The Shrouded Stallion

Chapters

Prologue: The Student
Assassination Gone Wrong
Unexpected Events....Why Me?
Truth Or Lies
The Sun, Moon, and a little Chaos
Welcome to Ponyville
The Burning Building
My Sanity
Monster
Call Me That...One More Time
Nature of The Beast
Blast From The Past (Part 1)
Interlude: Luna's Nightmare
Blast From The Past (Part 2)
The Dark Pony, Va-Korum
Bad Company
Interlude: Blue's Nightmare

Prologue: The Student

“Your training is nearly complete my young assassin….” said discord from his throne looking upon his student.

“Yes my Lord…..” said the student bowing before his master’s claws.

“There is but one more task before I allow you to complete your destiny and take your revenge.” Said discord rising from his seat.

As discord said that, the student’s eyes showed staggering pain. He once again had a vision of two kind faces. The ones of his parents, then he saw her….the one who took it all away from him. Her mane flowing in the wind, the lightly colored hair and glowing horn, and goddess like wings. He saw her viciously attack his parents in bloody rage and kill them. He came back to realization to listen to his Lord.

“You will face four of my strongest soldiers and either live or die…your actions in this fight will determine it. Be cautious and choose your weapons carefully.”

“Yes my Lord….” He said as his horn started to glow a menacing black.

He turned to face four large brutish apes in full scale iron armor. Swords appear at both of the student’s sides ready for a fight to the death that he was determined to win. The first ape in a blinding rage charged with his ax raised. He brought it down to hit nothing but thin air. Standing in confusion he realized the shadow above him but was too late to react. The student made a clean cut and the apes head slid off his body. The student jumped from the ape’s fallen body and gave a devilish glare at the three remaining apes. The apes looked at each other in astonishment and displeasure as they witnessed their brother ape was killed. Two of the last three apes ferociously charged both wielding decorated clan hammers. The student trotted forward and began a sprint, tips of his conjured swords scraping the ground. The apes swung their hammers which flattened the ground in front of them. They gave an evil grin at each other in the success of the student’s death. They lifted their hammers to see not even a drop of blood. They heard a whistle from between them and fell to the ground. The student did a spin and his swords followed chopping off both the right and left legs of the apes. They both hit the ground roaring in pain but were silenced when the blades pierced their backs. The student rose and gave a quick glance at the last ape.

“You can run or you can fight….your choice.” The student said lifting his hoof to wipe the sweat from his brow.

The ape started to sweat and cower; he backed away and was stopped by a magical barrier. While the ape cried and scratched at the barrier, the student smiled and whispered “Thank you my Lord.”

He made the apes death slow and painful….same way he would make her suffer.

“Good work my student. You have proven yourself once again and once again I am very impressed. You are ready to take on the most dangerous assassination ever. The death of the great and powerful Princess Celestia…” Said discord sitting down in his chair with a blood-lust full grin.

The student grinned along with his lord and thought to himself “Finally…she will die along with anyone else whose with her…for my name is Graymayne and revenge for my family’s death will be brought to the table…”

Weeks later…

Boarding a train for the Royal City of Canterlot, I thought about the traveling pony I murdered. I stole his bits and train ticket, with such ease. That pony was foolish to believe I was an injured traveler.

Sitting in my train seat I noticed so many strange things…like the pink colored lunatic jumping around the train car. I wanted to cut her throat so bad but I couldn't blow my cover. She sat with five other ponies. One with a cowgirls hat and country accent, she wouldn't stop talking about how everyone would buy and love her home grown apples. To tell the truth, my stomach growled after hearing the word apples, I didn't realize how hungry I was. Another pony was a cyan colored Pegasus, now I could tell she was a competitive and boastful one. She had a rainbow colored mane and tail. I must admit she was quite cute. Now I was certain this one was a drama queen. Talking like she was a fancy pony at the moment was a mare with a white coat of fur and a curly purple mane. She was such a drama queen; I saw her faint after spilling a drop of tea on her dress. It was the most ridiculous thing I ever saw. Now this pony I saw was the most pathetic excuse for a Pegasus ever. With the voice of a mouse…no, lower than a mouse, she would speak. I got a quick glance at her before she squeaked and hid under the table when we passed through a dark tunnel. Soft pink hair, golden fur, and large cautious eyes, for a strange reason I felt sorry for her. Finally, this pony caught my attention immediately as soon as I heard she was a student of celestia; a purple pony with a dark purple mane along with pink and violet strips in it. She continued to rant on about seeing the princess and how much she wanted to talk about her studies on friendship with her.

It made me chuckle a bit. I had heard the phrase…friendship is magic…bullshit. That phrase to me was as useful as bucking a tree without hooves.

By the time we reached the castle the moon had rose. I got up from my seat and made my way to the caboose of the train. I looked out the back door and as the train stopped I quickly spotted vents in the mountain that I’m sure led into the castle. Using my conjuring abilities I jumped off the edge of the rail landing on the platform I created. Jumping from conjured platform to platform, I reached the vent, broke the poles blocking the entrance and entered. After I think about half an hour I was sneaking around the castle halls. I made my way to the ball room where all the ponies were mingling and dancing. I then made my way to the entrance hall where I saw the princess greeting all the guests as they entered. I stood their staring at her. The one who I wanted dead stood their acting innocent, fooling these weak minded moron ponies. I wanted to kill her right then and there but guards were watching all the guests like hawks. Another reason was the fact that the purple pony that I saw on the train was there. I thought to myself well son of a bitch. If she was the student of celestia then I would want to stay clear of her. I would have to wait until celestia was alone.

Author's Note

Hello readers, I hope you enjoyed the prologue. Again, this my first Fic and criticism is definitely appreciated. I have worked very hard on it and hope you enjoy it as much as I did while writing it. What I plan to do is wait for comments and see what others think before putting up the next chapter. The image is from Skyrim and the symbol is Graymayne's cutie mark. If you have any questions then I will try to answer them as soon as possible. Thank You!!!

Assassination Gone Wrong

Hours later guests started to leave and guards started to clean up after any small messes. I made my way to celestia’s bed chambers and hid on the roof of the where celestia would go to enter. Minutes pass and she finally enters the room with her student. I overheard the student’s name as they said their goodbyes. Twilight Sparkle…strange name but it could have been worse. She left and I could see the princess preparing for bed.

I stood there and thought to myself. “Finally time to kill her and return to discord with her head.” I began ready the pounce and jump from above and kill her. She walked below me and I dropped. The time had finally come and my soul would finally rest in peace. Or so I thought…

Time felt like it slowed down and the next thing I know I was blasted out of the air and to the floor. I never realized that twilight sparkle had reentered to ask more questions. She had seen me falling from the air with my blade ready to pierce Celestia. She shot some kind of beam of light which sent me to the ground in a stunning pain.

Celestia looked at me. “GUARDS!” she shouted and they busted through the door and charged. I was backed into a corner between two windows.

One of the guards approached me. “Surrender and you will be allowed to live…assassin!”

I looked at him and then toward the window. “I’ll be back…” I thought as I quickly shined a bright light that blinded the guards. While they were blinded by the bright light I blasted the window next to me and leaped out.

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Falling fast, I could hear the wind whistling in my ears. My eyes stinging from the speed I was falling. I couldn’t keep my eyes open and didn’t realize how fast the ground came. “FUUUUUUCK!!!” I hit the trees which were filled with vines that helped break my fall. I hit the ground with a thud and a crash, only seconds passed before I blacked out.

I woke to the sound of guards calling to each other. It was still night so I thought I had been out for at least an hour. I pulled all the strength I could and stood up only to feel a surge of pain strike through my left hind leg. I would have a hard time running but I could still move. I thought to myself well fucking hell…I was screwed. I made my way to the small town that the train passed through and where that twilight sparkle pony got on. She was going to pay for what she did. I wouldn’t be in this mess if she hadn’t blasted me in the first place. I changed my target for now, first twilight then celestia. I would make her suffer. I made my way toward a farm that I had spotted when reaching an opening in the small forest, and made myself right at home inside the barn.

I tended to my wounded leg and hoof. I was so exhausted and wanted to just lay my head back and fall asleep. I knew that wouldn’t work though, guards were searching high and low for me. I had to keep moving, but what happened was completely by accident…I fell asleep.

The next thing I see is my time spent in discords care. The training was intense and will breaking. He trained me through torture, solitude, and hunger. I trained to where I could go a week without food and stand even the worst kind of pain. Discord put me through torture to show me what would happen if I were ever captured by another villain or celestia. I believed every word he said. He took care of me and treated me like a son even though I wasn’t. I would never let him down and I would repay him for it all.

Not long after I fell asleep I woke up to the smell of apple pie. I opened my eyes and shot up ramming my head into something. I heard a yelp and then a thud. I leaned back up and looked around.

“Hey what was that for mister!” said a squeaky country voice.

I turned to my right but saw nothing.

“Down here…” said the voice.

I looked down to see a tiny yellow filly with a bright red mane rubbing her head and groaning. I moved quickly off the bed ignoring the pain of my leg. I looked at her saying I was sorry and asking her not to scream. She looked up at me with tearful eyes and holding her forehead.

“Here let me help you there…” I said lowering my horn to heal her wounded head.
She looked up at me and allowed my horn to touch her wound. The bruise started to disappear and she started to feel less and less pain. She opened her eyes and smiled at me.

“Well, how kind of ya sir. I thought we were the ones taking care of ya’ll.” Said a familiar country accented voice from behind me.

I looked behind me to see the exact same cowgirl pony I saw on the train. Sporting her cowgirl hat and side baskets filled with apples. She was smiling at me and started to walk in. I didn’t know what to think but she must not know about the assassination attempt on the princess last night. News doesn’t get around very fast here does it?

“The names Applejack and that there is Apple Bloom. Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres. How are you feeling?” she said with a smile.

“I’m feeling fine, still feeling the pain in my leg. My name is….Graymayne. Nice to meet you Applejack…Apple Bloom.” I said standing up and gently setting myself on the bed, trying not to act suspicious.

“When we found ya’ll in the barn, we thought that you were dead. It took us some time to realize that you were alive and your leg was busted. I hope ya slept well.” She said as she helped lift my leg and set it on some pillows.

“I slept fine, but should really be going. I have a long journey ahead of me and must be on my way.” I said trying to stand back up and fail by falling and crashing to the floor.

“Hold your horses mate, ya’ll aren’t even close to healed yet.” She said putting me back on the bed and adjusting the pillows. “Plus ya’ll need to meet the pony who carried you in. I’ll go get him, Apple bloom watch him and make sure he doesn’t go anywhere.”

I looked at her leave and then looked at Apple Bloom. She puffed out her chest and gave a growl. I looked at her and attempted to get up but fell. Acting like she had completed her task she hopped up onto my head. My mane bushed in over my eyes and I exhaled out my nose. As you can tell I was pissed.

“Can you please get off me” I said giving a rough exhale.

“Nope, can’t let you leave until you’ve fully healed” said Apple bloom sitting there with a smile of accomplishment.

“We’re back ya’ll. Mister Graymayne, I would like ya’ll to meet Big-” she stopped as she saw Apple bloom sitting on my head.

“Apple Bloom! Get off the ponies head will ya. Sorry for that Mister Graymayne, Apple bloom will do anything for her cutie mark these days.” Applejack said giving a stern look at Apple bloom. “Anyway I would like to introduce ya’ll to Big Macintosh or Big Mac for short. He’s the one who carried ya’ll up here and laid ya’ll to bed.”

I looked at Big Mac and nodded with a thank you. He smiled back and gave a big eeyup.

Later that day I used my healing spell to force my bones back into place. It hurt like hell for a couple seconds and certainly woke me up. I concealed my yelps of pain using some cloth rags I found in the restroom. I decided it was time to try and walk. I placed my back hooves on the floor and exhaled for if I failed…I would have to stay here for the night and I was certain the news would reach this farm before I could even fall asleep. I leaned forward and put my front hooves forward. I closed my eyes hoping I wouldn’t fall on my face. My front hooves hit the floor and all I felt was a slight sting in my back left leg. Other than that I was feeling great, I believed I was ready to go. I walked down the stairs and was given an astonished look by the three of them.

“How in Celestia’s mane are you already walking mister?” said Applejack eyes widened and jaw dropped.

“Like I said, I have places to be right now…thank you for your hospitality Applejack, Apple Bloom, and of course to you too Big Mac.” I said walking down the stairs and toward the door. “But before I go…” I walked to the table that they were all sitting at and dropped my large bag of bits on it. “There’s roughly about 250 bits in that bag. It’s my thanks to you for helping me through my time of need.” I looked at Applejack and smiled at the dumb founded and astonished look she had on her face.

“W-Well thank you Mister Graymayne. I-I don’t know what to say, but thank you!” said Applejack still jaw dropped and eyes wide.

I looked at her and said “Careful…you’ll catch flies. I guess I’ll see you around then, goodbye.” I turned and trotted toward the door and walked out.

On my way out of the farm I saw her….Twilight Sparkle. She was sprinting this way. I jumped into the bush closest to me knowing that if I decided to fight here someone would notice. I sat in the bush as she galloped by with a dragon on her back. Now I was certain that I didn’t want to screw with her. It was a small dragon, maybe only a baby. Still I couldn’t take my chances; I was in no condition to fight. As soon as I popped out of the bush I saw her knock at Applejack’s door. I thought to myself, well I was correct from the very beginning. Twilight had gone to tell her the news of the princess’s near death and about the assassin…..about me.

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*knock**knock*

“Applejack open the door, it’s an emergency!” yelled twilight as she banged on the door.

“What’s the matter Twi? Your acting like a maniac, calm down and speak words.” Said Applejack with her hoof on twilight’s mouth.

“Ok...ok...ok.” said Twilight trying to catch her breath. She started to talk about the princess and how an assassin tried to kill her. She also said how she walked in at the last minute and saved her. All Applejack could do is stand there and be astonished. “Celestia believes he made his way toward Ponyville. That’s why I came here to see if you had seen any strange ponies last night wandering the area.”

“Hmm…to think about it, yeah. I found a sleeping stallion in the barn last night. He had a dark blue coat of fur, scruffy black mane with light gray stripes in it. He had a strange cutie mark…an upside down letter “u” with branches coming off it.” Said Applejack thinking about Graymayne. “Could he have been the assassin…hmm…no it can’t be. “He was so kind and…” she said realizing the fact that he was in a hurry. “That lying, conniving, little bastard!” she screamed throwing her hat down to the ground.

“It’s ok Applejack; you didn’t know there was even an assassin out there. Anyway, did you by any chance get his name?” Twilight asked trying to calm her down.

“Yes…h-he told me his name was Graymayne.” Said Applejack wiping the tears from her eyes. “And he just left”

“Ok, as long as he is still in the area. All we need is to get back to Ponyville. I already told the others about him and to start looking for suspicious figures.” Said Twilight trying to reassure Applejack. “One other question…was he a unicorn.” Applejack nodded and put her hat back on her head. “Just as I feared, this will be difficult but we can catch him.”

“He also had a broken leg so he is bound to be slow. I didn’t see him using any magic other than a healing spell when he rammed into Apple Bloom.” Said Applejack.

“Ok then, let’s hurry back to Ponyville and catch this Graymayne” Said Twilight as her and Applejack rushed toward Ponyville.

Author's Note

Well now, Graymayne has finally made contact and failed. Now he certainly has a problem. I hope I got applejack and her family close to right...if not...I apologize. Whats going to happen to him now? I would love to know what you guys think is going to happen next. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed! I'll try to update before next Wednesday.

Unexpected Events....Why Me?

I walked down the street keeping to the large crowds. I had already seen plenty of guards wandering the town, in hopes of seeing me. I snuck casually from group to group and it was working so far. I stopped in an alleyway to catch my breath, I had been hiding from the guards since I left Applejack’s home yesterday. From the looks of the suns position, it had to be at least eleven in the morning. I didn’t know how to get out of this small town. I felt like I had been walking in circles all night.

I looked up and worried when I saw that same cyan Pegasus from the train. She was just floating there scanning the area around her. I hoped she never looked down but she did. She swooped down to talk to me. I started to walk deeper into the alley when she tried to stop me.

“Hey hold your horses’ stallion; I have a couple questions for you.” She said as she put her hoof on my shoulder. As soon as she did it I reacted with anger. I summoned a black conjured hand, slamming her into the wall and forcing pressure down on her chest. The horror in her eyes as she gasped for air was what I had hoped for. I leaned in close to speak.

“Are you afraid….”

She nodded slowly and I loosened my grip just enough for her to breath.

“Good” I said back. She started to cry tears of terror and she started to speak.

“P-Please d-don’t kill me….” She said in a shaky voice.

“I won’t kill you…” I whispered in her ear with a grin.

Her eyes got wider and I could feel the fear in her. She didn’t want to die. I started up my horn and tears started to poor down her cheeks. She began struggling and thrashing her hooves onto the hand that I conjured. She quivered and shook more violently as I prepared to knock her out. (What? Did you think I was going to kill her?! Shame on you!)

“I’m sorry I have to do this to you…” I said right before a ball of confetti and streamers hit me straight across the face and sent me flying back.

“Hold it right there Graymayne, your under arrest for the attempted assassination of Princess Celestia!” said twilight as she stepped forward.

I regained my stature and quickly took a threatening stance. “Back off or I’ll be forced to kill all of you!” I yelled back trying to scare them. “I don’t think any of you want to die, do you.” They didn’t stop and continued forward at me. I looked at the cyan colored mare and grabbed her. “Move any closer and I’ll kill her” I said as I conjured a blade and put up to her neck. They stopped and started to back away.

“It’s going to be fine rainbow dash, just hang in there.” Said twilight as she worried for her friend.

“So your name is rainbow dash. My name is Graymayne, nice to meet you.” I said still holding her tightly and pressing blade closer to her neck. “I’m certain that none of us here would want her name on the next tombstone now would we.” I said looking at rainbow dash and back at twilight. I looked behind me and saw that the alley was clear. I began to step back and the rest began to come forward. “It’s been nice meeting some of you but I have places to be and ponies to kill so…” I pushed rainbow dash into the rest of them and made a run for it.

I was doing twists and turns through alley ways and streets. Guards spotted me everywhere I went and chased after me. I looked up into the sky and saw Pegasus guards watching my every move. That’s how they were finding me so quick. As I entered an alley way I hopped onto a barrel and then onto another one. Reaching the roof I started to mock the Pegasus guards in the attempt of pissing them off. The first one swooped down with his spear attempting to pierce me in the side. I turned trotting backward watching him come in quick. I dropped to the roof dodging him, and then I conjured a hand and grabbed his wing at the last second. I brought him to sudden stop and slammed him into the upcoming two. That took care of the sky patrol that kept following me. I could finally catch my breath. I took a seat under the shade of a chimney and felt the cool breeze blow through my mane.

“There he is!” yelled a guard struggling to climb up to the roof.

I ran over to him and kicked him off. I made a run for the edge of the roof and jumped to the next building. From building to building I jumped until I saw a path leading out of this crazy town. Before I could jump to the next roof I heard a faint fluttering sound. I looked behind me to see the; oh so scared yellow mare with the pink mane. She looked at me with fearful eyes and spoke.

“S-stop r-right there…….” She said as she lowered her head to the roof. I looked at her and thought…..why would you send such a weak soul to catch me. I trotted up to her and knelt down to her. I moved in close to her and whispered BOO. Suddenly she jumped with a squeak and flew off quickly. I gave a chuckle and turned to see twilight closing in with applejack and rainbow dash behind her. I looked back toward the open valley and out of a faint shimmer, I saw a portal open.

“It’s about time he opened the damn thing.” I said as I jumped down from the building and ran for the open field.

Sprinting for my life I turned my head back to see them closing in. I told myself to push on and keep running. My leg was still sore and I was slowing down. Only a few feet away, I leaped for the portal.

“Applejack! Now!” yelled twilight and as soon as I heard it, I was yanked back. My leg was then struck with pain. I fell to the ground and looked up at the portal. As I stared at the portal, it dissipated. I turned to see twilight pounce; I conjured a blade to kill her but was too late. She had stomped her hoof on my bad leg and I yelped in pain.

“Get the fuck off me damn it!!!” I yelled trying to conjure my blades. She stomped my leg again and then my horn to stop me from conjuring.

I could feel her pinning me down and trying to block my magical abilities. With one last breath; I teleported from below her feeling pain in my left hind leg. I stood only a couple yards from her and her friend Applejack.

“Well now, don’t we have ourselves a little predicament?” I said with a slight smile on my face.

“You’re not going anywhere Graymayne. Stand down and come quietly.” She said stamping her hoof.

“Yeah, I’m gonna have to say no to that request but thanks for trying. Now if you’ll excuse me…like I said earlier…places to be, ponies to kill, very busy schedule.”

She just glared angrily at me and charged up her horn. I noticed this and summoned one of my blades. I was able to keep my balance as I held by broken leg just inches from the ground. She charged at me while blasting small energy bolts at me. I could see the strain and the struggle that she suffered from casting the small spell. I smiled at this pathetic attempt to attack. I simply shielded myself and let the bolts of energy ping off. I smiled viciously as she stopped in her tracks. I swept at the ground beneath her hoofs and sent her flying back. I decided to ‘play’ with my new prey before killing her. I teleported to meet her face to face and smiled.

“You’re not too good at magic are you?” She just glared and shot more bolts at me. I surrounded myself in a barrier and yawned. “This is very pathetic…being the student of Celestia…I would have expected more out of you, seems she’s not the best mentor.”

“Shut up! Princess Celestia is a great teacher!” She yelled starting to lose her temper. I laughed at this and lowered my barrier.

“I could teach you so much more. Me, you, and my master could certainly do some damage.” I said with a chuckle.

“No way! I won’t leave Celestia or my friends and I won’t let you escape!”

I decided that trying to convince her wasn't working. Ignoring the searing pain in my leg, I tripped her once again onto her back and strapped her down. I went face to face with her again and could see the anger, fear, and multiple other emotions that were showing in her gleaming purple eyes. I conjured a blade and put it to her neck.

“I've never liked killing mares, it always seemed…just wrong. The last mare I saw murdered…I hunted down the stallion that did it and gave him hell.” I said and she struggled to get free. “But…I can make an exception for you…since you are close to Celestia. Your death will certainly piss her off.”

The look on her face fully changed to fear and she struggled to free herself even more. I lifted my sword and was ready to bring it down when Applejack galloped up and bucked me in the side of the face.

I staggered to the side and soon felt myself hit the ground. I felt dazed as I watched Twilight pin me down again. “Fucking hell!!! Get off me!”

“Tie him up Applejack! I’ll shut him up…” Twilight said as she used magic to shut my lips. I could feel Applejack tying my hooves together and then they were off me except the fact that twilight had put a barrier on my horn canceling out my magic.

“That should hold him for now until we can get him to the Canterlot dungeon.”

I shook trying to loosen the ropes grip. Suddenly a hoof came across my face. It had come from Rainbow dash as she had a look of anger and pain in her eyes. She started to beat on me hoof after hoof. It took four royal guards to hold and subdue her.

I lay there thinking “well fuck…I got myself caught”.

I heard a loud thundering boom followed by the sound of a gentle but disturbed voice. I turned my head to see her…the princess…Celestia. She walked up and looked down at me. Her eyes staring into my soul, I could feel her strength in my aching bones.

With what strength I had left I broke twilights magic over my mouth and said “Why…if it isn’t Princess Celestia. I’ve been waiting to meet you for years now and here you are. Let me just say how much I hate your guts you lousy excuse for a princess.” I stopped and took a glance at twilight. She had her jaw dropped and was switching sights from Celestia and back to me.

“Anything else you want to say…” celestia said looking at me with disapproving eyes.

“Actually, yes…..FUCK YOU!!!” I yelled. As soon as it happened, it ended. She lifted her hoof and plunged it onto my face. Everything after that went black.

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I woke up cold and in a disoriented way. I looked around at the mossy stone walls and tried to get up. I was stopped by a chain. I had a shackle around my neck and the chain was connected to the wall. I tried to stand but was stopped by an insanely strong surge of pain in my leg. I jolted back screaming in agony as the pain got worse and worse. When the pain subsided I brought my leg close and attempted to heal it. When I tried to summon my magic nothing happened, I tried again and nothing. I brought my hoof up to my brow to wipe away the sweat. I then realized something; I felt a blank spot on my head. I reached for my horn and felt nothing. I started to tremble at the fact that Celestia…that bitch…took away my horn. I heard hoof steps from down the hall, and was sure it was her. Just my luck…it was. She walked through the cell door along with six others.

I looked at her and she looked at me. She wouldn’t take her eyes off me; I thought that this was where they tortured me.

“I’m sure we both know why we’re here Graymayne. You better be ready to talk.” She said walking up to me.

“Make it quick…my family is waiting for me up in the great plains.” I said lowering my head. Seconds went by and then a whole minute. I looked up to see them all staring at me with confused faces.

“Wait, come again…” said Applejack

“You have no clue what I’m talking about do you.” They all looked at me still confused. “Don’t play this game with me. You know what I’m talking about. Torture…celestia should know, she does to all her prisoners.”

Celestia looked at me with disbelieving eyes. She had no clue what I was saying. “Your mind is clouded Graymayne. Who told you these lies?” She looked at me even more confused than before.

“My lord told me. You should know him; he is the spirit of chaos after all. In fact he’s the one who sent me to hypothetically speaking “put you to bed…permanently”, so to speak.” I said exhaling. She came close to me and knelt down ignoring the fact that twilight was discouraging it. I trembled as she got close to me. I didn’t know what to think; she was trying to comfort me.

“Now listen here Graymayne. You have been lied to; Discord has always despised me and those who follow me; you must-.” She was a cut off by my sudden movement.

I lunged as fast as I could, ignoring the burst of agonizing pain with as much anger and fury I could muster. I aimed for her neck and the blood vein that connects to her brain.

She flinched and prepared for the blow to the neck…it never came. I had stopped only inches from her neck and stared into her shock filled eyes. As we looked into each other’s eyes, I heard a squeak and a loud *EEP*. Silence took over the room for the next couple minutes.

I decided it was time to break a silence. “Next time…” I paused to make sure she was listening closely. “Don’t sit so close to a trained assassin who wants you dead, because next time I won’t be so merciful.”

Celestia gained her composure back and slowly nodded. She rose from the floor and turned toward the cell door, ready to leave.

“Twilight I want you to x-ray his leg and tell Applejack where to begin treating. After that I want to speak to you in private.” Celestia said as she walked toward the cell door. Twilight bit her lip and nodded. She walked up to me with a bitter look on her face. Her horn started to glow and I felt a slight sting in my leg.

“It’s going to sting a little…so hold still. I surely hope I don’t hurt it anymore than I already did.” She said with as much sarcasm she could.

“Thank you…” I said to her. I looked up at her and noticed a bit of surprise in her eyes.

“Don’t try sucking up to me Graymayne. I still don’t forgive you for what you attempted to do.” She said guiding Applejack to the spots that needed to be elevated and still.

“Who said I was trying to suck up to you.” I said. “Are you going to introduce me to all your friends…of course, I already know Applejack and rainbow dash. Who is the rest of your gang?”

She looked at me with a concerned face. She sighed and began. “This here is rarity.” She said pointing her hoof at the fancy looking mare that was giving me a *I despise you* look.

“Charmed…” she said slowly while squinting her eyes.

Twilight pointed toward the mare I met and scared on the roof and who probably made the loud *EEP*. “Her name is Fluttershy. She is very…shy…when it comes to meeting new ponies.” Twilight said looking at her and smiling. “Finally we have-“

“*GASP* Ooh let me introduce myself please twilight. My name is Pinkie pie and I love to party and eat cake and eat cupcakes. I also-” she tried to continue to say before Rainbow dash covered her mouth and gave me a hateful look.

“Oh I know how you feel about me Rainbow dash. I know what I did can’t be forgiven but let me start by saying-”. I said before she hoofed me across the face. “I know that I deserved that…”

“Don’t you dare apologize to me you monster. I hope celestia never lets you out of this cell.” Rainbow Dash said looking at me with a hateful sneer.

“Well then…Applejack I hope you’re not as hard headed as her. I hope you will allow me to apologize to you.” I looked to her and she nodded. “Sorry for what I did to you. I-” she stopped me there.

“Yeah sure you tried to kill somepony who is very important but you also were kind when we found ya’ll. That just tells me ya’ll were played a bad set of cards. No need for apologies to me Graymayne.” She said with a concerned face. “First ya’ll healed my little sisters wound and then you gave us all the money you had. If that’s not a good pony, I don’t know what is. Twilight why don’t you go see what Princess Celestia wanted.” Twilight nodded and left to see the princess.

“You trust your worst enemy so quickly…that’s a bad trait to have. Especially when you’re dealing with me.” I said trying to prove a point and a matter-of-fact tone.

“Who said ah was beginning to trust you?” She said while returning to my leg.

I lay my head back and thought. What was I doing, I was communicating with the enemy. No…I was being tricked. Celestia wouldn’t leave me alive. I couldn’t forget what she did to my family. Just minutes later twilight and celestia reentered. Twilight had a look of pure worry and shock on her face. Celestia walked up to me and placed her hoof on my shoulder.

“Graymayne…we need to talk.” She said as she looked deep into my eyes. I looked back into her eyes and thought oh shit…this is where it gets weird and it certainly did. “I know about your parents…and I’m sorry.” She knew what I was thinking and I couldn’t handle it anymore.

“DON’T YOU DARE TALK ABOUT MY FAMILY!!!” I yelled into her face. “No matter how many times you try to talk, I will never forgive you!” Tears trickling down my cheeks, I couldn’t bear to look her in the eyes any longer. She backed away in astonishment. “You took them away from me. Discord told me everything! You murdered my entire family…just so you could stay in power. I will fucking end you even if it’s the last thing I do.” I took my hoof and started to hit the floor.

She stopped and stared at me. I looked up at her and was taken by the fact that she was smiling. How dare she think this is funny!

“Graymayne…your mind is more clouded than I had expected. Yes…your parents are dead but your siblings live.” She said as her smile disappeared. I looked at her and wanted her dead even more now. How could she tell me that my brother and sister could still be alive? “Let me tell you a little secret Graymayne. Your brother is the Captain of the Royal Guard…and your sister is standing right beside me.” She said gesturing towards Twilight sparkle.

It felt like a bomb had just exploded in my mind. It couldn’t be…she had to be lying to me, to press my emotions. I lay my head back staring at the ceiling, tears now poured down my cheeks. I couldn’t believe it…all this had to be a lie. I looked back at celestia and then toward twilight.

“Do you seriously think that I am going to believe you? I’m certain that my siblings are dead…there is no way that my brother would serve you. He was there when it all happened.” I said with no expression on my face.

“What did your brother look like?” Asked Twilight as she sat on the floor. I moved my hoof and pulled out an old picture from behind my ear that I had kept with me from the day they died. The picture was scorched on some corners and worn out. It displayed my entire family. On the picture were my mother, father, and brother, myself as a very young foal and my sister’s near scorched appearance. I was able to tell that it was my sister, due to the sleek composure of her body. I handed the picture over to Twilight who studied it closely.

“I told you that we weren’t-”I said but was cut off by the look Twilight was giving at the picture.

Her reaction was quick and she gasped. I shut my eyes as tears flowed even quicker down my cheeks. Was Celestia telling the truth? I couldn’t believe it…all these years…my siblings were alive. I had never felt so thankful in all my life, to know that my brother and sister were still alive. All this time Discord was wrong, but maybe he could explain…just maybe.

I opened my eyes to the feeling of twilight hugging me. I didn’t know what to do but express my emotions as well. I hugged her and could feel her warm tears running down my back. I closed my eyes and embraced my emotions as I hugged her tighter and tighter.

“I’m so sorry…I’m so sorry twilight sparkle…so sorry” I said as my grip on her tightened and my tears flowed. I fell asleep, thinking, thank you princess celestia.

Author's Note

I hope you all enjoyed! Thank you for taking your time to read my probably predictable and non-proofread story. Criticism is always appreciated and again, Thank you! What will Graymayne do now that he knows his sister and brother are alive? Will Discord be able to explain? Will any of the Mane Six, excluding Twilight, forgive him? Will Celestia just say "Screw it, your ass is grass!" and kill Graymayne? As much as I hate cliffhangers....this one needed it.

Truth Or Lies

It’s been four days since then…and I couldn’t be happier. Sure I’m still in this cell but at least Twilight has come to see me each day. I’m happy no matter what, she’s ok and she’s alive. I still have my suspicions of Celestia but she proved that my family was still alive. Sure my parents are dead but they wouldn’t want me to go crazy. Twilight was even nice enough to ask celestia if we could remove the shackle and chain so I could move around the cell. She hesitated a bit but gave into it…as long as I stood exactly eight feet from her. My leg had been bandaged up it was healing faster than expected. I had already started walking. I couldn’t believe it myself. I couldn’t wait to show Twilight…just to see her face and expression. I had also been thinking of discord…if he was watching me. I had no clue if he knew what was going on. I only hope he understands when he finds out.

“Graymayne are you asleep?” Twilight said nudging me to wake up.

“I was…” I said rubbing my eyes.

“Sorry…I came because there’s somepony who wants to see you…” She said as she walked over and put a blindfold over my eyes.

“Is this really necessary Twilight? If there’s somepony who wants to see me then how am I supposed to see them.” I said reaching for the blindfold. I was prepared to take off the blindfold when twilight removed it herself then I realized it wasn’t her who removed it. My eyes adjusted to the dark figure that stood in front of me. The stallion in front of me was white with a blue mane with dark and light blue stripes. He had large blue determined looking eyes and was smiling.

“Do I know you? I don’t think I know this stallion Twilight.” I said confused and rubbing my eyes.

“Well if you don’t remember me, then why am I doing this?” He said grabbing my hoof pulling me up to a hug. He hugged me tightly and I could feel his shaky breath like he was prepared to cry. I looked at him and then down at his cutie mark. I was stunned…I knew that cutie mark, sure the shield and three stars were new but I knew it. It belonged to my…no our older brother…shining armor. It had been so long…I tried not to cry and I could tell he was trying too.

“I’m so happy your ok Gray. You’ve grown into quite the little trouble maker. I can’t wait to hear about your life.” He said as we stepped back from the hug.

I nodded and could tell he was trying to hold back on the tears. He was after all the Captain of the Royal Guard. “Well…my life hasn’t exactly been so filled with happiness and joy. More like endless torture and training.” I said. His jaw dropped and I started to explain the past seventeen years. As I explained I realized that I had never told Twilight the story. Both of them were surprised at what I had been through and what had been already done.

“So you’re the one who tried to kill Celestia. Gosh…what were you thinking?” Shining armor asked looking at me with a disgraceful face. I looked down thinking about it. He apparently doesn’t know she killed our parents.

“Don’t you know what she did?” I asked him standing and walking for the other side of the cell. “She killed m- our parents!” I said. They both looked at me with confused faces. “What I don’t understand is why you would side with her. She’s a monster; I will get my revenge even if I have to wait a millennium to get out of this cell. She must pay for what she did.” They both stared at me with even more confused faces. I didn’t know what to say after that so I backed up into the wall and sat down.

“Graymayne…did discord tell you these lies.” Twilight asked as both of them walked up to me. I stood and prepared myself for what I thought was about to happen. They walked closer to me and twilight’s horn started to glow. I backed up worried, what was she going to do?

“No, stay away from me. I mean it, I will fight back. They came closer and now Shining armor’s horn started to glow. I backed up into the corner looking at both of them.

“Now Graymayne…this won’t hurt one bit. Just sit still and everything will be fine.” Shining armor said as he came closer. “We only want to help your mind.” I backed up further and further against the wall. They were finally on me and they touched me with their horns.

Suddenly lights flashed before my eyes and I was in the cell again but by myself. I looked around but nopony was there. The cell door was wide open and I was overjoyed. I sprinted down the halls, but of course, I got lost. I was surprised that no guards were around. I was walking down one of the halls when I heard Twilights voice calling to me. I turned but saw nothing at all.

“Twilight…Hello! Where are you? Shining Armor! Gosh…where am I?” I said turning back around and taking a right. I was looking for the exit but if felt like the corridors of cells went on forever. I kept looking around but couldn’t find anything. I took a left but was surprised to have come to a dead end. I turned back around again and started to walk back when I heard a strange *whooping* sound. I turned back toward the dead end and saw a door appear. It opened and Twilight walked through followed by Shining armor.

“Where the heck did you two go?!” I said walking up to them. They looked at me.

“Didn’t you hear me calling your name just a while ago? We were standing right next to you. We could see you. Couldn’t you see us?” She said looking at me with concerned eyes.

“No...I couldn’t see you. Where are we? Where is everyone? I don’t remember guards leaving their positions and the cell doors being wide open.” I said looking around at the opened cells. “I’m pretty sure that Celestia wouldn’t just let me go free.” They looked at me like I was stupid. Shining armor brought his hoof up to his head and sighed.

“We’re in your head. This is your mind, and we have entered using our magic. Whatever you think will happen, you can do anything in here. We only entered to see what you have been through the past seventeen years and hopefully find the real memory of our parent’s death.” Shining armor said.

“Hmm…I thought you guys were going to erase my memories. That’s why I started to back off.” I said. They looked at me with dumbfound faces and laughed.

“We’re not going to get rid of your memories. Why would we? That is something that should never be touched and tampered with. What do you take us for?” twilight said still laughing.

“Hey just because you both are my siblings doesn’t mean I trust you. You both serve celestia which really pisses me off. What blows my mind is that you, shining armor, are still loyal to her after what happened to our parents. You were there when she k-” I said before twilight bonked me on the head.

“That’s why we’re here you derp. We are going to prove to you that celestia isn’t responsible for that and that discord is.” She said. I looked at her and nodded.

“You can try but I assure you that what you’re about to see will certainly terrify you. You will want to leave as soon as we enter my memories.” I said with a devilish grin on my face. She and shining armor nodded. I turned and thought of a door that would lead to my memories and it appeared. The door was blood red and had scratches that spelled “STAY OUT”. They began to enter and I hesitated. I didn’t want to remember my life with discord. Yet at least I could see a familiar face.

I walked in and was suddenly hit with the sound of screams of terror and pain. A cold draft was blowing through and it was barely lit. Candles floating in mid air and moved around the room slowly. The room was small and doors were all around the room. All blood red and claw scratches spelling what each held. From “Torture”, “Solitude”, to even “Assassinations: failures and successes”.

I turned my head to see one single door that was chained and boarded up. Only small parts of the door were seen through the crevices of the boards and chains. The door was a dark shade of blue and only two letters could be made out, the letter’s ‘M’ and ‘T’. I knew what was behind it and I hated every being about it. The shear evil behind that door would haunt me for eternity.

I didn’t want to look anymore. I turned back to the door that we had come through and was stopped by a tug on my tail. I looked back to see Shining armor gripping my tail with his mouth. I didn’t want to continue, I myself was terrified. He looked at me like he could tell what I was feeling and thinking. I stopped and turned to see twilight looking at me.

“It’s ok. We’ll be right behind you. All you have to do is lead us to your childhood memories. From there we will be able to find the memory of our parents.” Said twilight trying to reassure me. To think that they would be the only ones who were scared. I was horrified to even be in the room. We walked up to the door labeled “Assassinations: failures and successes”. They looked at me with concerned faces.

“What…don’t think that celestia was my first. That would have been stupid. Who sends their student on the most difficult task without hooves on experience?” I said giving them stern look. They just stared at me with worried faces. I walked forward and opened the door. Behind the door was a long corridor; down the corridor were hundreds of doors. They were either red or green. I stopped and looked at a sign that said “Green meant success” and “Red meant failure”. I looked down the hall and saw so many green doors, very few red doors. Before we entered, I glanced back at the blocked door and I saw a slight shuffle in the chain. I felt a shiver run down my spine and shrugged it off. It couldn’t get out even if it wanted, and if it did…it would have to go through me first.

Sure we passed a few but to think how many ponies I had killed. If celestia had ever seen this then I might have been publicly executed. As soon as twilight and shining armor saw the sign and the doors they looked at me with even more worried faces. I just continued walking down the hall passing the doors.

“Um Graymayne…you have a lot of blood on your hoofs. How many ponies do you think you’ve killed?” Twilight asked looking at all the green doors.

“Too hard to count, I just try to forget all of it. I’ve tried blocking out the screams, but their haunting me in my dreams.” I said still walking and ignoring the screams of terror behind each door. We passed a red door that had scratches that said “Doctor Whooves”. I reached out for the door knob and was suddenly stopped by Shining armor. I remembered him and the door flew open. We all were then sucked in.

“Where are we? Graymayne what did you do?” Shining armor said looking around.

“I remembered this…and here we are…sadly.” I said looking at the stallion running across the field. He was beaten up and bleeding. I looked behind him and saw me.

“Oh dear celestia…is that you…” said twilight looking at me. I glanced at her and nodded. “You look so young, you’re just a little colt.”

“Yeah…he was one of my first attempts but he escaped.” I said looking at myself chasing after him. Just like I remembered I saw myself getting closer and then swooping down; a silver colored Pegasus had rammed into me to stop me.

She had hit me in the side and sent me flipping and flying to the ground. The Pegasus had grabbed the doctor and began to flap her wings. Before she could fly off though I had tackled her and was about kill her when the doctor had thrown a rock at me.

“It’s me you want”. He yelled.

He grabbed out a little rod that glowed blue at the tip and pointed at me. I ran at him swords prepared and was finally stopped by an invisible force. The device in his hoofs had picked me up and he was thrashing me from tree to tree and then to finish me off; he rapidly smashed me onto the ground. He stopped after two or three hits. He dropped me from mid air and went on his way with the Pegasus. I saw myself laying there in pain and then a portal opened. Discord flew threw and had a disappointed look on his face. He picked me up with his magic and brought me through the portal. As the portal closed the memory dissipated and we were back in the door filled corridor.

“What in celestia’s name was that? Who was that stallion? That Pegasus looked so familiar, I know her from somewhere. Oh that was Ditzy Doo…what were you doing trying kill her.?!” Twilight frantically asked. I looked at her with the “I don’t want to talk about it” look. After that she put her hoof on my shoulder. “You can tell us Graymayne. It won’t make us think down on you.” I nodded looking at her and shining armor. I told them the story…how discord was scared that the doctor would go back in time and cause discord to never exist. I was sent to kill him and failed. Luckily the doctor had never found out about “who” sent me to kill him. So he never went back in time to stop discord from being created. Twilight had been stunned at the fact that the stallion was a time traveler. When the story was done we continued down the corridor. After about an hour we reached the end of the corridor and the last door said “Celestia”. They both looked at me.

“Hey bro…wanna know what happened at the princesses attempted assassination?” I said turning to face shining armor with an evil grin. The door was red meaning of course that I had failed. He looked at me with a concerned look.

“I’d prefer not to but it is your mind. So go ahead and show me.” He said giving a sigh. I reached out for the knob and opened the door. We all were sucked in to the room where it all happened. Just like the last time I had jumped from the door roof and was blasted by twilight. I looked at her and smiled. She shrugged and mouthed “sorry”. I turned my sight back to see myself jump out the window. We were then outside. We looked at me falling down and hitting the ground. How I was even alive was still a mystery to me…maybe dumb luck. After that the memory ended and we were back in the corridor.

“Did you like it?” I said looking at him. He shrugged and looked at my leg. “It’s not broken anymore. It’s doing just fine.”

We turned back and walked toward the other end of the corridor. We reached the main room with all the floating candles.

“This is going to take too long. We need a quicker way to find the memory.” Said twilight shutting the door behind her.

“Twilight’s right Graymayne, it’s taking too long. If we don’t find the memory soon, the magic spell that’s keeping us linked will wear off. Graymayne can you make a door that will bring us to the memory.” Shining armor said looking at me impatiently.

“I-I don’t know…I can try but I don’t know if I can.” I said thinking of any memory I had of my parents. A door started to appear and turn solid. We stared at it in astonishment. “Well, here we are. This is where we find out who killed our parents. I hope you’re prepared to see what I saw that day.” I said reaching out for the knob.

The door opened and we were sucked in. It was a sunny afternoon and there was a picnic set up in the field. Mom was holding little a baby, which had to be me, dad was preparing hay sandwiches. I looked to my right to see twilight and shining armor wrestling near the lake. She was so small and so fragile. She was only a filly though. Our mom had called them over to eat and shining armor and she were racing to get the first sandwich. Of course he was only trotting along because twilight was only learning how to run. I could see her running like a retard, her hoofs going everywhere. I actually chuckled a bit and was then joined by Shining armor. We fell to the ground laughing until twilight bonked us both on the head to stop. We got back up letting the rest of our laughter out. Everything seemed so great at the moment but that changed when the weather changed. Storms started to appear and then Celestia appeared. She urged my parents to grab us and leave before the storms got worse. As she said that though; she was nearly struck by lightning. I watched the sky to see Discord descend from the sky in his throne. He was smiling at celestia as he touched the ground.

“Oh, dear Celestia. How are you? It’s been to long time.” He said rising from his throne.

“Discord…leave now or in the name of Equestria I will turn you into nothing but ash.” Celestia said as her horn started to glow.

“Dear Celestia, that isn’t how you treat your old king.” He said.

“Leave Discord or you will leave me no choice but to harm you.” Celestia said in the Royal Canter Lot voice.

He jolted back laughing and then three swords appeared at both his sides. Celestia had no chance to beat him. She created a large goddesses sword and they clashed. She was losing and my parents were doing what they could to protect us. My parents could see that she was losing and did the worst thing possible. They told shining armor to keep me and twilight safe. They rushed out to help the princess and as they attacked discord he grew tired of them. He knocked celestia back and using his magic; picked up our parents and broke their necks. I was to stunned that I had to look away. This couldn’t be right, none of it. He gave a large bellow and the ground cringed and cracked. Chunks of earth were flying everywhere. When the dust cleared all we saw was little foal Graymayne laying there crying. Discord approached me ready to vaporize me and was determined to. He pointed his finger down at me but just as he was about to, Celestia gave one last blow. Discord hit the ground, grunting in pain. He looked at me and then the princess.

“This colt is important to you. I can tell it from the look in your eyes.” He said giving a chuckle. Celestia stared at him preparing her giant goddesses sword. He smirked before rippling the ground under her. He picked me up and grinned. Opening the portal he gave a loud laugh and entered.

The memory faded and we were put back in the main room. I looked at twilight and then shining armor. “I-” I tried to say before they started to fade. “What’s going on?”

“The spell is fading. You’re going to wake up back in the cell but we’ll be there, just wake up.” Twilight said before they disappeared. The world around me started to fade and fall apart. The roof caved in around me and finally the floor collapsed. I could see the cell below me as I fell back into my body.

I woke up in a cold sweat and coughing. Twilight and shining armor tried to calm me down by patting me on my back.

“Breathe Graymayne breathe…” Twilight said as she hit my back harder. I put my hoof up to my mouth and coughed up blood. “Good you’re ok” she said sarcastically.

“Yeah…” I said laying my hoof on the floor. Twilight and shining armor helped me up and looked at me.

“We told you so…” said shining armor putting his hoof on my shoulder. I couldn’t believe it, I wouldn’t believe it. I shook off his hoof and turned to him.

“No…no you’re both are lying. There’s no way he could have done it. You both have been brainwashed. The only reason it was different is because you both were there with me in my mind!” I said getting angrier by the second. “This is the first time I have ever seen it that way. It supposedly changes when I enter my memories when you come with me. That doesn’t make any sense.”

“What? Graymayne, we didn’t do anything to your head. We saw what you saw.” Shining armor said trying to snap me out it.

He put his hoof on my shoulder again and I freaked. I shook him off, turned and bucked him into the wall. He hit the wall with a thud. Twilight rushed over to shining armor and helped him up. She looked back at me and I couldn’t bear her disapproving eyes. I turned around and walked over to the wall to sit down. I let my head hang there as I sat in the dark.

“You should leave…I need to get my rest.” I said as I could feel the regret building up inside me. Twilight brought shining armor over to the guards that were prepared to rush in if needed.

Twilight gave shining armor to the guards and looked back at me. “Maybe you can’t change. I should never have thought that.” She said closing the cell door. I thought to myself about what I just did. They don’t realize what they’re falling into. Celestia had them wrapped around her hoof. I wanted it all to end, I just wanted to be free and back in discords hands…or claws. To forget this day was all I wanted to do now. I lay my head back trying to hold back the tears. I closed my eyes and was soon dreaming.

LINK

Author's Note

I hope you all enjoyed the this chapter! Sorry for the slight delay...got a bit lazy about putting it up. Just want to give a HUGE shout out to my friend for the new cover art. She worked very hard on it and I couldn't be more grateful! If you like the work then there is a link at the bottom of the chapter for her personal page filled with her art work. Please leave a comment even if it is to say you liked it and again, criticism is always welcome. Thank you!!!

The Sun, Moon, and a little Chaos

I remember walking through a forest filled with deadly creatures. I was lost and couldn’t find my way out. I was so thirsty that I stopped by a small creak and started to drink the gleaming water. It was so fulfilling that I didn’t want to stop. I opened my eyes to see another pair of eyes staring at me. I leaped back as the eyes started to rise along with the water.

“Graymayne what are you doing?” said the water figure. It started to take form and solidify. Discord stood there glaring at me with his red pupils.

I staggered and as my lord stood there looking at me like I was a lost soul. I quickly got to my hooves and bowed before him. “I-I wasn’t expecting a visit from you my lord.” I said scared for my life.

“Graymayne your mission…” he said looking down upon me. I knew what was coming next. He was going to torture me for my failure and capture.
…
…
…
…

“Is going Wonderful I can see! You seriously have those pathetic ponies fooled!” He said picking me up and hugging me. I was so confused, he wasn’t angry.

“Wait your not angry?” I said

“Of course not Graymayne, why would I be? You have certainly pissed off Celestia which has really thrown her into a pickle. You have gained one of the six pony’s likings. Plus you have found out that your siblings are close to celestia. That is a big advantage to overthrow that lousy princess. All we have to do is get your siblings to forgive you and get you out of that cell.” He said dropping me from mid air.

“My lord…how do I do that? You saw what I did; my brother and sister must hate me after the incident. My brother is probably contemplating coming down here and killing me himself.” I said getting back up from the ground.

“Oh your brother is quite angry but not to the point where he will kill you. He is your brother after all.” Discord said sitting down on a tree branch.

“Ok, how do I get them to come and see me so that I can apologize?” I asked.

“That is where you’re on your own. I have a new mission for you. I want you to gain their trust, learn from them and become their “friend”. Do a couple good deeds, and then the princess will have to give you back your horn. In the end of all of it though, they will realize that they made a terrible choice, because that day you will kill her “Highness”.” Discord said laughing with pure joy.

“Lord Discord, why didn’t you tell me that my siblings were still alive?” I asked him looking at his joy filled face.

“Now listen here Graymayne. I wasn’t aware that your siblings were even alive. I told you what I thought was true. That Celestia had killed them. I trained you to use your anger and hatred, now look where you are. You’re powerful and without a doubt as strong as Sombra himself. I needed you to be strong and not worry about them. By worrying about them you would never have become the stallion you are today.” He said trying to reassure me.

“What about the memory of my parent’s murder? You told me that Celestia killed them, yet what I saw this time was you killing them. I know that Celestia did it, but what do I do when they show me more of these false memories.” I asked

“Just act like you believe them, simple as that.” He said shrugging. “And remember. You are still my apprentice. I will always have a psychic link to your mind. If you ever need to talk, just fall asleep and call my name.” Discord said as he created a suitcase, ripped some of the dream from the surroundings and stuffed it inside. “I must be going so take care. Remember, if you have questions about anything just lay your head back and close your eyes. I will be there waiting.” He said as he put out his finger/claw and tapped my forehead ending the dream.

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

It had been almost a week since I had last seen Twilight. I’m sure she hated me after all. That was fine with me. I didn’t want her to have to know me. I’m a monster and I deserve to be locked up in this Hell hole. I had been contemplating just killing myself. If I could just get a hold on a guards spears or possibly sword, then Twilight and Shining armor would never have to worry about me. I sat there scratching at the floor when I heard the cell door screech open.

I turned to see a slight shimmer in the dark of the dungeons. I looked to my right to see a guard walk up to the door and open. Another figure walked up. It was an Alicorn…great it’s Celestia. She walked up to me and I could feel something different about her. She even looked smaller. It was only seconds before I realized it was not celestia. The light from the torch grew as the guard came closer and the Alicorn’s features became clearer.

She was wearing royal apparel, and with dark blue fur and a dark blue mane that showed the constellations of the night sky. I took a look at her and was suddenly stunned. The legend was true, Princess Luna had returned from the moon. She gazed at me and I had no choice but to bow down to her as much as I hated it.

“Well aren’t you a sight for sore eyes young princess. I guess the rumors were true, you have returned.” I said rising from the floor with a hint of sarcasm. “I certainly am lucky to be in the presence of your-”

I noticed her horn started to glow and I was forced into the wall. My hooves were strapped to the wall, and then my neck. The magical strap around my neck rose; revealing my neck. She walked up to me and looked me in the eyes.

“What the Hell! What are you doing?” I said struggling to get free. Her horn glowed again and a sword appeared at her side. She put it up to my neck and looked me in the eyes again.

“Are you afraid….” She asked me. I recognized this moment, déjà-vu. I leaned as close as I could to her blade.

“Go ahead…kill me. Then you can explain to Celestia why I’m dead. I don’t even know why you want to kill me.” I said trying to be a smartass. The blade came closer and I could feel the edge prickling into my neck. I closed my eyes and gave a large exhale. “Are you going to kill me or not. I haven’t got all night or day.”

Her eyes showed anger and fear at the same time. She must not like how I almost killed her big sister. She gave a quick exhale and prepared her blade to kill me. She leaned her blade back and aimed it for my chest. The blade came quick but stopped. It had a bright glow holding it in place. I looked at Luna and then at the blade.

“What’s wrong…something holding you back?” I asked giving Luna a slight smile. I could tell that she was doing her best to hold back her emotions. “Celestia…I know that’s your magic. Who else’s magic shimmer’s gold?” I said leaning my head to the left to see a shadow in the distance.

Celestia walked in from the shadows. She walked up from behind Luna and set her hoof on her shoulder. Luna’s magic stopped and I was released. She looked at me with scared eyes and I saw a single tear go down her cheek. She leaned in close to speak. “If you ever try to hurt my sister again, I will not hesitate to end you where you stand.” She turned to walk away flipping her tail into my face. When I thought it couldn’t get any worse, celestia stopped me from replying and began to talk down at me.

“You do realize that I could have let you die. Yet you still act like you’re above the consequences.” She said giving me a disappointed glare. “What would your parents think?”

“D-” I stopped thinking about what discord said.

“I see that you have run out of things to say. Well we have plenty to talk about…come with me. We’re going for a walk.” She said walking for the cell door.

“No way, I am not going on a walk with you. How do I know if the people of Canterlot are out and about? Plus they probably saw you, twilight, and the guards dragging me toward the dungeons. I-” I said sitting down and turning my head.

“You have been cooped up in this cell for three weeks. It’s time for you to actually get some Sun.” she said ordering her guards to grab me. The guards approached me with a cloth sack. Two guards held me down as they put it over my head. The next thing I noticed, I was being dragged down the hall. I couldn’t see much but then I heard a screeching metal door open. I saw glares of sunlight beam through the cloth sack and I had to shut my eyes. I felt the sack get ripped from off my head. I opened my eyes to see the shining rays of the sun and celestia. My eyes started to adjust and the guards let me go. I rubbed my eyes to see her giving me a soft smile and put her hoof out to guide my sight. I walked up to her side and my vision cleared to see hundreds of buildings lining the streets. All of them were so fancy and decorated. I could smell the scent of freshly baked bread and all the ponies were dressed so fancy, just looking at them made me want to vomit.

“Behold the Royal City of Canterlot. Here is where very successful mares and stallions stay if they have the bits to move here.” Celestia said looking at the majestic city. “Let us begin our stroll through the town. I have much to show to you.” She began to walk down a set of stairs that led to the city below. I looked back toward the guards and they stood taller staring at me and pointing toward the princess. I gave them a grumpy look and walked toward celestia. She was waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs and I tried to go as slow as possible though not trying to look like it. I reached the bottom of the stairs and we began to walk around the town.

“You do realize that it’s not safe to be walking around with the stallion that tried to kill you.” I said looking at all the shops and ponies.

“Oh I realize that, you attempted to kill me and failed. Yet you don’t have your horn. Without it, you can’t use your magic to summon your weapons.” She said still looking ahead with a soft smile.

“I do have my other ways. I went six months without it and learned how to use my hooves, as you already should guess from our little predicament in the cell a couple weeks ago. I tried it out on three full grown manticores and won. I’m not defenseless without my horn, just letting you know.” I said looking at her with a smartass grin.

“Hmm…you’re right; well that’s why I have Pegasus guards watching your every move. They are ready to catch you if anything happens. Twilight sent me a letter asking me how you were doing today. She was thinking about coming to visit you.” She said making the letter appear out of thin air. She held it in front of me and opened it. I read it trying to ignore the second paragraph. Twilight had been talking about what happened the last time I saw her. She was so worried about me, I could tell.

“Twilight has also been asking me…since you haven’t caused any trouble with the guards…to let you go free. Of course you would be living in Ponyville.” She said with a concerned voice. I was shocked, why would she want me out for what I did. I deserved all of this. If I was anywhere near twilight then I belonged in a cell. Sure, I hated the food and the other inmates.

“Celestia…I belong in there. I have done a lot of terrible things in my past that I’m not at all proud of. If you knew what I did in discord’s care…you would want me publically executed.” I said thinking about why Twilight would ask that. Celestia looked at me; I didn’t want to look back. Now that she had heard that, I bet she was seriously considering it. I had kept walking only to realize that Celestia had stopped to look at a bakery.

“Graymayne…would you like some food? I know the food that the guards serve isn’t the best.” She said softly. I looked at her and thought about it. What really had me going was the fact that she was being kind to me. Why?

Then again this is the perfect chance to get in her good graces, plus I hadn’t had any good food for some time now. Celestia walked in first and all of the ponies bowed. That all changed as soon as I walked in. All I heard were slight gasps and the whole crowd was just staring at me. I viewed the crowd of mares and stallions.

“Um…Hi” I said raising my hoof to wave. The next thing I know I was trampled over as two dozen ponies ran for their lives. I got up and looked back toward all the ponies that had trampled over me. “That was really uncalled for you uptight jerks!” I yelled before looking at the clerk at the front counter. “Please tell me that you’re not going to run out screaming…” I said looking at the mare. She looked at Celestia who had a concerned look on her face. The mare looked back at me and shook her head. “Thanks…” I said relaxing.

We picked out a booth and took a seat. The clerk rushed over with a plate of moon crescent breads. I had heard about them from somewhere…I think they were called “scones”. She set down the plate and bowed to the princess and then gave a quick terrified glance at me. I let my head hang and sighed, why did she pick the day time for her to interrogate me.

“So…do you know why twilight would ask that I be let out of the dungeon?” I asked trying to deplete any awkward feeling from the room.

“Well isn’t it obvious…I did tell you. You have not caused any trouble, you have cooperated, and you are her brother. She truly cares for you and what I have seen has certainly surprised me. Of course…there’s still the fact that you did attempt to kill me. If I did let you out, there would have to be a way to keep you from running back to Discord. He truly is a monster, the way he looks, how destructive and violent he is.” She said picking up a scone with her magic and taking a bite.

I quickly looked up and glared at her. “Don’t talk about Discord with me. You don’t know what he has done for me in my past seventeen years. He was like a father to me, he took care of me.” I said trying to conceal my anger. Celestia didn’t realize what he did for me. He was kind to me, sure his methods of training were really bad but I had to be strong. She looked at me and gently set down her scone.

“Oh I know…I tried to stop him from taking you. Now that you have returned I only hope that you believe-” Celestia said before I cut her off.

“Oh you don’t understand. He was there for me like a mother bear to her cub. If you tried so hard to save me…why didn’t you ever tell twilight sooner that she had a second brother that was taken by discord and that may or may not be alive. Why didn’t you ever try to find me and most of all why should I believe anything you or anypony says to me.” I said releasing just enough anger that it made the clerk hide under the counter. I gave out a quick sigh before I looked back up at her.

“Graymayne…you don’t have to believe or trust me or anypony at all. All I ask is that you give me and your siblings a chance. I am going to release you into the care of twilight tomorrow. She and her friends will be coming by to get you tomorrow morning. I will personally come down to the dungeons and get you. From there we’ll walk to the front gates of the castle and there is where twilight will be.” Celestia said looking at me with without expression. I looked back into her eyes and nodded.

We returned to the castle about two or three hours later. We had mostly just walked around that day, she and I tried to get along but that ended as soon as some uptight fat ass mare ran into me and freaked out because she had dropped all her expensive clothing. She went berserk until she got a closer look at me. She then realized that I was the; oh so terrifying assassin. I gave a mad grin and growled at her which sent her running in fear. Celestia didn’t exactly appreciate that so she decided that we should head back to the castle. When we got there the guards approached me ready to escort me to my cell but celestia halted them. She actually let me walk there on my own…I couldn’t believe it. I passed the guards and grinned at them like a smartass. As I walked into the cell I thought “Well discord…the mission is going wonderful”. I went to lay down in the dark and yawned, I shut my eyes and slept like there was no tomorrow.

The next morning…

I walked out the dungeon doors and saw Celestia waiting for me. When I reached her I stopped. She looked at me and we continued to the castle gates. I looked at the large double doors and they started to split and open. When the doors opened, the sun shined through and I couldn’t see anything. When my eyes adjusted I saw twilight, applejack and pinkie pie. Celestia walked forward and I followed in from behind. I looked at twilight and saw her soft bright smile. As soon I saw it, I felt warm inside. I thought she was still mad at me for what I did.

“Long time no see…” I said walking up to her. “Where are the rest of your friends?”

“Well Rarity doesn’t exactly like you. Fluttershy was scared the moment I mentioned your name and Rainbow dash hates your guts after what you did to her.” Twilight said acting like it was no big deal. She still was tense, probably still disappointed with me after what happened with me and shining armor.

“Yeah, that was pretty violent if you think about it partner. When we told Rainbow dash that ya’ll were getting out she freaked out and flew out of her house. I don’t think she wants anything to do with ya’ll.” Said Applejack trying to calm down pinkie pie. She had her hoof over her mouth and pinkie was trying to remove it.

“It’s ok…let her speak.” I said chuckling softly. Applejack shrugged and removed her hoof. As soon as she did…all Hell broke loose.

“Oh my gosh! It’s so good to see you again Graymayne. When we get back to Ponyville I’m going to throw the biggest welcome to Ponyville party ever. Everypony is going to love it and-” She said before I rushed forward and put my hoof over her mouth. Twilight, Applejack and Celestia all stared at me with astonished faces.

“What…she was giving me a headache.” I said as pinkie started to lick my hoof and speak in a muffled voice. They shared a laugh and walked over to the train. Pinkie Pie boarded the train followed by Applejack, before Twilight and I could get on though we were stopped by Celestia.

“Hold on Graymayne…I need to put this spell on you so you don’t try anything.” Celestia said as she lowered her horn to my head. I felt a sudden shiver stream down my spine. “That spell will keep you from leaving Ponyville. It will start working as soon as you enter the cities perimeter. Oh and I almost forgot twilight…take this.” Celestia handed a small shiny black crystal to twilight and smiled. “Graymayne…that crystal is your horn. I only tell you this because all twilight has to do is smash that crystal and you will never be able to use magic again.” I looked at the crystal for a couple seconds and then glanced at Celestia.

“Wait…what…I’m going to smash it.” Twilight said hesitating at the thought.

“I am giving you the responsibility of holding onto his horn. Like I said, if he steps out of line then smash that crystal. I mean it, one mess up and you destroy it.” Celestia said looking deep into twilight’s eyes. Twilight nodded and then looked at me.

“Yeah…thanks a lot Celestia…” I muttered. I looked at Twilight and nudged my head toward the train. She gave a sigh and we said our goodbyes to Celestia. I couldn’t believe it, my horn was a crystal now. How in the world would I get it from her, I had to think hard about my moves. When the train started to move, all I could think was how in the Hell was I going to get my horn back.

Author's Note

Well, this is not the last that we see of Luna or Discord. They will show up a couple times later in the story. Graymayne is officially free now and his horn is a crystal. How in the world will he get it back? Will Graymayne fuck up and twilight crush the crystal? The next two or three chapters will be Graymayne trying to adjust to the life of ponyville and maybe make some friends. We will also get to go into the perspective of Twilight soon so we can see what she thinks. I know that only seeing Graymayne's perspective is probably kind of boring. I hope you all are enjoying my story and thank you again to all those who fave it!

Welcome to Ponyville

I opened my eyes to see pinkie pie staring at me with an ear to ear smile on her face. She had her hoofs propped up holding her head as she looked into my eyes.

“Do you mind?” I said trying to back away.

“You talk nonsense in your sleep, you know that right? It’s actually really funny.” She said grabbing my face and shaking me like crazy. “We were all laughing at what you were randomly saying. You sounded like one of those voodoo priest ponies.”

“I do what now…” I said grabbing her hoofs from my face.

“We just arrived in Ponyville, that’s why we woke you. Ya slept like a rock in the mud.” Said applejack pulling pinkie from my face. “You were saying something weird which made us all laugh except twilight, who fell asleep reading her book.”

I looked over at twilight who had her head laying in the pages of a book and snoring. I looked at the title of the book and was suddenly insulted. The title read “Top Ten Rules to Control a Maniac”. I wasn’t a maniac…I just had a messed up personality and mind. I got up and yawned walking over to wake up twilight. I grabbed the book and slid it from under her head which I held with my other hoof. When I removed the book, all I saw was a drooling purple pony with bags under her eyes. I lifted her head higher and noticed that one of her eyes were partially open. I waved my hoof in front of the partially open eye and started to say her name.

“Twilight…twilight…wake up. We’re in the town where you and your friends caught me and broke my leg even more. What’s it called…Ponyville…because that’s an original name for a small town.” I said starting to shake her a bit. She started to mumble and slowly wake up. Her mane was sticking out everywhere and was even sticking in her mouth a bit. I faked a gag and she jumped back.

“Don’t throw up on me! I’m still trying to wake up.” Twilight said as she pushed me back. I started to chuckle and walk for the train door exit. When I got off the train I saw the town the same way I saw it when I first arrived. As I stepped down from the docks I was trampled over by pinkie. She ran off chanting something I couldn’t exactly make out because I had dirt in my ears. Applejack walked up from behind me and helped me up.

“Well that’s Pinkie pie for ya. I wish she wouldn’t be so…pinkie.” She said shrugging. “No doubt she went get some cupcakes; she can’t go one hour without a cupcake.”

“I think she does more than just cupcakes…if you know what I mean.” I said starting to walk down the stairs.

“What did you say?” Applejack said

“Nothing…” I said back as I reached the bottom of the stairs. When twilight exited the train she stumbled down the stairs and had tripped over her own hoof. She fell down the stairs and crashed into the ground. We helped her up but she couldn’t keep her balance…this reminded me of the first time I ever got wasted, best time ever. I chuckled just a bit then was given an angry face by twilight. After about a half an hour she fully woke up and was ready to move. We started walking down the road and you wouldn’t believe all the looks I got. Ponies were staring at me like I was an alien. Then again it’s not every day that you see the criminal that had been running from the guard just a few weeks ago, walking freely down the street.

“So what am I supposed to do for entertainment around here?” I asked staring down a stallion who wouldn’t take his hate filled eyes off me.

“Well first…we need to get you back to my house and then a shower, you really smell. After that…I’m not sure.” Twilight said noticing all the looks I was getting. We entered a large plaza where stands were set up as far as the eye could see.

“For such a small town, it sure has quite a lot of business. Who’s the biggest seller?” I asked scanning the stores and their merchandise.

“I am pardner. My apple farm produces the best and most tasty apples anypony could ever eat.” Applejack said pointing her hoof toward ten stands; all with large barrels of freshly picked apples.

“Well you sure must be filthy rich in bits. Seeing how many people love your apples.” I said looking at her as she smiled. “Twilight, where do you even live?”

“I only live another couple yards away from here. It won’t be long before we get there.” She said trying to hold her hair in place with her magic.

“Well this is where I part with you and Graymayne. I need to get back to the farm and continue bucking apples; I’ll catch ya’ll guys later.” Applejack said waving goodbye then galloping away.

Only a few minutes passed before we reached Twilight’s house, which I was surprised was a giant hollow tree. It was enormous and what blew my mind even more was that it was a library. She owned a library with hundreds of books, which were all organized by author, alphabetical, and series at the same time. I could tell she didn’t exactly have a life.

“Spike, we’re home, come meet my new friend.” Twilight yelled as we entered the house. I heard a loud thud and then a mountain of books came clattering down. I looked inside and saw the pile of books where the crash came from. It started to shuffle and then a purple dragon popped his head out of the pile.

“What the hay!” Spike yelled. “Why didn’t you tell me you were leaving this morning? I was stuck dealing with Ditzy Doo and her craving for muffins all morning. That was so un-” He stopped as soon as he saw me. His eyes widened and he started to shake. “Is that who I think it is?” He said looking back at Twilight. She nodded and smiled softly. “Oh my gosh…you’re the assassin. How dare you try and kill the all powerful Princess Celestia!” He said walking up to me with a pissed off look. “You should be ashamed of yourself. She is a kind and gentle princess that has done nothing to you. You’re fowl scum who only wants the crown for yourself.” He kept ranting on, throwing words at me that a baby dragon shouldn’t even know.

I decided that I had heard enough. I dropped down to his face and yelled. “Back off Pip Squeak before I turn you into a stuffed rat!” He fell to the ground terrified at the thought of me killing him and then stuffing him. I stood back up and glanced at twilight who was giving me a disappointed look. “What…I’m not going to let some puny dragon talk to me like I’m a filly.” I walked to the right just passing the dragon. If he wasn’t terrified of me before, then he was now.

“Spike…are you ok?” twilight asked helping him up. He nodded and looked at me with an angry face. “Sorry about Graymayne, he has a really bad temper.”

“You don’t say…” Spike said walking over a chair to sit down.

“Now that you know each other…let me tell you something about my family spike. When I was only a filly, before you, I had a brother.” Twilight said.

“Yeah…I know who your brother is, Shining Armor.” Spike said.

“Well that’s the thing spike, I have another brother.” She said. Spike looked at her shocked.

“You have another brother. Well where is he? Is he ok? Did you bring the assassin here because he did something to your brother?” He looked at me angrily. “Did this jerk hurt your brother? He did; didn’t he!” Spike now was out of his seat and preparing to attack me.

“No spike; Graymayne didn’t harm my second brother.” Twilight said holding spike back from attacking. “Graymayne here is my second brother.” Spike stopped as soon as he heard it. He looked at me and then back at twilight.

“Well then…Graymayne is it.” Spike said turning back to me. “If your Twilight’s brother, then why did you do what you did.”

“Seventeen years within discord’s care does that to you. The things he told me are what drove me to that. Twilight here says it’s all a lie and that I should hate him. If you can’t tell, I’m trying to believe it.” I said sitting down. “Sorry about that, I tend to lose control of my temper. Plus I don’t exactly like dragons…no offense.”

“None taken, so far you’re a jerk…no offense.” Spike replied softening the mood.

I walked up to him and stuck out my hoof. “Let’s start over, hi my name is Graymayne.” I said with a soft smile. Spike looked at me confused and then my hoof. He reached out with his claw slowly and grabbed my hoof. I shook my hoof and him along with it. When he let go he fell backwards dizzy. Twilight and I shared a chuckle; spike gained his sight and joined in the laughter but brought it too far. We stopped and stared at each other for the next couple seconds.

Awkward.

“Well…it’s been a long day; Graymayne and I are going to take a shower.” Twilight said breaking the awkward moment. “Ok I’m going to take a shower first, and then you can.” She said looking at me.

“Let me give you the grand tour of the library Graymayne. Then I can show you to the guest room downstairs. I sleep in Twilights room, in a small blanket covered basket. It’s more comfortable than it sounds.” Spike said grabbing my hoof and pulling me downstairs. I looked back to see twilight walking up a set of stairs. I turned back to spike as he led me downstairs, listening to the all the stuff he was talking about.

We walked down to the bottom level where we entered a small room. It had a bed in the corner and an unlit candle chandelier in the center. I looked to the right where a no shower restroom was put. I looked back at the bed that was neatly made and covered in dust. We walked forward and looked around at the scenery. Spike hopped onto my back without telling me and burped fire at the chandelier. The room was suddenly lit. I walked up to the bed and shook it. The dust puffed up and floated back down to the bed. I gripped the side of the blanket with my teeth and whipped the dust off. The dust was off the blanket but now even more was on the actual bed.

“It’s ok Graymayne; twilight can use her magic to get rid of all that dust. I just wanted to show you where you would be sleeping tonight first.” Spike said smiling at me.

“Alright then, I’ll just leave it be.” I said backing up coughing. We walked out of the room and back upstairs. Spike showed me the library which was the same room where we had our little problem. Next he showed me the kitchen, it was a mess. There were unclean dishes all over the wood counter. I looked at spike and raised an eyebrow. He put his claw behind his head and scratched it smiling.

“I told twilight I would get around to it…eventually.” He said turning around and quickly walking away. After that mishap, we continued the tour which ended at the mention of Twilight’s room at the top of the stairs.

“Well that’s the whole house. It’s not exactly impressive…not like rarity’s house; now she has class.” Spike said bringing his hands together at the sound of Rarity’s name. Yep…he had a crush, couldn't he make it any more obvious.

“I can see that you have a thing for this Rarity pony. I met her when I was locked up in the dungeon. She didn’t like me at all; I mean I could tell she wanted me to rot in the fiery pits of tartaros.” I said laughing at him.

Spike looked at me with an un-amused face and walked off mumbling to himself. I ignored what he was saying and took a random book from the shelf. Its title read “Daring Doo and The Quest for the Crystal Monkey”…strange name for a treasure. I opened the book and found a slip of paper inside that said Rainbow Dash. She must have this book on hold; she wouldn’t mind if I read the first few chapters. I sat down on a cushion that was leaning against the wall and was about to start reading when Twilight came down the stairs calling my name.

“Graymayne, you can take a shower now.” She said magically holding a towel and drying out her ear. I looked and chuckled at the fact that she had forgotten to brush her mane. “What are you laughing at?” she said looking up and noticing her messed up hair. “Oh very funny…”

“What? That’s really funny…” I replied chuckling. I stopped after a while and saw her pointing her hoof toward the restroom upstairs. I walked past her with a smile on my face and up the stairs. I looked inside the restroom and there was a second towel hanging there. I’m just going to skip to the point here. That was the best shower I had taken in a long time. Then again when I think about it…it’s the first shower I had taken in a long time. When I went back downstairs I was greeted by confetti and balloons.

“Welcome to Ponyville!” Pinkie yelled in my face. I jumped and managed to fall off the stairs and to the ground below. When I opened my eyes, all saw was pink. Pinkie had fallen onto me and her tail was bushed over my head.

“Can you please get off me…” I said in a muffled voice.

She stepped off and helped me up. I looked around at the house and saw the place was decked out with streamers and balloons.

“What’s going on? What is all this stuff?” I said scratching my hoof on the back of my head. I looked at them both and them me.

“Don’t act like you don’t know what a party is.” Twilight said raising an eyebrow at me.

“Party?” I said puzzled. Twilight hoof smacked her forehead and pinkie’s hair fell flat. She frowned and looked at Twilight. “Um…what’s a party?”

“I never thought that I would have to explain what a party is to somepony.” Twilight said walking up to me. “A party is where you have fun, enjoy your friends, and maybe have a couple drinks. Not that I-” I cut her off grinning.

“Did you say a drink? I’m in.” I said smiling crazily.

“Um…I don’t think Celestia would appreciate me giving you alcohol the day you get to Ponyville. I surely don’t think that’s a good idea.” Twilight said frowning at me.

“Oh come on…I haven’t had a good bottle of vodka in months.” I said giving Twilight big puppy dog eyes.

“No…plus you’re only seventeen!” Twilight said astonished at the fact that I drink.

“Ok…ok, I’ll party. What are we supposed to do?” I said looking at pinkie’s hair poof back up.

“Let’s start small. Let’s turn on some music and dance. I can’t wait to see how you dance…this is going to be funny.” Pinkie said chuckling.

“I don’t dance…so don’t ask.” I said raising an eyebrow at pinkie.

“What…do you think you’re to “cool” to dance or are you scared?” Twilight said.

“What no…I just…um…I-” I tried to finish before pinkie grabbed my hooves and we started to spin around the room.

“Wee!” Pinkie yelled as we spun. I heard music start to play and saw blurs of twilight and spike. Before I knew it I was let go of and was sent into a crazy spin. When I stopped I couldn’t make anything out; spike, Twilight, or pinkie. I finally got my vision back and saw them all laughing at me.

“Like I was trying to say…I don’t know how to dance.” I said softly smiling.

“You don’t have to know how to dance to be able to party. Just be able to have fun.” Pinkie said helping me up. I looked at her and then at Twilight thinking “What have I gotten myself into”.

“I think I’m going to go to bed. You guys have faahh” I said before pinkie grabbed my hooves and the others. We went into another spin, but this time it was different. Everything felt…right…I felt like I belonged. I hadn’t felt like that in a long time…since I first actually knew discord. That night still floats around in my head like a planet in orbit. It was the best night that I have had in a long time. Though, after the party…everything went to Hell in my dreams.

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I opened my eyes to see a bright light and crowds of ponies surrounding me as I was on a thrust stage. I tried to get up but was chained to the ground. I felt pain surge through my body, cuts, bruises, and broken bones. I could feel dried blood in my mane and tail. My breathing was slow but accelerated when I tried to move. I looked around at all the ponies and heard them chanting something. It took a while before I could make it out: “Kill the traitor!”, “Make him suffer!”, “Burn him alive!” Then it all stopped like that…in a flash all the sounds stopped. I looked around and then was covered by a dark shadow. I looked at the figure squinting. I soon recognized the figure as Celestia…seconds after that two more shadows appeared next to her. I looked at both of them and realized that it was shining armor and twilight. I tried to speak but my mouth wouldn’t open. I could only hear my thoughts and hundreds of other voices. They got louder and the pain in my body got even worse. I looked up to see Celestia talking but the voices in my head kept me from hearing her. Shining armor was looking at me with angry eyes. He was shaking trying to hold back tears. I looked at Twilight and she turned her head trying not to make eye contact. I could see tears pouring down her cheeks and the pain in her eyes. Celestia backed away and shining armor stepped forward. He started to speak but the voices in my head cancelled out his. I let my head down in anger at the voices. He stepped back and Twilight stepped forward. She brought her hoof up to my chin and held it there for a couple seconds. I felt tears streak down my cheeks as she looked into my eyes and I hers. She leaned in and kissed me on my forehead then said something. I could only make out the last thing she said.

“I’m so sorry…” She closed her eyes, turned and walked away with Shining armor. Everything after that started to fade. The last thing I saw was my sister’s eyes full of pain and tears looking back at me as she walked away. I thought to myself…“What did I do…”

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I lay there staring at the ceiling. I thought about my dream and tried to get rid of it but it wouldn’t get out of my head. What did it mean? Did I do something that hurt them so bad that I was chained up and left for dead? I thought about it even more and decided to talk about it with discord later. I got out of bed and quietly made my way up the stairs. I stepped outside and decided to go for a walk. The moon and stars were out and shining. I walked in a straight line, I wasn’t about to make a turn and get myself lost. The nighttime breeze felt really good in my mane that I decided to find a spot in the plaza to sit. I sat down on a bench overlooking the fountain in the middle of the plaza. I looked up at the moon and thought about Luna. She had raised the moon so beautifully tonight and the stars were glistening in the night sky. I stood up and prepared to leave when I heard a rustle in the bushes. I looked back and decided to rat them out.

“You can come out whenever you want. I’m not going to hurt you. I was about to leave anyway.” I said standing up and walking for the stairs. I looked back at the bushes and walked down the stairs.

On my way back to Twilights I kept hearing rustles and movements around me. Whoever this was they were watching my every move. As I walked down the last couple yards leading toward Twilight’s I heard a yelp. I turned to see a wagon and a shuffling shadow. I walked over to the wagon and the figure became clearer. It was an orange filly Pegasus with a purple mane struggling to get free from the wagon wheel that had rolled over her tail. She was yanking at her tail trying to free it when she noticed me walking up to her. She freaked out and frantically yanked harder. I came upon her and raised an eyebrow. I sighed, put my hoof on the side of the wagon and pushed. The wheel rolled off her tail and she went rolling backwards. Afterwards she got up and scrambled for the nearest bush. I rolled my eyes and started to walk away. Only feet away from the front door I heard the filly speak out.

“T-Thank you…” I turned to look at her and shrugged. I reached out for the door knob when she spoke out again. “Are…Are you the assassin?”

I put my hoof down and turned to her. I looked her straight in the eyes. “Yes…I am.”

She shook a bit but stood there trying to look calm. “Rainbow dash told me about you. She told me what you did to her. Is that true?” I looked at her and nodded. She jumped back just a bit but stood her ground. “Why did y-” I stopped her there.

“I wasn’t going to kill her if that’s what you were thinking. I was going to knock her out. I took a solid oath never to kill a mare.” I said. Her ears flopped and let her head hang. “Now if you’re just a messenger for Rainbow dash, then give her this message. Tell her that I am very sorry and I deserve all her hate. Now go on home before somepony other than me spots you.” I turned back toward the door when I heard the filly call to me.

“Hey…do you want to continue your walk with me. Please…I’m all alone out here. I live quite a distance from here. It’s really scary and I don’t want to go alone.” I could tell she was regretting what she was saying. I looked at her, sighed and nodded.

Her ears popped up and she softly smiled. We began our walk and the first thing she asked was why I tried to kill celestia. “So…why did you try to do what everyone else said you tried to do?”

“Do I have to explain?” I said looking at her. She nodded dependently to get the information. I sighed and explained everything, how I was told Celestia killed my family. To how I was here and how I found out about shining armor and twilight. “That’s pretty much it kid. I haven’t had the best of lives but now that I’m here, I have a chance to change my life.”

“Wow…you have been through a lot of stuff. Yes, I am asking you about this stuff because Rainbow dash asked me to. I’m sorry, but it’s for a good reason.” She said scratching her head. I didn’t mind really but to think Rainbow dash would stoop that low to get information out of me. I mean using a filly to do this. The kid must be terrified of me.

“I know your scared of me…I understand that walking around in the dark with “The Assassin” isn’t every ponies dream, so if you want me to leave…I’ll go.” I said stopping.

“What…no…please don’t leave me here alone. I want to get to know you before I tell Rainbow dash anything.” She said stopping even more determined.

“What else do you want to know? I’ve told you quite a lot of information that a filly like you should never have to hear.” I said ready to walk back to twilight’s. She ran after me and stood in my way. I sighed and took a seat at a bench that was set on the path. “Alright then…ask away.”

She pelted me with questions that I knew were from Rainbow dash. I didn’t know what to think. This filly wouldn’t give up on the fact that she had to get any information. I just sat there answering all her questions. I realized that the questions were all related to my relations with discord and future objectives. She wanted to know if I was going to betray them in the end of it all. I was going to betray them but now that I know my siblings were alive…I wasn’t sure. Celestia did guide them through a rough time but never told twilight about me and had Shining armor hypnotized somehow. I was certain that she killed my parents and there was no way that they would change my opinion. Finally she asked me the question that set me off.

“You’re not a monster…are you?” I jumped off the bench in anger.

“That’s enough questions…if Rainbow dash has anymore questions for me. Tell her to ask me herself. I’m done answering questions from a filly. I’m going to bring you home and then go back to twilight’s.” I said picking her up in my mouth by her mane. She struggled at first but calmed down seconds later. She wiggled out of my teeth but kept walking. We walked up to a large house and were about to knock on the door when the filly stopped me.

“I’m sorry for offending you the way I did. I just had to know what you had been through before I made an opinion about you. I don’t think Rainbow da-” She tried to finish before I cut her off.

“It’s fine…I understand that you and her wanted to know about me. Just make sure to tell her that if she has anymore questions…she has the guts to ask me herself.” I said ready to turn away. Before I turned the filly spoke.

“I never got your name…” She said looking down at the ground and poking into the dirt. I looked at her and thought why not.

“Hello, my name is Graymayne.” I stuck out my front right hoof and gave my best fake smile. She slowly reached out her hoof and we shook.

“Hi, my name is Scootaloo, nice to meet you Graymayne.” She said starting to form a soft smile. She walked up to the front door of her house and entered.

I made my way back to twilight’s and to bed. I shut my eyes still thinking of the dream I had earlier. Was that my future? Was I really going to be hated for the rest of my life? As I thought about it, I slowly drifted to sleep.

Author's Note

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Trying to split what i already have typed into chapters so I'm happy this one is longer. I have also been planning on putting songs with a couple chapters. The bands will include Five Finger Death Punch, Skillet, Escape the Fate, Three Days Grace, Shinedown, and I will even take suggestions. My only request is that its not country. Please! Sorry to those who like that kind of music, but I grew up with it and it just got really annoying. Anyway, Graymayne has met Spike and Scootaloo. Is Rainbow Dash ever going to have the guts to face Graymayne...of course she will. Why does Graymayne HATE dragons so much? How has he NEVER had a party! Thank you Pinkie! He needed it! Thank you for all the faves and to all who read this, I am truly grateful! Thank you!

The Burning Building

“Come on Twilight! We’re going to be late to Applejack’s barn raising!” Spike yelled placing a book back on the shelf.

Twilight had told me about the barn raising. Apparently the barn needed to be redone and repainted. Twilight said that this was the perfect opportunity for me to help repay my debt to society. I thought she was crazy to think that anypony would ever forgive me for what I did. Yet Applejack, her family, and the filly named Scootaloo were starting to come on to liking me. I thought, why not help them with their problem and just maybe this good deed might get me noticed that I’m trying to change. I hoped that gossip was a bit down here, which would be an advantage to me.

I decided to walk up the stairs and see what she was doing when she opened the door and jumped. I looked at her and chuckled. She rose an eyebrow at me stood back up.

“Don’t scare me like that. I hate it when ponies scare me,” Twilight said, passing me to go down the stairs. I followed her down the stairs and out the door. We passed the plaza and we ran into one of the ponies who really despised me… Rarity.

“Twilight, dearie, where were you yesterday afternoon. I needed your help with-” she stopped as soon as she saw me. She walked up to me and put her face up to mine. “You’re here now. Why don’t you run back to your pathetic excuse of a master? I’m sure he has other things in mind for a savage like you.”

I wanted to smack the smug look off her face. She began to walk around me when I heard a twinkle like sound. The next thing I knew I was hanging upside down and fell to the ground. That bitch tripped me for no goddamn reason. I exhaled as I got up off the ground and started to laugh.

“Hey Rarity…” She looked back at me disgusted. “Thanks for making my day. I thought today would be boring, but you just made it interesting. Thank you.” I turned back to Twilight to see her softly smile. I smiled back and we continued our walk toward the barn.
“That was surprising, to see you do that. You didn’t cuss or make any hurtful replies. I’m sure that you have a chance to change other pony’s minds. I’m proud of you.” Twilight said smiling at me as we walked down the dirt path.

“I’m not that bad of a stallion. The first thing that I plan to work on is my anger issues, then my relations with the citizens of Ponyville,” I said back to see Twilight softly smiling.

“Well it’s good that you have a plan. I won’t always be there to protect you from the ponies here. Some tend to want to pick a fight and I’m warning you now, that you want to stay away from a pegasus known as Roid Rage. If you were to make him mad, then you’d be rolling away on a hospital mobile bed,” Twilight said as we reached the top of the hill revealing the Sweet Apple Acres.

We trotted up to the barn where there was nopony around. I looked around and was suddenly stricken by the sight of a pony stuck in a ditch. The pony turned out to be Apple Bloom, and she wasn’t stuck. She was just taking cover from what hit the barn behind me and Twilight. We turned to see a large boom but in the form of a rainbow. It was magnificent, beautiful! And... was caused by Rainbow Dash… great.

She had broken the sound barrier and caused a sonic boom. She flew over us leaving behind a trail of rainbow. When she landed she trotted over to a second ditch and helped Applejack out of a pile of debris. They trotted over to us and I was suddenly given a smile by Applejack, but a disgusted look by Rainbow dash.

“Well if it ain’t Graymayne. Ya look really well. Are you ready to start working on rebuilding the barn?” Applejack said smiling at me.

“I don’t know AJ. Do you really trust him not to sabotage the barns inner structure?” Rainbow Dash asked. She looked at me and angrily and I glared back at her.

“It’s ok, Rainbow. I can trust him more than I can trust myself with getting up in the morning,” Applejack said, placing her hoof on Rainbow Dash’s shoulder. “Your job is done so you can go if you want, or you can stay and help with pulling up the walls.”

Rainbow Dash huffed and nodded. “Fine, but only to keep an eye on Mr. Assassin here.” I was offended at first but could care less what she thought. I had already told Twilight that I would control my temper, and I was.

After about an hour, we had the inner structure of the barn finished. I had gotten a couple splinters but Twilight removed them soon after. The barn was coming along nicely and looked great.

Next came the walls, which were a lot harder than I had expected. They looked so light only because it was so flat. I decided to try the lift wall on my own. I got it about half-way up and then its weight over-powered me and I went flying over the ledge the rope was hung over. I crashed into Big Mac as he was caring buckets of red paint that splashed all over him and me. He was already a red stallion so it didn’t look like there was any on him. I, on the other hoof, looked like a spotted horse. We shared a laugh and went to wash off the paint
.
When we returned, the wall had been lifted and hammered into place. Applejack, Big Mac, and I went to get more paint for the barn, and were fortunate that there was more than needed. We went in a row, like pattern; I had two fillies standing on my back while I held a paintbrush in my mouth going across the side of the barn. It went by quick and easy, which was good for me, because I was sweating like a pig on a hot summer day.

Then, finally after a hard day’s work, the barn was finished. It was at least three times larger than the previous barn. Twilight, Applejack, Big Mac, Rainbow Dash, and I were all happy with the work done today. Sure, Rainbow Dash still sneered at me, but it still worked out for all of us.

That night we ate apple pie and drank cider. I thought that cider was going to get me drunk, but it just didn’t happen. We sat and talked for the night, and I never thought that I would ever see myself doing what everypony else thought I would never do. I danced to a really strange song that Apple Bloom played on the radio. The broadcaster called herself DJ Pony, but with the number three instead of the letter “y”. She kept playing a new type of music known as “Dub-step”
.
“Can you taste the Wubs, Ponyville?!” She said over the radio. “That was Skrillex and their song Bangerang.”

After about two hours of celebrating, Twilight and I said our goodbyes and went back to her house. The sunset was extremely beautiful and breathtaking. I was certain that Celestia was watching me, and so was Discord. I didn’t care if Celestia gave me a second chance. She would die along with her sister. Those two alicorns were the only things standing in my lord's way.

We arrived back at Twilight’s around ten o’clock. Spike was already asleep and cuddled in the corner of the library. We let him sleep and I said goodnight to Twilight, she did the same and walked up the stairs to her room. I entered the downstairs bedroom and blew out the candles. I lied down on the bed and closed my eyes. When I opened them again, I was staring Discord in the face.

“Hello again Graymayne. I can see everything is going according to plan. What was it you wanted to talk about?” he said as he magically created a table and two chairs. We sat down and he summoned a skeleton butler with a tray of tea and English muffins.

“I wanted to ask you about a dream I had. It was disturbing and I couldn’t get it out of my head.” I said getting comfortable. Discord gave me a concerned look and took a sip of his tea.

“Well then, tell me everything,” he said leaning in close to listen. I began the story of the stage and how I was chained to the ground. How my head was filled with voices and the crowd screaming for my death.

When I was finished with telling him my dream, Discord looked at me concerned. His eyes were wandering the room, and I had no clue what to think. What was he going to say next? Finally after six or seven minutes of silence, Discord spoke.
“Interesting…very interesting. Graymayne, that dream is only a dream. It cannot harm you. I can see that you are worried, especially for your siblings,” he said scratching at his chin.

“That’s the other thing I wanted to ask you about. When Celestia is dead, is there any chance that my siblings could be spared? I don’t want to see them hurt... or worse,” I asked Discord, letting my head down because I did not want to see his reaction. I looked back up to see a soft and warm smile plastered on his face.

“Of course they can Graymayne. They are your family after all. Ask your sister's friends if they would like to join. We could all be one happy family,” he said, creating an image in my head of all of us together. “If this is what you wish, then it will happen. I promise.” He flew over to my side and rested a claw on my shoulder.

I looked at my surroundings change and saw Twilight, her friends, and Shining armor. They were all smiling at me and had a picnic set out. Apple pies and cider, it was so perfect. I reached out to touch it and hold it close but it dissipated as I grabbed it. I exhaled thinking of the image. That is what I wanted. I thought even more and concluded that I would do anything to make sure it happened.

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

I woke up to see Twilight moving some books into the room. Large and small boxes filled with scrolls and other types of literature. I got up and walked over to her. She noticed me and smiled.

“What are you doing?” I asked, helping her with a box that she was about to drop.

“Well you look bored sometimes, so I thought you would like some books to read before bed or something. Just a suggestion, I noticed that you were about to read one of the Daring Do books yesterday, so I brought a couple down,” Twilight said placing the boxes down on the floor.

“Well thanks, but isn’t that the book that Rainbow Dash had on hold?” I asked, pointing at the book.

“Oh she won’t mind. It’s not like she won’t ever be able to read it,” Twilight replied, placing the books in order on the shelf.
I tried to pick up a book, but couldn’t. Twilight chuckled at the fact that I was trying to use my hooves to pick the book up. I dropped it multiple times, but was finally able to get it onto the shelf. By the time I got it there though, Twilight had already had the books in a color coded pattern on the shelf. The book that I had put there was red and all the red books were on the other end of the shelf. I sighed and grabbed the book in my mouth and carried it over to the other side. We walked back upstairs where I was greeted with a warm hug from Pinkie.

“Hey Graymayne! How was your night? I hope I didn’t wake you up when I walked in. You look well rested and much healthier from when I saw you last,” Pinkie said as she let go of me and stepped back.
“I’ve been fine. How about you?” I replied with a soft smile.

She smiled largely and told me about how she met some old mule that apparently was really grumpy until he found the love of his life here in Ponyville. We talked for about an hour and then she had to leave for an unknown reason. I noticed her tail was vibrating like crazy. It just wouldn’t stop. She left in a frenzy of worry. I didn’t mind that, but then Twilight explained it. She said that it was a thing she had, called a “Pinkie sense” or something like that.

After that, we ate breakfast and decided to go shopping. Twilight had to literally beg me to go into the town spa. Why would I go in there? I wasn’t a mare, then again the twins that gave massages were really freaking sexy. I couldn’t resist as soon as I saw them. Twilight finally noticed that I was taking a liking to them and pulled me out of there.

Next we made our way toward the town hall where we had to get groceries. I ended up carrying most of it because Twilight was holding the list. We were about half-way done when Twilight noticed something in the distance. I had food and other groceries hanging in my face when she screamed.

“What’s wrong Twilight?! I can’t see what’s going on with all this stuff in my face,” I said, trying to remove it by blowing. Twilight moved the groceries from my sight and I saw what she saw. A large cloud of smoke was stretching into the sky from where it originated. It came from a tall cone-like building. Fire was swarming out of control from the windows and I could see ponies scrambling around for buckets of water. I looked at Twilight as she stood there shocked.

“Whose home is that?” I asked her with a worried face.

“T- that’s Rarity’s place, but I’m still working on believing,” Twilight said.

I looked back at the burning building and thought about what Rarity said to me yesterday. I still didn’t like her, but I did what I knew was right. I galloped toward the building as fast as I could, ignoring the fact that Twilight was calling after me. I stopped just a few yards away from the burning building, looking for a way inside. I scanned the area and saw three ponies standing there. There was a little filly, a stallion, and a mare who were all staring at the burning building in horror. I heard a boom from the building's lower level. It was only a matter of time before it would collapse. The filly freaked, and in a heroic attempt, they galloped inside. The first thing I thought was: 'What in the world are they thinking?'

“What are you doing? We don’t even know if she’s inside," Twilight said, trying to get my attention. I ignored her and saw barrels stacked up on top of each other next to a small shack. I ran for them and hopped on. Reaching the top of the stack, I heard Twilight yelling something like: “Are you crazy?!” I took a step back, thinking about what I was about to do. I crouched and with what strength I had, I leaped for a window and before I knew it, I crashed through it.

I tumbled and rolled to a stop. I stood up and was immediately greeted with thick black smoke. I coughed and lowered down close to the floor.

“Hello! Is anyone in here?!” I yelled into the building. I stood there, thinking about the filly and Rarity. I heard a faint yell, and was greeted with a burning crash.

I looked to my right and saw the stairs were gone. The sound had come from the top floor. With the stairs gone I would have to find another way up. The fires were spreading toward me and I reacted quickly. I sprinted toward the crashed stairs and looked for a ledge or something that I could leap onto. The stairs had collapsed so hard, there were very few ledges.

I turned back toward the fire and thought…“Well…fuck me”. I leaped for the closest edge and jumped for the next as it snapped. I continued on to the next as the ones behind me snapped. When I leaped for the final beam, it began to falter. I landed on it as it began to separate from the wall. I moved fast and jumped from the last beam to the upper floor. I hit the ledge, barely being able to hold on.

I looked down and saw the fire rising between lots of broken wood spikes. I clawed at the ledge, trying to hold on for dear life. I was able to get up, but suffered the pain of wooden slivers in my hind legs. I ran for the next room and through the door. The next thing I see is filly kneeling down to the unconscious Rarity. I ran for them and was greeted by the screaming of the filly.

“Assassin!” she screamed. “Don’t hurt me or my sister!”

“Shut up and help me get her on my back!” I yelled back to the filly who looked completely confused. “Do you want to live or not?!” She nodded. “So help me get her on my back!” She frantically grabbed Rarity and helped me set her on my back. I heard a crash come from behind us. “You see those fabrics?” I pointed at the clothing and the filly nodded. “Grab them, climb onto my back and cover you and her in them.” I looked around for a way out and noticed that the crash had blocked the door that I had come through. I turned as the filly leaped onto my back and covered her and Rarity. I looked and noticed a window overlooking a clear landscape. I backed up and prepared to charge.

“You’re not going to do what I think you’re going to do?” She said poking her head out of the fabric.
“Well we have that, or would you prefer to burn alive?!” I replied. She looked worried and buried herself into the fabric. I charged and without hesitation, I leaped and crashed out the window.

We went gliding out the window and landed onto the ground, sliding. We came to a stop and I started to cough. My head dropped and I lied there.

“Now can you get off me?…ow…” I said, coughing and trying to get a full breath out. The filly climbed out of the fabric and ponies started to crowd around us. The two ponies from before rushed forward and grabbed her. They embraced each other and then the filly galloped from them back to me. She removed the fabrics, revealing Rarity and helped move her from my back. I got back up and rushed over to Rarity. I knelt down, checking if she was breathing. Her chest was slowly moving up and down and she was certainly breathing. I exhaled and looked toward the two ponies and filly and nodded.

“She’s going to be fine,” I said, softly smiling. The two ponies and filly rushed forward, and I gave them their room.
I began to walk through the crowd and met up with Twilight. Her mouth dropped with her eyes filled with shock and surprise. “What? I’m not going to just let her burn alive.” I said, softly smiling. “Well, let’s get back to your house. My legs are filled with glass and wood.” She looked down at my forelegs and noticed the slight blood flow. She looked back up to me and smiled softly. We began our walk back to the library when I heard galloping from behind.

“Wait!” a familiar voice called out. I turned to see the filly running up to me. She stopped in her tracks and stood there, smiling at me. Nearly crying she stood on her on hind legs and hugged me. I had no choice but to sit, or she would have dragged me down.
“Thank you so much! You saved our lives!” she said. I could feel tears streaming down her cheeks. I didn’t know what to do but sit there. I looked back at Twilight, who was shocked at the action. I looked back at the filly and then looked up to see the other two ponies walk up to me, nearly crying. The filly let go and smiled again at me. She walked back to the two other ponies, who must have been her parents. Then, the father came up to me and shook my hoof, thanking me like there was no tomorrow. The mother hugged and thanked me. As soon as that was done, they all took Rarity to the hospital. The last thing I remember before I passed out, were the shocked and surprised faces of the stallions and mares that saw my act of heroics.

(((((((((((((((((((((((((TWILIGHT SPARKLE)))))))))))))))))))))))))

I decided to visit Rarity at the hospital. Graymayne was fast asleep and Spike said that he would watch over him while I was with Rarity. After what Rarity did and said to Graymayne the day before, I was surprised at what he did. He saved her life. That proves he can change. I couldn’t wait to tell Rarity and the others if the town didn’t tell them first. I entered the hospital and requested to see Rarity. The nurse led the way and when I entered the room I saw Fluttershy and Applejack anxiously waiting for Rarity to wake up.
“Good morning girls, how’s Rarity?” I asked, walking up to Rarity’s bed side.

“She’s breathing and in a good stable condition. I hope she can explain what happened. All I need to know is how the fire started,” said Applejack.

“Is it true that he saved her?” Fluttershy whispered, surprised of the thought.

“Right. Twilight, is it true that Graymayne saved Rarity?!” Applejack asked, looking at me stunned.

“Yes…Graymayne saved Rarity.” I replied with a smile.

“You see Fluttershy, Ah told ya that he wasn’t a bad stallion. The pony risked his life, charged into a burning building and saved her. That’s got to mean somethin’.” Applejack said, trotting over to Fluttershy.

“I’m not trying to say he’s a bad pony. He just really scares me. I mean, didn’t you see those evil looking eyes that he had when he woke up in the dungeon? I didn’t want to even be in the same room as him. I’m sorry for not going with you and Twilight to get him,” Fluttershy replied, letting her head down in sadness.

“There’s no need to be sorry Sugarcube. You have your thoughts and worries about him. Ah had my worries the day Ah found out he was the assassin. Ah felt like Ah had just aided a wanted criminal, no offense to your brother, Twilight,” Applejack said, lifting her hoof up to Fluttershy’s shoulder and looking at me.

“None taken. He was quite terrifying that night I stopped him from making that terrible mistake,” I replied.

“Speaking of Graymayne, where is our big hero?” Applejack asked, putting her hoof down and taking a seat on the floor.

“He’s back at the library, sleeping. He had quite a few glass shards and some large splinters. He didn’t lose a ton of blood, but enough to fill a bowl. After he rescued Rarity, he passed out. That is when I carried him to the library. I hope he’s ok,” I said, walking over to open the blinds to let some light in.

“Well then, tell him I said hi and thanks for saving Rarity. I hope he feels better soon,” Applejack said.

“How about you all come by the library later and see him. I’m sure he’ll be awake by noon.” I said, returning to Rarity’s bed side.
“Well that would be nice but Ah have to get back to the farm and help Big Mac with harvesting apples,” Applejack replied.

“I would but, Angel Bunny is sick and I need to be there to-” Fluttershy began but was interrupted as Rarity started to wake up, groaning.

“Uh…” Rarity groaned as she opened her eyes.

“Well, look who decided to rejoin the living,” Applejack said smiling at Rarity.

“Oh my goodness! What happened?” Rarity said as she rubbed her head.

“Well that’s what we want to know. Your home is the one that caught on fire. How in Equestria did that even happen?” I asked, sitting down.

“Well…I was handling some heat gems, and one of them reacted to a fabric that I had sheep’s wool put on. That’s how the fire started. Now that I know that heat gems actually do set things on fire, I will certainly never use them again,” Rarity replied. “What I want to know is how I am still alive.”

“That’s actually a good story Rarity. Somepony special saved you and Sweetie Belle,” I said smiling.

“Well then tell me who this special stallion is,” Rarity said overjoyed to hear more of her hero.

“Rarity, Ah think you’re going to be very surprised at this,” Applejack said, looking at me for the big unveil.

“Well, tell me already! Don’t keep a mare waiting,” Rarity said anxiously.

“Graymayne saved you,” I replied. When I said it, her anxious and happy smile had turned into a shocked and dumb-found look on her face. “Yeah…he saved you.”

“You mean to tell me that he, the assassin who nearly killed Celestia, saved me?” Rarity said, lying back in her bed.

“Yes, and will you stop calling him assassin? It’s degrading and hurtful. He is my brother after all, and after what you said to him, did to him, he could have left you in there to burn alive. He risked his life and leaped into your burning home head first. Then he crashed through the top floor window with you and Sweetie Belle on his back, covered in fabric so that you wouldn’t be harmed by the glass or wood. He suffered glass shards and large splinters in his forelegs and hind legs. He lost just enough blood to fill a small bowl. You should be ashamed of yourself for treating him that way,” I said, looking at her disappointed.

She hesitated and started up a sigh. “Darling, I’m awfully sorry for what I did and said. What confuses me is why would he save me?”

“First thing is, don’t apologize to me. Graymayne is the one who deserves it. Second, he is willing to change. You need to give him a chance,” I said, easing up on her and setting my hoof on her hoof.

“What! I- I can’t even think about apologizing to him. I don’t even know if I can face him,” she said while looking into my eyes worried. “I feel awful about what I did. I hope he can forgive me.”

“I’m sure that if he saved your life, that he can forgive you Rarity,” Applejack said, stepping in to give Rarity support.

“We all have to learn to give Graymayne a chance, and I’m willing to give him that chance. Even though he is scary,” Fluttershy said with a soft smile.

We shared a hug, but were interrupted when the doctor came trotting in. “How are you today, Miss Rarity?”

“I’m quite fine doctor, I’m just lucky that my friends came to see me,” Rarity replied smiling.

“Well that’s good to have friends close by. Sadly, they have to go. Visiting hours for today are over. I really am sorry, but patients need to get their rest,” he said, walking over and nudging Applejack, Fluttershy, and me toward the door.

“Well, ok then. Rarity, we’ll stop by tomorrow to see you. Goodbye for now,” I said back as soon as the room door closed behind us.

“That was really rude of him. Then again, patients do need rest and I can’t argue with that logic, even if she did just wake up,” Applejack finished sarcastically. “Anyways I should get back to the farm and help Big Mac. Tell Graymayne that I said hello and that if he ever needs anything to do, then he is certainly welcome to come help out at the farm.”

“Ok, I’ll tell him,” I replied.

“I wouldn’t mind if you brought Graymayne over to my home later this week. Right now isn’t a good time only because of Angel Bunny,” Fluttershy said, softly digging at the ground. “We could talk and I could get to know more about Graymayne. I mean if that’s ok…”

“Thank you Fluttershy, how does Saturday sound, around three?” I asked.

“That would be fine. I’ll prepare some pumpkin pie and apples for a picnic,” Fluttershy said, smiling softly.

“Sounds good. Well, I need to get back to the library and see if Spike and Graymayne are getting along. I’ll see you Saturday then,” I said, waving goodbye and making my way back to the library.

When I had arrived, I noticed the lights were on and I could hear music. I walked in and to the kitchen where I saw Graymayne and Spike dancing around and cleaning the dishes together.

“You Give Love a Bad Name!!” Graymayne and Spike started to sing and dance.

They didn’t see me yet, so I thought I would enjoy it while it lasted. Graymayne looked so happy dancing around the room. I looked at him and then he finally noticed me. He halted as Spike kept dancing and then nudged him to stop. I trotted up to him and we talked about how Rarity was doing. He didn’t seem to excited to talk about her, but was surprised that she felt horrible about what she did. I told him about this Saturday and how we were going to visit Fluttershy and have a picnic. He agreed and we finished washing the dishes together.

We finished the night reading stories and listening to a couple of Graymayne’s adventures. One of his stories consisted of him and a mare by the name of Blade Runner. He told how she and he had fought over an assassination job. She and Graymayne ended up trying to kill each other and he ended the story saying: “we all know who walked away from that one”. He then explained that he didn’t kill her but left her at the nearest guard post knowing that she was a wanted mare.

Another one of his stories included a lover. He and a Pegasus by the name of Star Gazer both fell in love the night of Summer Sun Celebration. Graymayne didn’t go into too much detail with the story. He ended his story saying: “that was the best night of my life and wow she bit hard…hehehehe”. I didn’t want to know what he meant, but I was afraid that I already knew. I fell asleep that night and had a beautiful dream.

There we were, sitting in the field. Shining armor, Mom, Dad and I were all enjoying a bright and sunny afternoon. I thought it couldn’t get any better. Then, something urged me to look at the hills. There, sprinting toward us was Graymayne. We all went to greet him and we all had tears of joy running down our cheeks. We embraced each other and cried. It was such a beautiful dream that I didn’t want to wake up.

Everything started to slow down and everything started to fade. I was left in the dark and I tried to call out to them. All I could hear were whispers of hate and anger. When I looked around I noticed a figure in the distance and immediately recognized it as Graymayne. He was sitting there, head hanging and a spotlight shining down on him. I galloped to him but was stopped by a magical barrier. He sat there whispering to himself something that I couldn’t make out. Suddenly everything went silent and the barrier was gone. I slowly walked up to him.

“Graymayne, are you ok?” I asked before he lifted his head to reveal an insane look on his face.

“I didn’t want any of this to happen. I only wanted to be with you and Shining Armor, but,” His expression changed from an insane smile to a fury and hate filled glare. “You took that love and turned into hate!”

“Graymayne what are you talking about?” I asked him. He let his head hang down again and I tried to talk to him. “Graymayne, whatever it is, I can help you. Please let me help-” I tried to finish before he jolted his head up.

“SHUT UP! I fucking trusted you Twilight! You broke that trust… and now… I’m going to break you…”

I started to back away as his eyes turned to a pearl black and dark purple mist leaking from the sides of them. His horn had returned and was far more different. It was as sharp as a dagger, curved, and glowed a menacing black. I got further and further until I hit something. The magical barrier had returned and Graymayne advanced upon me. He summoned his blades and was going to kill me. His face had an insane smile and hate filled eyes. I backed as far as I could into the invisible wall and watched as Graymayne came closer. Tears trickled down my cheeks as he looked at me and began a mad chuckle. He was finally upon me. The blades rose, and as they came down, I woke up.

I sat up gasping for air. I felt sweat on my forehead and began to look around. “It was all a dream…” I sat there in my bed, thinking about my dream. I got out of bed trying not to wake up Spike. He was curled up in a ball in his bed dreaming of whatever he was dreaming about. I walked over to the wall and started up my horn. The walls started to part ways and reveal a little blue chest. I opened the chest and pulled out Graymayne’s horn crystal. I looked at it and suddenly noticed a slight white glow from inside. I looked at it closely and placed it back into the chest. Closing the wall, I thought about the way Graymayne was acting in my dream. Was I really going to be able to change him? I walked back over to my bed with the dream still swarming my mind. What did he mean by broke his trust? I decided to send Princess Celestia a letter tomorrow when I get the chance. I hope she will have an answer or something that will help me. I lied back down in my bed and shut my eyes.

Song for this Chapter---LINK

Author's Note

I hope you all enjoyed this Chapter. I want to throw a huge THANK YOU to my new editor Ephraim Blue for making this chapter even better! The Link at the bottom of the chapter is the song I believe goes perfect with this chapter and I hope you think so too. Thank you to all who are reading my story and to all who fave it and like it. Will Graymayne be able to forgive Rarity? What in the name of Celestia did Twilight see in her dream? Whatever it was, could it really be Graymayne? Again, Thank you for reading my story!

My Sanity

(((((((((((((((((((((((GRAYMAYNE)))))))))))))))))))))))

I took a look at the clock and that read twelve thirty. I sat there waiting for twilight to get out of the shower. I looked at Spike who was dusting off an empty book shelf.

“Does she always take this long?” I asked him.

“It depends…she tends to take long showers when something is bugging her. I say this because when I got up she was just lying in her bed, eyes partly open and I could tell from her facial expression that she had a really bad nightmare. If you’re curious…you could ask her yourself,” Spike replied shrugging and moving to the next shelf.

I sighed and decided to help spike clean up the shelf. We had two sets of shelves dusted off when Twilight finally stepped down the stairs.

I looked at her and gently smiled at her. I could tell she was trying not to show that she was in stress. I walked up to her and put my hoof on her shoulder.

“You were in there for quite some time. Are you alright Twilight?” I asked trying to comfort her. She hesitated and nodded. “Are you sure?”

“I’m fine Graymayne…I just didn’t get a goodnight sleep is all. But…anyway…I was going to go over to the hospital again today and wanted to know if you would like to go,” She replied smiling softly.

“Hmm…I don’t know, I don’t think that the ponies inside would like seeing me. I don’t want to be the reason an elder mare or stallion dies of a heart attack,” I said chuckling with a hint of sarcasm. “Sure…but don’t ask me to if I want to see Rarity. I can wait till she gets out of the hospital for an apology,”

“Good…maybe we could also get you looked at. You did lose quite a bit of blood,” Twilight said looking down at my forelegs and hind legs. The cuts were near healed only do to Twilight using her healing magic.

“Really…I’m feeling fine. I just needed to get some rest,” I replied lifting my right foreleg and carefully looking at it.

“Well, I just want to know how your blood flow is normal and if you need any kind of medicine,” Twilight said taking one last glance at my forelegs and hind legs.

“Alright…whatever you say…” I replied sarcastically.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Twilight said acting playfully offended. We laughed and made our way to the local hospital.

On our way I noticed something strange. Not only the fact that I was getting less and less disgusted looks, but I was actually given a slight wave and smile from a couple stallions and mares. It seemed that my actions yesterday had gone noticed. Sure there were a still a lot of other ponies that gave me looks of *you’re a horrible pony* and *I hate you*. I didn’t care what other ponies thought about me. The only opinions I cared for were my brother’s and sister’s.

I hoped Shining armor had forgiven me for what happened back at the cell, I still had thoughts about that day. I knew that as soon as I saw him again that I wouldn’t stop apologizing. I only wanted to know he would forgive me.

Reaching the hospital I noticed that it looked quite familiar. I stopped and Twilight stopped as soon as she noticed this.

“What’s wrong?” Twilight asked.

“This hospital seems very familiar. I can’t quite put my hoof on it but it certainly rings a bell. I’ll remember sooner or later,” I said shrugging and continued trotting ahead.

“If you say so…” Twilight said trotting beside me.

When we entered, I felt a slight feel of relief and relaxation. I asked Twilight what it was and she said that it was a pain killer spell. I could certainly feel it and it felt incredible. I couldn’t help but keep tripping over myself. It just felt amazing, like all the fights and torture had just faded away. Twilight noticed this and helped me to the nearest chair. As I sat there she went to see Rarity and I just relaxed. I let my head fall back and enjoyed the feeling of relief. It was perfect…until I heard a familiar voice speak up in her squeaky cowgirl accent.

“Well howdy Mister Graymayne,” Apple Bloom said with a smile on her face.

I looked down at her and smiled back. “Well if it isn’t Apple Bloom. How are you?” I noticed that scootaloo and the filly from the burning home were following her.

“I’m good…I didn’t think you would be coming to the hospital to see Rarity too,” Apple Bloom replied.

“Um…I’m actually not here to see her. I’m only here because Twilight asked me. To tell the truth…I actually want to wait till she gets out of the hospital to see her. Twilight told me that Rarity felt horrible about how she treated me and I didn’t want to make her feel worse by facing me while still in the medical ward,” I said.

“I’m certain my sister can face you. Anyway…thanks again for saving us. I never thought that out of all the ponies in Ponyville…the assa-…I mean you would save us,” The mysterious filly said.

“You’re quite welcome…” I paused “I’m sorry, but what’s your name?”

“My name is Sweatie Belle, and this is scoo-” She said before I cut her off.

“I know who your friend is…scootaloo,” I said looking at her.

“Hello again Graymayne, I told Rainbow dash what you said and she didn’t take that too kindly. She seemed a little disgruntle so I decided not to see her today,” Scootaloo said.

I then noticed the looks on Apple Bloom and Sweatie Belle change from a smile to worry.

“It’s ok you guys…it’s a long story but I’ll explain later,” Scootaloo said reassuring them. They shrugged and turned their attention back to me.

“So…what’s Applejack up to? Does she need any help at the farm?” I asked Apple Bloom.

“We don’t need any help as of right now but this upcoming Monday we have a large order of apple cider to make. It’s going to take all day to make and we need all the help we can get,” She replied.

“Ok…what time should Twilight and I show up?” I asked.

“Don’t worry…I’ll tell her and she’ll come to get you,” Apple Bloom said smiling softly.

I saw Sweatie Belle nudge Apple Bloom. “Let’s go…I want to see Rarity,” Sweatie Belle exclaimed impatiently.

“Ok…well it was great seeing you again Mister Graymayne. Hope to see you this Monday, Goodbye,” Apple Bloom said as her and the others trotted away waving.

I waved back and finally laid my head back in relief. I stared at the ceiling and studied the pattern. Counting all the little black dots on a tile of 5 by 5, it wasn’t what I would want to do but at least it helped pass the time. All was peaceful and then I heard a very soft and subtle voice. I knew exactly who it was before I even lifted my head.

“Um…g-g-good morning Graymayne…,” Fluttershy said trembling in her fur. I brought my head up to see her and smiled.

“Good morning to you too, Fluttershy, how are you?” I asked noticing the way she trembled.

“Um…fine…,” She paused and hesitated.

“Sorry…” I said getting on my hoofs. She saw this and backed away just a bit.

“Your fine…I…um…wanted to know if you and Twilight are stilling coming over to the cottage tomorrow?”

“Yeah…I think so,” I paused. “Fluttershy I was apologizing for making you scared of me. I hope you can forgive me. I mean your practically trembling and I don’t want to make you more afraid,”

She breathed and eased herself with a low sigh. “Um…thank you. I remember seeing you in the cell when you were chained up. Just the look on your face terrified me. Your eyes were filled with so much hate and anger. You’re the first pony who has ever actually cussed out the princess before. It also scared me how much rage you held,”

“Believe me…I understand. To tell you the truth…I’m scared of my own self sometimes,” I said with a soft smile. She was a bit stunned at it but I could tell she understood.

“Oh…my. Have you told Twilight?”

“No…I don’t think I need her to worry about me as much as she is now. Anyway…I really want to say I’m sorry about scaring you on the roof,” I said losing eye contact and reaching my hoof back to itch my head.

“It’s fine…Applejack was right about you. You are a just a big softy…violent and full of anger and hate…but in some ways you’re just a big softy,” Fluttershy continued. I noticed a slight smile start to form and I smiled some more.

“Well…thanks…coming from you that means a lot. Wait, correction…coming from anypony really…it means a lot,” I said.

We talked for a little while longer about how the day was going. She started talking about the Everfree forest and how she, Twilight and the rest of them discovered the power of “friendship” and defeated Luna or at the time “Nightmare Moon”. I acted like I believed her about the whole friendship thing…still it was bullshit. Just like Apple Bloom and her friends…Fluttershy said her goodbyes and made her way to see Rarity. I was once again alone with my thoughts. I picked up a magazine and began to read. It was mostly celebrity related stuff…very boring. Just the fact that the media cared so much about such ridiculous things: like who would care if this Prince Blueblood finally got laid. I thought now who in the Hell, wants to know about that kind of crap. The media seriously needs to be put in their place.

Only hours after reading I saw Twilight, Fluttershy, Sweatie Belle, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom all come trotting out of the medical ward. I got up and yawned.

“Finally…I thought you guys would never come out,” I exclaimed and stretching.

“Well, Rarity went through some shock while we were in there and we had to be sure that she was ok,” Twilight replied handing back her visitor card.

“I’m guessing that she’s ok,” I asked

“Yeah…she’s going to have to stay here for another three days at the least which isn’t as bad as we thought,” Twilight said.

“Well…I know a way I could help…if you know what I mean,” I stepped up smiling devilishly.

“Really..? How would you help rarity heal faster?” Twilight asked looking concerned.

“I know a specific healing spell that passes through the body within a two hour period…that can heal all inner wounds,” I paused turning to the three fillies. “But…I would need my horn for that,” I finished before sitting down and getting a disappointed look from Twilight.

“No Graymayne…you know why you lost your horn. Don’t give me a reason to shatter that crystal,” Twilight said getting in my face. “You shouldn’t even be thinking about it. That is something for Celestia to decide…not me. So…don’t ask me to give your horn to you,”

“Hey…hey…I understand. Just wanted to see how you would react,” I replied shrugging.

“How else would I react?” She said as we all made our way out of the hospital.

“Well I thought you would ignore the question,” I said.

“Graymayne, don’t you understand that I can and will break your horn,” She said. I looked back at her and chuckled.

“Face it Twilight…we all know that you won’t do it,”

“Don’t doubt me Graymayne…I will,” She said tensing up.

“We’ll just have to wait and see then. Oh…and…you failed,” I said still trotting ahead. I looked back to see an expressionless face. I smiled and trotted back to her.

“I…failed?” She said looking at me.

“I was testing you…I wanted to see if you could keep your cool while I antagonized you,” I chuckled with a smug grin.

Twilight just looked at me and then continued trotting down the dirt road. I looked back at Fluttershy and the fillies who were all just looking at me concerned.

“What? I had to test her. It’s a key aspect of studying,” I said. They just looked at me. “Whatever…” I turned and galloped toward Twilight who had her head lowered.

“Sorry about that…” I said to Twilight who still had her head hanging.

“No…you don’t have to apologize. Your right…I need to stay calm even when I know the odds are against me. That should have been one of the first lessons I learned before becoming Celestia’s student,” She replied before giving a slow sigh.

“You know what…I’m still curious. How in Equestria did you even become her student?” I asked. She lifted her head with a slight smile.

“You really want to know?”

I nodded and she began her tale of triumph.

“Well…it was bright day out in Canterlot and I had a big day ahead of me. I was trying out for beginner’s magic school. I was given a dragon egg and I was asked to hatch it. It all went well until I lost control of my magic at the sound of a large boom. I saw mom and dad turned into a cactus and bucket of water. I couldn’t control it until Celestia put her hoof onto my shoulder to calm me down. I was then able to hatch to egg and return mom, dad, and the judges back to normal. I got my cutie mark and that’s also how I met Spike,” She paused looking down at the ground in front of her. “That’s also the day we lost Mom and Dad. I suppose that’s also the day you were taken by Discord. You know…I have no clue why Shining armor never told me about a second brother,” She stopped to look up at me.

“Well I wish I could tell you but even I don’t know. Maybe you could ask him the next time we see him,” I replied trying to brighten her mood. “Besides…I’m here now. Sure I’m a pissed off, black magic using asshole but hey…what are we gonna do,” I joked.

“Well…I’m going to do the best I can to help you change, even if it kills me,” She said smiling. I didn’t find that funny due to the fact that I was still loyal to Discord and all this could end very badly but I faked a smile for her.

We made our way back to the house and the fillies and Fluttershy made their way back home as well. When we entered the house we saw spike curled up in a ball and snoring. Twilight and I had just left him be and made our way into the kitchen. I opened the fridge and pulled out an apple pie that we had bought during shopping at the market the day before. I un-wrapped the plastic wrap and prepared to bite into it when Twilight’s purple magic aura surrounded it in a shield. I bit into the shield and jolted back feeling pain in my upper and lower jaw. I held it and looked at Twilight who shook her head.

“This is for tomorrow’s picnic…not for dinner. We’re having Hay sandwiches and mashed apples,” She said wrapping the pie up in new plastic wrap and placing it back in the fridge.

“You couldn’t just hold me back?! That really hurt!” I said holding my jaw in my hoofs.

“Well maybe you should read the note that’s clearly written on the wrapping,” She replied smiling.

I stood up and looked at the old wrapping I had torn off. It read ‘DO NOT TOUCH’.

“Well dang…I surely wasn’t paying attention, my fault,” I said chuckling.

“I’ll start cooking…if you want, you can help. I would certainly appreciate it,” Twilight said pulling a large basket of apples down from the top shelf.

I nodded and helped her cook up a great meal. The hay burgers were of course the hardest to make due to no horn but I managed. I did however end up cooking two or three. We sat down in the library in front of the fire place and enjoyed the sweet and peaceful night.

“This is really good…where did you learn to cook?” I said gulping down the bite of my first hay sandwiches.

“I read a recipe book on it a couple months ago and today was a perfect day to make them,” She said taking another bite out of her sandwich.

“So what book is this?” I asked.

“It’s simply called ’10 Easy Eats’ by Gordan Ramsey. He is one of those food critiques that travel the world and well…critique restaurants and their food,” She paused to take another bite out of her sandwich. “I see him as a foods genius, but other mares and stallions see him as rude and a real jerk. I personally don’t care what other ponies think,”

“Well, you tell this Gordan stallion that he certainly is a genius,” I replied with a slight chuckle. The room went silent other than the constant snoring from spike.

“Um…Graymayne…can I ask you a question?” Twilight said hesitantly.

“Of course…what do you want to know?” I replied with a smile.

“Well…I told you how I got my cutie mark…I was hoping to know how you got yours,” She said.

“Of course, I would be happy to tell you how I got this little beauty. First of all though…do you know what this symbol stands for?” I said pointing my hoof toward my cutie mark. She shook her head and I gave out a quick sigh. “Of all the unicorns…I’m the brother of the one who doesn’t know what conjuration is. Then again you don’t use black magic…so I understand. Being the student of Celestia…she probably wouldn’t have allowed it,” I looked at her and she seemed offended.

“Well I didn’t grow up in a messed up world where hate and anger took over my life and the only thing I could resort to is black magic,” She said looking more offended.

“I never meant to offend you, I’m only saying. Anyway, conjuration is a form of black magic that allows the user to create anything, anything that they can think of out of thin air. Like that way I created my blades the day you captured me,” I paused to take a large bite out of my second sandwich.

“So how did you get your cutie mark is all I want to know,” Twilight said urging me on to get to the point.

I looked at her and sighed. “Fine…it was a normal day for me. After an assassination in Fillydelphia, I returned home and decided to meditate and study my arcane terminology book by Star Swirl the Bearded himself. I was just sitting there and relaxing when about six or seven of Discords men tried to kill me. I ended them quickly and found that they just wanted to prove Discord wrong for caring for a unicorn. Afterwards I simply cleaned up the mess that I had caused and without knowing it I had gained my cutie mark. I didn’t realize until Discord himself came and noticed it. He congratulated me and of course being me I didn’t know what the Hell it even was until he explained it to me,”

“Hmm…that’s a pretty interesting story. Due to the fact that you had to kill to get it,” Twilight said.

“Well sorry for not being a loving, kindness all around, little-,” I said stuffing my mouth before blurting out a cuss.

She looked at me before taking my plate in her purple aura and setting it underneath her own. I took a look at the clock and realized that it was only about six. I stood up and offered to clean the dishes as she showered.

“What was I doing…” I thought. “What did I do today…I was acting like an asshole. How the Hell was I going to get anypony to like me if I did that? What did Fluttershy and the fillies think of me today? I bet they certainly doubt my resolve,” I continued washing the plates but paused when I saw my reflection on one of them. I looked at myself and opened my mouth just enough to check my teeth. I turned my head casually just minding my own business. Closing my mouth I turned over the plate to dry off the other side. When I turned the plate I saw him. He monstrously grinned as the mist leaked from the sides of his pearl black eyes. The insane and evil look from the gleam of his-….no….my eyes.

My eyes widened and my heart stopped. I starred at the monster that was me. He looked back at me smiling and chuckling. I quickly plunged the plate back into the warm, soapy dish water, dispersing the monster’s reflection from my sight. I backed up from the sink and gasping for air. I know what I just saw but I couldn’t suppress the feeling of complete fear. It stunned me and I couldn’t un-see the horrid image of pure darkness that was buried deep within me. I stumbled into the counter as my breath slowly returned to me. I brought my hoof to my chest trying to grip the pain. I couldn’t keep my balance and collapsed to the ground hearing the slow beat of my heart and screams of Twilight and spike as they rushed over to me. The last thing I saw was Twilight’s soaked mane before I blacked out.

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

All I could see was pitch black. I didn’t know where I was or how to get out. I just trotted forward keeping my eyes on the shadows that surrounded me. I bumped into a wall that I didn’t notice until actually feeling it with my face. I reached out my hoof and pressed against it. I sighed at the fact that it was a dead end and turned to see whole new scenery. It was a circular room with statue pillars of ponies holding up the ceiling. Bright flames were lit and floating around the room. They moved like the leaves in a fall breeze, bouncing off the wall and each other.

“Graymayne…welcome back to my sanctuary. You should have told me sooner…I would have set out tea and biscuits,” A voice said from the darkness.

“Trust me…this is the last place I want to be,” I said swallowing my fear. I knew the voice as much as I knew my own name.

“Its sooo nice to see you again…I was starting to believe you had forgotten about little old me,” It chuckled as it swooped around the room still sticking to the shadows.

“Cut to the chase! Why am I here? I remember very well burying you far in my mind! I never wanted to see you again! How are speaking to me?” I said letting my anger out slowly.

“Only you would know why you’re here. I wouldn’t know anything about your whereabouts. Though…you saw me in your reflection so maybe you were-” He said before I cut him off.

“Shut up! Get out of the shadows and get your plot down here so I can kick it like I did before!” I yelled.

Everything went silent and the flames around the room dimmed. Suddenly a large plume of shadows shot down from the ceiling and evaporated each time it hit the floor. I stepped back to get a better look at the large down pour of evil darkness. It finished and reached the floor only to reveal a stallion standing in the middle of the room. He lifted his head with a large, crooked ear to ear smile. The mists from his eyes beginning to leak like tears do when running through a field. His mane was black along with dark grey stripes running through. I was staring at myself…the darker side of me.

“Well…somepony is really pissed…” He said sitting and shuffling his mane and tail. “You should learn to relax,”

“How about you cut the shit and explain why I’m back here in your presence,” I said concealing my anger.

“Like I said…I don’t know why you’re here,” He replied. “All I know is that you’re here. Finally…some company…I’m tired of trying to make friends with these little flames,”

“Don’t count yourself lucky…I won’t be here for long. Twilight will wake me up soon,” I said sitting down and breathing.

I looked down at the floor and back up to see nothing. I turned my head to the left and then right. I turned back left and jumped back as soon as I saw him poof next to me.

“You really think she loves you? That is so funny!” He said chuckling. “She has no idea what you’re really planning,”

“I have a feeling that she’ll join me in the end. She wouldn’t abandon family,” I said reassuring myself.

“What’s this new found love? What happened to the ruthless killing machine? I remember when you didn’t care for anypony…as long as you survived,” He said conjuring up a cup of tea.

“I was told my family was dead! You have no right to talk you sick sack of shit. I’ll do anything to protect my brother and sister,” I yelled back at him.

He jolted back laughing. “You seriously expect me to believe that Graymayne. You’re only using them to get your horn back. Face it…you’ll never really have a family,”

“What do you know? You’re just a voice in my head that I can easily make disappear,” I said.

“I know that you’re starting to cling to this little town already. I know that you’re going to have to choose between your family and master. I already know so much about you and you’re too scared to face these facts,” He said with a smug grin on his face.

“Your just a voice in my head…I have nothing to worry about. I am in control,” I said breathing slowly.

“You’re in control?! Graymayne…I’m going to give you an easy way out of this all,” He said approaching me with a grin on his face. I knew where he was going and I didn’t like it one bit. “Trick your sister into giving you your horn back and then…give me control,”

“No…I won’t give you control. I have a plan to get my horn, get Twilight and Shining on my side, and kill Celestia,” I said getting in his face.

“Just hear me out…I can do all that in one day and make your life a hundred times easier. I could hypnotize your brother and sister into thinking Discord is a hero, I could crash through that barrier like its nothing and kill Celestia in the blink of an eye. Tell me that doesn’t sound a lot easier,” He said as he started to float above me on a little cloud of shadows.

“No…don’t think I’ve forgotten about what happened to Gunner when I first released you! That memory to this day still haunts me,” I said shuddering at the memory of my fallen brother in hoofs.

“He was a weak fool and you know it. He was to cowardly to even release his darker side, but I remember what happened. You took to your darker side like a moth to flame. You loved it and wanted more, so I gave you more. It was so fun to watch you maim your own brother assassin,” He sighed. “But alas, as soon as you saw all the blood and body parts scattered across the room, you panicked and swore never to release me again,”

“That vow will never be broken…and you know it,” I replied.

“That’s what you think…” He said with a crooked grin.

“Excuse me…but ‘what I think’…” I replied starring him down. “What can you do to me? You’re nothing but a voice in my head. I made you disappear more than once and I can do it again,”

“You are so blind. I am you, I am a much more powerful you, you cannot deny my strength. I know that very soon, you’re going to lose control. I will be released and there’s nothing you can do,” He said finishing with a chuckle.

I looked at him as he started to approach me. I tensed myself and readied for a fight with myself. I may not have my horn but I could still show this creature who was boss around here. He came closer and his appearance changed just a bit more. I saw the green eyes with light blue pupils turn to pure darkness. They turned pearl black with a slight gleaming hint of white. I could feel my right foreleg trembling and my heart pounding. I remained as calm as I could but it just wasn’t enough. He stepped closer and knelt his head to where his mouth was barely next to my ear.

“I know what you’re thinking. I know what you’re feeling. I know everything. I even know that…” he paused leaning closer and closer. “…you’re losing your sanity,”

I lost it and jolted forward with my hoof. I landed it square in his face, sending him flying across the room. He crashed through one of the pony pillars and hit the floor with a smack. I looked over at the large pile of rubble and the midnight blue hoof that was sticking out of it. I huffed as he started to crawl out of the pile of broken rock. His head came into view and a large bruise was placed on his left cheek. He smiled and looked up at me.

He chuckled seductively. “Thank you for proving my point,” With that my eyes opened and I jolted up ramming my head into Spike.

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

Twilight tackled me in an embracing hug as she cried. “Oh my god! Your ok…oh thank you sweet Celestia!”

I was shocked and didn’t know what to do but hug her back. I could feel warm tears running down my back as her grip on me tightened. I didn’t know what to say but “What happened?”

Spike rubbed his forehead ignoring the pain and cleared his throat. “You suffered a heart attack. You’re very lucky that Twilight here knows CPR,” I turned my eyes to Twilight who had her head buried in my shoulder.

We sat there in silence for the next couple minutes before I broke the silence. “It’s ok Twilight…I’m not going anywhere, anytime soon,” As soon as I said it, she jolted back and starred deep into my eyes. Her eyes were red and slightly puffy. Tear streaks covered her cheeks and just looking back into her eyes made me feel guilty.

“Promise…” she gave a shaky breath. “Promise you’ll try your best to not to stress yourself. I don’t want all this to be the death of you. Promise me you’ll try harder to change,”

I looked into her eyes and she into mine. I was speechless, was I talking in my sleep. Did she hear any of what I said in my nightmare? I didn’t know, I didn’t want to know. I simply smiled and nodded.

“Say it…” She said with a huff.

I nodded again. “I, Graymayne, promise to do what I can to change my ways and not to put stress on you, myself, or anyone else,” Her grip on me loosened and she began to calm down.

“Good…” She said wiping away the tears left at the rims of her eyes.

I sat there looking at her when it donned on me. “Spike…you said CPR,” He nodded in response. “Twilight…you know you technically kissed me, right?”

Her face went red and Spike hysterically started to laugh. “Oh that’s rich!”

I started to laugh before we were both silenced by a vicious growl from Twilight.

“Hey Spike, did it look like she enjoyed it?” I asked. Twilight gasped in revolt.

“I don’t know!” He said trying to hold back his laugh.

“That is sooo wrong! I did not enjoy that! Why would you think that! I’m your sister!” Twilight exclaimed trying to hide her massive blush.

“It’s ok Twilight if you liked it. I have been with a LOT of mares. Each one said I had the kiss of a god,” I said teasing her and trying to prevent myself from another hysterical outburst.

Twilight’s eyes went wide with a meep. Her expression changed entirely and that’s when I knew I was screwed.

“I guess I can’t deny it,” She said.

We all shared a laugh and it slowly dimmed down to slight chuckles.

“You were kidding, right?” I asked quizzically. She just looked at me with a blank stare. “Right?” I repeated.

She burst out laughing and all Spike and I could think were…Awkward.

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

The rest of the night was mostly silent. Twilight and spike had gone to bed early and I decided to get lost in one of the books she had given to me. It was one of the many Daring Doo books that Twilight had in her inventory. I hadn’t even really read the first couple pages. I had my mind wrapped around how I had fought with myself…no…that creature. What did he mean by ‘very soon’? I vowed never to release him and I was going to keep that vow. I set the book back on the shelf and made my way to the guest room downstairs. I checked the time, it was nearly eleven. I made my way toward the wool bed and got underneath the covers. I couldn’t keep my mind off that darker me. He was assaulting my mind like storm that never ends. His last comment about me losing my sanity wasn’t true and I knew it. Within the next couple minutes I was fast asleep.

Song for this Chapter--LINK

Author's Note

Hello again readers! I apologize about the delay. With my new, and FIRST, job and school to deal with...I haven't found time to catch up on the update. The updates, sadly, will be split up to whenever I have time. So....here is the next chapter and I hope you all enjoyed! Who is this apparition and what does he mean by 'Very Soon'? Will Graymayne's sanity keep him in control of it or will he fall to it's darkness and pure EVIL? Did Twilight enjoy the kiss...OF COURSE NOT!!! IT WAS JOKE!!! I hope you all got a laugh out of it or some kind of humor. Anyway, Thank you all for reading and I hope I can post the next chapter sooner or later. The song for this chapter is "Madness In Me" by Skillet. There will be more bands, but, mostly Five Finger Death Punch. Why? BECAUSE THEY ARE FREAKING AWESOME!!!! THAT'S WHY!!! Lol! See you all in the next chapter! Thank you!!!

Monster

I galloped as fast as I could toward the fields. My mind was stuck on the fact that Twilight left me back at the house. I thought she didn’t trust me alone. As I reached the fields, I looked around at all the other picnics that were taking place, but I couldn’t see Twilight or Fluttershy. Where could they be?

“Graymayne! Over Here!” I turned to see Twilight waving her hoof in the air. She had a large hat that blocked the sun from her eyes. I galloped over to her as she turned and ran down the hill. When I reached the top of the previous hill she was on, I saw a large, secluded, lush, open area. It had a few patches of daisies, sun flowers, and one large oak tree in the center. Underneath the tree, sat the picnic where I saw Twilight just then sitting down and Fluttershy poking around in her picnic basket.

I trotted up to them a bit concerned. “Thanks for leaving me back at the house,” I said.

“You’re welcome… but you’re here now, right? Oh and you passed your own little test,” Twilight said with a small smile.

“My own test?” I replied, completely confused.

“Yeah. Like you said yesterday: 'tests are a key aspect of studying.' So I left early. By the looks of it, you saw the note I left on the fridge and hurried your way over here. This tells me you’re not going to try anything when I’m not around,” Twilight said with a smug
grin.

“So… a little revenge. Looks like my sister isn’t as sweet as I thought,” I said giving a soft smile. She just looked at me and offered a seat in the shade of the oak tree. I sat down closest to the tree and leaned back, resting my head on the hard trunk. “What a really peaceful place. Why haven’t I ever visited this place before?”

“Oh believe me… during the spring, you get the birds chirping just right and you can hear the beautiful sound of whistling in the wind.
I know that Angel Bunny loves it,” Fluttershy exclaimed, trying to keep her excitement to a minimum.

“I can see why. Isn’t it also a rabbit's mating season?” As soon as I said that Fluttershy’s and Twilight’s cheeks blazed red.

“Graymayne… how would you even know that?!” Twilight said, trying to hide the embarrassment on her face.

“I don’t only read arcane books. I once read a little info book on the lives of rabbits.” They just looked at me with red, blank faces.

“Hey, I was just a little colt when I read it. It was a foal’s book.”

“So Discord actually let you read an info book at the age of-” Twilight said before I cut her off.

“Four, and yes he did... And will you stop talking about Discord with me? I don’t need to remember all the shit he put me through,” I said, not really meaning it though. I knew he was watching, but that was all I knew.

“Sorry…” Twilight said, giving a weak smile. “Graymayne, can I ask you something?”

“What do you think?” I said, looking at her quizzically. She just looked at me, waiting for an answer. “Yes Twilight, of course you can. I told you last night, that you could ask me anything.”

Twilight blushed a bit. “Last night, during your little accident, you mentioned a name.” I looked up and saw the concern in her eyes.
“Can you tell me who this ‘Gunner’ is?”

“Um… sure… but first… did I say anything else while I was knocked out?” I asked, hoping she hadn’t heard any of my fight with, well, me.

“Yes… but, nothing I could understand. You were speaking that weird voodoo language that Pinkie talked about. You seemed pretty angry,” she said as her concern grew.

I sighed in relief and laid my head back against the trunk of the tree. “Yeah… Gunner… he’s a touchy subject, so don’t ask for additional information than what I give.” I looked at Twilight and Fluttershy as they nodded in agreement.

“You see… I wasn’t the only assassin that Discord had “recruited.” There were four of us: Blade Runner, Gunner, Killjoy, and me. I guess you could say that we were a family. We were one little happy-” I paused, “dysfunctional family. Each one of us was special in our own little way. Sure we were all unicorns, but we certainly weren’t afraid to show our true sides.”

I paused to take a breath. “We all had a certain talent to us, and that was why Discord made us a team. Blade Runner was the leader do to her smarts and her seductive ways with enemies. She was very reckless though. Gunner was the tough stallion, always thinking with his hoofs and hammer. Underneath all that meat though was a gentle and kind soul. Killjoy… god bless that crazy son of a gun. He was the fast one, always popping up in random places, just like your friend Pinkie. I miss his rants on how Discord was always a bit of a loon.”

I paused to look at Twilight who dropped her gaze. “But, you wanted to know about Gunner. Well he was a real kind soul. God bless him for all that he did. He was the one to comfort us if we failed a task. He was the one who would take the punishment.” I stopped again, trying to refrain from crying. “Of all the three, Gunner was my favorite. Sadly it all came down to me and him in the end. Killjoy was dead and Blade runner was in prison. Discord put us against each other. We were told that we would be trying our own assassinations, but he lied to us. It was Blade Runner versus me and Gunner versus Killjoy. Gunner and I came back, and that’s when it got worse. Discord was looking for the better assassin… so he made us fight. We did... and I won the fight. But it came at a cost. I had blacked out during the fight, and when I gained consciousness… he lay bloody and torn apart. I didn’t know what happened until I looked in the mirror.” I stopped, knowing that was enough.

I looked back up to see the utterly terrified Fluttershy and shocked Twilight. They looked at me and from what I could tell, I had said too much. I didn’t realize it but I had shed a single tear that had still been flowing down my cheek.

“Wow… that’s…” Twilight said.

“Horrible,” I continued. “Yeah. Well, let’s not dwell on the past and enjoy a nice peaceful picnic. What do you say?”
Before either one of them could reply, Fluttershy trotted over to me and hugged me tightly. I couldn’t tell, but I was certain that my cheeks were blazing red. Twilight chuckled and I was unresponsive. Fluttershy let go and smiled at me. “Um…” her cheeks blushed as soon as she had realized what she had just done. “T-That sounds like a great idea.”

I nodded and Fluttershy returned to the basket to pull out a small, plastic covered plate of sandwiches. She carefully balanced the plate on her wing and brought over to Twilight and then me. We each took a sandwich and talked about what may have happened recently or other past events.

I looked around and noticed a dense forest about a half mile from where we were. I looked at it closer and had to ask. “Don’t tell me, that’s the Everfree forest right there, isn't it?”

Twilight had her mouth full, but nodded in confirmation. I looked back at it worried. It seemed a lot darker than I remembered it.

“Have you been there before?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yeah… I had to take care of some timber wolves that had been harassing Discord's transports of precious gems once. It doesn’t have any significance other than that, but to think I was so close to Ponyville… so close to you, Twilight,” I said feeling like a dumbass.

Twilight swallowed. “Don’t beat yourself up for something you didn’t know about. It’s fine, Graymayne."

I continued to look at it and the dark inside it. I could swear I had seen something moving around inside. I looked back at Twilight who only wore a look of complete fear and shock. I looked at Fluttershy who had dropped her sandwich and her eyelid was lightly twitching. I saw Twilight lift a hoof pointing toward the forest and I knew exactly what she had meant. I turned my head to see what I had thought had gone extinct many years ago. The creatures that stepped out of the Everfree were one of the worst possible things you could run into… a voroks.

“What are those things?” Twilight asked, still petrified at what she was looking at.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Fluttershy replied.

“They’re called Voroks…” I said, staring them down. “They’re supposed to be extinct. They should have run out of food by now.”

“How would you know that?” Twilight asked.

“I’m the one that cut off their food supply and nearly committed genocide,” I said as they began to approach us. I took a good look at them. Everything I remembered about them was the same. The black, slimy skin, blue tentacle like hair that hung from their heads, and the unforgettable golden cat eyes. “These things are nothing but trouble. They feed on dark energy and those who use it,”

I looked back at Twilight who had a complete look of worry on her face. “Does that mean they’re going to… eat you?”

“No... I haven’t touched dark energy in weeks. They shouldn’t be anywhere near here,” I said, looking at Twilight.

“Do they sense dark energy?” Twilight asked, shuffling her weight.

“Yes…but there isn’t any black magic for-” I stopped and looked at Twilight. “You didn’t bring it… did you?!” She simply remained silent and her gaze shifted from side to side.

“Twilight if you brought it… then you’ve just doomed us,” I said, walking over to her.

“Well… yesterday you were acting like I was too afraid to break your horn if you did something wrong. So I decided to bring it and well… show you I wasn’t afraid,” she said, looking at me as calm as she could. “Besides… I still have my horn and I could send these things back where they came from easily.”

“You have never dealt with a Voroks before… have you?” I asked her, looking back at the now closer pack.

“No, why?” Twilight replied.

“They’re immune to White magic based attacks and spells. Only Black magic based attacks and spells can harm them,” I replied, knowing what I was about to ask. I looked at Twilight who just stared at me with her worried face.

“No Graymayne! You know I don’t have control over that! You can’t… I can’t!” I walked up to her and stared into her eyes.

“You have two options, Twilight. One, give me back my horn and I can save our lives or two, try and use your white magic when I just said it’s useless. Your choice Twilight, but make your decision quick,” I said, pointing a hoof at the group of five Voroks who were now picking up speed.

Twilight shuddered as a chill went gliding down her spine. She looked between me, Fluttershy, and the gaining Voroks. She was tensing up and couldn’t seem to focus.

“Twilight!” I yelled and she jumped back. “What’s your answer?!”

“Shut up! I’m trying to think!” She yelled back.

“Well if you haven’t noticed… the Voroks are getting closer with every waking second! I need an answer!” I yelled back. Twilight simply looked at me and nodded in defeat.

I looked back and forth at her and the Voroks as she opened up her saddle bag and levitated my crystallized horn into view. The purple aura that surrounded the black crystal was shimmering. I sighed slowly as it touched my forehead. Nothing happened at first but when I thought all was lost, the crystal blazed into a bright light and dug its way into my head. Twilight and Fluttershy backed away as a large cloud of darkness surrounded me and green electrical pulses danced around the cloud. I shut my eyes as the burning sensation coursed through my body. It hurt so much but felt so good. The energy coursed through me, filling my veins with dark energy. I loved every second of it. I opened my eyes and saw the cloud of darkness. With the flick of my horn and a single hint of magic, the cloud dispersed into a shockwave of pure darkness.

I stood there with a crooked smile plastered on my face. I looked up at Twilight and Fluttershy who had already been holding each other in their hooves. The amazement and awe that was seen in their eyes was all I had to see to know that my horn was back. I walked up to them with a half smile on my face. As I reached Twilight, I bowed my head in respect and rose up again.
I met Twilight’s eyes. “I’m back in business baby…and holy shit, it feels so good.” She looked back into my eyes, but averted them and screamed when she saw a single Vorok pounce to try and eat me alive.

I reacted without hesitation; conjuring up one of my blades, I split the creature in half, head first, right down the middle. The two halves that were made went to our right and left. I turned to see the surprise and shock in Twilight’s eyes and smiled. “I’ll be right back…” I said and shot forward leaving dust behind.

My blades formed when I was already upon the creatures. They lunged forward, baring their fangs. I gripped the first two with conjured hands and pushed them back. The other two got close but I had my magic shield ready to deflect their attacks. They bit into the shield and their fangs stuck to it like glue. With another flick of my horn, my blades formed outside the shield and stabbed into the stomachs of the stuck Voroks.

“Three down, two to go,” I thought to myself.

The other two hissed at me as they watched their pack members killed before them. I simply grinned when they charged. I jumped into the air, flipping with a one-eighty twist and threw my blade at one of them. The blade planted into the Vorok's side and it was sent flying into the second one. I landed onto the ground and softly grinned. I trotted over to Twilight and Fluttershy who both just stared at me in disbelief.

“So… what did you think of my performance?” I asked, acting like a smartass.
They just looked at me, shell shocked. I grinned back at them and sat down. I levitated a sandwich up and took a small bite into it.
“Speechless… I understand. Never before have you seen such grace and agility in fighting,” I said, still being a smartass.

“Oh… my…” Fluttershy said.

“That… that was… really violent…” Twilight said, letting go of Fluttershy.

“What?! That wasn’t violent! You have no idea what violence really is… believe me… I know,” I said, taking another bite in the sandwich.

“Well… you saved us… you know what’s coming next. I’m taking back your horn,” Twilight said as she began to approach me.
I stopped chewing and looked at her. I swallowed what I had in my mouth and sighed.

“I can’t just keep it for the rest of the picnic?” I asked, losing my cocky attitude.

“Oh sweet Celestia… of course not, do you know what Celestia would do to me if she found out I gave you your horn back,” she replied, looking at me angrily.

“Fine… I’ll give into your reasoning,” I said, willingly lowering my head to her. “Make it quick… I want to check those Vorok bodies for loot.”

“Don’t even think about it. I’m going to dispel those bodies into the Everfree as soon as-” She stopped as a flash of light struck us and sent us flying.

I crashed into a patch of roses. My head was spinning and my vision was blurry. I sat up slowly to see one last Vorok poking his head out from under his dead comrade. It wiggled and squirmed, trying to release itself from the weight of the dead Vorok. I turned my head, still hearing the ringing of the blast, to see Fluttershy knelt over what looked like a pony body. My vision cleared up a bit more and I realized that it was Twilight.

I jolted up and galloped toward them cursing with every step I took. I reached them and saw Fluttershy nearly upon tears. She carefully cradled Twilight’s bloody head. The Vorok had hit her straight in the forehead and left a really bad gash. It was seeping slowly with blood.

“Twilight! Oh my god! Please be ok! Please be ok!!” I leaned my horn down to her head and it lit up. My eyes started to leak the dark purple mist and the black magic overtook my sight. I heard Fluttershy gasp at what she was seeing. The black magic had to be working…“oh god… I hope so…” I thought.

My sight came back to me and I stared at where Twilight’s large gash had been. Now it was the size of a simple paper cut. “God…where would I be without my magic?” I said, looking down at the knocked out Twilight. I looked at Fluttershy who simply nodded at me.

“I’ll take care of Twilight. Go finish off that thing,” she said.

“With pleasure…” I said before turning and dashing forward toward the now free Vorok.

It simply hissed and charged toward me with all its might. I let my anger take control as I swung a hammer in its direction. The blow was devastating as it sent the Vorok tumbling to the right, shell shocked. I gripped the creature’s leg and held it in front of me. It tried swinging at me, trying to scratch my eyes. It suddenly stopped as its eyes widened and it started to tremble. I swung the creature, slamming it from the ground into the large oak tree repeatedly. It started to screech out loudly in agony. I finished by thrashing through the branches. I pulled it out and it flopped out of the tree onto the ground. It was barely alive. I wanted it to suffer, but I didn’t want Twilight to see me like this. “FUCK IT!” I thought. I didn’t care if Twilight saw me do this. It deserved it.

I conjured up two large hands and grasped the creature’s arms and legs. It squealed in pain as the grip tightened. I let an insane smile creep onto my face as the creature looked at me. I could tell it was suffering but I didn’t want it to end. My bloodlust had control and when I never realized it, my fun ended. I heard the sounds of bones snapping and joints splitting. I looked at the creature one last time and smiled. I finally ripped it in half… from the waist. It screamed in pain and agony as it tried desperately to crawl its way to its hind quarters. I trotted over to it, ignoring the blood that was splattered on the ground. I conjured up one of my blades and pierced it into the Voroks head, silencing it forever.

I turned to see Twilight and Fluttershy who were still sitting there. I saw Twilight lift a hoof slowly to rub her head.

“Twilight! Are you ok!?” I called out.

“I’m ok Grayma-” she yelled back, lifting her gaze. She was staring at me with such shock. I started to trot toward them and Fluttershy gasped in fear after she turned to see me.

“What’s the matter?” I asked.

They both stared at me, fear filled their eyes. They looked petrified, mortified, and like they had seen Death himself. I looked back at them concerned and confused. Twilight’s gaze shifted up and down, scanning me. I sat down and lifted my hoof into view.

“No… NO!” I yelled as I spotted the black energy flickering and steaming off my fur. I lifted my other hoof into view and saw the same thing. I quickly got to my hooves and conjured one of my blades. I looked into the weapon to see my reflection.
I saw the monster that was buried deep within my mind. I saw the same cold black eyes, purple mist, and the furious black energy that swarmed around my horn. I quickly dispelled my blade and shut my eyes. I could feel the energy, rage, and bloodlust draining from my head. When I opened my eyes, I checked my hoof and the darkness had dispersed into nothing. I quickly moved toward Twilight who still was shocked at my transformation.

“Twilight… take back my horn before I crash through Celestia’s barrier like it’s nothing but a foam wall,” I said expressionless. She blinked a few times and then slowly nodded. She stood up and I lowered my head to her.
I felt the burning sensation pass through my body but it didn’t harm me any. I just ignored the look of pure shock and fear that was stained to Fluttershy’s face. I didn’t care what she thought about me… Hell, I didn’t care what anypony thought about me. Good or bad… I didn’t give a flying fuck. The only two opinions that I cared about were from Twilight and Shining. After this though… I bet Twilight was going to tell Celestia. What was going to happen? Would Twilight really sell me out? There was no doubt there. I could feel the cold, smooth feel of the crystal touching my forehead right before Twilight levitated it and placed it into her saddlebag. I looked up at her with a sincere and cold stare before turning and making my way back to Ponyville.

Song for this Chapter--LINK

Author's Note

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Now that I am posting it though, I wonder if I could have done better with the fight scene. The creatures are just something I came up with real quick. I would have used changelings, timber wolves, or manticores, but to me, they are over used. Anyway the song for this chapter was difficult to decide. I was uncertain between "Monster" by skillet or "Animal I have Become" by three days grace. You'll just have to see the song I chose. What I didn't choose will be used at a later chapter. Who is this monster?! How did he know that Graymayne wouldn't be able to stop him from coming out? What will Twilight do now that she has seen this horrible Demon that Graymayne is hiding? Thank you all for reading and I hope you all enjoyed! Thank you again!!!

Call Me That...One More Time

(((((((((((((((((((((((((TWILIGHT SPARKLE)))))))))))))))))))))))))

His silhouette disappeared over the hills horizon, but I could still feel the presence of complete darkness. The unholy monster that I saw in my dream had just revealed itself. I was now regretting not sending that letter to Celestia. She had every right to know what Graymayne was truly hiding. I looked at Fluttershy who still had that look of utter horror on her face. I mouthed sorry to her and she finally snapped back to reality. She nodded and let her head hang. I moved closer to her and placed a hoof onto her shoulder. She looked back up to me with a weak smile. I couldn’t bare the fact that Graymayne had truly changed into that. I thought that it had all been a bad dream but it really was true.

“I’m sorry Fluttershy… this is my fault,” I said, trying to disperse the horrific image of Graymayne.

“Why is your fault? You had nothing to do with what just happened,” Fluttershy said, trying to keep me from crying.

“I shouldn’t have given him his horn… but then we wouldn’t be alive. I don’t know what to do about it. Now that I’ve seen that, I’m considering just destroying it,” I replied, trying my best to hold back the tears.

“If you think that’s going to work,” Fluttershy said, pulling me into a tight hug. I nodded and levitated the crystal horn back out of my saddlebag.

Looking closely into the shimmering crystal, I saw that same faint white glow. I set it on the ground and raised my hoof ready to smash it. Suddenly, the image of Graymayne’s face popped into my mind. The look on his face was expressionless, but on the inside… he was tearing at himself in self hatred. I could tell that he never wanted anypony to see… that.

Fluttershy was staring intently as I was prepared to destroy the thing that changed my brother into a monster. I had no idea what would happen if I did. There was a possibility that whatever it was could escape, and I’m sure that nopony wanted it wondering around and causing further bloodshed.

I quickly dispersed any thoughts of the evil spirit. I narrowed my sight on the crystal and quickly brought my hoof down onto it. I felt the cold touch of the crystal as my hoof hit it.

I hadn’t even noticed that I was holding my breath. When I looked down at the crystal I was shocked. It didn’t look any different. The crystal still looked like its cold and gleaming self. I just starred at it and finally huffed in anger. I levitated the crystal in my magic and repeatedly smashed it against the oak tree. When I thought I had cracked it I took another good look at it and… nothing.

I placed it back on the ground and grabbed the largest rock I could find. I smashed it again and again until I was out of breath. “WHY!” *smash* “WON’T!” *smash* “YOU!” *smash* “BREAK!” I yelled. Finally, I stopped and starred, irritated, at the crystal. I levitated it and brought it close to my eyes. “Not even a scratch!”

“Oh… my…” Fluttershy whimpered.

I looked at her and nodded at that confirmation. I didn’t understand why it wasn’t breaking. I have never seen a crystal that resisted such a thrashing. I pondered what else I could do… got it.

I levitated it and placed a couple more feet away.

“What are you doing? If you don’t mind me asking…” Fluttershy squeaked.

“Gravity spell. I’m going to smash it with Starswirl's studies on gravity magic,” I replied with a triumphant look.
I casted the spell and I could feel the ground nearby start to sink along with the crystal. It sank into the ground and I smiled. The spell was working but was the crystal being crushed? After about ten minutes my fatigue hit me and my horn gave out. The spell followed and the ground began to rise again.

We waited patiently for the ground to either spit out the crystal in full or in pieces… please be pieces. We both watched closely as the ground spat out the now muddy crystal. I couldn’t believe it. The crystal still had no signs of scratch or cracks. My mind was blown and I was just dumbfounded. I mentally kept face palming myself as I looked at it. All I could think was… how?!

You can’t seriously believe I’m going to allow you do that now… do you?

“Wait…what…” I thought.

Just stop trying you incompetent little shit! I won’t let you destroy it!

“Graymayne?” I thought as the voice became clearer.

Nope… not even close. How would that ignorant fuck face even contact you without his horn? No… I am far worse.

“Who are you then?” I thought as I approached the crystal.

Tsk-tsk dear Twilight Sparkle. I can’t reveal my identity, but Graymayne will… that is… if he’s willing to.

The voice sounded exactly like Graymayne, but more sadist. His voice was as cold as ice and as sharp as a dagger. I was scared to reply to this familiar, yet intimidating voice. I swallowed my fear and built whatever confidence I had left in me and spoke through my thoughts. “How would you know if Graymayne would be willing to talk? I’m his sister, he would tell me anything.”

The voice burst out laughing hysterically and I deadpanned. You have no idea what he’s hiding. What’s deep inside his mind! There’s so much he hasn’t told you! I would know this because- The voice silenced and I could hear snickering. You little bitch…you nearly had me spill the beans. Just wait till I see you again, you’ll make a great wall decoration. I cringed at that line, but stood firm. I wouldn’t let this demented version of Graymayne’s voice talk down to me.

“Graymayne will tell me one way or another. I trust him and I’m sure he trusts me,” I thought as I reached the crystal.

You keep telling yourself that my dear. Think of this as a game. MY GAME! Graymayne is my special game piece or pawn for that matter and you all are spares that I can easily discard. But… for now… I enjoy watching you try and help his condition.

As I reached the crystal the white glow was now emanating with a great fury. It finally hit me! Why hadn’t I noticed this before? This thing was in Graymayne’s horn crystal. Worse of all, this thing was what we just saw. I smiled at my realization. “So…you’re the creature that we just saw then,” I thought aloud.

“Huh?” Fluttershy muttered but I ignored it.

Right, you are my little toy. Something tells me that you will want to know even more. Sadly, my patience is wearing thin and as much as I would like to watch you try and put the rest of the pieces together, I have other things to attend to.

Just like that, the white glow ceased and was left to nothing but the shiny black gem. This apparition had just revealed itself and I knew what Graymayne was hiding. All I had to do now is to get him to talk. That’s easier said than done. I took one more look at Fluttershy who had a look of complete confusion of her face.

“Things are starting to look a lot clearer,” I said, levitating my saddlebag onto my back and trotting toward town.

“Where are you going?” Fluttershy asked me with her confused look.

I stopped and looked back to her with a smile. “Graymayne and I have to talk. He has a lot of explaining to do and I refuse to let him live with whatever that was.”

Fluttershy nodded and gathered up the picnic. Once she was done with that, she joined me at my side and together we trotted back to Ponyville.

(((((((((((((((((((((((((GRAYMAYNE))))))))))))))))))))))))

‘Fuck me! Fuck this Fucking town! Just fuck everything! How did he get out?! Why can’t I fucking control him?!’ I screamed out in my thoughts.

I was so flustered in my thoughts. The fact that all the stallions and mares were once again staring at me didn’t help. All it did was piss me off even more. I wanted to smash some skulls right now so much. Just the simple cracking and crunching sound would make me feel better. I fucking hated everything in this damn town.

I was nearing the center of town when I noticed a certain stallion staring me down with pure hate and disgust. His mane and tail were black and spiked. He wore a pair of black sun glasses and a black vest and white tie. His cutie mark was that of three white stars. The way he was looking at me was really bugging me but I had to keep my temper at a minimal for now. I just needed to find somewhere to cool down and get my head on right. The last thing I wanted to do was lose my temper. Of course though… he just wouldn’t leave me alone.

“Hey Assassin!” he yelled. I just kept my sight forward and ignored him the best I could. “Is it true that Discord 'used' you for more than just his personal jobs? I heard you were his personal little 'play' thing. So tell me… how did it feel to have Draconequus cock in your plot?” I ignored him and kept my head held high as I trotted past him.

“I also heard that he let some his best soldiers fuck the shit out of you. Tell me… how did that feel?” he said chuckling. He was just another guy trying to put me down but that wouldn’t do him any good. I had been told much worse and I have gone through much worse. Discord never did these things. Sure, he was as evil as could be but he never did anything like that. I mean come on, who came up with this shit.

“Did you like it? Come on, say something!” I noticed that more ponies started to notice this and crowd around to watch the event unfold. I kept trotting ahead, ignoring the ignorant stallion. He clearly had no idea what he was saying.

“They’re just petty rumors that some sick fuck made up. Something tells me that the sick fuck is you,” I said, giving a quick exhale.

He stumbled at that but quickly regained his posture. “Denial~” He sung.

‘Asshole, he just doesn’t know when to shut up,’ I thought.

“You know what Assassin?”

‘What now?’ I thought.

“Rainbow Dash was right about you!”

I quickly started to pick up my pace and hopefully I could avoid what was coming.

“She told me that you’ve killed hundreds and that you feel no remorse for what you’ve done. She says you’re a heartless animal. Ponyville doesn’t take to kind to animals… but you’re different. You’re not only an animal,” he said with a victorious grin.

‘Buddy, you had better not say what I think you’re going to say because if you call me that single word, I’m going to break your jaw!’ I thought thinking of that damned word. I had been called it to many times and each time… it just got worse.

“You...”

I quickened but was blocked by a crowd of mares and stallions staring at me. Some had worried eyes, some hateful sneers and smiles, and most of all… fear.

“Are...”

‘Why can’t you just leave me alone? Please! I’m done hurting for now.’

Oh… we both know you’re not done yet.

“A...”

‘Shut up you son of a bitch! This is your FAULT!’ I shouted in my thoughts. ‘I’ve got to-’

“Monster!”

‘Well…that did it!’ I screamed with fury in my mind. I whipped around to stare the stallion down. He now had a companion standing next to him.

By the looks of the sleek body composure and slightly large flank, it must have been a mare. She had marshmallow white fur, an electric blue mane and tail, and signature purple glasses with a black rimming. Her cutie mark resembled a musical note. Her horn lit up and the glasses moved over her horn, revealing her iris colored eyes, which… off track... looked awesome!

I brought my attention back to the stallion and glared at him. “What did you just call me?” I growled at him.

He smiled in accomplishment as he saw me now finally pissed.

‘He has no fucking clue what he’s getting into,’ I thought as he began to speak.

“You heard me! I called you a MONSTER! How does that make you feel?” He said giving his marefriend a nudge. She retreated a bit and from the look on her face, she didn’t want to be a part of this.

“You should learn some manners! Going up to the 'Assassin' and calling him a monster is not one of the best things you could do. Just ask all the ponies 'I've' killed!” I replied.

“That proves you’re just another heartless monster! Is killing fun to you?” He asked with a cold smile.

That question always came up when I was being interrogated. I had been captured before and that question just kept springing up, so I decided to ignore it.

“I’m warning you! Don’t you dare call me a monster again!” I yelled. As I turned to leave, I heard it.

“Monster!” He replied with a growl. It finally sunk in as deep as I would let it and let my anger gain control.

I felt my eye start to twitch and I gained my wickedly insane and crooked smile. I looked back at him and his victorious grin was replaced with an unamused stare.

“Call me a monster… one more time,” I said, coldly and giving him a death glare.

“Monster!” he yelled, gaining his victorious grin back. He started to chuckle and his marefriend seemed to realize what was going to start.

I trotted toward him, still with my death glare. When I reached him, I realized that he was at least a couple more inches taller than me. With that, I did my best to get in his face.

“You misunderstand. When I said ‘one more time’… I meant for you to say it to my face. That is if you have the stallionhood to do it,” I hissed at him.

“Is it a fight your asking for? If it is… then I’ll gladly oblige,” he replied with a growl.
The mare from before gained whatever confidence she could muster, and intervened. “Neon... I say we leave him alone. He has a
pretty freaky glare going on. Let’s just get out of here before this gets messy,”

“Vinyl… I can handle this punk. I’m going to enjoy beating the shit out of him. I would suggest you just sit back and enjoy the show,” he replied not breaking eye contact with me.

“Neon Lights! I really think we should go and-” Vinyl said before I cut her off.

“Why don’t you just can it you overgrown marshmallow! I’m sure as tartarus that you had something to do with this as much as your friend Neon here,” I replied still staring at Neon Lights.

She just stared at me her mouth agape. “Well… well… fuck you man! I hope Neon kicks your plot!” She said before stomping off.

“So are you going to say it to my face or not?” I asked to Neon.

He just stared me in the eyes and I into his then took one final breath. “Monster…”
I took it in and before he knew it. He was on his plot holding his now broken muzzle.

“I warned you! Now you’re going to fucking PAY!!!” I yelled as I pounced at him.

Song for this Chapter--LINK

Author's Note

I hope this chapter wasn't awkward or disturbing as soon as you reached Graymayne's POV. I have to say...I'm not happy with this chapter. I have a lot going on right now and I have also been going through inspiration issues. But...slowly and surely...it's coming back...I think. Wish me luck. I have so many ideas for this story and I promise that this story will not go on Hiatus or worse...cancelled. Other than that, I hope you all enjoyed it! To those who are Five Finger Death Punch fans...you will like the song I picked. I would love to know what your favorite Five Finger Death Punch songs are...and maybe I'll use it in a future chapter. Fight scene next chapter with Neon Lights...and I apologize to those who are Vinyl Scratch fans. Thank you for reading and I would love to know what you think is in store for Graymayne and Twilight. Thank you again to all for reading!!!

Nature of The Beast

((((((((GRAYMAYNE))))))))

He rolled to the right just as I was upon him. I looked back at him, giving a death glare to see him quickly stammer up to his hooves and take a fighting pose. I lifted my hoof from where I had punched to reveal a hoof-sized crater.

His stance took a hit from that as I looked at it. I looked back at him and grinned slightly.

I dashed at him and he moved his hooves to block his already broken muzzle. I went for his stomach and landed a blow, along with a satisfying crack. He quickly moved his hoof to his stomach revealing an opening to his face. I went for the uppercut, but he pulled
back at the last second, barely avoiding it.

He jumped back and took up another fighting stance. His horn lit up and his body was illuminated in a faint light blue aura. I saw the strain on his face fade slightly, but he was still in pain.

“Healing magic is always useful,” he said with a growl.

I simply smiled at this. ‘The more you heal… the more fun I get to have,’ I thought as I dashed up to him again.

He threw a right hook and I dived left, going underneath it. I wrapped my right hoof around his right hoof and my left hoof onto his shoulder. He yelped at the sudden crunch of his shoulder blade. He broke my hold and, with luck, landed a blow against my face.
I fell back, landing on my haunches. I hadn’t expected such a heavy hit from him. I simply smiled softly at this. “You know… I forgot to say. You’re big… fought bigger.”

(Author's Note: Hope you all got that reference!)

He just growled at that and charged at me. I got to my hooves and prepared to counter his hit. He swung a left hook and I brought up my right and deflected it. I swung a left and hit his muzzle straight on with another satisfying crunch.

He jumped back with a yelp and I could see blood slowly leaking down his nose and out of his mouth. He held his muzzle with his left hoof while trying to swing at me with his right. I dodged left and right and snickered at his pathetic fighting skills. He left too many openings and was way too blunt with his maneuverability.

I was running circles around this stallion.

“Stay still!” he shouted through a cough up of blood.

I delivered a quick jab to his right hind leg which he returned with a loud yelp. He turned and swung, luckily getting a hit on my shoulder. I ignored the pain and dodged a right hook that came flying at me. I ducked under the swing and delivered a fast and precise uppercut to his chin, which sent him flying into a stack of barrels.

He crashed through and I trotted to the now collapsing pile of barrels. I saw his hoof and grabbed it, pulling his splintered and slightly bloody body out of the broken wood. I dragged him out and tossed him a couple feet away from me. He groaned and staggered to his hooves, still holding his broken muzzle.

“Are we done here? I would really like to go about my own business now,” I said as my anger started to die down.

He huffed in and out and struggled to breath. I just looked at him as he started to slowly gain the strength to breathe again. “You’re still a monster,” he replied.

“Whatever…” I said, making my way away from the beaten stallion. The crowd of ponies had grown tremendously since the fight began and I was actually happy that they saw that. Now… they knew not to screw with me.

“I bet your parents are ashamed to have a son like you,” he said through a gurgle. I stopped at the mentioning of my parents.

“Heck… I would hate to be the father of you.”

“Why don’t you just shut up before I shut you up for good,” I replied sourly.

“So does that mean that you’re going to kill me? Your parents must be so disappointed in you for turning into the monster you are,” he said. “I’m surprised that your sister is even trying to change such a fucked up stallion like you. It really must be a hassle to help such a lost soul.” He chuckled and I said nothing in return.

Don’t let him talk you down Graymayne! Kill Him! Make him suffer for treating you like nothing more than a putrid animal! Kill Him! KILL Him! KILL HIM!!! the voice in my head screamed. Craving the slightest bloodshed. That was what he was. All he ever wants is bloodshed and more bloodshed. I mean… that’s what I get for having this monster in my mind.

“Well what’s it going to be Assassin!? Are you going to kill me or not?” Neon yelled with a chuckle. It had already been clear as to what he was trying to do.

“You sound like you want to die,” I replied, un-amused.

Graymayne, he deserves to die! The cravings want blood! Give me Blood! the voice screamed in my head. He was laughing
hysterically as he said this. Please! I need more Blood!

‘Shut up!’ I yelled back at him in my mind.

It’s been to long! I need to feed off sins! Your sins! he growled in anger and desperation.

“I’m done beating the crap out of you Neon! I’ve already broken my promise to Twilight about controlling my anger and I’m not about to make it worse,” I said, making my way towards an opening in the large crowd of ponies.

“Do you honestly think we all believe that your trying. Sure… you saved the town's fashionista and her little sister. That doesn’t change anything that Ponyville or Canterlot have seen,” he said, getting angry. “Do you want to know what I think is going to happen?”

“I have a feeling that your hiding things that your too scared to talk about. I have a feeling that in the end of all of this… you’ll turn your back on your own kind. What bugs me the most is the fact that you just don’t care. I can see you turning on your own family and running back to your so-called master. You disgust me!” Neon yelled.

I simply took it in. I bottled it up like I did everything. I was holding back tears. I didn’t want them seeing me like this. He had struck a point where I was broken.

“The funny thing is… I don’t give a fuck what you all think about me…” I replied turning around and staring daggers at him. “Hell… if I had my horn right now, this town would be nothing but a crater on the face of Equestria. You have no clue what I can do to this place when it’s all over. You’ll all be lucky if I’m merciful,” I said turning back around and made my way toward the exit when I felt something smack against the back of my head.

I stopped and reached my hoof around to touch what turned out to be a tomato. “Really… now you want to throw food. Fine… I broke your shoulder, I broke your muzzle, and I broke a couple ribs, now… I’m going to crush your skull!” I yelled as I charged at him. It was now that he turned and ran.

The crowd split apart and allowed him to move through but immediately closed back up when I was on the chase. I saw this and bounded my way toward a building wall that was conveniently placed. I leaped to the wall and when I felt its flat surface on my hind legs; I recoiled and leaped off it. While in the air, I did a front flip and landed on my hooves just behind the wall of mares and stallions.

I looked back at them giving my best smug smile and quickly dashed off in the direction that Neon Lights had gone.
I was galloping with the thought of blood on my mind. It seems that he would get what he wanted in the end of it all. If there was one thing you never did… it was piss me off.

Happy Days! Blood for me and you! I can’t wait to see what you have planned for this pathetic stallion! He chuckled madly. Oh great Gods! Can we make that marshmallow pony watch as we tear this stallion limb from limb! Pleeeease!

I simply ignored him and kept dashing after Neon. I followed the hoof prints through the alley ways and back out onto the streets where I saw him banging his hoof on a nearby door. My blood boiled as he turned to see me with fearful eyes and then back at the door; banging on it with even more anxiety.

‘Stupid fuck thought you could get away now didn’t you!’ I thought as I picked up a 4’x4’ piece of wood that was lying on the ground in my mouth and gave a quick mad chuckle.

I trotted up to him and the door finally opened to reveal a silver fur mare with a glistening black mane. She had pink bowtie around her neck and beautiful light purple eyes.

“Neon, what do-” she said but stopped when she saw all the blood. “What in the name of Celestia happened to you?!”

He quickly moved on her but she held firm and blocked his path. “Tell me what’s going on?! How did you end up like- AHH” she tried to finish before she saw me and slammed the door in Neon’s face.

Neon turned to run. Just as he turned though, the piece of wood was sent swinging and connected with his face. I heard the satisfying crunch and the wood had broken in two due to the devastating blow.

He hit the ground with a smack and started to cradle the side of his head. He whimpered and cried out in pain as the blood slowly seeped from the side of his head. I dropped what wood remained in my mouth and trotted up to meet him face to face.

“I actually enjoyed this! It’s been a while since I had a good hoof to hoof fight. Yet, you are one of the worst fighters I’ve ever gone against. I mean really! I’ve fought mares stronger than you!” I said, standing over him. He tried desperately to crawl away but I wouldn’t allow that.

I grabbed a nearby flower pot off a window sill that was filled with thorny roses.

‘My favorite!’ I thought as I brought the pot down on top of his head. It shattered as it hit his head. It surprises me how much this stallion can take. He screamed out in agony as I placed him on his back and sat down on his stomach holding his head in one of my hooves.

“I- I- I’m S- s- sorry!” Neon spat out trying to catch his breath. “I- I shouldn’t have d- done that! P- Please don’t kill me!” he begged and I smiled.

“Didn’t I already warn you? I’m pretty sure I did,” I chuckled crazily as I prepped my hoof for more fun.

I didn’t wait any longer. I delivered hoof after hoof to his face. I noticed how covered in blood my hooves were now and I wanted to stop now… but… it felt good to have such a bloodlust.

I stopped finally after dozens of hits to look at his tear, fear, and pain filled eyes. He was now groping his broken muzzle like he was about to lose it. If I wanted him to lose it, I would have torn it off myself. I had done something like that before.

“Oh s- s- sweet Celestia have m- mercy…” Neon whimpered as he stared me square in the eyes.

“Celestia isn’t here right now; would you like to leave a message?” I growled as I raised my hoof for the final blow.

My mind was racing with how much he deserved this beating, how much I had bottled up my emotions and thoughts since I had even arrived here in this little hell hole, how much I just wanted to see all these pathetic idiots burn.

I loved the fear in his eyes. It’s what I always saw in the eyes of my victims. It even scares me sometimes… just thinking what they would see.

I wasted no more time with petty thoughts and quickly brought down the final blow, only for it to feel… restrained.

I averted eye contact with Neon and looked at my right hoof. It had a shimmering dark purple aura surrounding it and that’s when realization hit me.

I quickly looked behind me to see a terrified looking Twilight and Fluttershy. They were staring at me, mouths agape and Fluttershy shaking slightly.

My eyes slightly widened at the realization that they must have been there for some time and seen what I had just done. Just at the sight of Twilight, my bloodlust and rage dispersed into nothing.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING!!! Finish off this pathetic little shit! the voice in my head yelled, trying to gain my attention.

“Twilight… I can-” I was interrupted as a bright flash overtook my sight and everything went black.

Song for this Chapter-- "The Way of the Fist" By Five Finger Death Punch

Author's Note

Hello again everyone! I apologize for such a long wait on this chapter. The original plan was to make this one and the next into one and call it "Name of the Beast". That's right! Time to figure out who HE is! Get ready! There is a hint in this chapter of who he is...I won't say. I made it pretty obvious. I got the violent ideas after watching Death Race. The unrated version. Yes...expect even more violence. I was going to post it yesterday but with Rock Fest, I had no time. I can officially say that I am now one of the millions of people to have seen FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH LIVE! If they ever go to a location close to you, without a doubt GO...it is worth it! Anyway, back on track. Surprise guest next chapter! Can you guess who it is? What will happen to Graymayne? Who shot him with the magic blast? Hint: It wasn't Twilight or Celestia! Will Graymayne's bloodlust gain control of him again? Prepare for HIM!!!

Blast From The Past (Part 1)

(((((((((TWILIGHT SPARKLE)))))))))

Fluttershy and I were trotting into town when we had heard a loud crash of barrels and then we were in full gallop. I didn’t know what was going on but I had a good hunch on who might have caused it.

We had just arrived into the middle of town when we saw a large crowd surrounding what I was certain was a fight.

‘Please don’t be Graymayne! Please don’t be Graymayne!’ I kept thinking. Just as we got up to the crowd, it separated and Neon Lights galloped away with blood covering his muzzle. We both watched as he takes a right turn into the nearest alley and vanished.
The next thing we see is a shadow fly over us and land in front of us and chase after Neon. I recognized him as soon as he landed.

‘Why did it have to be Graymayne?!’ I thought.

I looked at Fluttershy, who was now shaking slightly… but nodded. We soon were in chase of Graymayne, who was much faster than I would have ever expected. Speed that even Rainbow Dash might be impressed if she cared.
We saw him take another right and as soon as we took it, he was gone. ‘Much faster than I would have expected,’ I thought reaching the end of the alley.

“Um… w- where did he go?” Fluttershy asked looking left and right.

“I have no clue Flut-” I was interrupted by a high pitched scream from the left. “I have a good guess!” I said, galloping toward the sound of distress.

When we reached the exit of the alley, I looked right then left only to see the sight of Graymayne mercilessly beating on Neon’s face with his hooves. Fluttershy and I both stood in complete shock and fear as we watched the act of pure brutality.

I could see the rage in his eyes, and that’s what made me afraid. The look of those ice blue eyes almost piercing my soul. Was this what all his victims saw before they died? Was the pain, rage, and hatred all they saw? The eyes of a predator…

I shook my head rid of those thoughts as I saw Graymayne raise his right hoof for the kill blow. I used my magic to hold his hoof in place and he yanked but it didn’t go down. He growled and looked toward his restrained hoof. As he looked at it, the shock of realization hit him and he looked in Fluttershy’s and my direction.

His eyes widened a bit and the rage and hatred seemed to suddenly vanish.

“Twilight I can-” he was interrupted by a bright white flash that blinded Fluttershy and I. A ringing sound pierced my ear drums and I quickly brought my hooves up to my ears to block out the sound but that only seemed to make it worse.
Minutes passed before the flash ended and once where Graymayne was with a beaten Neon Lights was now an unconscious moaning heap on the ground.

“Graymayne!” I yelled as I rushed over to him. He lay there groaning in pain and soon fell completely silent. I pressed my ear to his chest to check for a heartbeat, and could hear it pounding and calmly slowing down.

I looked over at Neon, who was now bawling in pure joy to be alive. I got up and trotted over to him and helped him to his hooves.

“Are you okay?” I asked, helping dust off.

“Does it look like I’m alright Twilight!” he snapped back at me. “Control your Animal of a brother!” He winced and quickly grabbed his muzzle.

“Look… I’m sorry about that. He’s just very disgruntled,” I replied, gagging at the large amount of gushing blood from his nostrils.

“I don’t care if he’s disgruntled. He’s going to pay for harming me like this!” he said, gesturing to his wounds.
My ears drooped at his comment. “I’m sorry Neon, but-”

“I don’t want an apology! It’s nothing but a word!” He coughed up some blood, which he proceeded to spit on the ground along with a rough exhale. “I guess I can’t be angry at you for his,” he gestured to the unconscious form of Graymayne, “actions. So, thank you for blasting him unconscious.”

My ears shot up at this along with a bit of confusion. “I didn’t shoot him.”

“If you didn’t… then who did?” Neon asked.

As if on cue, a loud ‘Ahem’ was heard from only a couple feet away. We both looked toward the source of the sound to see
Fluttershy looking at us confused. She noticed this and shrank in her spot after having the attention turned to her.

“I d-didn’t say a-anything,” she said in her usual shy tone.

Another loud ‘Ahem’ came from behind Fluttershy, and she timidly moved out of the way to reveal a unicorn stallion sitting there on his haunches, slightly annoyed at the fact we hadn’t noticed him sooner.

He started to approach us casually with a satisfied and calm smile plastered on his face.

“That would have been me,” the mysterious stallion said.

He had a grey coat of fur, along with a short tail of orange and green. His mane was spiky and also orange and green. He wore a blue watch around his left foreleg. His eyes are what stood out, the blue eyes that seem to have a type of wisdom to them. He reminded me of the first time I actually met face to face with Celestia.

“And who would you be? I’ve never seen you around here before,” I asked looking him over once again.

“Probably because I’m not from here. I’m here for him.” He then gestured toward the unconscious form of Graymayne behind us.
I looked at the mysterious stallion quizzically before turning to Fluttershy. “Fluttershy, can you bring Neon to the hospital? I need to have a private talk with our friend here.”

Fluttershy glanced at the stallion before nodding and taking Neon by the hoof and started to lead him toward the local hospital.
As Fluttershy and Neon disappeared in the distance, I focused back on the mystery stallion. “Can I ask why you are here for my brother?” I asked.

“Your brother? Shining Armor’s your brother,” he said in an ‘as a matter of fact’ tone.

“He is,” I replied. “But Graymayne here was foalnapped by Discord when he was only a little colt. We just recently got him back after he tried to assassinate Princess Celestia.”

His eyes widened with anger and he stared daggers at Graymayne. “Even more reason to take him to her while he’s sleeping!”

“We captured him. He has already seen the princess and spent time in the dungeons. He is here because Celestia is giving him a second chance to lead a better life,” I replied. “Why are you after him?”

He looked back at me slightly agitated. “He nearly killed my friend! I’m here to make sure he pays for what he did to him!”
My heart skipped a beat as he said those words. When did Graymayne do this? I looked toward Graymayne, who groaned in response. What do I do now?

I focused back on the ticked off stallion. “I-I’m very sorry to hear that about your friend, but he is paying the price right now. He won’t be harming another life. The reason for that is Celestia personally took the duty in removing his horn.”
His mood brightened a bit but still held its stern gaze. “Really? You can remove a unicorn’s horn? That would have been so useful back then. Sorry, got off topic. Can you honestly guarantee that he won’t harm another life? He beat up that unicorn all around Ponyville just now!”

He had a point. How could I guarantee the safety of Ponyville? He was a big threat with his horn and without it, he is easily controlled. But that didn’t stop his brute strength, even though he was about a centimeter or less shorter than me.
But, what if whatever that thing was in the crystal was also the one making him do this. That wasn’t Graymayne in my dream and what we saw at the picnic wasn’t him. This couldn’t be his true nature, but there was only one way to prove it. I had to get Graymayne to talk.

“What if I could show you that it’s not that Graymayne wants to do this, but that he is being controlled by something more sinister inside his mind?”

The stallion took notice to this and looked at me quizzically. “Something inside him?”

I took a deep breath, knowing well what I was about to say. “I haven’t told anypony yet about this because I thought it was just a bad dream. I now know that dream has become a reality. I had a dream about something my brother had become and he was going to kill me. But, he wouldn’t, because if he killed me then what would be the point in him trusting me. He thought he had lost his entire family but when we proved him wrong he was overjoyed. I don’t believe he would want to hurt me which leads to the assumption that whatever we saw was this thing.” The stallion only looked at me astonished.

I wasn’t even finished. “It made a grand appearance and even told me of its intentions. I’m scared that whatever this thing is, it’s trying to take complete control of Graymayne.”

He was astonished at what I had said, and now his worry was clear. He soon closed his eyes and started to grumble to himself, clearly lost in thought. “That would be bad. I think we need to talk to Graymayne about this.”

As if on cue, the mysterious stallion took off trotting toward Graymayne. He lifted him up with his magic and placed him on his back and looked back at me.

“Shall we go then?” he asked, gesturing for me to take the lead.

I nodded and started to trot to the library with the mysterious stallion in tow. I kept my eye on him as he calmly trotted beside me, holding Graymayne on his back. ‘Just, who are you?’ I thought as we closed the distance to Golden Oaks Library.

When we were only yards away from the Library, I decided to find out just who this stallion was. As we reached the door to the Library, I stopped and whipped around to meet the stallion face to face. He in turn, stopped and looked at me with the same calm smile as when we left.

“Ok, who are you?” I asked, acting a bit more hostile than intended.

He only looked at me calmly smiling. “You’ll have to wait and see.”

“How do I know you’re not one of Discord’s lackey's here to do his bidding?” I asked, still staring him square in the eyes.

“You don’t…” he replied, still with his calm smile.
I narrowed my vision and with a quick sigh, I turned around and led the stallion into the library. I stopped in the center of the room and heard the sound of the door to the library shut.

As soon as it did, I whipped around with my horn aglow, only to see the stallion gently setting Graymayne on the floor.

“Still think I’m ‘one of Discord’s lackey’s’?” he asked with a small chuckle.

“Yes. I’m not taking any chances!” I said, staring him down.

He only sat down on his haunches and took a much sterner look. “Twilight, you couldn’t take me on, even if you snuck up on me in the middle of the night and got me when I was sleeping. Do you really want to try that when I’m awake?”
I studied his look and could see a death defying fury built up. He wasn’t lying. The look only seemed to intensify as he looked down at Graymayne, but softened when he turned back to me.

“How can I trust you?” I asked as I started to let my horn die down.

“That’s your decision, Twilight.”
I thought about his words for a minute. Maybe I could trust him, but that didn’t explain the fact that he knew me and I didn’t know him. I’m certain that I have never, once in my life met this stallion. I took a quick glance at Graymayne once again and then focused back on the mystery stallion.

“I’ll give one chance, so don’t make me regret it,” I replied letting the rest of my magic disperse.

“Depends on what it is,” he said with a smirk.

“And what’s that supposed to mean?”

“Just give me your one chance,” he said with an audible sigh.
I started to approach Graymayne and the stallion stepped back allow me room. “I suppose we should bind him so he doesn’t attempt to find Neon and finish what he started.”

“That’s fine. Would you like any help with that?” he asked. His horn started to glow a luminescent green.

“No, if I can take down Nightmare Moon, then I’m sure I can handle this. But…” I hesitated as his calm, collected, and caring eyes made me blush nervously. “Thanks.”

“Alright, your choice." he replied with a shrug.

Once he said that, I lit up my horn and lifted Graymayne into a sitting position. After that, I used a configuration spell to meld the wood into makeshift cuffs that would restrain him but also make him comfortable.

“Okay,” I took a deep breath. I’m not the best at magic, but in times like these, I know what to do. “That’ll hold him,” I said, looking at the stallion beside me.

“It better. You mentioned earlier about Celestia taking his horn away. If you don’t mind me asking, where is it anyway?” he asked, giving me a quizzical look.

“Well, first things first. I want to know who you are before we go any further,” I said, looking at him.

“Me? I’m just a simple traveler,” he replied, gesturing to himself.

“We both know that’s a lie. Now, if you truly want me to trust you, I want to know your name.”

He gave a rough sigh then cleared his throat. “If you insist Twilight.” He then stuck out his right fore-hoof. “My name is…”

He was rudely interrupted by Graymayne who jolted back, gasping for air.
He finally caught his breath after several heavy breaths then looked directly at me. “What did I miss?”

((((((((GRAYMAYNE)))))))

“What did I miss?” I asked catching my breath and looking directly at Twilight.

It was then that I looked beside her and saw a new face. He was sitting there with a slight scowl on his face as he looked at me.
“Well, look who came back to the land of the living!” he said, a bit hostile.

I ignored him and looked back at Twilight who seemed to smile at me, but soon it turned into one of anger. As soon as that happened, she took her hoof and brought it down onto my head with a loud thud.

“WHAT THE HAY IS WRONG WITH YOU!?” she yelled.

“Jeez… I thought I might get a better greeting than that,” I replied, rubbing the sore spot on my head. “It wasn’t you who got shot with a ‘knock-out’ spell.”

“Well… it’s not me who loses his temper and beats up the nearest stallion for NO apparent reason!” Twilight scolded me.

“Hey! Neon’s the one who aggravated me! I did what any other stallion would have done and kicked his plot!”

“But, was it really you who kicked his plot?” the grey stallion beside Twilight asked.

“I’m sorry, but was I talking to you?” I snapped back.

“No, but it concerns me,” he retorted in a ‘matter of fact tone’.

“From what I know, this doesn’t concern you one bit,” I replied, staring him down.

Him…Not him, the voice in my head said almost worried.

‘What’s wrong?’ I asked.

“Then you must not know too much,” he said with a grin.

“Hey! Fuck you Buddy!” I then tried to move, only to find my hooves restrained to the floor.

You don’t remember him, do you? The voice asked. Pity

“Wow, swearing. It seems that there is always that one pony who swears, no matter where I find myself. But I should have guessed that from somepony who tried to kill The Doctor,” he snapped back.

Do you remember now? The voice asked. He stopped you from your second chance. How could you not remember Blue! The one who caused your most humiliating defeat!

Suddenly, a flash of visions crossed my mind. I saw this stallion standing in front of a library. I remember bursting out the front door and fighting him. He was my target. If I got to him, I got The Doctor. He stood in my way, and I hadn’t realized The Doctor was under my muzzle the whole time. Literally, one floor below me! ‘Blue! YOU MOTHERF-’ My thoughts were interrupted by the voice.

Stop your babbling and KILL HIM!

“You… I remember you now” I said as my blood started to boil. “Blue…”

“I’m sorry, have we met before? I don’t think so…” he replied, slightly confused.

“Don’t give me that bullshit! I remember you! You stopped me from killing that damn Doctor! I won’t underestimate you again,” I hissed at him. “Because of you, I suffered the worst kind of torture!”

“Torture huh?” Blue replied chuckling. “I guess that’s the least one can do to you, considering what you nearly did to The Doctor. All those years ago, he stopped you from killing him. I never did anything to stop you from killing him. I only helped him get better.”

“You mother fucker. I swear, as soon as I get out of these restraints. I’m going to RIP YOUR FUCKING HEAD OFF!” I yelled, struggling under the wooden restraints.

“I’d like to see you try,” Blue said with a grin.

“Just you wait… I usually end up surprising my opponent,” I snapped back with a growl.

“As do I,” Blue replied with a smirk.

Finally noticing this was getting out of hand, Twilight went to stop our argument of threats. “Nopony is going to be tearing anypony apart in any gruesome ways. Am I understood?!” she yelled at both of us.

Oh, I doubt that my little pet The voice cooed.

“Like I would do that,” Blue replied with a shrug.

I remained silent, giving Blue a death glare. He had no clue how much stronger I had become since our last fight. I underestimated him last time, and I paid the price for it. That wouldn’t happen again. For his sake, he better pray he doesn’t turn his back to me. He. Will. Regret it.

“Right Graymayne?” Twilight said narrowing her eyes on me.

I noticed the look and couldn’t bare it. “Yeah… sure… whatever,” I replied.

“There’s something your hiding from us Graymayne,” Blue said, sitting down on his haunches.

“There’s a lot of stuff I’m hiding if you haven’t guessed that already,” I replied coldly.

“Don’t we all,” he said, cracking a joke.

“Very funny,” I replied sarcastically.

“Graymayne, please. Tell me what that thing was out in the field,” Twilight pleaded.

I shook my head and then looked at her. “No.”

“We’ll find out one way or another Graymayne. Whether we have to find out for ourselves, or if you just tell us. Trust me, you would rather tell us” Blue responded staring me down.

“Oh yeah? How are you going to do that?” I replied with a smirk.

“Would you really like to find out?” he asked.

“Give me your best shot. I greatly doubt your possibility of finding out,” I replied.

“What are you going to do?” Twilight asked Blue.

“Oh, I can do a lot of things. Truth spells, entering his mind… but, there is one thing that I want to try,” Blue replied.

“And that would be?” Twilight asked.

“How would you like to make a bet, Graymayne?” Blue asked, giving me a smirk.

I had nothing to go off. I simply nodded. “What do I get out of it if I win?”

“Justification,” Blue replied bluntly. My hopes perked up a bit at that. I could kill this bastard here and now. Why wouldn’t I take it!

“Wait, what happens if I lose?” I asked, glaring at him.

“You tell me and Twilight all about your secret you’re keeping,” he said bluntly.

My hopes died a bit. I couldn’t let them know… not Twilight! What would she think? You know what she would think! She’d call me a Monster! She’d hate me! No… but I could kill this bastard. Revenge.

With that final thought I asked one simple question. “What’s the game?”

“Oh, not a game at all. Twilight, would you care to give him his horn back?” he asked, looking at Twilight.

Twilight’s eyes widened and she took a defensive stance against Blue. “NO! After what I saw! NO! I will not let this go any further!”

“Fine. Then I’ll give it to him”

He started to move on her, and soon was upon her. My blood boiled as he tried to grab her, but she avoided the first grab.

“Twilight, please, I’m doing this for his own good,” he said.

“No! Not after what I saw!” she yelled.

“Stay away from her! Don’t you DARE touch her!” I yelled yanking at my restraints.

Oh, he’s going to regret doing that. Here, because I hate him too, let me help you.

I felt a surge of energy building up from my rage and as he finally grabbed her, I yelled out in pure anger. “HOW DARE YOU!!! I’LL FUCKING KILL YOU!!!”

At that moment, the wooden restraints burst from a surge of dark energy. I lunged forward, seeing that he had already obtained my horn crystal. He had no time to react as my hoof found its mark… on his muzzle.

He fell back, but I was far from done with him. I pounced on him and started to force my hooves down on his neck. My bloodlust had returned because of his act against my sister.

He.

Touched.

TWILIGHT!!!

I forced pressure on his neck, hoping to crush his trachea and end his life for good. He had dropped the crystal and it was now only inches from his hooves. If he thought he could just assault my sister like that, he had another thing coming.

He was trying furiously to remove my hooves from his neck, which I returned with more pressure. He coughed and squirmed uncontrollably under my grasp. Soon he started to beat on one of my hooves, trying to remove it and I just smirked at this.

‘Just fucking die!’ I screamed in my thoughts.

Just when his eyes started to drift shut. One of his hooves made connection with my muzzle, making me jolt back, releasing him from my grip. He moved to the left to retrieve the crystal and before I know it, another bright flash erupted.

I had closed my eyes, expecting to be knocked out again, only to realize we had teleported outside. I took a fighting stance and prepared to charge, but then he raised a hoof to catch my attention.

“Here’s the bet Graymayne. We fight until we can’t fight anymore. No killing the other, and no breaking limbs. Any spell is allowed, as long as they don’t cause any of those injuries,” Blue stated bluntly.

I nodded and then something struck me. “Wait, you said spells. You’re giving me my horn?”

“Wouldn’t be fair without it.” He then proceeded to toss my horn to the ground in front of me.
I picked up the horn in my hooves as best I could. When I finally got my horn in my hooves, I heard a slight chuckle from Blue.

“You won’t be laughing when I win this fight and rip your throat out!” I shouted at him.

“We’ll just see about that,” he replied, getting into a fight stance. His horn then was illuminated with a luminescent green.

I looked at my horn and soon saw the white glow that I was all too familiar with. I could feel the dark energy emanating from this one single crystal. I placed it to my head and felt the same pain and pleasure of darkness fill my veins as I did in the fields. The cloud of darkness dissipating as the horn finally sat atop my head.

I took a stance and conjured one of my blades, making sure it was my sharpest and quickest. ‘Time for some well deserved revenge,’ I thought.

I dashed at him and he did the same. I was the first to make a move and swing out my blade to connect with his hoof hoping to slow him down. Only seconds passed before he moved faster than ever. He was beyond my blade, which was far past him now. He ended up right in front of me and before I knew it, he rounded his hind legs up and kicked.

It connected with my chin, sending me back. ‘What the fuck was that?!’

I now focused hard on his movements, only to see I couldn’t make them out at all. He was moving too fast, almost like he was teleporting, but there were no flashes.

My thoughts were interrupted as a hoof made its way across my face. Then another made a connection with the back of my head.
Then more and more hits. Pain was all I felt for who knows how long. I wouldn’t let him win!

“ENOUGH!!!” I yelled and threw out a shockwave of dark energy which sent him flying back as well. He was still in the air and I teleported right below him. I conjured a black hand and gripped his hind leg. I quickly brought it down and him along with it, making him collide with the ground. The dust rose and quick and I used my horn to wipe it away only to see him gone.

“Behind you.”

I whipped around with a lash of black magic, which he hadn’t seen coming. He went flipping to the side, and I was already to where he would land. I gripped his mane in my magic and delivered a quick uppercut with my hoof.

When the hit connected though, the image of Blue dissipated into nothing. ‘Damn illusions,’ I thought right before my scenery changed and I was in the air.

I was falling fast once again and I looked behind me to see Blue, who had gripped me in his magic. We were speeding toward the ground at a tremendous speed. The ground was coming fast and one thought came to mind. ‘Canterlot fall, all over again… great!’

Seconds before the ground came, Blue vanished and I collided with the ground. A loud BOOM sounded out from the crash.

All I could feel now was pain. ‘How the hell was he doing these things?’ I attempted to stand but was stopped when a hoof was pressed down on my back and forced me down.

I looked back and saw Blue looking at me with a smirk on his face. “Had enough?” he asked.

I growled at him before conjuring a hand and gripping his horn. I tossed him back, before appearing and thrashing him into the ground. After that I threw him into the air once again and launched a blast of dark energy at him which exploded into a blaze of energy on impact.

I got a smirk from that and waited for his limp body to come crashing to the ground. Only… it didn’t…

“Did I miss anything?” came an all too familiar voice from my side.

I looked to my right to see Blue standing there with a slightly intrigued look on his face.

“What the fu-” I was interrupted as a blast of energy erupted from his horn, that sent me flying back.

I hit the ground with a smack and pain struck my stomach as I slid to a stop. As I lay there on the ground, I thought to myself.

‘How… how?! What am I doing wrong? How is he doing this?’

I looked up to see a smirk place on Blue's face. He then started to approach me and his horn lit up. “I must say, you know how to take a hit.”

“Please, I’ve fought stronger opponents than you! I can handle anything! So far this fight is just warm up!” I yelled back.

“You say you can handle anything. Well, let’s just see how you fare against your past,” he replied.

‘Wait, what?’ I thought.

It was too late though, he was already upon me with his horn blazing with energy. I tried to move out of the way, but he knelt down with blinding speed and touched his horn to my head.

All I could see now was white flashing light. Images, memories, and worst regrets washed over me as the threads of my past were undone. Love, hate, joy, and even my rage boiled from the deepest parts of this blinding light. I wanted it to stop, I wanted to curl up and die. To waste away like all those I had killed. I screamed, due to the agony that was just too much to endure.

Soon though, the light ended and my vision went blurry. I tried to lift my head, but it felt like cinder block. After what seemed like minutes, I could see a purple blur come chasing at me and hoist me onto my haunches.

Slowly, my vision came back to me after several deep breaths and the purple blur turned out to be Twilight. I looked at her, dazed and tired. I scanned her face and noticed the worry.

With what strength I had I said: ‘I’m okay’. Even though I couldn’t hear myself because of a constant ringing. She smiled weakly and then turned her head to another figure that was approaching.

She furrowed her brow and looked back at me. She then pointed her hoof at the figure that had now stopped and stood there.

Twilight then mouthed ‘Who is he?’

I sat there confused and but I decided to take a quick look to my left and I could only stop and stare in complete fear.
What stood there now only made me regret my own existence. Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked into the familiar dark crimson eyes. The same grey coat of fur and red and black mane. The cutie mark that I remember so very well… the hammer and anvil. He stood there glaring at me with disapproving eyes.

I finally obtained my hearing only to hear his gruff and sincere voice that only made me cringe. “Why did you do it, Graymayne? Why?”

“Graymayne, who is that?” Twilight asked from my side.

I only stuttered and tears started to fall from my eyes at the familiar stallion that stood in front of me.

“Graymayne?” Twilight asked.

“Why did you do it?” the stallion asked again.

I only sat there in fear and the look in his eyes intensified. “Why did you do it, Graymayne!” he yelled.

I let my head hang and the tears fall. “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry Gunner…” I said

Song for this First Part-- "I Am... All Of Me" by Crush 40

Author's Note

Hello Everybody! Wow, please, tell me the truth, did I just mind fuck anyone. I mean, GUNNER! How is he here! He should be Dead! All will be revealed in the second part. Anyway, no copyright intended! My editor and I decided to give his OC a part in my story and he is going to play a pretty big part in the story. If you listened to the song, can you guess who is the "Brave-Hearted Hero" and who's the "Black-Hearted Evil", let me know in the comments. Anyway, again, I apologize to those who were expecting to finally meet HIM. I got the idea and I will spoil this. He will be revealed after the second part of "Blast From The Past". The chapter of his reveal will be called "Sins of Our Past" and I hope you guys are as anxious as I am!

Last thing... 36 likes... you guys have NO clue how Grateful I am! It may not seem like a lot but its a lot to me! Especially since its my very first fic! So thank you all so VERY much for the support! I don't know how many faves but still it makes me happy that there are those who would read my story and fave it! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!! You guys or girls if you are one are AWESOME!!! Thank you!

This is Graymayne signing off and wishing you all a Great 4th of July!

Interlude: Luna's Nightmare

Author's Note

Important!

Just to let you all know, ALL interludes and bonus chapters will be 3rd person point of view. I hope you enjoy and to Warrior Kitten, the song is at the top my friend. Thank you all for reading and SO sorry it took so long!

Interlude: Luna's Nightmare

"Not Ready to Die" by Avenged Sevenfold (Authors note: Hell Yeah!)

It was a beautiful night in Canterlot. The stars were scattered across the sky and the moon shown bright. A perfect night that Luna herself had created for two reasons. One, to keep a close eye on this supposed Assassin Graymayne, and two, so she and her dear sister Tia could spend a moment together watching this beautiful display of what Luna herself liked to call ‘Lunar Art’.

She sat there trying hard not to think of the ‘Assassin’. She could remember a time when those who even thought about attacking them would meet a slow death either by Celestia’s golden blade or her own midnight blue blade. It was a time when guards fought to the bitter end to protect her and her sister. Of course they still did but they seemed a bit weaker than they used to be, smaller even; a time when ‘Assassins’ had their claws or wings cut off; tortured endlessly, and soon, beheaded.

Why had her sister been so lenient on this young stallion?

Tia told her that this stallion was confused, tricked, lied to, which of course was true, but he still didn’t believe them and Luna was sure of that. What she had said in the dungeon to the lowly assassin was the truth.

Try to harm her sister again and she’ll end thy where thee stands.

There was also the problem with Graymayne being a lost relative of Twilight Sparkle and Shining Armor. That was the most annoying fact of all. Twilight actually thought she could make this ‘Assassin’ any better. Luna scoffed at that. It made her laugh! To honestly think such a blackened soul could reform. He was lost, no hope, drowned in blood.

She had already been into his mind, seen the many doors of the ponies and other species he had murdered in cold blood. It disgusted her.

Graymayne, same as Sombra, was far gone, lost into shadow… forever. There was no possible way to save him now. She knew deep down what he desired… and it only made her want to rip his spine out of his back, force it through his neck and watch him slowly bleed to death.

It would only happen if he tried it…

The sound of a door clicking made Luna jump and turn, horn ablaze, only to see her sister Tia, without her regalia, entering the room.

“Am I not allowed to enter?” Celestia asked with a giggle.

Luna sighed in relief and gave her sister a small smile. “Thou hast only startled us dear sister. How art thou?”

Celestia only giggled again. “I’m fine, how are you?”

Luna smiled at her sister. It had been rough for her since returning to Equestria… the whole Nightmare Moon incident. But, now she was home and that’s all that mattered.
Only if they didn’t have little midnight blue ‘assassin’ in their manes…

“We art doing well, sister. But… something bothers us…” She replied giving her sister a frustrated gaze.

Celestia’s smile shrank a bit but she tried to ‘keep her cool’. ‘Is that what the colts were saying today?’ she thought. It didn’t matter. She trotted up to her sister and wrapped a wing around her. She pulled her sister close and looked up into the night sky.

“And ‘who’ would that be dear sister?” she asked, a bit concerned for her sister.

Luna’s eyes widened in shock as she looked up to her sister. “How doest thou know?”

Celestia sighed. “Don’t think I’m not worried either Lulu. Graymayne is a dangerous stallion and it brings me great worry to leave him with Twilight, but I’m almost certain that she can handle him,”

Luna smiled on the inside at her old pet name given to her by Celestia or ‘Tia’; the pet name she had given her. “But what if thou student cannot handle him? He has had some... Unsettling dreams…”

Celestia looked at her sister with curiosity and hint of concern. “What did you see?”

Luna sighed, remembering what she had seen that night. The sanctuary, Graymayne, and… the ‘thing’ he was talking too. “We saw a creature in the stallion… he was familiar to us… though we did not recognize him.”

Celestia thought about this. They had faced many foes in their time: Tirek, Sombra, Discord, and so many more. Their never ending battle to protect their home, their little ponies, their world. Celestia could only remember one such being that came close to taking it all away… but he was long dead…

…even today though, did his name still haunt her.

“I would ask of you to keep an eye out on this creature. It may be a threat later if we’re not careful,” Celestia said to her sister a bit concerned.

“We shall do so Tia,” Luna replied with a weak smile.

“Now,” Celestia said, her smile returning as she held her younger sister close. “What do you have to show me on this beautiful night sky?”

Luna did a mental ‘squee’ when she heard those words. With that, her horn glowed its normal midnight blue and the stars shown bright in the night sky. It was truly a sight to behold. The stars seemed to illuminate the land before them and the moon shown full for those who stayed up this late to see. Such a magnificent beauty to behold…

Luna only wished more ponies were up to see such a sight...

But, at least she could spend these moments with her dear sister. No more lonely nights on the moon. No more Nightmare Moon trying to consume her. Nothing could destroy this moment; everything was perfect at this one moment.

…Or at least she thought…

Off in the distance, one single star started to glow an unnatural crimson red. An evil essence emanating from it and Luna only looked in curiosity. She stared at the star and soon could hear something… sinister…

A dark and demented chuckle

Celestia focused on the night sky before her, happy to have her sister back after a thousand years of loneliness. She missed her so very much and couldn’t bare the fact that in some way, she was also responsible for her dark transformation all that time ago.

All that mattered now, though, was that she was home. “Lulu, this is amazing. I almost forgot how well you made the night so majestic.”

No answer.

“I was thinking about that question you asked me all those years ago” Celestia paused hesitantly.

No answer.

“About the night lasting longer…” Celestia paused to look at the moon: still shining brightly in the night sky.

No answer.

“Why don’t we host a time during the year for the night. Something like the Summer Sun Celebration. Would you like that Luna?”

No answer.

“Luna?”

Celestia took this moment to look at her sister. What she saw frightened her…

Luna’s eyes were dilated and tears streaked down her cheeks. She was frantically mumbling to herself and shaking. The constellations in her mane seem to die out and fade, her eyes full of fear, and her eyes were blinking…from white to the evil green.

Celestia rushed to hold Luna and pulled to face her. “Luna! Luna, what’s wrong!?” Luna only stared at her, horrified, fearful, and mortified.

Celestia had no idea what Luna was really seeing.

Luna saw her ponies, their ponies, her land, their land. Fire everywhere, burning away the plains and ponies running also set ablaze, screaming in agony, their flesh smoldering and sizzling away. Bodies of their ponies shot from the sky in fiery blazes and impacted the ground in bloody explosions. Everywhere, blood and death ravaged the land. Everywhere, their little ponies died in the cruelest ways possible. Demons flew through the skies and walked along the ground, causing massacre to them all. Pony after pony was cut down, piece by piece, limb from limb. This was her personal hell.

This was the deepest depths of Tartarus revealed to her. The torture, the bloodshed, the massacre all overflowing and she had only known one Drac- no… demon which would do all this without mercy.

As that thought crossed her mind, a dark silhouette was shown standing in the field. The figure was tall, his silhouette deformed, mixed and matched with different pieces. Two horns protruded from the back of his head, both different from each other. His arms were slender and one covered in fur while the other looked sleek and shiny, both ending in a razor sharp claws that gave off a dark energy. His torso deformed, with two spiked shoulder guards. His legs, one which gave off a cool mist and the other dragons leg, both ending in sharp claws that could cut through steel.

Luna stopped gazing upon his body and focused on his face, the twisted and toothy smile that splayed itself on his face just underneath those eyes. The eyes that haunted her and her sister for thousands of years, his right eye being a bright crimson that shown the souls of a million sinners being tortured and burned, the left eye was pitch black and spilling dark mist from the side. In that moment, one name crossed her mind… a name that her and her sister had done everything in their power to erase from the pages of time.

“V-“

Before she could finish, a high pitched ringing sound stung her and made her jolt back. She clutched her head in pain; her eyes clenched shut as the ringing seemed to get worse. Whispers’, crying of foals, shouts, screams of agony and despair struck her ears in a never ending onslaught.

She tried desperately to open her eyes but couldn’t, even as the sounds of approaching hoofsteps were then brought to her ears. She shook her head violently left to right in an attempt to rid herself of the distraction. She knew HE was coming for her! Those hoofsteps were HIS and HIS alone!
The sound of hoofsteps grew closer… and closer…

And closer…

Closer…

Then stopped in place
Luna was now shaking in pure fear, still clutching her head. Fearful of what he would do to her when he wrapped his golden and burly claws around her throat. She knew HE was standing right in front of her and she hadn’t been more afraid in her entire life. It was over…

It was over for her… and she knew it…

HE had returned…

She was going to die here and now in HIS grasp. Sin will have finally had its victory.

She waited…

Waited…

…And waited…

‘Why wasn’t anything happening? Why hadn’t HE killed her yet? What was HE waiting for? Did HE want her to run, for HIS own amusement? Did He want her to beg for the mercy, that HE had none of?’ Luna thought about this for a while the figure standing in front of her changed. Morphing its appearance to an all too familiar Alicorn.

‘If HE thinks I will BEG for mercy! Then HE IS WRONG!’

With that, Luna ripped her hooves from her head and opened her eyes to glare at the figure in front of her and screamed. “KILL ME ALREADY YOU MONSTER!”

“Luna… why… why would I kill you…” the figure flinched and whimpered. Luna only stared, shocked at the figure before her. Their coat was pure white, a scarlet red mane and matching tail, and bright blue eyes. The cutie mark that she could never forget. A feather pen and ink well.

“Doth my eyes deceive me…? Mother Faust…?” Luna asked.

“Yes my dear, what’s the matter?” Faust asked, worry clearly evident in her voice.

“I… I thought… thou were dead...” Tears now began to streak down Luna’s face. The last time she had seen her mother was when HE-

Before she could finish her thought, Faust grabbed Luna and pulled her into a tight hug. “No Luna… No. I was never gone. I’m here. I’m here for you.”

Luna did the only thing she could think of and pulled her dear mother into the tightest hug she could. Gripping her closely and crying into her shoulder. “There, there. Everything is going to be fine Luna. I’m here now and I am not going anywhere ever again.”

Luna felt the many noises she heard before fade and the warmth of her mother’s hug calm her. Soon, her crying ceased and was reduced to simple sniffles. Luna took this opportunity to look up into her mother’s soft, caring eyes.

Only to see a dark red shadow, looming over them and two familiar eyes glaring down at them.

“LUNA, RUN!” Faust screamed, pushing Luna away. “RUN AND DON’T LOOK BACK!”

Luna did as she was told, turned and ran as fast as she could. Though she didn’t follow all of what her mother had said and turned to look back. Faust had now risen up into the air to meet the shadow face to face. In that instant, Faust didn’t waste a single millisecond and shot a beam of pure light into the shadow’s dark form. Within the shadow, dozens of explosions erupted and shook the shadow’s form along with a ear piercing roar, which eventually ended in sadistic chuckles.

Faust fired off more blasts of power into the shadow trying desperately to destroy it and protect her youngest daughter. The shadow simply laughed at her attempts to attack it and prepping its own little move.

What Faust didn’t see was the long, slender like golden claw shoot toward her. Faust flapped her wings quickly but was too late, as the claw wrapped around her entire body, squeezing it tightly.

“Enough of your puny attacks…” a deep and demonic voice spoke.

Faust only glared at the shadow in pure anger. “You will not take my home! You will not take the home that I worked so hard to create! You and your kind have LOST!”
A chuckle escaped the shadow and it pulled Faust closer, now completely looming over her gripped form. “You don’t understand dear Faust…” it spoke. “We’ve already won…”
In that instant, a long and large muzzle left protruded from the shadow. Opening up to reveal a row of razor sharp teeth, some diamond, some pure gold, and others silver.

Faust looked up into the mouth of the large beast, fearfully and shaking, before looking in Luna’s direction…

Tears now fell from her saddened eyes. “Luna… I love y-“

She was cut off by the sudden lunge of the beast’s maw, its razor sharp teeth biting into her neck and engulfing her entire head. The beast’s maw jerked left then right, and with one final jerk to the left, Faust’s head was ripped off. Blood began to spew up and the beast began to chew viciously and eagerly.

A loud gulp was echoed through the room now and was soon followed with a dark chuckle. All Luna could do was stare in horror at the beast who had murdered her mother so animal like. The next thought that crossed Luna’s mind was what her mother had told her to do…

Run.

She turned tail and began a gallop in the opposite direction, hoping to escape the enormous creature. Before she could get her hooves to move off the ground, a set of golden claws made contact with the ground around her and began to close in.

“And where do you think you’re going…?”

Luna tried desperately to squeeze through the claws and run but her attempts were futile as the beast’s claws closed tightly around her form. She squirmed around in its grasp, hoping to get free but once again, her attempts were futile.

“Surely you remember me little Luna…” the beast spoke, looking down upon his prey. “Before you go running off to tell your pathetic sister that I’m back. I want you to know…”

The beast moved closer to her, his hot breath setting down on her. Luna only looked up in horror at the massive beast who glared down at her with the eyes of a demon.

“No matter what you do... I will be free again. Your world, the world you STOLE from US! We will take it back and your sister, your little ponies and even you... will SUFFER!” In that instant, the beast roared and brought it’s maw down to eat her.

Only for her to join the real realm again in a screaming fit…

“Luna!” Celestia screamed. Luna looked around, guards, Lunar and solar surrounded them, ready to do their job. All Luna could do then was grab Celestia and pull her into the tightest embrace possible.

Celestia was shocked. First, her sister went and had a mental breakdown right next to her. Second, she was screaming at the top of her lungs and speaking a language that she didn’t recognize at all. After an hour of trying to calm her, she finally had snapped and here she was, hugging Celestia tightly and crying vigorously into her shoulder. Celestia hugged back with the same embrace, wrapping her wings around Luna.

One guard approached but was stopped with a wave of Celestia’s hoof. Soon, guard after guard began to leave the room, leaving Celestia and Luna to themselves.

“There, there. I’m here Luna. I’m here.”

“Tis the same thing mother said before…” she returned to her crying.

“I know… I know… I’m sorry, Lulu. I know how much mother meant to you. She meant the same to me as well…”

Luna continued her crying, often sniffling. After what seemed to be an hour, Celestia heard the soft slow breathing of her sister. She moved back and looked down at her now sleeping sister who had fallen into a deep sleep from her recent outburst.

Celestia took this opportunity to levitate Luna into her own bed and kissed her goodnight before leaving the room herself. She turned with a sigh and made her way back to her room. She already knew what she had seen. When Luna had the outburst, her eyes flickered from white to green… then black. She knew now that HE had returned. In that single instant, one word crossed her mind.

A word that she despised with every fiber of her being the moment the young foals of today started using it. Yet, it described their current situation.
Bucked.

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

Elsewhere, deep within the depths of a certain assassin’s mind, the beast watches over the small town of Ponyville.

“One pony princess broken… One pony princess to go, but first…”

The beast’s claw waves through the darkness, creating an image of an all too familiar lavender unicorn. The creature gazes at the image of this unicorn. The assassin’s sister, the princess’s student…
His prey.

“WE MUST ATTACK HER HEART!”

Blast From The Past (Part 2)

Song for this chapter---> The Animal By Disturbed

(((((TWILIGHT SPARKLE))))

I looked on in wonder at the massive stallion. A grey coat of fur, a red and black mane with a matching tail. His two dark crimson eyes staring intensely at Graymayne, whom sat on the ground next to me. He could only look on in pure horror at ‘Gunner’. The stallion was easily as big as Big Mac himself. His imposing figure seemed imobile, hard like stone. His upper torso guarded by what appeared to be a thick set of armor. Shiny and slightly dented in some spots, only showing that this stallion had seen combat.

“You’re Gunner?” I looked at the massive stallion and he nodded. I then looked at Graymayne, whom shivered at the mention of his name. “That’s Gunner? You said he was-”

“Dead… I know…” Graymayne cut me off. “There is no possible way-”

“That I’m alive? Well here I am in the flesh. Breathing, standing, before the one I once called brother. You killed me, for what!? Revenge!? I thought I taught you better!” Gunner shouted, enraged.

“Gunner… you know I didn’t want to hurt you…” Graymayne said, with a sadness that seemed to leak from his lips. “It wasn’t my fault…”

“You expect me to believe that!?” Gunner shouted angrily.

“Wait!” I protested. “Graymayne told me that you were dead. That something…” I held back the urge to vomit at the thought. “Ripped you… limb from limb…”

“It seems my death was a bit exaggerated.” He growled at Graymayne. “I remember a thing… something that made my brother lose it. Something that made him… change. I want to know what it is.”

“You know who HE is… Discord told us the stories…” Graymayne said shakily getting up to his hooves.

“You expect me to trust that murderer!? Who said that they were true!? They were lies that were put in our heads to make us afraid of Discord! Afraid of what supposedly came before!”

“What came before?” I asked, completely confused.

“Lies from a mad god.” Gunner replied. “Now answer me a question, Graymayne. If you say that HE is real… why don’t you show us?”

“You know damn well why I can’t do that!” Graymayne shouted angrily.

“Who is ‘HE’?” I asked completely confused.

“Because you’re wrong! HE doesn’t exist!” Gunner shouted back.

“No…” Graymayne said, almost shrinking away.

“No what?!” Gunner shouted back, this time taking a step forward.

“Because…”

“Because what Graymayne!?” Gunner shouted again.

“Because HE’d SLAUGHTER everypony here!” Graymayne shouted back, his voice almost cracking. “And HE wouldn’t stop there… HE would move town to town… and never stop until HE’s satisfied. Which you know… HE won’t be…”

‘Slaughter…? No… what are they talking about…?’ I thought, looking horrified between the two stallions. I gulped once before looking to Graymayne. “Who would slaughter so many and… just keep going…?”

In that instant, Graymayne shouted out his voice distorted and sadistic sounding that made my blood run cold and my body shiver.

“ME!”

I saw a shiver run over Gunner too, but he held his ground firmly and unmoving. Graymayne quickly covered his mouth with his hooves and quivered fearfully at the voice that had rang out for all to hear.

“What… was that?” I asked, feeling a cold shiver run through my body as if ‘something’ had just passed through me. Graymayne only continued to quiver on the ground like a helpless foal. His eyes were evident with fear as they had dilated and stared at nothing but the ground.

“There,” Gunner said. “That’s the proof I needed.” In that instant, a green flame erupted around him and who stood there now was Blue with a sad grin on his face. He looked at me, then at Graymayne.

“I’m sorry I had to do that to you, but it was necessary for the information that you were withholding from us. Now that you have revealed it, there is no reason to continue.”

I looked on in shock as Blue simply turned and began to trot away. He had simply changed into the one pony Graymayne was scarred by and used that to his advantage. All to get the answers that he wanted. What kind of pony does that? It was sick to think about. A pony that Graymayne had grown up with, considered a father-figure, used against him to control his thoughts and emotions. Sick…

On the other hoof, it did give us a clue as to who they were arguing about. Something horrible was inside my brother’s head and had just revealed itself a second time. I looked at Graymayne who stared in shock at Blue as he walked away calmly. His left eye was twitching and as he lowered his hooves to the ground again, his teeth shown bare. What scared me was that some of them had even sharpened to razor tips and that was only the beginning. Soon, his eyes began to glow with a burning green and his irises turned to a devil red. The mist began to spill once again and flow viciously into the air. When he began to rise, I moved quickly to stop him.

“Graymayne, stop. Don’t do this. Let’s just go home and talk about it, there’s no need for more violence. Graymayne, please listen to-” I was cut short when Graymayne glared at me. His eyes showing nothing but hatred and a burning rage.

“Twilight… step away. Now.” He hissed at me and then he turned to look at Blue who continued to walk away without a care. Graymayne’s horn began to glow and soon a bolt of magic was shot in Blue’s direction.

“Graymayne! No!” I let my horn blaze and shot a blast to intercept the bolt. The two bolts collided violently and exploded only feet from where Blue was standing. Blue himself, turned to see a thin dust cloud and more importantly, the pissed off stallion behind it.

“Didn’t I say there was no more reason to fight?” He asked. Graymayne only growled at him and unleashes multiple blasts of dark energy at Blue. The blasts made contact and Blue was engulfed in darkness. Though, it didn’t last long as a sudden burst erupted from the center of the cloud. Blue stood there, looking very unamused. “Would you just give it up already. You don’t have a chance against me.”

“TRY ME ASSHOLE!” Graymayne charged at Blue, his horn blazing out of control with green lightning and black smoke. Blast after blast were sent flying at Blue, whom easily deflected each one. Once only feet away from each other, Graymayne lunged, two swords at the ready. Blue’s horn lit up and a shield formed to block the two swords that made connection.

Graymayne moved around Blue as quick as possible trying to slash at him, who stood there blocking each attack with either one or two shields. I just sat there. I had to stop this somehow. I had to intervene and get Graymayne to calm down. I looked toward the two.

“Graymayne! Stop!” I moved toward the two but stopped as Graymayne vanished from sight.

Blue lowered one shield but kept the other above his head, in case of attack. What he didn’t expect was the blast that erupted just below him, sending him just a couple feet in the air. Graymayne came out of nowhere and, with what appeared to be a large hammer, slammed it down on Blue’s back. The sound of cracking could be heard and all it did was make me cringe.

Graymayne landed onto his hooves, horn still blazing. Blue hit the ground hard and the sound of shattering glass sounded. ‘Glass? Was that glass?’ I thought, but my answer was given when Blue staggered up to his hooves. Cracks splayed all over his body, some of them giving a very low and dull glow.

“What the…?” I looked at Blue who only let a smile onto his face as he stared down Graymayne.

“I’m surprised to be honest. You broke my protective shell. You are one of the very few who have ever done that. I congratulate you Graymayne.” Blue shook himself a bit and pieces, large and small, fell from his body. They broke further and dissolved as they touched the ground.

“So that’s why my attacks weren’t hurting you,” Graymayne said as he dispelled the hammer. “Fucking coward…”

“Am I a coward?” Blue countered. “ In the world of war, in ANY fighting case, getting hurt wears you down. Makes you tired and forces your wounds to be treated, costing the battle if even the greatests of warriors fall. I’ve fought many things, Graymayne. Wearing a shell has gotten me called more than a coward. But I’ve saved lives like this. You have no right to call me a coward.”

“Do you think I care how many you’ve supposedly saved?” Graymayne chuckled. “No, you hide behind a shell of false skin. You’re afraid to take a real hit. Well, time to stop hiding you fucker. I’m gonna make you feel every single twinge of pain there is.”

Blue just sighed and took up his own defensive stance. Graymayne gave a war cry before charging at him again. This time, what appeared to be a scythe was summoned above Graymayne. He leaped toward Blue and gave a horizontal swipe. Blue, ducked and fired a bolt of silver energy at Graymayne who took the shot head on. When the blast faded, Graymayne stood there looking completely unfazed. Blue’s eyes opened wide before he was met with a hammer to the chin. The audible crunch made me cringe and so did Blue’s ragdolling body. He hit the ground hard. Graymayne took this opportunity to come down with a vertical swipe of his scythe but Blue rolled away to the left just before the sharp blade made impact with the ground. Graymayne growled at him before switching tactics. The scythe disappeared and was replaced with two large hammers which went swinging at Blue with nothing but pent up fury. Blue made quick and decisive moves, dodging each hammer that came swinging at him. At one point, it almost looked like he was enjoying himself.

The thought that he was enjoying himself while fighting somepony who could kill and walk away without a care in the world was… scary.

Finally, Blue made his move. He dashed in between the two hammers, narrowly dodging them and struck Graymayne on his muzzle. Though it seemed to have done nothing but make him far more angry. Before Blue could move away, he found himself in a dark blue telekinetic grip and raised into the air. He struggled and even tried using his magic but to no avail, couldn’t break free.

In that moment, the two stallions eyes met. Graymayne let a smug smile spread on his face as he glared at the trapped stallion.

“Gotcha!” Graymayne shouted before repeatedly slamming him against the ground back and forth. Graymayne slammed Blue onto his back and face again and again. There were small blood splatters already beginning to appear on the dirt ground.

I just stood there and watched… afraid to intervene. My mind told me to stop this right now and put Graymayne down, but the gut feeling in my stomach… the wrenching fear that held me in place. Made my hooves feel like concrete blocks. Was it fear though? Or was it the creature holding me in place. He didn’t want me to interfere. He wanted to sit back and enjoy the savage beating that was taking place. There had to be something I could do. Something I could do to stop this fighting.

Except, there was nothing I could do to stop this. Not me… but there is one pony who would. I turned toward the library and made a gallop for it. Before I reached it though, Blue came flying by me and crashed through one of the tree branches. The blood leaking from his beaten up face was easily visible. All I could do was silently apologize a million times as I ran past him and into the library. I scrambled to the nearest table and grabbed a quill and parchment.

“Spike! Wake up! I need you now!” I yelled as I began my letter.

Dear Princess Celestia,

{{{{{{GRAYMAYNE}}}}}}

With one final swing, I sent Blue flying through one of the many tree branches on the library. I huffed and began making my way toward him, wanting to put this sad sack of shit in his grave. Blue slowly rolled over onto his hooves and staggered up. He spit a small amount of blood from his mouth and continued to do so for a few more seconds. When I was upon him, he tried to move and hit me with his hoof but I blocked it and returned the favor by grabbing his head and throwing him back onto the ground. A conjured blade formed to my left and raised it, only to bring it down as quick as possible. Before the sword met Blue’s throat however, he vanished and reappeared just a few steps from me. He spit some more blood and just stared at me.

His horn blazed and a blast of magic came flying at me. I warped and with a strong buck to his side, sent him sprawling to the ground again. He staggered up only half way before I gripped him in my magic and threw him at the base of the library’s oak wall. He yelped and groaned, feeling the wind knocked out of him. I stood there, glaring at him with the intent to kill on my mind. I hoisted him into the air again and brought him closer.

Yes! Finish him! End his pitiful life once and for all!

I ignored the monster. I was going to end it… but not yet. “Any last words, you putrid fuck?”

He coughed and groaned, chuckling lightly in the middle of it. “What are you going to do Graymayne. Kill me? Might as well. I’ve lived longer than I probably should. But I wouldn’t if I were you. Know why?” He pointed to Twilight, whom had come out of the library to the sight before her. “She’s why. Kill me all you like, but that only proves one thing alone. That you can’t change. She’s here to give you the chance to do that, and what you do now will determine that.”

“So go ahead. Kill me. Lose the last family you have. But… If you don’t want that, like I didn’t… you’ll ignore whatever voice in your head tells you and follow what you haven’t heard in probably your whole life.”

I looked at him and then Twilight. He was right… if I killed him. She’d never forgive me. I’d be putting Twilight, Shining, and the mission on the line by doing this. I looked at him, not only in anger but also in a hint of fear.

“You… You force yourself into my head. You use the one pony, that I held dearest to my heart against me. That pony… wasn’t just some ordinary pony. He was like a brother to me… one of the only family that I thought I had.” My grip on his throat tightened. “He’s dead because of me… no, the monster, but I still hold myself accountable. The last thing I wanna see is some putrid fucking cunt like you… change into him and use him to gain an advantage over me.” I took a shaky breath.

“I also don’t want to see that same putrid fucking cunt walk away alive after doing that. After insulting my dead brother like that…” My grip became tighter and he gasped for air, trying to suck in whatever he could. “I wanna see you suffer Blue. To no end. I wanna see you burn for just doing that…”

The grip was just tight enough that if I had squeezed even a bit more, his neck would snap. “But…” The grip loosened and he took what little air he could get. “You are right. I would ruin all the chances that I’ve been given. Consider yourself lucky Blue… you get to live another fucking day in your fucking life.”

I finally released him. He fell to the ground and coughed, sucking in whatever air he could in large gasps. I turned to Twilight who only looked on in horror at me. I shook my head before gripping Blue’s mane one last time and forcing head to the ground. “But a warning… If you ever remind me of my greatest regret again,”

“There is no telling what hell I will unleash upon you. Don’t believe me? Ask the hundreds of ponies who have actually met the monster…” I stopped and chuckled. “Oh yeah, that’s right. They’re all dead.”

After releasing him one final time. I turned and walked toward Twilight who shook on her hooves. The dark magic that leaked from my eyes was gone now, just the sight of her was soothing enough to take it away.

“Twilight… I’m- I’m sor-”

“No… No you’re not. I’m sorry…” She levitated a roll of parchment paper up. Some of it had been torn off and along with it, a used quill. It didn’t take long for me to register what she had done.

“Twilight… you sent her a letter. Didn’t you…?”

“It’s for your own good,” She said sadly. “She’ll be here soon…”

I shook my head in disbelief. I was done, I didn’t kill him! Sure, I was going to, but I didn’t. I moved past her, and toward the library. A fresh burst of black magic sprouting from my eyes as I entered. Once inside, another burst of energy went out making some of the books from the shelves fall.

Why did she do it!? Everything was going to be fine! Then Blue just had to show up and ruin everything. Everything! I should just go kill him now… get it over with. I’m sure I can make an escape. It’s worth a try. Hell, even if I can’t… I can go for Celestia’s head. I felt a sudden twinge in the back of my head and my eye twitched.

What I had failed to realize, were the black smokey tendrils that began to take my vision.

{{{{{{TWILIGHT SPARKLE}}}}}}

I heard the door slam shut behind Graymayne as he entered the building. The breath that I didn’t even know I was holding finally escaped. It was shaky and cold, almost as if a ghost had just passed through me. I shook myself a bit and quickly went over to Blue.

“Please be okay, please be okay, please be okay…” I worried for him as he lay on the ground beaten. “Blue…?”

He coughed and looked up, shaking off a bit of the pain. “I’m okay,” he wheezed. “Just a bunch of bruises.”

“That’s not funny,” I looked him over. He was covered in bruises and some cuts here and there. “I’m sorry about… my brother.” The word almost felt at a loss.

“There’s nothing to be sorry about. You can’t control another pony, no matter how hard you try.” He stood up on wobbly hooves. I quickly moved to help him up by hefting on hoof over my shoulder and supporting his weight. “Why didn’t you come stop?”

“I- I,” I swallowed the lump in my throat. My ears splayed back and I lowered my head. “Forgive me… I was just afraid…”

“Ah, I see…” He coughed a bit. “You need to overcome that fear.”

“Yeah…” I looked at the door to the library. “I sent a letter to the princess. She’ll be here soon to take care of this. In the meantime, I’m going to bring you inside and patch you up as best I can.”

“Thanks, but no thanks. I should be leaving now anyway… And you sent a letter to the princess? That’s not what I mean by taking care of your fear. You need to learn to get over your fears by yourself.”

“I know,” I started walking us toward the library. “But when your brother is harboring what may be a genocidal monster in his head, then we can talk more…”

He stayed silent after that, feeling heavier. As we neared the doorway to the library, I heard what sounded like books falling to the ground and low growls of frustration. Though, only after a few seconds, they ceased and were replaced with utter silence. When we reached the door, I opened it with my magic and saw Graymayne just standing in front of the book shelves. The dark magic still pouring from both his eyes and into the surrounding air. It felt colder in here for some reason too.

Along with Blue, who didn’t take his gaze off of Graymayne, walked toward a place we could sit. I set him down what I hoped was the most comfortable spot here before turning to Graymayne. I took in a deep breath and stamped my hoof.

“Graymayne,” I said. His ear flicked a bit but remained still otherwise. “I want an apology out of you… now.”

He didn’t say a word. He didn’t budge. He did nothing but stand there, staring at the bookcases in front of him.

“Twilight, get back!” Blue yelled.

Too late.

Before I knew it. My back was on the floor, the wind knocked out of me. I looked up and into the two black soulless eyes that didn’t belong to my brother. The horrible grin of razor sharp teeth that plastered itself to his face. His breath was hot as he snorted in my face and chuckled.

“Well if it isn’t my little pet?” The creature said. “I’ve been meaning to meet you for real.” His mouth partially opened and out came a snake like tongue that licked along my cheek. I shook in pure horror at the sight before me. “What a delicious meal you’re going to be~” His tongue snaked it’s way back into his mouth.

“But first, I believe we must get more… acquainted~ Don’t you think?” He proceeded to move his horn, my brother’s horn, toward my own. Sparks of dark magic flowed freely from his horn and onto my own. He gave a little chuckle as stared me down. His eyes were nothing but soulless, lifeless, pure blackness...

Pure Evil

I could feel myself drifting to sleep and I couldn’t fight harder to stay awake.

“Leave her alone you monster!” Blue shouted through fits of coughing.

The monster ignored Blue and continued to feed his magic into my horn. My vision began to blacken and I found myself closing my eyes. “That’s it my little pet. Sleep now,” He moved his maw to my ear and whispered.

“We will see each other on the other side. There, you will receive your answers…”

The last thing I heard were Blue’s shouts and the monster’s mad chuckling before my world fell into blackness.

Author's Note

Hey guys. Again... sorry this is taking so long. I haven't been in a writing mood for a long time and if it weren't for my editor, this chapter would probably still be in the works. So I'd like to thank my editor and great friend; Ephraim Blue for helping me out with this chapter. I apologize for keeping you all waiting for so long. I can only thank you all for staying and taking time to read my story. It truly means a lot to me. So, Thank you all.

Next chapter. We will finally learn the identity of the Monster. Twilight will be in for the fight of her life. I'll see you all in the next chapter.

The Sinful One

... or something like that. Heh.

The Dark Pony, Va-Korum

Song for this Chapter----> "Let It Die" by Ozzy Osbourne

{{{{TWILIGHT SPARKLE}}}}

I awoke to a mostly dark place. Dreary and familiar at the same time. I stood up and took a look around, trying to recall the last thing I remembered before appearing here. Shouting… Shouting. I heard shouting. There was no mistaking that there was shouting. But who? Was it me? Somepony else?

I looked around the place again. It was familiar… but different. This was Graymayne’s mind… but it looked different from last time. When I was last here with Graymayne and Shining, wasn’t it calmer?

“What’s going on?” I asked myself, not expecting the answer that came.

“Welcome little pet. Welcome to my sanctum.” A cold voice shook the floor and soon a door nearby burst open.

Out of it, black tendrils shot forth and wrapped around my hooves and body. Tightening as they pulled me into this now open door and more importantly, into the abyss it held. I tried desperately to move, to break free from the binds that held me but nothing worked. I stamped my hooves and bit at the tentacles but they held firm and tightened even more. The door approached and once I was pulled through, it slammed shut and I went into a free fall. As I descended into the darkness, screams of utter horror filled my ears. Mares, stallions, fillies, and colts all screaming out bloody murder and begging for mercy. I clenched my eyes tight and gripped my head in my hooves, hoping to stop the voices that corroded my head. They got louder and louder to point that it felt like my head would explode.

I screamed but couldn’t hear it as the voices screamed louder. I forced my eyes open and then… silence. All of it, gone and quiet. I felt the hard floor below me and wearily stood up. Heavy breaths escaped me as I scanned the room around me and noticed the intricately designed statues that stood tall. They almost seemed familiar in a way, far too familiar. There were four of them, all lined up perfectly and each with their own color of stone. The far left was that of deep blood red, next to it, a grassy green. The other two were passionate and fiery pink and the last, a faded blue. I cautiously approached them and their features became clear.

The red statue was decorated in armor and battle scars, it’s right eye torn from it’s socket and replaced with an orb of some kind. Weapons of all shapes and sizes were strapped to it’s back and around it’s waste. When I examined further, I noticed something else… a head of a pony, a left arm of a bear, the right leg of a dragon. No… it couldn’t be. It was-

“It’s not Discord if that’s what you’re thinking little pet,” the same voice spoke much softer this time.

I quickly turned my attention to see the black eyed beast from before. He looked at the statue and then me. The twisted smile was gone and replaced with look of sincerity. “Do you not know who your looking at?” he asked.

I turned to examine the statue again and scanned it further, my eyes darting to each crucial piece of the creature’s body. All of it was different. Each limb was that of a different animal and a pony head glued to the top. Soon, my eyes lay upon a plaque that was at the base of the statue and on that plaque, it read:

Orlog, Draconequus of War

“Draconequus? No, there was only one and that’s Discord.” I spoke aloud before turning back to the dark pony.

He sighed deeply and the air around us rippled. His hooves moved and he approached me and the statue. I took up a defensive stance and let my horn blaze with magic as he approached. I stared him down but he stopped, and with the flick of his hoof, my horn canceled and vanished.

“If I wanted to harm you, even kill you at the moment. I would have done so…” he growled before continuing his approach. I backed away as he went up to the statue and sat down, placing a hoof along the blood-red plaque.

“Once upon a time, long ago, there was nothing in existence until the five beings arrived. They created and shaped the world to what it is today. In doing so, they became the kings and queen of the land. They created the animals and the beings that inhabited the planet. They were the ultimate creators, and the ultimate rulers.”

“One day, it was decided that there must be a ruler among them, to tell the others what was needed to be done. The first creature, War as he was most known as, decided that he should lead, for he knew how to keep others in submission. The second, Nature, was determined to lead for being able to keep the wildlife and all its glory alive. The third, Love wished to lead being the most loved all of the residents. The fourth, Chaos, was eager to rule for the wacky and insensible way of taking care of things.”

“In the end, it was decided that the fifth being, Sin, was the best ruler. For he was the only one capable of achieving the feats of the other four. He became the true king of the world.”

“All was prosperous for both the residents of the world and the five gods. And It was meant to stay until the end of time. But there was once, a day where the residents became worried about these gods ruling them. They feared their power. They dared not object it until the birth of two sisters, and their growth to adults.”

“The Sun and the Moon objected the will of the gods, and the world was sent into an unending war. This war was fought and fought, and no end in sight. The gods were unkillable, and the Sun and Moon tained courageous soldiers to defeat them.”

“The war was almost done with the gods standing atop until the betrayal of the gods. One of the five…” he stopped and with a deep sigh, turned his gaze to the pink statue nearby. “Love, decided that war was never in her heart, and she gave the secrets to defeating the gods to the residents and the Sun and Moon. Chaos, learning of her betrayal, told the king of the gods, Sin, and it lead to the inevitable and timely demise of the first god, Love.”

“Unable to stop the progress of the residents, a spell was created to challenge the gods. A way to destroy them without hesitation. One by one, the gods’ power weakened. War was fighting hundreds of soldiers, and Nature was claiming to only wish to protect his land.”

“Two gods remained, Chaos and Sin. Hoping to end it all, the Sun and the Moon confronted Sin in what was meant to be a final battle. Inevitably, he too fell to the might of the spell. The Sun and the Moon expected the fifth god, Chaos, to forfeit and leave them for good. It was that way for a time, and the spell was locked away and forgotten by all.”

“Many years later, Chaos returned and stole the spell, hiding it away where none could find. He started his own rule of the world, one in which the Sun and Moon did not approve. In a desperate attempt to vanquish the power of chaos, the two sisters found an old tree that gave them the power to oppose Chaos. Using six gems, they created a prison for the god of chaos, never to be released again.”

“And thus, the world began a new age. An Age of Light and Dark. The Sun and the Moon took over as the new rulers of the world. They brought balance and harmony, and it was never to be changed again.”

I stared at the dark pony for a while before shaking my head. “What..? No, none of that can be true. The ponies were the first to walk the world, not these gods you're talking about. There was only one-”

“SILENCE WORM!” the pony roared at me, clearly enraged. “You honestly think that these princesses of yours would tell you of the gods who truly created the world? They were rulers, two of them considered tyrants and killers. They lived for bloodshed while the other three made the world the way it is today.”

“Your Sun and Moon have lied to you… and your entire race for over a thousand years.” he snarled at me before looked down at the ground. “Everything you know about your world’s past… has been a lie.”

I didn’t believe any of this, it couldn’t be true. Celestia and Luna created everything with their power. Together, they, along with the three tribes, created Equestria and founded it on the base of Love, Friendship, and Harmony. I stared him down and breathed heavily. “I still don’t believe you.”

The dark pony looked back at me with a saddened look in his black eyes but that changed to one of pure hatred. He stood up and I backed away as he approached me. His eyes blazing and swarming with black magic. “If you won’t believe me, then I will SHOW you!” Just like that, he lunged at me and my world fell into darkness once again.

When my eyes opened again, I was somewhere new, a vast valley of dirt and smoke. The sky above was a bright red and all around, bodies of ponies and demons lay scattered among the dirt. I looked around until a bright flash blurred my vision and something went flying by me and smacked against the dirt and continuing to skid to a halt. I rubbed my eyes to rid myself of the blur and quickly turned to see who was standing there now. Covered in bruises and scratches, blood flowed freely from a cut along her cheek, her armor dented and some missing. Celestia stood there, a golden spear in her flowing magic.

“Princess!” I rushed to her aid. “Are you alright!?” She didn’t register what I said before charging forward and right through me as if I were a ghost.

“Fall monster!” she yelled before taking flight into the sky and coming bolting down fast.

I watched her dive into a red cloud where after a loud roar, she came flying back out again, only be be caught in a dark blue hue of magic.

“Sister! Art thou alright?” Luna flapped her wings as she gently set Celestia down on the ground.

“I’m fine sister.” Celestia replied with a grunt and nod.

They were immediately interrupted when a fiery tether of magic wrapped itself around Luna’s neck and yanked her up into the air where a burst of magic hit her and sent her flailing toward the ground.

“Luna!” Celestia screamed before glaring at the red fog. “Show yourself Va-Korum! It’s time to meet your end!” her horn blazed with magic and sent multiple clusters of white energy at the fog, which impacted something with flashes of light. A roar echoed all around the valley and soon, the fog was split. Revealing a monster, a god. Revealing Sin itself.

It’s torso was made of corpses, each with a horrifying look upon their face. It’s right arm was an inferno of molten rock and ended with razor sharp claws and the other arm was made purely of intricately designed gold which also had claws that looked sharp enough to cut through steel or even Dragon scales. It’s left leg was that of a lion’s and the other burly with red fur and symbols that were burned into it. On the top of it all a mildly burnt, yet tan pony head. It’s teeth which were bared were that of diamond, gold, and normal teeth which were all sharp and poised to bite. Two horns that burned with raging fire. And for it’s eyes…

One dark crimson eye and the other, pitch black and spilling dark magic.

I stepped back in horror of the beast that stood there, roaring out into the sky with an eternal bloodlust. “Αυθάδη μικρό πόνυ πόρνες … I will show you no mercy!” Sin bellowed and like a snake that could fly, shot towards them. It’s claws digging into the ground and leaving nothing but a path of fire in it’s wake.

Once Sin was upon Celestia, he striked fast with his claws but Celestia moved just barely enough to dodge the incoming slash of the beast’s claws. She moved quickly, avoiding each of his deadly swipes until finally, one smacked her and sent her flying back. Sin was once again upon her ready to take her head.

“NO!” I screamed and rushed forward but before Sin could bring his claw down upon Celestia, Luna charged in with a blast of magic that sent the monster flying back. Luna landed near Celestia with a worried look.

“Celly..?” She asked clearly worried.

“I’m fine! Move!” They were once again interrupted when the beast came out of nowhere and began swiping at both of them with his claws. Each shield they put up was no match for the sharp claws that cut through them like a knife through butter. They moved back but each time they did, the beast surged forward toward them with the intention to kill. Luna warped back before charging forward with blue ethereal blade and plunging it deep into Sin’s side.

He bellowed and before Luna could back away in time, he gripped her throat and flew into the sky only to send her hurtling down to the ground, in which she collided with a loud ‘boom’. He followed up with a charge toward the ground, engulfing his form in a raging inferno.

Celestia moved quickly in time to set up a solar barrier in between the behemoth and her downed sister. She held it up strong long enough for her to grab her sister and move quickly away to safety. Where Sin had impacted, all that remained was dark smoke and within the smoke, his eyes glared at them.

“Αναιδής των χοίρων ! Οι τύχες σας σφραγίζονται ! Your race will pay for your rebellion and suffer in the very pits of Tartarus… where they belong!” Sin roared as he stepped through the smoke. As he did, red tethers of magic rippled and writhed around his body before being unleashed at the two sisters. Luna, whom had risen to her hooves, along with Celestia moved quickly to each side of Sin. Their horns letting loose blasts of energy that impacted Sin but did nothing more than infuriate him further.

Sin let energy blaze out of control as eruptions from all around littered the land in an inferno. Celestia was blinded and so was Luna which prevented them from dodging the flaming whips that wrapped around their necks. Once they could see again, Sin held the ends of each tether and with a sinister grin let loose fiery energy down each. Burning away Luna and Celestia’s skin. They both screamed in peril as their bodies were wracked with pain just before Sin whipped the tethers and sent the two flying across the field. Celestia landed hard and shook while Luna struggled to even stand.

“Princess! Run! Please! Just run!” I screamed at them. There was no way that they could beat this thing. Nothing they threw at it seemed to work or even faze the beast. There had to be something that I could do but I knew that this was merely a vision, I couldn’t do anything. I could only watch in horror as Celestia and Luna suffered the pain that Sin put upon them.

Sin began his approach again, slowly with each step. “Τελειώνει εδώ. Η ζωή σας , πολύτιμα τη φυλή σας , την ίδια την ύπαρξή σας τελειώνει εδώ . You die now and my race, my brothers. Will rise again. The world that we created will forget about you and your kind. The kind that started this war. Know that this is all your fault princess.” Sin spoke that word as if it were a curse before in his left claw, a battle axe was created and raised. “DIE!”

“Monster!” another voice yelled out.

I turned my attention to the lone stallion standing in the midst of the clouds of smoke and dust. Sin stopped and turned to the lone pony who began to approach. “Wizard…” Sin snarled as his battle axe dissipated and his body arced with a burning energy.

The stallion came into a much clearer vision and his features were now defined. His coat was that of dark grey and his mane and tail, bright white. Along with his mane and tail, came with a scruffy white beard. He adorned a blue cape with a decoration of moons and stars. His eyes were golden and old and the horn atop his head flowed with a golden aura.

“Τολμάς να έρθει εδώ κολασμένων cur … After what you’ve done… to my brothers.” Sin approached him and as he did, the magic that flowed around him grew.

“I did what was right for our race and the world’s other species.” the stallion spoke with a shallow voice.

“What was right…? Τι κρύβεται … You murdered my brothers. Took their lives and destroyed them. All with the spell that was meant for gods themselves to use.” Sin said as a grin began to splay across his face.

“And what good would there be in a world where gods ruled over all, making the choice for the entire world? Ruling with an iron fist and with a spell that can destroy one’s being in a manner of seconds?” he challenged.

“We created this world wizard! We were meant to be the lords of it. Not a bunch of insolent mortals. We CREATED YOU!” Sin roared. “It seems that it was our mistake to create such a rebellious race, such as the ponies. Tell me wizard, you’ve used the spell twice now and you know it was only meant for Gods to use. Not only have you killed my brothers, but you’re slowly killing yourself. How does it feel to know, that a sinner such as you, will spend the rest of eternity in Tartarus?” Sin growled.

The stallion looked to Luna and Celestia, his old eyes gazing upon their beaten forms. A sadness in them that could not be greater. I only watch as he gave a shaky breath. The spell they were talking about, killing gods? A spell only meant for gods? How powerful a price must you pay to use a spell like that?

“I know the price, Sin,” the stallion spoke up. “And I’m ready to face it… Are you?” His horn blazed.

Sin roared before lunging at the stallion, but just before Sin’s claws could come into contact with the stallion’s neck. His horn burst and magic flowed all around him creating a shockwave strong enough to knock Sin back. “I, Starswirl, destroyed Orlog! Destroyed Ragnarrok! And to my greatest dismay, must destroy you as well, Sin, to give my race their proper place in this world!”

“No… No… You disgusting filth! You CANNOT destroy ME! I AM SIN!” Sin roared as he stepped forward and released one blast of magical flames that dissipated into nothing as they left the golden palm of his claws. He looked at his arm, a look of pure horror before looking up at the stallion.

“Now then… just like your brothers,” Starswirl stood firm as ancient symbols swirled around his horn and produced a magic so strong, it shook and ruptured the ground around him. “I cast you! TO OBLIVION!”

“NO!” Sin screamed before lunging again but his attempts were futile as a massive light engulfed his form and his pained, screeching screams filled the air.

I covered my eyes but looked one last time, only to see the obscured form of Sin shake and scream in peril. His body broke into pieces as the massive blast ripped him apart.

I then felt myself being pulled back to the statues, feeling exhausted from all that had happened in the vision. “W-What… was that..?” I panted and asked the stallion.

“Truth,” he replied. “That was the fate of the fourth god of this world. That was the fate of the ‘monster’ inside your brother’s head!”

I stopped and stared at the dark pony in front of me. His black eyes burning with rage as he glared back at me. It couldn’t be. He was destroyed in the blast. This couldn’t be Sin! “No! That was just a vision! Nothing more! You… You are not SIN! You are just some sick and twisted personality of my brother!”

He looked at me, the rage seemingly vanished as he began laughing out loud. His laughter echoed throughout the sanctum which only made my blood freeze and my heart pound. “You… You think that was VISION!? Oh dear little pet… how stupid are you! That my dear, was a memory!”

My heart sank.

A memory… No.

“Now, let’s try this,” Suddenly, the room we were in blackened just before being lit up again and this time, blood caked the walls. Not only was it everywhere, but it spelled words like: Lust, Anger, Gluttony, Greed, Envy, Sloth, and finally Pride. But, the biggest word that caught my eye was splattered against the ceiling that read not only Sin, but Sin’s name. “Who am I, pet? I want to hear it come from your mouth…” the dark pony growled.

I looked around in horror and could feel my legs shaking as I caught the sight of his name.

“I… I won’t say it… it’s not true…” I replied, looking back at him. He growled before beginning to approach me again.

“Say it!” his voice boomed with an unquenchable rage.

“No... You’re not him. It’s not true…”

The dark pony’s approach further bloodied the room and behind him a shadow loomed over. The shadow of the Draconequus, Sin. I backed away as far as I could but even that did not help me as he came even closer. I closed my eyes tight and shook only hearing his hoofsteps get closer and closer.

“Say it, pet…” he sneered.

I shook my head. “I won’t… it’s not true.” A hoof placed itself upon my shoulder and I shook as it pressed hard but started to soften. I stopped when I heard a rather familiar voice.

“Twilight..?”

I quickly opened my eyes and looked up to see Princess Celestia looking down at me with worry filled eyes. “Twilight… what’s the matter?”

“Princess!” I yelled and quickly went to hug her but I was stopped when her head was ripped from her shoulders and the dark pony burst forward with Sin’s shadow behind him.

“SAY IT!”

“VA-KORUM!” I screamed.

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

My eyes flashed open immediately to see Celestia’s face.

“Twilight! Twilight! Twilight Sparkle!” she had fresh tears in her eyes as she cradled me and hugged me tightly.

“Princess!” I cried as tears came streaming down. I hugged her tight and the thought of letting go was far from my mind.

Eventually our hug ceased and I looked around at the ponies that occupied the library room. My friends were all there, including dozens of solar guards, and even Blue who was currently propped up against a bookshelf and under the intense care of Fluttershy. But something still worried me…

“Where’s Graymayne?” I asked Celestia, whose smile and look of hope vanished almost instantaneously. She replied by only looking in a single direction, and not one with sincerity, but a look of pure hatred and anger. I turned to see what she was looking at and standing there, with guards surrounding him and under the threat of pointed spears. Was Va-Korum, still possessing my brother’s body.

“Aaahhh… Celestia. It’s been a long time~” he said with a smug look upon his face.

Author's Note

Well, stuff certainly escalated. My author called me a... 'dark person'. Would you agree with him? Because i do. If you were wondering what language he was speaking, it's Greek. I wanted to come up with something but then it would have just been a bunch of random and weird letters put together.

Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter and as always, thank you all so much for the support. I greatly appreciate it! Leave me a comment of what you liked, disliked, or whatever about the story. I'd love to know what you guys think.

Bad Company

Bad Company by Five Finger Death Punch

{{{{BLUE}}}}

I watched it all go downhill from the point that thing that had taken Twilight Sparkle into what I could only guess as a dream state where he could and probably did do horrible things to her. Made her see things that weren’t there, maybe even torture her. It was horrid to think about. Soon though, true to her word, Celestia showed up with dozens of guards and the look of death on her face. She was scared, and didn’t even try to hide it. Though, behind that fear, was pure malice. Something that I had rarely seen on the sun goddesses face. In all my years, I hadn’t seen it many times. That creature, whatever it was, knew Celestia and wanted her attention. Why though? Earlier, it didn’t want any attention. It didn’t want even Twilight to know and yet, here the creature was in the body of the murderer.

This did raise some questions for myself. Was Graymayne truly guilty of all the killings? Was he forced into it by this monster? I recalled seeing gaps earlier… but what could they have meant? Were they when the beast took over? My heart sank when I saw what was after each gap. Each one ending in the same, bloody way.

Everything was dead.

Every single pony, torn to pieces, blood matted everything, and the cold laughter of this monster echoed throughout the area. This thing, wasn’t just a monster, it was a genocidal demon. I tried to clear my head of the horrible images that I saw but no matter what I tried, those images were glued to my brain and may never be forgotten.

“Monster…” I heard Celestia speak up.

“Now, now, there’s no need for compliments. I try my very damnest.” The dark eyed pony replied sarcastically.

“You're supposed to be dead. The Ock Menn Ron destroyed you. I saw it with my own eyes. I saw you obliterated, reduced to nothing but ash and bones! There is no possible way that you’re-”

Before she could finish, the black eyed pony started chuckling. “You think a meager wizard such as Starswirl could destroy me? Please,” he waved his hoof--Graymayne’s hoof--lazily. “And, with a spell that I helped create? Now, I will admit, you had me beat. Nothing I could do but stand there and waste away under the blast. But, I am Sin my dear. You cannot destroy Sin,”

He took a step forward and was quickly met with force as the guards thrust their spears toward him opposingly. He looked at the spears, mildly amused before waving a hoof and the spears themselves began to disintegrate from their tip. After that, a pulse rang out and the guards were flung to the side, crashing to the floor in pained groans.

Pathetic excuse for guards. Always charging straight in, I thought

The dark pony, after removing Celestia’s guards, had created a straight path to her. Nothing stood in his way and he happily approached her. She gently set Twilight down, whom quickly backed away into the safety of her little group of friends, Fluttershy still by my side, making sure I was okay. Her quiet pleads only begged me to stay sitting and stop shuffling, even though, right now, Princess Celestia was in danger.

Celestia at the moment flared her wings and let her horn flow with a magical, golden aura. Her eyes showed nothing but intensity toward the beast in front of her. I had to do something, anything to halt his approach. I had to protect the Princess. It was my job… or, used to be my job. With that in mind, I tried to get up but was stopped by Fluttershy’s gentle hoof.

“W- What are you d- doing?” She asked as she pressed me back against the wall gently. The look in her eyes showed a fear that I couldn’t bring myself to push back. Those big blue eyes and the way they seemed to stare into the heart of any who came into eye contact with them. They were so kind, so full of love and affection. It hurt me more, knowing what I was about to do to her.

“The princess,” I said through light coughs, “needs my help.”

I slowly pushed Fluttershy away with my magic, my energy almost completely drained from me as I stood and slowly took a few steps toward them. Their arguing made it easier.

“Maybe not…” Celestia said, a small smile forming on her face. “But while you are trapped in that pony’s body, you are not Sin! Once he dies, you are gone for good as well!” Her horn glowed a bright golden color, and it caused Twilight and her friends to gasp.

“P-Princess? W-What are you doing?!” Twilight asked, a little panicked.

“I am getting rid of the evil inside of your brother, Twilight. Without it, Sin will cease to exist.”

“That’s not the way I *cough* see it,” I spoke up, standing almost between the monster possessing Graymayne and Celestia.

They both turned to me. “What is it you want this time Blue?” the monster growled. “Haven’t you ruined enough of my fun already?!”

My ears flicked at that and Celestia spoke up soon after. “Stay away from him! This is too dangerous for normal ponies! You all should leave right now!”

“And do what?” I asked Celestia. “Stand back and watch you kill a pony just to get rid of something?”

“K-Kill...?” Twilight and her friends said in unison, backing away from the three of us.

Celestia looked a little frantic. “O- Of course not! I’m just going to expel Sin from his body. In doing so, I- we will be rid of this monstrosity that should have been destroyed long ago!”

“You think I’m not prepared you sun sucking wench!” the monster roared at her. “You could throw any spell at me and all you’d be doing is delaying the inevitable,” he paused and looked at Twilight. “And harming the young stallion that I possess and whom also is the brother of your puny student. Just how awful would it be for her to see you try to kill her long-lost brother, hm? She’d be furious with you Celestia. She’d hate you forever. Wouldn’t you… little pet?”

Twilight remained silent and simply let her head dip down to avoid further attention.

“I’ll take that, as a ‘yes’.” he grinned before looking back in my direction. “Now move aside, I want this more than anything.” the creature growled.

“I’m afraid I cannot do that,” I replied, standing firm. “There’s a policy I follow. While I’m around, nopony dies. And I stick by that even in this situation.”

“Such heroic words from such a weak stallion. You should know that you stand no chance against me.” the creature replied coldly. “Just remember what happened in Grazil. Oh, that’s right, that wasn’t you, was it?”

I stopped then.”You know me… but I don’t know you…” I thought about that for a second before laughing a bit. “Oh, that makes things way easier for me.”

The monster raised an eyebrow at me before letting out a little chuckle. “Do tell, please, indulge me with your incompetence, Blue. Just know, that if you don’t move out of my way, I’ll force you.”

“Again, I cannot do that. But you are not the one I plan to stop with how ‘weak’ I am right now.” I turned to Celestia. “Sorry, princess, but I do not like your intent to kill.”

“Do you not understand the sincerity of the threat that stands behind you? Are you that blind?” She began to approach me. “Little pony, the monster behind you has done unspeakable things, and you plan to defend him?”

“Defend him? Oh, don’t flatter me, Celestia. I don’t defend someone guilty. Nor do I support the one who claims all of these awful things, when you’ve been driving him to do this. No, I am not defending him, and I won’t be defending you here either. I choose my own way of doing what is right, and this is the easiest way,” I sighed as I popped my neck a bit.

“Now, you can either stand down and let me take care of whatever is going on, or you can attempt to get through me. That is your choice right now.”

“Blue,” she pondered, “that is what the beast called you. I wonder, just how does he know you.”

I chuckled. “That is something I wish to know as well. He speaks as if we’ve met before, when I only know about him from earlier today. You might say it would be from earlier when I spoke my name in front of Graymayne, but no… he knows it from somewhere else. And that is one reason why I will not let you kill him.”

“Is that your only reason? Blue, please understand your actions. Please see reason. If I let that monster live any longer, then he will simply cause more and more pain and death among my little ponies that’s already been done,” she pleaded with a desperate look in her eyes.

I couldn’t help but stifle a laugh. I couldn’t believe that I had actually just heard that phrase, from her of all ponies.

“And what good will it do by murdering your student’s brother? Nothing. She will not forgive you. Because while you taught her, raised her and even made her even more powerful than any unicorn who’s trained with you, she has just gotten a brother she didn’t even know about back, and you’re willing to take it away because he’s become the vessel for a monster he never wanted! I am going to say it one more time. Stand down Celestia! This is not what is meant to be done!”

{{{{TWILIGHT SPARKLE}}}}

Just like that, Celestia, took a step back. She let out a sigh and then looked at me.

“Twilight, I’m sorry,” she said before returning her gaze to Blue. “Blue, I will allow you to go along with what you are planning, but if Va-Korum makes a single move that is against Twilight, her friends, you, or me… I will not hesitate to end him.”

“I wouldn’t want you too, Princess,” he gave her a gentle smile and a nod. “Twilight, would you mind stepping over here?”

I swallowed the lump in my throat and approached, never once taking my eyes off of Va-Korum, whom stood there looking bored as ever.

Once I was near, Blue leaned close and whispered into my ear. “You need to talk to Gray, get him to calm down. He’s still in there, and you can bring him back. I saw that earlier… you can do it.”

I looked at Va-Korum and then Blue. “You really think I can bring Graymayne back?” I whispered back. “He wasn’t completely possessed before…”

“Yes,” he replied. “Because no matter how possessed something is, there is still what is being possessed there. I cannot reach it myself, and only somepony like you, his sister, can bring him back. Talk to him. Don’t listen to what… ‘Va’ says. Graymayne is still there, and you can talk to him.”

I hesitantly nodded and turned to Va Korum, whom gave me a little smile. I took a small step toward him and as soon as I did, he growled. I wanted to take ten more steps back but I couldn’t, I couldn’t let this evil god control my brother. With that in mind, I took another step forward.

“Graymayne,” I spoke up. “Graymayne I know you’re in there. I need you to come back. I need you to fight back against this… thing that’s-”

“Shut your mouth little wench!” Va-Korum shouted. “You think that just meager words are going to give your brother control? Don’t make me laugh,” he grinned and scanned the room. “Do you think this is a story book!?”

I ignored the demon and continued. “Graymayne, from what I’ve seen. You're strong, you're brave, you’re… arrogant but you know what you want. You want freedom from this monster. I want to help you. Please, fight against it. Come back to us.”

Va-Korum burst out in laughter and looked at Blue. “This is your plan!? Your brilliant plan? To have this pathetic pony try and break her brother out? This is hilarious!”

“Shut up!” I screamed at Va-Korum. “Graymayne! You’re in there and I know it! Fight back! Be that stallion that I met in the field! The same stallion that tried to kill the princess! Fight back against Sin! I know you can!”

Va-Korum’s eye twitched and he growled. “Did you just tell me to ‘shut up’? Little pet,” he took a step forward and I took a step back. In that instant, I heard another horn light up and when I turned my head, Celestia was prepared to attack. “I’ll have you know that I, Va-Korum, God of Sins, do not take lightly to being commanded by little, impudent swine such as-”

Then he stopped.

He coughed a bit and when he had caught his breath, his coughing became more erratic and violent. He turned and grabbed his throat, and soon began to beat on his head maliciously. Whatever he was doing, he continued but this time, taking it to banging his head against the bookshelves nearby.

“No, no, no, no, NO! You cannot come out now! I have you! You are mine! Your soul, your body, your mind! Mine! Mine! MINE!” Va-Korum shouted out angrily. He screeched out loud and roared into the open air around him. The loud bellow echoed throughout the library and possibly out and around Ponyville as well.

As he roared, his eyes began to shift from black to green and then to white, before starting it over again. He looked at me angrily before his eyes widened. “E- E- Element bearer… Sister… Force to be… reckoned with,” His eyes shifted to the form of Blue. “You… knew…”

He hissed before trying to lunge at me but something held him back. One of his fore hooves-- My brother’s fore hoof-- punched him repeatedly across the face and Va-Korum growled before biting the hoof down hard. Digging his sharp teeth into the hoof but then a second hoof began to beat on his head. Va-Korum collapsed to the ground and growled before looking directly at me with the most hateful glare I had ever received. A glare that made my heart stop and my blood freeze.

It was then, that his eyes shut and he clutched them tightly in his hooves. “Fuck you, fuck you, fuck you!”

“Graymayne?” I asked, hearing the vulgar language that my brother usually spouted out.

“Should have killed you… when I had the chance…” I heard the voice of Va-Korum hiss before being overpowered by something else.

And just like that, he stood up and ran at the wall before violently colliding with it and falling onto the floor limply. A chill ran across him and he slowly began to shift on the floor. The bitten fore hoof moved and planted itself against the the ground before pushing up as best it could, followed by his other fore hoof which helped push him up.

“G- Graymayne?” I asked again.

The pony in front of me let out a long sigh and went to turn his head. When he did, the eyes that were there brought a sense of relief to me. Those icy blue irises that belonged to my brother. A small grin splayed itself on his face and when he tried to turn completely, he collapsed to the floor with pained groans.

Before I could move to his aid, Celestia shouted. “Guards! Restrain him!” The guards that had been knocked down earlier had gotten up and charged at Graymayne, the intent to use all their will to hold him down in their eyes.

“No!” I shouted, fearful of what would happen if I were to lose him again, or worse, he released that monster again.

Right before they were grabbed, everything around me froze. The guards were frozen in midair, my friends all had the same shocked looks on their faces. Even Celestia was frozen, pointing her hoof at Graymayne. All sounds around me had stopped, as if the world then felt still.

A voice to my right sighed. “Honestly, and I thought I could get away with doing nothing at all for my lack of energy.”

I turned to the voice, seeing Blue sitting on his haunches and rubbing his head. “That takes a lot of magic too… I’m surprised I had it in me.”

“Blue?” I spoke. Unsure of what was going on, I asked, “What happened…? Why is everypony else frozen?”

“First off, they are not frozen,” he said. “Time around us is.”

“Time? Time is frozen...? That’s impossible, isn’t it? Only Starswirl the Bearded had that sort of power to control time, and even it wasn’t too great.”

“Well, you can either accept the words I’m giving you, or you can choose not to. I just gave you the best reason to what is going on.”

I staggered for a bit. “W-Who are you really...? You’ve done the impossible… Three times now. You move too fast without teleporting… you manage to stop time, and most of all, you stood up to the Princess.”

He only gave a quick laugh. “You call those impossible? Coming from the bookworm, the sister of both an assassin and the captain of the royal guard, Celestia’s student Herself, and egghead extraordinaire, you call those feats impossible.”

I stared at him. “Well… how would you explain them?”

“Moving too fast was another spell I cast. It makes the world seem to move slower for me. I see everything that is going to happen in a sort of slow-motion effect. Its another time spell, and kept me moving at a normal pace. It could also be called a ‘speed up’ spell, seeing as how it made me fast for all of you to see. As for stopping time, it’s also magic. It’s a much more difficult version of that spell, one which makes the world move even slower than before. But since the world moves at the slowest pace possible, it would just be better to call time frozen. You’d have to wait for days in here, nothing going on and unable to do anything just to see the guards move maybe another two inches toward Graymayne.”

I thought about that for a bit. Starswirls’ spells I once heard about did mention having special properties over time, slowing down and speeding things up. But that magic couldn’t be achieved, and needed a constant effort to keep it going. I looked to Blue’s horn, which was glowing still, probably to keep the time spell going.

“But… what about the way you spoke to Celestia? Why? She’s the Princess of all Equestria… why would you withstand her judgement, and… say things in such awful tones to her? She’s everypony’s princess…”

Blue sighed and looked all around him. “Have you ever wondered what really needs to be done every once in awhile? Each day is filled with something different, something new. You get to see some awesome beauty every now and again, and it’s a wonderful sight to see.”

He looked directly into my eyes. “Now what do you think death does?” I froze at that question, and he continued. “Death takes that ‘new’ away. It takes away the ability to see. That ability to hear, to smell, to taste, to feel. All of that contribute to the feeling of something ‘new’. Without those, there would be nothing. Death takes everything in the exchange for nothing. It gives pain to those who have to live through seeing and watching the death. It makes others mourn, and question about life. Some even feel that, if they lose their best friend to death, they think that they’ll only be happy again with them. One death can lead to two, and then to five, or twelve, and sometimes even leading much further than that. It makes everything horrible and everything different.”

I was too shocked to say anything, and Blue seemed to get a look in his eyes as he stared at the ground. “And sometimes, death is just a game to them. Those who kill.... and enjoy that feeling, no less, think that killing is just a game… a sport to enjoy. A way to get another bit of ‘excitement’ and ‘new’ out of life. It turns them into monsters, worse than Graymayne even. It makes them willing to do things because they cannot find the enjoyment in the little things anymore. It creates wars, chaos, destruction, and even worse, loss of friendship.”

I gulped.

“I cannot stand killing… or the thought of doing it for fun. I have refused all my life to do it, even to those I thought deserved it. There are sick, twisted and downright murderers out there. But if for one second, there’s that moment where you might be forced into a situation like that. ‘Kill or be killed’. The thought of losing your own life becomes your entire world, and you make the choice right then.”

“That’s probably what’s happened to Graymayne all these years. He’s been thrown into that situation many times. Not always because he would want to. He has to kill to cling to his own life, and when it’s about to be killed, the monster is released and destroys everypony and everything around it. Nothing left to see. It’s awful to look at… to have to bear.”

“What do you think would happen if these guards reach Graymayne? What would have happened if Va-Korum, as you all call him, had been attacked? Destruction. Death. You all would be caught in the middle of it too. It’s unbearable to see that happen, and it’s why I stepped up. Stopped the fighting from breaking out. I gave the third option, the option to let everything go peacefully. I had to speak to Celestia that way. She’s not the princess you thought she was… the look in her eyes says it all. She despises what is in Graymayne, and because of that, she hates him too, because he has also killed.”

“B-But… She m-might have won! G-Gotten rid of that monster!” I spoke up, barely breathing from what I had heard.

Blue shook his head. “Whatever is in Graymayne has almost fused with him. Not entirely one, but definitely two separate beings within a singular body. It’s caused it so that it would be nearly impossible to just take one out by itself. In order to ‘get rid of the monster’, as you say, you would have to kill Graymayne as well. And with that look to kill in Celestia’s eyes… she wouldn’t have cared if he died or not.”

I took about two steps back before falling to my haunches. This was all too much… it was awful… death and destruction… I thought that hearing about it alone was bad, but this… it was much worse. Blue spoke as if he’d been there first hoof to experience that, and his voice spoke every word with a true meaning.

“I know it’s a lot to take in, Twilight,” Blue said, walking closer to me. But there is something you must remember in all of this.”

I turned to him and stared into his blue eyes. “W-What...?”

“That there is still beauty to be found. ‘Kill or be killed’ can be averted with the right choices. For if there is a way to show somepony… anypony some mercy, then you choose that option. You may have to do the violence route if there is no mercy to be shown in order to force them to see the mercy option, then so be it. But all being said, there is always a better way to go about it all. And it only takes the right mind to find it.”

All at once, my heart felt lifted again. I was amazed by what was said. He knew that the world is rotten sometimes, and some ponies don’t bother seeing the good in it. But he knows how to find it for them. He looked at me with a smile. “Does that answer your question?”

I nodded slowly.

“Very well.” He nodded once and then turned to the guards. “Back to Canterlot for you bunch. It’s time Celestia here got something straight.” He tapped his glowing horn to their heads and they soon vanished in a quick flash. Long distance teleportation, as I recognized it.

“What are you going to do?” I asked him. He wobbled a bit on his hooves.

“Me..? I’ll try to talk some sense into Celestia… but, no matter what happens… he can’t be taken by her. Don’t…” he panted, “let that happen.”

As soon as he finished his last words, his horn stopped glowing and the world became loud again.

{{{{GRAYMAYNE}}}}

“Oh… fuck. Fuck… fuck… fuck…” I clenched my eyes tight as I heard the solar bitch yell it and in came the raging guards ready to tie me down again and drag me back to Canterlot, again. Where I would probably end up spending the rest of my days. That, or the fucking cunt was going to kill me now that she knew Va-Korum was alive. Well, to hell with it! If she thinks I’m just gonna sit here and get tied up with chains and ropes, and not fight back, she’s fucking wrong! I’ll take her fucking head now!

And just like that, I quickly sent out a burst of magic and turned. Swords piecing themselves together in ethereal magic and dark fragments. When my eyes rested on what was there, I stopped.

No guards.

Only Twilight’s friends who just stood there looking at Celestia who’s horn glowed furiously. Off to the side, I saw Twilight staring at me before turning her gaze to the crazed sun bitch. Next to her, Blue had fallen over and looked completely drained.

An easy kill if I can get past… I stopped, remembering that there were no guards. Real easy. Just gotta worry about her... I thought about Celestia for that second who began her approach.

Beside Celestia, a golden war axe was summoned and poised to strike. The look in her eyes said it all. Kill. Sadly, those eyes were trained on me, or maybe they were trained on Va-Korum. The fucker almost did kill the pony race… and is probably the-

I was interrupted when my throat was gripped in a golden aura and I was thrown against the bookshelves.

“I will not allow this to continue! Va-Korum was supposed to die long ago, and never return! I don’t know how Discord did it, I don’t care for how he did it, all I know is that it ends here!” Celestia screamed and raised the war axe over my head.

There was truly nothing I could do, each and every time I gained my body back from Va-Korum, I felt drained. Vulnerable to whatever was around me and an easy target to those who survived the Sinful God’s murderous rampage. Yet, it was extremely rare that somepony ever did survive. Though, this time, there was nothing. No blood caked the walls, no bodies torn apart around me, no taste of… flesh in my mouth. All that was there, was the sun Princess and her intent to kill me. I started up my horn again, hoping for any kind of magic to burst forth and save me but nothing happened. I looked up into the eyes of Celestia, those hate filled eyes that only saw the monster that I harbored deep inside my head.

“Now, die you sinful creature!” she screamed.

“PRINCESS CELESTIA!”

Upon hearing her name, Celestia ceased her attack and looked behind her. I followed her gaze to see Twilight standing there with a look of determination in her eyes. She took a step forward and continued on. Behind her, the others --excluding Rarity who was still in the hospital probably-- tried to stop her but were silenced when Twilight looked at them and whispered something. Her eyes turned back to Celestia with a hint of anger in her eyes and the rest was pure will.

“Twilight, you must understand. I’m doing this for all-”

“No!” Celestia was harshly interrupted. “This isn’t right at all! Blue was right about what he said. If you… ‘kill’ Sin. You’ll also be ‘killing’ Graymayne. Sin is fused to Graymayne’s mind and his life. I know you princess, I know you want to do whatever it takes to keep Equestria and all of ponykind safe. I know you have good intentions and I can’t agree more that Sin needs to be destroyed but this… this is not the way to do it. No more ponies need to die.”

She took a step forward and I realized that the battle axe near me was beginning to slowly dissipate into small bits of golden dust. The particles floated into the air before completely vanishing.

“I failed you, I understand that. You told me, never to give him his horn. I did. That was my mistake but do you know what he did…?” she looked at me with a genuine, soft smile. “He saved Fluttershy and me. From creatures that wanted to turn us into their meal. He did… what Discord raised him to do and… ‘killed’. He even saved Rarity from her home that caught on fire,” she said, turning her gaze back to Celestia.

“He’s saved lives, while ‘Va-Korum’ would have let them die. He’s not a monster but a pony that desperately needs our help.” Twilight took this moment to let her horn glow its gentle lavender color and the golden aura around my throat dissipated.

When I felt my hooves meet the wooden floor, I carefully stood up not trying to make any sudden movements. Celestia’s eyes were trained on Twilight but her magic and real focus was on me. Any move I made was taken as a major threat level in her eyes, every breath, every twitch, every single nerve in my body. I was --to my own dismay-- scared shittless at the moment. I knew there was no way of defending myself right now and it scared me. I knew that in one fell swoop, Celestia could take my head out of rage and fear. Va-Korum had told me some of his stories of old. His battles with the ponies, the countless massacres he had caused. Did he ever have regret for his horrendous actions? He told me, and I quote…

His only regret, was not killing more of them…

That always sent chills down my spine. Knowing that he’d taken more lives than anything in this world. If anything, he was Sin but he was also a blood god. Fueled by pure bloodlust, a knack for killing everything around him whenever he felt like it. When I was younger, I had these urges too. To my own horror, I always thought what it would look like to have Discord’s soldiers hanging from my bedroom ceiling. I expressed these concerns to Discord, but he only called them minor side effects from the potions transfusion. If I had known that the black fluid that Discord gave me was the essence of Sin itself, I wouldn’t have drank it. If I had known that this… fluid was going to be responsible for the death of Gunner and so many other ponies… I wouldn’t have drank it.

I remembered the weeks following my decent into an utter hell. I remember the hallucinations of deceased ponies that walked through the halls of our hideout. The ponies that I had murdered all shouting and screaming at nothing. I saw the ways they had died still on their bodies. From lacerations, to decapitations, to fire… they were all there. Each one gave me the same blank look as blood gushed from their open wounds. I remember staying awake night after night, as my dreams became nothing but bloody nightmares. It brought me to the near breaking point. I thought that I had lost my mind, that I had gone completely crazy. I begged for the voices in my head to stop screaming at me day after day but they only got louder with each cry that came from me. After weeks of torment… they stopped and finally, I met him. I came face to face with Sin.

I don’t recall exactly how it went. But he made everything seem… different… better back then. He told me of all the glories that came with my training. He told me that what I had been given was a gift from long ago and that I should feel proud to bear such an abomination. The worst part… was that I believed him. I took a liking to his power, to his crave for blood and killing. He brought me a whole new art of murder. I didn’t just slit the throats of ponies, I’d cut open their stomachs and I’d… I’d… hang them by their entrails, in the streets, for all the passing ponies to see. Instead of decapitations, I ripped their limbs off with brute force and beat them with said limbs. I was some sick psychopath.

It wasn’t until I had grown older that I realized all that I had been doing was driving me further down the road to insanity. I was letting Va-Korum drive me over the edge and I knew that if I continued to let him do it, I wouldn’t come back alive. So, from there, I stopped him. I refused to let him out and since then, he’s tried hard to break the mental chains I put on him. I can’t recall the amount of times he’s broken those chains…

“Twilight, I don’t want you getting harmed. I won’t ‘kill’ your brother, but I will be taking him back to Canterlot for further evaluation. I refuse to allow him to stay in your care while Va-Korum is in his head.” Celestia said. I found a golden aura wrap around my body and hold me tightly.

“Wait!” Twilight shouted again.”You can’t take him! He’s my brother! I won’t let you!”

The Princess’s eyes widened. “Twilight! He may be your brother but he is a murderer and is bearing Sin!”

“That doesn’t matter to me! We are all bearing a bit of “Sin” in ourselves, aren’t we? It is no different is he bears the entity or even a piece of him! Even you have Sin in you, Princess!”

The Princess looked shocked at her student. “Twilight…”

“Don’t! You know you do! Don’t say that you're so innocent! Nopony is completely-”

“Twilight... “ I spoke up. “Please... stop.”

They both looked at me, Twilight was on the verge of tears and Celestia had a look of shock imbedded on her face.

“No Graymayne! I’m not stopping! She can’t do this! You were already taken away once and I won’t let it happen again!” She yelled at me. “I won’t let you live the life of ‘kill or be killed’ any longer! I won’t let her try to remove Va-Korum if it means killing you!” Fresh tears flowed down her cheeks. “I don’t care if some horrible thing is buried in your head! You are my brother! We’ll figure it out… as a family.”

I looked at her, almost heartbroken. ‘As a family…’ That’s what she said. She didn’t care that I was a monster…. she wanted me to stay. She wanted to be a family and here Celestia was, trying to keep it from happening.

Twilight looked at Celestia, her tear filled eyes glaring at her. “Now, put him down.”

Celestia looked back to Twilight whose gaze never wavered for a second. Soon, I felt myself released and gently set onto the ground. With that, Celestia turned her gaze to the other girls who watched in disbelief at the scene that played out before them. Twilight watched as Celestia turned back to meet her harsh gaze.

“Now, please leave.” Twilight demanded.

Celestia twitched there, her eyes showed an utter shock and sadness that nothing that I would have expected from her. She nodded shortly before turning toward the door and trotting rather slowly over to it. All eyes were on her at this moment, each pair studying her every move. Once she reached the door, it’s handle glowed with a soft golden aura.

“Twilight…” Celestia spoke up, without even turning to look at her.

“I asked you to leave.” Twilight replied coldly.

“I know… I know. I just have one question.” She turned back to look at Twilight and me. The shock and disbelief was gone, and replaced with one utter sincerity but in her eyes, nothing but hatred and malice. “When the monsters comes back out, what will you do then?”

Twilight never once turned her head, her form never shuddered and remained there, strong and independent. “Just like I said before. We’ll figure it out as a family.”

Just like that, Celestia opened the door and with a deep sigh and walked through before closing it gently on her way out. There was a flash of light signaling that she had teleported away. Probably back to Canterlot where she would either start working on a way to remove Va-Korum or something…

I swallowed the lump in my throat and looked to Twilight who sat there quietly. Slowly, I approached and sat in front of her, watching as tears dripped from her cheeks and onto the floor. I couldn’t help but feel guilty for this. All of this was my fault and Twilight had just pushed her own mentor away and stood up for me. A stallion who's done nothing but cause pain and death in his life.

“Twilight… I’m sorry.” I looked at her saddened. “Why didn’t you just let her take-”

“Because Graymayne,” she looked up and straight into my eyes. “There’s no telling what she would have done to you. She didn’t care whether you’re my brother or not. She would do anything to kill Sin, even if it means killing you,” she looked over to the unconscious form of Blue that laid motionless next to some bookshelves. “The look in her eyes and that stallion were enough to convince me…”

I looked at Blue with a bit of curiosity, just what did he do, or say, to make Twilight do what she did. It puzzled me, why would he stick his neck out for me? The stallion who tried to murder his friend. I didn’t understand this at all and began compiling a small list of questions to ask the strange pony when he woke up. My thoughts were interrupted when I felt a tight squeeze around my fore-legs and body. Twilight had pulled me into a tight embrace.

“You aren’t alone Graymayne. I promise, to do whatever I can to help you free yourself.”

I played along for now and hugged her back. She didn’t know that the only reason that I ever put up with Va-Korum was to kill Celestia. I wanted to be the one to kill her, but Va-Korum was an alternative if I wasn’t up to the challenge of taking on the almighty sun goddess. I’ve always hated Va-Korum, but in some ways, we were similar.

Family that had been killed off.

Burning desire for revenge.

And a common enemy.

I remember when we talked in all sincerity for the first time. He told me everything about the Draconequus race and how Celestia, along with the help of Luna and the traitor Aria Draconequus of Love, brought it all crashing down. The final battle that concluded with Va-Korum’s downfall and near obliteration. If it weren’t for Discord who just so happened to find even the smallest bit of Sin’s essence so many years later, Va-Korum would have been forgotten and replaced with a history of lies.

I did understand why Celestia would do such a thing though. She wanted to world to forget about the cruelty and endless bloodshed that Va-Korum along with his brother and servant, Orlog, had caused. They were the most hated and feared things in their time.

I pulled back from the hug and looked at Blue again. “What did he say to you…?”

She followed my eyes to the unconscious stallion that laid there. “He said a lot, Graymayne. I think it’s best that you two have a talk later…”

“Sure…” I groaned a bit and was prepared to turn and walk over to him but Twilight stopped me and looked me dead in the eyes. “What?”

“Your horn.”

“Fuck…”

“Watch your language.” Twilight said with a soft sigh. Her horn began to flow and soon enough, my horn was gone again. The black crystal fell to the floor with a clink and remained still until a lavender aura picked it up before vanishing. She then turned to her friends, who each stared at us with the same shocked expressions.

“Girls, I don’t mean to be rude but could you leave. We,” she placed one hoof on my shoulder. “Have a lot of stuff to talk about…”

Almost immediately, Rainbow blurted out. “No way! Did you see all of that?! I mean, what was that?”

Fluttershy’s voice softly spoke up just barely loud enough for me to hear. “I-I-I’ve n-ever s-seen C-Celestia like that…”

“That was so cool, standing up to your own teacher like that!” Pinkie shouted in her usual bubbly attitude.

I think I like you just a bit more Pinkie… I thought to myself.

Applejack was the next to speak. “Sugarcube… are ya sure yer alright?”

Twilight walked forward after that and gave her friends a soft smile. “I’m going to be fine AJ, really. We just have some issues that need to be solved.”

“But… did you not just see that Twi!? Your brother just… changed!” Dash blurted out again. “We can’t just leave you alone with that- that- thing!”

“Dash has a point Twi. I don’t think it’s a good idea that we leave you here alone with… your brother and the other stallion.” AJ looked over at me with a little worried expression.

I simply raised an eyebrow at her and groaned before taking a seat. “Hey Applejack, why don’t you just let us handle this. Clearly, Twilight knows something that I don’t and from what we all saw, she was able to break Va-Korum’s grip on me with just a few words.”

“Shut your mouth you bucking thing!” Dash yelled.

“Kiss my flank, you dyke.” I replied.

“Why I outta!” Dash was prepared to lunge but was quickly stopped by Applejack. “When I get the chance, I’m gonna break that muzzle of yours!”

“Would love to see you try!”

“Both of you! Shut up!” Twilight yelled. At that moment all went silent and the only thing heard was Blue’s pained groan. “Dash! Don’t say another word. Graymayne! Stop antagonizing her and apologize!”

I looked at Twilight whose gaze only seemed to burn into my conscious and with a rough sigh. “Sorry, Dash.”

Before she could reply, Applejack hushed her and with an irritated growl, she crossed her hooves and sat there. Twilight nodded to me and then looked back at her friends.

“I don’t want you all to worry. I assure you that I’m going to be okay,” she said with a bright smile. “Blue is going to be okay. Same with Graymayne.”

“Who’s Blue..?” Applejack questioned.

“It’s not a long story but still a story that I’m still trying to understand,” Twilight replied.

“Just leave it to us Applejack. I assure you that I’ll keep the big, bad monster back,” I reassured with a little grin.

“Then why do ah get the feelin’ that’s a lie?” Applejack retorted.

“What happened to that ‘trust’ you had for me?” I replied. “Don’t worry… as long as Twilight’s there, I’ll be fine.”

Twilight looked between them. “If you girls want, you all can come over tomorrow morning to check on us. It would be nice to put this day behind us.”

“Oh my god! I gotta throw the big, bad monster a PARTY!” Pinkie exclaimed before leaping up and bolting out the door.

We all watched as the door flung open and then slammed shut and where Pinkie was previously, now was a dust cloud in her exact shape that poofed into nothing. I heard a light chuckle in my head before all went silent again.

“Should I ask?”

“Nope!” they all replied.

“Alright Twi, the others and ah will show up tomorrow mornin’ to check up on you three. Ya know how early ah’m up in the mornin’. Ah expect ta see you answerin’ the door. If ah don’t get an answer, ah’m chargin’ in,” She turned her eyes toward me and with a huff, said, “An’ yer the first ah’m comin’ for.”

I chuckled a little. “Is that a threat? Because you could do a lot better.”

She narrowed her eyes toward me before turning and making her way toward the door with Fluttershy in tow. Rainbow Dash stood there, fidgeting her hooves. Her magenta eyes glued to me like a predator finally finding its prey.

“Hey Dashie,” I smirked. She furrowed her brow at the mention of her pet name. “You keep staring at me, and I’m gonna think that you like me. Is that true?”

On response she gasped and with an angry snarl, flew her way toward the door where she exited along with the others.

“Was that really necessary?” Twilight asked me.

“I have no regrets.” I turned my head from her.

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

Later that evening, the house was silent beside the heavy snoring from Blue who had been moved to the couch for now. We still didn’t have a place for him to rest yet and were currently contemplating about him sleeping in the living room. Twilight objected and said that he could spend the night in her room with her and that he would be on the floor. I quickly objected to that. For my own reasons. I’m not letting some pony that I personally despise with all my being sleep in the same room as my sister. Not. Fucking. Happening.

“Well, where should we put him then, hm?” she questioned.

“I don’t know! Make him sleep outside for all I care.” I replied

“Well then, it looks like you’ll just have to share a room with him.”

“Fuck that!”

“Well, there aren’t any other options! And watch your language! I’m about ready to start smacking you.”

I grumbled. “Well, it’s not like he can have my bed…”

Twilight looked at me and smiled. We exchanged looks for just a moment.

“No.”

“Well that’s our only other option. You get to sleep in my room and he can sleep in your room.”

“Ffffffuuuu-” before I could finish, I received a swat to the head.

“No more swearing.”

I groaned and looked at Blue. “Fine... “

With that decided, Twilight walked over to Blue’s unconscious form and in an instant, he was taken in her lavender aura and she brought him downstairs and into the guest room. Once she returned, I raised an eyebrow and she pointed her hoof up to her bedroom.

“Sure, sure. I’m going.” I went ahead and climbed the stairs and through the door.

Twilight turned out any lights downstairs and followed behind me. She pulled out extra blankets and a spare pillow from the nearby closet. She laid them out on the floor for me and after some adjustments of my own, I was lying down and trying to ignore the hard floor.

“Graymayne…”

“What?”

“When were you going to tell us about Va-Korum?”

“I wasn’t”

“Why? Did you want to put everypony in danger?”

“No Twilight. I wasn’t trying to put everypony in danger.”

“Then what were you trying to do?” Twilight turned over on her bed

“I don’t want to talk about this right now Twilight. Please.” I turned away from her and pulled the blanket up and over my head.

Just when i thought I could go to sleep, the blanket was warped away and I let out a groan.

“I said we were going to talk, Graymayne. I wasn’t lying.”

“You wanna talk, Twilight? Fine. Fine!” I growled and turned to her. “Let’s talk about how I’ve had to deal with a fucking demon in my head for the past six years. Let’s talk about how every goddamn night, I’m forced to listen to all the voices of ponies that he’s killed. Let’s talk about how I found my brother and sister, relieved but still scared of what you both would think when they find out that their brother is the fucking vessel of some goddamn Sin god!”

I huffed and turned back around to lay down.

“Twilight. I’m not about to tell you my sob story. For one, it makes me look pathetic and two, it makes me look like a victim. If there is one thing that I’ve learned in my life, it’s that there are no victims. Only those who act.”

“Graymayne…” Twilight gave out a deep sigh. “In this predicament, you are a victim and it’s okay to accept that.”

“I’m no victim, Twilight. I’m just another stallion who- quoting Applejack- ‘got played a bad set of cards’. I play those cards to the best of my ability and see where they get me. Looking at the place around me, they seem to have been somewhat good, and somewhat a pain in the flank.” I let out and closed my eyes. “Now, goodnight Twilight.”

“Wait, we aren’t done here. I still wanna-”

“Goodnight Twilight.” I exclaimed with a low growl.

After an annoyed groan, she turned over and pulled her blanket over her. I lied there, and reached for-

“Um… Twilight?”

“You said goodnight. What is it?”

“Can I get that blanket back?”

Author's Note

Well, another chapter. Hope you guys enjoyed and Happy New Year, Merry Christmas, yadda yadda. Leave a comment if you want. Take care everybody.

Next chapter... Blue's Nightmare. I'm gonna have fun with this. :pinkiecrazy:

Interlude: Blue's Nightmare

Author's Note

About time I updated this. Huge thanks to my editor, Ephraim Blue, for helping me get through this. Been thinking about taking this story down for a while, honestly. :ajbemused: For anyone who's still reading this, I thank you and greatly apologize for the long wait. Have a nice day. :twilightsmile:

Now to crawl away and come back a few hours later for the inevitable assholes who judge too harshly. Haha.

Interlude: Blue's Nightmare

Nightmare by Avenged Sevenfold

It was cold, why so cold? Blue shifted under the covers trying desperately to find a more comfortable position. He felt as though he were in a freezer. Magic engulfed his horn and soon, the covers were pulled up to his liking and he let out a soft sigh of relief to the warmth of the covers. Slowly, he felt the sweet embrace of sleep clutch him…

“Wake up private!” A shout shocked Blue from his near slumber. With that, came the removal of the covers and the return of the unnatural cold. When he turned to see the culprit, he was greeted with a steel hardened face. One of a solar guard, accompanied by two others. “Why aren’t you outside with your team, training!?”

Blue just looked shocked at the guard. Team? He looked around quickly and tried to recall why this area looked so familiar. It was indeed a barracks of some kind, weapon racks and beds lined the sides along with a small lamp or candle for light. When Blue’s gaze returned to the guard, the guard raised an eyebrow. “Is there a problem private?”

“I’m sorry… but who are you again? I know your face from somewhere but I can’t quite put it-”

“Shut your yapper son or I’ll have you doing laps around the castle grounds until your legs fall apart!” The guard commander shouted, sending spittle all over Blue’s face.

Blue receded and wiped away the spit that made its way onto his face before muttering. “Say it, don’t spray it…”

“Get your lazy flank outside this instant before I make good on my threat boy!” With that, Blue was practically shoved out of his bed by the other two guards. He found himself being pushed along by the two down the long corridor of sectioned off bunks before coming face first into a cold steel door. Once opened, rays of light attacked Blue’s vision causing him to immediately shut his eyes and throw his hooves up to block the invading rays of sunshine.

“Can somepony ask Celestia to dim the sun for a bit? Please…?” His plea fell on deaf ears.

The two solar guards moved him forward, passing the dozens of other guards that were busy with other training exercises. A few snickers and chuckles met his ears as he noticed some of the other guards had taken notice to him being forcefully shoved toward...well...wherever he was going. His team? He presumed. Why did that seem so familiar to him?

After some time of being pushed forward, Blue found himself in front of a sight he couldn’t forget. It was them. It was impossible and yet here they were. After so many years… it was his team.

He saw Eclipse and Cuddle Prancer sparring against each other, Lightning Moon cheering them both on to do their best, and Spring Gypsy, serving as the referee. It was them.

They all stopped and stared at him. “Well, look who finally decided to wake up!” Eclipse teased. “Took ya long enough! Half thought you weren’t gonna wake up till tomorrow after that battle!”

It came back to him. This was the camp. They were on a mission with the other Solar Guards to liberate some mysterious intrusions of what seemed like war. They liberated the first two and he had been rendered unconscious for a few days.

“What you starin’ at us for dear?” Cuddle inquired. “You look shocked from here to Canterlot. Somethin’ the matter?”

“Probably just as surprised to be awake as we are,” Lightning had said. “You know how he loves sleep.”

“Yeah, snores just like he’s scarfed all our rations, if you know what I mean!” Spring had said warm-heartedly. Everyone had a good chuckle out of that.

It was them. It was really, really them. Some small tears began to slightly well up from his surprise.

Everyone saw this and stared at him strangely. “Somethin’ the matter dear?” Cuddle asked, walking closer.

Blue shook his head. “It.. Its nothing.” He wiped away his tears. “I just can’t believe this.”

“Believe what? You act as if you’d been gone for a long time, but you’ve only been resting for two days.” Lightning informed.

Blue shook his head. “Don’t worry about it… we’re all here, and that won’t change.”

It was then that Blue heard the commander speak up. “Made it to your team. Good. Thought I’d have to put one down on one of my best soldiers.”

“Blue here? No way. I’d have his back in an instant.” Eclipse spoke up.

“So, tell us dear, have any sweet dreams while you were under?” Cuddle asked with a small smile.

To Blue, that was no understatement. He did indeed have one of the oddest dreams. Couldn’t quite remember them now though… something about an assassin. The princess. A mare. And…

A Horrifying monster…

Almost immediately after he thought about that… it came rushing forward. That was no dream. It happened. He felt it. Felt every spine tingling bit of it. The pain of the assassin’s blows. The threat of near death. The monster’s gaze meeting his own. “I- I did have one dream…”

“Oh? Well tell us already. You’ve always have a knack for telling funny stories.” Lightning chuckled.

“An assassin… A mare… The Princess…” Blue spoke. “A monster.”

“Uh… Blue, that ain’t funny.” Eclipse spoke up.

“No, it’s not. Not funny at all. But… you know what, it doesn’t matter anyways. It’s over… righ-” He stopped when he felt a hoof rest on his shoulder. He turned and saw them. Two black, soulless eyes that spewed black magic like the abyss itself.

“Your right Blue. It wasn’t funny. And… it’s not over.” That voice. That monster.

Blue quickly turned around to see his team but something changed. Everything changed. Their eyes were the same as the beasts as they began walking toward him. Every guard did. All around him. All with the same black, heartless, soulless eyes of the monster he faced. He wanted to run and hide from them but they were all around him, there was no hope of escape. With that, he quickly sent out a pulse of magic that knocked the group currently surrounding him back. He turned around and around, watching the slowly incoming crowd of monsters that surrounded him.

“I should have thought that this was too good to be true…” Blue choked out.

The group came in closer and Blue threatened them with magic but something held him back. He wasn’t sure… was the fact that he would be harming his comrades. Were they even his comrades anymore? Blue shook it from his head and fired a blast of magic which to his horror, passed through them.

“What’s the matter, Blue?” He heard the voice of Lightning Moon whisper in his head.

“Cat got your tongue?” He heard the voice of Eclipse chime in.

“Or maybe it’s the ‘monster’ you told us about?” Prancer spoke.

“What was his name, Blue?” The crowd spoke in unison. “What was his name?”

For moments, that’s all the crowd around him could say as they closed in on him. Blue fell to his haunches and stared at the ground, petrified. The voices only got louder, almost to the point of screaming. It felt like his ears were bleeding and ready to burst. His mind rattled with that single question that he didn’t know the answer too. He moved his hooves to his ears and tried to scream but his own voice was blocked out by the hundreds of other voices that screamed back at him that question.

What was his name?

Suddenly, it all stopped. Blue looked around him and saw that everyone was gone. Poof, just… gone. The only thing he saw was the shadow that loomed over him. All he had to do was turn around but before he could do that. It spoke…

“You don’t know? Well, how about I give the smart pony some enlightenment.”

Blue’s eyes widened when he heard that but before he could turn to protest, he felt a tight squeeze around his form as he was lifted up, high up. The claws that had him were made of the most pristine, intricately designed gold. Down to the finest detail. He watched the camp vanish from view and soon, he saw nothing but the maw of must of been the monster. It’s teeth bared and ready for a meal. Too bad, he may have to suffice.

The beast’s mouth opened wide and Blue soon found the grip around him released only for him to plummet into the monster’s maw. The last thing he saw before darkness was it’s teeth gnash down on his small form. Almost immediately after that, his eyes opened and he was somewhere new. What could only be described as a luxurious suite. Though everything had a bit of the same theme to it.

Blood red.

From the furniture, to the carpet, to the drapes upon the windows. Blue saw no other color than red. He jumped when a door not to far from him swung open and in came trotting Graymayne. Except… it wasn’t Graymayne. The obvious thing were the eyes. It was the monster.

The beast simply trotted along his merry little way, ignoring the stare that Blue was currently giving it. It reached one of the few couches in the room and lied down, relaxing there for just a moment before giving Blue one of the creepiest and most terrifying grins he’d seen in years. “Come now. It’s almost like you didn’t think this would happen.”

“You’re him… you’re that thing. That’s how he bursted magic when he was bound, and what was talking in his place… you’re the monster inside that Graymayne..”

“Why yes, I am indeed. And you, you are another roach that I have to deal with.” The monster raised its hoof and waved it lazily at Blue. “So, how should we go about this… Oh, I know. Let’s start with Eclipse.”

Suddenly, the world around them changed once again. Blue found himself surrounded by other ponies, Solar guards to be more specific. He saw each one of them fighting for lives against a band of gryphons who seemingly attacked them. Why did this feel familiar? It wasn’t until he saw his comrade, Eclipse wielding the golden spear given to him by-

He stopped. No. He rushed toward Eclipse knowing full well what was about to happen. He had to save him before- it was too late. A gryphon, wielding a battle axe came for the strike and in that instant, the spear held by Eclipse began to morph, in hopes of deflecting the attack but to Eclipse’s horror. The morphable spear broke to pieces when it met the devastating strike of the battle axe. And with that strike came the dismemberment of Eclipse’s hoof. He yelled out in agony and Blue could only stare in horror.

“Save him Blue, you know you want to…” He heard the voice of the monster.

Blue moved quickly, using the same magic he’d used to take on Graymayne. The Gryphon moved toward the downed Eclipse, dropping its blood stained battle axe. Blue leapt for the gryphon in order to save his comrade… only to phase right through him.

“Oops, almost forgot…” Blue heard that voice again as he turned to see the Gryphon pick up the bladed end of the broken spear. “You weren’t there to save him. Were you?”

Blue stared horrifically as the Gryphon knelt down, only to repeatedly drive the spear into his comrades body. Eclipse tried to fight back but to no avail, the gryphon’s strength was overwhelming to him and soon, his eyes were left lifeless. Blue stood back up, only to back away slowly. Horrified at the act of brutality before him. He didn’t want to see this… he didn’t want to remember this. Never. He turned to run but that was halted when he came face to face with the monster again.

“Doing exactly what you did before? How cowardice.” The monster chuckled.

The next thing he knew, he was whisked away into a forest. He knew where too. This time he’d seen it happen. He looked off into the woods and saw the fire.

“Go on then,” the voice of the monster called to him. “Go to her. You have every chance.”

“Stop it..” he growled. “Stop taunting me, I do not need to live through these memories of sin again!”

“And that will make me stronger!” He heard the monster chuckle. “You are the best kind of sin.”

“Sin…” Blue repeated. “Some embodiment of sin... “ Some tears welled up in his eyes as he realized where this was going. “Is that what you are? Just some sin left behind to torture me with past memories when I’m already at my lowest?!”

The monster’s laughs echoed throughout the forest. “Hurry Blue, she needs you now more than ever.”

Blue clenched his teeth and blinked away the tears before going forward. In the distance, he saw a couple tents set up around a bonfire and as he approached, he watched as one of his other comrades… Cuddle Prancer was thrown to the ground outside one of the tents before she was dragged back inside.

Blue saw this and rushed forward to try and save her, but in the end… he knew he wasn’t there for her either. He never walked into that tent. Horror struck through him. It was happening again, all over again. He toppled over as the pain of remembering them seemed too much, but that only led him somewhere else.

It was very windy here. Blue recognized this as the port for blimps in Canterlot to come and go to lands as they please, as a way for the rich here to travel. He stood once more. If the last two events were happening as they did long ago, then he knew what was going on.

There were no blimps today. Just a pony gazing out over the side of the railing, right next to the one opening for a small bridge for the blimps so ponies could walk without needing to fly onto them. Cause what would be the point of a blimp if its passengers could fly?

“What are you doing here?” Blue turned. Himself, just as he had been. Almost like a mirror, but alas, just a memory. “Princess Celestia has told me you’re acting strange. Mumbling out of nowhere, shouting in quiet places. That isn’t like you, Spring.”

“Spring Gypsy… not this again…” Tears filled Blue’s eyes. “Please, be different… Don’t do what you’re about to do…”

The pony on the railing, Spring Gypsy as it seemed, didn’t turn around. “Say… Blue… why do you think we see things out of our own eyes?”

The second Blue, the one not crying, tilted his head. “What do you mean..?”

“I mean why do we see what’s in our eyes? First person, like those stories where it’s only from their point of view.”

Blue stared at him strangely. “I don’t understand what you mean… we see through our eyes because they’re what our bodies are connected to.”

“WRONG!” Spring shouted, turning around. The second Blue hadn’t noticed then, but Spring was wearing his helmet, the special one. He couldn’t see Spring’s eyes from the way the helmet was made, but from underneath, blood trickled down past his muzzle, dripping onto the balcony and at Blue’s hooves.

“S-Spring? What happened to your eyes?!”

“Why, that’s a silly question now isn’t it?” Spring chuckled madly. “Obviously, they’re bleeding! They’re bleeding because I happened to pick up a knife and stab them out! HAHA! Now I can’t see out of my eyes, and I can’t see what the helmet wants me to anymore!”

Blue took a step back. “Spring… what is the matter with you? This isn’t like you, you’ve gone mad!”

“Mad? Mad you say? No I was STUPID is what I was! As it turned out, you don’t need your eyes! You have your ears and nose and tongue and your whole BODY to understand what it tells me! I thought my eyes would stop me from seeing it, but my brain processes them anyway! HAHA! My senses won’t stop telling it to me! Telling me to DIE! DIE DIE DIE!”

Spring hopped over the railing, clinging onto it as if he wanted to save himself, but leaning over as if he was going to jump.

“No…” the dream Blue cried out more. “Why… why did you… we have to end up like this…”

“Spring!” Blue grabbed her with his magic. “Stop this! This isn’t you! You’ve never wanted to die, never!”

“None of us wanted to!” she shouted back. “But the one thing I keep getting told is that I have to die! That we all have to die! If I keep getting told that, why must anything else be true? It must be true for me to die! To die and see what will become of me afterward!”

“Stop it! I’m not going to let you do this!” Blue’s magic was holding her from letting go and jumping off. “Just come back over here, we can work this out! You don’t have to die, we don’t have to make what it said come true! We choose our own selves, our own destinies! You know that, I’ve told you millions of times!”

Spring Gypsy hesitated. Her hooves shook on the railing. “You know the scariest part of all of this? The helmet has told me only one future instead of all the infinite ones it used to. It told me that one of us do live, with all the pain and all the guilt of watching it happen, over and over again.”

“You.”

“You are to live, it says. You are to face through all of us being lost to you because we meddled with the wrong powers. This fate was sealed, this destiny cannot be rewritten!”

The second Blue was in shock. “No, you should live, you should all live! I shouldn’t even exist here, why should I be the one to stay alive?!”

“That’s just what it says, Blue.”

“Blue ran up to her and held her tight, letting his magic have a rest. “No, I won’t believe that, not for a second! I don’t care what prophecies tell me what to do, I won’t listen to them if they let my closest friends die to me!” He shut his eyes tight, holding Spring tighter than ever. “I- I love you all too much to let you die! I-I love you too much to let you go through with this!”

Spring Gypsy turned around and hugged him around his neck, further ensuring that she would not fall. In his ear, she whispered something.

“I know.”

“Stop it… Stop it now!” Dream Blue shouted.

The Second Blue looked calm, for he was never going to let her go. But in an instant, he screamed. Spring Gypsy had bit against his horn, snapping it in half before him. The sudden pain caused him to let go and hold his head as he retaliated onto the balcony.

He’d let go of her.

She wasn’t on the balcony with him anymore.

The scene shifted to a blackness around Blue once more. He was alone.

It wasn’t long before the voice of the monster chimed in with a light chuckle. “My, my, what a way to go.” It raised it’s hoof high into the air along with a high pitched whistle before slowly descending along with pitch of the monster’s whistling until his hoof touched the floor. “Splat”

He stood there chuckling almost bursting out into full blown laughter. Blue felt his hooves shaking in both horror and rage. He didn’t want to admit it but deep down… he wanted to take the ultimate revenge on this monster. He wanted to tear the wretched creature apart and destroy it, leave nothing in it’s wake. That rage… it disgusted him but at the same time… he wanted nothing more than to do the worst possible thing to this demon. But…

What would that make him in the end…? A monster. The same monster he promised to them, to his friends, to his team, that he would never become. No matter what. Blue turned to the monster. His hate filled glare never wavering. “So… what’s next monster? Prancer…? Lightning?! Who, monster!”

The creature, his laugh coming down to mild chuckles, finally stopped and smiled. “Oh, we’re done here. You’re beginning to bore me…”

“Don’t toy with me…” Blue growled.

“Oh, does the little smart pony want more? Because trust me, there is so much more I can do to you.” The monster began a casual trot toward Blue. “As you already know, I can and will make you relive your greatest sins. I get to watch you suffer while indulging myself on a very tasty meal.” The beast’s tongue slither out to lick its lips. “But… there is so much more to you than meets the eye, now is there? And it all starts with your watch…”

Blue froze. He knew about it.

“Oh, and it doesn’t even stop there.” The monster was so close. Blue’s hooves felt like cinder blocks. He couldn’t move them. Was it fear? Or was it the monster holding him in place?

He felt the monster’s breath on his ear. “I know what you really are. And it makes me laugh. A child, not a colt, but a child. Not a pony. But something else. Not of this world or even, this universe. How tasty.”

Blue felt his heart sink. His chest felt as though a it were compressing. He wanted to fight back against the monster but something held him tight, never letting go. “Blue, you are one interesting specimen. Is “Blue” even your real name? No. It’s not. It’s… Ephraim Blue. Wait… No.”

The monster leaned in close. “That’s right…. I know your REAL name. And to prove it…”

The monster whispered something. Something that made Blue’s eyes go wide. His heart collapsed in on itself, as if his whole world had been destroyed in front of him. The monster said his name. A name he’d left behind a long time ago. A name that he had left, along with the world he came from. He sucked down the lump in his throat. “H- H- How… How do you-”

“Ephraim… My dear Ephraim. I can read you like an open book. It’s so easy. Through your deepest sins. I can see your entire past, your present… and even bits of your future. If that really is your future.” The monster continued to whisper. “With that watch, you can change it. Can’t you? You can change anything.”

Suddenly, the monster’s hooves came up and shoved Blue to the ground. He quickly tried to recover and recover he did. Backing away from the monster who only stared at him in pure bliss. He then felt something odd… a very cool breeze on his hoof. It was then, he reached for his watch and felt nothing there.

“Looking for this?” The monster waved it’s hoof in front of Blue. Upon it, was his blue watch. “The things I could do with this power… the power of Time and Space itself. How promising. You know ‘Ephraim’, this device--” he paused. “That’s strange, for a second there..”

Blue finally regained his composure and quickly warped the watch off the creature’s hoof. “That’s enough of that, and don’t call me ‘Ephriam’,” he growled. “I choose Blue for a reason, and I don’t intend on being called by anything else otherwise.”

The monster huffed. “Foolish being, I am a god! You’re nothing but a lost mutant in this world, or any world that you’ve been to! You are wrong to defy me!”

“Defy you of what, exactly? What my own name is or how I choose to live? God or no god, you have no right to decide that. And besides, you’re just weak yourself.”

“WEAK?!” the monster shrieked. “You don’t know my power, the power of Sin! I created the world into what it was and shaped it into my image! I rule over all that is here, and as it stands, I rule over you all the same.”

“You rule over nothing,” Blue retaliated. “Princess Celestia and Princess Luna rule over these lands, no matter how wrong one’s actions are. As it stands, you are just powerless to change that. You were, apparently, when they took the control from you, and you are now! You’re just a caged bird inside of Graymayne’s head, and you will never change that!”

The creatures eyes twitched. “You have been wrong to defy me, punk. You should have just submit and let me reconquer this Equestria by my own methods! If you get in my way again, I guarantee that no ‘cage’ shall hold me from tearing you to shreds!”

“I’d never let that happen,” Blue growled before giving a light chuckle. “After all, I made a promise. ‘Seek revenge, but do not take it.’ I will stay alive long enough to find it, and I will continue refusing to die until I find it.”

“You’re just the same as Graymayne. Blinded. You will take that revenge. You won’t escape that! Just as he will one day slay Princess Celestia for this little game she’s tossed him into, you will take your revenge! That’s who you are, after all.”

“No, I am not like that. I am Blue, and I was ever since I came to these worlds. I am no longer who you tell me I am, cause I will be Blue until I die.”

The creature began a chuckle, and soon it turned into a laugh, ever so menacing. “Very well then! We shall see what path you end up taking, and I will find it AMUSING!”

“You’re sick.”

“No, I am SIN!” he bellowed. “I am the most powerful being in this world! I am what resides in all ponies and beings! I embody the seven traits that will falter EVERYPONY! For I am Va-Korum!”

The words bellowed long and loud into Blue’s ears, even after he gasped and awoke in the sweat he drenched in. He stared around him, rubbing his head and groaning.

“I think I stepped into something a little too big here…”