Chapters Author's Note
Hello everyone I am back. I hope you all enjoy the chapter the next one should be coming out fairly soon. I've been trying to get back on the horse here lately. Its been a long while since I've posted anything this long. Chapter co-written by my friend Harbinger-of-script
Mechanical Bull
Crimson Link worked into the dead of night. For the time of year was fall, his grace period if you will; The time of year when he was most active with his writing. He wished, actually it was summer. June 19th to be exact. He glanced over at his clock, staring and watching as the hands ticked away in the circle. It read, 1:23 A.M. “Hmph...” he looked back at his parchment. Ink scribbled across in a blotched mess. His work was more stressful than anyone realized. But he loved it so. Cris watched as his silver, magical aura danced around the quill that was currently in his grip. It waved and bounced, formulating its next move like a strategist. He gently exhaled, dropping the quill down onto the parchment. He ran his hooves through his short blue, red hair. A dozen thoughts ran through his mind, and at an instant they all vanished. His mind was blank again.
A soft knock patted against his door. “Come in,” he called, pushing his glasses against the bridge of his nose. “Hey dad.” A unicorn about head taller than Sweetie Bell entered his office. “Hey Star.” Cris replied in a warm, fatherly voice, “shouldn't you be in bed?” he asked pulling his glasses from his face staring at his son with deep blue eyes.
His son smirked, “actually that is what I came to talk to you about.” Star watched as his father raised an eyebrow at him. “In two days there will be the Summer Sun Celebration, and I was wondering if I could go and spend the next few days with Aero.”
“When will you back?”
“No later than the noon after the festival.” Star smiled, “besides don't you have a special somepony that will be expecting you?”
“No, why would I?” His father asked, raising his eyebrow even higher.
“Oh just this letter you received from the princesses, separate of course.” Star flared his magic as the parchments hovered over his hoof, and he looked at his father with a smile, “I never knew you were so popular with the ladies dad. Maybe you could teach me your tricks.”
“I honestly have no idea why they are always writing me. I never respond. At all! A couple of times I got trolled. Trollestia is a bitch.” Cris muttered underneath his breath.
“Anyway, I'll see you later dad!” Star gently placed letters on his desk, waving goodbye to his father. Red spindles of light ran around his son's form, gently scratching at the fabric of reality, taking him to someplace entirely different from where he was now. He watched as his son vanished into thin air. A wave of red echoed out into the world, dissipating after only a few seconds. Cris opened the letters on his table. He was torn. Which one was he to open read and then burn on the spot? “Hmm...” he muttered to himself, “quite the predicament.” After a few minutes of mulling it over, he decided to go with Luna's. He might get a kick out of it.
Dear Crimson Link,
We write to thee this day wishing to know if thee hast time to spare for us during the festival tomorrow. It would be an honor if thee would allow us to spend some quality time with our favorite author. Whilst our sister only likes your exports for the romance. We scoff at those feeble ideals, her heart and mind are fickle and change just as often as our moon. Frissons athwart our spine, thee swinks for months without an end for our pleasure. We fain for thee, and we hope thee will accept our proposal.
Sincerely, Princess Luna
Yeah...fuck that. He instantly set the parchment ablaze, leaving it as nothing but ashes on his desk. He knew for a fact that if he replied it would do nothing but encourage them, and if he didn't reply they would just send more letters. Stuck between a rock and a hard place. Now for Celestia's.
My Dearest Crimson Link,
It seems as though the time of year has come again, wouldn't you say? A nice Summer Sun Celebration is on the horizon. I can't wait for the festivities. And guess what? This year, said festivities, will be held in Ponyville at the request of Princess Twilight Sparkle. The sun shines in my heart when ever I think of seeing you. We shall have a glorious evening and more! That is if you have time to spare, which I am sure you do. See you then!
Yours Truly, Princess Celestia
At this point he was considering moving to Saddle Arabia. Although he would probably be hunted down and brought back by the Night Guards. Still stuck between a damn rock and hard place. Cris pondered for a brief moment. Thinking that maybe he should just pander to them and give them what they want, and then give them some half thought out excuse to why he can't choose and just end up right back were he left out. Chasing rabbits isn't exactly a solid plan.
He sighed loudly. Deciding that he would just destroy the letter and play dumb. Thats a solid plan, right? Nevertheless he proceeded. The sparks of his magic illuminated at his horn, this was for the best. Let it burn... he thought waiting for the parchment to explode into flames, and oddly though it didn't. Cris was surprised at this. He puzzled and puzzed, until his puzzler was solved. Celestia must have enchanted the parchment to be flame proof. “Smart,” he muttered to himself. Why they even wanted a dalliance was beyond him. “I mean come on!” he shouted loudly to himself, “Celestia could have Twilight, Luna could have...I don't know fuck she could probably have anyone she wanted. And yet they just have to go after me.” He uttered an exasperated sigh.
An odd sensation worked its was up through his hooves. Strange, it was gone at in an instant. Like a mild gust of wing on a hot day that was missed as promptly as it passed. He felt a slight tug at his shoulder as if someone was pulling at him. Which was impossible because he was the only one in his house. All pondering aside, he stood up stretching his stiff limbs. Not exactly throwing caution to the wind. Cris groaned, stepping out of his office. Ready to hit the sack. He was going to need his energy. A wild night of partying was to be had.
With his friends? Hell yeah! Cris smiled at the thought, trudging towards his bedroom down the hall on the left. Speaking to himself inside his own head. Personal habit he has had ever since birth, inferior minds never got him. Twilight and Aero were the only ponies that he could have an adult conversation with. Okay it would be rude to leave out the princesses. They could have a riveting colloquium. Idle chit-chat wasn't exactly their style.
Cris made his way over to his bed, flung back the blankets, and submerged himself under the cotton fabric veils. He sighed in relief, snuggling against his pillows. Ebbing his way into dream land. But...he couldn't. Cris rolled over on his side, exhaling. Nothing. He turned onto his stomach, exhaling again. He felt his wings tighten a bit. Stupid fucking wing boners. Even though Cris was a man of substance rather than outright libido, he had his urges. Everyone did.
That tugging feeling came back again stronger this time like something was pulling him from his bed. Then everything around him dissipated into black, then vibrant rainbow colors swirled. Something that mirrored a bad LSD trip. Then the motley of tints became a simple grey. “Hello!” A voice said with utter vigor and seduction. “I hate you,” he muttered. Throwing off the grey sheets that were obscuring his vision. Looking at the sun goddess. Anger and chagrin clearly visible in his eyes.
“Now we both know that is not true.” she said sweetly.
“Oh its so true!” he shouted, swinging his hind hooves over the edge of her bed. This was...really, really rubbing him the wrong way. “You are the most...” A few seconds past. He couldn't sum up enough sour, ill-will filled words to unleash on her. Even if he could think of them, Cris couldn't even vocalize his negative thoughts. “I'm leaving.” Cris said flatly.
“WAIT!!! ” Celestia cried.
Scrambling out of bed to quickly catch her not-yet lover. “Cris... do you know what its like to be immortal? Watching countless lovers vanish before your eyes?” She said with a catch of the throat, “its horrible.” Cris stopped in his tracks, thinking for a second. “For once I thought maybe this time I would have someone I could spend eternity with...” Celestia trailed. Cris turned around spotting a tear gleam in her eye.
He approached, with much hesitation Cris placed his hoof on her shoulder and said, “Nice try.” Chuckling which turned into a hardy laugh, “Oh man! You had me going there for a second!” After which he promptly teleported away. “Ah horse apples!” she cried out into the night, her plan to instill empathy in his heart had failed.
Maybe this time I will actually get some sleep Cris reappeared in his bed. Eliciting a loud yawn, before placing his head back down onto his pillow. This time successfully falling asleep, undisturbed.
Cris woke up earlier than usual. One of these days his night owl tendencies would get the better of him. He got out of bed, and headed down stairs. Stepping out in of his home looking up at the grey skies. The wind blew, sharp and cold. Cris shuttered, pulling his favorite jacket from its hanger. Fastening the warm garment around himself. A warm sigh of relief echoed out. He took wing. Flying into the towards Ponyville, in a sleep-induced stupor. “MMMMMWAAAHHH! HMPH!” He yawned loudly, accidentally bursting through a dampened cloud. Who would have guessed on the day before the Summer Sun Celebration the pegasi would schedule it to rain.
Their eyes locked for a split second, both saved the color of the others eyes just before impact. Blue and pink. They butted heads extremely hard. Crying out in response to the stinging pain as they fell to the earth below, landing with a loud thud. “Shit!” Cris muttered, holding his right hoof against his head. “Oh no!” A feminine voice cried out loud. He lifted a single eye open through the pain, watching as several papers flutter through breeze in a formless dance. “I'm so sorry!” He cried, reaching out with his magic and grabbing all the papers at once.
“Here.” Cris neatly stacked everything back together.
“Oh thank you,” said the mare with a smile. He was absolutely over taken with her beauty. Even the slightest twinkle in her eye sent shivers down his spine. The feeling was indispensable, his nerves crumbled, his mind turned numb at an instant. There was something...familiar about her. But he couldn't place his hoof on it. “I'm such a clutz,” She giggled, whipping her pink mane from her face.
“N-No, no!” he shouted louder than he had wanted, “Please it was my fault. I should have known better than to fly during a state of lethargy.” She raised her eyebrow, questioning the word lethargy. He offered his hoof, which she gladly took. Pulling her up from the ground, both with smiles on their faces.
She looked upon him with her sweet eyes, which of course numbed his mind again and sent his heart rate through the roof. “Oh you're an alicorn! You must be royalty!” She backed up a bit, intimidated by the thought that he could have her through in the dungeon.
“No not even close,” he answered, “I just happened to be an alicorn. I am of no noble birth whatsoever.” She Hmm'd, scrutinizing him for their was something so mundane about the way he spoke. “I'm just a simple man, in a simple town, who's simple career is writing for a living.”
“You write, huh?” she circled him a bit. Something that creeped him out very mu.ch, but he tried not to let it bother him. “Would I be familiar with your work?”
“Well, my books are quite popular. They actually rival the Daring Doo series in sales, at the moment anyway.” Cris said with a smile.
“I apologize for my tactlessness. I am Crimson Link but everypony just calls me Cris, and you are?”
“Rose Quartz, its a pleasure.”
She stood there staring at him with complete contempt, “You! You're Crystal Moon!”
“I am.” Now this time he backed away.
“This is awesome! Will you sign something for me?”
“Better yet, I was just heading out for a cup of coffee. Would you like to join me?” He asked.
“Yes yes yes!” This mare appeared to be a handful, though it seemed to be worth it. “Follow me.” he called. They walked down the street, in...you could call it awkward silence. Spanning over the entire trip to the coffee shop. “Unfortunately we don't have a Starbuck's here, but this place makes a wicked cup of coffee.”
“Irvings?” She asked, “in the Crystal Empire this is the name of a whorehouse.”
“Oh...that's the place Sora was talking about...” Cris muttered to himself.
“Friend of yours?” Rose asked.
“No, in fact you could barely call him an acquaintance.” Cris opened the door for her.
“Oh? Then how do you know him?” again she asked with incredulousness in her voice, stepping into the establishment.
“He's one of my son's friend's dad,” he sighed, “when he comes to town we mostly just exchange colloquial 'hi's' and just leave it at that.”
“Uh... So I take it your married?” Rose queried, a tinge of disappointment echoed in her voice.
“No, at one time I did have pending nuptials with a mare that happens to be one of the bearers of the Elements of Harmony, but that ended over a year ago.”
“Uh... So you're a single father?” Never before had anyone made her feel this dumb.
“Yes.” Cris stepped up to the counter, the pony behind smiled at him asked, “The usual?”
“Yes.” he replied stepping to the side allowing Rose a chance to order. She looked up at the menu and thought it over for bit. “I'll have a Pumpkin ginger spice latte please.”
“This together?” Cris nodded, “Okay that will be fifteen bits.” he gladly handed over the money. “Thank you sir. Your order will be ready...er...forthwith?” Cris nodded with a smile.
“Don't worry you'll get it.” Cris turned to Rose and pointed the small table over in corner, ensconced in solitude. “Is you're son with his mother?” Rose was starting to hope she wasn't getting too personal with the questions. After all they only met recently.
“No he's out with his friend. And technically he's not really my son.” Cris noticed he these questions were getting pretty personal. For some reason he didn't mind this mare's prying, if it were anyone else he would have snapped at them to mind their own damn business. But not her. She had a strangely comforting aura.
“What do you mean?” She felt she was prying to much. She just couldn't stop herself. Her curiosity was causing her to ask more and more questions.
“He's adopted. When I was still to be married, my fiancé and I took our friends and family on vacation with us to Butterfly Island. You know where the massacre happened some years back? Anyway on of our friends got mugged and I found him the next morning rummaging through the trash for food. After that I had grown attached to him enough that I adopted him.” Cris looked fondly back on those days, remembering the dirty little colt he came to call a son.
“Is Star the name you gave him?”
“Yeah.”
“Hey Cris your coffee's ready!” He summoned them over without a problem. Not wanting to disturb their conversation.
“What's his real name?”
“Nopony really knows. He has birth records but his name was completely wiped from all of them.” Cris noticed something out the corner of his eye, a black shadow on the roof overlooking the shoppe. Which he shrugged off nonchalantly taking a sip of coffee as if nothing was wrong.
“Enough about me, where are you from Rose Quartz?” He asked. The shadow was still their but he paid it no mind. For it was just a trick of the mind.
“The Crystal Empire.”
“Hm, beautiful place.”
“Yes it is. I got transferred here, to Ponyville's weather team that is. Apparently this place pays more. But I have been having trouble trying to find a place to live.”
“If you need lodgings you can stay with me.” He almost choked on those words. Cris recovered and brought the cup of piping hot coffee to lips, savoring the flavor of peppermint mocha.
Her heart sank at the thought, and instantly restarted with happiness filling it. She knew if she didn't calm down her form would fade. “Thank you. That would be delightful.”
“Your welcome.” The room became brighter almost instantaneously. “Oh the pegasi must have destroyed the cloud bank.” Cris looked back out the window, and what he saw shocked him. Thick black vines, lined with vorpal thorns coiling themselves around anything they could get their grimy mitts on. The shadowy figure was standing on the roof plain as day, with the sun and moon equal in the sky at his back
“You need to do this...” she whispered coaxing him to do her bidding. This act was also of his own will, but was also pushed into action by her blandishment, “and your wish will be fulfilled. You'll end by the hooves of the deity you pledged your silly mortal life to.” It was time, it was time for this to end. The hooded figure snapped his eyes open. The black unicorn prepared his magic. He stared down at the alicorn in the coffee shop below. Nothing ran through his mind, nothing at all. The vines inched closer. Perfect. He waited a bit longer. And finally everything was in place.
He flared his magic, grasping the vines sending them surging through the windows. Screams echoed in the air as the vorpal studded tendrils wrapped themselves around innocent ponies. “What the hell?!” Cris shouted to the high heavens, struggling against his restraints.
“What is going on?” Rose squealed in terror, letting out a sharp but wavering breath feeling the sharp teeth sink into her flesh. This was uncommon. Especially for Ponyville. With all the craziness that happens here e.g. ALL the Summer Sun Celebrations, the Ursa Minor, Trixie, Princess Luna, Spikes greed rampage, and the Pinkie Pies.
Cris shuttered at the thought of all the Pinkie Pies that day, one of, actually the only specific reason he has a panic room in his house. That aside, this was the pinnacle (so far, sometime in the future it will likely be out done). Cris slashed out with an a fissure spell. Freeing himself from the its clutches. Then proceeded to set Rose free. He cast the fissure spell again, slicing the tendril into oblivion. Rose caught herself in mid-fall with her wings. Landing gently on the ground trying to spare herself the pain.
“Thanks,” she muttered, wincing at the pain in her hind legs. The figure stood in front of Cris, fresh out of a teleportation spell.
“My deity,” he spoke something hanging in his voice, “I am your humble servant.” He unleashed another wave of magic that wasn't meant for the living. It stretched outward, all over Ponyville ensconcing it. Things sprouted from the ground with muffled cries. Arms outstretched calling, beckoning even.
“What the hell did you do?” Cris yelled. They finally crawled out of their holes, heaps of decayed flesh were now walking on the brink of life and death. He was desecrating their eternal slumber, that bastard!
“My deity,” he said again as the hood relinquished its hold over his head. “I am your humble servant.”
“What are you talking about?” Cris queried. Okay now this was just down right weird.
“Don't play coy.” He snapped, “I am Iron Carver. Your humble servant.”
“Sure kid... Why don't you release those poor souls. All they want is to rest in peace.”
“No! There's no going back from this...” He whispered, conjuring swirling torrent of flames. “Kill everyone! I will have death...it is my purpose to spread deaths influence. And then I shall meet with my fate.”
“Woah-WOAH! Kid -calm down- let's talk about this!”
Carver wouldn't listen. His mind was set. Flames flickered around his cloaked form, his eyes were heavy with sadness. “Do it...” a voice -feminine in nature- whispered in his ear. Carver stared ahead at Cris, “What are you waiting for? Hesitation makes you weak.” It's voice echoed in his mind. “As you said, there's no going back from this.”
It was taking more strength to hold back… than to let it happen… So... he let go. Carver sent the curling blaze towards his “deity”, his “god”... With all his baleful intent he couldn't help but shed a few tears. These feelings in his chest, burned with obscurity. Cris instantly lit his horn summoning a shield to guard him and Rose from the onslaught. Even though it protected him from the flames themselves, but it didn't save them from the heat considering Cris was still wearing his jacket. They could feel their blood boiling underneath their skin. Sweat trickled down their bodies, receiving no reprieve from the vigorous sultry sway.
Finally it let it up. The sway disappeared, and the heat relinquished their bodies. The cool air swept through, chilling them down to the bone. Sweaty stench permeated the air. “Dammit,” Cris muttered as his shield evaporated into thin air. This kid, it seemed death magic was his specialty, but he was no stranger to other types. He underestimated him. It was a potentially fatal mistake if it ever happened again. Which he doubted it would, well after today that is.
“Does this type of stuff happen often?” Rose asked, quivering behind Cris in fear.
“Unfortunately yes...” he replied.
Undead assaulted the town, along with the Everfree forest. It was a double fucking whammy. This kid was tenaciously holding onto his obsession with death and no manner of coaxing would persuade him otherwise. His black jacket was singed, it practically crumbled from his body revealing his lack of a cutie mark. Cris stumbled back a bit. Using the shield for long periods of time drained his energy rather quickly.
Seeing a large shadow fall over him and his companion. Flipping around to face said shadow caster he came face to face with a behemoth of a zombie-esque creature… Across its back was a large black plate of metal, though it looked more or less like a mass of interweaved vines than metal as its decaying form drew a long black blade from within the mass of black twisted metal on its back. The blade stood around a good two feet in length and was jagged and chipped from overuse or poor care… or both.
This was bad… “I didn’t want to have to this my “god” but if you won’t kill me,” Carvers voice quivered a bit, lowering his eyes from view. He said in a gruff voice, “Then I make you! I’ll kill the bitch behind you and your son if that is what it’ll take!”
‘Fuck… what kind of power does this little shit have! I fucking had to dish out one of my best defenses to block him and then he goes and brings this bastard out to play… Fuck my life and this faust forsaken town...’ Cris thought to himself as he readied a basic blast spell to try and incapacitate the new threat now facing him and Rose. Barely even a scratch was made. Come on! A simple burn mark would be somewhat satisfying. “I need to move out of this damn town!” Cris pushed Rose to the side, and leapt in the opposite direction avoiding the blow from the fucking steam engine in front of him.
Carver couldn’t help but laugh, “My “deity” you are a riot!” Cris swung his neck around about to glare daggers into Carver. He watched silently in horror as colossus smashing into Irving’s. Sending the building toppling down as fragments of stone, wood, and twisted metal. Rose looked around her, for she had just recovered from the effects of the forceful shove. “CRIS!” She screamed, before she was buried beneath the detritus.
Breath left his lungs. It felt, at that moment, as if time just slowed down long enough to let him feel the impending agony of loss. Finally it all resume at a normal pace. Everything smashed into the ground, sending a cloud of dust everywhere. She buried there. In such an unceremonious grave... ‘This didn’t just happen. She...she’s not dead. She can’t be!’
“You are one cruel motherfucker!” He laughed a bit, swiping a tear of sadness from his eye. Still trying to continue the facade that he was happy. Happy with this. Happy with what he doing, with what was happening.
“You…” He choked out beneath his sobs of agony and melancholy feelings. “You… BASTARD!!!” Cris then gained a slight manic look to his features, his eyes widened a bit and his lips started to curl around the edges… Think of a slightly crazy looking pinkie and there you go! Rage pilfered through his mind. His galaxy grey aura molded itself into a physical form. One for harming.
Abstract blueprints filled his head. Leaking out into the concrete world. A dark stencil formed from nowhere. Drawing and filling itself with magic. Dark black wisps oozed into its form. Out into the world, it echoed, like sound. A magical construct floated in front of him. A sword to be exact, one of his own design. “Very seldom do I fight,” he muttered, sword floating in front of him. “But you have evoked my wrath.”
Variously grunts and groans. Screams were heard throughout Ponyville. The undead wreaked havoc on the small town. The colossus hadn’t moved since he had killed… Rose. Cris took a step forward. Trembling slightly not wanting to leave the spot from where he watched Rose die. This only pushed him further towards Carver. He wanted him dead! By his own hooves. “Come my pets…” Carver became awash by the rotting corpse that came to back him.
Cris showed no fear, taking another step towards his foe. Rose… “Fall.” Instantly all the necromorphs burst into flames. Screams of agony filled the otherwise reticent air. Carver’s eyes widened at this sight, watching as his army was reduced to ashes in mere seconds. Cris brandished the blade, letting it drag along the along the ground. Noting he only had a maximum of ten spells he could cast before complete exhaustion.
He swung violently at Carver aiming for the neck. Which he dodged for some reason… maybe he feared death. Even though it was what he oh so desperately craved. “Gah!” Cris sneered. Carver looked down in surprise. Watching thorns of earth mangle and contort through the flesh and bone of his legs. “Earth magic sure comes in handy.”
“Well played,” Carver muttered, tears in the corners of his eyes. He stifled sobs. Cris felt mildly bad about wanting to kill him. But this could be a ruse, he didn’t what to take a chance either way. Flourishing the aetherial weapon. Cris struck. Impaling the colt in the chest, running the blade completely through. Throwing in a bit of an overkill, stabbing him repeatedly twice while shouting at him, calling him a bastard.
“You little fuck!” Cris finished. He panted, sitting on his rump, looking at his hooves in horror. He killed somepony. A kid. A foal. For what? Some mare he barely even knew? This was bad! This was fucked up! “I’m so sorry.” he wailed, placing his hoof on Carver’s head. Tears trickled down his face, dripping onto the ponies maw.
“Don’t cry for me my “deity” for this is what I wanted all along. My life means nothing, I have touched no one, accomplished very little.”
“Thats not true. Look at the power you obtained so young.”
“With the help of a demon.”
“WHAT?!?”
“Don’t let it take me… Dispose of my body quickly!” Too late. Malevolent feelings and intent pulsated through the air. Green and black light radiated from Carver’s body. Harsh laughter echoed through the street and into the air of the very literal equinox.
What was left of Carver’s mind whispered, “Please forgive me...for...all...I’ve done…” Everything turned to shit from there. Loud sounds crackled, wind rushed, trees snapped from the barrage of air slamming against the trees. Cris backed away, watching the lifeless corpse rise. “Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit!”
His body went beyond the purge of his mind. Demon-esque extrapolations began to take form. Horns, dilapidated wings with holes and torn flesh, his back letting out vile cracks and popping sounds met with faces of disdain; transforming into a bipedal being of death and destruction. The creature let out a piercing shout, slashing at Cris with its claws. Flesh tore from his chest, blood squirted free onto the ground, staining the soil. It cackled loudly with a cold and cruel voice, sneering with its wicked white cheshire smile. “All mighty alicorn, free this kindred soul!” It said with heavy sarcasm, “You know how to kill an alicorn? Hm?”
Cris was silent heaving in pain, hoof pressed against his chest in an effort to keep the blood in. “You absorb their souls, which also means I get the power contain within your fragile little body.” With the fiercest swipe he ever seen, the demoness backhanded him, thoroughly sending him into flight. This, however, came to an abrupt end. By the opposition of a building his motion was cancelled by an outside, unbalanced force (so states Newton’s first law). He felt his body crunch, though the internal wounds quickly healed. Outstanding the regeneration power of the alicorn. The splintered fragments of bone reassembled at a quickened pace.
He opened his blue eyes, still clutching the sword within his magical grip. “Give me… YOUR SOUL!” He saw nothing but white gnashing teeth. “Fuck!” He mentally shouted, parrying the incoming attack by means of placing the blades in between her sharp bones. Cris looked into her eyes, staring at the orange cat-slit iris before him.
He had to think of something, fast. Under constant pressure Cris flared his horn. Teleporting away just before the aetherial blade shatter into oblivion. He reappeared some ways behind the demon. Letting out a fervent battle cry. Bone chilling, stamina obliterating cold fill the air. Sharpy and deadly spikes burst from the ground, exploding sending the icy needles everywhere. The incursion traveled towards the demon at a fast pace, while he re-summoned his blade, forming a lot quicker than last time.
Ear splitting screams pounded his eardrums assuming his hit was successful. “You pathetic mortal!” it cried spewing venom from its mouth. He had to deal with this fast. The last thing he wanted was fatalities. “I’m sick of this…” He whispered.
“I’m sorry what?” The demon asked in a snide manner.
“Come on! Lets end this!" He cried, stepping forward once and brandished the aetherial blade. Ready to stain it blood. The demon hissed, charging at him with its mouth agape, thrilled about tasting pony flesh. Cris swung downward. Hoping to staple a wound on the demon. It parried swiping its clawed appendage upward. Successfully defending itself from the salvo.
“Ready to lose your soul already little lamb?” She swiped with her free hand, while the other clasped onto weapon holding it in place. He focused his magic, preventing the knifelike appendages from tearing him to shreds.
“Advanced telekinetic spell eh?” Shit! He couldn’t hold it back for long. Cris strained his mind for massive amounts of concentration.
“F-fuck!” He finally built up enough strength to throw the claw. Decreasing his spell count by two. He reached out with his hind legs, kicking the demon in the face. It let out a low growl, cursing at him under its vile breath. Everything in his body straddled at the hiss in its voice. Intimidating down the core. Fear wouldn’t stop him now. Nothing would. Cris took flight. Flying high above Ponyville hearing the anguished cries of the innocent.
“Tsk! Tsk! You shouldn’t run from a fight!” Energy formed at the tip of his horn. He was going to combine his last spells into one potent blast. It gathered in an essence of light, shining Pink. He remember the shiny yellow fur, blazing pink eyes, pink mane and tail. Mane parted in the back hanging below her ears. “This…” A tears fell from his eyes, “this is for Rose!” He let it loose directly as he was face to face with the fiend.
It let out a pain filled cry as it was shot back against the ground. It was over, he was sure of it. “Ugh…” He groaned releasing the sword from its binds, and landing back on the ground mentally and physically torpor after the entire ordeal. Cris looked upon the smoldering crater, the only emotions he felt in his heart were remorse and sadness.
He bolted for the pile of debris. Maybe! Maybe she is still alive! “Ah ah ahh!” Cris rose from the ground, only to find the fiend in a severely weakened state. “I’m not dying! Your soul and power will be mine! And then I will rule Equestria!” It screamed at the top of its lungs, shattering every piece of glass in the area. Damn this bitch! Why won’t it die? Pain racked through Cris’ body. The bitch had ripped off his left leg which quickly grew back of course.
It ached, even after it grew back. It limped, walking forward with its hand raised its mouth open and dripping with saliva. Shit! This was the end. For sure. His chest tightened as he inched closer to the demon. Staring down its gaping maw. His doom awaited in that blacked cavern, venom oozing out from between its teeth. “You. Aren’t. Going. TO. STAND. IN. MY. WAY!” It screamed jerking him towards it with intense force.
His limbs were restrained, nothing could be done now except die. “I want you to suffer!” This time she cast the fissure spell slicing deep into his flesh all the down to the bone. He let out an exasperated cry pain. One of the fissures had sliced into his lungs, regeneration became slower when his magic depleted. Cris wouldn’t die. Immortality was a bitch. Unable to escape the pain with the bliss of death.
“Avert thine eyes Daemon, for thou shalt be sent asunder back into the depths of tartarus!” Out of nowhere came Luna. Her eyes were filled with rage, looking upon the demon with hate in her eyes. “Now Tia!” She screamed at the top of her lungs, with blinding luminescent light coming from beyond. Celestia came wielding a coruscating ball which she fired at the demon. Potent energy filled the air, passing through the demons core.NOOO!!!” It screamed with the loudest and highest pitch ever heard, shattering ever glass panel within the small town. “How could you do this to me Luna? I was your power!”
“The N-Nightmare?!?” Luna backed away, cowering in fear over what was said. “Thou art a liar! The Nightmare is dead!”
“I merely survived as a shadow leeching off this boy! You are mine Luna! And I will return for you!” The demon was gone, back in hell where it belongs. Cris lurched, his body was racked with intense stinging with blood trickling down his extremities. “Rose!” He shouted in low dismal voice, pushing his bruised and battered body off the ground. Spacing out moving towards the piled rubble. Hoping that she would still be alive.
He arrived at her grave. Blood was smeared behind him in thick, red streaks. His magic flickered and sparked coming alive just enough for him to move the huge stones of concrete, shredded metal, and slabs of wood.
And there she was, groaning in agony. Cris looked upon her leg. In many places it was filled with three or four inch metal splinters, of which must have hurt to no end. Cris breathed a sigh of relief. His heart was now calm.
"My son! Where's my son!?" Shit...
Cris flipped around and looked at Carver's body. It had returned to normal, everything was in its proper place. Except there was something tucked away under his robe.
"My son! My colt..."
"Excuse me...miss..." Cris trailed off.
"Ambersky." She finished it with sniffle.
"Uh...your son...he uh wrote this. Would you like me to read it to you?" She nodded, nuzzling his hair.
Dear Mom,
I just wanted to say sorry for all the trouble I've caused you over the years. I know I've taken the path that you would never want for me, I know that I let you down tonight. All those sleepless nights that you waiting up on me, I was just a slave to my own plight. Remember when I told you "thats the last you'll see of me? Remember when I broke you down to tears? I'm sorry for giving you hell all the years.
Your Son,
Iron Carver
Cris was bandaged up, and was free to leave when he wished. Though he preferred to stay with Rose. He slept in a chair placed by her bedside. Not comfortable at all but he wasnt exactly worried about that. Rose stirred in her sleep, her appearance shifted from the facade seen to what it actually was. Pony fur turned to a blackish-grey shell with holes punched through here and there, transparent teal flaps for wings and hair, all topped off with green cat-slit irises.
Chrysalis rose up from her slumber. She winced at the pain in her leg. This was bad, if anypony discovered her she would be imprisoned or worse!
Author's Note
Congrats. You learned something today! Newton's first law of motion- objects in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon by an opposing force. Co-written by Harbinger-of-script
It was quiet in the castle. A lone guard patrolled the hallways. Light shining from the tip of his brown horn and onto the ground before him. He hated this. Always getting stuck with the graveyard shift. But it payed well, that was the only upside. Steadily he breathed, clip-clopping his way down the meticulous aisles, glittered with frivolous vases, paintings and wall moldings. So unnecessary. But he guessed the princesses liked unnecessary. He sighed. Thinking that he might as well get it over with now. Shit. This part he hated with a passion. Checking up on the princesses. He walked down the their respective hall cringing at what he had heard doing this job for over two years.
Nothing for first time in years he heard nothing from Luna's room. Odd indeed. But bliss nonetheless. Continuing down the hall he could hear muffled voices coming from Celestia's room. Of course he thought to himself rolling his eyes in annoyance pressing his ear slightly against the wood trying to listen in.
Only muffled voices came through. The guard strained his hearing, only catching tiny bits of the conversation going on behind the wooden veil. He grumbled angrily to himself, starting to leave the door be. “It’s so a plan dear sister! Thou hast the most malefic machinations.” Yeah, he left. Moving away from the door at a quickened pace. Praying for the poor bastard on the receiving end of their plan.
xxxxxx
Chrysalis awoke early that next morning. Opening her opaque green eyes onto the sun’s bright rays. A subtle beep could be heard throughout the room. She pondered for a moment, never before had she used an alarm clock. Not that she had ever needed one. Agendas and such weren't really her style. In an effort to raise herself from the bed, she slipped falling to the cold hospital floor with a thud.
A soft "ow" touched his eardrums rousing him from his sweet slumber. Perplexed, he looked around. Nothing was out of the ordinary. Yet. Knowing Ponyville, this place attracted all kinds of unwanted attention from shady characters i.e. Trixie, the Flim Flam brothers, and ~~Queen Chrysalis~~. But thats all in the past. Whatever craziness comes next the Princess’ student would handle it. Like always. Not that he cared, him having to intervene and step up was pain. Taking time away from his work.
He finally noticed. Glancing over to the point where he could see that Chrysalis wasn’t in her bed. Odd… he thought to himself leaning over in his chair catching a wisp of movement from beyond the hospital bed. “Chryssi?” He asked. She replied with a light groan, signaling that she needed help. Cris smiled, “Now love you need to stay in bed and those legs of yours heal.” His magic returned. Somewhat anyway. It would take a few days before he was at one hundred percent again. At least he could manage picking Chrysalis from the floor and placing her back in bed. Which he did.
Something she gracefully thanked him for. “It’s so boring here though! Can’t I just ‘rest’ at your house?” There was a weird flicker in her voice, “I know you will be able to take care of me. After all you defeated that monster.” He obviously winced at that. It wasn’t bad enough he killed the kid, he just wanted to forget.
“Well there’s nothing I can do until you get released. So love your just going to have to stick it out here.” Chryssi went to protest but a knock at the door stopped her. It puzzled them both. No one new that she was here. In fear of being discovered, Chrysalis quickly took the guise of Rose. “C-come in.” she choked out.
And in they came. Two stallions to be exact. One a pegasus and the other a unicorn, both dressed in the fashion of nobles. Their heads hung low in angered and sullen expressions, like they didn’t want to be there. At all. “Herald? Grey? What the hell are you doing?” Cris asked with a catch of the throat trying to contain his laughter.
"Tell them 'hell no'!"
"Alright it's your funeral." they both uttering sighs of relief.
Chrysalis looked at him with a puzzled expression. "Are you sure that was a wise decision?" She asked, worrying that her lover would be in some sort of danger.
"Oh no, love. Don't worry, they won't do anything to me." He said with a smile full of confidence. Picking up a small book from her nightstand, he chuckled to himself at her confused state and began to read.
xxxxxx
A couple days went by, and nothing else detrimental happened. Surprisingly. All was good, Cris trotted happily down the street towards the hospital. Last night he had errands to run and couldn’t stay with his beloved. Considering the boredom Chryssi was going through, he picked her up somethings. Puzzles, a few books (mostly Cris’ old manuscripts from his childhood), and some board games. All tucked away in the satchel draped over his back. Humming silently to himself, while everpony else went about their business.
He was UNBELIEVABLY happy, nothing could ruin this high. “Crimson Link.” He stand corrected.
“What?” he asked with annoyance in his voice. Flipping around with intent to stare daggers into the pony that destroyed his mood. He laid his eyes upon his best friend. A pegasus adorned in mint green fur, several colors of gold formed her irises, mane a subtle blue, bangs over her eyes masking the right from view. Classic Melody.
“I thought you was in Las Pegasus with Shadowfire.”
Melody replied with a grunt and then a nonchalant smile. “We were. Decided to come back early after losing all our money.”
“Why the hell are you dressed like a guard?” She was indeed. Golden plated armor swaddled her body and head, mane strung through the hole atop and curled in a loop.
“Cause we got goaded into doing this by the princesses.” A voice answered. Another pegasus landed beside Melody. Another pegasus this in time black with a bright maroon mane spiked up in a similar fashion to Spitfire’s, without the helmet of course. He shook his head from left to right, "With promise of pay."
“Tell them to go screw themselves. I’m going to see Rose.”
"...You do realize that they are going to hound you' till the ends of time right? ...." Melody asked, her deadpan expression-telling him she was dead serious.
"...They can still fuck off...." Cris detonated as he walked around them and back towards his destination. Both Melody and the unknown Pegasus looked at each other before following suit, flanking him like they were his own personal guard... And for all intents and purposes they were for the moment.
"Well, seeing as you don't want to go back to them... Would you be Terribly peeved to talk about this new love of yours? We've heard through the grapevine that she's quite a looker... And possibly an enemy of the state..." Melody asked, a mischievous grin became plastered to her face as she pranced up next to him, bumping him in the shoulder every so often to try and get his attention. After a few minutes of her bugging, he snapped.
“GOSH DAMMIT WOMAN! Fine! Dear lords...!” Cris exploded, making Melody rock back on her hooves and laugh uncontrollably at his choice of words. "Fine, fine I will talk, if I will get you to shut up woman! By Job!" Cris cried out as he rubbed his face with a hoof.
"Well, tell us!" Melody squealed, bouncing up and down and around Cris.
"...Alright... Where do you want me to start?" Cris groaned, hearing his own sanity take a nose dive off the Canterlot Clock Tower.
"What's she like! Is she tall, does she have a lisp!.... Is she a mother?! Tell us!" Melody cried.
“None of the above.” Cris snapped his eyes shut holding his head with a pained expression overtaking his face. Trying to form coherent words in his mind, ones that weren’t filled with ill-will for the annoying friend.
“Pegasus, yellow fur, pink eyes, pink mane, cutie mark triad of suns. Savi?”
The mare hm’d it over for a long minute, walking alongside her friend. One that looked liked he was about to yank his mane out, while the other snickered. “Nope! Still want to know more.” She sang hopping up and down like a hyper Pinkie Pie, going berserk for knowledge.
“I want to meet her, and see if she is as great as you say she is... " Melody purred out whipping Cris behind the ear with her tail.
"...Why... In the nine rings of Tartarus.... Would I let you anywhere near her?" Cris deadpanned as he twitched his ear in annoyance.
“Because you know that we will help you protect her no matter what.”
“In what world would a normal pegasus like Rose need protection from? Other than the two of you.” Cris pushed his nerves into the back of his mind. Thinking that Melody was just being her usual self.
“In the world where she is the thought long-dead changeling queen.” Melody whispered in his ear, and pulling back to watch a shocked expression wash over his face. Which what happened wasn't what she had anticipated.
“Hmm...that would be a crazy world,” Cris put on a facade better than anyone ever. He hoped this was one of the rare times when he could actually fool Melody. “I’m going now.” He said with the most nonchalant face he could muster. Mostly latent effort.
He didn't want anymore of a hassle, making the decision to teleport. It wasn't the wise considering his magic was still unstable. All hoping to avoid anymore questions. "I guess you are right," Melody spoke in a soft almost apologetic voice. Emphasis on 'almost'.
And away he went. Leaving in a flash of bright silver color. While the wind blew swaying the leaves and the trees.
xxxxxx
He waited and waited. Just as he had promised. Sitting by her side for past several days, watching, talking, laughing, and playing. Some of the happiest days of his life. Cris smiled at Chrysalis, at which she blushed turning away in embarrassment. He chuckled levitating his quill from the notepad.
He tried to jot something down, but nothing came out other that troubled groans and hollow sighs of relief. "Dammit," he muttered under his breath hoping Chryssi wouldn't hear. Ugh this was hard! Only blotches of ink filled the paper. No coherent wording whatsoever. Only writers block addled candor came from the tip of his quill.
"What's wrong?”
He smiled, crumpling the paper into a ball and tossing at the trashcan. Missing by a longshot, “can’t fucking write shit…”
"Course you can, "she said with a light smile, "after all they sell just as good as A.K. Yearling's Daring Doo series."
"Just as well." he corrected.
"Whatever!" Chryssi snapped, "I have read all of books and I love all of them. You are so talented." Cris sighed, throwing his head back in defeat. He would try again later. Maybe in a week or so. Some time away would help clear his mind and get the juices flowing again.
"My deadlines not for another year anyway." he said aloud in slight despair. Chryssi decided to try and his mind off the subject.
"How is your son?"
"Star?" Cris pondered for a moment he hadn't thought about his son for the past week. He wasn't worried though he new Star could take care of himself. "He's probably out with Aero and Sweetie Bell about now. Why?"
"Just wondering," she replied, looking away in nonchalant manner. This puzzled him deeply. Cris wondered to himself silently for over a minute. Formulating in his mind the possibilities of what she hoped to accomplish with that question. He hoped nothing sinister.
He smiled to himself, fluttering his ears at the sound of voices beyond the door. "Chryssi," Cris whispered, drawing her gaze. His heart skipped a beat, "The doctor is coming to check up on you." Chrysalis instantly snapped back into Rose, save for the pink eyes which became a bright yellow.
They both hoped nopony would notice. "May we come in?" A voice rang. That wasn't the doctor. “Oh damn…” He muttered to himself. The door clicked opened and in came the mane six.
“Not to be rude, but what the hell are you doing here?” He asked coming to a stand. There was obvious disdain in his voice, not specifically aimed though. ''Cris, darling it's been such a long time. Even though we both live in the same town," she stopped for a brief moment, "You simply must try and get out more." Chimed Rarity with a wide smile.
"Sure has and I'll try."
"Crissy wissy!" he groaned, "How have you been? Cause I've been great apart from the Everfree invading and almost devouring Ponyville! I've baked so many treats over the past week! I've baked cakes, cupcakes, fudge, cookies, pi-"
"Pinkie we get it!" shouted Rainbow Dash, "Hiya Cris long time no see."
"Rainbow still being awesome I presume?" Rhetorical question.
"You know it!" Dash heartily replied.
"So Cris did you read the book I gave you on magical theory?" Twilight asked, her eyes shining with anticipation! Finally she would have somepony to discuss it with.
"I'm about to chapter five. Don't worry I'll finish it forthwith." twilight looked down in sadness, longing to chat with someone.
''Fluttershy, how's Sebastian doing?" Cris turned towards the timid mare.
"Oh um well he's doing fine, although he came back from hunting with a snapped wing so I'm going to keep him a bit longer if that's alright."
He smiled, "Sure."
"Applejack."
"Crimson."
Chrysalis raised her eyebrow in surprise at what just transpired. He was so nice with the others what made Applejack any different? "I've asked everyone else, so by social custom I must extend to you the same courtesy," Cris cleared his throat, "How are you?"
''Fine-"
"Okay enough of the of the idle chit-chat. What are you doing here?" He interrupted before she could finish. Not really caring how she was. They all gave each other concerned looks.
"We just came to see how your friend was doing-"
"What do they want?" Cris interrupted, wanting to get this over and done with.
"We want is thine love Crimson Link." For the love of Faust. Chrysalis/Rose slumped down into her bed a bit. A sullen expression overtook her face. If they wanted her lover then who was she to stop them?
Admitting defeat, ''How many damn times must I tell you both No? I am perfectly contempt with Rose, thank you very much."What?!? She asked herself in surprise. Looking over at Cris as if he were mad. This made her unfathomably happy. He loves me... HE LOVES ME! Strong feelings intermingled in her black chest. A warm, unfamiliar sensation spread throughout. Puzzling the once cold queen.
"Crimson Link as princesses of Equestria, We command you to marry one of us or eternity in the dungeon!" Celestia cast down her hoof as an attempt to intimidate the author. But it only seemed to make him snort in derision and throw his head back in exhaustion from their constant tomfoolery.
"No." He said drawing a gasp from all involved.
"Excuse me?" Celestia asked.
To which he replied with a simple 'you heard me'. A wicked look appeared on her face, one with true authority. Contorting into a malicious smirk, already making others cringe when not fully formed.
This menial authoritative gesture was not enough to sway him. He wiped it off with a mere shrug of the shoulders, waiting for her impending reaction. Anger seethed from the princesses pores. Anger and sadness. Mostly sadness. She really cared about him. Why couldn't he see that?
He was the only one who would stand his ground, and not topple under the weight of her royal charge or the mundane say-so. The baleful expression on her face had finished forming, though quickly collapsing into something more melancholy.
Pained expressions arose from both princesses. "Please comeback to us…”
“I never even went to you in the first place. You’re princesses for crying out loud. And I’m not the only alicorn anymore. Last I checked there was Bea and Twilight, there are your options.” Cris took splendor in his genius machinations.
"Please Cris all my sister and I wish is for someone to eternity with." Luna pleaded.
"I'm sorry but you're not the one that I want." Cris remembered that line, and he was sure that she did too as he glanced casually in her direction.
"I'm sorry," he said with a shrug, then shooing them away without a moments notice. ALL of them. Everyone he just wanted them gone, he wanted this crazy day to be over! He exhaled, telekinetically shutting the door. Sitting back down in his chair he asked, “Some day, huh?”. Holding his head again in a pained expression… Second damn time this week. He turned to her with a smile. Opening his eyes only to meet eyes filled with tears. Happy tears, and not the facades he had come to know, but her real eyes.
“You okay?” His face turning to one of concern.
“Yes… I’m fine Cris… May I uh feed of your love for me? It will help us both get out here faster.” Cris moved to the edge of her bed. Sitting at the corner near her face. He took his hoof and placed on her face, wiping away the salty tears with care. She gave a weak smile back, mixed with a deep blush. Chrysalis went to look away out of embarrassment, but was stopped by a kiss applied to her lips.
“Of course.” He said with love placing his forehead on hers.
“I love you…” She spoke with a shake voice. Cris smiled, placing another kiss on her forehead and whispered:
“I love you too.”
Author's Note
Unfortunately in this chapter I failed to teach you a physics lesson. Co-writer Harbinger-of-script
Down against the spiral, he looked in. His visions contorted into red. A guilty conscience will ferment and become stronger, filling with grief until it can hold no more. And Cris knew that. The dreams were getting progressively worse. Often the dreams were subtle producing only minor amounts of tears, but some caused loud weeping in his sleep. Which worried his lover to no end. Though he always told her he was fine. The word he always used to describe how he was, how he was feeling, and his life in general.
His mane was a mess. It was all just out of place. Strands flung about here and there, all mangled. His eyes were crusted over and tears still wet on his face. He breathed a sigh of relief, staring out his window. Which was adjacent to his bed. The sun peaked out from the horizon, checking to see if it clear. Sunlight creeped its way to his bed and up the walls. Slicing through the curtains billowing in the wind; yet some still remained trapped, unable to break through the gossamer-like veils.
Cris moved slightly, turning over and meeting Chryssi’s open green-eyes. “You’ve been crying again.” She whispered, on the verge of tears herself.
Cris gave a light smile, “Yeah...sorry. Did I keep you up?”.
She smiled back and chuckled, “No.” Awkward silence consumed the open air for about a minute or so. Both pondered over what they wanted to say to the other. “Does it bother you that much?”
“How else am I suppose to react?” Cris closed his eyes and drew a dismal breath. “I killed a colt out of rage, and wanting to protect the town during the elements absence.”
“I know. What other choice did you have? It was kill him or let him and that demon annihilate the entire town.”
Poor kid... Cris thought back to the evening he had spent with his mother. Apologizing constantly for what he had done. She forgave him, though it would take a while before she wanted to see him again. He offered to make reparations, he insisted. But she refused each time. Her work provided enough for her and the son she use to have.
He pushed that out of his mind and returned to the present. Looking back into the changeling’s beautiful eyes before him. “Come on let’s go get some breakfast huh?” Her stomach rumbled, an offer she gladly accept. If anything they would have gotten up right away. None of them felt it. With slow and sluggish posture the lovers got up from their bed and headed downstairs to the kitchen. Which was relatively empty. Mostly all that was in the cabinets and pantry were quick meals and snacks.
All unhealthy. Chrysalis frowned at the poor quality kept by her mate. It was amazing how much stamina he had with garbage running through his system. No wonder he almost got beat She thought to her rifling through the cabinets for something more...suitable. “Eureka!” She said aloud, pulling out a box of pancake batter.
“Aww...its so cute when you try.” Cris laughed with glee as she flipped around staring daggers into him.
“FYI I happened to know that word beforehand.”
“Okay then.”
For a matter of moments nothing was said. Cris quietly hummed to himself the songs of his youth, while he watched his lover attempt to make pancakes. She hm’d reading the directions from the back of the box. Mulling it over for a second, “Okay.” Chryssi said with a lighting her magic and opening the fridge bringing out a carton of eggs, and a bottle of milk. She shook it lightly. “There is hardly anything in here!”
“Extra bottle in the back, behind the apple juice.”
Pushing the gigantic bottle aside and there it stood. “Oh.” She pulled it out, too. “Why do you have that much apple juice anyway?”
Cris shrugged. “Who doesn’t like apple juice?”
She admitted defeat; however she still thought it was a little nuts to have that much of one particular drink. Resuming the task at hand with an effort of making this perfect.
“I was wondering…” He started. Mulling over the question in his head once more. Just so he didn’t screw it up.
“Yeah?” the changeling queen turned to him holding a mixing bowl and continued to fold in the contents.
“Well I was thinking that you, me and my son could… get away for bit. From this town anyway, you know with all its dementia.” A strange look came across her face. She stood still, holding her eyes up towards the ceiling, and continuing to stir the mixing bowl. Cris was instantly puzzled by this. He figured that she would like something of the sort. Maybe they were moving at a too quick of pace for a only a short standing relationship.
“Where would we possibly go? I know for one thing I’m tired of this heat-”
“You didn’t prime the stove.” Cris interjected.
“What?” She asked.
“The stove. You didn’t turn it on.”
Chrysalis cried. “Oh!” Her magic snapped back in reality, and the stove came clicking to life as the sparks attacked the gas. Flames burst into existence with a blue hue and a combo of orange and yellow at the tip. She move a flat pan over the flame, and then resumed. “Stalliongrad. It’s high in the mountains, not to high to suffer from altitude sickness. Cold and I hear they have a plethora of shops, activities, and food.”
Chrysalis thought about it for a moment pouring the somewhat-thick essence onto the heated pad. “Sounds nice. But…”
“What is it?” They both listened to the light sizzle elicited from the cake.
“Are you sure that I should go with you? I mean...we’ve only been dating about week and a half. I don’t want things to be weird between me and your son.” She realized that she had never got a spatula. Oh well… She raised the pancake with her magic. Inspecting the underbelly making sure it was golden brown. And it was somewhat. Had more of a dark brown aspect, mixed with umber that rivaled tree bark.
“Of course I do.” They both stood in silence. Figuring this was nothing but wasted effort. Cris stood up from chair he was sitting in. “How do you like your coffee?” he asked. There was only a certain amount of time he could go without his caffeine. And the limit was reached.
The two battered ponies, both feeling for the others pain, sat down at the kitchen table, the griddle slowly heating behind them. Cris, with his tea, and chrysalis, with her coffee. “Pancakes are burning.”
“Crap!” She hollered. Cris took a sip of his tea with a shit-eating grin on his. Trying to hide his laughter beneath a thin veil. “You cannibal, you meat-eater, you see for I have seen the same. I know the shame in your defeat.” He muttered underneath his breath.
“What do you mean by that?” A bit of anger flared up in her voice. Cris went wide eyed instantly. He could see every muscle in her body tense, a bit of tears swelled in her eyes. She just looked so hurt.
“I meant nothing derogatory by it love, honest.” He took another sip of his tea. “In a way. We are cut from the same clothe. Our past relationships haven’t exactly worked out. Like I said, once had pending nuptials with one of the Elements and she called it off. I dated Cheerilee some years back and that ended in a disaster.”
"I am so sorry," he said again, but this time with a catch of the throat. Indicating he was crying as well. They both stared at each other for a long while. Silent repentance is what it was. After while all was fine.
"So how about that vacation?" she finally choked out, clearly taking a while to bring the word to her voice. Cris replied with a chuckle and smile, reaching for the newspaper to his side.
xxxxxx
The train manifested itself in the distance. Coming in slowly and surely, blaring its whistle creating an example of the Doppler effect. Something that Aero would relish in, and explain the phenomenon in great detail. Something that very few cared for or even acknowledged. Three ponies stood on the dock the sun was high over head, bearing down heated light upon them. They all stood awkwardly. Cris was in the middle wearing a bright smile, humming to himself and trying to figure out what exactly his next book was to be about. Various thoughts and ideas came through his head, none of them good enough to be put to words.
Chrysalis under the guise of Rose. Standing slumped a little, eyes wandering, heart racing, and mind blank. What was she suppose to say? What the hay was she suppose to do?! I hope he likes me. I hope we can get along. I hope… I hope… She wondered to herself. “Hey Dad.” Her ears perked up, and she noticed that Cris’s smile instantly widened. She could tell that he loved his son dearly.
“What is it?” Happiness was in his voice.
“You know Stalliongrad has one of the highest rape and murder rates? Surprisingly Butterfly Island is below that place. I don’t know how you survived on that island for a week.” Star looked his dad straight in his blue eyes.
“Fair point. But Star? Come on. When have we ever encountered any trouble?” Star went to speak, but his father cut him off rather abruptly, “Outside Ponyville.” He went silent. There were no other times he could think of.
The trains whistling blaired closer now, coming in a little ways outside Ponyville before slowing to a grinding halt. Steam billowed from the stack above. Subtle hisses were elicited from beneath the wheels. “Let’s go get our seats. I’m not one for first class but I made a special case. For this one.”
“And what exactly would that be?” He took it as his sons voice. “Well as everyone knows I’m not one to flaunt my wealth with tawdry items of meticulous and pretentious nature but I think every once in a while its nice to enjoy the finer things in life that said wealth brings.” he said all this with his eyes closed, unaware of the circumstances. “So I present to you my lovely “family” with three first class tickets, enjoy.” He felt it necessary to add the quotation marks in. Hopefully his lover wouldn’t find them to be of nocuous nature.
“Sweet! Where are the other five?”
“Other five?” He opened his eyes, frowned and then groaned at what he saw. “Oh for the love of faust.” Melody had her wing wrapped around Rose/Chrysalis, who was looking rather uncomfortable and blushed madly. Honestly Cris was a little hurt by this. She managed to mouth the words “I’m sorry.”
“Public speculation was right,” Melody chuckled, “she is quite the looker.” Cris was impressed that Melody actually used that word in its proper syntax.
“What are you, my idiot friends, doing here?”
“Going on vacation with you duh!” Shadowfire replied. “Good thing Star told us yesterday.”
“Star!” And came the red-hot anger.
“I thought you wanted them to come.”
“No the point of this vacation was for you and Chr-Rose to get to know each other. And for my sanity. This faust forsaken town shears it away little by little.” His eyes roamed a bit to right. Staring at nothing but trees.
“Oh-kay…” Grey Knight droned whipping back his blue and grey hair back from his eyes. “Look Cris. If it helps I didn’t approve of this. I’m just coming to help keep the peace.”
“All aboard!” Called the conductor.
“Fucking fine.” He levitated a prism-shaped green gem from his bag and tossed it to Grey. Which he in turn caught with his magic, sky blue in color. “Go buy five more first class tickets.” Grey smiled with glee and ran off to do so.
“Glad to see your accepting us into your love life!” Herald cheered, making Cris sigh out loud, then turn to his son.
“I am so getting you back for this. And won’t be expecting it.” he said with a hiss in voice stepping onto the train. This was going to a be a LONG ride… He handed his ticket to the mare guarding the first class area, no one else was sitting in there. He had hoped to keep it that way, but fate had other plans for him.
“Hey Cris!” Melody shouted into the door. “Where are you going?”
“Stalliongrad!”
“Seriously?! You trying to get raped/murdered?” He groaned and annoyance. This is not how he envisioned his vacation. Fuck me... he thought to himself, throwing his head and wings back in exhaustion then proceeded plop down onto his seat. Rose/Chryssi sat beside him, wearing a reassuring smile. It helped... but not much.
Author's Note
The Doppler effect is a scientific principal in which sound goes through an apparent change in frequency caused by relative motion between the source of the wave and the observer. I'm teaching you something about physics almost every chapter. Enjoy it. Co-writer Harbinger-of-script
Author's Note
Sorry that its been a while. Chapter co-written by Harbinger-of-script
Ends of the Earth
The train clacked across the rails. What was this about? He wondered. Last time he saw the princesses they had given up… or so it had seemed. Maybe this another half-assed attempt to get him to dump Chryssi for them. For the love of Faust he hoped not. Damn them mares ruining his vacation, it was going so well, too! Apart from his idiot friends (And Grey Knight, tagging along only to keep the peace), following him and his “family”.
“So what do you think they want?” He looked over to his right. Melody just sat down beside him. Exactly the same thing he was wondering; Melody could always read him like a book.
“I don’t know... It's weird for them to contact me and make it sound so important." Cris thought about it for a moment. The entire happening, birds began to act weird, the weather became self-functioning, sporadic, and violent. Mulling it over didn't seem to help. For some reason even the slightest thought about it caused him headaches. Cris noticed an abrupt change in his surroundings. He no longer noticed the chugging of the train or the howl of the whistle. Odd.
“Crimson Link & Co. how nice to see you again,” The draconequus before them said in the most pleased-voice imaginable.
“Discord?”
“In the flesh!” He said with a bow snapping his claw. His body immediately dissipated and just became a pair of floating eyes and mouth. “Oh how it has been a while since I have been in your company Mr. Link.” A bright flash came next with him right in front of his face after it had averted. “Oh my you've grown so much since I had last seen you!” Cris backed away a bit. He favored his personal space. “And how long ago was that again? On your eighteenth birthday, perhaps? 264 years ago?”
“But I thought you were encased in stone long before Luna was sent to the moon?” Grey Knight chimed up, moving out from behind his brother, Herald. “I remember seeing you in the garden during that time, and you were unchanged.”
“And how could you possibly know that?” Grey instantly shut his mouth. Refraining from saying anything else.
“Curious. But then again you are not wrong my dear Grey Knight. For I have been known to free myself from that vitrified prison and seek out a sufficient source of entertainment, and young Mr. link here was gracious enough to entertain me!" Cris blushed a bit. As much as he hated to admit it he could not recall the day in question. It had been lost to time.
“I do believe I remember that. It’s a bit fuzzy though. Discord, do you have any clue what the princess called me, my friends, and lover here?” Cris asked.
“I’m not quite sure,” He placed his thumb and index finger over his chin. “For they would not tell me anything, I assume it must be matter that Princess Twilight can’t deal with herself. I think she and her friends went to that trading nonsense over at Rainbow Falls.”
“Oh there’s nothing but rubbish over their anyhow.” A gasped echoed through the chamber.
“How could you say that!?” Rose/Chryssi came flying up from behind. “Do you not understand stand the sentimental value of such ‘rubbish’? Hmmmm!?” She looked him straight in the eyes and demanded an answer.
Cris sighed and backed away, with the roll of his eyes. “Apparently not. Please enlighten me.”
“That must wait for another time,” Celestia called from her throne room.
“How unfortunate Ms. er...Rose was it?” Discord cupped his hands together. “I'm certain Mr. Link would’ve appreciated your candor. Right?” Discord gave him a sly grin.
“R-Right. Right. I can’t think of anything more enjoyable to listen to other than the sound of your voice, love.” Cris cleared his throat, and hurried into the throne room. Guards shared the rest of the space. All standing at attention, but nonetheless vigil.
“Alright, We’ll cut straight through the nonsense and pleasantries.” Celestia started off.
“There hath been a great number of disturbances in the northern mountains beyond the Everfree. A place too near to which our dear Fluttershy dwells. But thats beside the point-” Luna was cut off by Celestia.
“The point, my dear sister is failing to make, is that Crimson Link we would greatly appreciate if you were to take your friends and investigate such a matter. Normally we would send the elements but they are currently overseeing the Rainbow Falls Trade Day.” He found it weird that they, of all ponies, addressed him so formally as if he were some noble that served them.
“Why do you find it necessary to drag me into your little problems?”
“Well, perhaps, it’s because you owe us. Considering we did save your life of course.” Cris bit his lips. Anyone could tell anger was flaring in his eyes.
“I believe we could call ourselves even. Considering, that you have followed me since I was eighteen, and caused me psychological trauma."
"Well. Perhaps if you just would have accepted our love-”
“For the love of the sun… This again?!” Cris shouted. “Look I’m sorry you didn’t get the message over the last 264 years. How could you not get it through your thick skulls that I wanted nothing to do with you? How the buck hard is it to understand such a literal message?” He sighed, shaking his head with exhaustion. “The two of you sound like a broken record. You seem rather immature for princesses. I wonder what mother Faust would think of such a display…”
The room went deathly silent, whilst all in the room drew a hollow and shocked breath. Everyone, even the guards, stared at Cris in surprise. Luna stood stupefied, while Celestia’s eye glinted and twitched in anger. She stood up from her throne, the stomp and clop of hooves thundered through the room. Cris returned his hardened gaze to her. They both stared each other down teeth grinding, and seething rage leaking from the pairs pores.
Their head butted together, while they stared each other in the eyes. “Get. Out. Of. My. Castle.” Celestia grinned.
“Gladly.” Cris’ horn flashed with a bright light. The overall exuberance blinded everyone, but Celestia. She watched with a stern and angered look on her face. Celestia sucked in a heavy breath, then released an even heavier sigh. She was just glad they were gone.
xxxxxx
“Damn…” Herald said beneath his breath, with disbelief. Everyone had their eyes widened and set upon the either brave or crazy soul they knew. Or perhaps he was both. They watched him clamber to his hooves, and lean against the harden pillar of stone that held the gates in place. Cris feel the rough texture grind against his skin.
“I over exerted myself.” He said. I’m not Twilight, magic isn’t exactly my forte. The dizziness began to set in gradually.
“Dude you must have a death wish or something.” Grey Night whispered.
“I’m afraid sir Grey Night is right young Mr. Link.” Discord’s body separated from the stone Cris was currently leaning against. The sound of breaking cracking stone emanated through the air. It was just the Draconequus being dramatic. Cris rolled his eyes, and backed away. He bumped into Rose, she just smiled and allowed him to lean against her. Cris smiled back, doing so happily as the fatigue he felt was growing worse.
“Tis been some time since someone has spoken to dearest Tia like that. And a commoner alicorn no less. That must be one blow to the ego.” Discord chuckled, wiping a stray tear from his eye with his bird claw. And with the flick of his tail, he disappeared. A quick flash came without warning, and he reappeared all of his strange appendages were gone and he looked like a normal pony apart from the bat-like wings he possessed. “Now!” Discord chimed with the stomp of his newly formed hooves.
“Come now, everypony. Let’s go get some breakfast my treat. And then you may all set out upon your quest. I do hope you all make it back. Mayhaps you could all come back again sometime and entertain me!” Discord licked his lips at the thought. “All that chaos was simply delicious!” The group quietly glanced at the others.
“But of course!” Melody chimed. “It was pretty intense wasn’t it?”
“Pretty intense? We could have died!!!” Shadowfire practically screamed.
“Not to mention the fact that Cris could have gotten us all thrown in the dungeon for eternity. And he’s freakin’ immortal!” Herald chimed in. Everyone all nodded respectively. For they had all just played with death, and lived. The silence lived on for a few minutes or so before it was finally broken.
“So who wants pancakes?” Discord asked with the clap of his hooves.
