The Price Of Evil

Perspective: Democles

Date: January 12th, 2015

Location: Freehold

<><><><><><><><><><>

       I stared at the round object that I was currently holding in my fingers, my eyes not seeming to want to lose sight of such a simple thing. Yet, I knew it wasn't as simple, instead it was precious; something so dear to my heart that even the cleanest of all fingers could not touch it. While it may be a ring in perspective, I knew it was something so much more; something I wanted back. Something I cherished. It was something I would give anything to have back, even giving my life to see that it was back.

      I sighed as I gazed out the window, cars flying past my window. I gazed down at the ground, so far away to me it seemed, people walking to and fro. I never walked on the ground myself, but I heard that the grass was real and pure, same with the trees. Ever since the evolution of construction a decade ago, we've been building cities in the sky and even underwater. I never had a reason to leave the sky, so I never got to see those other cities. It seems every day a city is added to our world.

      My eyes focus on something peering around the corner of my window and I stand up to inspect it. I yanked the curtains to the side to reveal a Dread Bot running a security scan before scurrying off to another window. That's odd, because they only run security checks when someone has broken into the building. I grabbed the curtains and pulled them to middle of the window, completely blocking the window. I walk to my door and press my hand against back of it, locking it.

      "Mister Democles, it's time for your daily dosage."

      I clutch my chest as I turn around and spot my assistant, Godsworth. I eye the bottle in his hand before I take it from him and the cup of water in his opposite hand. I place a pill in my mouth before I swallow with the water, digesting the medicine. I nod to him and he levitates off, hopefully to the Bot Repair room and not my bedroom this time. He turns left instead of right, so I know he didn't go to my bedroom to do whatever robots do. I sigh as I go sit down in my living room.

      I shot a glance at my right hand, all the metal components wrapped around it forcing power into my body. After the battle of Riot, everyone was issued a personal-defense-system, in case Freehold was attacked. While this isn't the biggest city we've built, it is the capital of Flameward. I clenched my hand into a fist and blue flames shot out of the top of my hand, covering it completely. I relax my hand and spread it out, sparks flying out of the tips of my metallic fingers.

       Besides the weapons implanted into the P.D.S', they also are equipped with the power to shield the wielder with power of over two-thousand. While the shield is covering the body, it won't block bullets or any other means of attack, but instead takes the shield down. When the shield is fully taken down,  you can take full health damage until the shields recharge. But, if you're hit with an EMP strike, the shields won't recharge unless manually charged with a Weld.

      The Weld's main function is to recharge someone's shields when they are hit by an EMP, but it has other options to help the wielder of the P.D.S. One option is to shut off the batteries in weapons, making them useless. Without the batteries in the gun, the firearm will burn from the inside out without the batteries keeping the acid contained. This is a major advantage because the acid will leak out any openings and will utterly burn the victim's hand and arm until it's nothing but bone.

      Another option is the power to make metal melt. The Weld, if the wave of energy is projected right, will turn any type of metal to hot liquid. While this was more useful during the Battle of Riot when the enemy held swords and spears, it still has it's uses for the current military. We used this ability to correct any errors when we constructed the city of Freehold, and that's why now with the new upgrades, it looks more polished and overall new.

       I still don't know why they added this option, but the wielder can change his or her appearance to match something they've seen. If they want to change into what they want, the Weld will search the wielder's mind for memories of what they want to change into. I don't use this myself because if the Weld is damaged enough, you can't change back into original form. That's why if I ever did change myself, I would do it away from violence. I don't need to be stuck as something I'm not.

      I hear a loud explosion and my room quakes, making me stumble instead of walk to the window. I ripped the curtains out of the way and couldn't believe what my eyes saw. I saw several Dread bots rushing to the ground and to windows to prevent the Rixtons from advancing. I saw one climbing up my building and towards my window. It was too late before I could shut the blinds and the Rixton smashed the glass, grabbing me by the shirt.

      He threw me away towards the ground and I landed on a passing car, hitting the roof with a thud. He apparently was interested in me because he left the building and chased after me. I quickly stood up and clenched my fist, blue flames engulfing my hand. I aimed my hand at his chest and fired a bolt of flames, turning him to ash. I sighed as I looked down, dreading what I had to do. I closed my eyes and backed up, right to the edge. I waited before leaping off and gripping onto another car, hoisting myself up.

       Before he could get any farther, I jumped forwards and into another room in my building. I could tell by the window that this is the sixth floor and mine is on fourteenth floor. When I burst into the window, a Rixton was there to greet me, so I spread my hand and sent a powerful bolt of electricity to him; completely turning him to ash. I stood up, wincing at the pain in my back. No time to fret about petty pain, so I walked out the door and out into the hallway.

       I walked towards the elevator and pressed the button to go Up. It said there was an error so I gripped the doors with my fingers and began to pull the doors apart, prying the elevator doors open. I was about to climb up the ladder when the elevator flew past me, screams emanating throughout the elevator shaft. I shot a glance downwards before beginning to climb up. I paid attention to the openings and counted until I arrived at the fourteenth floor. I stepped into the hallway and started to sprint to my room.

      I entered my room and locked the door, pressing the couch against it before ordering Godsworth to activate the failsafe and open the armory. Soon enough, I heard the door being slammed and punched, but it wouldn't budge. I walked into the secret room Godsworth opened, also known as my personal armory. I pulled out a classic pump-action shotgun, snatching a handful of shells before locking the door behind me as I rode the emergency elevator down.

     I didn't have enough time to grab armor, so I was stuck with my regular plain white T-shirt and jeans, but I did have standard military boots that I stole from my ex-wife's new boyfriend. I pumped the shotgun before the elevator doors opened, revealing two Rixtons. I filled the first one's chest with lead as the other lunged for me, tackling me and making the elevator shake. On the ground, I kicked him in the face and hit him with the butt of my gun. After getting my bearings, I finished him off with a bullet to the head.

       I stepped out of the elevator and started towards the front entrance, pasting several civilians. Women were clutching their children and the men were clutching both of them. Without anyone stopping me, I exited the building and onto the streets. There was one thing on my mind and one thing only. I stared at the gold ring in my hand and threw it to the ground, running past it and into my truck. I didn't have the luxury of a flying car, sadly.

      I started it up and stomped on the gas pedal, zooming to my sister's house. She may not want to see me after the breakup with my wife, but I need to make sure she is safe. She's the only family I have left and I can't allow her to die. I drove past several helpless people and I had most of them try to make me pick them up, but I couldn't slow down. Not now. I saw my sister's in the distance, but a Rixton hopped on the hood an yanked me out of the driver's seat. I rolled on the ground as I struggled to get up.

       I eventually found the strength to stand up, and the Rixton was approaching me fast. I cocked my shotgun and pumped a shot into his head, killing him instantly. I stood up and rushed to my sister's house, dodging bullets and explosions like my life depended on it. Actually, my life does depend on it. A Rixton jumped in front of me, so I turned him to ash as I ran up the driveway. I arrived at the front door, kicking it open and scanning around. My heart dropped as I witnessed the scene before me.

      Laying on the ground before me was my sister, her head missing and chest torn open. Her entrails see scattered around the room and blood was pooling onto the ground. The window she's in front of is smashed, shards of glass covering a majority of the floor. I feel my eyes water as I drop to the ground, the shotgun clattering to my side. I hold my head in my hands as I sob, tears streaming down my cheeks and onto the the floor. I wiped my eyes before I stood up, still crying.

       "I'm sorry, Virginia."

        I pick up the shotgun, my finger resting on the trigger. I walk out of the house and towards the refugee center, ignoring everything that is happening around me. She was the last family I had and to see her like that was devastating. I could get over the divorce which hurt me alot with her, but she's gone now too. As of now, I have no one to call family, no one to help me. I eventually arrived at the center and take a seat, staring at the ground.

       "You okay?"

       I glance up and see a woman, holding a child in her arms. Her hair was autumn orange and flowed downwards, past her shoulders. Her eyes were green, with a hint of blue in there, they were sparkling in the light. She was wearing blue jeans and a jacket, the hood covering a majority of her majestic golden hair. Her skin shone and was tanned perfectly, glistening even. I swear, she looked just like my wife did. It's quite odd.

      "No. My sister died."

      "I'm sorry to hear that, I lost my brother. A good man he was, I'm quite sad to know he's gone."

      "Yeah."

      "Well, I'm one of the volunteers, so if you need food or water, don't bother to ask."

      I nod, still looking at the ground. After what seemed like hours of staring at the ground, I decide to go to sleep. I spread my legs out on the bench and close my eyes, waiting for sleep to overtake me and whisk me away to the land of dreams. It didn't take very long as I felt myself dose off and go to sleep. As I sleep, I hope to be able to see my sister again and my parents. I also hope there's something to convince me from my next decision...

<><><><><><><><><><>

Perspective: Democles

Date: December 16th, 2014

Location: Freehold

       "W-What do you mean you want to get d-divorced?"

        I'm currently in my living room, my wife standing in front of me. She has her wedding ring on the coffee table and has a man by her side, his arms crossed. I stared up at her, my eyes meeting hers. While mime are filled with sorrow and regret, hers are filled with determination. I can't believe this is happening to me. We've been married for fourteen years, yet she wants to get divorced and also cheated! I should be pissed, yet I'm not. It's a weird feeling.

       "We... Grew apart, David. Shane has enough money to take care of me and your baby. Don't you want your baby to be safe and healthy? I'm sorry, David."

       "Don't say my name, you bitch." I say as I stand up, walking into the kitchen. I rummage through my refrigerator until I find what I was searching for: A bottle of whiskey. I haven't drank alcohol in several years, but this seems like a perfect time. Hopefully, I don't drink enough to get drunk, especially not now with them over. I return to the living room and sit on the couch again, taking a huge swig of the orange liquid. It burned a bit at first, but collected into a warm glow in my gut.

       "What are you still doing in my house?"

       "Please David, I just want to end this on good terms."

       "On good terms? You came in here and said you wanted a divorce while our baby is on the way, and you also admitted to cheating with pencil neck over here." I said, ending with a nod towards Shane. I saw his fists clench tight and I glared at him, taking another huge swig of Whiskey. I didn't say anything as we sat in silence, Shane's hands starting to get red from clenching too hard. I chuckled a bit, turning to Shane as he glared daggers at me.

       "Damn, why don't you unclench your fists, they're getting red, boy."

       "I ain't a boy, asshole."

       "Oh, so the fruit does have some words."

       "Please, don't fight."

       "At least I'm good enough for Carley, unlike you."

       "Hmm." I drain the bottle of it's contents and stare at it for a moment before chucking it at Shane. It shatters on his head and I tackle him, sending us over the chair and onto the ground. I landed on top and laid blow after blow into him, grabbing a piece of glass and putting it against his throat. I heard a gasp behind me, but I ignored it as I glared into Shane. His eyes widened as he stared into my eyes, before I let him go and throw the glass to the side.

       "Get out of my house."

       "David-"

       "Get. Out."

       "David, please-"

       "I said: GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY HOUSE!"

       I watch as they exit my home, closing the door behind them. I collapse onto the ground, disregarding the shards of glass on the ground as I cry into my arms. I look up at the clock and see I've been crying for the hours, so I stand up and order Godsworth to clean up the mess. He begins sweeping the glass into a trash can and picks up the chair and puts it back into it's original place. I sigh as I plop on the chair, staring out into the city. I knew something bad's gonna happen eventually, I thought to myself. Only a matter of time.

       I sigh as I hear a knock coming from the door, so I stand up and approach the door. I press my hand against it, peering through the metal and see my sister. I unlock the door and let her in, returning to my original spot. I reached for my bottle when I remembered that I smashed it over someone's forehead, so I rest my hand on my lap. I see several cars fly by my window and I rub my face, looking over to my sister. She opens her mouth to speak as I turn around.

       "What happened, David?"

       "Carley wants a divorce."

        "I'm... I'm sorry to hear that. Why?"

        "She says I'm can't provide for us and our child."

        "She was pregnant?! How come you didn't tell me?"

        "I didn't know until she told me a couple hours ago."

        "That's horrible, David! Why would she do this?"

        "She's been cheating for a few months and said that we grown apart."

        "What are you gonna' do?"

        "Let her have her divorce."

        "What?! Why?!"

        "Karma's a bitch."

<><><><><><><><><><>

Perspective: Democles

Date: January 13th, 2015

Location: Freehold

       As I open my eyes, the sun blinds me. I always hated the sun, if I could make it night forever, I would take that option in an instant. I stood up as I grab my shotgun and look around, taking in my surroundings. I notice that some spots on the ground are black and slowly melting the ground. I guess the Rixtons attacked during the night, but we're still all alive, so I guess we fought them off. I look around for a secluded spot before walking over there, my shotgun in hand.

        I arrive and shut the door behind me, locking it with my P.D.S. I walk up some stairs until I walk into what I assume is an observation deck. There's a giant window overlooking the park, but it seems like they attacked that too, because it's melting and it's deserted. Well, no more delaying. I put the butt of the gun on the ground, the barrel aiming towards the ceiling. I press the barrel against my chin, ready to end it all. My thumb rests on the trigger and I squeeze it a little until move the gun.

     Have I really come to this? Has my life become so horrible that I turn to suicide? My wife divorces me and runs off with my baby, my sister is killed, and my home is attacked and destroyed. I sigh as I press the barrel against my chin again, ready to do it for real this time. I'm sorry, Mom, Dad, Virginia... Carley. I loved all of you and I hope to see all of you again some day. I lay my thumb on the trigger as I close my eyes. Goodbye, life; you sleazy cunt.

       "Are you really going to kill yourself when there's much more to life?"

       I jump up out of the seat, and wave my firearm around, searching for the person who talked. She sounded ominous, but still feminine. I looked everywhere, but I still can't find her. I assumed it was just a voice in my head, so I take my seat again. She was right, was I really ready to just throw my life away? I mean, eventually I can get over what happened in the past few months, but when? How long would it take to forget all of this and move on?

       "You intrigue me, so I offer you a deal: I want to give you a second chance at life, a chance to begin again. I could use someone who can do work for me and I've seen what you're capable of, human. So, what do you say: Will you accept my offer?" I sigh as I think, rubbing my face. Well... What can I possibly lose if I accept her offer? I stand up as I answer the voice.

        "Yes, I accept your offer."

        "Ah, excellent! Are you ready?"

        "For what?"

        "You'll see..."

<><><><><><><><><><>

Perspective: Democles

Date: Unknown

Location: Unknown

        As my eyes start slowly open, I feel as if my body is... Contained. Once my vision fully returns, I look down at my arms. One thing I notice and feel is that I'm wearing armor. Highly-advanced armor, armor that shouldn't even exist yet, not until two-thousand-fifty-five at least. I flex my arm a bit before my eyes rest on my P.D.S. It's now deep black and is glowing with a neon blue aura. I clench my hands and instead of my flames being blue, they're crimson red. I relax my hand and the sparks shooting from my hand are orange. Did the armor enhance my powers? I try rubbing my face, but instead hit a helmet.

        I feel my visor covering most of my helmet, all the way down to the my mouth. I raise my hands and try to remove the helmet, but it wouldn't budge. I tried again with more force, but it ended with the same results. Did she force a shutdown on the armor, locking it forever? How am I going to use the restroom? I shake my head from these thoughts, standing up and looking down at the ground. Laying there is Siah.88 pistol and a chip. I grab the chip first and look at it, thinking on how to make it work. Oh well, I grab the pistol and check the magazine, but I'm surprised when there is no clip in there.

       I stare at the chip for a minute until a hologram of a... Horse appears. But, this horse doesn't look like the horses I know. For starters, it's eyes are ridiculously huge and there is a horn atop it's head, protruding to such a height. On it's sides there is two wings, feathers sometimes ruffling and slowly gliding to the ground. To top it off, it has some armor covering a majority of it's body and it's eyes are... Catlike. I don't if this visor is see through, because there's definitely confusion on my face.

"Good, you made it one piece. I believe introductions are in order, so I am Nightmare Moon. Before I continue, when we made this deal, you basically said you will obey me, no matter the cost. Now, I have equipped you with Orion armor and a Siah.88 pistol. The chip I'm talking to you on right now is an A.I, there for she will help you towards your objective: Get to the Moon. There is a facility to the east that has a teleportation device that will take you to a station on the Moon. From there, you have to make your way into the core, finding me. After you retrieve me, we can get to work. Beware, there is Somepony I have contacted to hunt you down, but it is for a reason. Also, you are currently incognito, meaning nopony knows of your presence yet. Good night, and good luck."

        I quickly noticed that nighttime was approaching fast and I made haste towards the East, my pistol gripped in my hand. I checked my Weld and noticed that the location and date were unknown, so I shut it off. I see that I'm in a large plain, grass as green as it can be... With shadows lurking about. I raised my pistol, raising it around. I saw a shadow swim by and I twisted my body to see what it is. I thought it was my imagination until something latched itself onto my shoulder, two needles puncturing my armor and into my shoulder. I shook myself violently as I threw the creature over my shoulder, shooting it in the head.

      It looked like a horse, except that it was... Different. It had wings like Nightmare Moon, except they were leathery and quite frankly looked like bat wings. Blood leaked from it's mouth, and I got a good look of it's fangs. I looked to my shoulder, blood oozing from the wound it created. I hope to God it wasn't poisonous as I walk past the corpse, continuing East. Not even five minutes later I was quickly surrounded by more of these... Bat ponies.

      I waved my pistol again, eight targets surrounding me and six shots left, the seventh one is regenerating I later found out. Before I could fire one of them lunged at me, tackling me to the ground and biting my arm. I pressed my pistol under it's chin and fired, blood splattering all over my legs as I tried to push it off me. I looked down the sights and fired a shot into another approaching me, striking it in the chest. I fired another shot and it hit it in the forehead, killing it instantly.

       One of them hopped on me, it's wings knocking my gun out of my hand. I reached for it as the pony tested into my arm, blood gushing out. I grabbed it by the head as my Blood Fire activated, melting him to nothing but blood and bones. Well, that was new. I push him off me as I stand up, lighting my hand and waiting for one of them to make a move. Out of the corner of my eye, blood was leaking out of my shoulder and arm, drizzling down my armor.

        I rushed and hopped over the first pony, turning it to ash as I electrocuted the one behind it, transforming him into a pile of ash. I fired a bolt of fire at the last three, turning them into a pile of bones and a puddle of blood. I picked up my pistol as I looked down at my wounds, blood leaking out. I holstered the pistol with holster on my legs as I clutched my shoulder, walking towards the East and currently into a forest. I really, really have a bad tooth ache right now. I need to rest for a minute.

        I leaned against a tree as I slid down it, my back dragging against it. I powered my Weld as I tried to heal myself when it wouldn't activate. I also noticed that my shields are down, meaning I was taking health damage. I just need to heal myself and get to the facility, and get to the Moon. I chuckled to myself, mostly about the situation I'm in. It's ironic, really. I laid there for what seemed like hours, wondering and thinking to myself. Plans mostly, but still thoughts.

      By the time I got up, it was sunrise. As I walked through the forest, I brought up the Weld menu and found the shields and healing grid offline. Well, no wonder. After re-activating both of them and a few other enhancements, I went through the damage I took. Besides the bites, nothing much. The bites were poisonous, but they can't cured by my healing grid. I need a doctor. I push my way through the forest as I found myself in a huge city square, old buildings surrounding me.

       "A.I, what date is it?"

       "It's January 13th, 2557."

       Wow, I'm in the future? Did she forward in time for a reason, or is this the date in this world? I look around as I try to make out my surroundings. There's buildings that look like they're ripped from medieval castles and the ground I'm currently standing on is cobblestone, obviously leading up to a castle at the top of the hill. I stare at it for awhile before I hear several wing beats and I scan around, looking for the source of the sound. Wait, that sounded like...

        "A.I, where are we?"

        "Bat Country."