Escape From This Afterlife

Escape From This Afterlife

Act One: Oh Sorry, Did I Wake Your Dream?

Chapter 3: Renegades

"Run away-ay with me."

*   *   *   *   *

I killed again.

That thought rang through my head over and over, like a broken record. It was stuck in my main focus and attention. The premise of it was jarring and I hated thinking about it, so much that I wanted to scream and end it all, but I stopped and controlled myself.

Killing Amber was something I've came to regret. Not because of her alone, because she was a vile and wicked bitch that used me for my income, no that wasn't it. No, it was that she was pregnant, and I ended it. When it wasn't my right to do so.

A life that didn't have to end. One that could have potentially turned out to be my child because even if Amber and Danny created it, their not fit to raise a child. Despite my bitter and cynical personality, I've learned a lot about parenting from my parents.

I could have raised a son or daughter the way I wanted. Made them excel above anyone else and make sure their life would be a thousand, no, a million times better than my life is and will be. But no, I took that opportunity from myself and probably will never get that chance again.

I'm stuck here. In this fucking cell. Trapped in this place full of horses. Alone. Probably the only person or human here and will be for years to come. All because I killed myself and another in the process. Proving once again that I'm extremely moronic.

For about a few weeks I've been here, in Equestria. That's what it's called anyway, to the horses. The horses are called Ponies, because apparently the word horse is offensive and is an insult here. Well, I guess they're ignoring their origin, then.

They won't tell me who I killed. It's seems very disrespectful to me, but who cares what I think, I killed something sentient, my opinion is immediately disregarded. Still, all I know was that he was a guard and has a family. One that hates me.

Oh yeah, they brought in the family. Also, a cart of hard apples, rocks, and anything else painful. Pointless, considering I can't feel anything. I tried telling them that when they said they were going to hang me, but they didn't listen, of course. I'll just use that as my escape plan.

I'm going to gallows for murder, in front of a whole crowd. And that whole crowd will get to witness me survive being hung and then watch as I flee. Hating this entire situation, I'm glad I can't feel pain, although my plan falls on the hope that I can't die, as well.

And I'll be able to test that, today. Because that's when it takes place. The one that sentenced this death sentence is Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria. Weird considering I never heard any mention of a Queen or King, so whatever.

It starts at ten o' clock in the morning, so about thirty minutes. When they brought me here, the city of Canterlot supposedly, I was able to map out the area, including the entrance and exit to the city. The gallows is in the middle of the city, so I do have a little to run.

Oh well, I'll make it work. That's what I've been doing my whole life, anyway. This is no different, it's only a little weird. Once I lose them, maybe I can work on figuring out how I got here and how to get out of here. Living here doesn't seem so great when you'll have the authorities chasing you constantly.

One advantage I do have is that I've never told them my name. And they never asked. It's either creature, monster, demon, murderer, or renegade. I guess they don't care who or what you are if you kill somebody, so sucks for them.

I haven't been fed or given any water. I've been here for a week. Eating or drinking things don't anything, though, it doesn't matter. It always feels like I'm perfectly fed and hydrated, and I sometimes manage to catch some sleep, even if it's not for long.

Speaking of dreams... There's always this dark blue hor- pony that looks like Celestia, or that's black and looks like her. Every single dream she's in it. And it's always night time. I've never seen this ho- pony, anywhere when I'm awake. It's very odd.

"Creature, it's time." Woah, thanks for not making me wait longer. I remained silent as they unlocked the door and came over to me, unlocking the chain that I was connected to. As one guard did this, another spit on my bare chest. They took all my clothes, except the underwear I was in.

"Don't try anything or I'll gut you myself." Watch out everyone, we gotta a bad ass over here. I stood up, rubbing my wrist as they escorted me out of the cell and down the hallway. Other prisoners laughed and grimaced. The former because they were happy. The latter because they were envy.

Guards that we passed glared at me and spit on me a lot. I just smirked and kept silent. After all, if I pull off this master escape plan, they're all most likely going to lose their jobs due to failing at catching me. Hopefully, I do get out of this Scot free.

As we approached the doors leading outside, which it did take awhile to get here because I was in the dungeon, I heard the crowd roaring and screaming, all for my name and for me to be hung. I guess they're all going to be disappointed, then.

The doors swung open, and it became a hundred times more loud because of the exposed sound and me finally showing up. I saw the gallows, with the Princess standing on them and a few other guards. Glancing right, I noticed the train station blocks down.

Walking through crowd, with the guards in front and behind me, I was assaulted with several insults, apples and rocks to the head, and hooves to the shoulders and arms. I was grinning the whole time, because I didn't feel shit. Not a single fucking thing.

What struck me as odd though, was the fact there was a full family here, with kids and everything. The parents stared at me in hatred, while the kids looked at me in confusion. One of them was gazing at me in curiosity.

She was lavender, with a magenta mane and tail with pink and purple strips running through it. A horn was poking out through her thick mane, and her eyes were purple. There was no marking on her flank, but the other kid had one.

He had a white coat, with a messy blue and cyan mane and tail, with his pupils being cobalt blue. He did have a mark on him, though, and that was a shield, colored blue. There was a horn protruding through his mane.

I maintained eye contact with them until I was hit in the back with a spear. And when I broke that contact, one thought came to my head: Who brings their fucking kid to a hanging?! It's stupid as shit.

Stepping onto the wooden platform, I was pushed to the rope and had it fashioned around my neck. Next to me was Princess Celestia, a neutral look on her face, but she did have some kind of look in her eyes when she glanced into my eyes.

She looked too long into my eyes, almost like there was something to be found. The crowd roared, hard fruits and big rocks being chucked, but the unicorn guards were catching them and dropping them onto the ground.

"The person next to me will be hung today, on the charge of murder of one of my own guards, Sour Cocktail. With the death of this kind hearted and nice stallion, his family is devastated, and heartbroken beyond relief."

"I hate to see the death of one of my little ponies in front of my eyes, as well as the squadron Cocktail was in, and we can all account for eye-witnesses, therefore, you are sentenced to death."

"Do you have any last words?" She asked, turning to me. Now, while I do have the rope fastened around my neck and hand cuffs on my wrists, I can always slink out of it considering this noose is meant for pony necks. But, I played along. As brutally honest I could be.

"If you left me the fuck alone, I wouldn't have had to slit his throat." I spewed, hearing the raging outcry at my statement. The white pony only shook her head with a sad look on her face, motioning to the executioner.

"Wait!" As soon as I was about to bolt, a small and young-sounding voice cried out, louder than the crowd. The mare near the lever stopped and Celestia's horn glowed, a large wall of magic going over the crowd.

It scanned every pony until it narrowed down to the filly that was staring at me. Quickly, the crowd dispersed around the family. They were now in sight of everyone there, with the small filly a mad look on her face.

"Just because he made one mistake, doesn't mean he should be punished for it! Everyone deserves second chances!" She yelled out, shocking Celestia, and everyone there. I just worked on getting rid of the rope tied around my wrists.

The Princess just... Stared, right into the filly's eyes. Like she did me. After a silent minute, she glanced to me, my eyes pointed towards the train station. My rope bonds were half ripped off, and all I had to was slink down out of the noose.

"Twilight Sparkle, this person did something unforgivable, and we can not let go of a dangerous individual, in the fear that he may commit the crime against. I'm sorry, but this is necessary to ensure our safety."

"Your guards kill, too. Should they be punished for it?" Holy shit, how smart is this little girl? My eyebrow raised involuntarily, while Celestia remained silent, although she seemed... Shocked. The guards were shifting around uneasily.

Aaaannnndd... The rope bonds are off, but I keep them in my hands. Temporary weapon, no matter how shitty. Glancing around, I noticed the executioner had a small axe on her side and, lucky enough, she's on the side I need to go.

"Our guards do that to protect us, not for the sole purpose of doing so. They're not killers, they're protectors. They do it to survive." She replied, completely focused on the small filly named Twilight.

Deciding it's time to leave, I shifted a little bit to the right, the noose still around my neck. Unless somebody was deadly paying attention to me, they wouldn't be able to tell I moved at all. Slight movements.

"And maybe that's what that pony did. To survive." By now, the only ponies talking were Twilight and the white princess that was being beaten by a fucking kid. Some leader you are, rofl. Can't believe I just thought that.

Slowly I kept moving, closing until I had to ditch the noose. Dropping down to the ground, I slipped out of the noose and stole the axe off of the executioner's side, grabbing her and pressing the axe against her throat.

The crowd gasped and screamed, the small filly's next retort being drowned out by their fearful voices. Celestia turned to me, not moving or her horn glowing, she just stared into my eyes, nothing more. N... o... t... h... i... n... g... M... ore!

"What the fuck did you just do?!" I inquired, a faint static sound ringing in my ears. She just kept staring into my eyes, not saying anything, standing still. No sudden motions. Absolutely n... o... t... h... i... n... g...

Nothing. You shall do nothing.

Nothing. You shall do nothing.

Nothing. You shall do nothing.

N... oth... ing... Y... ou... sha... ll... do... n... ot... hin... g...

Nothing. You shall do nothing.

Nothing. You shall do nothing.

N... othing. You s... hall do... not... hing.

Nothing. You shall do nothing.

Nothing. You shall do nothing.

You will drop the axe and step away. You shall do nothing.

You will drop the axe and step away. You shall do nothing.

Y... ou... w... il... l... drop... th... This shit!

Shaking my head violently, I chucked the axe directly at the mind controlling bitch and pushed the executioner towards her, jumping off the stage and towards the train station, sprinting as fast I can.

You will stop... running and return... to me... at once. You... shall do... nothing.

Fuck off!

The guards were right on me, arrows whisking past me, and around my feet. One pierced my shoulder, but I didn't feel anything, so I ignored it and kept running, blood oozing out of the wound and down my shoulder.

And the unicorns kept throwing what basically was the equivalent to grenades, but full of magic. They did Jack shit to me, so I kept running, the whole city around me in chaos. It was a glorious sight, honestly.

Y... ou... wil... l... st... op... runn... in... g... and... re... tur... n... to... me... a... t... onc... e... You... shal... l... d... o... nothi... n... g...

Static sound. Really fucking annoying. Same with these fucking arrows being shot at me constantly, and the grenades, and the swords being swatted at me! Fuck my life. It shouldn't be these hard to escape!

When I got close, the train started up. Hopping onto the back of it, the barrage of grenades, arrows, and swords stop as the train chugged away from the city.

Enjoy your escape as much as you can. It will be your last...

Remember me. For I will remember you...

You shall do nothing...

*   *   *   *   *

The scales fell off once I brushed my fingers against them. I got pissed at the fact they just kind of fell off, but I'm happy they're finally off of my hand. Maybe it was some kind of magic in that forest? I don't know.

It's been a few hours since I managed to escape. And it's been filled with copious amounts of Celestia trying to control my mind, make me return to her. So far, I've been fine, but it's annoying as all hell.

And I don't know if I even hit her with that axe. Considering she can grab things with magic, most likely not. That, or it completely went past her and into the crowd, killing or injuring another one. I hope that didn't happen.

If it wasn't for that filly, my plan probably would have failed. So, thanks, Twilight. Wherever you are, you saved my ass from my neck breaking. I may not be able to feel pain or anything of that nature, I don't want to test if I can die.

I might of scarred her for life, but she deserves a medal... For helping a criminal escape. Well, to be fair, maybe Celestia shouldn't have been arguing with a filly and paying attention to me, same with everyone else.

My stupid plan, one that was supposed to not work, and would have failed with no doubt at all, forcing me to be hung, was successful because of a ruler being moronic and a filly helping me out.

Looking at the passing scenery, which was a rock farm with a pink filly, and then several bland colored ponies, I noticed that my shoulder was really bloody and leaking down my arm and back.

I wish I could have found my clothes back in Canterlot, but I would have been searching for hours. Instead, I need to find something to cover my body up completely and face as well. No doubt they're looking for me.

Wait, no... They would know I'm on this train, as many guards saw me jump on it, instead they just stopped chasing me... What the fuck are you planning, Celestia? I don't like surprises.

Standing up, I was at the very back of the train, literally anyone could have seen me, I dust myself off and look forward, seeing a small village near a forest. As I grew closer, there was a sign that read 'Welcome To Ponyville!'.

Raising my eyebrow at the name, the train slowly drew into the station, eventually stopping altogether. I entered the cabin that I was outside of and looked around for any kind of cloth or robe.

Sliding the lid off of one crate, I was surprised when it was filled with swords. Silver and curved, and a glowing cyan line running down the middle of it. Quickly grabbing one, I placed it next to the box and approached another one.

Pushing the top over the side, I groaned when it was filled with food. Useless to me, but not others. Moving along, I kept opening them until I was thrilled at the sight of a long, thick grey sheet that could work as a robe to cover my body and face.

Draping it around my body and over my head, I snatched the sword and held it in my hand, and it was under the cover of my makeshift robe. It also was long enough that it dragged on the ground, so they couldn't see my feet.

With my things in my possession, I hopped off of the back of the train, and didn't trip, thank God, and made my around the train to the station, hoping my shit cover would work. If my shit escape plan worked, maybe this will.

Canterlot is your final destination, no matter how much time passes. So, return to me, and save yourself time.

Fuck off, Celestia. I'm tired of your shit already, you can't have me. You never will.

Violently shaking my head to end the train of thought, I stepped into the station and was getting many states, but that was to be expected. Ignoring the obvious, I started walking towards town, and trying to think of what to do.

First, I need to figure out how to block this mind control and mind probing shit, because eventually Celestia will figure out my location through my thoughts. I don't need that for obvious reasons.

Second, is to then figure out how to get out of here and somewhere else. Preferably, Earth. Back to where I live. Blowing my brains out wasn't a very good thing to do afterwards, now that I think about it.

Unless, this is Earth in the future and I was revived via magic. Which would basically mean that everyone I ever knew would be dead. That doesn't mean much to me, but that counts my parents, and even that's pushing it.

And while I'm doing the first, I need to hide myself as much as possible and not kill anymore. I wouldn't have to be sneaking around if I didn't kill that pony. Well, there's no going back now. No bringing him back. No bringing back Amber... No, don't think about it.

Glancing around, I noticed a young looking tan mare with a white mane and I guess a script mark on her flank. She was talking to another pony on the porch of a large, round building. Fuck it, I need to find a library and I guess that means I need directions.

"Excuse me, is there a library in this town?" I asked as nicely and politely as possible, hoping I don't scare her away. She looked towards me and there was a few seconds of fear before she realized I wasn't killing her yet. Her hoof pointed to a tree with a door on it and then she dropped it.

"Yes, there's the Golden Oak Library. The librarian there is a little on the weird side, but she's friendly enough." The mare said, showing a little more friendliness. I nodded and looked down at her.

"Thank you, I appreciate it." I said as I started to turn around, but I was stopped when she spoke up behind me.

"I'm sorry, but I don't believe I caught your name." She said, an asking expression on her face.

"It's... Crimson." I finally said, the word hard coming from my mouth. Giving away my name was never that easy when I know it's fake, but it's for safety and I definitely need that extra advantage here.

"Well, welcome to Ponyville, Crimson! I'm Mayor Mare, and if you need anything, don't be afraid to ask." Mayor Mare said excitedly. She looks awfully young to be a mayor, but what do I know? I nodded once again and took my leave.

On the way, I noticed many fillies and colts watching and staring as I passed. A white unicorn with a very fancy and frilly purple mane and tail. A mint colored unicorn with same colored mane and tail. And flying above me was a cyan Pegasus with a rainbow colored mane and tail.

Not a word was said between us, but the all familiar stench of silence reeked in the air as I walked to the Golden Oaks Library, and I don't like it. I never did, and I most likely never will. Regardless, I arrived at the library and considered knocking until I realized it's a public fucking library and opened the door.

"Is that somepony opening the door?! Of course it is, why wouldn't it be? Who would enter through the Windows? Anyway, welcome to the Golden Oak Library, and my name is S-" The very long introduction was stopped when she noticed I wasn't a pony.

First off, why does this pony look like this? She was a white Pegasus with a very big and poofy yellow mane and tail, and her cutie mark, was three balloons. And she was currently hanging upside down from the ceiling, with her face inches from mine.

"Well, you're not a pony. So, would you like to tell me who and what you are, Not Emperor Palpatine?" Why does this pony know Star-Wars? Ugh. Wanting to walk out and find another library somewhere else, I steeled myself and answered her questions.

"My name is Crimson, and I'm a... Human. I was-" I introduced myself and told her I was a Human, but she seemed very insane, so even if Celestia interrogated everyone in this town, she wouldn't believe the only pony who actually knew. Also, she cut me off.

"Ooh, a Human! Like in those fanfics that are written by people who want to self-insert themselves into something that's not real. Well, Self-Insert, I'm Surprise! Nice to meet you!" Surprise half yelled, holding out her hoof. I hesitated before finally shaking her hoof finally. And recoiled when it was sticky.

"Oops, sorry! Nopony wants to come in here until Nightmare Moon returns, and sometimes a mare gets lonely. Anyway, anything specific you're looking for?"

My eyebrow is going to be permanently glued upwards if I stay around this pony long enough. Wiping off of the assumed fucking pussy juice off my hand, I finally asked for what I came here for.

"Yeaahhh... Do you have books on how to stop mind control?" I inquired. Surprise then beamed and opened her mouth wide before I took the hand I shook with and closed her mouth. "Just point to where it is if you have it."

The Pegasus proceeded to point to a bookshelf labeled 'Mind Control'. I'm really starting to wonder who was stupid enough to put this pony on charge of running a library, I thought to myself as I approached the shelf.

Rummaging through it, I searched for a book detailing how to stop it, and while I did, Surprise wouldn't shut the fuck up. I swear, I'm going to have to ki... I'm not finishing that thought, and I never will have thought again.

My finger landed on the title of the book and I removed it see it was what I was looking. 'Mind Control: How to prevent it - Written by Sunset Shimmer'. Not giving a shit who wrote it, I opened the book and sighed through my gritted teeth.

"Oh yeah, that book was meant to be replaced a few weeks ago. I should get on that!" She said, zipping out the door of the library. Gazing down at the book, it was ripped beyond repair, but there was some words I did manage to find.

'There is no surefire way to prevent mind control or voices in your head for non-unicorns, but there is a study going on right now, and hopefully the results will be positive'.

"Fuck! Luck, you ass." I said, pissed off beyond belief. Well, I can't stick around this place any longer, in fear of Celestia finding me... Unless I stick here. Glancing around, I noticed there was a staircase.

I shot a glance to the door before sprinting up the stairs, and into the nearest room. It was large, and there was a closet that looked empty. Moving into it, I closed the door and locked it. I sighed before a thought came into my mind.

This is never going to work.