The Bonds of Friendship

by CyberneticWolf

Rating: teen
Tags: Adventure
Length: 16065

Cyber is just one of 5 ponies who have a run in with an evil alicorn by the name of Armosk who has ruined there lives in some way. They set out to find him and end him. Along the way the struggle to hold what bonds of friendship they have.

When Cyber's opportunity to take a journey for food for his village goes hay-wire, he and 5 others must unite together to stop a villain from starting a war that could leave Equestria in ruins. With struggles on their way, only time will tell if they're strong enough to hold the bonds of friendship.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-09-30 08:37:14 UTC

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

“Cyber, wake up, today is your big day.” A voice called from beyond the closed eyes of Cyber.

Cyber slowly opened his eyes trying to get them into focus. When he managed to focus them, he saw a brown mare standing over him. This was his older sister, Free Mane. She had a wide smile across her face, that was covered by her red, long, and straight mane. Her tail was flicking back and forth as her green eyes stared directly at him. “You don’t want to be late silly. You want to be out on the road as soon as possible.”

Cyber groaned as he sat up and tried to get himself out of bed. His first try was met with no success and he sat there staring at the floor for several moments.

His sister looked at him with a questionable stare. Wondering, why on a day like this he wasn’t rushing to get out of bed? This had been the day he was waiting for his whole life. She remembered he wouldn’t shut up about it at the dinner table. When he was a little colt he would constantly pretend to do what he was about to do today.

Today was the day the village of Seabreeze would send one of their stallions to get food for the month. Conditions were too harsh and the trip was too dangerous for a pony to make everyday, let alone every week. Living in the Frozen North, a constant blizzard pillaged the villages that resided in its harsh landscape. The creatures that also lived on the trail leading to Manehattan were very dangerous as well. Polar bears, and snow wolves. All had a hunger for fresh pony blood, and with food scarce, that only made eating a pony that much more of an preference. The town solved this problem though by sending a pony once a month with a cart and a bag full of bits to trade for food. This food supply would last a whole month and then they would send their next. This kept on and eventually became a tradition, and with time, an honor. If you came back alive you were always praised with the first pick of the batch.

Not many ponies died on this trip. in fact Cyber can only remember that out of the 316 trips made, only 3 ponies had ever died on this trip. They were all mostly caused by stupid mistakes the ponies made by not taking extra precautions. Cyber was determined not to end up like these ponies. The night before he packed extra of everything. He made sure the wheels on the cart were on safely. He also made sure he brought protection, in case a polar bear or snow wolf decided to attack.

His sister still stood there, and Cyber was still sitting on his bed looking at the ground. “Cyber?” His sister asked in a quiet tone.

This surprised him and his head quickly shot up looking directly into the emerald green eyes of his sister. Cyber felt a rush of heat fly up through his body. the hairs on his grey coat stood up, and his normally groomed ash mane was in a mess. His jade eyes were slightly bloodshot, from the lack of sleep.

From this point his sister knew Cyber had been up all night. Probably thinking about today. Eager to get on the road. “Cyber…” His sister said her tone going back to normal. “Did you stay up all night?” She said, she obviously knew he did, but for the sake of conversation she asked anyways.

“

Yes.” Cyber finally spoke, his voice cracking from the exhaustion.

“Now why did you do that?” His sister asked.

“I couldn’t sleep.” Cyber said sounding almost like he didn’t even know why he stayed up.

“You know that’s not good for you little brother, and on today of all days. What will Mom and Dad think when they see you like this?”

She was right. What will they think when they see him in a mess today? They certainly wouldn’t go through with letting him travel alone. Definitely not when he was this tired.

“I know.” he said, trying to manage even two simple words was a task for him.

“They won’t let you go on this trip, you know that don’t you?”

“Yeah, I do.” Cyber said, his tone sounding more and more depressed as he talked.

“You still want to go right?” Free Mane asked.

“Of course I do!” Cyber’s tone quickly gaining it’s usual, exuberant tone.

“Of course you do.” Free Mane repeated, a smile quickly returning to her face. “Come on, let’s get you washed up, and looking presentable before we go and see Mom and Dad.”

Cyber quickly jumped off the bed, landing on all four hooves and walking to the shower. His sister stood there watching as he closed the door to the bathroom, and the sound of water started running.

Free mane looked about the room, seeing it in a mess, and figuring she has about 15 minutes before Cyber is out of the shower, she decided to clean. With a glow of the horn her, a broom came flying toward her. She directed it to the floor as it swept, seemingly by itself, across the floor of the messy bedroom.

As she was making his bed a tear slowly fell from her face. It was hard seeing her little brother go, even if it was for a only few days. To her, it felt like a lifetime. Ever since moving out of their parents and getting their own shop for musical instruments and lessons. They had spent a lot of time together. Almost every day was spent in each others company. Now she would have to go days without seeing him. She was going to miss the excitement he brought to the shop on slow days. The sound of his guitar playing as little colts watched in amazement, as his hooves glided across the strings. Cyber created such good music with those strings, and now. Now she would have to find a way to keep herself entertained while he was gone.

More tears began to roll down her face as she kept on with the bed, but eventually, it became too much. A steady stream of tears rolled down her face now as she planted her head in his pillow, soaking it. She wasn’t quite sure whether these were tears of joy, knowing her little brother has finally grown up and seeing him like this made her happy. Or if these were tears of sadness, knowing she would be alone for these next few days with nothing to do, and not a single little brother to keep her company.

At this moment, it didn’t matter, she wanted to cry and that’s all that mattered. She sank deeper into the pillow letting her crying voice be heard by anyone who would have entered the shop.

Then a sound came from behind her as a door flew open and grey pony and a cloud of steam came rushing ut.

                                                   .                               ,                 ,                                   ,  ,

Cyber sluggishly trotted into the bathroom. He had not gotten much sleep last night due to the fact that he was so eager for his big day to begin.

His sister  was right. How would his parents even let him go on this trip knowing he had zero sleep the night before? They had already been badgering him about going on this trip. All the safety precautions, extra food, and constant nagging for him to “Take your time, there is no rush.” No rush? He thought. Only the whole town will starve if I don’t make it back with the food fast enough. There was no point in arguing with them though. Cyber knew perfectly well his parents would get their way. They always get their way. He thought again.

Of course Cyber would have taken all these extra precautions by himself. It was just annoying for him having his parents constantly on his back about it. He knew it was dangerous. He knew how long it would take. His parents just seemed a little, overprotective, again.

It was the shop all over again.

When his sister had proposed to move out with him so they could make a shop and show off their talents, his parents acted the same way they are doing now. They were concerned for his safety, even though his sister had already taken the extra safety measures, and was three steps ahead of his parents the whole way through.When they finally did crack and let him live with his sister, they were still at the shop for the whole day. If his sister did one thing out of place, they would be on both of them.

Eventually everything became better and his parents learned to trust them more. Visiting less and less until they only saw them once or twice a week. It became a very relaxing life after that. The only stresses came when customers entered the shop looking to buy, which Cyber could handle easily.

The majority of his day was spent playing his guitar for the town. He would sit outside on the freezing porch of the shop and strum away. While he played nothing else mattered. The freezing chill of the Frozen North seemed to disappear, and a new heat was brought to his body. Any passing ponies compliments or complaints would not be heard, his ears would be be too busy listening to the sounds of bliss coming from his guitar.

This all reflected on his cutie mark. A black treble clef laid on his flank, showing that his skill in music was his natural born talent.

Cyber would get compliment after compliment for his work, some even saying he was the best in all of Equestria. Of course he didn’t know if this was true or not, seeing as there might be several other guitar playing ponies in Equestria. Who might have just had more time to master the skill than he has.

By this time Cyber was already in the shower, a light cloud of steam had been building below him. He lost track of time and realized that he may have been in the shower longer than expected. he picked up his head, and he heard a noise coming from the other room. His ears flicked slightly as the sound grew louder and louder. Crying? he thought. Not knowing who the crying was coming from his quickly shut off the water, grabbed his towel and ran out the door into the bedroom.

What he saw made his heart sink. His sister, crying on his bed at the top of her lungs. Cyber had never seen her this upset before. His blankets, getting even more messed up than before. His favorite pillow, soaked with his sisters tears.

She looked back at Cyber eyes streaming with tears, her mane in a wreck.

Cyber walked slowly over to her as tears began to run down his own face. He stood in front of his sister, tears rolling down both their faces. The stood face to face.

Then, just like that. Cyber was taken off his hooves, brought into the warm embrace of his sister. He was shocked at first at his sister’s sudden action, but when it all became clear, he wrapped his hooves around his sister and they shared in a hug.

“I’m going to miss you little brother.” His sister said, her words making it out of her mouth with slight pauses.

Cyber felt tears roll down his back as his sister hugged him tighter. “I’ll miss you to sis.”

Cyber said back. They kept in each others arms, and when it came time, they broke the embrace. They looked into eachothers eyes as tears still filled both their eyes. Cyber looked over, and got off the bed. His sister grew a curious look on her face as the grey pony walked over to a shelf. He grabbed something and brought it over to her. “Here,” He said “I want you to have this.” He showed her the object, it was and old toy of his, one of Cyber’s first.

The toy was an old mini guitar that went to one of his old dolls, or, action figures as he put it. he used to play with it all the time, and when the action figure broke, he still never stopped playing with the guitar. it became his most prized possession. That is, until he got his real guitar. The new instrument took the place of the small fake one, and became his new obsession, or better yet, his new talent.

Cyber, despite getting his new guitar and his new found talent, still kept this mini guitar safe on a shelf in their room. Now he was presenting it before Free Mane, who was in shock. She didn’t know what to think. Should she take it? Should she decline? Her mind was racing. That is, until Cyber stuck the toy in her hoof and backed away. Free Mane looked down  to see the little guitar lying there. Tears swelled up in her eyes again as they began to make their way down her cheek and onto the floor. A smile began to carve itself on her face, as she began to cry tears of happiness. “Thank you Cyber.” She sobbed. “This means so much to me.”

Cyber stepped forward again looking back into the happy eyes of his sister. “I’ll come back I promise,” Cyber said calmly. “Until then keep it as a reminder of me.” Cyber looked down at the little guitar then back up at his sister. “I swear I’ll come back to you.”

Free Mane’s smile grew even wider as she looked back at Cyber. “You better.” She said giggling. The two stood there smiling as Cyber looked over through a window.

Ponies were already starting to gather to say goodbye to Cyber for his journey to Manehattan. He looked back at his sister who had already dried the tears from her face.

“Come on.” She said excitedly. “We don’t want you to be late!” The two gathered all of Cyber’s belongings he was taking on the trip and trotted out the door. Cyber looked back inside the shop taking a big breath, knowing he won’t see it in several days. Home. he thought. I can’t wait to get back home.

                                                                                                                                                           .

Town Square was large for the town’s small size. It was wide open, with only a few statues standing, here and there. The only difference this place has compared to any other Town Square in Equestria, is the snow covering the ground. Silverbreeze, being in the Frozen North, meant snow covered the ground every single day. The never ending blizzard however, barely affected any village in this wasteland. Only the outskirts of the villages were ravaged by the frigid cold blizzard the Frozen North threw at it.

Cyber walked into Town Square staring at the crowd that was slowly gaining in numbers of ponies. Ready to bid Cyber a goodbye as he makes the journey for food. He expected the whole village to show up in no time. Which wouldn’t amount to much, considering only a couple hundred ponies lived in the small community.

His sister followed next to Cyber as she stared at the same crowd, still gaining in numbers. They didn’t talk much during the walk. Both of them got so wrapped up in the scenery of the village during this departure. Ponies amongst ponies gathered on the side of the street, and Free Mane was speechless at all the ponies who showed up just to say goodbye.

Somewhere deep down inside Free Mane, it made her sick to see all these ponies gathered just for a goodbye. Perhaps it was because she thought they could be saying goodbye for the last time and they treated it like it was a funeral. Or maybe it was the fact that Free Mane herself treated it like it was a funeral and she would never see her little brother again. This made her stomach churn, and she felt ill from all of this.

Cyber looked over at his mentally ill sister, who was starting to show the signs of sadness on her face once again. “Are you feeling okay?” Cyber asked, concerned with his sisters state of mind.

“I don’t know.” Free Mane replied, her gaze drifting to the ground.

Cyber stopped in his tracks. It took Free Mane several moments to notice she was walking alone. When she regained herself she stopped and turned towards Cyber. “Is something wrong sis?” Cyber asked.

“I...I...I’m just upset, I guess.” Free Mane stuttered the whole sentence, unsure how to express her feelings.

“Are you upset I’m leaving you.” Cyber started. “That you may never see me again.”

It was as if he had read her mind, like their connection as brother and sister had grown so strong telepathy was now possible. “Y…” She started, but her mind not letting her finish the word. “Yes.” She couldn’t say more. What else was there to say? Cyber hit it on the muzzle. There was no further explanation needed.

“Free Mane…” Cyber started again. “I know you’re worried, and I know you are going to miss me when I leave, but you have to stay strong, for me. I swear I’ll come back. I’m perfectly ready for this trip. I’ve taken all the necessary precautions to make sure I’m safe.There’s nothing bad that could possibly happen.” Cyber walked up to his sister, putting his left hoof on her shoulder. “I promise I’ll come back. It’s only a few days, I know you can make it a few days without me. Just try not to break down, for me.”

Free Mane looked up at Cyber into his eyes as she started to tear up again. “CYBER Darling!” A voice called from behind him. Oh no. The two of them thought, groaning in their heads.

Cyber turned around to find that what he suspected was true. There, walking towards them, were their parents. They both had huge smiles plastered on their faces. Cyber couldn’t help but roll his eyes as they approached. He felt so embarrassed at his parents enthusiasm as they got ready to say goodbye to their son for a few does. His Mom was the first to reach him, and she immediately gave him several kisses on the cheek before Cyber pulled away and retreated to  safety next to his sister.

They both stood there and stared at their parents as they stood and did the exact same. Somepony had to break the silence eventually. “How are you both?” Their Dad asked, as he tried to keep a smile above this awkward silence.

“Fine.” Cyber replied, trying to keep conversation to a minimum before he said something he would regret.

“I see you’ve packed all the supplies necessary. Are you sure you’re prepared for this?” His Mother asked as she trotted over to the cart and examined it.

“Yes Mom, I made sure everything is in place. I have everything ready to go.” Cyber said. “I’m ready to go.” He made sure he put all the emphasis on the ready giving his parents the hint he was serious.

“Are you still sure you want to take this trip? The replacement is ready if you don’t want to.” His Mom asked.

Cyber was beginning to get annoyed. Here it goes. he thought to himself. “He’s fully ready to go. I made sure of it.” This time it was Free Mane who answered. She knew Cyber was beginning to get irritated and she thought it was best if from this point on she deal with their parents.

“Oh, I don’t know, What if something happens? Did you pack extra blankets? How about food? Oh, and what about some weapons? it’s very dangerous out there, you know?” Their mother asked nervously.

“He is ready Mom I assure you, he will come back.” His sister replied, trying to sound as sure as she could, even though the same thought were creeping into her own mind.

“Oh, I don’t know. What if something happens to my poor baby, Cy-Cy.”

“Mom!” Cyber yelled, the annoyance being fully projected through his voice.

“Oh right, sorry. I forget you’re all grown up and don’t need to be called that.”

“Mom, please, Cyber is fully ready to go. In fact, don’t you think it’s about time we say our  goodbyes? We want Cyber to leave before sundown?” Free Mane said, trying to end the conversation before it got out of hoof.

“I guess, I’m just so sad to see my baby colt go.” their mother quickly walked over to Cyber and hugged him tightly. “I love you my baby, Cy-Cy”

Cyber made the agonizing attempt to hug his Mom back. it turned out to be just a light touch before he struggled for relief from his mothers hold. “I love you too Mom.” Cyber said with an annoyed tone.

His mother released her grasp and Cyber went shooting backwards. He managed to keep his balance, and when he did he looked over at his sister who was standing tall and proud.

Free Mane was feeling the same annoyance Cyber was feeling. She knew what their mother was trying to do, and she wouldn’t have it. When Cyber leaves, it’s go time. She was going to give their parents hell for trying to make Cyber change his mind. She was going to make sure something like this never happens again.

It may not be obvious but it’s true. Their Mother was trying to get Cyber to change his mind.

How? By showing him as much love and affection as she could. She was trying to show him that if he stayed, things would be better than they would be if he was on the road. This may have been true, but this is something Cyber wanted to do and Free Mane wouldn’t have any of their parents tricks. Cyber knew this as well. He knew perfectly well. He knew their tricks, and he went along with them, but he never gave in to them. When he wanted to leave the house his Mother did the exact same thing, while his father sat there and glared at him as he was doing now. Cyber never gave in though. He denied their affection and left the same way he was going to now. With only goodbyes.

Cyber walked over to the large cart and strapped himself to it. Making sure the straps were tight enough so the cart wouldn’t break away, he was ready to depart.

The entire village of SilverBreeze looked on as Cyber said his goodbyes.

First his Mom, who gave a quick hug.

Then his Dad who, instead of a hug, gave him a hoof shake and a smile.

Finally his sister. They looked at each other for a moment as the two of them had tears swelling in their eyes. But before any tears were shed they both hugged.

It ended as fast as it started and his sister backed away slowly. Cyber looked at her for several moments before his sister’s head turned and looked at the road ahead. Cyber took this as the hint for him to start his journey, and so he did.

Cyber looked forward, and started his trot for the road. The whole town started to stomp their hooves on the ground as he walked on the path. It sounded like thunder was all around him as pony after pony began stomping their hooves. A tear began to form in his eye, but it never left. The sound of all ponies stomping for him made him feel as light as a feather. He felt his own pride bring him off Equestria and into the skies above.

Before long, it was over. The sounds were nothing but distant noises. The only sound now, was the howling blizzard. Cyber’s happiness and pride came back down to Equestria as he realized where he was. The harsh landscape of the frozen North now a reality, and loneliness began to sink in. He wanted to turn around and go home but it was too late now. He had to do this. He had to bring the food back. He had to survive whatever the Frozen North threw at him.

Cyber traveled for what seemed like days, when in all reality it was only four hours. The sun had began to set and Cyber knew he had to set up camp soon.

One hour later and he finally decided to pull off the road and set up camp for the night.

The night went without any trouble. The extra blankets and the flint and tinder he packed made for a warm night despite the freezing temperatures. No sounds but the screaming blizzard made their presence throughout the night. All was peaceful.

In the morning Cyber packed up and went out on the road again. To pass the time away he thought about what Manehattan was going to look like and all the ponies she would meet there.His sister had always told him about how gorgeous the city looked at night. The lights of candles lighting up the rooms of thousands of ponies. Thousands, he thought. How could there be thousands of ponies living in one place. Growing up in a village with only a couple hundred ponies made thousands seem so...outrageous. He never understood the concept. Hundreds of ponies was enough for him. Thousands may be a little overwhelming for him at first.

Three hours later and the sun had made it’s rise about halfway through the sky. Cyber still trotted along the snow covered road. He was now silent with his thoughts, letting the sound of the blizzard consume his mind. Then, a thought of loneliness creeped into his mind. he tried to dismiss the thought, but it refused to be shown the door. Cyber tried his hardest to the thought at bay but it eventually ran its ground and he let it consume him.

Cyber was alone, in the Frozen North, with nopony with him to keep him company. He had to take care of himself. The sheer thought of being alone for as long as he will be made tears swell up in his eyes. That is until, he saw another pony on the road.

The pony was a mere shade at first but as Cyber got closer he saw the pony was wearing a cloak. A little closer and he could tell the pony was heading straight for him.

This made Cyber’s heart race with excitement. He wanted to see another pony. he needed to see another pony. Perhaps this one would be willing to accompany him on his travel? Cyber approached close until they were nearly next to each other. They both stopped. The cloaked pony turned to face Cyber, who had a smile on his face.

Cyber was excited and was very unsuccessful at hiding the smile. The other ponies expression was difficult to tell, the blizzard and the cloak masking his face from Cyber.

They stood there, silent for many moments. Until Cyber decided to speak. “How are you friend?” He asked, trying to sound as casual as he could.

The pony remained silent, as Cyber grew nervous. “Not much of a talker, huh? Well where are you headed?” Cyber asked.

“I am headed for the next village.” The pony replied with a flat tone.

“Oh, you must mean SilverBreeze?” Cyber said reluctantly. “I live in that village. i’m making our once a month trip to Manehattan for food.”

“Are you now?” The mysterious pony replied, sounding more talkative now. “Tell me, how do you plan on getting this food?”

“With these bits in my cart.” Cyber replied, pointing to the large bag o bits given to him.

“I see, and is anypony traveling with you?”

“N...No” Cyber began to grow nervous.

“That’s all I need to hear.” And with a flash of light the cloaked pony revealed himself. He was a dark-blue alicorn with a short but crazed white mane. His white long tail flicked around behind him. His eyes were a dark purple, and looked as if they stared directly into his soul. His horn looked incredibly sharp. The magic he used to cast off the cloak glowed a dark-purple. His cutie mark represented a black star with several other black stars surrounding it.

Cyber watched as the dark-blue alicorn rose in the sky and gave him an evil grin. “I’ll give you two options.” The alicorn began. “You can hand over all the bits and go on back to your village safely or, you can die!” The alicorn gave the most gruesome glare at Cyber.

Cyber was trembling on his hooves. he had heard of the strength of alicorns but never in his life had he ever seen one. He also thought all alicorns were good, like Celestia and the once great Luna. but yet, the one in front of him was asking for his bits, or his life. Cyber was frightened. Never had his life been in danger like this. He had to make a choice and he had to make one fast, this alicorn didn’t look like he was the patient type.

“Make your choice worm!” The dark-blue alicorn yelled angrily.

Cyber was running out of time, he had to do something. But what? What could he do against an alicorn? Was there anything? Yes. he thought. I’ve got it! His mind raced as he put a plan together and with the quick toss of the Bitbag, his plan was set into action..

The bag of bits landed in front of the enraged alicorn as he lowered himself to the ground. “You have chosen correctly my good stallion, I am quite-OOF!!!!” It happened so fast, first the bit bag, then the distraction, then he unstrapped himself, and before he knew it, his guitar was swinging full force at the alicorn’s chest as he made his descent.

The dark-blue alicorn swore he felt a few ribs crack, and his wing had definitely been broken by the impact of the guitar. He was sent flying to the ground in a crash and a cloud of snow erupted as he hit the ground.

Cyber also crashed clumsily on the ground and the shattered bits of his favorite guitar landed all around him. He managed to help himself up before the alicorn even made a movement. Based on the impact Cyber judged the alicorn had broken at least four ribs and one wing. He slowly approached him al the cloud of snow dissipated. What he saw surprised him.

The alicorn was sitting up against a lone boulder staring at Cyber with a surprised look on his face. But the look quickly became even more disturbing when a wide smile slowly creeped on to the injured alicorn’s face. “You have some nerve doing that.” That alicorn started. “I never saw that coming. You used a guitar on me? You managed to do quite some damage as well. You are quite brave colt. But please, I must know, what is your name?” The alicorn’s sinister smile grew even wider, his dark voice projected across the blizzard.

“C-Cyber. What’s your’s?” Cyber asked, chills ran down his spine, not from the cold, but from fear.

“My name is Armosk. Armosk the former alicorn of Justice.” His smile growing wider and wider as he talked, almost reaching the ends of his face.

“W-Why d-d-did you want to know my name?” Cyber asked his voice shaken from his fears.

“Because it’s custom to know the name of the pony who you killed, and the name of your killer.” Armosk replied, still holding that evil grin.

Cyber shuddered in fear. Death? Why? What does he mean by the one who killed you? Cyber’s fear grew stronger as Armosk sat there smiling at him. Cyber had to do something before he was dead. If he was going to go out, he was going to go out fighting. Fear was replaced by confidence as Cyber picked up a shattered piece of guitar. he stood of two hooves, off balance by the new stance. Then he charged, his balance then feeling normal. He ran as fast as he could at the alicorn Armosk.

Armosk’s eyes widened as his smile disappeared, he was caught off guard by the new change of fear to confidence. But this didn’t shake him. Even in is helpless injured state he could still kill this earth pony with one spell. Then as Cyber charged closer and closer Armosk’s smile returned as if this was  funny Cyber thought he had a chance of winning, and with a flash of light and a loud boom everything went silent. For a moment it seemed as if the blizzard had stopped all together. As if it wanted that were it crying for the fallen pony.

The injured, weak Armosk stood up and limped over to the spot where the spell had been cast. He looked down to see the scorched earth where he had cast his spell, and with a straight face he walked over to the bag of bits. Picking it up with his teeth he threw the back into the back of the cart. Armosk strapped himself to the cart and began to walk. He was a good pony. Armosk thought. It’s a shame he had to die so early. His face still held a straight look, as he trotted on. With no destination in mind, he let the road take him. Wherever that may be.

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

The halls of the White Tail manor were glistening with the light of the outside peeking through the large glass windows. Nothing more than the sound of a lone pony walking them.

Gorem trotted down the hall, taking his time to get to his destination. He had just finished cleaning the massive windows. Now he was focused to go to the lodge and get some rest before his next job. Job, he thought. These weren’t jobs they were torture sessions. Gorem knew this ever since he was brought to the Whitetail estates.

He was just a colt back then, now he was a stallion. A great orange pegasus. With a fiery-orange and red mane, and a tail to match. He had one of the largest wing-span a pony had ever seen. He could fly faster than anypony ever thought was possible.

If I wanted to I could escape this place.

Then, why didn’t he? Truth be told, he was kept here all his life. Gorem had no idea what the outside world held. He was taught it was a dangerous place. Full of bandits and monsters just waiting to kill you. His mind was taught to act, not think. When his masters told him to do something, he would do it. No matter how, repulsive, or exhausting the job was. No matter how he felt. If Gorem was asked to do it, he would do it.

This place he lived on, the White Tail Manor, it wasn’t a happy place. The owners had kidnapped him when he was a young colt, he was brought here and taught everything he knows today. He was a slave, just like the other colts they kidnapped. They were all slaves, forced to work on the manor.

No contact with the outside world was ever made by the young colts. Any attempts to make contact would result in discipline. Many had tried in the past, and all failed. When they were caught, the colts were brought into a dark room where no one could see them. They all returned 3 days later, looking as if no harm had been done to them physically. But, mentally Gorem could see it. They were almost emotionless, almost like a machine. They were willing to do any task, even if it was turn in a friend for plotting to escape.

Gorem, and his best friend Cronus had never had these sorts of problems. If anything they were the “good colts” on the manor. But they’ve witnessed plenty of colts become “reformed” as Cronus likes to call it.

Gorem trotted down the hall a little further when he came across his master’s of the mansion. He stopped to bow, but was quickly halted by a voice coming from one of his master’s.

“Gorem!” He yelled loudly, “We’ve been looking all over for you!” They stopped about 5 feet from him and both had massive grins on their faces.

Gorem picked up his head and stood up straight. “M-Me?” He questioned.

“Yes you.” One of them said “We just wanted to congratulate to on all your hard work.”

“You’ve been such a good little colt ever since you were brought here, and you’ve done such tremendous work.” The other stated in an even happier tone.

“For all your service here, we thought we’d throw you a party in honor of you.”

His tail began to wag back and forth behind him, and a smile started to cross his face.

“That, and you do know what day it is coming up,don’t you?” One asked questioning him.

“W-what is it?” He asked.

“Your birthday of course! How could you ever forget the day you were born?”

Of course it wasn’t his real birthday, he had no idea when that was. This was just the day they made up for him, to celebrate how long he had been at this place.

“You’re going to be sixteen this year.” One said happily.

“The day you become an adult!” The other chanted.

“It’s a day of celebration, and we just want to go all out for our favorite colt.” One of them rubbed his forehead in excitement.

“Well, how does that sound? A big party, in honor of you?” The other questioned him again.

“That sounds fantastic!” His voice was louder than expected. His master’s responded by straightening up and returning to their usual form.

“Very well.” One said, in an almost flat tone. “Come tomorrow at sunrise we will have everything set up for your party.”

“But, could you...do us a little favor?” The other questioned him again.

“Yes, of course.” He returned returning back the same tone as his master’s.

“Meet us down in the basement, we have a gift for you down their.”

Gorem’s ears perked as the word “present” left his master’s mouth. This was a once in a lifetime thing. Maybe even a first. He never remembered when his master’s ever gave anycolt a present. He knew this was something only he would more than likely get, so it would be rude to decline. “I will.” he probably could have done better, but it was all that could leave his throat at the time.

“Good, we will see you in the basement at sunrise. You may return back to your normal duties.”

“Thank you, masters.” They all took their leave, heading in opposite directions.

Gorem, looked behind him to make sure his master’s had left his line of sight. When all was clear he took off trotting as fast as he could down the hall toward the lodging cabins. He just had to tell Cronus about this.

When he arrived, all was quiet. He noticed a few colts resting in their beds during their off time. He scanned his cabin for Cronus. He finally found the red pegasus lying in what had to be the most uncomfortable position for a pony on his bed. He quickly ran to Cronus, stopping just in front of his bed. He still questioned how anypony could sleep like that, but the thought quickly left his mind when he remembered just what he was about to tell Cronus.

Gorem cleared his throat to say something, when he noticed Cronus’ eyes opening. Cronus quickly sat up looking almost shocked that he had seen Gorem standing right in front of him.

“Say something next time, will ya?” Cronus said angrily. “Darn near gave me a heart attack from that. What do you like to do, watch me sleep or somethi’?” Cronus said in a mocking tone.

“Now’s not the time, I have something to tell you.” Gorem said hurriedly.

‘Well...spit it out.” Cronus said almost as if he was getting slightly irritated with Gorem.

“The master’s they just told me the best news ever!”

“And that is?”

“Tomorrow, at sunrise, I’m going to have a party thrown in my honor! They also told me that I have to meet them down in the basement, they’re going to give me a present!” Gorem chanted in a happy tone.

This news didn’t excite Cronus though. Gorem noticed his eyes widen and a frown quickly take his expression. Cronus immediately got up and raced to the calendar on the other side of the room, almost knocking beds over in the process.

“Oh no.” He sighed in a worrying tone.

“What?” Gorem was confused, shouldn’t his friend be happy for him? Not panicked for him.

“Oh no, Oh no” Cronus rushed to the next calendar, clear across the cabin.

“Cronus, what is it?” Gorem questioned him again.

Cronus flew across the room, tackling Gorem in the process. “Gorem, how old are you going to be that day?”

“16, why did you tackle me?” Gorem was filled with questions now, but Cronus would never give him the chance to ask any.

“No, No, No” Cronus said, his tone beginning to become increasingly worrisome. “It can’t be that day already, I haven’t had enough time.”

“Enough time for what?” Gorem asked.

Cronus turned to Gorem, looking him straight in the eye. “Look at the calendar!” Cronus exclaimed.

Gorem peaked over Cronus’ shoulder to take a look. The calendar, on that very day, had been marked with a circle with a red cross through it. “What about it?” Gorem asked.

“Gorem, I need you to hear me out okay? Everything I say you need to listen to and understand, got it?”Cronus’ voice turned serious, his tone flattening. Gorem knew he meant business, and he decided to hear Cronus out.

With a nod from Gorem, Cronus continued,”That day, they told you they were going to throw you a birthday, they said meet you in the basement so you can receive your ‘present’. Well Gorem, that present is nothing to be excited about. I’ve watched and observed it for a long time. When a colt turns 16, they say the same thing, they’re going to get a ‘present’, and ‘meet them in the basement’. Well, the thing is...they never return. That ‘present’ isn’t a present, It’s your death sentence Gorem. They’re going to kill you!”

While Cronus was saying this Gorems’ eyes began to widen. Gorem couldn’t believe what he was just told. “They’re going to kill me?” Gorem asked his voice almost cracking. “But, why?”

Cronus responded almost immediately. “Think of it Gorem, they can’t just have hundreds of colts running around this place. Somepony is bound to notice. Too many escape attempts would happen, especially with pegasi and unicorns, and they can’t hire more guards to watch over us that would cost too much. when you’re sixteen, it’s when you become a stallion, so they hype you up as if they were going to reward you for that, but really, they’re going to trap in the basement, and do whatever it is they do to kill all of the other stallions!”

“Cronus, how did you exactly come up with this?” Gorem was even beginning to question Cronus.

“Again, think of it Gorem, how many stallions have we seen around here? Watching them grow up, then become sixteen and then we never see them again? HAve any of them ever come back?” Cronus asked his tone getting louder after each word.

“N-no, I’ve never seen any of them come back.” Gorem had to agree. After all, Cronus was right. They had never seen a single colt come back after their sixteenth birthday. “Why didn’t I see this then.”

Again, Cronus was on the ball with this one. “Because you were so hyped. After years of hard labor, your deeds are finally going to pay off. You’re finally going to get a reward for all your hard work. Something worth while. They hype you up for it, make it sound like a good thing. I mean, what could it be? Freedom? A long lost family member? Anything could be good really. But no! You get death Gorem. That’s why I’m so worried. I needed more time to come up with an escape plan. But, now it looks like we’re going to have to wing it.”

“Wait, you’re planning to escape? Cronus, that’s crazy!” Gorem exclaimed.

“Well, what would you rather do? Stay here and wait for your own death? Or go out knowing we at least tried to escape?”

Gorem couldn’t deny it. Cronus made a good argument. Why just sit here and wait to die. When you could try and escape, and if you’re caught, at least you know you tried. But, winging it? That sounded like suicide already!

“Gorem, look at me.” Gorem looked up straight into the gaze of Cronus. His expression was almost stern and his eyes had a slight shine to them. “I know that you think this couldn’t work, but we have to at least try. I mean, think of the reward if we do get out. We’ll be free, free to live our lives, maybe even find our families. I can’t do this without you Gorem, I need you with me on this, I’m not going to sit here and let my friend die. Got it?”

Gorem was almost in tears, he knew Cronus meant every word. “I couldn’t do it without you either buddy.”

This brought Cronus’ expression to a near smile. “Then are you with me on this buddy?”

“Of course I am, all the way through.” Gorem responded happily.”When do we start?”

“Tonight, it’s our only chance, if we can keep to the shadows, and make it out to the city, we’re home free.” Cronus, responded as if he knew exactly what he was doing, even though gorem knew he was just “winging it”

“But, there’s guards by our doors, how do we get rid of them?” Gorem had a million questions racing through his mind but he knew Cronus could only answer one at a time.

“We need a distraction, something that will keep the guards off of us, that’s why I have these.”Cronus lifted his bed sheets to find hundreds of rocks laying there, all of different shapes and sizes.

“Rocks?” Gorem questioned Cronus’ plan further.

“The doors are sturdy enough for us to crack open just enough so we can throw the rocks. Throw the right one at the right spot and that we get all the guards attention.”

“And if they don’t go to investigate?”

“Then they’ll look up at least. If we crouch, we might be able to get past.”

“Ok, then what?”

“Then comes the wall. It will take some time for us to get over, with flight not being an option and all.”

“Why not flight.”

“Too risky, They’ll see us with spot lights if we find the right point where the guards aren’t looking while making their rounds, one of us can go over at a time. I want you to be the first over.”

“Why me?”

“Because you’ll be the one to die tomorrow. Look if you make it over, just take off without me the most important thing is we get you out of here and into that city asap.”

“I’m not going without you.”

“Celestia yes you are. If i get caught, I’ll just be reformed. If we’re both caught, we’re both goners. “

“I’d rather die with you, than be without you.”

Cronus rolled his eyes at that, he knew Gorem wouldn’t give up without a fight. “Look have it your way, the thing is we need to do this right for it to work ok?”

Gorem was satisfied with that answer “Got it. When do we escape?”

“Early, very early tomorrow. Before sunrise, it’s our only chance. The night guards will be tired enough and won’t be as vigilant, this will aide in our escape.”

“For saying we’re going to wing it, you have this pretty thought through.” Gorem said satisfied with the plan.

“Yeah well, it’s not one-hundred percent. The hardest part is going to be doing it. The best we can do now is sleep. We’ll need our strength.”

Gorem was about to object, when he heard a bell ring from outside, indicating it was bedtime. “How will I know what time to get up?” Gorem asked in a hurry, so they wouldn’t get caught.

“I’ll wake you, try to be quiet getting up ok?” Cronus said as he crawled back into bed.

“Alright, see you then.” Gorem replied as he, himself crawled into bed.

“Happy birthday Gorem.” Cronus said as his eyes shut.

Gorem would have replied “Thanks” but as he opened his mouth, he heard snores from Cronus indicating he was asleep. Gorem did the same, as he laid his head down and slowly shut his eyes, letting the comfort of sleep take him to another place.

“Gorem wake up. Gorem, come on you stubborn stallion it’s time to go”

Gorem’s eyes opened as a whispering voice was heard from his slumber. Cronus, was standing in front of him, his face barely visible in the light.

“You’re awake good, look we need to go now. We don’t have long, please hurry.”

Gorem arose from his bed, trying to be as quiet as possible. He reached to gather his belongings when he was stopped by a hoof. Gorem looked up to see Cronus was the one who stopped him.

“You can’t bring those, too much weight, and too much noise. Look, just take these.” Cronus handed Gorem a bag of rocks Cronus had made up of cloth from his sheets.

Gorem was still too tired to argue with Cronus, so he accepted the rocks and followed Cronus to the door. They stood their for about two minutes as Cronus scanned the cabin for any eavesdroppers.

“The coast is clear. Now look, we’re going to have to do this carefully, we can’t risk anyone waking up got it. Take this.” Cronus immediately handed Gorem a large rock.

Gorem looked up at Cronus, questioning why he would need a rock this big for anything. Cronus replied as if he knew what he was doing.

“I know it’s going to seem cruel but I need you to cover my back. It’s too much of a risk to have anypony up and knowing we’re escaping. So if you see anypony awake, hit them as hard as you can with this rock, straight to the head.” Gorem opened his mouth to say something, but was again stopped by Cronus. “It’s either us or them. What would you rather have.”

Gorem felt the need to argue with Cronus’ logic, but was swayed to keep his mouth shut, and do whatever it was this crazy colt was doing. Gorem turned and trotted quietly to the middle of the room and stood, scanning as hard as his could around the room.

Cronus, in the mean time, quietly cracked open the door. It was as he expected, one guard standing at the foot of the door. Cronus scanned between the guards legs for any spot optimal to throw the rock. After a minute of scanning, he finally decided a tree would be his best option. Close enough, and hard enough to make a noise the guard will pay attention too. He thought,  If I’m lucky, he’ll go around the tree. Cronus, took measures, examining the tree for at least five minutes before finally grabbing a medium sized rock.

Cronus looked back to see Gorem still scanning the room. He smiled and looked back at the tree. He knew now was the time. He had one chance at this. Cronus took the rock into his hoof, and chucked it with force behind it. The rock sailed through the air and hit just at the stump, hitting a solid root of the tree. He was pleased with the sound it made, forcing the guard to jerk up and begin to trot over to the culprit of the noise.

It’s now or never. Cronus knew this and he turned immediately over to gorem and whispered “Gorem we have to go now, throw the rock at somepony.”

Gorem turned and saw Cronus point a hoof at on particular colt. “Are you crazy?” Gorem yelled in a hushed tone.

“Maybe a little, but just do it we need the distraction.” Cronus whispered, his heart racing a thousand miles an hour.

“Won’t somepony see us?” Gorem kept his same tone.

“Not if you throw it, and run out of here like Nightmare Moon was chasing you.”

Gorem knew there wasn’t time to argue, he did as Cronus said and through the rock as fast, and as efficiently as he could.

The rock hit the still young colt right in the head, causing him to wake up and start screaming in pain. This reaction caused a whole massive chain of events. All of which, Cronus, and Gorem were long gone before any guard could see them.

The wall was an easy task, perhaps easier than Cronus had imagined it would be. He played with a pair of two’s and got the four-of-a-kind. They both managed to scale the wall while all the guards were distracted by the commotion. They sprinted as fast as their hooves could toward the city. Once there, they would be home free.

The took a route into an alleyway.The city lights of Las Pegasus engulfing them. Both of them kept running until they reached of of the cities main streets. They stopped gasping for breath, before they noticed the sight before them.

A massive building, standing almost 30 stories high, curved and lit up the street before it. At the top it read The Pegasi Suites and Casino.

Gorem stood there in awe at the sight of such a massive creation. It was something beyond what he had ever seen. Something this massive, this colorful, and this bright.

“We did it Gorem,” A voice said beside him. It took him several moments to figure out that it was Cronus. Who was also in awe at the sight of the bright city. “We’re free, free to do what we want, live our own lives.” Gorem noticed a tear fall from Cronus’ eye. His expression going from awe struck, to almost so happy, he was crying.

Gorem felt the same, his eyes began to water, and his head drooped down. “We did, I can’t believe it.” Gorem felt tears running down his face, as he felt Cronus pull a hoof over his shoulder.

“Hey, no time for tears, there’s a whole world for us to explore. We have to get going in order for us to to see the whole thing.” Gorem looked up and saw that Cronus had the biggest smile he had ever seen on the colts face.

“You’re right, we better get going, or we’ll miss something” For the first time, in ages Gorem unfurled his wings, flapping them as hard as he could, rising off the ground. At first he was slightly unstable. At the mansion, he was only aloud flight once every month, and in a restricted zone. Now, he was free to fly anywhere, as fast as he wanted, when he wanted. He smiled at this, and saw Cronus doing the same.

Cronus looked over at Gorem with the same smile planted on his face. “Let’s go buddy.” Just as the two of them were about to take off, a scream for help rang from down below.

Gorem looked and noticed in a distant alley an old mare was being confronted by a shadowy, hooded figure. Cronus, who was already 10 yards ahead of Gorem, looked back to see Gorem staring at the crime. “Gorem, leave it, it’ll only cause us trouble.”

“But, that mare, she’s going to get hurt.” Gorem said in concern.

“And you could get yourself killed if you get involved. Come on, let the authorities or whoever handle it.” Cronus turned and began to fly away. When he turned back he saw Gorem already flying toward the crime.”Buck me.” Cronus flew after him, trying as hard as he can to catch up to Gorem before he did anything that would get the two of them killed.

It was too late, Gorem had already landed, staring at the back of the criminal. Cronus landed behind him, his expression turning from happy, to worried.

“Stop right there.” Gorem yelled at the cloaked pony.

The figured turned his head, his face still makes by a shadow. Gorem tried to see past the shadow, but was immediately met by two red, glowing eyes, glaring at him. Almost as if looking into his soul.

“G-Gorem, look this pony isn’t anything to mess with, we should go, like now.” Cronus tried to put a hoof on Gorem, but it was shrugged off.

“Don’t hurt that mare any further!” Gorem exclaimed.

His demand was met by a chuckle as the figured turned around to meet Gorem, now both staring face-to-face.

“Something funny?” Gorem questioned angrily.

His question was then met by a deep voice, ringing through the alley. “Foolish pegasus, so naive, turn around and go back to where you came. I have no intention in harming to young colts.” The dark voice exclaimed, mocking Gorem’s age.

“Yet you have the intention to harm an old mare? Doesn’t make much sense to me.” Gorem question, his tone trying to match, the dark voice.

“This mare is only getting the justice she deserves. I am the one to carry that out.” The voice said, almost getting deeper in tone.

“And who are you to judge what she deserves?” Gorem’s tone dropping as well.

“Who am I? Why don’t you take and look and see young one.” The pony threw off his cloak revealing a dark-blue pony, with both a horn, and wings. He was muscular, and his eyes still glowed with the same red from under the cloak. Eventually, the glow wore off, settling to purple eyes, with a purple haze flowing around them.

“An Alicorn?” Gorem had only known of two, Celestia, and Luna now turned Nightmare Moon. How was it possible a third existed, and nopony ever heard of him? Could this just be a ploy? Gorem was confused, yet he kept his stance, and refused to back down.

“Don’t hide your confusion, I can see it in your eyes. How is there a third alicorn. Well, let me ask you this. What do the history books tell you? That there is only two in existence? That’s because “her highness” Celestia, doesn’t want anypony to know that I ever existed. So what happens when the history book is re-written? Ponies only believe what they are told, but can never accept what is true. My name is Armosk, once the Alicorn of Justice. Now corrupted by the same forces that took down The Crystal Empire. Tell me young ones, what is your names?” Armosk smiled at the two of them.

Gorem lowered his body further, becoming even more defensive. Whatever trick this alicorn was up to, he didn’t want a part of it. “My name is Gorem, and this is Cronus. We’re both pegasus of the Whitetail Manor.”

Cronus’ expression changed from worried, too frightened in an instant. The confident pony, who stared death in the face while escaping the manor, now had his role flipped, and was terrified at the sight of death staring him straight in the face. He followed Gorem, lowering himself into a defensive position, scanning for escape routes in case things get out of hoof. “Look, I’m sorry for Gorem’s behavior, we didn’t mean to intrude, he was just worried about that mare behind you. If you let us go, we won’t tell anypony, we swear.”

Gorem didn’t back down, he knew this alicorn could strike at any time, if given the chance.

“I’m afraid it’s too late, you both know too much. It’s time for you to meet your justice.” The alicorn didn’t hesitate, his horn glowed as a purple ball of pure magic formed above him. He threw his head forward firing a beam of magic at the two colts.

Gorem’s as well as Cronus’ eyes widened as they both took immediate action and flew as fast as the could in opposite directions. the beam cleared, but before Gorem could adjust his path up, the alicorn grabbed him by the throat, tossing him into the street.

Cronus also tried to adjust after seeing Gorem get tossed like a pebble into the street. HE tried to help his friend, but was met with a hoof to the gut and a surge of energy flow around his body. He felt nothing after except the surge of energy and a solid wall meet his body. He crashed into the hotel’s wall, as his body slid to the ground, rubble falling around him.

Gorem, who was recovering from his hit, saw this happen right before him. His eyes widen and his heart sank as he saw Cronus’ body lie still in a pile of rubble. Before Gorem moved, he noticed a twitch from Conus’ body, indicating he was still alive. “CRONUS!” Gorem exclaimed, rushing to his friend’s aid. Ignoring all the pain he was feeling Gorem dug through the rubble to retrieve his friend. When he got to Cronus, he noticed his head had been bleeding, and burns all across his body. “Cronus, please, please tell me you’re going to make it.”

Cronus opened his eyes slightly, his hoof trembling as he lifted it to Gorem’s face. “Gorem, I’m not going to make it. Whatever he did, whatever that magic was, I can feel it. I, only have so long now. You have to get out of here. Save yourself. You have so much to live for. This was all for you. Go, be free. Live your life.”

Gorem’s eyes filled with tears as the words left Conus’ mouth. “I’ not leaving without you. We were supposed to do this together. Not on our own.”

“Buck, Gorem I’m not going to make it.” Cronus said, his voice weakening. “Stop thinking about other’s for once in your life. You can’t save me. I’d just be dead weight. Go on your own, be the pony you wanted to be.”

“I’ll avenge you then. I won’t go down without a fight. It’s like you sa-” Gorem was interrupted by a hoof to the face coming from his best friend.

“You can’t fight him.” Cronus said. “Look what he did to me. If you try to fight, the same might happen to you. If not for yourself, then for me. Do it for me, save yourself for me. I...You see the sunrising over there, you can fly towards that, let Celestia’s light guide you. I love you Gorem, you were like a brother to me. Please be safe, find your family. Br great. For me, and for yourself. Thank you for everything my friend. I’ll...always...be with you.” With his last breath Cronus shut his eyes falling into the eternal sleep.

Gorem sat there crying, as Armosk watched over. “How saddenning, he forgot you were going to join him. I’d love to stand here and watch you cry over him, but why don’t I just reunite you two?” Armosk asked in a mocking tone.

“You think this was a joke?” Gorem’s voice darkened as he rose and laid Cronus on the ground.

“Excuse me?” Armosk asked confused.

“Killing my only friend, harming another mare, and now mocking me?” Gorem turned towards Armosk his body trembling from the events he just witnessed.

Armosk froze, something wasn’t right. He looked scanned over Gorem. He felt an increase in magic in the air around him. Armosk immediately closed his eyes to see where it was coming from. That stallion, he thought. Where is this coming from? Just as he opened his eyes he noticed the ground beneath Gorem begin to crack.

Then. a loud boom rang across the city, a rainbow expanded in a circle from the point of take off and followed it’s master. Gorem flew at speeds nopony had ever reached in history. Armosk wasn’t prepared for this, and tried to adjust and dodge, but it was as in Gorem had predicted this move. He took an immediate ninety degree turn hitting Armosk at full force. Then he took another ninety degree turn now head straight for the ground.

Armosk, who was winded from the blow, hit the ground another lund boom rang across the city as the alicorn felt ribs crack from the force of the impact. He lied there winded from both blows. His body shaken, and badly injured. He lifted his head to see the pegasus taking a third ninety degree turn and heading straight for Armosk. The ground breaking beneath the force of the pegasus’ speed. Armosk had little time to think, he charged his horn the best he could. Then casted whatever spell he could come up with right there on the spot.

For a second, the city went silent, before the sound of sirens sounded throughout the city. Armosk laid there still in pain from the two blows he took. Wherever I sent that pony I could care less.  He thought. I don’t have much time, I need to leave before they find me. He stood up as best he could, and before anypony could see, he vanished into the shadows. Continuing his mission. Revenge on Celestia.

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

    Sounds of the jungle sang its tune as the night sky shined brightly down on the floor. A lone pony trotted his way through small plants that shrank beneath the tall trees of the Equestrian Jungle. His hoof's made prints in the soft dirt. He swiveled his head back and forth, on the look out for any predators on the prowl under the night's watch.

    Corvo was cautious to take every step carefully. A simple twig cracking could alert the whole jungle of his presence. He was sure to make track of his location in case he got lost. Wouldn't want another repeat of the Temple of the Sun now would we?He thought to himself. he's been on too many of these adventures to know that keeping track of your surroundings, and knowing your location could save you in a sticky situation.

    Corvo made sure his black mane was cut short and spiked right to allow him easy navigation through the dense jungle. Too many times when he was a young treasure hunter had he found himself caught on limbs of trees, or captured because of his long mane. His body was also the perfect shade of green to allow him to blend into the night, as well as the forest floor. As well as his coat color, Corvo knew several camouflage techniques to blend in to his surroundings.

    The dangers of treasure hunting came in all shapes and sizes ranging from but not limited to: poisonous plants, hungry predators, bandits, temple traps, and most dangerously the Cult of the New Equestrian Order. He'd dealt with the cult many times, and every time he escaped with his life barely in tact. At one point, they went as far as to break his wings.

    Through all this, they were after the same artifacts, but had different goals. For Corvo, it was to keep the artifacts out of the hands of the cult. As for the cult, it was to overthrow Celestia and her Council in Canterlot. The cult thought of it as a dictatorship in Equestria, and has the mindset that Equestria is in need of a new order. One where it is ruled by the cult and all must worship it as the saviours of Equestria.

    Of course Celestia isn't fond of this, and has sent out her Royal Guard to deal with the cult. But Corvo has other plans for himself. He was never asked by Celestia to retrieve these artifacts of power. He more, hired himself as a freelance treasure hunter. For years now he's been hunting these artifacts along with dealing with cult and it all came down to this one artifact. The Ring of Equine, a powerful ring, that if wielded by a pony, it could increase their biggest trait by nearly one-hundred times what it was originally. It was a dangerous artifact, and if held in the hands of the cult, it could mean the end of Celestia and her Council.

    Corvo took it upon himself to stop them. To make sure that, that kind of power was never wielded in the wrong hands. He already possessed four out of the nine artifacts, as the cult had four as well. It all came down to the ring, if he failed, the fate of Equestria is set in stone. But he couldn't let that bother him now, he has to keep his eyes on the prize. The ring was his goal, and he was determined to find it. Corvo was right on path of success just a few more hours of walking and he'd be at the temple where the ring was held.

    Then, he felt a drop fall on his forehead. Corvo looked up to see the sky littered with clouds. Rain began to fall on the forest, and soon the floor would be flooded. Corvo looked around to find any source of shelter. After a few seconds he found a tree that was hollowed out a few feet up from the ground. An optimal place for shelter for the night. The sound of the rain covered his movements, allowing him to be reckless with his movements. Corvo ran as fast as he could to the tree as he climbed to hollowed out section.

    When he made it, he sat down and unpacked his small belongings, pulling out some bread. His stomach grumbled with hunger, and at that moment he'd realized he hadn't eaten all day. The bread was perfectly dry, thanks to him not being in the rain for so long.

    Lightning flashed outside as thunder rumbled the tree and made Corvo's heart sink. Corvo looked down at the bread but pushed it away. Maybe I'm not as hungry as I thought I was. He thought, lying his head down. Maybe if I get some rest I'll be hungrier in the morning. His thoughts cleared as he drifted off into sleep.

    "Well well, look what we have here." A voice rang from outside, "Isn't it our little friend Corvo Star."

    As fast as he fell asleep, Corvo was awakened by a voice coming from outside his mind. He opened his eyes to see, standing on the limb outside his temporary home was a pony cloaked in a black hoodie with a symbol resembling a black alicorn. The night sky hid the ponies face and the rain blurred the pony further. But that didn't stop Corvo's mind from sending him bad messages of who this pony was. His yellow eyes flew in all directions trying to find Corvo an escape route. It was no use, his only exit was through the entrance of the tree, which was blocked by the pony standing outside. Then, within a few seconds, three more ponies flew inside the tree surrounding Corvo as he stood, hopelessly outnumbered.

    Though he had no chance of escape, he wasn't going down without a fight. Dropping to his knees and spinning, Corvo spun and knocked one of the ponies down. He then immediately stood up to notice another preparing a punch. Corvo countered grabbing the ponies hoof and tossing him against the wall. He was then tackled to the ground by the last pegasus, who then pinned Corvo's forehooves to the ground. he struggled managing to catch the pony on the back with a swift knee to the spine. The pony cringed and released his grasp on Corvo, but before Corvo could toss the pony off of him he was stopped in his tracks. A purple glow surrounded him, holding his body in place. his eye's scanned the area trying to figure out where the magic came from. Then, he saw it. The pony standing on the limb had a magical aura at the top of his hood.

    "I think you've caused enough trouble, don't you think?" The pony said in a mocking tone, "Now let's just forget this ever happened and move on, shall we?"

    Corvo hated the ponies tone. There would be nothing more that he'd like to do than smash that ponies face in with his own hooves. Corvo struggled against the magic, but he knew it was no use. Once caught in a unicorn's hold, it was up to the unicorn was to do with you.

    "Now now, no trying to escape." The pony sang in a dark tone, "You're coming with us." Corvo felt a slight tap on his spine, but that slight tap was enough to numb his body and send him into another deep sleep.

    After several hours Corvo awoke in a daze. His head felt heavy, like a sledgehammer had been taken to it. The events of the night were blurry in his head, he didn't even remember waking up. But the place he was in was somewhat familiar. Judging by the symbols on the sides of the tents and the traditional bonfire burning down a manikin of a gigantic Celestia, he was trapped in the Cult of the New Equestrian Order base camp. He barely had a view of the outside, since the burning manikin blocked most of his view. But his tent seemed somewhat inviting. Beside the extremely small cage he was forced to stay in. There was barely enough room to move in, and standing was nearly impossible. If Corvo wanted to sleep, he would have to curl up in a ball like a dog on a bed. The smell of burning wood was the only thing that he couldn't complain about, but even that sickened him knowing it was coming from a burning Celestia manikin.

    Corvo must have sat there for at least three hours before any pony came and talked to him. Though, the one who did he wasn't so fond of.

    The unicorn walked in, hood encasing his head once again. This time though, he was more recognizable, all thanks to the flames outside the tent. The pony was a light-grey stallion, built very agile. He was slightly skinny, but still kept a nice muscle tone in his body. His white tail stood still behind him.His mouth opened signaling he was about to speak.

    "Corvo Star, you've been an enemy of our cult for a very long time now." The stallion said, his voice sounding almost happy. "You've been nothing but trouble to us. Always causing mischief and ruining our plans to find the artifacts. You've already stolen four from us, and nearly stole the others. That right there in itself is a crime. We'd have the right mind to punish you now and take you to the pits, but the others and I have talked it all over and we have come to a proposal. Would you like to hear it?" The unicorn paused to let Corvo speak.

    "I hope you rot in Tartarus you hay-chewer." The hostility in Corvo's voice could be felt nearly a mile away. He hated this cult and hoped each one would burn. But, somehow, that didn't throw off the unicorn's mood one bit.

    "My my, such hostility. I mean, I would be upset too if I was kept in conditions like these but be honest with yourself Corvo, it could be a lot worse." The unicorn chuckled a bit at the last words, but continued as if that hadn't happened. "You know, all this could have been avoided if you just let us have our artifacts. But no worries, we have ways of forgiving you for your sins. So here's our little proposal; you give us all the artifacts you stole from us, and we'll forget about this whole thing. If not, well...let's just say you don't want to find out." The unicorn turned his head back to glance at the fire, smiling, then turning his head to Corvo once again to speak with him. "I'm sure you want to live a free life, with a family maybe? A handsome pony like you could find a mare in no time. Have you ever thought of having kids Corvo?" The grey pony paused again to allow Corvo time to respond. When no answer came the unicorn moved on. "I know you want to so the right thing, and I know you know that in your heart giving us the artifacts would be the right thing in the end. So what will it be Corvo? Freedom from your sins, to live your own life happy and free. Or freedom from your sins in the pits of Tartarus?" The ponies voice cracked at the end, as though a demon rose into his soul at that very moment.

    Corvo smiled at looked the grey unicorn straight in the eyes, or at least what he could see of the eyes and spat right in his grinning, putrid face.

    The unicorn leader didn't take to kindly to that as he frowned and backed away, wiping the spit off his face. "Fine then have it your way, you will regret your decision you worthless sack of apples. Tomorrow, you will burn at the site of my men, as the Ring of Equine will be mine." The unicorn stormed off, out of the tent, mumbling to himself.

    Corvo smiled at his morale victory. Then he noticed another figure standing at his door. A blue earth pony had been staring at him since the cult leader had left. The earth pony was small, almost as small as a colt. When the pony moved closer he could see a long white mane and tail and his face resembling that of a colt. Corvo's mind raced with questions as to why such a little colt had been in a camp like this, and why he was watching Corvo.

    The colt was now nearly five feet away from Corvo when he spoke to him. "You look like you need help mister." The colt giggled, snorting a little at the end.

    His mind flew with questions but he could only bring himself with one answer. "No thanks kid, I work alone." It was against Corvo's morale code to ask for help. He had always worked alone in his life, and having ponies along with him only caused more trouble.

    "Are you sure? You look like you need it." The colt giggled some more.

    "Thanks, but no thanks. I'll find a way out of this cage without your help." Corvo replied in a confident tone.

    "Are you really sure? You looked pretty helpless to me!" The colt giggled some more trying to contain his laughter.

    "Thanks but I got this." Corvo said, this time slightly annoyed at the colts remark.

    "Alrighty then mister! Whatever you say!" Then, without warning the colt trotted off out of the tent.

That was odd. He thought as he put he put his head down to rest.

    Just as Corvo was about to close his eyes and go to sleep, he noticed a key lying on the ground in front of his cage. His eyes immediately grew wide and his heart began to beat as fast as he could. It was within a hoof stretch, if he tried to reach, he could get it. Corvo stood up in the tight cage, smashing his side against the edge of the cage. He reached his hoof out to grab the key Come on Corvo you can do this. He thought, reaching as far as he could. Just a little further. His heart raced as his hoof touched the key's edge. With all his might he pulled the key toward him, the key getting easier and easier to reel in.

    Corvo held the key in his hoof's. He had wondered where it had come from, but that didn't matter now, escape was within his a hoof-step. He reached around to the door of the cage and grabbed the lock with one hoof, and with the other he adjusted the key to fit the lock. His heart still raced, hoping this was the key to his cage. click, the lock popped open and dropped to the ground. Corvo slowly pushed the door open, being as careful as he could to not make a sound.

    He snuck to the entrance to the tent, peering to the outside to scan his area. Now came patience, if he stayed calm and waited, openings will come. Then, it's all about timing. Corvo stood at the entrance for nearly 15 minutes taking note of several of the camps activities. Guard patrols, cult members moving from tent to tent, and other miscellaneous activities. He payed attention to each one. His eyes focused on his route. When the time came, he executed it.

    Corvo slid outside the tent, over to another one where some ponies and fallen asleep, drunk from the late night's games. Then, he walked casually behind a guard, making sure that the guard didn't make any unexpected turns. The route was simple, he took a straight path past an ongoing game of pony poker, and some ponies sitting at a table having dinner. When it came to the command tent, he stopped listening in on a conversation.

    "So do we know where this artifact is?" One pony spoke, his voice frail.

    "In the center of the jungle. With Corvo out of the way we should have possession of the ring by morning. We already have scouts in the temple, setting the traps off for us." Another said, this one sounding deeper, like a rich pony.

    "Don't you think it's wrong to be using the rookies to go through the temple and setting off these traps?" The frail voice spoke.

    "It is, but who else would do it? I know I won't. Tell them they get rewarded at the end when they find the ring at the end, and those stupid ponies will do anything you tell them" The deep voice spoke, chuckling a little.

    "Yes, it is funny how they think they will survive such traps." The frail voice chimed in, chuckling slightly

    "Hmph, they're lives are for a better cause. Soon, Equestria will be our's." The deep voice began to laugh.

    "Yes, and poor Celestia will be no more." The frail voice laughed as well. Together their voices combined into a dark, sinister laughter at the expense of others lives.

In the middle of the jungle, huh? Corvo thought as he slid away into the darkness of the jungle. That can't be too far from here. If I'm right, judging by the sound of the bugs I'm close, very close. Just then Corvo looked up to see a temple, covered with vines from the ancient Mayan-pony civilization towering in the distance. His heart sank again as he made a sprint for the temple.

    Within minutes, he made it to the entrance. Two massive golden doors, with two ponies holding spears on them. The spears crossed in the middle. As Corvo noticed the door slightly open. This must have been where the scouts entered. Corvo trotted to the entrance, his ears perked to listen for any noises at the front.

    Everything was silent, not even a bug was heard from the entrance. When Corvo was certain all was clear, he entered the temple. His heart set out for the Ring of Equine.

    Along the way Corvo had passed by many activated traps. All with at least one pony lying dead from being genius enough to activate them. Though most of the traps had already been activated, Corvo still proceeded with caution. You never know when a trap might activate itself, or hasn't been activated yet. He thought to himself.

    Several minutes had passed when Corvo came across a door. The massive piece of architecture stood in front of Corvo. He tried to force it open but the door wouldn't budge. His heart sank, thinking this was the end when a very deep voice rang throughout the tunnel.

    "To pass, and claim what it is you seek in this temple. You must answer my riddle." Corvo looked around him to find where the voice had come from, only to find the mouth of a giant cat-like creature open at the door.

    "And what are you exactly?" Corvo asked, trying to keep his composure at this monstrosity.

    "I am the Sphinx, guardian of the lost Ring of Equine, and I know who you are." The Sphinx spoke, rumble the tunnel with it's booming voice.

    "You do? How is that even possible? I don't think I've ever met a creature like you?" Corvo questioned the beast's knowledge.

    "You are Corvo Star, treasure hunter. You have 4 of the eight of my brother's artifacts that you managed to take from them." The Sphinx spoke.

    Corov was shaken. How did a creature that he never met know his name and what he did?

    "Enough talk." The Sphinx said, "Are you ready to answer my riddle, or shall I eat you up like I ate those other ponies that came before you?"

    Corvo's mind raced, the Sphinx must have been talking about those scouts. They must have been eaten by the Sphinx for answering the riddle wrong. Whatever this riddle was, it's probably a hard one, he'll have to be at the top of his game to answer it. "How long do I get to answer it?" Corvo asked, trying to buy time.

    "As long as you like, but you are not permitted to leave the temple." The Sphinx's voice trailed off as Corvo heard a door slam behind him. "Now, are you ready for my riddle, adventurer?" The Sphinx asked.

No escape, dammit. Corvo was trapped now with a hungry beast, waiting for him to answer the riddle wrong. He had no choice but to take on the Sphinx's challenge. "I am." Corvo said in defeat.

    "Very well. Listen to my words carefully, I will only say this once. If you get this wrong, I will eat you, and you will never be heard from again." The Sphinx stopped, waiting for Corvo's acknowledgement. He perked his ears as to signal the Sphinx to go on.

"What goes on six legs in the morning, four legs at noon, and five legs in the evening?" The Sphinx went silent as to let Corvo time to respond.

    Corvo's mind stopped, he smirked, the answer to the riddle was too easy. And as the Sphinx glared at him. Corvo answered swiftly. "You are a tricky one Sphinx, but the answer only lies in those ponies that have experienced it and witnessed life around them." Corvo said confidently. "It's a pony. The answer is a pony. They crawl on six while they are born. Walk on four while in the prime of their life. And they struggle on five in their middle ages." Corvo stopped, as the Sphinx's stare did not change.

    "You are..." The Sphinx paused "Correct. The riddle has been answered, and as a deal I give you access to my treasure. Enjoy it pony, you have earned it." The Sphinx stepped out of the way as the gate opened. A bright light shined in Corvo's face as a shining ring lay on a pedestal. Corvo trotted in, the Sphinx closing the door behind him.

    "I will close this door for now adventurer." The Sphinx bellowed. "To ensure no pony from the outside enters."

    Corvo was burning with excitement, he could barely control it. He trotted as fast as he could to the ring, his eye, fixated on the glow of the artifact. This was it, this was the item that would save Equestria from the cult. Corvo picked up the ring, and trotted down the steps that led him to his prize.

    Just as he reached the bottom a loud, resounding boom came from outside the closed door. Then, another boom rang as a flash of light and rubble flew in all directions. The blast made Corvo stumble, but thanks to his incredible balance he managed to stay upright. Dust was thrown everywhere making it almost impossible to see in front of him. Corvo attempted to glance through the dust to see what caused an explosion, only to see a single dark figure walking slowly toward him. But as the figure drew close another blast rang, this time on the right of Corvo. Again, nearly knocking him over but his balance kept him from falling.

    Several voices rang from where the blast came from, and Corvo turned his head to see a bright light shining, seeming like it was coming from the outside. The dust was still too heavy to see through and the second blast didn't help. But just as quickly as it came, the dust cleared as a heavy wind swept over him.

    When the dust cleared, it revealed the culprits of the two explosions. On one side of Corvo stood the cult, and the grey unicorn leader, with his cloak still covering his face. On the other was a dark-blue alicorn. An alicorn? Corvo's heart sank. But, I thought Celestia was the only alicorn alive!. Not to mention what did this alicorn want, he seemed to stand there, staring into Corvo's soul, and what's with that amulet around his neck? Was it some kind of accessory?

    "I knew you escaped, thanks for taking care of the Sphinx for us. That just saved my men a lot of trouble." The grey unicorn spoke up first, his voice projecting across the room.

    "You're not getting your hooves on this ring." Corvo said in defense.

    The grey unicorn's eyes widened and his head cocked to the right slightly, glancing over at the alicorn standing silently. "And who might you be? And what's with the necklace?" The unicorn directed his voice at the alicorn, hoping for some answers.

    The dark-blue pony smiled and stood in place his voice low, and menacing, "My name is Armosk, former alicorn of justice, and I'm here to claim what belongs to me." The alicorn answered without hesitation, "And this? This is a special amulet, The Alicorn Amulet. It gives me great power, something you can't match." The alicorn replied, almost taunting the cult leader.

    "We'll see about that. That ring belongs to The Cult of the New Equestrian Order, and we'll be taking that ring, by force. Men, attack those two!" The unicorn took the dark-blue ponies bait, as he and his entire force charged into the room.

    The alicorn though, was on point. His wings opened wide, as he took off into the space above the chamber's floor. His horn glowed red as a beam of magic sent the cult flying out of the temple. Armosk laughed as he descended to the floor once again. Now casting his gaze upon Corvo. "Now that you've seen my power young one, had me that ring, or I'll blast you as well." The alicorn spoke directly to Corvo, who still held his own ground.

    "What do you want with a ring like this? You already have enough power in the amulet of yours." Corvo said, as he scanned the room for escape routes.

    "Silly pegasus, there is no such thing as too much power. If I'm going to beat Celestia, I'm going to need all the power I can get." The alicorn laughed as his gaze turned into a glare.

    "And you think I'm just going to hand it over to you. You want the exact same thing that cult wants. That's not going to happen, I won't let Equestria be in danger because of you!" Corvo held the ring closer to him protecting it with his body.

    "Then you've made the wrong choice boy." The alicorn said in a deep tone as his horn glowed red, charging up a beam that would certainly kill Corvo if he was in the way.

    He had to think fast, his mind hadn't made up an escape route yet, and there was no time to plan one. So he did the first thing that came to mind. Corvo looked down at the ring, holding it in one hoof while bringing the other into it. Then, just before the beam got to him, he vanished.

    Armosk became confuse, his head now racing to find where the green pegasus had gone. Just as fast as he'd vanished, Corvo appeared, connecting a hood to the gut of Armosk. Armosk cringed, but managing to to pick himself up and fire a beam at Corvo, but then he vanished again, Corvo then re-appeared connecting another hoof to the ribcage of Armosk. Armosk again, attempted to fire another beam but it missed Corvo.

    He began to get frustrated, screaming at the top of his lungs and firing beams in all directions, but all missing Corvo.

    Corvo was too fast for Armosk, the ring increased his agility, making Corvo able to adjust his direction of flight quicker than anything could keep with.

    Armosk's frustration finally reached its peak as the amulet fed into the anger, and Armosk waited, he wasn't going to catch Corvo with a beam of magic. But something more instant, something that only needs a target to find. And just before Corvo could connect one last hoof to the face, Armosk casted a teleportation spell. And just like that, Corvo vanished. And along with him, The RIng of Equine.

    Armosk, stood knowing that the ring was lost to him. I've lost one item that would surely allow me to overthrow her heinass. Armosk thought to himself. But there is a whole world, full of power. One little artifact won't stop me from taking over this place for good. As Armosk stood at the hole the cult had made in the wall of the chamber, he spread his wing. Dark-red magic sparked underneath him. With one beat of his wings, he broke the ground and a trail of dark-red magic followed him.

Time to make a visit to the ports of Baltimare, I have a feeling a shipment it waiting for me

Chapter 2: Epilogue

Amidst the Wreckage of a burning city

An Alicorn lies, broken on the ground

His chest heaves and his body aches

He can hear sirens calling his name

Will this be the day Celestia claims him?

Has she finally won?

He tries to move, to stand up

But his body refuses his demands

He can do nothing,

But wait for fate to claim him

He looked up, to see a glint in the sky

A red stone fell to his feet

The stone landed in front of him

shining with a red glow

a metal plating encased the stone.

He reached his hoof out to grab the stone

It's red glowing encasing his hoof

his eyes locked on the glow of the stone

and his body shook.

The ground trembled beneath him.

As a surge of magic flowed through him.

What is this artifact? He thought

But he did not wait to find out

The stone had given him enough magic to help him out

With a thrust the alicorn flew out of the wreckage

and into an alley

With a swift swish of his hoof

He threw the artifact around his neck

Magic surged into his body

Felling the power, he opened his wings to fly

And before anypony could see it

He vanished, a red trail of essence left behind him

This was the power he had been looking for.

This was what he wanted.

Now that he's received his gift,

Revenge was just a step closer.