I felt a searing pain and it was over my whole body. I heard a scream, one of true terror. I had heard so many scream like that before, but this time it was my own. My vision was blinded with bright light, and spots flashed before my vision. My throat ached and felt like it was on fire. But the pain didn't stop and neither did my screams.
I tried to will my screams to stop, but with no avail. No matter how hard I fought or what I did, it continued. I felt my consciousness slipping, but I didn't want to die. Although, the truth was I deserved to die. I couldn't remember why, or what I did to deserve such a fate. But deep down I knew it, it was the one thing I remembered. That I deserved to die.
I couldn't see or tell who tortured me. I didn't know why I was here, or how I got here. I didn't even know what was happening to me. I didn't know what I looked like, or what my special talent was. I didn't remember where I lived, or if I had a special some pony that was waiting for me. I think, in a way this was a worse fate.
Being drowned in pain with no memories.
* * * * *
That's when I woke up.
"Black Cut! Sweetheart, It's okay!" My mother yelled at me. "You're fine now. You're home."
"It happened! It happened again!" I sobbed.
I felt my face was wet and my coat was clumped. The hot tears continued to stream down my face and drip off my muzzle. I tried to move my legs, and founded them to be tangled up again. My wings and and hooves were wrapped up in my cover and sheets. My flailing had caused them to get tangled and my water glass to fall. It hadn't broken, but I could see the huge puddle it had made when it spilled.
My throat felt raw and scratchy, and I could tell I had been screaming. My whole body ached from my nightmare, and it hurt to move. My mane was a tangle of red hair and it hung down in front of my face and eyes.My wings were ruffled and some of the feathers were bent the wrong way. My pillow had fallen of my bed and so my neck hurt from no support.
The light was still off, and it was still dark outside. I stayed there for a long time just breathing. After a while my mom left, giving me time with my own thoughts. I didn't fall back asleep, I never could. I would just have to wait till tomorrow and then try again. Once the sun began to rise, I got up and combed my mane.
Today was my first day of school and I had to look "presentable" as my mom always says. I looked at myself in the mirror, to help remind myself of who I was. It was nice to check sometimes. My mane and tail were a dark red. In fact, my tail was shorter than most ponies, but that was the way I liked it. My coat was dark black with a few exceptions. Around my muzzle, on my forehead in the shape of a diamond, and on the tips of my hooves was bright white. And my eyes were dark gray.
I didn't have a cutie mark yet, but my mom said that was fine. I didn't believe her, I thought that I was too old not to have one. But I hoped that no one at school would make fun of me for it. Because I didn't want to get in a fight. I have a problem where sometimes, when I don't watch it, I'll blurt something out that's right, even though I shouldn't know it. It's usually just something small, nothing that really matters. But it often seems to rub ponies the wrong way, which I'd rather not do.
School already started last month, but we didn't move here until last week. I haven't met any other foals yet, so every pony at the school will be new. Being here instead of Trottingham is so different. I wasn't born there though, so I never quite picked up the accent. All the other foals will already know each other and I might not be able to make friends. In a way I don't really care, it's not my problem. I'm supposed to make friends because it's "good" for me, but I don't see the reason in it.
I took a deep sigh and headed down the stairs. Our house was in a pretty good location. I could walk to sugar cube corner, the library, and the school without trouble. The sun was now fully up and I only had an hour left until school. At a quick trot I could make it in 15, so I had time.
When I reached the bottom of the steps, I found my mom making breakfast. Dad always left before the dawn, so I wouldn't see him until he came home tonight. The smell of fresh baked muffins entered my nose, and I couldn't help but smile. One of the things that could never go wrong, muffins.
"Hi sweetie, did you get back to sleep last night?" Roseluck asked, acting slightly too happy.
"Yep," I said, not wanting her to worry.
I walked into the kitchen and opened one of the main drawers. Inside was all the silverware, and I grabbed one of the knifes carefully. I moved through the kitchen and grabbed whatever else I needed for breakfast. Even though it was early in the morning, I glided silently across the floor. For some reason I could always move quick and stealthily through the house, even when I wasn't trying.
After finishing my chores of making my bed and a few other things, I was ready to go. I strapped on a small saddle bag on to my back, to carry my books. The saddle bag was a coal gray, and didn't have anything on the straps. We could have gotten them with, but I liked it just fine without them.
With that I said goodbye and stepped out of the door. It was a crisp morning, with the dew still on the ground. I preferred it that way, the cold didn't bother me and it kept my senses alert. I breathed out and a small puff of smoke came out. I smiled, this would be the perfect way to start the day.
I got ready and then leaped into the air. Three great pumps of my wings and I was in the sky. I had to beat my wings fast, because they still weren't full grown yet. I saw one or two adults in the sky, but otherwise that was it. It was early enough in the day that the weather team didn't need to be bothered.
I stood out in the sky, compared to other pegasus. My dark, night coat was as bright as could be against the blue sky. I had always wanted to fly at night, I could just picture it. The only thing that would stand out would be my mane, but color it black, and I would blend in better than ever before. My silent flight would make me part of the night and I would be able to soar forever. But my parents forbid me to ever fly at night, Roseluck and Armor Shine thought it would be to dangerous.
When I got to the school, I landed right in the front walk way. A few fillies stared, but I knew it was just the old "new kid" spiel. I ignored them and walked into the school. About half of the class was already in the school, milling around and talking in their small social groups. The room was filled with rows of desks and a counter lined the back wall. A chalk board was on the wall in the front, and in front of it stood the teacher's desk.
I went up to the adult that stood at the front of the room. I was supposed to talk to the teacher when I got there, and she was the only adult there, so it must have been her. She had a dark, magenta coat and a light pink mane. Her cutie mark was of three smiling flowers. The thought entered my head of what they represented and my gift kicked in. They meant that she loved teaching and seeing her students grow up and learn. I nodded my head, made sense.
"Excuse me, but I'm new here and..." I started
"oh, yes!" she said, interrupting me,"Black Cut, was it? I already got the message. We'll keep a separate bottle of pills for you here and you can go outside and take them every day, without asking."
"Right, thanks." I said, keeping my head down.
I turned away from her and went to sit down. It took me a few seconds to find the one with my name on it, but it was easy enough. I sat in the third row back, a yellow filly at right in front of me. She had a red mane, and no cutie mark. On my left there was another filly. She had an hour glass with a little star attached as an cutie mark. Her mane was purple and her coat light turquoise.
There was one colt I recognized in the class. His name was Pipsqueak and he still hadn't gained his cutie mark. I recognized him, because he had moved from Trottingham last year. He was always one of the smaller colts, but he had this way of cheering every pony up instantly.
"Alright class, it's time to begin." Cheerilee said.
It always went the same way. The teacher would introduce me to the class. Some pony would ask about the legend. I would deny it and then tell a little about myself. This time it just happened to be an orange pegasus with no cutie mark and maroon mane. After that, the teacher would begin the lesson. I always bothered to work hard on the first day. And while I did, I would catch a few ponies staring at me, always the new kid.
After what seemed like forever, class finally let out. Everyone went out to the field and split up into their social groups. The jocks, the artists, the nerds, the populars, the class clowns, the ordinarys, and the out casts. I knew it was always best to move to the skill group you were good at, and if you needed to, slowly move down the line from there.
I had started to walk over to the jocks, but got interrupted. Two young fillies stood in my way, preventing me from walking forward. One was pink, with and purple and white mane. She had a crown as her cutie mark and one on her head to match. The other was a dark gray mare with a light gray mane. She wore a pair of glasses and a string of pearls, both in a shade of light blue. Her cutie mark was of a small silver spoon. It wasn't hard to tell, these were the populars.
"Hi new girl." the pink filly said, in an over cheery tone.
I knew how this worked. And I wouldn't have any of it. I had tried to join in with the populars and it hadn't worked out well. So I decided that it would just be better to get this over with and send them on their way. I focused with my talent and got what i needed to know. My head was slightly throbbing now, but it would be worth it to see the look on their faces.
"Don't start," I said, making sure to keep a strait face. "You're Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. You're the popular people that every pony just adores. You both have a lode of money to spend on whatever you want. Being the way you are, you're both selfish and rude. You don't care about any pony but you're self. You have been best friends since birth, and probably have a special handshake. You came over to give me some free advice, that I already know. Stay on your good side, don't hang out with the losers, got it. Now, am I right?"
They both stared at me agape. Silver Spoon stood there with her mouth hanging open, saying nothing. While Tiara gasped and sputtered, trying to think of something to say. I just stood and waited with one of my eyebrows raised, staring at them. Finally Tiara gathered herself up and eyed me suspiciously.
"Who told you that?!"
This was the moment I loved the most,"No pony, call it my 'special gift'."
With that I walked away, leaving them to wonder. I started to make my over to where the sports group of ponies had been. Unfortunately, they hadn't hung around, and almost every pony was gone. I sighed dejectedly and started to head home. I would have to wait until tomorrow to talk to them.
I decided not to fly, this late in the afternoon the skies would be busy. When I got to the corner with sugar cube corner, I saw some of the fillies in my class. There was the yellow pony that sat in front of me, the orange one which had mentioned the legend, and a white filly I hadn't noticed. They were all walking out of the shop, and that's when I noticed none of them had cutie marks.
They noticed me at the same time, and decided to walk over. I didn't bother to walk away, there would have been no point. It was obvious that they were in the out cast group. I felt bad for them and it would have been rude to walk away, because they would have known I'd done it on purpose. Luckily, there weren't any other ponies from school that would be watching.
"Hiya, ma' names Apple Bloom, this is Sweetie Belle," said the yellow filly, pointing at the white pony standing next to her." And this here is Scootaloo."
"Name's Black Cut, we have the same class."I stated flatly hoping they would take that as a hint.
Unfortunately, It didn't and Scootaloo's eyes grew big at the mention of my name. Her stance widened and a grin spread across her face. Scootaloo's wings flapped quickly, showing she was excited, but for some reason not taking her off the ground. Apple Bloom looked happy, but not over enthusiastic. While Sweetie Belle stood in the back, trying to look busy.
"Black Cut! Li-like the legend, right?You wouldn't have the... the you know what, would ya?!" Scoots asked.
"What, you mean this?"
I said it nonchalantly, I would always get this every once and a while. Some pony would ask me if I knew about the legend and had been named on purpose. In the legend, it always talked about this pattern that the mare had on her head.
Apparently, there was a mare with the cutie mark of a knife and that she had to be the professional assassin who had even gone after the princesses. It was said that if you found her, you could pay her to murder some pony. She wasn't supposed to be scared of anything, which is why foals loved the legend. Her coat was to be as black as night and her mane the color of fresh blood. But the one for sure sign was the pattern on her face. It was supposed to have white around the muzzle and a white diamond on her forehead, hidden behind her mane.
I lifted up my mane,"Yeah."
"That's really strange." Scootaloo said.
I walked in to the store with a cloak on to shield me from the rain. The downpour out side was the worst I'd seen in along time. It was so thick, that you could barley see your hoof when it was right in front of your face. Looking inside a window was impossible, sheets of water covered them all. This is why it was the perfect time to strike.
No pony would dare to be out in this weather, they would be too afraid. Even if they were, they wouldn't bother to look at the shops, and if they did they wouldn't be able to look in. I stepped through the door and faintly heard the bell ring. But it was almost impossible to hear as the thunder and lightning crashed. His head popped up from behind the counter and he smiled at me.
"Hello stranger, can I help you?" He asked, as if I hadn't just came in from the middle of a storm.
He couldn't see my face yet, or he would have been wary. The cloak I wore covered me from my head to my flank. The only thing that showed was my tail, but I knew that wouldn't be the thing to give me away. I'd come in here a few times before, and I would miss the shop, in a way. I had gotten quiet a few good items from here in the past.
A small dark saddle bag sat on my back, black as night. the straps plain and undecorated, without the usual cutie mark straps to identify the bag. It held everything I needed for my little endeavor, without giving anything away. Inside was a small knife, short and sweet. It was easy enough to strap on in a matter of seconds. The blade and handle were dark, so that it wouldn't flash in the light, giving it away. There was also a large collection of bits, just in case. I also had rope, a flashlight, a hook, and a gun in the bag. It was what I liked to call my "insurance."
It was always dark in here, and the only light came from two candles that sat on his counter. There more shelves than you could count, each stacked to the breaking point with odds and ends. Some how he always had what ever you needed, and could always find it in the mess of items. This was the last time I would see him, so I thought I might as well shop while I was here.
"Of course."
I took a step forward and threw my head back flipping off my hood. Just my face was in the immediate glow of the candles, but that was enough. My hair was out of my face, showing my trade mark white diamond. He looked me up and down, and nodded his head. He had decided he would do business with me. Which was good news to me, but he should have run.
"Good," I said," I'm looking for a special kind of knife."
I had practiced these words before hand, so I would know what to say. They rolled smoothly off my tongue and sounded genuine. Dealers were more cunning than most and could spot a lie easily. But then again, so could I and I had had more practice being on the other end of one. His face had become slightly more relaxed, like he was just dealing with a difficult client. Which meant that he trusted me.
" One that can kill an alicorn, with one sweep. No extra lives, no more chances, dead and dead for good. I need a knife made for an immortal." I stated.
His eyes widened a bit at my words. Yet, he nodded and headed to the back room. With him gone, I took out my knife and admired it for a second, it was so much simpler than a gun. I strapped it tightly to my leg and set my hoof back down carefully to not scratch the wood. I then proceeded to grab some of the bits from my bag, so I could make the payment.
It didn't take long for him to return. He came out of the back and laid it on the counter. I took in a sharp breath. It was more beautiful than I could have imagined. And the contrast of it vs the grimy counter made it even more so.
The blade curved sharply, but wasn't much bigger than my own. The handle was darker than the blackest night, and the blade was made from a purple gleaming gem. Sticking out the side of the main blade, were two sides. They were like mirrored shark fins, and they were just as sharp as the main body. Dark leather wrapped around the handle making it easier to grip. It smelled new and the leather felt fresh. Not a single mark or blemish marked it's surface. Gazing over it, I could see my reflection in the blade. This knife, if that term could even begin to describe it, had never seen blood. I would make sure to change that.
A smile curled on to my lips as I starred at. This would be the weapon that changed my future. Once I used this, Equestria would never be the same again. Most minds would have reeled at what I had planned, but I couldn't hide my enthusiasm. I had been chastised for years. But now, they would never mock me. Oh, how it would end, it would finally end and no pony would be able to stop me.
I nodded in satisfaction,"It's perfect. How much do I owe you? No price is too high for me, I assure you."
"It... It's 5,000." He answered nervously, wondering if I would pay the price, or if he would.
"Fine,"I threw the bag of bits onto the counter.
He starred at me in surprise, but took the bag. I never felt bad about what I was about to do. But I never relished it either. It was just something that I did. Sometimes, I would have this small nagging feeling for a few hours after I did it, usually if it was a child. But I did it to earn my living in this world. That was the simple fact. I will admit, I had a certain... joy for the weapons and the seamless job, but never for the actual moment.
I took another step forward,"How much do you think some would pay for your demise?" I asked.
He gave me a nervous glance. I suppose he was looking for any weapons I had. But the only one that he knew was on me was the immortality blade, and even he knew that that wouldn't work on him. He gulped nervously and took another step backwards. He couldn't go much farther though, as for he was in the small area between the counter and the wall.
"N-not much, I assure you." He stammered trying to keep his cool.
"Oh, I wouldn't say that," I said advancing on the counter." You'd be surprised, I've been offered quite a bit. 1,236 bits to be exact. A few of your costumers weren't very fond of you."
He knew enough now. It was time to end it. I threw off my cloak and bag completely, reviling my knife. Before he had time to move, I had already opened my wings. With a push from my hooves and a beat of my wings, I stood on the other side of the counter. I pushed on his chest with one hoof, holding him in place. With the other, I raised it high and slashed fast.
I let go of the body and let it tumble to the ground. His eyes still starred wide open, like he couldn't believe that it had happened. The body was still warm and the blood sticky. I starred at him for a moment. He looked exactly the same as he had a minute ago. The only difference was the small, dark red leak in his neck. It had gushed at first, but now it just continued a slow trickle. By the time the police arrived, it would have stopped dripping.
With that, I proceeded to place the bag of bits I had used to pay and my two knifes side by side on top of it in the bag. I put my cloak back on, shifting it so it would cover both my face and my cutie mark. Picking up my full bag and swinging it on my back, I smiled. Two birds with one stone.
I then proceeded to walk out of the store and into the storm.
* * * * *
I jolted awake and sat upright in my bed. I hadn't taken my pill yesterday, which caused me to have yet another nightmare. Although in truth, I don't mind them. Sure they're bloody and dangerous, but I'm not scared of them. In fact, they make me feel stronger. It makes me imagine what other ponies would do if this actually happened.
It was still dark outside, and I had no need of getting up. My thoughts drifted to the three fillies I had met yesterday. Scootaloo had seemed kind of spooked of me after I showed her the mark. All in all thought, the conversation went well. I found out about their families and where they lived. Although, Scootalo had barely said a word after we had started to discuss families.
I found out that they were called the cutie mark crusaders. I had heard of them, but their branches didn't stretch as far as I had thought. Apparently, it was a group for foals who hadn't discovered who they were yet. Apple Bloom had offered, but I had hastily declined. True, my flank was blank, but I didn't want to be stuck with the outcasts again.
When you're stuck with the outcasts, it seems a nightmare to just go to school. The teacher might like you, but that's as far as it gets. The ordinary kids even look down on you. You're constantly laughed at and picked on by the populars. This time, I wanted to get in with the jocks. I could fly as good as any of them and probably better. If I could just strike up the right conversation, I would be able to get in.
This was always the worst part of the day, waiting. I couldn't fall back asleep, my mind was always a buzz. But I couldn't get up either, if I did my dad would just send me back to my room. All it did was give you time to think. To think about my dreams of blood. To think of what I said and did wrong. To think of what could go wrong when you got up. I hate mornings.
Once the noises stopped and the lights were off, I got up. My dad had finally left for work and I could do what I wanted. My mom was still asleep, so I would have to be quite. It was easy enough though, I always knew exactly what to do. Where to put my feet and what boards to avoid. Which doors I should close fast and which ones to close slow.
I slipped silently in to the hallway. Our house wasn't that big to begin with. The back hallway held the bathroom, my parents bedroom and my bedroom. From there you could either go into the kitchen or the living room. The kitchen led of to both the dining room and the gardening room. While the living room just went to the door outside.
I made my way to the kitchen and set to work making something to eat. After while, my mom woke up and joined me. It went the same as every morning, she asked me how I was and I told her when I was leaving. I flew to school again, hoping one of the jocks would see me landing.
We learned about the Cloudsdale weather factory and the tour that all the pegasuses would take one week from now. It wasn't to bad of a day, I mostly got to let my mind wander. I missed one question, but no pony laughed, which was a good sign. At lunch I hung out with the jocks and no pony told me to leave. They all seemed pretty interested in what I had to say and before I knew it we were all bursting out laughing with each other.
About three fourths through the day I left to take my pill. I walked out into the courtyard behind the school, where there weren't any windows. Then I reached into my bag and shuffled through until I found it. It was small and white, but it made my stomach twist just looking at it.
I used to take these all the time, not worrying at all. It was something I had done, ever since I could remember. They were supposed to suppress any anger or dark thoughts, and help me sleep at night. But lately I had been taking them less and less. When I didn't the nightmares leaked through and both my senses and special skill became stronger.
I remember the first time I didn't, it was at a sleepover. We had been having so much fun that I had forgotten that I even needed to. I had woken up in the middle of the night screaming my head off. Rose Luck had been called and she had picked me up while it was still dark out. I had stuck to a strict schedule for a long time after that.
I hesitated for a minute. There was no reason that I needed to take it and I preferred the way my mind worked without them. With that thought, I took a deep breath and nodded my head. I then walked over to the bushes that lined the school building. I thrust my hoof forward and plunged the pill into it, hiding it. With that done, I walked back into school ready for the rest of class.
Author's Note
Just saying! Notice she refers to it as her knife, while with others she calls it the or it. I try to make small differences like this, to show her true nature and just the way she thinks! Hope you like it!
