Dead But Still Alive

“AHHHHHH!” I scream as I bring the gauntlet down upon the demon’s head. He didn’t even attempt to dodge it. He stumbled back, barely fazed by the attack.

“My turn,” he says, that big grin still spread across his face. He ran forward, swinging his scythe like a madman. A demonic cackle echoed down the street as he swung the mighty blade. I quickly dodged his attack before jumping over him and blasting him with another ball of holy flames.
The attack slammed into him like a fast, moving train, knocking him into the wall of a nearby building.

He grunted in pain as he climbed to his feet, a trail of black blood leaking from his nose. He let out a low growl before charging me again. I jumped over him and once again fired a few blast of my magic, each one knocking him to the ground.

“AHH!” he screamed as he jumped back to his feet. I just smirked as he charged me once more, but this time, I charged right back. He swung his scythe, aiming for my head. I quickly ducked and delivered a hard punch to his stomach. He bent over, gasping for breath. Quickly, I grabbed him by his hair and slammed my knee into his face repeatedly before slamming him through the wall of the building that stood beside us.

“Is this the best you can do? I thought reapers were the best warriors to walk the realms. You are such a disappointment,” I say as I walk through the hole I had made in the wall. The reaper lay on the floor motionless, his head completely smashed in, making a bloody mess on the floor.

“Pathetic,” I lift up my foot and smash what was left of the creature’s head. “I expected so much more from you,” I say as I turn to leave. I had walked about twelve feet when a large, black chain suddenly wrapped around my neck, jerking me backwards. I look over my shoulder to see the reaper’s headless body standing there, holding the end of the long chain in his hands.

A shadow-like mist slowly poured from his neck, taking on the shape of a head. “Where do you think you’re going?” a demonic voice said as a mouth formed on his shadowy face. “No one said you could leave.” The reaper quickly swung the chain, slamming me into the other wall of the large storage building we were currently in.

He swung the chain once more, slamming me into yet another wall. “This party is just getting started,” he growled as he pulled me toward him.
I thrashed around as I tried to pry the thick chain off my neck, but it had somehow locked itself in place. The reaper just laughed as he watched me struggling to get out of the thick chain. He bent down and grabbed me by my throat and, lifting me up to his shadowy face, his mouth turned into a devilish grin as the chain began to wrap around the knuckles on his other hand.

He quickly slammed his fist into my muzzle repeatedly. Pain shot through my face with each hit. Blood poured down my face as he continued to slam his chain-covered fist into my face. My rage increased with each blow. My mind was full of nothing but hatred. Memories flashed through my head, fueling my anger. Images of my family's dead, mangled corpses flashed through my mind.

The sound of a gauntlet crushing bones rang through my ears, and the image of a tall, hooded figure appeared before my eyes. I gritted my teeth in anger as the red aura around my body grew thicker and darker in coloration. The hourglass on my gauntlet glowed with a bright, golden light as its power began to activate. The reaper brought his fist forward for another punch. I quickly opened my mouth and caught his fist in my teeth.

............Demon Marcus.........
I stare at the creature as he held my hand within his sharp teeth. His aquamarine eye shifts to a dark, sickening red. I grin as my head finally takes form again. I watched as his red aura that had surrounded his body grew thicker and darker in color.

My enemy let out a low, angry growl before biting down on my hand. I shrieked in pain before jumping back, my enemy dropping to the floor on all fours, growling in anger. I looked from my missing hand to the angered dog-like creature before me. I grinned as a shadowy shaped hand took the place of the one I had just lost. “You’re quite the feisty one aren’t you?” I ask mockingly as I point one of my claw-like fingers in his direction. “I think we will have to do something about your anger issues.”

The angered dog just growled before sprinting toward me. I gasped in surprise when he suddenly slammed into me, pinning me to the ground. “Hahaha! And your speed is incredible!” The beast just roared in anger before slamming his heavy gauntlet into my face.

I quickly kicked the creature off, sending him flying across the room, causing him to crash through the wall and roll into the street outside. I quickly jumped to my feet and rushed out to meet him.

As I exited the building, I was suddenly surrounded by a circle of spears and guards. I groaned in annoyance as I looked at the guards, currently blocking my way. “Get out of my way!” I demanded. They just stood there, motionless. I growled in frustration as I dragged my hands down my face. “Would you please get out of my way?” I asked in an annoyed tone. A unicorn walked into the middle of the circle of spears. His horn glowed as he charged it for a spell.

“In the name of the princess, we have orders to arrest you for property damage, disturbing the peace, and breaking your terms of agreemen-” The guard was cut off as my enemy suddenly landed in the circle of guards that I was currently standing in.

He was still on all fours, and his red aura had seemed to have gotten darker. The guards gasped at the sight before them. I face-palmed, giving out an annoyed moan. The unicorn that had been barking orders had finally snapped out of his shocked state and powered up his horn for an attack. The dog-like creature glanced over at the pony before snarling in his direction.

There was a sudden flash of red, and the unicorn’s decapitated head laid at his feet. He turned to face the other guards, his lips drawn back, revealing his teeth while making a low growl. The guards cringed in fear before slowly backing off. My enemy slowly turned his head back to me. His rage seemed to increase every second he looked at me.

There was another flash of red and I suddenly landed fifty feet away from where I was before. I had crashed through the window of a furniture shop. I climbed to my feet and felt a sharp pain shoot through my chest.

I looked down to find a long piece of wood, sticking from my chest. I grunted in pain as I pulled the table leg from my body.

I tossed it to the side before stepping out of the building. “How can you move so fast?” I ask my enemy. He just stood there, not even responding to my question. The silence between us began to grow to the point of being awkward. I sighed as I pointed my hand at the old storage building we had been in earlier. The rubble from the fallen wall shifted as my scythe flew out of it and came to my waiting hand. “You could at least tell me why you want me dead,” I say as I twirl my weapon.

Silence continued to reign. “Okay, fuck it, I’m just gonna kill you now!” I bend into a low stance before running at my anger-fueled opponent. He growled before charging me in return.

I brought back my scythe, preparing it for my attack. My enemy did the same with his gauntlet. Our weapons clashed; He was holding back my scythe with his gauntlet. I pushed harder, bringing the blade a few inches closer to his face. He let out a snarl as he tried to hold black my weapon.

The blade to the scythe suddenly began to glow with a bright, white light. I looked at my weapon in confusion before looking back to my enemy. He was currently staring at his gauntlet which had started to glow with a bright golden light. Suddenly, a surge of power erupted from both objects, causing a giant wave of force that knocked me away from my enemy and destroyed most of the buildings on the street.

I groaned as I climbed out of a large pile of rubble. I looked down to the other end of the street and saw my opponent do the same. I dusted myself off and picked my scythe up. It was still glowing with that strange white light. What the hell is going on? I thought to myself.

I turned back to face my enemy, who currently stood at the other end of the street, looking over his now golden, glowing gauntlet. He looked up at me before slowly walking my way. I grinned as I stepped down from the pile of rubble and made my way toward him.

What started out as a walk turned into jogging, then to running, until we were both straight up charging each other. I raised my scythe for an attack and he pulled back his fist for a punch when suddenly, two spells slammed into us.

Both of our bodies locked up and fell to the ground, unable to move. What the hell? I thought to myself. Suddenly, a large shadow flew over me, followed by a smaller one. A few moments later, Celestia and Luna stood between me and my enemy.

“What is the meaning of this?” Celestia yelled as she lifted me off the ground with her magic. She lowered the paralyzing spell, allowing me to move again. I rolled my head around, working out the temporary stiffness that had fallen upon it.

“God damn it! You just couldn't stay out of this, could you?” I groaned.

“Enough!” Celestia shouted, her voice causing one of the ruined buildings nearby to collapse. I just gave her an annoyed look before I noticed a cloud of red aura start rising from behind her. “Why must you always cause trouble?” she asked, her tone growing colder by the second. “I gave you a chance to redeem yourself, and you still deci-” she was cut off as I shoved her out of the way, only to be hit head on by the dog-like creature covered in the cloud of red aura.

We both rocketed backwards. He slammed his boots into the ground, bringing us to a sudden stop. He held my neck in his claw-like hands as he brought me up to his face. He glared at me, his eyes now completely red and full of rage. I brought my fist back and delivered a hard punch to his jaw, but he just stood there, unaffected by the attack.

His grip on my throat tightened as he lifted me into the air before slamming me into the ground repeatedly. My vision blurred and I could feel myself losing consciousness. I felt my teeth flatten back out and my black tears flow back into my eyes. “That’s it! I-I can’t take it!”

............Marcus........
I opened my eyes, only to find myself caught in the grip of the large, dog-like creature. “Wha-what are you?” I choked out. The red mist around the creature started to fade as the beast calmed down. His once red eye had turned to aquamarine. He looked down at me, breathing heavily as he answered my question.

“I am Joat, and I am the one that will end your life.” He quickly brought back his fist and slammed it into my chest.
“AHHHHH!” I screamed as I felt the metal gauntlet punch through my flesh and break open my rib cage. Joat smiled as he found exactly what he was looking for. I gasped as I felt him grab the watch within my chest before ripping it from my broken body.

My screams of agony echoed down the street as I felt the silver object leave my chest. He stood up, holding the watch in his hands, a smirk spread across his face as he looked down at me.

“This trinket seems to be very important to you.” Tears welled up in my eyes as I tried to reach for the watch. Joat just chuckled as he placed the watch in his coat pocket. I think I will hang on to this. You won’t be needing it anymore since you will be dead shortly.” His grin widened as he lifted up his boot. My vision began to go black, and I could feel life leaving my body. I felt cold and broken.

As I laid there bleeding out with no hope of escaping my fate, a strong force slammed into my face as Joat's boot continued to stomp my head until there was nothing left of it.

..........Joat..........
I felt a wave of pleasure wash over me at the sight of the dead reaper at my feet. “Revenge always does taste so sweet,” I say to myself as I turn to leave. I didn't get four feet until a large, white figure leaped out in front of me.

Celestia stood there, her horn posed forward. It began to glow as she charged her spell. I smirked before rushing forward and grabbing her horn. She gasped, and her eyes opened wide as she struggled to force magic down her horn. It sparked a few times, but no spell came from it. I chuckled as I let her go and quickly back, handing her, sending her flying a short distance.

Luna growled before firing off a spell of her own. I quickly slapped the spell back at her. Luna gasped as she saw the spell rebound off of my gauntlet. Before she could react, the spell slammed into her. She too flew a short distance before landing next to her sister.

“It would be wise if you just stay down. I don't want to kill you, but if you try to follow me, then I will have no choice but to do so.” Luna gave me an angered look, but didn't get up. “Ha-ha good pony!” I say before leaping into the air and landing on top of a nearby building.

There was something different about this one. I thought to myself as I looked down at the corpses lying in the street. I have a strange feeling that this isn't over. I shocked the thought from my mind as I turned away and began to make my way out of the city.

.........Celestia........
The sun goddess slowly sat up, her sister sitting beside her. “Sister, are you injured?” Luna asked as she began to look over Celestia's body.
“I’m fine lulu,” I say as I stand to my hooves. “Where is the diamond dog?” I ask as I look around the ruined street.

“He's gone,” Luna replied. The sound of metal hitting stone reached my ears as a squad of soldiers rounded the street corner.

“Are you alright your majesty?” the commander asked before giving a quick salute.

“I’m fine captain, but I want you to gather more guards and be ready to lead a search party.”

“Right away your majesty, who is it we are hunting?” the commander asked as he dropped his salute.

“I want you to find out everything you can about a diamond dog by the name of Joat, and when you find him, I want him alive if possible.”
“As you wish your highness.” He gave one more salute before turning to his squad. “I want three of you to come with me to ready the search party. The rest of you, set up road blocks and search for any injured.”

“Yes sir!” the guards all said in unison. The guard gave one more salute before running toward the castle, followed by three guards.
“Sister, are you sure this is wise?” Luna asked as we walked down the ruined street.

“Whatever do you mean?” I ask, turning my head in her direction.
“We were just thinking that if that diamond dog could defeat the human so easily, then wouldn't the same fate fall on the search party you plan to send after him?”

I stopped and let my sister’s words set in my mind for a few seconds before answering. “You have a point,” I reply as I turn to face her again.
“I will return to the palace and call off the search party so you are not chasing after him then?” Luna asked while giving me a confused look.
“No, I still plan to have somepony look for him,” I reply as I resume my walk, “but this pony will have a more chaotic approach to capturing this foe.”

“You’re sending Discord after him?” Luna gasped. “Do you think he can be trusted with such a task? You do remember the incident with Tirek, do you not?”

“Yes,” I reply, a small smile touching my lips, “but I can think of no other pony better suited for this task.”
“If you say so sister,” Luna said as she walked over to a tall form laying in a small crater. I sigh before walking to stand next to her. We both looked down at the now dead being, his head now gone, smashed to bits.

A hint of sorrow washed over me as I looked upon what was left of Marcus Creed, the human. Luna stepped closer to him, her horn lighting up as she grasped his discarded hat in her magic. She placed it over his smashed face before crossing his arms across his chest.

“Sleep well strange one, and may you find peace.” Her voice held much sadness as she spoke to the fallen human. I placed a hoof on her shoulder. Luna looked up at me; a small tear ran down her face. “Sister, I do not know why I cry, but I can't help but feel sorrow for him.

“It’s alright Luna,” I say as I pull my sister close. Another tear ran down Luna's face. I wiped the tear away with a hoof as a warm smile crossed my face. “I will make sure his body is treated with the dignity it deserves.”

“Thank you Tia,” Luna responded as we resumed our walk.

........??????.........
Guards crowded the dark street as they dug and cleared away the rubble of the fallen buildings. A tall, shadowy figure walked through the ruined street, unnoticed by the guards as he made his way toward the form of the dead human ahead of him.

His shadows danced around him, casting a shadow on the darkness itself. He stopped as he looked down at the fallen reaper. His shadows began to crawl toward the body, threatening to devour it. Suddenly, a gray mist surrounded the dead human’s body, forming a protective barrier that blocked out the shadows.

“Still alive, ha-ha I expected as much.” the shadowy figure spoke, his voice just above a whisper. My shadows retracted back to my body. “I am not here to harm you; Only to provide you with a little assistance.” I knelt down beside the mist covered body. “So I ask you reaper, will you allow me to help you?”

The mist covered body twitched and the gray mist faded away once again, revealing the body of the reaper. I chuckled as I removed the hat that covered what was left of his face. “That creature really did a number on you, didn't he child?”

I opened my talons as a small, black pill formed in my clawed hand. “This should allow you a temporary means of life,” I say as the pill floats from my talons and is absorbed into the reaper’s body. “Its affects are only temporary and may corrupt the balance of your mind, but it will allow you to retrieve what was stolen from you.......but it’s gonna hurt.” A grin spreads across my face as I say the last words....”it’s gonna hurt a lot.”

I watch as his body begins to twitch and shake violently. “Your body is rejecting it.” I lean closer to my patient’s face. “There’s more than one of you in there,” I say as I run a talon across his newly healed face. “That’s going to complicate things.”
I turn away from him and find myself face to face with another entity, cloaked in fire. “You have no right to be here Oblivion,” I growl as the hellish entity walks closer, his eye glowing a sickening red.

“Neither do you, Lord Shadows.”

“I am the one who dwells within the cracks of reality. I go where I please,” I spat at the demon-like creature in front of me.

“And I am a creator of reality. I have more right then you,” Oblivion replied, his patience growing thin.

“What would you want with a realm as weak as this one?” I ask as I walk toward him.

“I have no interest in this realm. I have come for him,” Oblivion said as he pointed toward the body of the fallen reaper. “A fallen death god is just too much to resist,” he said as he made a move toward the body. A wall of shadows sprang up in front of him, blocking his path.
“You have no right to claim him. It must be by his choice,” I say as I summon a wall of shadow around the reaper’s body. “You already control the deaths of your subjects in your realm. Why would this being prove to be any use to you?” I ask as I continue to stare down the hellish entity.

He chuckled before taking another step forward. “The gift of death is wasted upon a being as weak as him,” he replied. “I only wish to relive him of his gift. It would be put to better use in the hands of someone who knows how to control it.”

“And I suppose you think you have the right.” I growled.

Oblivion's form grew taller as he forced more of himself into the realm. “I am a co-creator of existence. I have more right than anyone.”
“You’re only the co-creator of your own reality,” I replied. “You hold no power over his.” The fire around oblivion burned brighter as his anger grew.

“You will give him to me shadows, or I will burn this realm to the ground! That reaper has already released enough damned souls onto this world that it would be nothing more than a kindness to end its fate quickly!”

I growled as I heard the words leave his lips. “You know they won’t let such a thing happen,” I spat back. Oblivion burst out in demonic laughter at my words.

“And I don’t see the protectors here to stop me!” He suddenly lunged forward at an attempt to get past me. My shadows quickly wrapped around him, barely holding him in place. Even though he was just a shade of his true self, he still held a tremendous amount of strength.

A large blade suddenly appeared in Oblivion’s hands as he sliced through the shadowy veil with ease. I brought my hands forward, summoning a large book into existence. The large chain that bound it shut snapped, but before the book could open, a strong force knocked me and Oblivion to our knees. A loud roar escaped Oblivion’s lips as he began to push up against the force that was currently holding us in place.

I sighed and relaxed my body, allowing my shadows to extend across the dark street. By extending my darkness, I was able to sit in a more comfortable position.

A figure stepped fourth from a black, swirling vortex. He stood fourteen feet tall and dawned a metal staff and a black cloak, his face hidden from the world.

“That one belongs to us,” he said. His voice was raspy and as thick as mud. Oblivion growled as he watched the figure step fourth and claim the body of the reaper. He looked from me to Oblivion before a small sigh left his lips.

“Enough realms have fallen victim to the fights between the two of you, so can you just once stop arguing?”
“You dare tell me what to do? You have the courage to demand something from the lord of the abyss?” Oblivion yelled as his fire burned even brighter. The hooded figure just looked at him, not amused.

“Do not force me to call upon the order again, Lord Oblivion. They are already upset that you have ignored the terms of out treaty.”
“To hell with your treaties!” Oblivion yelled before charging the tall figure. The hooded being just shook his head and gently tapped his staff against the broken street.

“Be gone with you shade.” Oblivion's form burst into flames and was gone in a puff of smoke.

“And you,” the figure said, pointing a finger at me. “What did you do to our elder’s body?”

“I did nothing,” I replied. “I meant your elder no harm. I only wanted to help him.” The hooded figure stood motionless for a few seconds before responding.

“I see no reason not to believe you Lord Shadows. You have never caused our order trouble, but the next time you try to infuse one of our kind with your shadows, we will have no choice but to add you to the to-die list, and nether of us want another war on our hands.”
The force that had been holding me down vanished, allowing me to move freely again. “Of course not gate keeper,” I say as I give him a humble bow. He returned the bow before disappearing, taking the fallen reaper with him. I stood there in the shadows of the ruined street, listening to the guard ponies talk as they cleared away the rubble of the fallen buildings.

Their mortal eyes could not see the events that had just transpired here. Their mortal eyes could not see us unless we desired them to. I sighed before turning toward the darkness of the night and disappeared into the shadows.

.........Oblivion The Lord Of The Abyss ..................
I fell to the hard stone floor of my throne room. “God damn you gate keeper! GOD DAMN YOU!” Fire erupted around my black armor as my anger grew.

How is it a weakling like him was able to cast away my shadow so easily? I punch the floor, smashing the stone and creating a small crater. I stood back up, still filled with rage. “Bring in the prisoners!” I yelled, causing the entire room to shake.

A knight clad in black armor and equipped with a large, double edged sword bowed before exiting the throne room. I walked up and sat on my throne. It was made of bones from my enemies. Large, spine-like thorns grew from the back of the throne and crawled up the wall behind me. I looked around the large room. A smile touched my lips, reveling my sharp, jagged teeth.

The large pillars held up the roof of the room. On each pillar were large, deadly spikes and on each spike was a damned soul, withering and screaming in pain, unable to die but still able to bleed. Their blood would drip down the large pillars into small channels which connected to a large fountain, full of the blood of the damned.

The throne room door burst open as the heavily armored knight walked back in, followed by six damned humans. I stood from my throne and began to walk toward them. A large sword, seven feet long, appeared in my right hand, the flames covering my body quickly covering the sword, setting the blade ablaze. The knight pushed in a brick on the wall beside him. The wall slid up, revealing a large variety of weapons.
“Take arms!” I ordered the humans, but none of them moved. I let out a low growl. “PICK UP A DAMN WEAPON!” The humans quickly ran to the wall and picked a weapon of their choice. After each of them had a weapon, I charged them faster than their mortal eyes could see.

I cleaved three of them into pieces before the other three could blink. I flung my large blade. It stabbed deep into one of their chests, killing them instantly. Now only two were left standing. I stood still and motioned for them to attack. They both ran forward, their swords raised high. I grinned as I suddenly appeared behind them, towering over them, standing fifteen feet in height.

I grabbed them both by the neck and lifted them up. I flung the one in my left hand against the wall. His body splattered against it, soaking it in blood. I looked at the last one, his face full of fear and my heart full of pleasure. I brought back my fist and punched his head clean off his body.

Flames spread down my arms and consumed the rest of his body. “Clean this up,” I say to the knight as I turn and walk back to my throne. The knight bowed and began to pick up the discarded weapons while the thorn covered vines that covered the far wall started to slither toward the other mutilated bodies. They wrapped around them and slowly dragged them back towards the wall. “Make sure to eat every single bite,” I say to the hellish plant.

The knight approached my throne after he had put away the weapons. “Is there anything else you require my lord?” he asked in a dark, distorted voice.

“Yes there is,” I replied. “Find my son and bring him to me. I have a job for him.”

.........Dying Rose........
Rose sat in her small apartment. The sun had just risen. It would have been a beautiful morning if it had not been for the storm clouds closing in. “Seriously, why must the weather team schedule a storm today?” I just let out a small sigh before crossing the small room to my couch/bed.

I picked up the bag of ice that I had left sitting on the coffee table before placing it to a rather large bump on my head. Lightning Rider hadn't left any permanent damage when he attacked me the other night, but he had managed to give me quite the display of bruises. I groan as I lay down. My head still felt like it had been cracked wide open.

My mind flashed back to the strange creature that had rescued me. “I hope he's alright,” I say to myself.
“Indeed, he is,” a whisper sounded across my small living room, a tall figure covered in shadows that emanated shadows themselves rising from nowhere. “Hello Rose,” he said as he sat on the other end of the couch.

“Good morning master,” I yelp as I quickly stand up and bow.

“Now Rose, there's no need to bow. Please, sit back down.”

“Uh, yes master,” I reply before sitting back on the couch.

“And please stop calling me master,” the entity said before plopping the ice pack on my head. I winced as a small wave of pain shot through my head. “You will be happy to know that your little human friend is alive, but I wouldn't say well.”

“Mast…..Lord Shadows, what do you mean by not well?” The entity turned its shadowed head in my direction.

“Rose, do you know what a Grim Reaper is?” he asked. I thought for a second before shaking my head. The entity chuckled. “I thought you wouldn't,” he said as he waved his clawed hand. The room grew dark as his shadow covered the room.

The darkness shifted before giving way to a large, skeleton-like creature, shrouded in a long, black cloak. “Master, wha-what is that?” I ask. The shadow entity sighed in annoyance.

“I told you to stop calling me that.”
“Sorry!” I squeak as I cowered under one of the couch pillows. He just chuckled before turning his attention back to the image of the being before them. “Grim Reapers, my dear Rose, are creatures that have existed almost as long as I have.

When life was created, death came as a side effect, but death could not move freely. He needed other beings to do his bidding, so death gave life to a creation known as the harvesters, or as most mortals call them, reapers. But death also gave himself a form. He is called the elder by his followers. Are you understanding any of this?” the entity asked, looking over at me a second time.

I nodded my head and remained silent. The entity chuckled once more before carrying on with his lesson. “But since death had now given himself a body, he had also fallen victim to his own power-“
“Like you?” I asked, cutting off the entity.

He sat in silence for a second before answering. “Sort of,” he responded. “I was a thought; the thought that created all thoughts. In my version of reality, I had always existed. I gave birth to the beings of light, and I gave birth to the darkness. I gave myself a body, and like everything else that lives, I now have an end.”

“What do you mean?” I asked the entity once more.
“My life will end when everything ends, as it is said within my tome of insanity. But I do not fear my own end. I will welcome death and go with him freely.”

“So when you die, that’s who is gonna kill you?” I ask, motioning a hoof at the image.
“No,” he replied. “Death’s reach is vast and takes many forms. It has been created over and over again in many different realms. When I die, it will be by other means.” We sat in silence for a moment as the entity thought about what he had just said. “But we’re getting off topic,” he said, ending the silence.

“Now, as I was saying, death gave himself a form, and now he too could die, but only his body. When he finds a mortal worthy enough to take his place, he will let that mortal slay him and transfer his energy to them, making them the new death.” The image in front of us shifts, taking on the form of Marcus.

“What does he have to do with any of this?” I ask as I jump from the couch and point a hoof at the image. The shadow covered floor growled as I jumped up and down in curiosity. I yelped before jumping back on the couch. A large, jagged toothed grin appeared on Shadow’s face as he pointed a talon at the image.

“That, my dear Rose, is the new god of death.” My mouth dropped open as the new information hit me.

“You mean I..I met death?” Shadows let out a small chuckle as he turned and looked at me.

“You met the reincarnation of death.” The image faded, and the shadows that had devoured my room slowly crawled back into the entity’s body.

“But that still doesn't answer my question,” I say as I jump from the couch once more. I jumped a few times to make sure that the floor wasn’t going to growl at me again. “What did you mean when you said he wasn't well?” The shadowy entity stood from the couch as he walked toward the window. The sunlight had now been blocked out by the dark storm clouds.

“Marcus the Reaper, hmm how do you ponies say it? He got his flank royally kicked and was almost killed by his attacker.” I gasped. An image of the human saving my life flashed through my mind before it was replaced by a badly bruised and beaten version of him. “You’re not too far off,” the shadowy entity said as he stood in front of me. “He actually looked like this.”

A sharp talon poked my forehead, an image of a badly beaten corpse lying in a small crater. His head had been all but smashed. Blood and brain matter was all that was left of his head and his chest was ripped wide open revealing broken bones and ripped organs.

Shadows removed his talon from my head, taking the sickening image with it. A wave of nausea washed over me before I emptied the contents of my stomach all over the living room floor. Shadows stepped back to avoid being hit with a stream of vomit.

“I thought you said he wasn't dead,” I croaked.

“He isn't,” Shadows replied, “He's just barely alive.”

“Who did this to him?” I asked as I felt another wave of nausea hit me.
“It was a diamond dog by the name of Joat.”

“How could a diamond dog do that to a god of death?” I ask as I grab the trashcan before vomiting in the small container.
“Because he wasn’t completely mortal; He was a grim reaper, the same as Marcus.”

“But he isn't an elder like Marcus is. You can’t really call him a reaper either. From what I could tell, he has been cursed with the curse of Jason.”

“What in the name of Tartarus is the curse of Jason?” I ask as I flop down on the couch. The shadow entity gave me a concerned look before answering me.

“Each reaper has their own unique ability and Jason was one of the first reapers ever created. He had the ability to steal years off one’s life and add it to his own. It would seem that this Joat character killed Jason, and his power transferred to Joat, but it doesn’t work the same way as it does with the elder. Joat’s new ability will only cause him pain and suffering.”

“Wait, how do you know he killed this Jason guy?” I asked.

“Because I saw him wearing Jason’s gauntlet.”

“Maybe he stole it,” I suggested.

“No one simply steals a reaper’s weapon,” Shadows replied. We sat there in silence after the words had left his lips. I snuggled into my pillow, groaning as a wave of pain shot through my head when a pointy object touched my head.

“What are you do-?” My eyelids grew heavy as I slowly lost consciousness.

...........Darker Shadows.......
I forced a little bit of my shadow down my talon and into the small pony’s head. The large bruises that had adorned her face slowly faded away, as did the rest of her injuries. I removed my talon and smiled at the sight of the small, sleeping Pegasus. She snored softly as she seeped into a deep sleep.

“How do you always manage to get such injuries?” I chuckle as I pull a blanket over Rose’s body. “But you ponies always do manage to fascinate me.” I ran my talons through her dark purple and black mane. A smile touched her lips as she snuggled against my hand. “Take care of yourself child, and try not to get yourself hurt again. It is quite bothersome that I have to patch you up all the time.”

I turn away from the sleeping pony and stare at the mess she had made with that little vomiting fit of hers. I chuckled as I waved my hand and the mess slowly disappeared. “Sleep well my young apprentice.” A large crack formed along her wall, giving way to the realm of shadows and insanity. I walk into the darkness, the crack slowly closing behind me.

..........Marcus.........
Screams filled my ears as I sat in the darkness of my mind. I felt cold. I felt like life itself had never laid a hand on me. “Make them stop!” I cried as the screams grew louder. Tears welled up in my eyes as I dropped to my knees. “Please! I beg you, make them stop!”

Whispers filled my ears, giving me no help from the screaming voices that echoed throughout my mind. I stood to my feet and began to run through the darkness, trying my best to out run the sound of that horrid screaming. “Please god, please make them stop!” My screams for help were cut short as I slammed into a tall figure standing in the darkness. I was knocked off my feet, but the tall figure just stood there, unfazed. “Demon is..is that you?”

The figure slowly turned around and stared down at me. There was no denying it; this was my inner demon. It still wore my black clothes and wide brimmed fedora, but something wasn't right. His head was gone, no not gone. It was covered in shadows. All I could see was his dark red orbs that served as his eyes.

A sharp, jagged toothed grin appeared on his shadowy face. He lowered his head and burst out in a fit of laughter. No, no wait, he wasn't laughing he...he was crying. That wasn't his insane laughter that I had gotten so used to hearing, they were cries of sadness.

His wails of pain echoed throughout the darkness of our shared mind. He dropped to his knees. I could make out tears running down his face. I moved toward him, but as I moved forward, he jumped back. “What have you done to us? How could you have been so stupid?”

I ignored him and pressed forward. “No! No! You don’t understand!” he yelled. “Stay away from me!” I lunged forward and pulled him into my arms. His sobbing suddenly stopped and his body went still. “You've angered him! You allowed the shadows into his domain!” he croaked. The demon looked up at me, his hollow eyes filled with fear. “He is coming to punish us! You have brought this on us!” Silence fell over the darkened abyss as the words left his lips. Not even the screams from earlier could be heard. It was total and utter silence.

Suddenly, I felt the demon’s body twitch. I looked down and no longer saw a demonic copy of myself. In my arms was now a tall, thin creature. Its skin was a sickly grey and its body seemed to be nothing but skin and bone. I jumped away from the creature and began to crawl away. It slowly stood to its feet.

Standing before me was an extremely tall creature. It wore no clothes. It's skin clung to its ribs, giving off an even more sickly appearance. Its hands were long and stretched, containing long, sharp talons. Its face sent a shiver down my spine. Like my demon, its eye sockets were empty, but two crimson orbs glowed within their depths and a black liquid seeped from the sockets.

Its skin was pulled tight across it face and its mouth formed a large smile, sealed shut by a series of stitches. Long, black hair covered its head, but two seven inch, ebony horns stuck out from the creatures dark locks of hair and above them hovered a small, black halo.

The creature slowly raised a clawed finger up to its chest and slowly dragged the razor sharp claw across it, leaving a large cut in its wake. The wound began to spill with black blood and dark mist as the wound slowly opened, revealing a large, red, demonic eye underneath. The monster spread its arms out wide and as it did, two large, black, feathery wings sprouted from its back.

I tried to move. I tried to run, but that eye on his chest held me in place as long as its dark gaze was fixed on me. My body refused to move. The thing took a step forward. It almost closed the gap between us with only one stride of its long legs. Fear's grip had already taken hold of me, and I don't think its gonna let me go any time soon.

The creature took another step closer, closing the gap between us. He leaned down, bringing its face close to mine. A faint whisper touched my ears. “Traitor,” the dark voice spat. “I chose you because I thought you were strong. I thought you were worthy to be my divine instrument of death, a being powerful enough to wield my scythe, but you failed me. You’re nothing more than worthless trash.”

The creature’s long arm jutted forward and began to lift me up. Its hollow eyes stared deep into mine. The red orbs began to grow darker as he continued to stare at me. “Kill me,” I choked out. The monster gave me a confused look.

“Why would I destroy my own vessel?” the whispers asked. “No. I’m going to punish you, not kill you. Ready yourself child, to look into my eyes is to know ultimate pain and suffering.” My body began to feel numb. I couldn't move anything. The creature’s hollow eyes stared deep into me, their gaze bringing fourth images, dark images, full of death, full of pain and darkness.

I saw countless people being slaughtered. I saw children die by the hand of their own mothers. This wasn't my past, no this was the past of every soul this dark entity has claimed since its time of existence. I saw every single way a person could die. I felt the pain of their deaths. I felt the sorrow that their loved ones felt after each victim died.

“Embrace what you are,” the whispers demanded. “Cast out the shadows within you and embrace your true self. Cherish the gift I have given you. Embrace the pain it brings you. The sorrow molds you into what you will be...no, what you must be.”

Tears welled up in my eyes as the images of the fallen continued to flash before my eyes. Unbearable pain shot through my body in large waves. The pain of death’s victims surged through me as each poor soul was killed. I died over a thousand ways in a just a few minutes.

“I am now you and you are now me,” the creature whispered. “We endure the pain of the dead. We cause the suffering of the living.” More pain shot through my body as screams filled my ears. This feeling was unbearable. Hell could not create a greater form of torture. It was as if I could see the death of everything past, present, and future.

The stitches that held the creature’s mouth shut began to rip open. “We are death,” the monster spoke, “and death is all we can ever be. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, we are nothing more than dust, and to the dust all shall return.”

.................Gate Keeper...........
A bright light flashed across a dark, barren wasteland as it gave way to a tall, dark figure carrying a smaller figure in his arms. I sighed as I looked around the dead world. “We reapers are forced to live in home sweet home,” I mutter as I make my way toward a tall, dark structure off in the distance.

A cold, dry wind blows across my cloak as I tread across the ash covered ground. The elder’s body twitched slightly in my arms. I chuckle. “It seems our dear leader is having a bad dream,” I say to myself.

The wind suddenly picked up, stirring up the ash that covered the ground. I picked up the pace, trying to get to headquarters as quickly as possible. “I don’t want to be caught out here when the ash storm hits.” After about another thirteen minutes I stood in front of a large, black, metal door. I managed to bring out my staff and gave the door a few hard knocks.

I growled in annoyance when no one answered. I gave the door a few more knocks with my staff, leaving large dents with each hit. “I’M COMING!” a voice yelled from behind the thick, metal door. My staff faded away from my grip, and the dents in the large door slowly repaired themselves.

There were a few loud clicks as locks were unlocked. After another few minutes, the door slowly began to open. A young man in his twenties stood before me. He wore a red pair of sleep clothes. A belt holstering two 454 casull pistols hung from his right shoulder. His long, red, spiky hair covered his eyes and a low frown hung on his face.

“Why is it that you need me to open a door for you? I mean, you are the gate keeper. Isn't it your job to open doors?” the young reaper asked in an annoyed tone.

“Well maybe if you moved that damn hair out of your eyes you would see why I need your help Yuri!” Yuri sighed before reaching into his pocket and pulled out a pair of black sunglasses. They were the kind of thing you would see a blind person wearing. It was fitting, considering Yuri was blind.

The red headed reaper brushed back his hair, revealing his empty eye sockets before placing the glasses upon his face. “So this is him then?” Yuri asked as he raised an eyebrow and poked the limp body in my arms.

“Indeed it is,” I replied. Yuri let out another sigh before stepping back and motioning for me to come in. The large iron door slammed shut behind me. The sound of its many locks could be heard resetting. “I guess you can take him to the doc. I'll go wake up the rest of the order, and send a message out to the others to return home. This is more important than work,” Yuri said as he turned and walked down the long, dark corridor.

I let out a low sigh before turning and making my way toward the laboratory. I descended the dark staircase leading to the lower levels of the castle. The air grew cold and demonic screams could be heard from the holding cells deep under the catacombs. I kept descending deeper and deeper down the dark spiral staircase until I finally reached a small landing.

Two corridors one led down a small corridor into darkness. The other led to the ruined remains of an ancient broken bridge. I walked toward the destroyed bridge, praying that out dear paranoid doctor didn't change the illusions again. I neared the middle of the bridge, drawing closer to the section that looked to had collapsed.

I took another step forward. A sigh of relief left my lips as I felt my foot connect to an invisible floor and not thin air. I quickened my pace as I made my way toward the good doctors laboratory.

I walked down another corridor that opened up to a large laboratory. It wasn't really the cleanest place in existence. Blood stained the far wall, strange objects were scattered across the floor, and odd inventions clustered the many shelves that circled the room. I looked around, seeing no sign of the good doctor.

“Hey doc, you in here?” I yelled. There was a loud bang as what sounded like a large chunk of metal hit the floor.
“DAMN IT!” A familiar voice echoed around the lab.

“Doc, where are you?” I yelled again.

“I'm in my office,” an annoyed voice called out from a room to my left. I walked over to a nearby examination table and laid our unconscious leader down on it.

His body went stiff like all his muscles had suddenly locked up. I was about to head to the doc’s office when Marcus's body began to twitch and shake violently. I head to quickly grab him to keep him from rolling off the table. “DOC, GET IN HERE!” I yell as I try to hold down the elder’s body, “NOW!”

I yelled once more. There was the sound of more heavy objects hitting the floor before the sound of footsteps reached my ears. After a few seconds, the slinky figure of Doc stood on the other side of the table. His long, blonde hair was a mess. His white lab coat was covered in blood, a black sludge. His dark green eyes scanned over the form that was currently violently flopping around on the metal table.

“Right,” Doc said as he looked up at me, “First, may I ask who this is?” he asked with a confused look.

“It’s your new elder,” I grunt as I strain to hold him down.

“No. No way,” Doc said as he placed his hands on his hips. “There’s no way this kid is the elder. I mean, look at him! He's so......young.” Marcus's eyes suddenly shot open. They seemed glazed over. Doc looked at him with astonishment. “No...no. He can’t be,” Doc stuttered. Marcus let out and agonized cry as blood began seep from his eyes.

Doc smashed a button on the side of the table. Straps burst from under the metal table and began to rap around Marcus's arms and legs, pinning him to the table. Screams of fear and pain escaped his lips as his eyes darted around the room like he could see something we couldn't.

“Doc, are you going to tell me what the hell is going on here?” I asked, but he just ignored me and began to rip open Marcus's shirt. His eyes went wide when he saw what he was looking for.

“Oh dear,” he said as he leaned in closer. “Oh that's not good.....that's not good at all,” he said in a worried voice.
“What?” I asked as I leaned forward as well. A gasp escapes my lips. A large hole was ripped open above his heart and what seemed to be a shadow like creature was attempting to seal the large, gaping hole. It would lay down new flesh, which was quickly eaten away by a dark gray mist. Doc looked from the wound up to me. “Gate keeper?”
“Yes?” I replied.

“Is this truly the new elder?” he asked.

“He was the one who defeated Dark, so he is the new elder by rules of death’s combat,” I replied. A panicked look filled his eyes. He let out a worried sigh as he ran across the lab and began tossing trinkets left before returning back to the table. He held what looked like a cutting torch attached to a strange tank of liquid.

He lit the torch, causing black and blue flames to spring to life. He turned down the torch, bringing the flames to a straight, steady beam of dark energy. “What is that?” I ask curiously.

“It a combination of holy flame and hellfire.”

“And how will that help?” I yelled in panic. Doc sat the torch down as he slid on thick welding gloves.

“His body has been introduced to the shadows of insanity,” he explained. “In some cases, they can prove to be quite useful when it comes to healing, but not to an elder reaper. He is the soul embodiment of death, pure and divine. His body sees it as a threat; it’s rejecting it.”
“Well get it out of him!” I yell. “But that still doesn't explain why he's in so much pain.”

“Yes, the shadow would bring him pain,” he replied, “but it wouldn't cause any mental damage. I mean, look at him.” I look over Marcus's body.
“What am I supposed to be seeing?” I ask, confused. Doc face palms before walking around to Marcus's head.
“The pain isn’t coming from his chest; it’s coming from his mind. It’s as if death is punishing its host.”
“That sounds ridiculous,” I say.

“It’s just a theory,” he replied, picking up the cutting torch once more.
“What do you plan to do with that?”

“I'm gonna burn the shadows out of him,” he replied. “It’s quite clear death wants it gone.” he leans forward and slowly burns the flesh around gaping hole in the elder’s chest. Each time the fire touched the shadow, it would shriek and retract.

“Come on you little bastard!” Doc said as he continued to burn away at it. After a few minutes passed, he quickly thrust his hand forward and closed it around the shadow. The shadow snarled and began to eat away at the thick glove on his hand. He quickly ran over to a nearby tank, removed the glove, and tossed it into the glass container before slamming the lid shut.

The shadow devoured the discarded glove and began to slowly drift around the small tank. “Do you intend to keep that thing?” I asked.
“So what if I do?” Doc replied. “I might even be able to make something to help our dear new elder adapt to it, just in case such a situation ever rises again.”

“I highly doubt you can do that Doc,” I reply.

“Well we’ll never know unless we try,” he answered. “Now, back to the task at hand.” He clapped his hands together as he walked back toward Marcus. His eyes still seeped with blood, and even though the screaming had stopped, he was still shaking violently.
“What now?” I ask.

“Well, first we’re gonna take care of that giant hole in his chest.”

“It would seem his artifact is gone,” I say as I stare at the misty, bloody wound.

“It would appear so,” Doc chimed in.

“We could always use the never clock,” I suggest.

“Yes, but they’re only temporary,” Doc said as he examined Marcus's eyes. “Hmmm, you go upstairs and see what you can do about locating his artifact. I'll prepare a never clock and then see what’s going on up here,” Doc said as he tapped Marcus's forehead.
“Sounds like a plan,” I say as I turn to leave.

............The Good Doctor..........
I watch as the gate keeper leaves the lab. He looked tense and worried. “That's very strange for him; he never shows emotion,” I sigh as I turn back to my patient. His body was still trembling, but the straps had made sure that he didn't go anywhere. I had never heard of an elder as young as the one lying on the metal table in front of me. This guy couldn't have been over twenty. He had barely lived his life.

I lean down and place a hand on his shoulder. He twitched away. I chuckled at the display. “It’s alright, I’m here to help you,” I whisper into his ear. “I promise I will fix you right up.” A warm smile touches my lips when I feel him relax slightly.

“Now, let’s patch up that hole, shall we?” I reach under the table and pull out a large suitcase. The symbol of a large clock was burnt into the thick leather. “This is a demonic artifact. I would be lying if I told you this was safe,” I say more to myself than to him. I turn the hands on the clock. It ticked a few times and the suitcase opened.

As I opened the case, a sudden feeling of dread washed over me. A tear dripped down my face as a long forgotten memory drifted to the front of my mind. I was ready to break down in tears right then and there when I remembered why I had opened the case in the first place.
I sighed as I lifted a small, metal object from the case. It was rusted and radiated a dark, demonic energy. I look down at the hellish artifact in the palm of my hand. It was a rusted up, broken pocket watch. The hands would attempt to move around, but would be quickly pulled back into place.

“This was one of Lucifer's failed attempts at making one of death's divine artifacts,” I say as I turn back to my patient. “He was never able to get it right, but he got pretty close.” A slight chuckle escapes my lips as I position the watch above the large hole in his chest. I was about an inch away from the wound, when the hellish artifact was suddenly pulled into the awaiting injury.

His body suddenly went still. Even his eyes had quit moving. I stared down at the man, confused. “Well that's ......different,” I say as I examine the rusted up watch. The hands were slowly turning backwards. “No, that's impossible! They only do that when a demon.........”
I slowly turn my head toward the elder’s face. His mouth was spread into a large, sharp- toothed grin. His eyes were gone, their sockets empty, save for a sickening red glow in their center. Black liquid streamed down his face, giving off the appearance of black tears. “.....oh god, what have I done?”

The thick straps that had been holding him down snapped. I tried to jump away, but he was too quick. His hands jutted forward and wrapped around my throat.

.......Demon Marcus..........
“Wow! What a wakeup call,” I say as I hold the so called Doctor in my grip. “I thank you kindly for freeing me from that hellish punishment.” I remove one of my hands, but continue to hold the doctor by the throat. I examine the rusted up piece of junk watch that currently sat in my chest.

My grin grew even bigger as I felt it continue to give me energy. I lean close to the doc’s face and inhale deeply through my nose. “Haha, you’re no human, and your sure as hell not a pony.” I take one more sniff as a realization hit me. A demonic cackle escaped my lips as I finally knew what that Joat character meant by my kind.

“You’re a reaper, aren’t you?” I ask as I gently stroke the side of his head with one of my clawed hands.
“Correct,” he choked out.

“Well doc reaper, tell me why I shouldn't just rip your head off right here, right now.”
The doctor just gave me a calm and cool expression. “Because if you kill me, you will have no chance at getting your original watch back,” he replied.

“Why would I want it back?” I chuckle. “As long as I still have this one, that pussy Marcus can't gain control over his body anymore.”
“The never clock doesn’t last forever,” he calmly replied. “Even if it’s hooked up to a demon, it will still burn out.” A growl escapes my lips as I lean closer to his face.

“Go on,” I say, my grip on his throat growing tighter.

“You have a total of four days before that hellish artifact runs out of juice. After that, you will slowly die,” he replied, his expression still calm and collected. A low growl rumbled in my throat as I realized what I had to do.

“Ok Doc, tell me where I can find my watch.”

“I don’t know,” he replied, “but I know someone who does.”

“Well then, take me to him,” I say as I release his throat. He coughed a few times before straightening his lab coat.
“Shall we?” he asked, motioning towards the door.

“After you,” I replied. We left the lab and crossed what a large bridge. If I were a human, the bridge would have looked like it had been destroyed, but my demonic eyes could see through the cheap illusion. We walked into a dark corridor with another corridor branching off from it. The doctor did a quick turn and began to head down with me following close behind him.

We walked for several minutes until we entered a dark room covered in runes and strange symbols. A large white circle was positioned in the center of the room. A tall figure cloaked in black sat in the middle of it, his legs and arms crossed. “How's the search going Gatekeeper?” the Doc asked as he stepped forward, careful to not step into the large glowing circle.

The Gatekeeper grunted. “I'm able to sense his artifact, but I can't pinpoint its exact location. It's in a world we reapers aren’t too familiar with. It’s a world dominated by equines. The world is ruled over by princesses. The species is intelligent, and for some odd reason, the elder’s soul is bound to this place.”

“Yea, about the elder,” the Doc said nervously, “He wants to speak to you.” The gate keeper looked up. As soon as he saw me, he jumped to his feet and summoned a long, metal staff.

“Why have you brought a demon, this demon, here?” I quickly grab the doctor by his throat and pulled him close to me before placing one of my sharp claws to his neck.

“Let’s not do anything stupid,” I mocked. The Gatekeeper ignored me and began to walk forward. “Damn it! I warned you,” I say as I slit the doctor’s throat. Blood burst from his neck and spilled to the floor at our feet, but the doctor didn't go down. He stood there, counting the seconds on his fingers as they went by.

He got to twelve and the cut on his neck healed shut. “Twelve seconds exactly,” he said as he pulled out a small notepad and pencil. “Three seconds slower than last time,” he said as he put the notepad away. “You’re gonna need a lot more than that to put me down,” he said as he turned to face me. I grinned at his remark as I felt the long handle of my scythe form in my hand.

The Gatekeeper lunged forward, attempting to hit me with his staff. I quickly raise my hand and catch the metal rod while doing a quick spin and placed the blade of my scythe behind the doctor’s neck. He stiffed up and a look of fear crossed his face.

“Ok, here's a lot more!” I say as I pull the scythe toward me. It slowly began to cut into the doctor’s neck.

“Wait!” the Gatekeeper yelled as he released his staff, leaving it in my grip. I chuckle as I toss the metal pole aside and lower my scythe. “What is it you want?” the Gatekeeper asked as a short, insanity filled laugh escaped my lips before I answered him.

“I just want to get my watch back.”

“But I haven’t found its exact location,” the Gatekeeper replied, a hint of annoyance in his voice.

“Then get me as close to it as you can,” I said, another laugh escaping my lips.

“If you insist,” he replied in frustration. He opened his hand and his staff flew back into his grip. I quickly grabbed the doctor and placed the blade of my scythe to his neck. The Gatekeeper turned away, gripping his staff in both hands. He slowly began to spread his arms outwards, his staff floating in front of him.

The air in front of him began to crackle with energy as the symbols that covered the walls began to come together, forming a large door made of pure energy. The Gatekeeper quickly grabbed his floating staff and slammed it on the stone floor. The energy based door flashed and became a thick, solid, metal door.

I lowered my scythe once again and walked to stand next to the Gatekeeper. “Where will this take me?” I asked.

“I looked for traces of energy left by your demonic presence. I chose one at random and opened a door to it. I haven't the slightest idea where you will end up,” he replied.

The large, metal door opened, flooding the room with a bright light. I twirled my scythe as I walked toward the door. I threw the weapon into the air. It quickly vanished, awaiting my call to use it again. I took a deep breath. My eternal grin grew. I let out one more laugh before stepping into the bright light.

.......Twilight.........
I stood there in astonishment as a wall on the far side of the room shifted into a large door, made entirely of light. Spike dropped the broom he had been holding. His bottom jaw dropped as well when he caught sight of the door. “T-Twilight, what is that?” he stuttered.

“I-I don’t know.” The light shifted as a tall, dark figure stepped from its depths. His white hair was a mess and his large hat was missing. “Marcus,” I stutter. The door closed behind him and vanished, taking the bright, blinding light with it. I stared at the figure in front of me. Through closer inspection, and without that blinding light, I could finally see what was standing in front of me.

I gasped and quickly jumped back, preparing a spell. “Spike, get behind me,” I ordered. Spike just stood there, still confused by the situation. The demonic Marcus slowly turned his head toward the baby dragon. His hollow eyes stared at Spike. The red, sickening glow within their depths glowed with excitement and curiosity.

“Well aren’t you an adorable little thing?” he said, taking a step toward Spike.

“Spike, get behind me, now!” I yelled once more. He jumped as he was snapped out of his trance and quickly ran behind me.
“Aw! I only wanted to pet him,” the demon said while making a pout face and clinking his sharp claws together.

“You stay away from him,” I growled as I forced magic down my horn. The demon grinned and quickly jumped forward and grabbed my horn, cutting off my magic. I grunted as I attempted to free myself from his grip. The demon human just laughed as he continued to hold me in place.

“Oh how I love it when they struggle,” he said. Suddenly, I felt tiny claws climb up my back and onto my head. Spike quickly drew in a breath before blowing a small gust of green flame at the demon’s face. He too opened his mouth and breathed in the green flames. “Oh, spicy!” he said, another laugh escaping his lips.

“Let her go!” Spike yelled as he quickly bit down on the demon’s wrist. He quickly let go. “Ow!” he yelped as he pulled his arm back with Spike still latched onto it. He raised Spike up to his face, an annoyed look on his face, his large grin now replaced by a frown. “Would you please let go?” he demanded.

Spike had a terrified look on his face but continued to bite down on the demon’s arm. “Fine, have it your way,” the demon said as he grabbed the end of Spike’s tail. He tugged down hard, pulling Spike off his arm. He gently placed the purple dragon on my back before examining his wrist. Spike's teeth had torn a large amount of skin off, revealing bone and muscle underneath. The wound bled with black blood for a few seconds before new skin crawled back over it.

“Now that that's over, how about we all just calm down and talk things out?” the demon said. He slowly raised his hands in surrender. “Oh, and lizard, you have a little something right there,” the demon said, pointing at Spike’s mouth, which was now covered in black blood. Spike ran a claw over his mouth and fainted after seeing the black liquid on his claws.

We both just stared at the baby dragon, now passed out on the floor of the library. “Does he do that often?” the demon asked while pointing and raising an eyebrow. I didn't answer. He gave me an annoyed look. “I have no intentions of hurting you,” he said as he took a step closer. I quickly took two steps back, keeping my horn aimed at him. He let out a sigh as he ran a clawed hand down his face.

“I’m sorry for the events that took place in your basement a couple nights ago. It wasn't really my fault,” he said as he continued his apology. “I had just recently been released from my cell in Marcus's mind, and if you were trapped in the dark corners of someone’s mind for twenty one years, you would be a bit cranky too.” A silence fell over the room after he had finished. He took another step forward and I took two more steps back.

The demon let out an annoyed groan. “Fine, you know what, maybe this will make things a little less tense,” he said before opening his mouth and slowly lowering two claw-like fingers down his throat. A few moments later, he pulled out a thick black chain about five feet long before letting it coil and lock around his wrist. “There, now there's no way I could hurt you,” he said before sitting cross legged on the floor.
“I thought you were with the princess,” I say as I cut off the flow of magic to my horn, canceling my spell.

“Oh, I was,” he replied, “But some things happened. Got my ass kicked and the thing that was keeping me alive was stolen. I almost died, but didn't. Then I met some new friends. They gave me this.” He opened his jacket to reveal a rusted, old pocket watch. The face of the watch was gone and the ticking hands of the watch could be seen winding backwards.

“Where's Marcus?” I ask, taking a step forward.

“He is currently being punished by death within my mind for his stupidity. I can actually hear him screaming as we speak.”
“Why is he being punished?” I asked in a worried tone.

“It’s a long story and I’m not in the mood for telling it,” the demon replied, his large grin still on his face.

“Wh-why did you come to me?” I stuttered.

“Well, it was actually coincidence that I came here,” he replied. “I’m actually looking for the thief that stole my watch. We couldn't pinpoint his exact location, so my new friends just sent me to one of the few places that had traces of my demonic energy and I guess this happened to be one of them.” I looked at him in confusion. What is he talking about demonic energy traces? New friends? This stuff isn’t making any sense.
A loud belch caused me to lose my train of thought. I looked over to see that Spike, while still passed out, had spat out a letter. The demon looked at the dragon, his eyes full of curiosity. “Da fuck did he just do?” the demon asked. I ignored him and picked up the letter, opening it with my magic.

Dear Twilight

The reason I am sending you this letter is to inform you of grim news. The human known as Marcus Creed was killed late last night. He disobeyed my orders to not leave the castle grounds and engaged a diamond dog known as Joat in conflict. He was killed shortly after Princess Luna and I had arrived. We are preparing to send Discord to track down Joat. He seems to be the only pony that would be able to face Joat in combat and come back alive, but there is also something else that troubles me. I sent guards to recover Marcus's body but all they found was his discarded hat. There is a small chance that he is still alive. If so, and if he comes to you, please inform me at once.
-Princess Celestia-

“So that's where my hat disappeared to!” I flinch away as I noticed the demon’s head positioned right beside mine. I didn't even hear him get up. “So,” he said, turning to face me, “Are you gonna take me to your dear princess sun butt?” he asked, his large iconic grin still spread across his face.

I let out a small sigh as I laced the letter on my desk. “I am so confused right now,” I say as I walk toward the demon, “So yes, we’re going to see Princess Celestia.”

“Excellent!” the demon said, a small laugh escaping his lips. “I would very much like to get my hat back.” I push magic down my horn, preparing a teleportation spell. The demon just leaned down and used his sleeve to wipe the blood off of Spike’s mouth before standing beside me. “Well hurry up sparkle butt!” he ordered. I focused on the Canterlot Castle throne room, making sure I kept the image in my mind as I released the spell.

.........Celestia............
A bright flash of purple light erupted in the center of the throne room, giving way to two figures. Twilight stumbled a bit, as the effects of teleporting the two of them such a long distance had left her winded. Her passenger however, was now pressed up against the wall to avoid the sunlight streaming through the window.

“Y-you’re alive!” I gasped. The demon turned and looked at me, trying his best to not let the sunlight hit his skin.
“Well actually, I was never alive to begin with,” he replied as he eyed the black, wide brimmed hat sitting next to my throne. “Would you be so kind?” he asked, motioning to the object.

“How are you not dead? I saw you die!” I said, still confused.

“No, you didn't see me die. You saw me get my ass kicked, Now give me the damn hat!” he demanded. I glared at him, surprised by his sudden outburst of anger. I picked up the large hat in my magic and levitated it over to him. He snatched the hat out of the air and placed it on his head. He started to take a step forward, but stopped in front of a beam of sunlight.

He stepped back into the shadow of the wall and removed his large coat before ripping off his already torn shirt. He wrapped the black fabric around his head, leaving only his empty eye sockets visible. He then slipped back into his trench coat. He made sure it covered his bare torso, and then placed his hat atop his head. He once again resumed his walk toward my throne.

“Now princess, you didn't happen to see where that dog thing went off to last night, did you?” he asked, his voice slightly muffled by the fabric covering his face. I hesitated for a brief second before answering.

“Reports say he was heading toward the Everfree. We were about to send somepony after him.”
“Oh really?” he replied as he leaned in closer to me, “And who were you planning to send?” he asked curiously.

Suddenly, a tall mixed matched creature took form beside the demonic Marcus. “My ears are burning and I have the slightest feeling that somepony was talking about me,” Discord joked before summoning a glass of water and splashing it on his flaming ears. The demon didn't flinch at the sudden appearance of the draconequus. Actually, he didn't show any reaction at all. He just simply turned and stared up at Discord, his hollow eyes filled with curiosity.

“And what, pray tell, are you?” the demon asked. Discord almost looked hurt by the question, but recovered quickly.

“Funny,” he said as he coiled around the demon’s body. “I was about to ask you the same thing,” he said as he flicked the demon on his nose. The fabric that covered his face disappeared, allowing the sunlight to hit his flesh. His body locked up and the red glow in his empty sockets grew dim, his black tears slowly drying up.

“Hmmm, not a fan of sunlight,” Discord said, suddenly appearing above the demon holding a rather large, black umbrella. He handed it to the demon. “I can’t say I’ve ever seen a creature such as you,” Discord said as he pulled a magnifying glass out of thin air and began to look over the demon’s body. He positioned the magnifying glass over the demon’s eye and stared deeply into their dark depths.

“Oh my, what beautiful eyes you have,” he chuckled.

“I could say the same about yours,” the demon replied. “Such an odd creature you are,” the demon said as he stepped closer to Discord, “A being comprised of different species of animals. This is most amusing,” the demon said.

“Don’t forget god of chaos,” Discord replied as a crown and multicolored cape appeared.

“A fascinating creature indeed,” the demon said, a large grin spread even further across his face.

“Finally, someone who appreciates my title,” Discord said as he crossed his arms. “You could learn a thing or two from him Celestia,” Discord said as he turned to face me.

“Have you found our target?” I replied in a annoyed tone.

“Of course I have,” he replied.

“Where is he?” I asked. Discord summoned a nail file and began to run it across his eagle claw.

“He is currently in the Everfree Forest. Seemed pretty beat up the last time I checked in on him.”

“Good,” the demon chimed in. “That will make my job so much easier,” he said. His eyes held a devilish look to them. “You, chaos god,” he said, turning to Discord.

“Oh please,” Discord blushed, “Call me Discord, supreme ruler of chaos.” The demon chuckled at his comment.

“You’re funny,” he replied, “but would you kindly take me to this creature so I can reclaim what he stole from me?”
“Well I could,” Discord replied, “but I have demands of my own.”

“Really?” the demon asked. “What is it you want?”

“Oh, I want nothing from you,” he replied before looking to me. “I want you, Celestia, to say Discord rules and Celestia drools.”
“Discord, I hardly think this is the tim-“

“Say it,” Discord cut me off. I lowered my head in defeat.

“Fine, Discord rules and I drool.”

“Sorry, couldn't hear that,” Discord said, leaning closer. The demon just stood there, laughing into his palm.
“Discord rules and I drool,” I said louder.

“Indeed you do,” Discord mocked. “Alright my demonic friend, shall we?”
“After you,” the demon replied.

“And he has manners,” Discord chuckled as he summoned a large, multicolored scooter with a side car. The demon didn't even hesitate. He quickly jumped into the side car, still holding his large umbrella as Discord hopped on the driver’s seat. “What do you think?” Discord asked as he tapped the scooter.

The demon smiled as he looked up at the Draconequus. “Does it come in black?”
“Hmm, let’s see,” Discord replied. He snapped his fingers and the scooter morphed ito a large, black machine. The words ‘never ending strife’ were painted on the side, and large pipes stuck out of the back of the strange machine, multicolored fire firing out of them every few seconds, filling my throne room with a thick cloud of smoke.

“Now you’re talking!” the demon shouted over the engine of the great machine.

“Onwards!” Discord yelled as the machine shot forward and slammed into the wall. The wall rippled like water as they both disappeared into it. I shook my head as I stepped down from my throne and walked to the center of the room where Twilight stood, observing the events that just took place.

“Would you like to accompany me to the garden for lunch my faithful student?” I ask as I walk past Twilight.
“Of course I would!” Twilight responded, quickly following after me.

.............Joat.............
Joat the diamond dog slowly walked toward the mighty forest called Everfree. Blood poured from his thigh, soaking the bandage he had covered it with. “God damned glass shard,” I say to myself as I continue walking toward the large forest. It had been almost a day since I had fought that reaper. The damage I had taken still remained. I was bruised, bloody, and beaten. “At least it had stopped raining,” I joke as I looked up at the now sunny sky and continued walking.

“He certainly put up more of a fight than the other ones did,” I say to myself. I chuckle slightly at my own words, causing pain to shoot through my ribs. “Ow, haha, ow, haha, ow, hah-OWWW!” I yelped as a blur of purple fur slammed into me, knocking me to the ground. I was about to climb to my feet when the sharp blade of a katana stabbed into the ground beside my head.

The purple pony lying on my chest quickly jumped into the air, taking the katana with her. She opened her wings and flew back into the thick brush of the forest. “What the hell just happened?” I say as I climb to my feet. -clink- My ears twitched when the sound hit my ear drums. I look down and see that reaper’s shiny silver pocket watch had fell out of my pocket. I quickly bent down and retrieved the metal object. I eyed the watch, a sudden urge to open it washed over me.

I hesitated at first, but opened the shiny object. The face of the watch swung open and the white soul of a Pegasus flew out of it. The pony looked around before his site landed on me. “Oh thank you!” he cried, “thank you for releasing me! How can I ever repay you for getting me out of that horrible place?” Lighting Rider said. I shrugged as a metal gauntlet appeared on my left hand.

I jumped forward and grabbed the soul by its throat. “No!” the pony screamed. “Please god, no!” I opened my mouth and licked my sharp teeth. I slowly breathed in, absorbing the soul into my being. I closed my mouth, silencing the screaming soul as it slid down my throat.

“Tasty,” I snickered before a loud belch escaped my lips. “Now where did that purple sword wielding pony run off to?” I grin as I feel the wound that covered my body slowly start to heal. The stab wound on my thigh stopped bleeding and closed shut. The energy from that soul provided me with a temporary means of healing myself.

I walk into the dark forest, the sunlight unable to pierce through the thick canopy of leaves above me. The sound of blades clashing could be heard off in the distance. I picked up the pace as I began to sprint toward the sound of clashing blades. I pushed through a thicket of brush and found myself in a clearing. In the center stood the purple pony from earlier.

Her mane was a dark purple. Her fur was a lighter shade of purple. Her cutie mark was a sword stabbed into a large berry. She stood there, holding the handle of her katana in her teeth and staring down a large demonic creature.

Its face was covered with a sack. Nails and knives were stabbed into the beast's head, causing blood to soak the sack that covered its face. Its body was just skin pulled tightly over bone. Its hands where huge, and instead of fingers, it had large blades. The demon growled as it lunged for the small pony. She quickly jumped over the beast, barely avoiding its massive blade like fingers. She stabbed the blade of the sword in the monster’s back and ran it down his spine, causing roars of both pain and anger to erupt from underneath the demon’s sack-like mask.

As the pony landed on the ground, she did a quick spin and sliced large chunks of meat from the calves of the demon’s legs. The demon let out another roar. As it spun around, it swiped its claws at the pony again. She quickly dodged and took off into the air and cut down the length of the demon’s arm.

She attempted to bank left, but was swatted out of the air by a third arm sticking out of the demons back. The purple Pegasus slammed into the ground hard. She bounced a couple of times before coming to a painful stop as she slammed into a tree. I watched as she whimpered in pain, but somehow managed to climb to her feet. Large cuts and scrapes now covered her body. She looked up at the demon while breathing heavily. “I-is that all you got?” she mocked as she spat out a large glob of blood and spit.

“She's a tough little number, isn't she?” I say to myself. I admire her determination. Kinda good looking too…. The demon let out another loud roar before vanishing in a puff of red smoke and reappearing in front of the purple Pegasus. She gasped before he slammed his fist into her, pinning her against the tree.

The demon brought up one of its blade-like fingers, preparing to decapitate the wounded Pegasus. “No you don’t!” I growl as a thick red aura surrounds my body. I dash forward. I was on the demon in less than a second. I leaped into the air, bringing back my gauntlet before delivering a hard punch to the demon’s head, sending it flying across the clearing. It smashed into a few trees, causing them to fall in the process.

I chuckled as I saw the demon go flying. I raised my fists and did a few quick jabs at the air. “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee,” I say as I threw one more jab at thin air. I continued to stare at the place the demon had landed. When the dust had cleared, I saw nothing but a large, empty crater. He didn't flee, I could still smell him.

I took one more sniff before I quickly jumped into the air as an invisible force slammed into the ground where I had been standing. “Oh, so he wants to play dirt does he?” I say as I land on a tree branch above him. I reach up and remove my eye patch, revealing the sickening sight that is my left eye.

As soon as the eye patch was removed, the world around me changed. It grew darker and covered in a thick mist. I looked down below me and saw the now visible demon. I laughed as I jumped off the tree branch and landed on the demon’s shoulders. It let out a loud roar as it tried to shake me off.

“You thought your little trick would work on me,” I laugh as I hang on the large creature's neck. “No one can hide from me! My eye sees everything!” I yell as I let go, only to be flung straight up, then land in front of the large demon.

“Round two!” I mock as I raise my fist. The red mist around me was growing even thicker. The demon roars in anger as it brings its claws back for an attack when suddenly, a bright, white light flashed throughout the dark forest.

I covered my eyes to block out the blinding light. The sounds of a sharp blade cutting through flesh mixed with the sound of music and a loud engine reached my ears. I opened my eyes to find the upper part of the demon’s body gone. He was sliced clean in half.

I watched in confusion as the lower half of the demon fell over, revealing two tall figures standing behind it. I recognized them both; Discord, armed with what looked like an over sized croquet mallet, and the demonic reaper armed with his deadly scythe.

“Hello Joat. Miss me?”

Author's Note

alright i will say i am not happy with this chapter at all i rushed allot of things and now they dont sound as good as they could have been so i'm sorry if this chapter was not that satisfying i plan to re do it in the future