleb lay down on the couch. He protested "please miss but I think I can go now, you have done enough and I must find my friend." She denied his attempts to sit up by gently but forcefully placing a hoof on his chest. "Now, I wont have any of that. You got hurt in my yard now I'm taking care of you. When you feel better we will help you find your friend." Caleb reluctantly laid down and waited. He never had been waited on and it was uncomfortable to think that he was some kind of burden on some creature he just met. There was still this new feeling tugging at him. He was unsure of what it was, like a heavy feeling, perhaps it was a feeling of frustration? The sun was starting to set by now and Fluttershy came in with a blanket and a pillow. Caleb protested "Please you don't need too, I don't sleep." She looked at him with a smile and continued to fluff the pillow. She placed it behind his head and started to unroll the blanket "I can tell, you look exhausted you poor dear." The blanket gently puffed over him finally resting on his lower half. "If you need me my room is upstairs, it might get cold tonight so don't be shy to ask for another blanket." Caleb didn't fight it, he figured that he can simply leave when she was asleep. He had read that creatures usually sleep during the night, so he would just wait until he could no longer see the sun. _______________________________________________________________ -The next morning- Caleb woke up the next morning to the smell that he had smelled before he was injured. This must have been where it came from. "How the hell..." he groggily sat up making sure that he kept pressure off of the wrap. He lazily stood on three legs gaining his balance before sitting back down. "What happened to me? Was I drugged?" Caleb yawned. Fluttershy, who was wearing a light green apron, came into the living room with a bag full of feed. "Oh your awake!" She saw him sitting on the floor "Did you fall on the floor while you were sleeping? Oh my I'm sorry I didn't notice, I'm so dumb. I should have noticed and put you back up..." This was a sensitive situation and had to be handled with the utmost care, after all, mares are known to be irrationally emotional when it came down to it. Caleb knew exactly what to say and he mustered up enough strength to speak... "There, there..." Nailed it. Fluttershy stopped beating herself up "Look at me being selfish and thinking about myself again, you must be starving." Caleb came to the sudden realization that he was no longer feeling that happy, light,feeling that he had when he arrived but instead one of a rumbling sensation in his stomach. He was an idiot for not realizing that the things he was used to not dealing with were important factors in this decision he made. Sleep, hunger, boredom, "companionship", things like that which he could ignore forever if he wanted with no real drawback would now psychologically and physically hurt him. He was mortal and he had to remember that or else he would go back to where he was not as a Soul gatherer, but a soul. Something about the sudden realization that death was a new factor made him desire food that much more. He stood to his feet and walked his way to the kitchen behind the pink maned mare. He sat at a small three seated table while she continued to work on the meal. Looking around everything seemed to keep the same nature like theme, she was defiantly a care giver for animals and the sick. "Alright, you eat up, I have to feed the animals." She laid a plate full of glazed looking swirly things in front of Caleb. "I will be in and we can check on your hoof." Caleb nodded as he poked at his food. "Their called cinnamon swirls, Pinkie showed me how to make them. She says everypony she knows loves them and she knows everypony so... I assumed..." He looked up at her with a confused look "Who?" Fluttershy looked at her own hoofs "Oh sorry, I should have known you aren't from around here. I mean, Pinkie is my friend who works at the bakery." Caleb didn't change his expression in the least bit. "There are others?" He questioned a little too enthusiastically. She didn't bother coming out from behind her hair for her very common squeak. He didn't press anymore and let her leave as he poked at his meal. He leaned over and bit into it. It was absolutely lovely! An assortment of flavors perfectly mixed into each other and created a very sweet bread. He could not help himself and pigged out and ate three of them from his plate without even a breath of air in between. It was a very delicious meal but it left him a bit parched. He stood and walked to the sink and drank straight from the faucet. He had no idea how thirsty he really was until the water hit his lips, he must have been there forever. He stood up panting and looked over to a mare stifling a giggle. "What?" Is all he could say through dripping glaze and water dribbling mouth. "Here, go ahead and clean yourself up. Do you need me to...ummm...unwrap your bandage?" She blushed as she motioned to the bathroom. Caleb spoke very frankly "No, I may need you to help me put new ones on." She just nodded and closed the door behind him. He looked into the mirror to see a very messy looking creature. His mane was wild and leaned to the left as well as his weird eyes and dark coat. "Red eyes, black fur, black hair, pony, wings?" He looked on his side to see wings, weird, but the fact he never touched the floor in his old job was one of the things he loved and it made since considering his new companion had wings. He did contradict this world in every way possible and looked more like he would belong in a vampire movie rather than a color filled world of helpful ponies. He looked scary no wonder that mare was so shy around him. First things first, he used his teeth to remove the splint and bandage. It took a little longer by himself but it got done with minimal pain. He turned on the sink and grabbed a wash towel. Scrubbing with the wet cloth he got rid of the morning meal and some dirt from his face but that was just the start. It took a few hours cleaning himself with the one towel and sink but he was sure he was considered clean except for his head which he was going to soak in the sink and use another, dry, towel to clean off. He pushed his head the best he could under the sink and wet down his mane. Grabbing a new towel he dried his hair only to rip it with his horn. "Wait what?!" Caleb became alarmed, why did he have horns? The mare didn't have horns and he was sure that the ponies he had seen and read about didn't have horns. "Like it?" "Who said that?" "Down here Thatanos" He looked down to see a little red man with goat horns and a rather luxurious looking suit looking up at him. "My name is Caleb, I am not death, I quit my job and you should know that Lucifer." He was confident that he did not break any rules and was free to live his new life as he saw fit. Lucifer smiled and climbed onto his shoulder "You should know that I do not just let things go without being involved in some way, and as I recall you are too afraid to just become mortal." Caleb didn't like the truth, but he could not hate his boss for telling it. He was afraid of being mortal and was more than willing to at least listen to Lucifer. The red man pointed to the mirror "you like the horns? They come with the job, and so do the wings. I am offering another life, another more, hands on experience. You stay in this world and collect souls as Thatanos, and you can live normally as Caleb." Caleb looked at himself "How do I collect every soul and still live a normal life? This sounds like a trick." The little devil smiled "contrary to popular belief death does not deal with every soul. Most find their way to my gates but others we call lost souls. You only deal with the souls who don't know where to go or refuse to leave which is not too terribly common. Hell, I'll even sweeten the pot by giving you a hint to find Lana." Caleb's ears perked up at that. "Got your attention now?" Lucifer smirked. "Why can't you just tell me where to find her?" Caleb protested "this sounds too fishy to just be simple. Lucifer nodded "I never said it was simple, you just have to enjoy the ride on your own by having your own experiences and learning how things work in this world both spiritually and in the world of the living. You don't have to take it, you can be normal with your hurt foot and have no idea where to go." Caleb couldn't argue with him "What do I do if I accept?" Lucifer once again smirked "Well I can sense your concerns, only you and those who are dead can see the horns and other things. All you have too do is find those who can see you for you and guide them to a portal to the gates, then we take care of the rest. Sometimes it's sad, other times it's frustrating but it has to be done. You understand? And don't worry, if there is an abundance of dead or a VIP I will personally guide you to them." Caleb nodded "Well it seems like you have everything figured out." Lucifer spoke again "I have done this more than you will ever know. Once you accept this injury, sleep, and hunger will no longer be a problem. But because you want to be 'normal' you can keep your feelings that you didn't used to have. Love, desire, pain, hate, ect. All of that stuff." Caleb looked a little wary "Why pain and hate?" "Because life has good and bad, you have to have both." "Makes sense." He puffed. Lucifer adjusted his tie "So do we have a deal?" Caleb looked at himself in the mirror again and his hurt foot. "I do this, I am going to feel pain, but just not be injured?" "That's correct, no more broken bones, just a short pain relating to what hurt you. You will figure it out." Lucifer was getting anxious. "Can I have an answer soon I am a busy guy." Caleb looked at the little man "I'll do it." "Great! You'r clue to finding Lana is sticking with Fluttershy and looking for the starts." With that Lucifer flashed a bright light and was gone. "The hell does that mean?" A knock on the door brought him back to reality.
RealityFluttershy knocked on the bathroom door. "You okay? You've been in there a really long time?" Caleb didn't know how to explain that he was now completely fine. "Yea, I'm okay. Just washing up, I'll only be a few more minutes." "Okay..." She said "but please hurry." And with that he could hear hoof steps leave. "Alright, I am the new death. That's good... no, that's amazing!" Caleb had always wanted to be a reaper, to be more hands on rather than that gloomy job he used to have, but it was short lived and bittersweet. "What do I do now? I can't simply walk out there completely fine, that would be too weird." Then the thought that he could just fake it occurred. He wrapped it up best he could and held it up by his chest like he had been. "Alright, same deal only I have to pretend it hurts." He put the towels he used in a hamper and walked out. Discomfort apparently were one of the things he could still feel and the splint was just that. As soon as he took two steps out the door a flash of yellow light raced by him "OHMYGOSHTHANKYOUSORRYI'LLBERIGHTOUT" and the door slammed. He walked back to the couch and sat down. What was he going to do? It didn't hurt and he felt well rested, he didn't want to just stay here all day and pretend to be injured, he wanted to go and find out what the hell that clue meant and who that Pinkie character was that the mare mentioned earlier. He didn't want to just up and leave though, that would be rude to his host and seeing how she reacted to him sitting on the floor he doubted she would take him disappearing lightly. On top of all this he had the figure out what job Lucifer had given him and what he was supposed to do. It is scary to think what might happen if he cannot do his job but whatever would happen wouldn't be good. As he imagined the possible outcomes the bathroom door closed and Fluttershy came walking back into the room. She smiled and took a seat next to him. "How does it feel?" she asked. Caleb glance from her to his arm and back. "It still hurts but I'll manage. I know it must be weird taking care of someone you know literally nothing about and have never met." Fluttershy looked away "well it is a little, but you were hurt and I have a duty to all living creatures." He nodded "You never even told me your name." She looked a little embarrassed "well I have but..." "But what?" "I can be very..." "Hm?" "Shy..." "Please speak up. We're friends here." "My name is Fluttershy." "Well there you go." Caleb kinda gave her a pat on the back. "Heard that." She smiled still embarrassed. "Well who are you? Are you an astronomer pony or a star gazer?" Caleb gave her a confused look "Not in the slightest, I have never looked at a night sky. What made you think that I did?" Shy hid behind her hair again "Well you'r cutie mark being a star I just thought.... I'm sorry I shouldn't have made assumptions." "What is a cutie mark?" It was Fluttershy's turn to be confused "You don't know what a cutie mark is? It's your birthright, it defines who you are as a whole. It's been on your rump your whole life almost." He has no clue what she was talking about but he humored her by looking at her rump. "What do the butterflies mean then?" She thought for a moment before speaking "Kindness, for my love of taking care of every living thing." He nodded. "So what's that star mean?" He looked at his own rump and noticed a pentagram almost etched into him. "I... well... I guess you could say that I am a collector." "A collector of what?" She asked eagerly. "Um... well I guess you could say unusual paranormal items?" She was confused. "It doesn't matter, what matters now is that I get some exercise. I was hoping that I could go into town. "With your injury? Are you sure you'll be okay?" "Of course, it doesn't hurt that bad." "Alright... but I'm going with you." Caleb stood up "Fair enough, then we'd better head out." "You know you don't have to lean against me, I can stand perfectly fine." Fluttershy jumped away. "Oh sorry... I just thought it would help." They made their way over a bridge into town square. It was buzzing with ponies of all styles of life going to and from their destinations or just enjoying a nice day. "I think you're going to love Pinkie Pie; she is very energetic and very special. Just... please keep an open mind." Caleb looked at her "What's that supposed to mean?" Fluttershy shifted her eyes away "You'll see..." They made their way to a tall gingerbread looking building. "Her house is a giant cookie?" A little giggle came from the yellow pegasus "No, it's the bakery. She rents an apartment above the store and works here." Caleb took a look through the store window. "Then where is everyone?" She responded "Well it is Sunday so everypony is probably doing errands or enjoying the day. The bakery is closed but Pinkie is usually still baking something or planning one of here super fun parties." "I don't see anyone in th- "PFFFFFFTT!" A barrage of string confetti and glitter shot both of them square in the face. Seemingly from nowhere a pink pony appeared with non other than her infamous party cannon and a noisemaker to boot. She picked up Caleb by the neck and effortlessly invaded his private space with a rib crushing hug. "NEW PONY!" She cried. Fluttershy regained her footing "This is Pinkie Pie." Caleb couldn't speak let alone breath. Pinkie still held him in a death grip with little to no hope of escape. "Oh my goodness I haven't met a new pony in ages mostly because I know everypony already and it is fun and everything but a new pony means I can have even more parties and can make a new friend smile and OHMYGOSH I am going to throw you the bestest most greatest party of your entire life and I will invite everypony! You need to tell me what kind of cake you like and what kind of fruit punch to get THIS WILL BE GREAT! Do you have friends who want to come, NO, need to come! Well do ya!? You don't talk much." Caleb pushed himself away just enough to speak "Miss! Release me at once! I have no intention of going to a party and I would appreciate some space!" Pinkie let go and her happy go lucky attitude was immediately replaced with a shock of horror and then to one of a sad nature. "No....party....is it because of me? I'm sorry... I didn't mean to come on so strong..." Her hair went from its poofy, bright, curly form to a straight and dark form. Caleb was aware of this bi-polar attitude from reading a psychology book called madness but has never met a soul who could do that and was sure put off by the display. However he couldn't help but feel bad for the creature. "Well, I mean... if it means that much to you I guess you could throw a small party if you want... I guess..." "SQUEEEEEEEE!" And the poofy hair and the vice grip returned. "Oh we are going to be the bestest of best friends! Just like Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow dash! I just know it Mr. uhh...." "C..Caleb...*Cough*" "Oh I have to send out invitations and bake and get ready for this swell party! Where do you live? I'll bring everything over!" Caleb again wrenched the beast away from him. "I live nowhere." This however did not deter the Pink menace. "Oh a traveler! Well that's okay! We can have it here later tonight when the Cakes go out!" "The cakes?" "Ya! They own the bakery, but they don't mind I do this all the time!" Fluttershy piped in "Literally." Pinkie spoke "That's it then! Come inside and we can get this set up in two hours tops! It will be fun!" and with that she disappeared into the Bakery behind the counter. Fluttershy trotted next to Caleb "I... I'm sorry I should have warned you better." It's no big deal, I mean I'm not in a rush or anything to get lost. If I'm going to find my friend I might as well get to know everyone else while I'm at it." She smiled "Well we better go before Pinkie drags us in." Fun Fun Fun
First Night OutThe night was going great. Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Caleb spent the rest of the afternoon preparing decorations to Pinkie's specification. Fluttershy put up the hanging decorations up high and Pinkie baked her little heart out. Caleb, still pretending that his hoof was broken, was given the all important task of putting out snacks and punch. It was getting pretty dark by the time Pinkie's baking frenzy ceased and a plethora of sweets were mounted on the tables around a dance floor. The ecstatic pink pony ended the days work by turning off the main lights and turning on her own spotlights that illuminated the place just barley enough to see. Caleb had to ask "So miss, how many of your friend are supposed to come? I mean it's getting late and..." She threw her hoof over his mouth "One more second!" She released him and opened the back door letting in a wild haired white unicorn floating in her own sound equipment. She set up in an empty corner near the door to the kitchen. "Okay... that's one but miss Pin..." She shushed him again "one more second!" Caleb sighed in frustration, he had no idea where Fluttershy went and was less than thrilled to be apart of this party. Going from solitude to social gatherings was a chore on its own let alone having this obviously mentally sick mare throw what she would call the biggest party ever. As he collected his thoughts, the white mare that came in had set up some sort of booth and with a nod of her head gave to go ahead for Pinkie to begin. With a gleeful skip in her step she bounced to the front door and swung it open with force. "WELCOME PARTY PONIES!" To Caleb's surprise a small mob had formed out front of cheering ponies. There seemed to be more than the town could hold let alone the bakery but the surprises never ceased as they all fit comfortably inside. The white mare had spun a loud record letting all sorts of loud music play. The place went from dead to bumping withing two minutes and it was almost overwhelming for the black stallion. Caleb tried to fight his way through the newly formed crowed to the bathroom or the door or somewhere else. He pushed and moved his way through but to no avail, because a Pink pony had grabbed him around the neck "Pretty neat party right? Oh you have to meet my bestest friends they will love you!" There was no protest, he couldn't bear to be stuck in the middle of the unknown and was not going to be rude to this bi-polar creature again. However he wasn't going to pretend to like it. She seemed to navigate the crowed a lot better than he did, getting where she wanted with almost no resistance. She brought him to a table with three mares sitting around it. Two of them were in an intense arm wrestling match and the other was sitting with a file tending to her hoofature. "Hiya Rarity! Where's Twi?" The mare looked up and noticed Caleb hanging out of Pinkies grasp "She couldn't make it tonight darling, she is studying. Who's your friend?" Pinkie picked Caleb up and put him in front of Rarity "This is my friend Caleb! He's new to Ponyville." Rarity stood up and circled him like a hawk, not taking her eyes off of him. "I can see that Darling, I'm Rarity. Charmed?" She held a hoof gracefully out towards him. He took it in a gentle shake and released her. "So what happened to your hoof?" She asked. "Well, I just came into town and kinda dumbly stepped into a hole." She got in real close and started a barrage of questions "So, where'd you come from? What is it that you do? That star must mean something pretty interesting." He was dumbstruck "Well I uhhh..." She made a pouty face "Oh please share dear. I find this stuff very interesting."A thick country accent saved him from the awkward situation. "Aw Rare leave e'm alone would ya? Ya'll just met him a second ago." The country mare and her blue companion had finished their little match. "I'm Apple Jack and this is RD." Rainbow Dash looked at him "That's Rainbow Dash to you scrub." "Ya'll be nice." Rainbow pulled the same stunt as Rarity and looked him over. "You got wings kid but I bet you don't know how to use them." Caleb didn't say anything. "Ya'll leave e'm alone, he don't need to'a be roped up in ya'll's stupid challenge. That's what I'ma here for." The two girls started to bicker and Rarity continued to ask Caleb questions while Pinkie had left. "I ah... have to use the restroom..." Caleb sat in the bathroom washing his face. "This is why I am a solitary creature." "I thought you were doing pretty good making friends." Caleb jumped in fright, a voice from out of nowhere just talked. "That white one seemed to like you. I would be careful though, wouldn't want to upset that one that fixed your leg." Caleb looked around the bathroom. There wasn't really a place that anyone could hide. "Shoulder dumb dumb." Caleb looked to see Lucifer standing there. "What are you doing here?" The small man jumped to the sink. "Well I am your training officer. You get to grab your first soul today." Caleb looked back wide eyed "Now?" Lucifer looked at him and snapped his fingers. "Yes, now." A dark aura came from the little man's fingers and enveloped the black pony. Caleb startled did his best to push off the attacking black magic but to no avail. This didn't stop him from making a mess of the bathroom by knocking over shampoo bottles and the mirror as well as pulling down the shower curtains. The aura gave off a burning sensation as it covered Caleb's face and body. He was terrified, not of death but that he was being dragged back to his old position. Something he dreaded. However it dissipated and left him belly up in the tub covered in the shower curtain. He made his way to his feet and stood there feeling pretty normal. Lucifer grinned "how do you like it? I take pride in my handy work." Caleb didn't feel different and was unsure of what his boss was talking about. "I guess you need a mirror to appreciate it." He used his powers again to lift what was left of the shattered mirror. The sight only made him fall back into the tub. From what he could make his face had been swallowed in darkness aside from his eyes that glowed like fire pits, no pupils or iris, just red. He had horns sticking out of the top, in a bent back fashion. It was eerie to look at himself. "Who would ever follow such a scary figure to the afterlife?" Caleb asked. Lucifer put down the mirror again "That's the best part. Your appearance changes with every person you visit in this form." Caleb looked at Lucifer with a confused expression. "I know it may sound weird but that's why death changes in everyone's eyes. Some people expect to see god a family member or even what they interpret as death. Some souls might see that skeleton head and so fourth." Caleb nodded "So I can be anyone in this form?" Lucifer nodded back "Not up to you who you become, but yes. You can turn back into your mortal form when we are done, for now we must go. I still have to show you the ropes of the job." Caleb put his hoof on the door handle "wait! I cant go out there, not like this." Lucifer hopped onto his back. "It's fine. Only those who have passed or are about to may see you." Caleb walked out into the mob. None of the ponies seemed to notice his presence. If anything they seemed to let him pass without any resistance like Pinkie did earlier. He walked out the front into a cool night. "Alright kid take off." Caleb stood there "I've never flown with wings, how am I supposed to do that?" "Just try it. Jump and flap." Caleb took Lucifer by his word and jumped and flapped. The first thing he realized was that he had no control and secondly that he was moving faster then anything he has ever seen. The landscape blurred past as his wings did what they did. Lucifer, griping at his fur yelled into his ear "I made it that so the wings would take you to any souls that need your attention. This way you don't have to waste time learning to fly on the job." Caleb was in love with flight. He felt free and fast and that nothing would stop him... until the ground getting closed snapped him out of it. He braced for impact only to find that he hovered two inches from the dirt. "Don't want you to crash either." Lucifer said from his spot. "Now, this can be a little tricky to find the soul. If they realize they died they are usually distraught or panicky but on the other hand they may not realize they died and could just be blending in." Caleb looked back at the little man. "There really isn't any other way to tell?" Lucifer nodded. "Other than they notice you, no." Caleb took a deep breath "I can't believe I'm about to take a life." Lucifer cleared his throat. "Guiding, you guide the soul not take it." Caleb nodded and looked around. He was on a farm, secluded from the town. The night sky was in full view and the moon illuminated the entire field. It was quite and quite... "It's breathtaking." Lucifer agreed "I know, the night sky is always the best, in almost any world." Caleb when back to walking around aimlessly around the fields. "How am I supposed to find anyone? There is literally nobody out here?" There was no help from the dark lord on his back as he came to the realization that there wouldn't be anyone out in a field this late. "Farmhouse, got it. Thank's for the help." Lucifer just gave a slight yup from his back. "Are you reading rather than helping me?" Again his question was met with a half assed yup. Making their way to the farmhouse they were hit with a drizzle of rain. "What the hell? The sky is clear." Looking up a few pegasai moved dark clouds in the way of the stars. "I have so much to learn about this world." That moment an apple struck him across the head with a resounding force. "What the..." an angry looking green mare who looked older then the world itself stood on the porch with a couple apples ready to throw. "What do ya'll think yer doin on mya property!" she yelled. "Hey, I think I found her."
