Evershade Dominion

Chapters

Prologue: Dying Breath
Chapter 2: Troubled Homecoming
Chapter 3: For The Country Of "Peace"
Chapter 4: To War We Go
Chapter 5: Search, Rescue, And Capture
Chapter 1: The Mercenary

Prologue: Dying Breath

There comes a day when all must face their judgement. No one is spared from this fate as they will find it at the end of their lives or in the early afterlife. Whatever you may believe, even you are not spared from this.

~Date and Time Unknown~

~ Location Unknown~

*cough* The taste of blood, and the realization you are bound in chains. Your arms placed above your head so you may not defend yourself from the continued blows of your aggressor. The muted sound of an iron gauntlet slamming repeatedly into your own stomach as you grimace in pain.

“Come on demon is that all you can take?” my captor snarled as I kept my gaze down and my eyes closed. *CRACK* The sound of a whip resounding throughout the cell as it dug into my back, leaving several more cuts from previous cracks. I gave them no response visually but on the inside I was screaming at the top of my lungs to be put out of my misery.

“I asked ye a question demon, t’would be wise to answer me.” he growled as he gave me a hard left hook as I let my body shake freely from the blow. I didn’t bother looking at him nor did I bother responding. “Get me the brand.” he ordered to my other captor.

As I heard the sound of the cell door opening a few moments later I lifted my head just enough to find that the captor had brought in a red hot brand in the shape of a horseshoe. I glared at my captor, daring him to touch me with it while he smiled at me defiantly. He slowly brought it closer and closer to my chest before I finally spoke. “Branding me will result in your own demise.” I growled viciously through clenched teeth.

He smiled and gave a chuckle, “Empty threats will get you no where, demon.” He responded as he pressed the brand to my chest. I grimaced at the pain as I continued to growl at him before leaping forward and latching onto his neck, feeling his blood drain down and into my throat. The brand clattered to the ground as I ripped his throat open. No sooner did I let go of him did his deceased body fall to the ground as the other captor watched in horror.

“Guards! Come quick! Lieutenant Ace is dead!” they screamed at the top of their lungs as I glowered at them. The sound of armored boot resounded throughout the hallway as two guards appeared at our cell door and one of them stared at the body as the other came into the cell and knocked me out by kicking me in the temple.

~Date and Time Unknown~

~ Location Unknown~

Slowly my mind started awakening again, sadly all the pain done to my body along with it as I gave a small groan as I tried to stretch my arms. I quickly found I was still bound, when I tried stretching my legs I found they were bound now as well, but more tightly to the ground. Luckily I had no restrictions to my neck movement though so I stretched it as much as I could before my eyes fell onto a being who showed great malice and anger burning in their eyes. Every bit of it directed towards me.

“It seems you have awoken demon. This brings joy to me.” The pony said flatly as they still stared at me, the fire of hatred burning in their eyes made the moonlight pale in comparison. I didn’t respond to them.

“Ignore me as you wish demon but you cannot deny the fact that you brought this upon yourself. You are the reason Luna is dead now. I hope that you are proud of what you have done.” They growled as their footsteps echoed down the hall until they were no more.

So that’s the lie that *she** told them is it?* I thought as I allowed rest, true rest, to take hold of my mind and body.

~Date and Time Unknown~

~ Location Unknown~

“WAKE UP!” Someone yelled from right outside of my cell as I heard the iron barred door slam against the wall, followed by a chorus of footsteps advancing towards me. I slowly lifted my drowsy gaze to find that my ‘guest’ was none other than Commander Bolt of the Equestrian Royal Army.

I didn’t spare him a second glance as I let my gaze drop to the ground and I closed my eyes, trying to return to sleep as I felt a boot slam into my face. “I SAID TO WAKE UP DEMON!” Commander Bolt demanded.

“Why don’t you and your dick twiddler party fuck right off to the depths of Tartarus.” I growled in response, only to receive another kick to the face. This time causing me to laugh, resulting in another boot.

“Want to run that by me again?” Commander Bolt asked as he got down to my level as I looked up at him with a smile and spit in his face. The blood laden spiddle landed in his left eye as he reeled back and wiped his eye fervently.

“Drag this whelp by the tail to the lift!” He demanded as my shackles were removed from the wall and floor but were quickly tied together as they laid me on my back to drag me by the tail. I felt every stray rock, every crack and every piece of dust grind into my back as they dragged me along the cobble floor of the cell and down the hall. It didn’t help that my back still had fresh wounds from being whipped with a cat o’nine tails.

I glared at Commander Bolt as he walked behind me as I was dragged across the floor, gritting my teeth at the pain before he gave me a swift kick to the temple, knocking me out once more.

~Date and Time Unknown~

~ Location Unknown~

KILL THE VILE CREATURE!

CARVE HIS EYES OUT!

FEED HIM TO THE CROWS!

BURN HIM AT THE STAKE!

These were the requests thrown across the arena to and forth as my senses returned to me in full. I tried standing only to have the chains binding me to the ground rattle and tighten in protest.The sound of my rattling chains brought the colosseum above me to silence. “Ah, so the whelp awakens in time for its execution.” I heard Commander Bolt’s ring joyfully in my ear next to me.

“Says the one who watched from the shadows in cowardice as his queen was beaten within an inch of her life.” I spat harshly. His eyes scrunched into a glare that would make most cringe away from but one that I had long come to love seeing from my enemies.

“At least I never harmed my own comrade in battle.” he retorted as I tilted my head back and let out a fake laugh.

“Oh you know nothing of what I did for Luna. You claim you’ve never harmed your own comrades to save your own hide? I retain more than enough proof against that to put you in the chopping block.” I seemed to have struck a nerve as his iron plated fist slammed into my jaw, sending a tooth with some blood flying out of it. “That’s it?” I asked as he rained a series of blows down on me, sending blood flying onto the floor around me.

He stood back with sweat dripping from his forehead and blood falling from his gauntlets. I stared up at him and still managed a defiant smile through my battered and beaten face. “Commander! We’re about to start! Please take your position.” A guard relayed to Commander Bolt as he looked back at him and gave him a slight nod before standing to the left of me.

So this is where my actions have lead me? I could hear the grinding of gears and cogs coming from the floor beneath me as it started to rise. To arrive in a land with no memory, and die for the only ones I ever knew? Ever so slowly did the sun above start to grace me with its presence as I straightened up and basked in its warmth. Maybe it isn’t so bad. The gears and cogs stopped rotating below as the platform stopped at its peak, allowing me to see all of the faces gathered in the colosseum. I hope you bide your time Luna.

Every face was turned towards me, each one looking down on me. Every emotion from happiness to sadness and anger to remorse. I could feel every soul I had felled in battle staring down on me, waiting for the moment I was executed so they could rest in peace and arrive at the doors of Tartarus or to the open arms of the Gods to Elysium.

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The royal fanfare started playing as all heads shifted their gaze to an area behind me. I slowly started turning my head only for the chain present around my neck to be tugged. “You will not gaze upon her royal majesty demon!” the Commander growled. I didn’t fight further with him as I held my head down and looked at the ground.

“Presenting! Her Royal Majesty! The one who brings upon the day and night! Queen Celestia!” the announcer began. “Today, we bring to justice the criminal who was responsible in leading the rebellion against our fair Queen Celestia as well as the one who is solely responsible for the banished Princess Lunas demise! The creature kneeling before all of us today is known as Lost Solstice! He is charged with treason against the crown, manslaughter, failed assassination attempts…” I proceeded to drift off into mindless thought as we all continued to listen the many false crimes that had been laid upon my head.

This list will go on for hours if I let it continue. “, murdering the Grand Mage Starswirl the Bea-” I cut the announcer off by standing up quickly, causing the chains binding me to the ground to snap loudly as they restrained me. Everyone’s eyes were now on me again.

“Let us not stay my execution longer, Queen Celestia.” I spat as I got down on my knees again before the platform below us started to turn 180 degrees so that I was facing her now.

“How dare you even address her you demon!” a guard growled as the crack of his whip rang out through the colosseum, causing a few ponies to flinch at the sound. I barely showed any response as I kept my head low.

“Lost Solstice, do you wish to grace our ears with your final words before your departure from this world?” Celestia asked as she gazed down upon me. I slowly lifted my head and glared into her eyes as I stood as far as the chains would allow me as a guard cracked me with a whip. I didn’t flinch as he continued to rain down blows on my back trying to force me down before I grabbed the whip as it got in the range of my hand. I growled back at the guard and yanked him and it across the courtyard.

“My final words?” I growled as I glared back at Celestia. “None would care for them as they would soon be all but forgotten by the lot of you. Dust in the tides of time, never to be heard of again. You act as if you truly care your highness when in reality you could give a rats arse about what the people think. None would respect my words as I seem to only be but a rebel to the crown because I had fought for what could have been a brighter future. My life carries no weight in the hearts and minds of those in your pathetic tyranny. You blame me for the death of your beloved sister and my ally when in reality we both know the reality of what happened that day! Why don’t you tell your beloved subjects of the spell you cast upon your sister to banish her very being to the moon! You are not a queen, you are not a noble, you are nothing but scum! Luna would have gone to the ends of Equus to help you, and yet when she extended her hands you turned away from her and started to tread down the path of darkness. You chose to banish her to Utopia when she spoke against your executions of the citizens of your country that were unjust in every sense! The true reason behind the foundation of the Evershade Dominion was to bring upon a new golden age that would dethrone a paranoid tyrant! Maim my flesh, burn me at the stake, drown me, bring upon whatever fate that you wish to give me, but one day Celestia. The day when Luna returns, we shall return. Each and every one of us that has died in battle to bring you down will come back and we shall fight alongside one another again. When that day comes Celestia not only will it be your last but your citizens that have long since been oppressed will finally be free from your evil clutches.”

I was breathing hard as the final words I would ever speak left my lips and lingered in the open colosseum air. Silence settled throughout the colosseum as they echoed through the surrounding area. When the initial stun had passed a few of the citizens started clapping, soon the colosseum was filled with the roar of applause. This was not to show they believed my words or cared but as a show of honor. All who have fallen in this colosseum, good or evil, have sung the final tales of their lives in this spot.

Queen Celestia proceeded to silence the crowd before flying down to my level and meeting my gaze, standing mere inches from my snout. “Lost Solstice, murderer of Princess Luna and Grand Mage Starswirl the Bearded, you are to be executed here in the Canterlot Colosseum. Your final words have been heard and now it is time for your fate to be beheld to those in attendance.” she stated monotonously in a voice that rang through the colosseum.

“Looks like you shall be getting out of your life easily you insignificant worm. I wouldn’t have carried the same mercy in my mind as did the tyrant queen.” Commander Bolt whispered into my ears as he guided me over to the guillotine and forced me to my knees in front of it. I didn’t move as he slammed my head into the guillotine hole and locked it tight so I couldn’t escape.

Goodbye Equus... “Ladies and Gentlemen! Let this be an example to all of you.” ...I shall be back one day... “If you dare betray your benevolent Queen, this is the fate that shall await you in your future!” ...and the day I do return, you shall finally....

Time seemed to slow down as the guillotine started to fall from its peak height, slowly descending onto the prey that was my neck.

...be free

I felt as the guillotine started to cut through each individual hair on my neck before reaching my skin. The blade slowly digging into my skin before my skin started to split apart and the pain rung out through my mind. It was short lived as time returned to normal and I was finally released from this cruel world.

Chapter 2: Troubled Homecoming

Some of the most welcoming words are those of hatred.

December 25th, 2003 6:00 A.M.

Vanhoover, Equestria

I woke to the sound of my alarm clock screaming at me to wake. I wanted to refuse the wake up call but I couldn’t as I knew I would miss the boat if I stayed any longer than necessary at the hotel. I slowly forced myself out of bed and turned off the alarm clock, proceeding to throw back the covers and stretching arms above my head, both my neck and back made muted popping sounds.

I walked over to the window and opened the blinds, my eyes quickly adjusted to the overcast sky that created a gentle snowfall onto the streets below. The various stores across the street from the hotel were closed for the day as their owners and workers spent Christmas with their families. I turned away from the window and packed what little items I had out back into my knapsack beside the bed.

I proceeded to exit the hotel room and make my way down to the lobby. The same changeling from the night before was sitting behind the desk reading a book with red cover and golden lettering. Her hand covered up most of the title making it nearly impossible to read. I walked over to the desk and placed the key on it. When she heard the clank of the key she jumped slightly, obviously startled from my sudden approach.

“A bit jumpy this morning are we?” I asked playfully as she blushed slightly and shook her head.

“Sssorry, I wasss jussst reading. I get lossst in the book and pay no attention to anything around me. I hope your night was peaceful?” she half asked me. I nodded and started to turn away before I felt her hand grab my shoulder. “I-I wanted to thank you for lassst night sssir.” I turned just enough to give her a quizzical glance. “For the money I mean. I wasss able to buy my children giftsss for once thisss chrissstmasss.” she gave me a brilliant smile that made me smile slightly.

I nodded my head and put my knapsack on the counter before pulling out a small phone and handing it to her. “Please take this.” I said as she shook her head and waved her hands. “I have a single number in this phone, mine. Living in a town like this is no way to live. If you ever need someone, if someone is ever hurting you, your family, or your friends call me and I will come running.” I said with a smile. I meant every word of it, living in a country while being any other race than a pony was a nightmare.

You never knew when the next pony would come along and try to hurt you physically, verbally, and or mentally. I feel bad for this countries non-equine residents, they were anything but equal and their monarch, Queen Celestia, preaches equality yet lets racism run rampant. One of these days a storm is going to come and her highness will be caught in the middle of it.

She didn’t know what to say as she finally accepted the phone and I started to walk away. “My name is Kalima, and thank you for everything!” She exclaimed to me as I turned around to see her waving with a large smile spread across her face as her wings buzzed happily and tears coming from her eyes.

I smiled and waved back, “The name is Lost Solstice, please be safe Kalima.” I replied as I exited the door. The moment I left I felt a snowball hit the side of my head, I quickly whipped around to find two young colts standing with an arm on their hip and a snowball in their free hand. “Hit me again and I’ll make soup out of you.” I growled at them as their faces went white.

I brushed past them and towards the docks. It took me about 10 minutes to reach the docks, by that time it was 6:27 A.M. I proceeded to show my ticket and make my way onto the deck of the ship, the deck was covered in a thin layer of snow. The ship wouldn’t set sail for another 16 minutes so I made my way down to my quarters and set my room up for the long voyage.

January 12th, 2004 7:24 A.M.

Prualst Harbor, Utopia

I stood at the bow of the ship as the Prualst Harbor came into view. My cowl covered my face while my cloak billowed in the wind behind me. Let’s see the party they have in store for me. I thought silently as I pulled out a pair of binoculars and looked at the pier where we would land. There were a few creatures walking around the pier that seemed almost normal until I saw one of them pull the collar of their shirt closer to their mouth and speak. Good but not good enough. You gave yourselves away once again.

I stowed my binoculars away into my knapsack and readied myself. They may have given themselves away but they’re no pushovers, I trained them after all. The days of friendship and camaraderie were but a distant memory of days long past, they had a duty to their country and I had a duty to myself. As we neared the pier I readied myself to flee but it looked like they hadn’t noticed that I saw them yet.

The ship docked and once the doors opened to leave I was already walking down the plank, much to my surprise one of them approached me with a grin. “The Queen awaits you Lionel.” they said as they passed by, catching me by surprise with those words. I turned around to see the person walking away as if nothing had happened and up the stream of civilians coming off the ship.

I kept my eyes on the person as he stopped a couple before placing them under arrest and the ones hiding among the docks ran to the ship to apprehend the couple. They submitted without fuss and were gone in a flash of brilliant light, leaving nothing but the traces of a decaying teleportation spell. I shook the sight out of my head and started my way down the pier.

It didn’t take long before I found myself at the entrance of the market that had started my new life. The memory of snapping his neck made me smile with delight. As I crossed the threshold of the market I felt several eyes fall upon me. Watching and waiting for me to make a move. Although I was now a citizen of Dystopia and they could not arrest me without purpose, including previous crimes committed here, they kept their eyes on me.

The day my brother was killed, my mother and sister fled to a new land before I could find them and deliver unto them the same fate. I felt a certain void in my heart for not eliminating them before hand but that was the thrill of the hunt. They could only evade me for so long, and when I do find them I will make sure they suffer,

I was brought out of my thoughts as someone accidently bumped into me, quickly apologizing to me. I waved it off and told them it was alright before continuing into the market and purchasing what I was there for. A few fruits and vegetables as well as a few other things for dinner that night, knowing tomorrow I would be leaving again. I never usually stayed in Dystopia and or Utopia for more than a day as contracts were constantly being offered.

After gathering my groceries I quickly made haste to the Dystopia entrance that was blocked off by two large titanium reinforced doors much to my dismay. There were two guards standing in front of it as well to steer any would be citizens away. A scowl made its way across my face as I approached.

Each guard held out their spears towards me, the one on the left was a Kirin and the one on the right was a Dragon. A nice little challenge if they wouldn’t let me through. “Halt citizen, you are not allowed to enter Dystopia unless granted permission from the queen.”

I thought for a second then laughed at them. “Screw your queen and your ‘permission’ Dystopia is my home and I have dinner to cook. Belay my food any further and I’ll make soup out of you.” I growled. You don’t mess with me and my food, let alone my home. They took a step closer and poked my chest with their spears.

“Turn back now you worthless urchin.” the Kirin said as he flicked his spear into my bag of groceries, spilling them onto the ground. I looked down at the food for a second before lashing out with a fist into the spearhead, shattering the metal and shaft. I proceeded to disarm the Dragon guard and hold the spear to the Kirin's throat.

“It’s one thing to threaten me, it’s another to waste my hard earned food.” I held the spear there at his throat for a good minute before the Dragon spoke up.

“You could get in serious trouble for killing him, do you want to spend the rest of your days in the dungeon?!” she tried to reason with me. I merely smirked at the Dragon as I pulled the spear back a bit, preparing to plunge the spear through the kirins head.

“You don’t want to do that Lionel.” I heard a familiar voice call from behind me. It was a voice that my ears haven’t heard for the past decade, ever since I killed my brother and took refuge in Dystopia. “You would lose your only chance at making amends with this country.” they called.

I turned to them with anger in my eyes, preparing the spear for a new target but quickly restricted myself as I saw who it was. One of the people who saw my brother get killed. An old friend made an enemy. “Sergeant Milo.” I said flatly in recognition. “I have no reason to make amends with this country.” I growled as I turned around and plunged the spear at the Kirins throat, only for it to be caught by Milo.

“It’s Master Sergeant Milo now Lionel, or Lost Solstice whatever you prefer now, and if you kill him I will kill you.” his voice was cold and the look in his eyes void of feeling. He would try to kill me if I didn’t comply, sadly I wasn’t the same person I was ten years ago.

“Kill me Milo? That would be a sight to see, one who had always strived to surpass me in every way but could never even come close. I dare say you are only as strong as I was back then.” I smirked at him as he landed a hard right uppercut to my jaw, barely effecting me. “I told you Milo, you won’t be able to harm me.” he continued to throw blows at me. I let him hit me as much as he wanted, barely feeling what he was dishing out.

By the time he was done he was panting heavily and I had barely budged an inch. “Unlike you Milo, I don’t take days off.” I growled as I turned away from his group of lackeys and started walking to the market before I felt his hand land on my shoulder.

“Wait Lionel. This isn’t the reason I came to you. When I told you earlier that the queen awaits, it was a summons.” He quickly said as he felt me tense up at his touch. I quickly relaxed as I turned back to him.

“Is that what you meant when you said, “to make amends with this country”, Milo?” he nodded before he went to speak again. “Well you can tell her majesty to shove her proposition up her respective posterior lest she plans to pay me for my troubles. I could care less about living in the so called “peace” of Utopia.”

He laughed and shook his head, “She thought you might say that, or at least something along those lines. She is prepared to pay you 500,000 bits and dismiss you of all the crimes you have committed. Meaning that you would be-”

“Milo, I could care less if she were to give me an estate for this shit. All I am interested in is why she is willing to pay 50 times my normal price AND dismiss my crimes.” I retorted quickly. Milo smirked as if he had caught his prey when in reality I just got the catch of a lifetime.

“Why don’t you come to the palace and find out? She is awaiting your arrival.” he replied with an air of confidence. I quickly rectified it as I walked past him and started dragging him by his skinny tail. That was the best part about him being a Neko, they’re easy to drag by the tail.

“Let’s go milk sipper.” I said, making his confidence immediately shrivel and dissipate as his fellow guards laughed at him.

“I’M NOT A MILK SIPPER YOU MUTT!” he hissed back. Ah, the sweet sound of an old friendship rekindled.

Chapter 3: For The Country Of "Peace"

Just as the heart yearns for love, the spirit yearns for peace.

January 12th, 2004 10:17 A.M.

Diamond Castle, Utopia

The castle stood glimmering in the center of Prualst, the capital city, portraying the beauty and safety this country could offer. Pathetic.

When I was younger I dreamt of the days I would see this castle in its glory, but little did I know that it would become my most dreaded nightmare. Every time I saw this monstrosity shining in the sunlight I could only think of the family that sold me off without second thought. It reminded me of the dishonor dealt to my father and the years of my wasted life.

Many would call it a symbol of peace and hope, where as I can only see it as a symbol of the despair it brought me.

“It’s been a little over ten years since you’ve been within 300 meters of this place, hasn’t it?” Milo chimed as he stood next to me, trying to read my face unsuccessfully. I let out a low growl of anger at the sight.

“I’d rather of kept that distance for another decade, this castle is nothing but a grotesque fallacy of protection and serenity.” I stated harshly as I pushed myself forward and through the doors and into the foyer.

I heard Milo say something from behind me but I ignored it as I continued towards my destination. The interior of the castle had been redecorated since the last time I traveled its halls. The walls were decorated with Utopian banners with a large variety of potted fauna under each one. The floor still played the same trick as it did ten years ago to make it look like the floor was the wide open sky with clouds and an artificial sun to light the room.

The walls were cut out of white marble imbued with runes to protect against various siege weapons and spells. It also had a spell in place to make it look like it was diamond, but for the trained eye you could easily see through the illusion.

Luckily for me, the layout of the castle hadn’t changed in the slightest. I climbed the stairs in front of me, towards the large set of doors that lead into the great hall which in turn lead to the throne room. As I went to open the doors the two large statues to each side came to life and blocked my path.

“I told you to wait Lio-” I cut Milo off as I cut through the stone with my sword. The perks of having a sword forged in the flames of Mount Kyro and having it imbued with runes from Grandmaster, was the fact the sword was stronger than diamond with the capability to cut through stone like butter. The runes superheat the sword so they replicate the flames they were forged in, giving it this ability.

I peeked over my shoulder to see a shocked Milo. “Those were supposed to be able to withstand a nuke!” he exclaimed as I shook my head and sheathed my sword, proceeding through the doors and to the throne room. I heard a slew of voices coming from behind the throne room doors, suffice to say I ignored them as I shoved them open.

There was a large gathering of various creatures, each of which looked to be the dukes and duchesses of Utopia. The room fell deathly silent, much so that you could hear my boots scrunching on the floor beneath me a mile away. I walked up the aisle towards the throne where the Queen sat staring at me with an air of arrogance about her. It infuriated me but I kept my body in check, I didn’t want to lose out on 500K bits for wanting to hit her.

There was murmuring among the royals but they were quickly silenced by the Queen as she held her hand up. Our beloved Queen is a pristine white unicorn with spring green eyes that seemed to stare deep into ones soul. There were a few guards in the room that quickly surrounded me as I exited out the front end of the aisle.

I quickly recognized her, albeit she resembled her mother greatly. This wasn’t the queen everyone thought she was, but in fact the princess who I had become a “friend” of mine when I was forced into the Utopian Military. I smiled at her as she quickly realized that I had seen that she wasn’t who the court thought she was.

“The court is adjourned for now, please return to your homes until tomorrow when court is once again in session.” she announced with an emotionless expression. “Guards, stand down and let him pass.” she proceeded. They followed her command and lowered their weapons and parting for me to walk up to her.

“But your majesty! This peasant should be sent to the dungeon for coming in here during a session! I demand he be sent to the dungeons!” a duchesses exclaimed in anger, followed by a slew of other dukes and duchesses calling for my capture. I half-turned to them but before I could say anything the Queen put her hand on my shoulder and shook her head.

I responded my jerking my arm away from her, glaring at the duchess who started it proceeding to unsheath my sword. “We are here per request thy ungrateful cur, we are not privy to whom thou dost think we are but we shall not allow thee to continue to harm our name.” I slowly approached her as she started to back away.

“That is enough Lost Solstice.” The Queen said with a flat tone that meant she was serious. the faces of the dukes and duchesses turned to shock at the mention of my name. It was all the reaction I needed to sheathe my sword.

The duchess I was approaching looked on in horror at me. “Remember our name well duchess, for it will be the final one thy ears doth hear in a fortnight's time.” I warned her with a low growl. I could hear her scramble away when I turned back to the Queen.

She stood in front of the throne, staring down at me in disappointment. The dukes and duchesses left without another word in silent worry. “Guards, please send for reinforcements in case our guest tries anything funny.” she ordered to the guard to the left of her throne. He turned to her and bowed his head in acknowledgement before making a hasty exit.

“Still as cautious as ever your grace.” I mocked her. Her glare hardened, almost as if she was trying to melt my head.

“Do not address me so rudely you peasant.” she retorted quickly. I could tell she wasn’t in the mood for joking but it didn’t stop me from pressing it on.

“Oh yes your highness or should I say Princess? Which one suits you better, I wonder?” I pulled the hair at the end of my chin in false wonder. She continued to glare down at me. “Tell me, what ever happened to the Queen? Has she fallen ill?” I probed as she started walking down to me.

“How dare you ev-” I cut her off by placing a sword to her throat. I glared down at her.

“How dare you call me here, you are for one disgracing your country by calling upon a mercenary and secondly you are dishonoring your family name. Drop the act of the high and mighty Queen, Princess, and come back down to Equus with the rest of us.” I growled as the few guards in the room surrounded me with weapons drawn at my throat.

“I suggest you put your weapon away peasant, or I will find another that will take this contract.” She stated cockily as she smiled at me as if she won. Much to her dismay I gave her a crooked smile.

“Thou must be jesting, we care not for pleasantries. T’would do us no greater pleasure than to see thy blood spilt across the sky for what thou hast done here today.” I stated with anger heavy in my voice. “We shall sheathe our weapon in the condition that thou dost drop formalities and come down to the level thou hast imposed upon us peasants.”

She took a moment to think about it. “Why should I?” She asked cockily. “I have you where I could easily kill you and yet you still speak to me that way?”

I closed my eyes and started concentrating the magical flow of each of the guards around me into a central point outside of the throne room. When I opened my eyes, each of them popped away into the great hall and their weapons and armor clattered to the ground. She stared at me in horror. “Come. Down. To. Equus. Christine.” I growled as she backed away from me, trying to regain her composure.

“H-how did you… you c-can’t use magic?!” She stammered out completely stunned. I laughed at her before finally sheathing my sword.

“Observant as always Christine, you’re right it isn’t magic. What is made to look like magic is actually science at work, one of the many tools of my trade to be precise.” she looked at me shocked.

“That’s against the law!” she exclaimed. I shook my head and sighed.

“Seriously Christine, you think I give a flying ---- about the law? I’ve killed countless people for my own gain, you also know its against the law to hire mercenaries unless its a time of crisis.” She went to rebut against it but I interrupted, “An official time of crisis. One that has been reported nationwide with ports shut down and martial law declared.”

“But my mother has been thrown in an Equestrian Dungeon!” She finally got to the point of having me come there. What annoyance she had caused me turned to anger.

I stood silent as the smile left my face and was replaced with a flat expression of anger. I wanted to laugh at her capture but something else was found in its place, something of anger not at her but towards Equestria. “Where is this Dungeon?” I asked through clenched teeth.

“Will you accept thi-”

“Tell me where the ---- SHE IS!” I exploded in anger; surprising her with my rage.

“C-c-canterlot, but I do-” I did an about face and was about to run through the grand doors as I felt her arms wrap around me. “Don’t! Please! Not without help!” She exclaimed changing from her high and mighty self to the scared little girl I knew so long ago.

I felt her breathing on my back heavily, slowly her low whining turned into crying. “Christine,” I said waiting for a response but got nothing but muffled weeping, “ we hate thine mother and this forsaken country with every fiber of our being. But we shall not allow another to destroy it because this is our home, and we did once have a love for it. Wipe thine tears and stand up tall for the country is in need of thee now.”

“Thou may hast changed just as we have, but we know thou art not truly ready to rule. Keep the demands simple and the country strong, let not a soul know of who thy art except a select few that thou may trust. The ones we shall take upon this contract will be of the ones we have worked alongside in days long past. We shall be waiting at the Dystopian Terminals, they should pack heavy as this winter will last longer than those of previous years.”

We stood in silence as the words hung in the air. As the doors started opening from the outside she let go of me and regained her posture, telling the guards to allow me passage to Dystopia. As I walked down the stairs into the Castle Foyer, Milo and a pegasus were talking. As they saw me they gave me an uneasy smile. I stopped between the two, looking at them both with malice.

“We leave in two days time, you had better come prepared Milo as you will be getting no rest until we return. Get the rest of them as well, retired or not, we will need them.” I growled to him, proceeding to exit the castle.

Chapter 4: To War We Go

Being crazy is better with friends!

January 14th, 2004 7:23 P.M.

The Marked Raven Bar, Dystopian Terminals, Dystopia

I sat at the bar swirling around the mug I was holding that was a quarter full of beer, staring into it like it was the most interesting thing in the world as I awaited my companions while attending to another. After a few minutes of silence between the two of us I finally spoke. “It will be a few months before I return again.”

The hooded figure next to me slightly nodded their head, “I know Solstice, and I don’t suppose we can convince you to stay this time around?” they asked. I shook my head underneath my cowl.

“If I do this contract, it could mean a whole new beginning.”

“A whole new beginning for what? A life of servitude to the crown again?”

I let out a light chuckle, reliving some of the tension. “No no no, for the mercenaries.” I said as I could feel him hold his breath, waiting for me to speak further.

After a few minutes of me not saying anything he finally spoke, “What do ya mean by that? The contract being the means of a new beginning?” I looked over at him from under my cowl, seeing a glint in his eyes. The eyes that had seen a great many things within their lifetime from the rise and fall of the grand tribes, the founding of the Mercenaries and their sudden and abrupt fall from grace.

I smiled at him, “500,000” I said plain as day as he grabbed my shoulders.

“500,000 BITS?!” He whispered harshly as he looked around to make sure no one heard him. I nodded my head in confirmation. “But that’s…”

“Enough to register as an official guild and to get us the equipment we need to start taking in recruits.” the words, coming from even my mouth, were something that I could hardly believe. Nezmuth was the first Mercenary in known history and was the one who created the first Mercenary guild, Mooncry. As the world moved on into the future, Mercenary guilds turned into private militaries that hired themselves out to the highest bidder. Eventually those private militaries started to assimilate with the royal military. In turn, Mercenary guilds essentially became obsolete as per the leaders of many countries so an act was passed, any mercenaries were to either be executed or join the royal army.

Many guilds chose to fight back but were simply under-equipped and were eliminated by royal and private forces. Those that did escape fled to Dystopia in hopes of living out the rest of their lives in service of themselves. Many abandoned the Mercenary code and way of life, those who didn’t became like me and Nezmuth. Sadly of all those who did come here only five, all members of Mooncry, chose to continue their lives as mercenaries even if it was punishable by death outside of Utopia and Dystopia. I became the sixth Mercenary when I fled to Dystopia when I killed my brother those many years ago.

With the money I would get from this contract, I would be able to register as an official Utopian Guild. Utopia was completely separate from the rest of the world, even from international laws. Utopia is essentially the mother of the other countries of the world as it is the oldest civilization known to Equus kind. Although a true Utopian has not been seen in several hundred years, those that you see today are nothing but artificial constructs made of gemstone.

I could feel the happiness radiating off of Nezmuth as he beamed with fire illuminating the back of his throat. It was a lot colder down here in Dystopia than it was in Utopia, so this was how dragons usually kept warm by keeping a small fire burning in the back of their throat.

“I already know what you want to ask and as long as you don’t screw me over I will allow you to run the guild.” he smiled and went to hug me but I put a knife to his throat. “First off, don’t touch me. Second off, if you do end up screwing me over, there will be one less Mercenary in this world whether it be you or me. Got it?” I warned him as he put his hands up and nodded. Although he is a dragon who could more than likely easily snap me like a twig, he knew how evil I could be in taking people down.

The doors to the bar were thrust open, causing me and Nezmuth’s attention to shift and our demeanors change. I had already put my knife back into its sheath but my hand was already at it again. I relaxed slightly as I realized who it was, even underneath their guard armor I could tell by how they presented themselves. Cocky and arrogant, ready for a fight. Nezmuth stood up and walked over to them.

“The fuck are the queens guard dogs doing here? Ya ain’t supposed to be down here lest its a time of crisis and I ain’t hear no sirens blaring up above.” he confronted them with hatred. Nezmuth hated the Utopian royal army for a few reasons, primarily because they took his son into service when they arrived. More so his son volunteered than was forced, but Nezmuth saw it as otherwise.

Milo glared at Nezmuth from under his helmet as he opened up a satchel on his side, pulling out a temporary license that allowed him passage into Dystopia. The others beside him produced the same licenses. “We’re here on personal business, unless you know where a Lost Solstice is then please stand aside.”

“And what if I say no?” Nezmuth growled at Milo as I stood up and started to slowly walk over to them. I saw Milos hand clench into a fist, causing me to run at him.

I caught the fist right before it connected with Nezmuths jaw and quickly threw a jab into his stomach. “First off Milo, you are not to come into my bar and start trouble just because you’re too fucking cocky. Second off, Elder could rip you limb from limb and use your bones as toothpicks. And lastly,” I hit him with an uppercut into his jaw that sent him flying backwards out of the bar. “I don’t care if you’re here on business or not, no Utopian guards or royalty are allowed in this bar.” I walked over to him and held a hand out to him as he rubbed his chin and stood up without me.

He glared at me, “Well then, I shall have to remember that the next time you tell me to come here. Are we just going to sit here dawdling or are we gonna get going? The ship leaves in an hour.” he informed me as I shook my head.

“Ugh, and you know there is a quicker way, correct?” I said as he gave me a questioning look. I shook my head. Although I had taken the boat home to Utopia, getting out of Utopia and to my destination took seconds because of the teleporter we had. It was the creation of our supplier in the Grathalen district of Dystopia, smart critter who rivaled Equestria’s greatest scientist. The mercenaries made good friends with her so that we could get the best supplies we could to carry out our jobs.

“Alright, follow me. If you bought your tickets, I will refund them to you in full and a little extra when this contract is over.” I said as I started walking back into the bar where they stopped at the front door. “This is the one time I will allow you into this bar, do not tell anyone of what you see in here or I will kill you the moment I hear of your betrayal.” I gave them a dead serious look as they each nodded.

Nezmuth stood aside from the door glaring at them as they walked inside and up the stairs towards me. “First things first, which one of you has the wire?” I asked plain as day as they looked at me with questioning looks. “You know I used to be a part of the military and the leader of your squad at that, so who has the wire? There is no point in lying to me.” I said flatly as an unfamiliar face stepped forwards.

“I..I do.” they stammered out.

“Who might you be?” I asked as he looked over at Milo who nodded to him.

“I’m...I’m Lance Corporal Luck, sir.” he replied hesitantly as I nodded and held my hand out.

“Let me see the wire Luck.” I demanded as Milo put his arm in front of him.

“You will not be getting the wire Lost Solstice, you know as well as I do that we can’t.” he growled in defiance as I looked down on him before smiling.

“You honestly think I care Milo? I don’t use royal military devices, no Mercenary does. When I work in a team I issue each member their own communications device that can double as a wire. So please, cooperate.” I stated as he glared at me. He went to speak but I cut him off, “Be careful with your next words Milo, your Queen is on limited time.” I reminded him as he growled in defeat.

He put his arm down and growled through clenched teeth, “Give him the wire Lance Corporal.”

Luck quickly did as he was told and handed me the wire. “Alright, come on.” I said as I turned and walked up the stairs towards the end of the hallway, pressing the eye of the painting at the end. We were teleported into the supply room where the teleporter and other devices were being stored. I walked over to a rack and grabbed five supply lists, proceeding to hand one to each of the squad members.

“Make sure you only grab what is on this supply list, as of today until this contract is over each of you are a Mercenary. You are to follow my orders to the point without question, if you defy them you will quickly be dealt with. We will do what we must to get the job done even if that means sacrificing one of us in the process. When this contract is over, you may return to your own line of work but if you speak of any confidential secrets of the mercenaries you will be hunted down and terminated with utmost prejudice whether you are former friend or otherwise.”

“You do not and will not speak of anything you have seen within this bar, if you do I will kill you on the spot. If you try to steal any information post contract I will kill you. I have no tolerance for bullshit so do not fuck with me or I will kill you. Do I make myself clear?” I finished as they all looked at me with stern faces. Milo was the first one to do a salute, showing his understanding and allegiance for the time being.

One by one each of them did the same until they were all standing in a salute. “Do you have any questions?” I asked as Milo stepped forward.

“Will we be harming any civilians during this operation Lost Solstice?” he asked as I gave him a dead stare.

“Just because Mercenaries operate outside of the law here in Dystopia doesn’t mean we’re cold blooded psychopaths. We kill only those who are necessary, if we get into a quarrel with their pawns we will do the best we can to subdue them. If it is impossible to subdue them, then you have permission to kill.” I replied. “And please, don’t salute or stand at attention or any of that crap, you’re a Mercenary now not a Royal Guard.” I reminded them all as they dropped their salute and stood normally.

“Get your supplies ready, we’re heading out in five minutes.” I stated as I walked over to a wall labeled with my name, grabbing onto the latch and opening it. Inside was my leather chestplate and cloak along with all my other supplies. I heard Milo whistle from behind me.

“And you told us to only grab what was on the supply list.” He joked as I rolled my eyes and put on my armor and sheaths for my supplies.

“Those supplies were paid for by each mercenary donating 90% of their contract money each time a contract was completed. I saved what money I did get during my first contracts to purchase this customized equipment just as each of the others have. The payment from my recent contract was 20,000 bits Milo, I only kept 2,000 bits and donated the rest into the revenue for new supplies. Want to know where that 18,000 is already?” I asked.

“Sure, I would love to know.” He replied snarkily.

I pointed to the wall where Luck was pulling a rifle off the wall. “It went towards repairing those rifles and the upkeep of this bar. So be grateful that I’m even allowing you to use the equipment that we risked our lives for in jobs the government is too scared to pull off.” he clenched his fists at my final words, indicating that I had struck a nerve on him. The others just frowned at me in distaste.

“Whether you all like it or not, you need us. If you go in alone, you will be killed and there will be war with the entirety of Equus, especially with it being an attack on Equestria.” I reminded them as Milo scoffed at me.

“And whether you like it or not Lionel Varellian, you wouldn’t be able to do it alone either. So we will do things by my rules or not at all and this contract will be terminated.” he said with a grin like he had won.

I pulled a throwing knife out and threw it into his left thigh, proceeding to launch three more into each limb, making him yowl in pain. “Who in the fuck do you think you are Milo?” I growled as I unsheathed my sword and put it to his neck as he laid on his back. “I don’t need any of you pricks to carry out this contract. Remember I said don’t tolerate bullshit Milo?” I brought the sword high above my head and brought it down on his neck, cutting his head clean off. “I meant it.” I growled as I looked around at the horrified faces of his comrades.

“Put all the supplies you have gathered back and get the hell out of my bar. My previous order still stands, you tell anybody of what you saw here and I will hunt you down. Get this filthy cat out of my bar as well.” I growled angrily with hatred in my eyes as one of them charged me yelling.

“YOU DIDN’T HAVE TO KILL HIM YOU BASTARD!” they yelled to me as I pushed them back.

“NEZMUTH, MASANE, ASTRAEUS, ONYX! GET THESE RODENTS OUT OF HERE!” I yelled at the top of my lungs, no sooner did Nezmuth come bursting through the door and straight into the guard that had attacked me. He quickly knocked him out and used his unconcious body to knock out two more of the guards. The last one left standing was Lance Corporal Luck who stood in the corner shaking up a storm as Nezmuth approached him. “Leave him Nezmuth.” I demanded as Nezmuth looked back at me with blood lust in his eyes but it quickly faded as I looked at him calmly.

He nodded his head and backed away as three other creatures, a centaur, griffin, and unicorn, came into the room ready for a fight. I walked over to the cowering Luck who held his sword at arms length towards me. The rest of the mercenaries stood silent as I pushed his sword down and yanked it from his hands. “Why do you cower in fear Lance Corporal?” I asked calmly as he stood there shaking.

“Y-y-you ju-just killed him a-and wiped out my e-entire squad.” he replied fearfully as I nodded my head.

“Hold onto this memory Lance Corporal Luck, let it remind you of the cruelties this world has to offer you. Let it remind you to listen to your superiors no matter how inane the order may be, for it may very well save your life.” I said with a malicious grin as I used the butt end of the sword to knock him out.

“Masane and Astraeus, dispose of the body and take these unconscious fools to the Dystopian entrance. Nezmuth and Onyx, you’re with me so hurry and gather your stuff.” I ordered them as they all listened without question.

Within minutes we were geared up and standing on the teleporter; entering the destination on the console. “Where are we going Solstice?” Onyx asked as I looked back at him over my shoulder.

“To start a war with Equestria, where the hell else?!” I exclaimed crazily as they both shook their head as I pressed enter on the keyboard and the teleporter revved to life and made us disappear in a quiet pop.

Chapter 5: Search, Rescue, And Capture

Failure is the first step to success, especially with technology.

January 17th, 2004 8:55P.M.

Canterlot, Equestria

[Are you two in position yet?] I asked as I released the talk button on my headset. I was standing in front of a bar with a drink in hand, waiting for Nezumth and Onyx to get into position. I had tasked Onyx with infiltrating the castle and locating the Queen while having Nezmuth set up near the castles secret exit so we could get in and out fast.

[In position at the exit, awaiting orders.] I heard Nezmuth respond over the headset.

[I need two more minutes to find the Queen, hold.] Onyx whispered back to us as I sighed and shook my head. I stared down into my cup and swirled the soda around a little, getting slightly irritated. Although this was a bar, I couldn’t be bothered with being intoxicated while doing this contract as one slip up could mean dire consequences for us.

Two minutes later Onyx responded, [I have located the Queen and incapacitated the guards to her cell, awaiting further orders.] I smiled and put my drink down on the table before taking off towards the castle.

[The operation is a go, start escorting the Queen to the exit and I will create the distraction. Remember the first priority is to get the target out safely.] I said as I reached down to my belt and pulled off two grenades and took the pins out. There were two guards at the front entrance of the castle that saw me running towards them as they raised their guns yelling for me to halt.

I ignored them as I chucked the grenades at them and ducked into the alleyway. The grenades blew not only the doors open but the two guards into smithereens as one of their helmets flew past the alley. I jumped out of the alleyway and rushed into the castle as I was greeted by several guards who were carrying M-16 assault rifles and were dressed in all black body armor.

“Put your weapons down and surrender!” One of the guards yelled as I smirked at them before launching several throwing knifes at the large group while jumping to the side as they started to fire their weapons at me. All six knives hit a target in the throat, killing them almost instantly.

“Not happening ye bastards!” I yelled over the gunfire as I ran into the entrance of the castle as guards ran down the hallway in response to the sirens blaring throughout the castle. They quickly took aim as I jumped behind a pillar and set a c4 charge on it before jumping behind the next pillar and doing the same. I pulled out my rifle and mowed down the guards coming in the front door, I charged some magic up before jumping between the pillars towards the large group down the hallway and dropping a grenade in the middle of them.

“Presents for all of ya!” I yelled as I pressed the trigger to detonate the c4 charges at the entrance of the castle. The entryway crumbled into a large pile of rubble from the explosion and the group of soldiers were too occupied by the c4 explosion to notice the grenade in time. The hallway became coated in blood and guts as the guards became nothing more than a disgusting mist of blood and rubble.

I dropped down from the ceiling onto another group of guards with my sword drawn, quickly dispatching two of the guards as the others tried to hit me with their guns. I jumped backwards then back at one of them, swiping my sword at him from below as he blocked it with his gun. I quickly slinked my arm around his neck and put him in front of his comrades as they fired at us. I used his body as a shield as I charged the small group again, throwing the body at two of them while using my sword to kill the other one.

I turned around and slammed my sword into the neck of one of the grounded guards before picking up the rifle of the other one and shooting him in the head. I was starting to breath heavily as more guards got into position at the other end of the hallway and started to fire at me as I jumped behind a pillar. I concentrated on the area behind them and built up a small amount of magic and released it at that point, creating a flashbang as their firing stopped.

I quickly ran over to them and got behind them as their sight returned to them. They were all confused as to where I went as I walked up behind the one I assumed was in charge of this squad and stabbed him in the neck. his body hit the floor with a thud as the rest of his squad turned to see the source of the noise. I grabbed the closest one by the neck and slammed him down as I threw a knife into one of their necks. I crushed the neck of the one I had grabbed and ripped out his throat, ensuring his death.

[The Queen is out, I repeat the Queen is out! Pack it in and get out of there Lost Solstice!] I heard Nezmuth relay over the headset as I nodded my head.

[Roger that, see you all at the rally point.] I responded as I started to run down the hallway before being grabbed in a yellow aura and slammed into the wall head first, knocking me out cold.

January 21st, 2004 ??:?? ?.?.

Canterlot Dungeons, Equestria

I hung upside down as the dungeon master brought a white hot brand in the shape of the sun into the chamber. “Oh you’re going to brand me now to show she owns me? Go right the hell ahead ya sadistic fuck!” I growled at him as he tilted his head to the side and pushed the brand onto my chest as the fur burned and my skin melted under the heat. I gritted my teeth to the pain but didn’t let it truly phase me.

They have been torturing me for four days now to try and get information out of me. My nails were pulled, my skin mauled, my left eye blinded, my feet broken, several teeth removed, hell they even tried shocking it out of me. They wanted to know where the queen had been taken, who had sent me, who I was, where I came from, and they wanted me to swear loyalty to their queen. “Pathetic! My dead brother could hurt me more than you!”

I could hear a low grunt come from the large earth pony as he pushed the brand further into me. Although I was near fainting, I still liked to agitate him. Through my daze I thought I felt the ceiling above us shake as I started to wriggle around in mid air from the chains. “Down with the bloody red queen!” I exclaimed as I let out a crazed laugh as he growled and pulled the brand away from me and walked out of the chamber, promptly closing the door behind him.

Not a second later after the locks were put back did I hear a nearby explosion and through the small bars I could see a door land on the dungeon master. “It seems he wanted to make an explosive exit.” I smirked at my small joke as I waited for Nezmuth to come into the room. The locks on the door slide open and the door slammed into the wall as four creatures suited in dark purple and blue armor walked into the room

“Are yo-” I cut them off.

“Who in the hell are you and what do you want with me?” I was short with them as I crossed my arms over my chest as one of them shone a flashlight over me. Two of them looked away in disgust and the other two seemed shocked at my appearance. “This is what happens to people who oppose the Queen of Equestria, take it all in and remember it for years to come. Now who are you?” I demanded now as the one I presumed to be the leader cleared their throat.

“We were sent here to retrieve you by our Commander; at least that is our task if you are the one called Lionel Varellian?” they asked as I tried to stand but crumbled to the ground with my broken feet.

“I would stand to my old name but it seems my feet are of little use to me right now. You seem to have gone through a lot of trouble to get me and yet I don’t know anything of you or why you would risk war with Equestria to rescue someone as fallen as I. Tell me, you know my name but not I yours, may I ask it?” I said as they motioned to the two squad members who were standing idle. They quickly lifted me up with one arm over each of their shoulders.

“I am Captain Seralath of the Third Evershade Dominion Raider Batallion. My squad was sent here to retrieve the captive known as Lionel Varellian and bring them back to General Dusk.” she informed me as I nodded my head.

“As much as I would love to see your General at the moment I have better things to do.” I said as I brought my arm to my mouth and bit down on my wrist. As soon as my teeth broke the skin did they break the emergency teleporter chip. The air around me started to crackle with energy as the two soldiers who were holding me let me go. I brought my other hand up to my forehead and used to fingers to salute them goodbye. “Gotta get back to Dystopia, come find me at The Marked Raven Bar if you get out alive!” I said as Seralath screamed over the crackling air.

“HOW DO WE GET THERE?!” I smirked at her and shrugged my shoulders.

“YOU FOUND ME HERE, SO I THINK WITH THIS TRACKER!” I yelled back as I picked the tracker off of my shoulder that one of the soldiers had placed. “I’LL SEE YOU IN A FEW DAYS OR A FEW WEEKS, DEPENDING ON THE SHIP YOU TAKE!” After that the sound became so loud it was impossible to hear anything else she said after that.

A few seconds later I disappeared in what was the equivalent to that of a clap of thunder and appeared in the bar area of The Marked Raven Bar. I coughed up a bit of blood and nearly gave up what fluids and food I had left in my stomach as the smell of burnt flesh and hair filled the air. “SOLSTICE!” I heard someone exclaim as the world started to spin and become blurred before I felt myself fall into the floor breathing slowly.

I felt someone trying to lift me up but their voice was nothing but a muffle now as my eyelids became really heavy. I tried to say something but I couldn’t. I allowed my eyes to close after a few seconds, thinking the whole while goddamn experimental shit.

Chapter 1: The Mercenary

To live your life to its fullest, some must give theirs.

December 24th, 2003 8:23 P.M.

~Location Unknown~

[The estate is fifty meters ahead, requesting permission to begin operation.] I relayed into the microphone that was placed around my ear as I hid amongst the moonlit shadows of the forest.

[Copy that Lionel, you are clear to engage. Get in and get out, your target should be on the second floor mingling with the VIP guests. Remember if you raise any alarm our contract is nullified.] A scratchy voice responded as I shook my head. I already knew the terms of our contract inside and out, him relaying it to me for the umpteenth time didn’t help my patience any.

I stood and exited the forest allowing the moonlight to shine down on me as I walked towards the estate entrance and knocked three times. [Entering the estate now.] I whispered into the microphone as the door opened revealing a butler in a ice white tuxedo.

“Hello sir, please come in. We have been expecting you Mr. Shadow.” he stated pleasantly as he bowed slightly. I held back a snicker as he said my false name. My real name is Lionel Varellian, a mercenary for hire. The name I am currently going by is Silver Shadow and the device I was currently wearing allowed me to take on the identity of the once famous musician. The real Silver Shadow is currently residing in the pits of Tartarus.

“Thank you, where may I find Winter Gust this evening?” I asked politely as he motioned towards the staircase.

“He is currently in the study with the other guests currently, you are welcome to join him.” he replied as I held in a smile. Nodding I started my way up the staircase and towards the study my target was in. Looks like this will be an easier job than originally anticipated. I thought as I rasped on the door two times.

The door cracked open as an eye poked out to see who it was. I smiled and waved to the pony behind the door as their eye opened wider in surprise. The door shut followed by the sound of a chain lock being taken off. The door opened fully after that to reveal that Winter Gust had only two other guests in the room with him.

“Ah, there you are Silver! I thought that you wouldn’t show up tonight! It is great to see you have received my invitation!” Winter exclaimed happily as I entered the room and gave him a hug, slipping a tiny device into the fur behind his neck. You made this far easier than I wanted, such a shame.

“Happy to be here Winter, I wouldn’t have missed this party for the world.” I replied as we retreated from the embrace. “Who might these fine gentlemen be?” I asked as I motioned to the two others standing in the room. The first one to step forwards was a pegasus pony that had a pure white coat with a light grey mane and deep blue eyes.

“Greetings Silver Shadow, my name is Thunder Spark. I’m sure you have heard about me from Winter Gust here, or at least of my writings.” he said pleasantly as I shook my head.

“Can’t say I have Thunder Spark, but I’m sure your books are quite delightful. Who might you be?” I asked as I turned towards a midnight blue unicorn with a black mane and silver eyes.

“My name is Midnight Ace. You already know what I do.” he stated with a hostile tone as I took a step back to feign fear.

“Okay well, I need to use the restroom now. Where might it be Winter Gust?” I asked as Winter pointed to the left of the door. “Thank you Winter.” I stated happily as I exited the room, dropping my smile and entering the bathroom.

[Mission accomplished, leaving the estate now.] I whispered into the microphone as I used the device to turn into a butler for the estate.

[The target isn’t dead, your mission isn’t over. Get back in there Lionel and kill him.] my earpiece screeched in my ear. I rolled my eyes and ignored him as I proceeded downstairs and out front of the mansion. [What are you doing?! GET BA-] I cut him off as I pressed a button on the cufflink of my shirt followed by blood splattering against the window of the estates study.

[Don’t tell me how to do my job. I expect my payment to be in my account by tomorrow morning.] I growled into the microphone as I walked away from the estate and deactivated the hologram device, revealing the real me. I have light gray fur that ends at my wrists and heels. My hands and feet have no fur on them but they do have powder blue markings present on them as well as a powder blue crescent moon underneath my right eye.

I wore a black cloak over my normal gear that consisted of a tact vest overlayed with a leather chest strap that went in a X across my chest and around my waist with small throwing knife cases on my left and right shoulders. I personally attached a sheath on the back of the straps to hold one longsword while I made a smaller sheath for my belt that held a collapsable bo staff. Anything else that I needed to carry would be kept in the knapsack I carried over my right shoulder.

Snow was gently falling overhead as I continued on my trek down the hill towards the town known as Vanhoover; a military town for the Equestrian Royal Army. The ground beneath me crunched with every step I took, the snow burying itself into my feet. As soon as I arrived at Vanhoover I would be leaving again back to where I lived, a country that is meant to maintain peace between all races. Utopia.

I could care less for any of the creatures of this world, as far as i’m concerned I am the only one alive in this cruel world. Those around me use me as their means of taking power from power hungry assholes such as the Winter Gust fellow I just killed for a client, no information to be given as all details were classified.

I lived in the city beneath the country of Utopia, Dystopia as named by its founders. Utopia became a country for those who had been banished from their home country. Forced out of their homes by kings and queens who thought the world to be righteously theirs. I am no different than those living there.

My family was forced out of our homeland as my father had chosen to oppose the king. When it was found out that he was plotting for the kings untimely demise, they slaughtered him and banished the rest of my family. We heard about Utopia several months after said incident and thought it sounded like a pleasant country to live in. How sorely were we mistaken.

We arrived to have our family split apart once again. To live in Utopia you had to give up something or someone to the government. The choice was unanimous and I was sent away to become a soldier for their army. I curse my families names to this day and I swore from that day on that I would kill them, someday.

I served the Utopian military without fuss or complaint for twelve long years before retiring from service. By that time I was 28 years old, yet I never heard from or about my family again for another 6 years. I was in the Utopian market one day doing some grocery shopping when I saw my brother. He was behind a stall selling some books and when I approached him he didn’t recognize me, but oh did I recognize him.

“Hello there! What can I do you for?” he asked pleasantly unaware of who he was talking to. I clenched my fist so that my nails were dug deep into my hand, making it bleed heavily.

“You can’t do anything for me you bastard. You and that wretched family.” I growled back to him while my hand continued to bleed as he raised an eyebrow to me.

“Sir, please leave my stand, you’re scaring away customers.” he replied with worry. I proceeded to jump at him and slam him into the wall. Simultaneously glaring with pure hatred into his eyes. Something went off in his eyes as he realized who I was. “Lionel?” he asked cautiously as I brought him back and slammed him into the wall again.

I reeled back my arm as far as it could go and then punched a hole into the brick wall next to his head. “YOU ALL ABANDONED ME! You sold me off so that you could live here. You all left me to the military and now I lost twelve years of my life in the service.” I growled as he chuckled lightly.

“Oh please, we gave you a life. We honestly thought you would die, but look at you no-” I cut him off by breaking his neck. His body just fell limp to the ground below me as the crowd around me stared in bewilderment at what I had just done.

“I promised that I would kill all of you. I intend to make good on that promise you coward.” when I turned away from my old brothers dead body, I was surrounded by a group of guards. Many of which I recognized as my comrades, two of them were really good friends of mine that had tears in their eyes for me. They knew the consequences behind killing somebody in Utopia.

“You are under arrest for murder! Put your hands behind your back and get on the ground!” one of them shouted. I looked into my friends eyes and nodded, him and my other friend both clattered to the ground as I gathered the magical energy needed and teleported away. I re-appeared at the top of the central utopian tower, the guards caught in the rift were teleported as well but were quickly plummeting towards the ground. I used what little magical energy I had left to slow their fall, most of them broke a few bones and two were unlucky.

That day I decided to move down into Dystopia to live out the rest of my life as Utopian government is unable to enter Dystopia or even speak to their residents. I created a new name for myself, Lost Solstice. A new name for a new life as I was no longer a retired veteran of Utopia but a mercenary for hire.

The cold was finally starting to find itself deep into my bones as I arrived at Vanhoover. Maybe I should rest here for tonight and leave in the morning. I thought quietly to myself. After standing there for a few minutes contemplating whether I should stay or leave, I decided to stay. Leaving tonight wouldn’t be in my best interest as I was waiting on the payment from my previous contract to be put into my account. Leaving now would mean if I wasn’t paid that I would have to travel twice the distance to my contractor.

What my contractors don’t know is that I do background checks on each of them before I take on their job so that if I don’t get paid, they have to pay twice the money originally offered to keep their life. If they don’t pay me after that, I kill them and take all of their money. You waste my time and resources, I make sure you pay the price.

I started walking down the street in the direction of the closest hotel. I got many hate filled glares from the ponies walking on the sidewalk and driving by. Somebody ran into me, trying to knock me over only to have themselves knocked onto their rears. I towered over them and they looked up at me in fear, I held out my hand to help them up. It was knocked away as they scrambled up onto their feet and started yelling at me.

I didn’t stay as I pushed past them, closer and closer to the hotel. I felt a bottle hit the back of my head but I ignored it. Over and over I felt objects hit me as other citizens yelled racial slurs at me. Luckily for me, the hotel was a non-discriminatory establishment. When I entered the building I was greeted with a warm smile from the clerk behind the desk. She was a changeling with silver eyes and chitin. I removed my hood and returned the smile.

“Greetingsss, sssir. How may I help you?” she asked pleasantly as I sighed.

“Well, if you could turn a blind eye to me murdering an entire city of ponies, that’d be great.” we both laughed at my little joke. “Anyways, on a serious note. May I rent a room for tonight?” I asked with happiness in my voice. Finally, somebody who isn’t a flaming racist.

“That will be 60 bitsss pleassse.” she informed me as she held out her hand for the money. I reached into my bag and pulled out a medium sized coin pouch and handed it to her, wide eyed she tried to give the bag back. “Thisss isss way too much, it’sss easssily 250 bitsss!” I waved my hand.

“60 bits for the room and 190 bits as a tip for you.” I beamed at her as she shook her head fervently. “Go on, take it. I’m sure you need it more than me, especially since you live in a town like this.” I reminded her as I gestured my head to the glaring ponies outside.

She thanked me so much that I thought she was going to explode before she handed me a key and directed me to my room for the night.

The room had one bed in the corner, a door that led to the bathroom and a single nightstand beside the bed with a lamp and an alarm clock on it. I placed my knapsack next to the bed and rummaged through it for a minute before pulling a tablet and a pair of headphones out of it. I plugged the headphones in and spread out underneath the covers, still wearing my armor.

I unlocked the tablet and navigated to my bank account and saw that the 20,000 bits for this contract had been funded to my account. An average payout was around the 10K range but this one required more than simply finding my target and eliminating them. So naturally I told them either add 10K to this contract or they could find somebody else to take care of their little problem.

Considering I am one of 6 mercenaries for hire in Dystopia, and the others were out working already, they had little choice but to say yes.

I closed the application and pressed play on the music widget. Listening to Hurt by Johnny Cash brought tears to my eyes as I remembered tonight was Christmas Eve. The third Christmas that I would spend alone, ever since my wife was taken away from me. The only child I ever had was quickly whisked away when he was 3 years old to somewhere in Equestria and never heard from again. I doubt that he would remember me now anyways, he would be 12 years old by now.

The time now was 11:58 P.M., mere minutes away. As the clock reached midnight I whispered into the cold air “Merry Christmas Jazmine and Leon.”