Chapters Chapter 1
“Private, is he down there?”
“Yes Captain, the dog is being held in one of the room down these stairs.” The white unicorn guard pointed to the old stone steps that spiral downwards, to parts shrouded and hidden by the darkness.
“Very well then, lead the way.” The same unicorn nodded and lead his Captain down the dark, rocky steps.
The stallion behind the unicorn is the recently promoted royal guard, Captain Path Finder. Capt Finder is a crimson earth pony with a short, combed, orange and yellow hair. The guy is wearing a golden armor that covers his body and head. His yellow eyes looked down, cautioning each of his steps on these old staircases.
The two ponies were traveling down to one of Canterlot's most oldest rooms, the abandon dungeon. This place hasn't been in use since the days of Nightmare Moon's banishment. Princess Celestia herself ordered the closing of this place, saying that it was inhumane to lock the prisoners in such a dark and dirty place.
Unfortunately for these two, their guest prefers a dark and dirty place. From what Path Finder read from the various reports, their guest was a diamond dog. The dog burst from the ground last night and frightened a bunch of nobles.
The dog was cover in blood and was screaming about something that nopony could understand. After rampaging through the city for bit, he was later subdued by the night guards and was brought to the dungeon. However, the diamond dog refuse to cooperate and reacted violently, unless they take him to the most darkest place they got. Which just so happens to be this place.
Finally the two reach the bottom of the steps and found themselves surrounded by pitch blackness. The only light came from the two lanterns the two ponies were holding.
They moved forward, their lanterns illuminating the long hallway. Their two lanterns lit up the place brightly, revealing the many empty jail cells they were passing by.
Path Finder remembered from reading the history textbooks that this place was once used for their psychological torture. The prisoners were cut off from the world above. Their rooms were sound proof so they can't hear or talk to the other prisoners. Surrounded by the darkness that blinds them, the prisoners were left alone with their own mind as it slowly breaks down, turning some mindless and some insane.
The captain was suddenly brought out of his train of thought when his partner stopped right in front of a cell.
“Here he is sir.” The unicorn shined his light in the cell, which has a diamond dog, with his back turned.
The dog was very large, he has black fur with bits of blood staining his coat and the grey vest he was wearing. Both of his paws were wrap in bandages, done by the castle's medical staff. According to the doctor that treated the diamond dog, his paws were broken and bloodied. Indicating that this poor dog has been digging nonstop.
Path Finder eyed the dog suspiciously. He found his lack of acknowledgement of the two stallions quite eerie. Their guest showed no signs of being aware of their presence. He just stay sitting there, back turned, and eyes staring straight at the wall of his cell.
After waiting for the dog to say something, the captain decided to break the silence and spoke first. “Alright dog, are ready to talk? Cause I got some questions to ask you.”
“Turn off the lights.”
“What?”
“Turn off the lights.” The diamond dog repeated.
Both ponies looked at the dog in confusion. Before they can ask why, he spoke up again.
“The light. It hurts. Too bright.”
The two ponies looked at their lanterns and back to the dog. They was no way in hell are they going to turn off their lanterns. However, if they don't do it, they'll lose his cooperation.
With some quick thinking, Path found a compromise that can please both sides. The captain put his lantern down on the ground and made sure his light was pointing at a different direction. The unicorn private follow his example and did the same with his own lantern.
“Better?” Path ask., hoping this would satisfy him.
“Slightly.” The dog answered and turn to face them.
Both ponies cringed upon seeing his face. The diamond dog had lots of various cuts and bruises all across his face. Broken nose, broken jaw, broken cheeks, and a whole lot of broken everything. Who ever done this to him, really mess him up.
“Alright first question, what is your name?”
Instead answering right away, the dog was having trouble remembering his name. “My name? It's...S-Sp-Sp-Spo-Spot! My name is Spot!”
The crimson captain was perplex by the dog's response. “Why did took you so long to answer? Don't you know your own name?”
“No one say my name. Name forgotten, Never heard my name in long time.”
The captain made a mental on what Spot said. However, his answer only just generated even more questions.
“What do you mean no one says your name? Who are they? Are they other diamond dogs?”
“Yes and no.”
Raising an eyebrow, Path questioned him about his answer. “What do you mean yes and no?”
“Were dogs. But changed, No longer dogs.” Spot said with a tint of fear in his voice.
“If not diamond dogs, then what are they?”
Spots stood straight up walked towards the metal door that separated the two from each other. Standing on his feet, the diamond dog large size, towers over the two little ponies. He looked down at the captain, stared him right in his eyes and said: “Monsters.”
Back upstairs, a lone guard mare was waiting outside the iron door that lead to the abandon dungeon down below. The yellow mare was ordered to find the Captain of the guard and ask if he made any progress with their guest. After questioning some ponies, she was lead to this door.
She knew she had to go in and find the captain, but stopped herself from opening the door. She remembered hearing stories about this place. Tales of monsters and ghosts sparking some terrifying rumors about this area being haunted.
Her fear was so great that she decided to wait for them up here. Almost an hour has passed and still no sign of the captain returning. Gulping, the mare knew that if the captain doesn't get up here soon, she'll have to go down there in the dark, creepy dungeon.
Thankfully for her the iron door opened. A crimson stallion and his white coated companion emerged from the door and spotted the yellow guard. She instinctively raised her right hoof to her head, saluting her captain.
“Sir, the name is Private Banana Splits and I've been sent by Princess Celestia to check up on your progress with the diamond dog.”
“Tell the Princess that I made some progress with the dog. Also tell her that I'll meeting her later, I need to go look up something in the royal archives.” Captain Finder ordered.
The mare nodded and headed back to her princess. Path went in a separate direction, leaving the unicorn private to resume his position by the iron door.
Captain Finder trek through the multiple long hallways leading to the royal archives. He passed through a couple of windows, showing the beautiful garden outside and displaying its huge collection of colorful flowers. The captain paid no heed and continue trotting, not even sparing a glance look outside the glass window.
Along the way, the crimson stallion pass by many guards and servants that inhabits the castle. Some simply saluted while others offered a friendly wave. However, once again he paid no attention to them, for his mind was preoccupy with a feeling of dread.
If what Spot says is true, that he and his packmates has uncovered a long forgotten, ancient evil. Then he feared for the safety of Equestria and her citizen if these monsters decide to invade.
Author's Note
My first ever multi-chapter story that is not a oneshot or an anthology. Please comment if you have anything to say this story.
Chapter 2
A long time ago, when the world was still new. The Diamond Dogs lived a simple life, they were nomadic in nature. Never settling down to create a village, always moving to a new place.
They lived like this for generations. That was until the arrival of the First Ones.
They came from out of nowhere, arriving in a large army, wearing some of the most impressive armors and weapons the diamonds dog have never seen before. These creatures were dogs like them, but more taller, muscular, and better groomed.
These dogs called themselves the Primal Dogs and they claim to be the very first dogs that was born into this fresh new world. They came here to uplift their brothers from their primitive lives and bring them to the modern world.
The Diamond Dogs found the opportunity too good to let it pass and a large majority of them went with them. A few of them however didn't go, they found the Primal Dogs suspicious and stayed where they are.
It turns out their suspicion was right.
The Diamond Dogs that went with the Primal Dogs soon found themselves enslaved, locked up, separated, and forced to do hard labor.
It was revealed that the Primal Dogs had no intention of letting them joined their society. They viewed the Diamond Dogs as a subspecies, something entirely beneath them. To them the Diamond Dogs were an inferior race and are only live to served the progress of their ever-growing empire.
They forced their lesser brothers to work in the mines, digging up precious metals and gemstones for long hours, with little rest and meager foods. Those who either don't or can't work are punish. Their punishments are out in public, serving as an example to the other prisoners.
Their imprisonment lasted for many years. After many grueling hours of digging and heavy lifting, the day finally arrived when they fought back.
Unbeknownst to the Primal Dogs, the free Diamond Dogs has been secretly sneaking in and communicating with their enslave brethren. Together they carefully planned out a massive revolt that will not only free them, but end the Primal Dogs Empire.
Finally the day came and the massive battle has begun. The once enslaved Diamond Dogs found themselves freed. They then joined their liberators and fought against their former slavers.
The battle was long and bloody, both sides having large casualties.
Eventually they push Primal Dogs to the mines. Instead of finishing them off, the Diamond Dogs pushed them to the deepest parts of them mines and caused a massive cave-in.
The freed Diamond Dogs celebrated their victories over the defeat of their slavers. They return home, happy to be out of that place and back to their lives.
“And well that's pretty much the story.” Captain Finder said as he closed the old brown book. He then look up to see the two royal sisters, sitting on their throne. The big white alicorn sat on the left, while her night blue sister sat on the right.
“Your majesty, do you know anything about this? About these Primal Dogs?”
Captain Finder looked to the two princesses, hoping they have the answers. Sadly, they didn't as they both shook their heads.
“I'm sorry Captain, but I'm afraid that myself and my sister are quite unfamiliar with this legend.” Luna explained.
“My sister is correct, this legend is only known among the diamond dogs, not ponies.” Celestia added. “And while we have lived a long life, we don't know every single thing that happens on this world.”
The captain was disappointed, but understood their reasons. “Well then your majesty, we need to warn everypony about this, we need to assemble an army and-”
“Now captain let's not rush into this, we still don't know anything about these Primal Dogs.”
“What is there to know? If they are a threat to Equestria, then we need to strike first!” He said as he stomp his right hoof on the floor.
Upon realizing what he did, he felt himself shrinking down from the gaze the princesses were giving him.
“Captain Path Finder.” Luna said his name. “While I commend you for thinking about the safety of our ponies, I condemn your decision for making such a drastic action. If these Primal Dogs are indeed dangerous then why haven't they invaded? Why haven't they simply just come to our main capital and slaughter us?”
The crimson stallion had no answers and just remained silence.
“The way we see it, they either don't know of our existence or they are being cautious, indicating that they are not as menacing as they seem.”
After Luna was done, Celestia was the next, to speak. “However, we are not foolish enough to not take any precaution.”
Path Finder looked straight at Princess Celestia, giving her his fullest of attention.
“Instead of sending an army, we want you to pick two other ponies for a small reconnaissance team. Captain, I want you to verify if these Primal Dogs are real and if they are, see whether or not they plan to invade our nation.”
The crimson stallion nodded in response and was about to leave before Celestia spoke again.
“Remember Captain, this is a stealth mission. Do not be seen and do not attack unless necessary, if so, try nothing lethal.”
The captain bowed his head and trotted out of the throne room.
As he was trotting the long halls, the stallion was busy thinking about the past. Ever since Captain Shining Armor moved to the Crystal Empire with his wife, the position of Captain of the guards have been left opened.
Out of all the other guards suitable for this role, he himself was picked to become the new Captain. While a part of him was honored for being chosen, a small part of him wish he hadn't. It wasn't like he didn't like his new position, hell all the paper work wasn't an issue since he was used to work at an office before joining the royal guards.
No, the real issue is the fear. Fear of not living up to ponies expectations, fear of not protecting everypony, fear of sacrificing lives, and to put it simply, the fear of failure.
These negative thoughts he buried, deep inside himself. Never revealing it to anypony and never telling anypony about it either. This was a secret he was going to take to his grave.
Entering his office, Path Finder sat on his chair and opened a drawer in his desk. The drawer showed a collection of folders, each one with a name on them. Taking them all out, Path started reading each files individually. He skimmed through them, making this process go much faster.
When he opened a new folder it showed a dark blue pegasus stallion with black mane and blue eyes. Instantly, Path recognize the pony. 'Lieutenant Claymore.' He read the name in his head. Claymore's file has a description of the stallion, from height, weight, age, and short biography. There are also two pictures in the file, one is the stallion's face and the second is his cutie mark, a binocular.
Path met Claymore when they were both in boot camp. They became fast friends during the early days of their royal guard duties. But, soon they were assigned to different places, losing contact with each other. They occasionally meet up again, but it has always been small talks.
Reading his files, Path learned that Claymore has been in a lot of missions that involves sneaking into heavily populated enemy bases. So far, he has never been discovered by anybody during these operations.
Putting that file on the side, Path resume looking over a couple of more files. He came across an interesting unicorn by the name of Moonstone. This young stallion has a silver-gray coat, blank white hair with a single bright blue line. His eyes are purple and his cutie mark shows a cracked blue gemstone.
According to his files, Moonstone hale from the Jewel family. A family known to have exclusive mining operations in other foreign countries and have them imported here. This made the Jewels one of the wealthiest families in Canterlot. Moonstone is the second child of Onyx and Ruby, their first child and his older sister is Jade Emerald.
Moonstone joined the royal guards after dropping out of college. Ever since then, he rose through the ranks and quickly became a sergeant major. Despite being young, the stallion has already mastered some of the more advanced spells. Including his mastery of the invisibility spell.
This piqued Path's interest.
Sure there are other unicorns who can cast the spell, but it says on his file that Moonstone has learned how to do a complete invisibility spell. That means no shimmer whenever you move or when someone is close up.
Besides, his file also said that Moonstone rarely ever go on missions. So this be could some good field work experience, for him.
Closing the folder and putting on the side with Claymore's. Path neatly stack all the other folders and put them back in his drawer. After that he picked the two folders left on his desk and headed out the door.
Shutting the door behind him, the crimson stallion was making his way to one of the two pony he has chosen for this mission, Lt. Claymore.
Outside in the garden where all sorts of colorful flowers bloom, the captain of the guard spotted a bunch of royal guards looking around the place. Some were peaking their heads in the bushes, others were climbing trees and looking inside the foliage, and a couple of ponies were just aimlessly wandering around.
Curiosity got the best of him and he went up to the nearest guard. “Soldier, what are you doing?” Path asked, surprising the pony. He immediately spun around and quickly raise his right hoof up to salute.
“Oh, Captain!” The stallion said loudly. “I was just looking for Lt. Claymore.”
Path, peak his head around the young stallion and saw an opened trashcan.
“You were looking for him in a trashcan?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Why, I may ask?”
“His order, sir.” He explained. “Lt. Claymore hid himself somewhere in this garden and we were order to find him.”
The captain looked around again and saw all the guards still searching the area. “I guess you guys are not having much luck, huh?”
“Well no, but I think we're close to finding him.”
“Pfft, please. You guys are not even close to finding me.” Said a new voice.
Both Path and the guard jumped a little, both equally startled by the sudden appearance of the dark blue pegasus stallion.
“Been flying pass and around you guys all day and you still didn't notice me.”
Path recovered quickly and turn his eyes on Claymore, who is sporting a big grin on his smug face. The pegasus then notice his captain staring at him.
“Oh, hi captain.” He greeted. “Whassup.”
“Hello to you too, lieutenant.” Path replied. “What are these troops outside, playing hide and seek with you?”
“Well Captain Finder, I am personally training these bunch on how to find a hiding intruder. Sadly, these guys failed miserly, as they still haven't found me all morning.” The frown on his face, instantly turned upside down. “But, enough about me, why are you here captain? I know you didn't come out here just to hang out with little old me."
“You're right Claymore, I'm actually here to recruit you for a mission.”
“What kind of mission?”
“The secret kind.”
“Alright I'm in.” Claymore was about to leave with Path, but not before addressing the other guards. “Hey, everypony! You all failed! Get back to the barracks!”
All the guards in the garden gave out a collective groans and grumbles as they trotted back to the barracks.
The dark blue pegasus flew to catch up with his captain. Landing right next to him, his hooves touch the ground and began trotting with him.
“So Captain, where are we going?” He asked.
“We're going to meet our third squadmate.” Path answered.
“Who?”
“Moonstone.”
“Moonstone, you mean the silver unicorn with broken gemstone cutie mark?”
“Yeah, why? You know him?”
“Sort of. We were picked to be bodyguards by some noble looking to open a trade route in Saddle Arabia. Spend almost an entire month working with him and we barely said more than one sentence to each other.”
“Why? Is Moonstone not much of a talker?”
“No no, is just that we have nothing to talk about. Besides our mission we had nothing in common. I was into sports, this guy was into superheroes.
“Superheroes?”
“Yeah you know, like Power Ponies and Mare Do Well.”
The two stallions dropped their topic about Moonstone and went on to talk to each other. It was mostly Claymore doing the talking, but Path doesn't really mind it. The crimson stallion was always more of listener then a talker.
They both continue to trot around the castle, all the while his pegasus companion talked about everything that happened to him, he went over it in complete detail.
From what he gathered from the torrent of information he was getting, Claymore found a great apartment room with a beautiful view of the mountain city. He also found a special pony who he loves very dearly and are currently going through a long distance relationship.
His companion babble on some more, before they finally found their unicorn.
Moonstone was giving a lecture to all new unicorn guards. He was teaching them all the different support spell they are suppose to use to aid their buddies in combat. He even gave them an example and cast a couple of them.
In the middle of this, the silver-gray unicorn spotted both the captain and the lieutenant waiting by the door. He was thankful that they didn't interrupt his lecture and trotted up to greet them.
“Hello Captain Finder.” Moonstone said to the crimson stallion. “And same to you too, Lieutenant Claymore. Do you two want something?”
“Yes, Sergeant Major, we need you for a mission we're doing."
“I see.” The silver-gray pony said. “When are we going?”
“Tonight.” Path answered. “At 1500 hrs, you are to meet me at my office and I'll explain the mission.”
“Very well captain I shall meet you there.” Moonstone then turned around and return back to the new recruits.
Capt. Path and Lt. Claymore left Moonstone to his lecture. Claymore pointed out that they have a couple of hours before they go Path's office and wanted him to go out in the city.
Path politely decline, telling him to go enjoy himself. Lt. Claymore did and left the crimson pony by his lonesome self. The captain trotted along the silent hallways, deep in though. If he wants this mission to be successful, then he will need some more information.
He arrive at the iron door, the one that leads to the abandon dungeon. The same guard was still there by the door. He knew why the captain was here and the two both went in. Once again surrounded by the familiar darkness as the metal door close right behind them.
Chapter 3
Somewhere south of Equestria, a single chariot was flying high in the orange sun setting sky. Instead of the usual gold-plated transport, the chariot was coated in black.
In fact all the guards were wearing black version of their armor uniforms. The two pegasuses pulling the chariot are wearing black and the three stallions riding the chariot are in black as well.
Captain Path Finder looked on ahead, while lieutenant Claymore and Sergeant Major Moonstone were looking down from the edge of their ride. Both ponies were pointing to the many things they saw on the travel. Such as Ponyville, the Everfree Forest, the Ghastly Gorge, Appleloosa, and somehow Claymore spotted Las Pegasus from here.
The only thing the Captain was looking at was the large Macintosh Hills ahead of them. According to Spot, his tribe built their homes in those hills. They lived there for a many of years, mining for the precious diamonds, all unaware of the danger that lurks beneath them.
When they got near to the hills, Path Finder ordered the chariot to land down, they will trot the rest of the way from here. The two pegasus follow his command and landed the chariot. Once they touch the ground, the Captain and his two companion hop off and began their trek to the hills. The black chariot took flight again, they will hang back until the Captain signal them for their assistance.
The three stallions travel across the semi-desert, with Lt. Claymore hovering above them and acting as their lookout. Meanwhile Path and Moonstone galloped towards the giant hills. It took them almost half an hour before they even reach the base of the hills.
“Hey Captain, this might be a bad time to ask, but how are we going to find this guy's home?” Claymore asked. “These hills stretch pretty far, it will take us weeks to find his home!”
“Don't worry Lieutenant, Spot was really descriptive with his direction.” Path replied. “He told me his tribe is south of Apploosa and is in a big cave.”
“Yeah sir, that isn't really much to work with.” Said Claymore. “I mean there's like probably dozens of caves on this section of the hill alone, who knows how long it will take to find this specific cave.”
At that moment Moonstone alerted the two of his find. “Capt. Finder! Lt. Claymore! I think I found our cave.”
The two trotted to where Moonstone was and saw what the unicorn was pointing at. Both ponies dropped their jaws upon seeing the cave. The cave was massive, its entrance stretches far and wide. It was practically big enough to fit a very large Ursa major.
“Sir, is that are destination?” The sergeant Major asked.
“Well Spot did say the biggest cave, so yes.”
“Well then lets not waste anytime.” Claymore flew ahead of them, with the two stallion following right behind him.
When the three reach the cave's entrance the Captain silently commanded them to go in. Since Claymore has the best eyes, he'll take point. Path will take the middle, while Moonstone watch the rear. The three ponies enter the large dark cavern, they kept their ears up and their eyes wide.
Inside the massive cave, signs of inhabitants were all around them. Campfires, furniture, utensils, clothing, weapons, and all sort of items, laid scattered all around the place. However, the most disturbing of all was the crimson stain blood everywhere.
“By Celestia's Sun, what happened here?” Moonstone questioned, the look of horror was clear on his face.
Claymore examine the area and inspected a large spot of dried blood with a blood stain spear laying on top of it. “A battle happened here, Sergeant Major.” He answered. “A battle that these Diamond Dogs lost.”
Moonstone looked around and notice something missing. “Wait, then where are the bodies?”
“They were dragged deeper into the cave.” Path Finder said as he pointed to a trail of blood leading to the darkness before them.
“Why?”
“Don't know.” He responded. “But, I do know that this mission just got a whole lot more complicated.”
Captain Finder motion for his two troops to enter into the completely darken path. Normally they would have Moonstone cast a light spell and let him guide the way. However, since this was a stealth mission, that was not an option. Knowing that they will be completely blind down there, the Captain order his two companions to take out their 'special' equipment.
They rummage through their bags and took out glasses with green lenses. When they put them on, suddenly their entire vision changed. Before they couldn't see anything, now they can see the walls and ground beneath them.
“Whoa this is amazing.” Moonston said.
“I know, glasses that lets us see in the dark, how is that possible?” Claymore questioned.
“Well I'm not entirely sure, but those scientist back at Canterlot told me that they enchanted these glasses with the ability to allow any wearer to see perfectly well in the darkness.” Path Finder explained.
“Neat, this is like something out of those sci-fi stuff.”
“Please Claymore those are just scientific technobabble, this is magic.” The unicorn said to the pegasus.
“Silence you two, we're going in.” Path order and his two companions dropped their conversation.
The three continue their march down this long narrow tunnel. It was eerily silent except for the sound of their breathing and their hooves touching the rocky ground. Suddenly their ears picked up the sound of a dog yelping, followed by the sound of a body hitting the floor.
They quicken their pace, trying to find the source of that noise before it disappears. They went around a corner and immediately halted. Something was burning brightly on the ground. Upon closer inspection, Claymore could see that it was a torch and its fire was slowly dying. His eyes then caught something else near the torch. It was paw of Diamond Dog. He couldn't the see the rest of his body, because it was hidden in the darkness. Then all of a sudden the paw move and the sound of dragging can be heard from here.
“What do you see, Lieutenant?” Capt. Finder asked.
“Not much, the bright light from the torch block most of my view. But, I did saw the paw that belongs to a diamond dog. Something was dragging it away.”
Instead of answering, the Captain motion for them to follow him. They came to the spot of the torch which by now the fire is gone. Claymore examine the spot where the dog was and found a bloody trail leading to somewhere. They knew that it was their best option to follow this trail, hoping it will lead them to who ever was dragging it.
Despite wearing their metal hoof shoes, they can still feel the blood beneath their hooves. It was still wet, indicating that the Diamond Dog was still alive before it was killed. They follow the trail that lead them further down the tunnel. Soon they began smelling the scent of rotting corpses, the smell was so bad the three could barely keep themselves from vomiting.
Doing their best to ignore the foul smell, the three continue onwards, only to stop in a large chamber. It wasn't the fact that the room was big that stopped them, no it was the several Diamond Dog bodies hanging on the walls. They just found the source of that vile smell.
The three inspect the bodies and found many wounds on them. They varied between claw marks to bite marks. Each of these open wounds have a lot of dry blood around them, revealing they were here for sometime. Above, both of the dog's paws had a large blade impaling right through them. This is what was holding them up on the wall.
“Hey guys come here.” Claymore whispered for his two teammate to come over. “I believe I found our dog.” He then pointed to the blood trail leading to the dog's fresh dead body.
Captain Finder analysis the body and notice all the same type of wounds, but they were still leaking fresh blood. Looking around his neck, Path discovers a large cut around it.
“Jeez these guys are mess up.” Claymore said as he looked at all the dogs, hanged to the wall.
“No kidding.” Moonstone commented. “Why would they do something so disturbing?”
“Who knows, Moonstone.” Said Path Finder. “They could have set this up as a warning for any intruders, or they could have just did this for fun.”
The mood was silent, nopony said anything to each other. They all let the realty of the situation they are in to sink in. The silence was broken when Claymore spoke up.
“Hey Captain Finder, I know we're suppose to verify whether these First Ones are dangerous or not, but I do believe this is enough of proof we need. So can we all just get out here before it gets any worse.”
“But, Lieutenant we haven't seen any First Ones.” Moonstone pointed out. “We can't just leave.”
“Are you serious Moonstone? We don't need to see these dogs to know what they are like, the bodies hanging on the walls are clear enough evidence to tell us what these guys are like."
As the two quietly argue with each other, Path was pondering on what to do next. Moonstone was right about not actually seeing the First Ones, but Claymore does bring up a good point. This horrible atrocity before him is indeed clear enough evidence tell him what these mangy dogs are like. Ultimately it is up to him to decide what to do next.
However, before he can decide, a low growling sound can be heard behind the group. Each of their heads turn toward the direction of the sound and through their night vision glasses they saw a large furry beast standing at the entrance they came through.
The beast was huge, his head was only mere inches away from touching the ceiling. They couldn't see any details on creature, just the shape and size of it. The beast growls at them again, in response the ponies took out their weapons. Claymore took out a spear, Moonstone levitated some throwing knives with his magic, and lastly Path Finder grabbed his colorguard saber.
Path mentally curse himself for getting him and his troops caught, now they'll have deal with this mutt. The beast charge at them with his right paw up, displaying his sharp claws. He swipe his claws at the one with wings, but the stallion evaded it. Suddenly the beast felt several painful stabs coming from his back, Moonstone just launch a barrage of knives at the beast.
This proves ineffective as the beast is still standing. Path attempt to take a swipe with his blade, but the dog smack him away with the back of his paw. He then grab a spear that was aiming for his neck and pulled it away from its wielder. Claymore may have lost his weapon, but he wasn't going to let that stop him from fighting. He dash in and sucker punch the dog in his face. The beast retaliate by clawing the pegasus's chest, leaving three nasty, bloody slash lines.
Claymore was down and at the mercy of the large canine monster. He was about to finish him off, but then felt more throwing knives piercing his sides. Remembering the one with the horn, he turn around to face him, but found no one. In fact the one he swatted away was gone as well. Turning back to his prey, the wing pony was also gone.
The beast was puzzle by this, unaware with the fact that the ponies were still in the same room, except they are invisible. Moonstone cast the spell, knowing they won't win against this beast. Path was busy bandaging Claymore's wounds. The trio tried to keep silence, not wanting to alert the beast of their presence.
But, then the beast started to sniff around and turn his head in their direction. This sudden movement shocked Moonstone. At first he thought it was just a coincidence that the beast saw them, but then he started to walk towards where they are. Panicking, Moonstone drop the invisibility spell so he can levitate the abandon spear and thrust it into the beast's neck.
The spear pierce all the way through his neck, causing the beast to choke. The beast attempt to remove the weapon, but it was stuck. Slowly his movement became slow and sluggish, he drop to his knees and is losing his senses. He then drop to the ground and died.
Moonstone was trembling from that experience. He has never taken a life before, thankfully it was in the dark, so he was spared the gruesome details of the beast's death.
Their victory was short-lived however, when they heard the sound of paw steps coming from the tunnel where they came from.
“Dammit more are coming.” Path cursed, he then pick Claymore up and carry him to the other tunnel, the one leading downward. “Moonstone, get over here.”
The silver gray stallion obeyed and rush to his Captain. “Here, take Claymore and go down this tunnel, I'll hang back and watch the rear.”
“But Captain, this lead deeper into the tunnel.” Moonstone argued.
“Would you rather face those dogs?” Path countered.
Seeing no other option, the two stallions went down deeper in the cave. Moonstone carried the injured Claymore on his back, while his Captain constantly check behind them. They then heard the sound of howling, which would show that they just found the body. Knowing that they won't be far behind the two gallop down the tunnel. Far behind them, the other First Ones started running after them.
As they gallop down the thin tunnel passage, the two felt the ground shaking. Then the top of the ceiling fell down, separating Path from his troops.
“CAPTAIN, ARE YOU ALRIGHT!” The voice of Moonstone shouted from the other side.
“MOONSTONE, TAKE CLAYMORE AND GET OUT OF HERE!”
“WHAT? BUT, WHAT ABOUT-”
“I'LL FIND ANOTHER WAY OUT! FIND YOUR WAY TO THE TOP AND RETURN TO THE PRINCESSES!
When he heard no response, he knew that Moonstone has follow his order and moved on. The crimson stallion then turn and prepare himself for the end. That part of him about finding another way out was a lie. There is no escape for him.
He can hear the sound of the approaching monsters from his position. He takes out his saber and readied himself to meet his killers. If he was going to die, then he'll go down fighting.
The head of one of the beast pop out from the corner and spotted the lone stallion. The beast instantly charge after him, with several others right behind him. Not wanting to wait, Path charge right at them as well.
When they were only a few feet away, both the pony and the front beast jump toward each other. One held a sword, the other with claws.
When they both made contact, the battle was over.
Chapter 4
Darkness.
All he could see was darkness.
Captain Path Finder had just woken up recently and found himself staring at the pitch blackness around him. He wasn't sure if his eyes were either opened or closed, but then again it probably didn't really matter.
He knew he was dead, he couldn't move his body. His attempts were met with resistance as his body refuse to respond. Not only can't he move his limbs, he can't even hear anything nor can he say anything. There was something in his throat preventing him from uttering a single word from his dry lips and throat.
As he laid there in the darkness, his mind wandered off to a memory in the past. He remembered reading something about the afterlife. Depending on what you did with your life, you'll either go to heaven or hell. However, he has heard of some different alternatives, such as reincarnation, being able to reborn again into something else. But, the one that scare him the most was nothingness. Basically when you die you are taken to someplace dark, a place with absolutely nothing in it. A place completely voided of anything.
Path wonders if he was here, in the nothingness. Wonders if that Primal Dog killed him and desecrated his corpses. He wonders if Claymore and Moonstone had escaped and our already on their way back home to Canterlot. He hoped they were safe, hoped that his sacrifice would mean something.
He just wish there was a way to find out, but unfortunately he'll have to deal with not knowing the answer.
With nothing to do, Path looked to past to keep his mind working. There was point to it, as his mind will surely deteriorate over time. However, Path believe that he better remember them now before they disappear.
The Captain lived a pretty ordinary life, he had a mother and father, siblings, went to school, had a few part-time jobs, and some friends. All in all this was a total contrast to the many stories he hears from the new recruits about him. They would tell tales about him slaying giant monsters, defeating a squad of griffons by himself, and even having an affair with the Saddle Arabian Ambassador’s Daughter.
Most of these tales are somewhat true. He never slayed any monsters, he only defeated two young inexperience griffons and while Sahara was a very good friend, they were never in any kind of relationship.
While reminiscing about his past, Captain Finder thought he felt something crawling on his face. It was until the small something continued to walk all over his face that he realized that he was actually feeling something. The sensation was amazing, despite being annoying. He can actually feel the little guy walking all over his face. He can feel the little legs scrawling on his cheeks, nose, mouth and eyes. This proves that he was not in some black endless void nor is he dead. No, he was alive!
Path tried to move his arms again,but like before they refuse to obey. This time the stallion concentrated harder and felt his right hoof lifting off the ground a few inches. Focusing all his strength to his right hoof, Path Finder swung his arm upwards and accidentally smack himself in the face. squashing the small thing in the process.
After that action, the stallion can feel the rest of his body coming back to him. He can now move his legs, head, and mouth.
He check the squash thing on his hoof and discovered that it was bug of some kind. He couldn't see what it is, but he can tell that it had many tiny legs. Wiping the bug's remains off his hoof and face, Path carefully trot around to get a good feeling of the place.
His hooves feel the rocks and dirt around him. Along with the other miscellaneous things around too. Path grab a long rod shape object from the ground and stash it away for later use. He examine more and found several squishy things that feel like flesh. He didn't need to be a detective to know that he was standing among dead bodies. Then again the rotting smell should have been a dead give away.
As much as he want to get out of here, there could a be chance that one these corpses can have something useful on them. So Path began scavenging the bodies around him. While the majority had nothing on them, he did managed to find a few useful items.
The first was a small knife, it feel pretty worn, but it still can be useful. The second was a pack of matches and the third is a piece of cloth. Path tied the cloth to the one end of his rod shape object. Then he took out a single match, lit it up and quickly moved it to the cloth. The piece of fabric was caught on fire, casting a bright yellowish light that illuminating the place.
Using his new torch, Path took a look at his surroundings. Bodies of Diamond Dogs laid dead in this dark narrow tunnel. The rod shape object he was holding was revealed to be a long piece of bone.
Finally having enough of the scenery, Path trotted along the tunnel passage way. He had no idea where he was or how he was going to get out of here, for now the stallion was just going to have to wing it.
The fire from his torch burned brightly in the darkness of the tunnels. Path trotted cautiously, keeping his ears sharp for any of those beast that might come after him. So far he has heard nothing, but he kept the knife firmly in his grip, ready to strike. He just wish he still have his equipment, his saber would be really helpful right now.
Path Finder wanders the tunnels aimlessly, hoping it would lead him to the surface. He had no idea how long he has been traveling in these tunnels. At first it bothered him, but as he goes on, time just seem irrelevant at the moment. It didn't matter what the time was if he can't find a way back to the surface.
His thoughts were interrupted when his stomach grumbled. 'Damn, forgot none of us had any food in last few hours.' He thought to himself. 'Gotta find my way back to surface soon.' Captain Finder pressed on, moving his tired legs forward.
Suddenly the sound of growling can be heard from the shadows ahead of him. Path stopped in his tracks and went into his battle stance. Squeezing the knife in his mouth, the stallion ready himself for what is coming next.
Slowly, Path can see the vague shadowy silhouette of a Primal Dog. The beast made himself known by growling menacingly at the pony. If this was to intimidate him, then his warning fell on deaf ears as Path didn't back up. Instead he move forward, bringing the light from his torch to meet the dog.
The Primal Dog reacted frighteningly as he backed up. This was noticed by Path and continued to trot toward the dog. Again the beast back up. 'By the goddess, these dogs are afraid of the light!' To test his theory, he swung the torch forward. This action startled the dog. Deciding to be daring, Path charge at the dog with his torch. The dog in response yelped and ran away from the charging stallion.
After chasing the dog for a few second, Path slowed down and watch as the dog disappeared from his view. The stallion smile at the results and is now in possession of something that can defend him from these mangy beast. However, the downside is that now he is heavily reliant on it for both light and defense. Not only that Path knows that this torch won't burn forever and he only have a few matches left. This pressured him to find a way back to the surface even more.
Continuing his trek, Path's mind wandered to that imprison dog back in Canterlot. Spot shared the same reaction to the light like that last dog, except less animal like. He used to wondered why Spot didn't like the light, but now the answer was clear to him. If Spot was held captive here, here in the darkness. His eyes must have adapted to the dark. For so long Spot has never seen the light of day. Trapped down here for who knows how long.
Path wonders if that why these Primal Dogs are like this. They were nothing like what the ancient scroll describe them as. 'Perhaps these beast are the descendents of the Primal Dogs.?' Path thought. 'Maybe instead of dying off, the Primal Dogs somehow survived. They thrived in the darkness beneath this hill and went on long enough to create offsprings. Then those offsprings went on to create offsprings of their own. This means that the Primal Dogs have slowly changed their appearance for every generation, each one adapting them better in their environment.'
Captain Finder smile at figuring out these dogs, too bad he won't be able to tell anypony about his discovery if he can't find a way out of this hellhole.
The stallion shook his head. 'Dammit, can't let my mind wander like that. I must stay focus if I want to get the hell out of here.' Path press onward again, trotting along the endless dark tunnel passage. Occasionally, he would find another tunnel leading to a different direction. Whether he went in that one or another, it really didn't matter. He was still trotting in the same tunnel over and over again.
'This just never ends!' He shouted in his mind. 'At this rate I'll be too exhausted to even trot my way back to the surface.'
Path stopped in his tracks. “Maybe there is no point to this.” He said to himself.
“Maybe I'm just wasting my time.” He began crouching down.
“There is no escape here.” Path was now laying on the ground. He shut his eyes and relax his body.
“Perhaps I should just stop here and just let it end."
As soon as he said those words, Path heard the sound of someone's scream, echoing along the tunnel. This sound triggered something inside his brain as he recognizes the voice. “Claymore?”
The stallion instantly stood up and gallop after the source of that sound. He eventually came across a small room where a Primal Dog was munching on something. The dog sense someone was behind him, as soon as he turned around he was blindsided by the light from the torch, he react frighteningly from this.
Path watch the dog cowering against the light, but his eyes were not on the dog. Rather it was the piece of dark blue limb hanging of his mouth. Recognizing the dark blue limb of his friend, Path dropped his torch and tackle the beast to the ground whereupon he starts to pummel the dog with his forearms.
“YOU BASTARD!” He shouted to the dog as he swung his left hooves to his face. “YOU ATE MY FRIEND!” He swung with his right hoof. “I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!”
Despite his best efforts, the blows from his punches was not enough to kill the dog. The beast grab the small pony and smack his head against the wall behind them. He drop the pony so he can get up and finish him off. Lifting his left claw up, the dog brought it down upon the stallion.
Path reacted quickly and bucked the approaching claw. This broke the beast's paw and reel back from the pain. The stallion was not finish yet, he hop backward and buck the dog's chest, causing him to stagger back. The dog trip on the torch and fell on his back.
The stallion saw this as a perfect time to strike, picking up the torch he hover it in front of the dog's face. The light was causing the dog to howl in pain as it was hurting him. “Burn you son of bitch!” Path then brought the torch down and burn the dog's face. He howl even louder, the loudest Path has ever heard. The dog flail around like a madpony. Soon the howl lowered and the dog stop flailing, he was dead.
Taking the torch away, Path look down and saw the big burnt mark on the dog's face. It was a combination of pink skin, burnt fur, and black charred spots.
He dropped the torch to ground, the fire from it was starting to run out. The dying fire flickered, but the stallion did not care. His attention was elsewhere. The dismember limb hangs from the dead dog's mouth, Path pulled it out and looked at it. “I'm so sorry LT. Claymore.” He apologize to the lifeless arm. “I'm so sorry I couldn't save you.” Path closes his eyes and let the mood sink in.
“Captain? Is that you?"
Author's Note
Cliffhanger! Just who could it be?
