Experiment 76

Chapters

Chapter One - Bells and Whistles
Chapter Two - Pins and Needles
Chapter Three - Crimson Blood
Chapter Four - Letter of Fear

Chapter One - Bells and Whistles

Comforting darkness floats around me, I feel safe here. I don't know why, but not seeing is something I prefer, it has always been something I prefer. Here they say this is my home, but I don't feel that safe. I always looked around, hoping for the light under the door never to engulf my room. I can hear the sounds of bells, always, and sometimes whistles too. Yet I always find myself gazing at the blackness, not at the door. I hardly move and I can tell by the light patterns when they give food and water. However I always lay on the cold metal and wait, they talk to me, I stay quiet.

I knew one day I would fall victim to having them enter my room, get me to respond. They want me to talk, they want to know if I am ready. I know what happens after if I speak, pain, pain happens. I always heard the terrible screams of those younger then me, those who don't know. However I know, if I talk, they will take me away. I have no idea what they are trying to prove, but they're growing tired. I know it, I can hear the frustration in their voice, they might take me anyways. The door opens and slight light engulfs my room. I flinched for a second, but the door opened no wider.

I heard the sound of metal bowls hit the floor, it is just lunch. I have no way of tracking time here, they tell me nothing. I got up to eat a little and get some water. My mouth feeling pasty and dry, and my mind going through the same rut. However I knew this rut was the safest thing. I quietly ate the bland gruel and drink the refreshing water. My ears prick as I heard the slot of the door open, my head lifted. I could see the face of a guard, and he glared at me and I just match his glare. However I soon find it a pointless effort, I couldn't scare them before, so I can't now.

"Hey, you gonna say something?" He growls through the metal slot.

I didn't respond, I just kept my head down and drink some of the water. It isn't cold, but its always better then nothing. I hear dhim let out a growl of frustration.

"Not one word? Your too smart. We like to bug the talkers, we don't like voices. It makes you different, but you are silent. However how great would it be to see you finally go into the white room. Heck I am up to see that! So how about a word?" He asked, a mischievous smile creeps on his face.

I didn't make a sound, does he think I am stupid? Then again he is like the other guards, they all talk to me, trying to get me to crack. It has been so long since I have heard the sound of my own voice. I don't even remember what I sound like. I look at him, seeing two blue eyes watching me. Soon he growls and slams the metal slit shut. Good riddance. I began to walk back to the back wall, but I heard it. Not in my cell, but the one next to me. I heard the bells and whistles of them. I know that the one next to me has finally cracked.

He was here longer then me, I had heard guard word that he is insane. I can even hear his crackle through the thick walls. I can help, but to turn left and have a listen. I put my right ear up to the cold metal wall. I can hear loud laughter and the bells. They are loud and have rhythm to them. I hear guards hoot, cheering for the insanity that happened to my neighbor. All I can wonder is if I am going to end up like that. If I am just going to become an idiot and say a word. I take a deep breath and soothing breath out, reminding myself of who I am.

I am Blitzer, a Silenced. I vowed not to speak when I came here. I am one of the very few Silenced left. I am experiment 76.

I take another long breath. This place is one of the worst places in all of Equestria, yet no pony knows we are here. We are hidden, never to be seen, mostly to be killed. We are told by the Silencers it is out nature to die young. I never believed and I knew I never would. How can it be somepony's nature to die young? It is like saying we are all going to end up here, every pony in the world, but that can't be believed. If the princesses knew about this, would they stop this terrible place?

That was when I heard the loud sound of the metal door smacking the wall. I shudder and turn to see ponies in white lab coats and black goggles with yellow lenses. I am confused, this isn't right, I have stayed silent. I still stay silent, the Silencers won't get a word out of me. They just look at me, stepping closer and closer. I can feel my heart beat fast, I am frightened. I have never been in a situation like this, they only would send one! I step back into my corner, not daring to speak a word. They all stop and a colt is thrown in front of me.

I cock my head, what is this supposed to mean? I watch as one of them grabs him, be screams. He was clearly startled as a razor blade is held towards his left arm. Bells and whistles still blew in the background, I could still hear the laughs of insanity. Soon a female scientist walks forward. She had a long dark brown mane and tail, both the color of chestnuts. Her body is tanned and her eyes are a bright green. She smiled at me, and I stood there confused.

"Hello experiment 76. You haven't talked in so long. I bet you don't even remember. Well listen, say a few chosen words, and the colt won't get hurt. Got it?" She explained, stepping back.

I wonder if they really are that twisted to hurt an innocent colt? I am not sure, all I do know is that I hear constant screams from outside my walls. I don't say a word. She nods to the pony holding the colt. I watch in horror as the blade is brought to his skin, making a deep cut. Slowly he cuts down the arm of the colt.

"Noooo! Noooo!" The colt screeched loudly.

Blood dribbles to the floor. Shining in the light of the open door. The first cuts already staining his pelt and I already know it hurts like hell. Tears stream from the colts eyes and mercy comes from them. He looks at me with puppy-dog eyes, but I do nothing. I could smell the terrible metallic odor that flooded my cell. It burned my throat and made me want to gag. The mare looks at me, unamused and nods at the stallion again. He slams the colt against the metal floor and begins to slowly cut the shoulder. The colt cries louder in pain and I can't hear the bells and whistles anymore. My face starts to feel hot with anger and I too want to cry, but I stay strong. I watch as a pool of crimson blood forms at my hooves.

Soon he lifts the colt and points to the throat. A smile on the stallions face. My stomach twists in knots and I can't believe what I was going to do.

"I surrender!" I screeched, not able to let the colt suffer anymore.

They let go of the colt and he falls to the ground still crying. He looks at me and nods, I know it means thank you. Soon they rings bells and whistles and blindfold me. Making sure I have no idea where anything is. My head hangs low as they lead me down a long hallway. I can't tell how long, but it is long. I had heard my voice, gave up my safety to save the young colt. He may have to suffer healing burning cuts, but he is safe. That is all I know. The knots in my stomach hurt more and more. I am nervous to find out whats next.

I know it isn't good, we would have known by now, we hear too much. The bells and whistles make it impossible to me to know what kind of room I am in, but I can feel pools of liquid at my feet. I know that it isn't water, it is blood that is soaking my hooves. They shove me into a different room, removing the blindfold. My eyes sting in the light as I realize I am in a room with other ponies. All look beaten and terrible. Some even look sick and others I can tell are dead.

Blood cakes their fur and covers the metal ground. It is like a horror story here. Some have reddish eyes, others have so many cuts and scars they look deformed. I don't want to know, but I can feel their eyes watching me. I move away from the door and over to a corner. I feel safer there then anywhere in this cage. As I sit, I hear hoof steps of the metal ground as a grey stallion comes up to me. His fur is clotted with dark red blood and his navy mane is a mess. His blue eyes are milky and by my guess he is blind.

"So you the new kid here?" He asked.

I am swallow hard, I don't know if we are allowed to talk. I begin to chew my bottom lip.

"Don't worry, we can talk here." A mare said.

She had a bright orange mane and green eyes. Her orange mane is filthy along with her yellow fur. They are both covered in blood, as though they have been bathed in it.

"Yeah." I answered, my voice quivering.

"What made you talk?" The stallion questions.

I think for a second, raking my brain for a suitable answer.

"Mercy. They were hurting a colt, I couldn't let it continue." I answer.

"Mercy is one of the most useful things. Without mercy, we are no different then Silencers." Somepony said.

I look to my right to see a dark grey stallion with a black mane. His eyes are dark green like pine trees. He is covered in blood, but it is dulled out. He had been taking care of himself. I know he is right and mercy is one thing I had. It was a weakness, but it was needed.

"Yeah, your right." I admitted.

He smiled at me, clearly liking that I admitted that. He walks closer.

"So what is your name? I am Shade," he introduced himself.

"I am Clay," said the milky eyed stallion.

"The name's Flora," the yellow mare added.

I lift my head from the ground. They knew their names, I never knew mine. I just created out of my head. I wonder if they will notice and not like it. Plus my odd name could leave a trail and wasn't it better to be a nobody? I wasn't sure and I knew, that they already trusted me. They granted me the knowledge of their names, it was only fair I did the same, right?

"I am Blitzer. Number 76." I answered.

They all looked astonished, as though they knew who I was. Maybe it was my number that rang a bell. However there mouths were gaped.

"76, I have heard you haven't spoken in two years. Nopony has gone that long. You ignored every word. Now you show mercy?" Shade asked.

Soon I was confused again, what about my neighbor? He had been there longer then me and I didn't hear a peep out of him. I just look at Shade.

"What? My neighbor has lasted longer. Number 75 or 77, I don't know." I retorted.

"Nope, number 75 died of hunger, it was silent because he was already dead. You out lived him." Shade explained.

My mouth gaped, I felt stupid, how didn't I notice this? It was unfortunate, now my number would be flung around. I looked at hooves, nervous.

"Don't worry, we won't let anyone know you number 76. Besides, no one knows until your called." Flora assured.

I looked up, I had to admit she was observant. However I knew nothing of this place, and they wouldn't say anything. That was when I heard hoof steps. Shade brought his hoof up to his lips, telling me to be quiet. We all looked through the bars at the lab pony coming.

"Number 88, calling number 88." She called into the cell.

I watched in horror as a scrawny light blue filly was thrown to the front. The door opened and the scientist smiled. Soon number 88 was taken away, screaming like crazy. So this would be my new life, I wasn't safe.

Chapter Two - Pins and Needles

When number 88 left, he didn't come back. A few of his friends waited by the cell door, anxious for his return, but I knew he wasn't coming back. I knew it was terrible, but I stayed by the few ponies I met, I was safer here. Yet I knew when my number was called, I would be discovered. The scientist came in, only to gather the dead bodies. Guards stood at the door, armored from head to hoof. They watched as the scientist gathered the limp bodies. Most looked red and other looked beaten to a pulp. I could tell that this place was a lot worst then my dark little world.

I favored eternal darkness then this living hell that was before me. I could smell the metallic odor and the small of death. Sickness and blood mixed together to make a putrid odor that I couldn't stand. I already knew it would take some time to get use to it. My stomach couldn't stop twisting in terrible knots, but as Shade had said, mercy was more important. I had saved a life and if I end up dead for it, so be it. Remembering the nod of thanks I received from the tiny colt was enough to keep me feeling warm. In this cold cage of death, I felt warm. Someponies say that ponies go crazy knowing their life might be over.

Yet I found myself calm, even in the cluster of injury and sickness. I found myself smiling, and when I finally looked around I found Shade staring at me like I was crazy. Then again not many smiled here.

"You okay?" Shade asked concerned way.

I looked at him and then down at my hooves. I wanted to put my sentence in a way that was easy to understand. I knew either way he would understand, but I couldn't thread the words together.

"I am fine," I assured briefly.

"Then why were you smiling?" Shade asked, taken back by my answer.

"Because I showed mercy and saved that colt. To stop his suffering. If I die, then at least he will live longer." I answered, my tone serious.

He just looked at me and nodded. Then he looked at the other ponies in the cage.

"Too bad he has to grow up in hell." Shade sighed.

That was when a frown appeared on my face. He would have to suffer anyways. If he talked, he would be dead, that was how it worked here. I wanted to let the tears come, but I was tougher then that. I just did what I normally did when I was disappointed. I
breathed in and then out. This was how I calmed myself down.

"Yeah, too bad," I sighed.

I gazed around the room as well and saw ponies actually freaking out. They knew this could be their last moments, and they were scared. In this place we weren't sure if there was even God. Most believed it, but it was just hard to believe in a hell like this. Then again it couldn't get worst, but I knew I could just be fooling myself.

"What happens in there?" I asked Shade.

He looked back at me, his eyes grim. He already knew what I was talking about and anypony could tell by his face. My stomach was already beginning to twist into knots. Just by his gaze he had made some of it clear.

"Its a hell zone. I haven't gotten the worst. They blind some. Not to the extent of Clay, but for a while. They jab things into us and you don't even know what. Pins and needles touch our skin and sometimes they torture us. Even here is a living hell. This cell may seem safe, but your wrong. Here we kill some out of mercy, those who can't take it anymore." Shade explained, his voice grim.

I could only look at my hooves, my mind thought of the sins that were here. However my thoughts turned to the door where number 88 was taken. What was it like beyond those doors? I somehow knew that it was the true hell in this place. This was simply a hellish waiting room. It made me terrified.

"Now you understand how bad it is." Shade whispered grimly.

All I could do was nod. It was terrible here, what about inside? My heart began to beat faster, I hoped not to enter those doors. I could just imagine villainous guards around the room and a darkness that struck fear. I could imagine icy needles penetrating my skin as I may lay helplessly on a cold examination table. Scientist on all angles, but you wouldn't know where they were. The blind state their cover as they poke and prod you, in hopes of pain. The malicious chanting of guards as they hoot and holler with excitement for your death or suffering.

Well the victim lays helplessly in the middle of it. Fear stricken, face hot, and trying to hold back the hot tears. Feeling droplets of there blood fall from their soaked skin and onto the floor. Unable to see, only able to hear, feel, smell and taste the terrible monstrosity that was behind those doors. It made me shiver just to look at them. I feared being behind those doors and being helpless to save myself or any other pony.

"That does sound like hell. I can't even imagine it all." I whisper back, my voice stills serious.

I looked away from the doors and back at Shade. I no longer wanted to think of what happened behind those doors. All I knew was that it was terrible, and pure hell.

"Be happy you haven't been called yet." Shade said, his voice trailing off.

I could only look at him as his head hung low and he stared at his hooves. I already knew that he must be traumatized. Then again, it was hard not to be in a place like this, it was hell after all. Then I looked around at everypony else and I could see the pain and all their eyes. Every last one of them was different and it just hurt to know. I could only wonder if the princesses know, or were they for this unspeakable madness? How could the Silencers do this? For us, talking was pain and silence was safety and not after you spoke, darkness became hell.

The thing that used to comfort me turning to my hell. I felt betrayed by the darkness, but it wasn't its fault, was it? I no longer wanted to think about it, but I couldn't help it. I could no longer hear anything else. All I knew was that the darkness had forever betrayed me. The Silencer had turned it into one of my worst enemies. Darkness, once my only comrade, now my enemy. It made me feel terrible just to think about it. My stomach twisted into more knots and I couldn't help, but to feel alone. I already knew that I had to make allies, but was it that easy? I haven't talked for 2 years. For those 2 years, darkness was my only ally, and it was hard to let go, but it was time to say good bye.

I needed to make new allies and I already knew who. The ponies I first met were my best bet. They were willing to keep my secret from the others, so perhaps they were my only hope. I breathed in then out, calming myself. As soon as I got out of my state of mind I heard yelling.

"What was your idiot friend doing? Bumping into me!" A large stallion growled.

My head turned and I could see Flora and Clay. I already knew what happened. Clay must have had to take the lead and bumped into the stallion by accident. I waited, I couldn't just assume.

"I-I didn't mean to." Clay squeaked.

Soon I noticed the attention shift to them. I began to move closer. This wasn't some petty act, this was real! I scrambled through the crowd and kept listening.

"Please don't hurt us!" Flora pleaded.

"Too bad," the stallion said, and I could see him about to buck them.

That was when I felt my wings open and I jumped above the crowd and over them. I had never flown, so it just turned to a far jump. I landed on the stallion's back, knocking him off balance. I was thrown off shortly, but I got to my feet. I heard gasps from all around me. I could just hear a small murmur.

"He tackled Beast." They all seem to say.

The stallion known as beast got to his hooves and stared at me. He forgot about Clay and Flora who was running towards Shade. They only watched as I stood tall, looking at beast.

"What was that for?" He growled.

"That was for picking on the innocent." I retorted, also growling.

Soon Beast was laughing very loudly. It seemed to fill the whole cage with laughter.

"You little idiot, think you can beat me?" He boomed, "Just try!"

Soon he was charging for me. I didn't know quite what to do, but I took and guess and waited. I knew his size would easily knock me off balance, but I waited. Just before he would have ran me over. I dodged and his momentum knocked him off his feet. I was near the other side of the crowd. I felt slight stabbing in my legs. I turned to see his friends poking me with broken needles and pins. I stepped back from them, but soon my right side was hit. I was on the floor in a matter of seconds.

I large pain rippled down my flank and I looked to see that some of the pins and needles were still in my skin. I ignored them and got to my feet, but was hit before I could recover. The crowd gasped and my friends watched in horror as I hit the metal ground again. Scratches formed from the pins and needles that were left in my skin. I got up faster this time, but weaker. He was already charging, but I knew what to do. I dodged right as soon as he came, but he stopped soon. However before he could recover from his charge and headbutt him from the right side and he was thrown off balance.

I charged up, using my wings, I flew up, kicking his right to the point where he fell. I waited and when he got up again, he charged at me. This time I didn't turn and stood my ground. I understood now, that to survive, pain might have to be caused. I bucked when he got into range and he fell. A big purple bruise on his face. I walked away and back to my friends, I stood at the edge of the crowd.

"Hurting others isn't right unless it is more defense." I declared and walked away.

I went back to the corner where I liked to be. Where I felt safest. My friends followed, they were all grinning. I looked up, my flanks burning from the cuts.

"Thanks Blitzer!" Flora said sweetly.

I was looking at my flank, taking out some of the pins and needles left in my skin. I looked up at her and smile.

"No problem," I stated.

"No, we all owe you big thanks. That guy has been picking fight with everypony, but you showed him." Shade praised.

I couldn't help, but to smile. I took out a few more pins, it really hurt. Flora glances back at Beast's group and didn't look pleased.

"They're so mean sticking pins in you. You could get sick." Flora growled.

"I am fine. Besides, everyone makes enemies." I stated.

"True," Shade admitted.

I looked at my hooves for support. I wanted to ask them if maybe we could form a group. It would be the beast thing to do really. I breathed in, then out. I had to do this, I lost the darkness, not I needed real allies.

"Hey, guys. I was thinking, maybe we could all work together?" I asked, trying to put on a nice smile.

"Lets do it!" Flora exclaimed.

Clay nodded, agreeing with her. Shade looked at his hooves, he seemed nervous, but soon looked up. His eyes were bright with hope and he also nodded. This felt great, I had new allies, but lost darkness. Never again could I trust it, never again would it comfort me. In seconds I got more terrified then ever, that was when I heard it.

"Number 76 and 33, calling numbers 76 and 33."

Chapter Three - Crimson Blood

My heart was beating, faster and faster by the second. The ponies gasped, surprised to hear my number be called. I was flabbergasted, this day hadn't gone well at all. First I spoke, then got into a fight and now I was being called to come up and receive the cruel punishment that these ponies had received. I hesitated, but soon began to walk towards the door. Ponies stared my way, as though they recognized me. I heard hoof steps behind me, following me, by my guess, number 33. As I walked, I could feel Beast's happy gaze, I turned and saw him smiling. He was happy to see me go and get the treatment.

However my gaze drifted to behind me and I was surprised to see Shade. I slowed to be beside him, was he number 33? I didn't say a word though, I was too nervous, but soon we got to the front. I couldn't help, but to look at the big steel door where we would enter. I looked at the scientist and recognized the cruel mare from my cell. She was the one telling the guards to hurt that innocent colt. She looked like a beauty, but was really just a black hearted villain. That was how I described it at least. I couldn't help, but to glare, she was cruel. She just smiled at me, acting like she did nothing, that didn't work.

She began to lead us, not saying a word, the guards pushing us ahead. I just looked at the ground, unable to help, but think about what had happened in my cell. The crimson blood from the cuts that were given to the colt until he cried and screamed louder. It was a terrible thing to watch, but I knew it was worst for the colt. I couldn't help, but wonder if he was okay or if it was all a terrible lie. I decided to put that aside soon, it hurt too much to think about it then. I glanced over at Shade, who had his head down and wasn't saying a word.

I was guessing it was for the best. We were surrounded by guards after all, and who knows what happens if we spoke a word. I certainly didn't know, it hadn't even been a day, or had it? I wasn't sure, there was no way to tell time and we often didn't focus on time. It was always not speaking for me, but now it had all change. It didn't matter anymore, but it was still something I wanted to keep. To remember when darkness was my friend, even if it was my enemy now. I would always miss those days, but safety was no longer a real thing. I knew this as we walked down the dark corridor.

We soon came to a hallway, many doors were down it. I looked at the doors, each were large and made of iron. There was a large slot on each door and an eerie light leaking through the cracks. They reminded me almost of the cells, but they weren't. There wasn't any light in the cells, unless the door open. On the floor was dried blood, suggesting this was where bad things happen. The metallic odor lingered in the air, it was clear they didn't clean here often. I looked to my right and could see fresh blood oozing under a large iron door. I already knew it had to be number 88's blood. He was never coming back.

Drag marks were scraped in the blood in large stretched to the door at the end. The handle of it was bloody and that whole area a complete mess. Worst then everything I had seen to far. The crimson red blood seem to shine on it, making all the much more horrifying. I kept walking, but got pushed towards another room in a matter of seconds.

"You two will be in different rooms. Get a move on." The guard explained, pushing me towards a different room.

The mare scientist opened the door, revealing a tiny light bulb, large steel tables and an examination table. The walls and floors were covered with dried blood, but the tools and tables looked clean. It was clear that they didn't care about the terrible smell and bloody walls and floors. My eyes scanned the room, looking at everything and thinking of its uses. It was a painful thing to think about, to even look at. I could just imagine the terrified shrieks of the poor ponies who came to their fate like number 88. It made my stomach twist into knots. The mere thought making me feel sick, but I relaxed and let it pass.

However my stomach still hurt, but I already knew they wouldn't care if I was sick or not. The Silencers never cared, we all knew it too. They had black twisted hearts, that was how they did this. They think that our lives our worth these petty tests. I didn't think life was worthless, but it was pain because we were trapped here. The female scientist was watching me and I could feel her eyes burn into the back of my skin.

"Please sit down number 76. We need to begin." She said in a soothing and friendly voice.

I glanced back, looking at the guards. I had maybe defeated Beast, but I stood no chance against guards who were trained to kill. I could only glare at them, wishing I could get past and escape, but what about my allies? I couldn't leave them anyways, they were needed if I was going to get out here and remain alive. I wasn't sure how much they knew about the world outside, but I knew less then they did. I had been in that cell for two years, I knew how long that was and it was a long time. My eyes soften and I just did as I was told and got onto the examination table. I could have been bold and snapped, but this was different, a lot different.

I was trying to gain allies to stay safe and not all the ponies there were strong. Here I would be facing large guards with more power then anything I had seen yet. So I was force to sit on the table and take whatever they were going to do to me. I laid quietly on the hard examination table. I wished not to be here, but now I was, and quite early I believe. I knew that this was just one part of my unfortunate fate, and this is how it would be. I watched as the female scientist looked at her papers and equipment. Holding her light brown clipboard with her magic. I squinted trying to see the writing, but it was being moved around too much. I watched as she looked at the tools then the clipboard, and back and forth.

It was terrible not to know, but I knew it would be worst to know. So I released a sigh and looked at my front hooves. I waited until I heard the sound of hooves on the tile floor. It grew in noise and I turned to see the scientist smiling at me. I just scowled and looked back down at my hooves.

"Bitter are we? I was hoping you would be more open now." She sighed, still smiling.

I didn't reply, just looked up briefly, then back to my hooves. I heard her release a frustrated sigh, and go back towards the silvery table. I no longer watched and just lowered my head to my hooves and quietly waited for the cruel punishment to be accomplished. I didn't want to be there more then I had to. I heard the scientist walk back, a disappointed look on her face as she came closer and closer. I glanced up and saw a sharp silvery sliver with a glass container. I knew what it was, it was some sort of needle. I was somewhat frightened of it, I didn't know what was in the needle, but I knew I couldn't crack underneath the pressure, so I calmed and looked away.

The silver tip drew closer to my shoulder. Even though it wasn't touching me, yet I could sense it there and it made me nervous. I wanted to wince, but I just laid there, trying to pretend it didn't exist. When it was injected it felt like a thin icy finger going into my skin. I didn't dare watch, but I knew she was smiling in a twisted and evil way. I didn't know if it was still there, until I heard a slight ting on the metal tray. My head turned and I realized that they weren't done when I saw the red liquid in the glass tube. I already knew it was my blood, clearly in case of emergency. I already knew the twisted fate that I would face, perhaps not yet, but one day.

There was no escape from this evil and corrupted place, and I already knew. I wished to run, but my legs felt like heavy slabs of stone. I tried to be brave, but when it is hopeless, it was hard to look for it. My stomach twisted in a series of knots, and my mouth felt as though I was going to gag. It had hardly began and I was already feeling sick to my stomach. My face was hot with nervous, as I saw another needle through the corner of my eye. Its silver tip shown in the dim light of the room. There was no longer talking, yet I wished I had stalled for just a little bit, to feel myself without fear.

To feel how happy I had made my friends by beating Beast, but that was over. My glory had faded and now I could possibly be in trouble, others wanting to get me for being in the quiet for so long. Out of the corner of my eyes I could see the slight glint from the silver tip of the needle, and the greenish liquid that hovered inside of it. I wanted to pull away from the sharp tip drawing closer to my skin, but it would be futile with the guards nearby. My struggle would be a complete waste and might infuriate the Silencers. So I stood quietly and felt the thin cold needle enter my skin.

Soon the weird liquid was injected and they smiled, at though they already knew of the bad things to happen. Soon the female scientist went over and talked with the guards. I pricked my ears, trying to listen in, but their voices were far too hushed. Soon she turned to me, with the same charming smile on her face. It almost was like one a mother would give to a child to encourage them.

"Listen, if you want to talk, you can think about it. We need to know how to get more of you to speak. If you talk, you won't get as much punishment as the others, if not, perhaps worse." She explained, her eyes watching my every move.

I just waited and looked at my hooves, feeling her eyes on my pelt.

"We will leave, but the door is locked, so enjoy." She laughed menacingly.

With that she left through the steel door, the guards following close behind. They looked back at me and glared, I didn't meet it. I wasn't picking fights to help potential allies, I wanted to figure out what was going on. I slid off the table and gentle stepped onto the white floor. My eyes looked around, and towards the door. I saw light grey shadows and knew the guards were there. I knew I would have to be quiet. My ears stayed pricked and I looked around, my wings slightly out for a quick get away to the table. My eyes drifted across stakes of paper, but one caught my eye.

I saw certain words and returned to it, I began to read it. The words were horrifying and I knew, the others had to know.

Chapter Four - Letter of Fear

Dear, Miss Flash.

I hope that you are still doing fine Miss. Flash. I am doing fine lately. Being a castle guard it still a high quality job, thank Celestia it is. However many are coping with the sickness, or may I say plague. The sickness is spreading and I am worried for the Princesses to be honest. I have watched over them for a year, and although I am still not that close, I would feel bad if they were to get sick. The land is diseased ridden and lacking in foals of course. Our future looks grim. We all know that we are doomed to fall into a depression, yet everypony acts like there is no plague, but everypony knows it is there. Everyday I have found myself heading to the medical wards and they too smell of the dreaded sickness.

I can no longer walk there, yet I wander and just end up there. Since my dear Apple Crisp fell victim to this plague, I just can't stand it. I wish that one would show the potential to cure all. The prophecy had stated that one with such creativity would rise and one day help us. Our civilization so desperate to find a cure, we bring most foals to the very laboratory you work in. Most get sick and can't help, and the guards there pretty much seem like former criminals. I remember what you told me and I think I know why you still work there. I remember your sister as clear as day. Her flawless tanned fur and glossy darker mane. Her bright blue eyes you would day sparkle as bright as day.

I know that when the plague began, she was the first. I tried to help you, but we knew it was hopeless. It may hurt to read onward, but I remembered her sickly face. How her cheeks were carved out and her ribs showed. Her face once bright and brave, a pale sickly color and her eyes fear stricken. I remember the terribleness that was her filthy mane. Covered in vomit and blood, I saw it happen. I know now that you want to help the remaining ponies who are stricken with this terrible plague, but is it worth filing through each foal at you facilities? That is all I wonder, even though my sweet Apple Crisp is one of the many under the death toll of the plague, I was just happy to say good bye.

I have more questions for you Miss. Flash. Can you really live with yourself knowing what you have done? Rummaging through the numbers of foals at your facilities? To make them die a terrible death, possibly more terrible then what I have seen here. I am aware you still morn for your sister's lost, but you have to remember what she looked like before the disease. I remember Apple Crisp before all of this. Her silky dull yellow mane, with strikes with lighter blonde. Her bright green eyes that shied like emeralds in the sunlight. Her purplish-grey coat that seemed somewhat flawless. I remember her cutie mark too. The three smiling faces that were on her flank.

Although talking like this may hurt more and more with every word, I do have caution. The princesses know about the facility. They have yet to do something about it, but believe me, I know they will. No longer can you stay hidden. You are the last pony I hold dear to my heart as family. You always asked me why I never call you daughter in these messages I write, but it is for your safety. Only this small area will have it, but I do remember your real mother and father. I know you would wish to be here for you step-mother's death, but I do wish you had stayed with us. The world has gone to the worst and now I believe the remaining should accept that. Either way, even if you decide to keep working for them, if they come, just escape.

Even if I was to get caught writing what would get me hung for treason, I just want you to be safe. I want you to know that I believe the path you are on is a bad one. Although it seems my messenger gets past the seeing eyes of the guards well, it won't last much longer. Celestia has put up more guards because of the sickness and they are cautious. They no longer allow letters because they fear it will spread the sickness. She isn't taking any chances anymore. She declared that although letters were a useful way of talking, it was too dangerous and any who do, will be declare traitors and put under maximum security, even if it is someone well trusted as I am.

I just want you to be safe, so please. Leave the area,in fact I believe the only safe place for now is the Crystal Empire. For now it is sanction, if you can sneak in undetected, I know you will be safe. Please so there, and be safe.

Sincerely, Light Flash.

The terrible letters seemed to leap off the page at me. I had read it all, every word. This was why we were here, was to maybe be the blood cure for other ponies. However why all of this? Why the death? I had more questions then I began with and it was just terrible. The others had to know why we were actually here. I carefully put the note back, knowing getting caught would be the worst thing. If one of them noticed the letter was gone, they would know it was me. I placed it there ad jumped back onto the table, laying back down and acting like I hadn't moved. I took the last few moments to think about the decision and the fact I could snitch.

I could get a better life, but what about the other? They would certainly know something was going on, or would they? My mind was furious with the decision and I already had a feeling I knew what my choice was. Now I just had to wait. I decided to make the rest worth my while and rest my eyes. I lowered my head onto my hooves and closed my eyes. My ears remained pricked as I waited for them to come back. I knew the door was too dangerous to go through and it would be best to stay. Besides, I needed to tell them about the letter, it was important after all.

Yet my thoughts returned to me. About how the world outside this facility was sickened and terrible. If the world was going bad, this was certainly bad. The world above was the worst I had heard, but the had letter told me very little of what I needed to know. Soon I heard the metal door creak open and the mare had returned from her break. I wasn't sure if it was Miss. Flash or some other mare, but that didn't matter. She wore a smirk on her face and she looked at me, the guards behind her.

"So, your decision?" She asked, a hopeful look on her face.

I kept my head on my hooves and simply didn't reply. I looked at her from where my head was placed and saw the smile disappear from her face. She wasn't pleased and it was clear.

"Take him back to the others. He clearly isn't going to answer," she commanded. Then she looked at me again and growled, "I expected better from you number 76."

I stepped off the table and still didn't say a word. The 2 guards stayed at my sides and took me towards the hall. I looked at my hooves, feeling the mare's eyes burning into my back. I knew she was glaring at me. We walked down the hallway, going back to the large cell. However I didn't care anyways, but I noticed something that was important. I looked around and didn't see Shade anywhere. I was guessing he was still in there, but it was unfortunate if he were to meet his death. I kept my ears pricked and we walked closer to where the cell was.

I could see the group of ponies in fear of the fact the guards were back. I then saw Shade already in the crowd and couldn't believe it. He had just gone, why was he back already? The guards opened the door, but I didn't notice, and because I didn't they pushed me in. I hit the ground muzzle first and felt pain erupt through my muzzle. I let out of moan of slight pain and heard the door slam shut behind me. The crowd split apart and soon heard footsteps coming towards me.

"Blitzer, are you okay?" A voice asked.

My head lifted and I saw the kind face of Flora. I lifted myself off the cold hard ground and looked at Flora.

"I am fine, it just hurt a little," I replied.

I didn't want them to worry and I knew I had to talk to Shade soon. I would also had to tell them about the letter, but that could wait. I was really tired and the day felt long and draggy.

"So, is there anywhere I can rest? Its been a long day." I asked, yawning.

Flora nodded, "Come over here, me and Clay stay by the wall, you could rest there."

Flora lead me to the other side of the wall, away from the door. My eyes were very groggy and I was quite content to get some rest. It didn't take long to even get through the other ponies in the cell and to where they slept by my guess. When I got to the other side I saw Clay who stood up.

"Its okay Clay, just Blitzer and I," Flora soothed.

Soon I laid down at on the cold floor and closed my eyes. Ignoring any other noise and welcoming the darkness.