Escape From This Afterlife

by Doctor Elite

Rating: mature
Tags: Human, Dark, Alternate Universe
Length: 15674

What makes a Human a Human? The Desire for self satisfaction? The want to be successful? No, it's none of those. It's their survival. Their way of carrying on, no matter what, not stopping for anything. Survival is their's, not ours.

"Such a surreal place to see, so how did this come to be, arrived too early."~

What makes a Human a Human? The desire for self satisfaction? The want to be successful? The approval of those close to them? No, its none of these things.

It's their way of surviving. Their way of carrying on, no matter what, not stopping for anything. To do what must be done to survive. Survival is their's, not ours. - From the book The Man With Many Names, written by Twilight Sparkle.

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

Chapter 1 - Chapter ???

Chapter 1: A Little Piece Of Heaven
Chapter 2: Afterlife
Chapter 3: Renegades
Chapter 4: Enter Sandman

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2015-09-15 03:02:44 UTC

Act One, Chapter 1: A Little Piece Of Heaven

Escape From This Afterlife

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

Chapter 1: A Little Piece Of Heaven

"I must have stabbed her fifty fucking times."

*   *   *   *   *   *

            There's only so much one person can take, whether it be abuse, indulgence, or some other thing, a person can only can take so much before snapping. And depending on that person, they can either let it all out with screaming, punching a wall, talking to somebody. Or... They could go the other route, and snap hard. So hard, they can't stop.

            Clutching the key ring in my hands, I flipped through them continuously until I found the correct one, which was a golden one labeled with the word 'House'. Rolling my eyes at the dumbed down label for the key, I slipped it into the lock and twisted it, hearing it click. Pulling it back out, I turned the doorknob and turned it, opening the door.

            Letting myself into the house, I closed it shut behind myself, hanging the key ring on the rack next to the door. Glancing to the right, I noticed the kitchen light was on, and it was contrasting against the rest of the dark house. Thinking it was probably just my blasted house, I sighed and walked into the kitchen, startling my wife.

            She dropped something and it clattered to the floor in front of her feet. Before she could attempt to try to pick it up, I raced and snatched it off the ground, backing up once I did. I raised my hand before she could speak, letting her know it wasn't a good time to talk. Shooting a glance up to her for a second, I focused on the thing in my palm.

            Resting in my hand was a pregnancy test, with various scratches and bend marks around the screen of it, looking like she tried to scratch the screen, and break it in half. But, that's not the highlight of this fuck up. No, it's  the big plus sign on it, indicating she was pregnant. Yet... We never had sex.

            "Who was it, Amber? Would you like to lend a helping hand to me and tell me the delightful gentleman who had an affair with my equally delightful wife?" I asked, practically squeezing the pregnancy test in my right hand while staring at her.

            "It wasn't even like that, Crimson! I... He... You never offered!" She screamed at me finally, slamming a fist on the kitchen countertop. Glaring at her, I snapped the pregnancy test in half with my hand and threw the remains onto the countertop. Walking around it, I pointed a finger at her.

            "Oh, don't try and turn this on me, you self-loving cunt! You never asked, you haven't even kissed me or hugged me since our fucking wedding, you goddamn gold-digger!" I shouted, opening the refrigerator, and grabbing a bottle of liquor, and storming out of the kitchen with Amber in tow.

            "You don't show any emotion towards me, your friends, or your family, you bastard! Danny treats me like a fucking princess and buys me things; A lot more than what you can do." She pointed out while I took a seat on the couch, using a nearby bottle opener to crack it open. Amber stood in front of me, pacing around and exhaling out her nose hard.

            "Oh, you mean all these people that use me? Sure, let's treat people that abuse and use me like they're fucking gold, that sounds right. Shut up Amber, you're just a sad, lonely, fugly bitch. Just kill yourself already, will you? It would save me some time, I could use that time blowing Danny's brains out." I stated, staring forward at the wall.

            "May there be a hell for you, Crimson." She finished, stomping out the living room and up the stairs, throwing her bedroom door shut behind her. Drinking the rest of the alcohol, I rubbed my forehead, and gazed at the liquor bottle, I smashed it on the ground.

            Standing up, I approached the shards of glass, and crouched down to pick them up. I saw my reflection in the various pieces, all of them adding together to make one picture of my appearance. Grey eyes met mine in the broken makeshift mirror, and my chestnut brown hair cascaded over my forehead and poured down my neck, and a ragged beard covered my face.

            Looking up towards the direction of Amber's bedroom, I contemplated a major sin. In my vision, a large shard of glass lay before me, bestowed right at my feet. Only one quick motion to the left against her throat, and I could be free of her, finally free from that wretched harlot! Just one moment of guilt and regret for a lifetime of freedom, bliss, and happiness.

            But, did I really want to... Murder her? Kill someone, who otherwise, would at least keep me company in my lonely, and barren life? Would I really throw away a piece of me, and a piece of my humanity just to get rid of her? I could easily be rid of her by filing a divorce, but no, she would still be a problem.

            She would try to take the house, my belongings, maybe even my family's property. And even if I were to divorce the bitch, she'd try to slink her way back in, just to get her greedy, grubby hands on the money I spend all day, everyday, working my ass off for, to what? Buy expensive jewelry, and skin products? You can only get away with so much before being stomped on, after all.

            So, would I give away a piece of myself, emotionally, and a part of my humanity to be rid of a person who has brought nothing but misery, loneliness, and despair into my life just to get money, pieces of paper, for her own selfish desires? Yes. Yes, I would.

           Taking a moment to collect myself, breathing in and out, thinking of things that brought joy and happiness to my miserable life, I gripped a piece of glass with my right hand. Pressing it into my palm, the skin gave way and a gash was created as the shard was shoved in, blood leaking out of the severe, self-inflicted wound.

          Wrapping my fingers around the practical blade, I stood up, my joints cracking as I stretched, I walked towards the staircase, my boots clomping on the hardwood floor. The first step creaked as I applied weight onto it, and it continued as I made my way up the stairs. My heart was racing as I reached the top of the stairs.

            It was a pretty standard second floor to a house. To the right of me was the bathroom, which consisted of a white-tile triangle pattern floor, a shower with glass doors and shelves inside for various products, a sink and cabinet above it which housed several narcotics and medical supplies, and then lastly a toilet.

            Further down the hall to the left was my bedroom, and was only used for sleeping and my office area. It had a decent-sized bed to the top right corner with a nightstand right next to it with a lamp on it, and an alarm clock. Across from that was my office area, that was basically a wooden desk with several drawers and a desktop.

            Left from the office area, was a closet that I rarely took or put anything in and out of. All that's inside of it was clothes, normal attire and work apparel, and a couple guns; which was a twelve-gauge shotgun, a standard nine-millimeter pistol, and that's about it. I had, like, two boxes of rounds for each gun, but I only used them to go hunting, so they're never used.

            And, finally, at the very end of the hallway was Amber's bedroom, where she slept, and had several affairs with multiple assholes. The lights were off, and I heard no noise besides my own ragged breathing and footsteps, indicating she was asleep. Good, that means she won't know what hit her, although it's too soon to know if that's good or bad.

            Creeping up to the entrance of the room, I was practically choking on my breath as I slowly, but surely, slid the door to the side and stepped inside. It was too dark to tell what or where I was, same case with Amber, but I quietly stumbled around until my shins brushed up against the foot of her bed, and I clutched the shard even harder.

          Did I really want to? Did I? Was... Was I going to enjoy this? A more sinister, eviler part of my mind claimed I would have fun for the first time in a long time, but... I wasn't doing this for enjoyment, this was happening to cut off dead weight. Weight that has held me down for far too long, and like all weight, you lose it eventually.

            "Fuck it... Wake the fuck up!" I shouted at the sleeping whore, startling her, and making her jump in her sleep. Amber jolted awake, and quickly fumbled with the lamp by her bedside, but it finally flickered to life, and she had an unamused and pissed off look on her complexion. Mine, however... Well, let's just say I snapped, and blood flowed.

            Without a moment of hesitation, I yanked her towards me with a handful of her red hair in my left hand, and she yelped. Once she was close enough, I raised my arm and brought it down, the shard puncturing her shoulder, entering her body. The harlot screamed and screamed, but... It was the first of many.

            I kept stabbing and stabbing, and stabbing! I lost count after thirty, but blood soaked my shirt and hair, one would assume I dumped a bucket of well, blood, on my head. Various wounds covered her torso and I just ended her life with a swift motion across her neck, slitting her throat, blood splattering onto the wall behind her.

            After catching my breath, I gazed down at my handy work. Shooting a glance to the ghetto blade, I discarded it onto the ground, it shattering at the hard impact. Hands on my hips, I sighed, wondering how I could possibly clean up the mess and dispose of the body. Turning around, I stared at the wood chipper in the backyard. Smiling, I got to work.

*   *   *   *   *   *

            Princess Twilight Sparkle inhaled a large take of fresh air, a smile working it's way onto her face as she stared at the massive mountain behind her crystal castle. Hanging on the land formation's side was Canterlot, clean and clear water falls flowing from it's magnificent castle. The young mare glanced to the sun, and it twinkled in her eyes.

            Suddenly, a giant rush of magical influx came over her and she collapsed to the balcony floor, her horn crackling pure magic. Twilight groaned and shakily got back to her hooves, squinting to block out the sun because her eyes are groggy. Attempting to light her horn, it only sparked a bit before giving way, encompassing her horn in magical field.

            "I haven't sensed that much magic since Tirek..." She concluded, shaking her head to rid of her temporary headache. Glancing up to Canterlot Castle, the lavender alicorn turned around and began trotting to her library, muttering to herself like a mad mare on the way there. She past Spike, who was sound asleep in his bedroom with the door wide open.

            Dashing into the library in her main room, she lit up her horn and began searching through the magical occurrences and events section in her massive archive, flipping through pages for a second before moving onto the next book. Looking for at least twenty minutes, she stomped her hoof on a page in a book labeled 'Critical Magical Events: And Why'.

            "At any time, a unicorn or alicorn, can feel a massive amount of magical power overcome them and completely stun them and wipe their magical signature out for a minute or more. When this happens, don't panic and don't attempt to light your horn, as it can leave permanent damage to your magical signature and horn itself."

            "When this event does happen, it means that a being of immense power is being summoned, whether it's good, bad or just plain neutral is indicated by the amount of time it takes for your horn to light and magical signature, the longer the more evil, and the shorter more good. Where the being will pop up is random, so it can be anywhere, like in the air or the desert!"

            "Although, these beings are summoned here for a reason. If they're evil, it's to redeem themselves of a sin or some other kind of crime. If they're good, it means they're here to guard the land for the rest of their life. But, if they're neutral, it means they were forced here to-" Twilight stopped, as the rest of the page was ripped out.

            Placing the book on the ground, she rested her head on her hoof as she thought about the magical influx and what the book stated. When it flowed through her, she felt her entire magical signature be wiped out for a whole minute and a half, along without being able to use her horn, the alicorn was only able to produce sparks at best.

            Thinking about the time of the magical summoning, she remembered staring at the sun and then running into the castle. Basing the time off the sun's movement, she estimated the time at being three minutes, meaning... The thing that's being summoned is bad, or worse, evil. But, what could it be, she thought? Who else can possibly be evil, after all the villains she has defeated?

            Twilight did sense an immense amount of magical power when she fought Nightmare Moon, one that rivaled her mentor. Discord surpasses both of them by a large margin, yet he's weak to the Elements of Harmony. And Tirek... He was more powerful than Celestia, Luna, Discord. But, combined with her and theirs, Twilight was even with him.

           But, the magic she sensed today... It was more powerful than she ever felt. Whatever it was, it could dispose of all the princesses, including herself, Discord, and Tirek if it so desired, and there's nothing she or anyone else could do about it. That frightened the bookworm, but she took a deep breathe and calmed herself down.

           Maybe she interpreted it wrong, and it's actually good? Everyone makes mistakes, and Twilight's no exception to that rule. Even if it is bad or evil, couldn't she or the princesses discuss terms or peace? Surely, not all bad things are evil, Nightmare Moon turned out to be Princess Luna, and Twilight talks with her daily!

           Whatever it was, Twilight prayed it would leave everyone alone. But, even then, not all good things last forever, and peace is definitely a good thing. Closing the book, she placed it back on her shelf and walked back to the balcony, glancing at the horizon where the sun began to set, she noticed a peculiar sight in the sky.

            A Crimson colored star.

*   *   *   *   *   *

           Disposing of the body through sinful means, was... Mentally damaging, to say the least. Of all the fucked up and immoral things I've done in my twenty-three year life, that easily takes the cake. Killing her wasn't the problem, because I can kill someone if wanted to, but... Dealing with the thoughts afterwards and the guilt... It's damn near unbearable.

            I never did understand why I married her. Why she married me, because is there a lot more single fucks that are richer than me. Maybe she did it to spite me, in some way, for some reason, although I guess I'll never know that answer. I don't know if I did something to her or someone close to her, but she married me.

            Marrying at the age of twenty was a mistake. I only married her because I didn't want to be alone in thus cruel world, one that I didn't ask to be in. Parents abusing me since I was a pre-teen, friends that use me, no one wants to be stuck in the soap opera that is my life. So, I get stuck with the liars, thieves, cheaters, users, and abusers, but most of all, assholes.

            So, yeah, my life had molded me into a cold and sadistic person that would go as far to murder his own wife, in short: A permanent solution to a temporary problem. I always could have filed a divorce, moved far away from here, cut off all contact from my family, so called friends, and my wife. But, no, I didn't do that.

            Doing that decision would mean I'd be alone. No one to talk to, hang out with, sleep with, love. I'd be destined to live out a life filled with hurt and misery, but loneliness is at the forefront of it all, because human companionship is so hard to come by these days. The world is becoming more and more flawed than it already is.

            Wiping off my hands on my jeans, a sigh past my lips as I closed my eyes and thought. Amber was cheating with Danny, and I always secretly hated him. Pulling out my phone, I entered my code and checked my contacts. Danny, Cameron, Johnathan, my father, and my mother, as well as Amber, and my doctor. Hmm.

            Amber mentioned that she was having an affair with Danny, somebody that I manage to see every day after work. And my wife always stayed home every day to work at home... Fuck! Why was I so blind, it was happening right in front of me and all the proof was there! Damnit, Damnit, Damnit! If I figured this out earlier, I wouldn't have to kill her!

            Losing my balance, I stumbled to my knees and stared at the ground. Holding my head in regret with my hands, I breathed heavily, the night time air chilling my skin. It was January, after all, and I had more work during the winter. I sat like that for at least thirty minutes, blank mind, staring at the cold, crisp grass I was resting on.

            I didn't have to kill her. I didn't. I didn't. I didn't, didn't, didn't! Fuck! Oh God, I'm so fucking stupid, why did I do this?! I'm going to Hell for the rest of eternity, just because I was blinded by my own stupidity and pent up anger, and there's nothing I can do about it. Wiping my eyes because they were growing wet with tears, I let out a big sigh.

           Why? Why did I decide to do this? Because I was tired of shit? I'm going to be in hell of a lot more shit now, all because I was fucking tired of being pushed around. Goddamnit, I'm going to prison for life, then after I die, I'm going to Hell for forever. Son of a bitch. Sniffing, I made my way to my feet and re-opened my phone.

            Clicking on Danny's name in the contact section of the phone, I pressed it against my ear as I waited for him to pick up the phone, or just answer his phone. The shitty thing about my phone is that there is not much you can do with it, but it replaces that with durability and strength. I guess that's the point of a fucking Nokia, though.

"Hello?" Danny said through the phone. Taking a moment to collect myself and my emotions and feelings, I gripped the phone and sighed, not sure of myself of doing this for three more people. That's more evidence, meaning more of a chance of me being caught, but I suppose the bloody wood chipper is evidence enough, not to mention my neighbors most likely heard me.

            "Hey... Can you, Cameron, and Jonathan stop by real quick. Me and... Me and... A-Amber want to speak with you guys." I said, trying to hold back tears as I said Amber's name. I fucking hated the slut, but God am I regretting killing her. It wasn't worth it, yet here I am murdering three more people on some kind of vengeance spree.

"Sure. We'll be there in a few." He said finally, ending the phone call and sending me to the main menu of my phone. Staring at the phone menu for a few seconds, I spot a abnormal sight on my background, which was a sample picture of a setting sun behind an ocean, and I squint to make sure I'm seeing this right.

           Plastered across the whole background was a symbol. The symbol was a half sun, half moon, with what looks like a dragon tail splitting the two images apart, and underneath the dragon tail was two red eyes that seemed almost like they were alive, almost as if they were actually staring at me. But, no, the words underneath the image was the weird thing.

            "Riddance calls, you obey." I muttered to myself, getting to my feet finally. Checking the time above the main screen, I turned my phone off and hurried inside so I can set up. Danny did he say he was going to be here quick, and that motherfucker is fast when it comes to shit like this. But, it doesn't matter if he's late or not, time is going to waste him.

            Ripping my closet door open, I grabbed my shotgun and three shells. Closing the door again, I loaded the shells and cocked the pump. I only grabbed three because of what an old friend told me. "If you can't kill something in one shot, you shouldn't be shooting." Damn, I miss you M, maybe I wouldn't be murdering people if you were still here.

             Running down the stairs, I glanced out the window and saw a light approaching the driveway. That's probably them. Sighing, I unlocked the door and ran to the living room, crouching behind the couch. Rummaging through my pocket for my phone, I wrapped my fingers around it once I found it and turned it on, going to the message section.

            "Just come in, it's unlocked." I said out loud as I wrote, sending the message once I finished writing it. Sliding it back into my pocket, I gripped my shot gun harder and took a deep breath. Okay, I can do this. Once I do this, the world will be rid of three more assholes and I can go live in prison for the rest of life. Pr maybe not.

           Pushing that thought out of my head until after this situation, I heard the door click open and several footsteps as they entered the house, shutting the door behind them. Toning down the sound of my breathing, I waited for them to enter the living room.

            "Hello? Crimson? Amber? Anybody here?" I hear Danny yell out, his voice closer to me than I thought. Hugging my gun to my chest, I prepared to jump up at any second. Their footsteps grew closer until it seemed like they were in front of the couch.

            "Surprise, motherfucker!" I shouted as I jumped up, aiming the barrel at Cameron's head. The person in question was pretty chubby, with black hair and a neckbeard, with a T-shirt that's too small for him, and tight jeans. Pulling the trigger, his head exploded into several chunky pieces, brain matter, fragments of his skull, and blood splattering all over Danny and Johnathan, and the wall alike.

            Cocking the shotgun the first time, I used their shock to my advantage and took aim at Johnathan, who was currently locked on Cameron's missing head. Johnathan was pretty fit and had a clear face with blond hair, and was wearing gym shorts and a wife beater, which was ironic. With another pull, his head was missing in the next matter of seconds.

            Before I could pump the shotgun, Danny rushed me and tackled me over the couch, my shotgun clattering to the ground a few inches from me. He stood up and punched me in the nose, and attempted to punch me in the throat, but I grabbed his ponytail and yanked it as hard as I could, stunning him and I pushed him off of me.

            I grabbed the shotgun again, and hit in the head with the butt of the gun, knocking him out. Cocking the shotgun, I aimed it at his head and my finger rested on the trigger, but my finger along my with hand started shaking. Throwing the gun to the ground, I dropped onto my ass and scooted up to the wall, staring my hands, which were covered in blood.

           I... Killed them. More. Killed. I... Jesus... Fuck! Glancing to the wall, I saw blood and pieces of brain smeared across it like a fucked up and morbid portrait. Moving my eyes to the shotgun, I realized that there was still one more shell, I didn't kill Danny. Scrambling to my knees, I reached for the gun and gripped it with my hands, placing the barrel at my chin.

            There really is no other choice. There isn't. It's either spend life in prison, with a mind full of guilt, regret, and sorrow, or... Spend the rest of eternity in a blissful sleep, no worries, no assholes, alone, with no people using me, or abusing me, just a very long sleep. That sounds so fucking nice, I want it so much, oh God.

           Placing my finger on the trigger, I gazed forward at the wall. Goodbye world, you sick, cruel, ruthless, piece of shit, I won't miss you. Goodbye M, maybe I'll join in you in the Afterlife or somewhere else. Pulling out my phone, I went into my messages section and sent a goodbye message to my parents, there was no point not doing so.

            Now, just pull the trigger. Pull it. My hand started shaking as my breath hitched itself in my throat, tears welling up in my eyes. Fucking do it, pussy! Just do it! Do it! Just do it! Tears ran down my cheeks as I slowly pushed the trigger downward, but halting periodically. You're such a fucking bitch, do it! Kill yourself you worthless piece of shit!

            "FUCK!"

Act One, Chapter 2: Afterlife

Escape From This Afterlife

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

Chapter 2: Afterlife

"Place of hope and no pain, perfect skies and no rain."

*   *   *   *   *

            "And you're sure you didn't see anything else here, besides this?" Princess Celestia inquired, a peculiar machine in her magical grasp. It was shaped like a crossbow, but longer and more sturdier, with a pump underneath it and an opening on top of the gun, as well as a trigger and a barrel with an opening at the end of it.

            The Sun Monarch, along with her investigation and research crew, have been searching the whole entirety of the Appaloosian Desert in search of a creature that arrived here two days ago, disrupting the peace of a town, theft, and then disappeared. While Celestia searched during the daytime, awake, Princess Luna searched during the nighttime, while asleep.

            While her own sun beat down on her and her team, they stood strong and continued to search for clues as to who or what this creature is, and where it came from. The princess didn't know... Yet, as the investigation team left early this morning to search the nearest forest, which was still miles away, as well with the town.

            Celestia doesn't understand how a creature, any creature, can survive an entire day in the desert without dying of heat exhaustion or dehydration, it puzzled her. Glancing around the area, there was several areas that were marked off with researchers digging up bits of the land. They had one footprint, but it doesn't tell which direction it went.

            "Yes, your majesty. This is the only thing it seemed to leave behind, although, evidence number 3 suggests that there was struggle and had to let go of the weapon. We also discovered that it's a firearm of sorts, but we couldn't recover any ammunition for it." Lieutenant Glide summarized, pointing to the aforementioned site of struggle.

            Before Princess Celestia could answer back, she saw the investigation flapping their wings hard to reach them and saw a piece of leather in a bag held in one of their mouths. As soon as they reached them, they took a moment to collect their breaths and then an unicorn levitated the bag of leather to the princess, smiling.

            "I think we know which way he went, Princess."

*   *   *   *   *

Day Two In Equestria

            "Why? Just why?"

            I muttered to myself as I kept running, never slowing down or showing signs of slowing down or losing breath. I was scared at my lack of oxygen, food, water, and sleep, but more scared at the fact that I'm alive and in a world of fucking talking horses. Horses that I robbed and held hostage yesterday, but they talked and I didn't like it one bit.

            After wandering a barren desert for almost a whole day, I stumbled upon a town and thought I could take shelter and get a cold drink. But, no! It's not like I wanted water, or somewhere cold to sleep, God forbid! The horses then freaked and tried to arrest me for disturbing the peace, somehow, but a kind horse thing pulled me into their house before they could shit.

            I hid in their house that night and the person who owned was kind enough to make me clothes, I guess I was lucky she was a tailor. The clothes was a duster and a fucking cowboy hat, which made sense considering that the town was based off the wild west, but when it feels like one hundred and ten degrees, looking like a cowboy wasn't worth the fucking heat.

            Sure, I didn't feel tired or hungry or thirsty right now, at all, my throat was dry and I was sweating to death. Anyways, I snuck out of the horse town and ran like hell east, leading me to this fucking forest, where I've been running and dodging all day. There's been encounters with some creatures, and you fought them off decently, but I had to ditch my shotgun.

           The supposed sheriff of the town and his two two supposed deputies chased after me, so I beat the two deputies half to death and had to let go of the shotgun because the sheriff grabbed it with some kind of magical grip or something. I still don't know what he did, but I wasn't going to stick around to find out, that's for damn sure.

            The thing is about this forest is that as soon as I entered it, there was more more sun. No rays of light shining down or peeking through the trees or leaves, nothing. It's almost as if the whole place has some kind of protective barrier around it that blocks out sun or something, but the point is, it is fucking dark as shit.

           Stopping to take a look at my surroundings, I glanced around to my left and right. So far so good, there's no cops or anything after me. Although, I don't know if horses have a police force or military or any sort of government created, but I don't care and I don't want to find out. I just want to figure out why I'm alive, even though I blew my fucking brains out with a fucking *shotgun***!

           Even as I keep fleeing, that thought is still at the forefront of my mind. It's fucking confusing and I don't quite understand it, but right now, I need to focus more on running and not on the fact that my brains should be splattered all over a wall. Maybe I missed and this is a coma dream. Hmm, no time to dwell on that thought.

            The one shitty thing about this forest is that I can't tell if time has passed it not, because the sun doesn't show up or anything. It could be two am for God's sake, and I wouldn't even fucking notice it. This place just keeps on amazing me, whether it be in some stupid reason or another, it is definitely different from where I'm from.

            I eventually stopped so I can try to get some sleep, and when I sat down against a tree, I was greeted with the depressing fact that I don't feel like I have to sleep. I don't feel tired, hungry, thirsty, and I don't feel pain. I'm almost waiting for somebody to start playing Linkin' Park because all my feeling is numb!

            So, I sat, and waited. And waited. And waited. I waited until I got fucking bored and stood the hell up and started walking again. Unable to check the time due to this fucking forest, I just sighed and slipped my hands into my pockets. And then I found out that I am officially the most stupid fucking person on the planet because I forgot that my phone was in my pocket.

            Pulling it out, I pressed the power button and it turned on. The time said six o' clock pm, and the date said... Friday, the twentieth... I wasn't here on the fourteenth. So, you're telling me that I sat on my ass, in this forest and waited, for four days? Okay, well let's ignore that and just keep going on. Dropping the phone back into my pocket, I began walking again.

            I walked for awhile. I checked the time and date on my phone every so often and I walked for another day. And I soon felt I didn't feel fatigue, because I felt like I could keep walking forever. But, I'm not going to do that for obvious reasons. Opening my phone, I glanced at the direction I was going in and saw that I was going East, so I decided to change that and go North.

            Later the down the line, I found out that was a very poor decision on my part.

            Of course, going North, there was a lot of differences then when I was going East. For one, there is more water and plant life, it's almost as if the East had none. Odd. Anyway, the farther I went, the more rays of light and sun burst through the trees and leaves, which is great, because I can finally fucking see and not bump into a million objects.

            It also got cooler, and didn't feel like it was summer anymore. Of course, it could be summer right now, but this is horse land, nothing is impossible. Don't let your dreams be dreams and all that jazz. This was fantastic, because this duster and cowboy hat, which I'm still wearing for some reason, can be worn without sweating half to death.

            I walked for at least another day, and then stopped to see if I could try sleeping again. Although, to no prevail. Closing my eyes didn't make me fall asleep, neither did it make me feel like falling asleep. It felt like blinking to me. This horse land is fucking with me, and I really don't like it, I'm a person you shouldn't take sleep from.

            Waiting, I stared up at a hole in the ceiling made up of leaves and branches, at the Moon more specifically. I don't know why, but the Moon just feels... More alive, then back from where I'm from. Like it has a mind and soul of it's own, and if somebody's controlling it. I felt this same feeling with the Sun, is everything this weird in horse land?

            Remember when I mentioned it got worse farther down the line? Lol, Remembur Arbiter? Yeah, well, here it is.

            I gazed at the Moon for some time until I heard what sounded like people, or more like horses, running. Or galloping, what the fuck ever. Hopping up, I realized that I did assault several of them and stole, and held some hostage. Glancing around, I didn't see any, but instead something else, multiple in fact, running around me, towards the North.

            They resembled a real horse then the ones here did, and were completely and utterly white. They had no features on their faces, no eyes, no mouths, nothing. There was a golden mist flowing from their hooves and mane and tail, and as they ran, more came from their hooves. Confused to what or who they were, I turned around to see where they were coming from.

            "It may be a cliché statement, creature of the dark, you can run, but you can't hide." Said a horse that was tall, and midnight blue. It's mane and tail was like the white ones, but they looked as though they was taken right out of the sky, and it had a horn and wings. It had a feminine voice and features, so I'm going to call it a she.

            "Maybe, but I can run for awhile, sweet cheeks." I replied, giving her a cheeky wink. I might as well tip a fedora and say 'M'lady'. I began sprinting as she barked out orders to what I assumed was her friends or something, but I wasn't going to stick around to find out. So I kicked into overdrive and tried to escape the crazy bitch.

            "Commander Nightwing, and company, pursue!" Princess Luna ordered, shooting a glare towards the fleeing creature before walking into the abyss, disappearing from sight. Commander Nightwing, a Threstral in charge of the princess' Lunar Guard barked out orders as hundreds of soldiers, all Threstrals, flying after me.

            That's when I woke up.

            "Huh? Wha? What the fuck?" I said out loud as I came to be, my bleary eyes focusing on the small scale attached to my left hand. I attempted to pull it off, but it just felt like I was tearing skin, so I left it be. It will come off eventually, it's like the time I had a piece of glass stuck to my knee for a day, and then fell off when I fell down the stairs.

            Hmm, that wasn't too long ago, actually. Oh well. Making my way to my feet, I studied the scale a little more. It was dark brown, and had the texture of bark on a tree, rough. After observing it for a couple minutes, I decided that I should move on, and I did so. I continued to travel North, through this forest of nothingness.

*   *   *   *   *

Day Twenty-Six In Equestria

            The hand kept on getting more scales as the days went by, convincing me that something just didn't get stuck . Almost the whole entire back of my hand is covered in these brown scales, but I don't know why. I tried ignoring it as much as I can, but it's distracting. It seems like most things become distracting when you're stuck in a forest.

            Traveling constantly wasn't a good thing, as much as my gut says so. So, I just stopped and make a camp. There's no animals here, only plants and a few sources of water, but even then, the water is shit brown, and the plants are blue flowers that taste like shit. My throat is as dry as a two hundred bone, but I still don't feel sick or anything.

           I've been plagued by nightmares since I first fell asleep, but it's only been a few times I have managed to snag some sleep, and I stay asleep longer each time. My phone is dead now, and it seems like there's no way to charge it, so it's useless to me. With that gone, the only ways to entertain myself is carving wood and looking out for the horse government.

           Speaking of that, since the dream, that blue horse with both the wings and horn have been all of my nightmares, trying to hide, but I always catch her. I have a feeling that she's using her dream powers or what the fuck ever to track me, but who cares? I say let them find me, I could use something to eat, my mouth is so tasteless and dry.

            With hours and days to waste, your mind tends to wander. And that's what mine has been doing. More specifically, to what happened before I arrived here. Sometimes I wonder if what I did there is the reason I'm here, but even then, it doesn't matter anyway. What matters is that I want to forget the life I had back there and more about the new life I could have here.

            And what a fucking start I have to this one. Hiding out in the woods from the horse government and have nightmares with a female horse watching me. Man, I am really fucking insane. For all I know, I could be still alive and in a coma or insane asylum, and this is all my imagination. Of course, it couldn't be, there's still the possibility.

           Standing up, I rubbed my face. My beard has grown thick and I hate it. I feel like a fucking homeless person and the only clothes I have is the bloody ones and the duster and cowboy hat is the only means of covering them up. I eventually did cut the sleeves off of the duster, but sadly it doesn't close, leaving my blood soaked shirt on display.

          Getting ready to go look for any animals, the bushes rustled around me. I have seen countless movies, Tv shows, and played hundreds of video games that have involved this very situation. So, being the smart and not crazy person in said movies, shows and games, I began running away in the opposite direction, my makeshift wooden shiv in hand.

           "Quick! It's getting away!" Shouted a scratchy feminine voice. I didn't bother checking behind me, because I don't want to trip with this fucking knife in my hand! I shouldn't be running with a knife, but goddamn, it's the least of my worries. I dashed through the woods, with what seemed like a dozen horses on my trail.

           "Captain Golden Halo! You and Private Locked Dreams pursue him. Capture is recommended, but due what you got to do." Princess Celestia barked orders as Halo and Dreams followed me, trying their damnest to get me. Thing is... All the shut that M taught me is about fleeing and hiding. They're going to have a difficult time trying to catch me.

            I've been jumping and hopping over rocks, logs, and other things as I weaved through the forest. I pushed and broke shit as I went, trying to slow down my chasers. But, it was all in vain. They had one of the flying horses swoop in front of me, tripping me. Of course, I fell, but I grabbed the fucker that tripped me as I fell.

            Knife still in my hand, I brought it up to his throat. I did have to pull it out of my shoulder, but like I mentioned before, I don't feel pain. The other horses soon showed up and waited for another one. One that looked like the blue one, but white and bigger.

            "Step any closer and this fucker gets it. I'll free him and you let me go, huh?" I said, staring into the white horse's eyes. She was feminine, had eyelashes like the blue one. The horse I held hostage squirmed in my grasp, so I pressed it deeper into his throat. I couldn't actually slit his throat with it, but I could stab him in his throat.

            "I cannot let you go when you terrorized and traumatized my little ponies. So, please, let him go and come quietly." She stated, gesturing to the pony in my arms. Terrorize? Traumatize? I adopted an are you serious look on my face, looking around before sighing and smiling. I reconnected eye contact with her and smiled before replying.

            "You just pissed me off, you fucking horse. Just for that, you'll choke on those words like your fucking pony will choke on his own blood!" I yelled, plunging the wooden Knife into the pony's neck.

Act One, Chapter 3: Renegades

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.

Act One, Chapter 4: Enter Sandman

Escape From This Afterlife

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

Chapter 4: Enter Sandman

"Now I lay you down to sleep, pray the Lord my soul to keep..."

*   *   *   *   *

It was pure and utter chaos. Ponies screaming, shouting, shoving, running, and rioting. Guards shot at the fleeing figure, the one that was supposed to be executed, the one with many names.

An axe flew through the air, passing by Princess Celestia's and into the crowd. The poor victim to be hit by the weapon was none other than her brother, Shining Armor.

The axe was lodged into his side, and he was lying on the ground, blood gushing out of the wound. Twilight had tears flowing down her cheeks as her parents picked her brother up and ushered her along.

"Twilight, we need to go! Keep close and follow us, okay?" Her mother, Twilight Velvet ordered, and the filly nodded, sniffling sadly. She glanced over to her brother, his eyes gazing into her's.

"I-It's fine, T-Twily... I-I'll be fine." He muttered to her, reassuring his younger sister. She smiled a little as they began pushing through the crowd. Shooting a glance to the left, she noticed the thing hopping onto the train, the guards halting at the train station.

Little Twilight stayed close to her parents and never ventured far away, as they made their way through the rioting and uncontrollable crowd, her brother levitating in the air in her father's magical grasp.

She more often than not was shoved and pushed by the other ponies, same going with the rest of her own family. But they kept moving towards the hospital, Shining Armor already passed out, worrying Twilight beyond belief.

The guards eventually landed near them, keeping the crowd away from them as they started to gallop to the hospital, the Royal Guard accompanying them by their side.

"Make way! Move!" Night Light screamed as they finally made it to the hospital, which was now taking Shining Armor into the emergency room, doctors and nurses rushing around.

Twilight stood there, watching her brother was wheeled off, deeper into the building to hopefully be saved. She prayed to Princess Celestia that they save him, she couldn't live without him.

"Twilight, why... Why don't you take a seat in the waiting area." Velvet said lowly, pointing to the chairs in the corner. The little filly nodded, wiping her nose and eyes, approaching the chairs.

She hopped onto them, and glanced to the books on the little table, which were kid books. And she didn't want to read the adult books, they were too boring. Instead, she vied to close her eyes and let sleep embrace her.

*   *   *   *   *

I used to be able to say I was a decent Human Being. I gave to the needy, helped my friends and family out in situations they were trapped in. Now, I can't say that.

You can't say you're a good person when you've murdered three people, even if they hurt you, and then kill another just to spite someone, and I realize that now.

Maybe I should have let my neck snap. It could have sent me to Hell to atone for my sins, or it could have given more questions that needed answers. God knows I have too many of those.

The questions being the most obvious, you could see them a mile away. Why I am here? What purpose do I serve in being here? And how do I get out of here? Only time will tell if I want these answered or not.

Eventually, I will find these answers. Whether if it will be in some kind of ancient or hidden book I have to search years for, or maybe I have to rip it out of Celestia's mouth, or all the answers could be in my mind.

Speaking of Celestia, she fucked up my head doing that shit. I can't remember my own fucking name! Not to mention all the memories and names I've forgotten now. And I can't even prevent it.

Scrounging around the library in my spare time, I've managed to educate myself on Equestria, and especially on ponies. I mean, until I can find out how to get my memories and name back, this is the next best thing.

Surprise said she would ask around for any books on how to restore my mind, and on how to stop it. But, I don't know about the latter, because by the sound of that small snippet, you have to be a Unicorn to learn how to stop it.

Since I don't want to be a fucking horse, I have daily little mental visits by Celestia and I'm afraid it's starting to get worse. Everyday, I lose a little more of myself. By this rate, in two months, I will forget everything about myself.

It's already been a week since I escaped, and I've been doing decent in keeping quiet and hidden. Well, that's to be expected when you don't leave the fucking library, but still, I'm surprised she hasn't found me.

Unless, she knows I'm here, and is just fucking with me. Which sounds like the more reasonable and logical side. I mean, I didn't really make a silent and clean escape.

Yeah, someone got hurt from that axe. A little white colt. Well, I use the term colt loosely, he was fifteen. Apparently, he got drafted into the Royal Guard now and is doing well. I'm fucking glad, too. I'm not completely evil.

But, to Canterlot, and the rest of Equestria is concerned, I'm the living embodiment of evil and chaos. Well, there is one pony that doesn't think that way, and she's insane.

Surprise is very nice, don't get me wrong, she just seems a little wrong in the head... Okay, no, I'm not going to sugar coat it, she is a fucking happy, safe psycho.

She's been helping me, though. A lot. Feeding me, letting me live here, and hasn't told anyone I'm here. I appreciate it so much, I wish I could pay her back somehow, but I can't when I have a giant target painted on my back.

I've tried to tell her that she shouldn't waste her food and water on me considering I don't need it, but she won't listen to me and continues to anyway. Whatever floats her boat.

I found out more about her, though. She's sixteen, so I'm well seven years older than her. And she used to work in a hospital for sick kids, to try and cheer them up, as well as just regular parties. Hence the name Surprise.

I contemplated telling her my real name, not this fucking bullshit name I've been using my whole life. It's only been a week since I met her... But she's helped me more than anyone on Earth ever did.

I can't now. Celestia took that right away from me, I'm stuck with Crimson as my name for now... Until I can recover it from her, somehow. I don't know how, or when, but I will get my fucking memories and name back.

"Crim Reaper!" Surprise's cheery voice called out, reaching all the way from the bedroom upstairs. After she found me in the closet, she insisted I stay in that room while she slept in the bottom room.

"I'm here!" I yelled back, my eyes glued to a book detailing ways on deflecting mind control and turning it around. It also tells you how to do it yourself, so you fucking bet I'm trying to learn this shit.

Considering I haven't left the library at all, I'm still just in that sheet I stole from the train, albeit this time I don't smell like shit. She was kind enough to let me shower, too.

Although, Surprise doesn't know about the sword... I've hidden that somewhere in case Celestia or the Guard breaks in here or I need to escape... I shouldn't have thrown that axe, for several reasons.

Glancing to my reflection on the glass cup, I took notice of my thick and unkempt beard and increasingly long hair. Shaking my head, I returned to reading. It's not like I have my electric razor with me, and I'm not letting anyone with scissors near me.

Closing the book, I picked up a different one with the title 'Princess Celestia: Our Beautiful and Kind Ruler'. I smirked at the name and flipped the book open, hoping to gain some insight on the bitch.

"What you doing?!" Surprise suddenly asked, her face popping up in front of me, out of nowhere. The glass cup spilled as I calmly lost my shit. Closing the book, I glared into the mare's eyes.

"You know, I wonder if giving me a heart attack would kill me so I can get the fuck out of here. So please, try harder next time." I said, standing up. She just smiled and shook her head.

"Well, guess what? There's royal guards looking for you in town, so I told them you were here!" My eyes bulges out of their sockets as I picked up the pony by the wing tips, absolutely furious.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?! To think, I thought you-" I was cut off by her laughing in my grasp, pissing me off even more. This fucking pony has the nerve to laugh in my goddamned face.

"Calm down, Crim, it's a joke! I told them I saw you leave town yesterday, heading north." She explained in between laughs. I promptly dropped her and walked over to where my sword was. Snatching it, I placed the tip at my forehead and sighed heavily.

"I'm sorry, Crim Reaper, why don't we go and get you some real clothes! Because you look like a bum." Placing the blade back into it's original, secret spot, I stood back up and walked back to Surprise.

"Fine." I replied, walking past her. Taking careful steps to make sure I didn't trip and fall on the sheet, I made it to the front door and lifted the sheet over my head, covering my face.

"Don't worry, Crimson, we'll get you looking decent!" Surprise exclaimed as we made it out the front door, the sun bearing down on us, frightfully so. Why is it so hot all of a sudden?

Before I could react, a giant beam of sunlight shot down from the Sun itself and surrounded me, covering my whole body and I felt it surrounding my mind. As soon as it ended, I found myself in Canterlot Castle.

"Crimson, welcome back." Oh ho ho, you fucking bitch. I turned around and found myself staring at Celestia on her throne, two Royal Guards by her side, spears nestled safely under their wings.

"What the fuck? What the hell did you do?" I asked, my fists clenching tightly against my will. I took a step forward and four more guards behind me stepped towards me.

"I saved us both time and brought you here. To test you. To mold you. It's been too long." She said, her horn glowing. Suddenly, my sword appeared in front of me. I quickly snatched it and glanced back to the princess.

"You want me to fight you? If so, you're in for a fucking fight." She doesn't know... I can't feel shit. I grinned under the mask of the sheet, readying myself for a one-sided fight.

Do not become cocky. I can practically taste it in your mind.

"Stay out of my fucking mind." I said dangerously low, gripping the sword and starting to walk to the throne. The guards stepped in front of the princess, and the ones behind me flew over me to join them.

"Well, I believe my guards very much want to duel with you. They've been anticipating this for awhile." She said, her voice flickering to a different sound and tone. What the hell...?

Before I could dwell on that thought, I was immediately attacked by the two spear guards, although I just jumped back. Fuck, it's going to be hard trying to fight them in this sheet. Time to ditch it.

Ripping the sheet off quickly, I felt the cold air hit my skin like a brick wall as I tried to block the spear lunges they were doing, but it just ended up in gashes and cuts. I didn't feel it, but the feeling of the blood running down my skin sent a shiver down my spine.

Suddenly, one of them lunged and I sidestepped, giving me an opportunity to strike. Not wasting anytime, I shoved the blade deep into the Guard's throat, killing him. I then kicked him towards the other one as I sighed.

Blinding light entered my eyes as the dead guard's body started levitating in an orange and purple magical grasp, an ethereal essence floating from his body and towards mine. It dived into my chest and I felt a pinch of my cuts and wounds, not to mention the sleep deprivation, hunger, and dehydration.

She's using their souls to damage me...

Then a giant explosion erupted from the body, sending me and the remaining guards flying around the room. The windows cracked and I saw a blue colored realm full of glowing dots and dust. What the fuck is going on?!

I dropped to the ground and saw a pile of ash on the ground, golden armor and a spear around it. Quickly standing up, I dodged a spear to chest as I hopped away, landing a counter attack on the pony's side.

He thrusted his spear forward and I yanked it away from him, shoving my sword into his eye socket, his eye becoming nothing more than mush as blood leaked out in between the tip of the blade.

Retracting my weapon from his head, his eye wrapped around the tip of the sword, brain matter clashing with the various gore of the mangled eye. Blood cascaded down the side of the blade, leaking onto my hand.

As I went to attack another one, another explosion went off that sent us flying, the pain of my body's aches becoming more apparent as I slammed against the floor. This time a hole formed in the ceiling, and moon light rained down through it.

A spear sliced through my hand, severing my fingers. I grunted as I made it to my feet, the bone sticking out of my hand. They were completely cut off, and blood gushed out of the holes where they used to be.

I chucked the spear I stole from the last guard at one of them, and as it was about to strike him, one of them ran in front of it. It went through his head and into the one behind him, pinning his dismembered head to the wall. Holy shit!

Anticipating it this time, I prepared myself for the impact as the explosion rang out again. I hit the wall and I wheezed as more rays of light, both sunlight and moonlight, rained down through the various cracks in the walls, windows, ceiling, and even now the floor, revealing that same blue nothingness.

Forcing myself up to face the last two guards, I was surprised when they vanished into thin air, their armor and weapons dropping to the ground, clanking loudly against it. Glancing around, I fell to the floor and was surprised when a voice other than Celestia's echoed throughout the broken throne room.

Thou hast lasted longer than we expected, although we believe we hath forgotten the survival capabilities of one that is fighting for thine life.

"Who are you?" I managed to ask, looking up at a pony that looked similar to Celestia... Yet, different. For one, she was black with blue eye and cat-like pupils, and her mane was flowing like Celestia's, but was colored like the night sky. She also had fangs, ones that looked extremely sharp.

Who we are is irrelevant. However, the identity of thyself is a more pressing matter. Do thou even know thine own name anymore?

"No... I don't... What is happening, where are we and why?" I breathed out, pushing myself off the ground so I could look the pony in the eyes. Well, she was taller than me, but I was close.

Thou fell to slumber researching on mind control, and we are currently in the dreamscape. As for why... We are here to assist thee.

"You don't know me. Why would you help me?" I was weary of this pony because she looks like a walking fucking nightmare, but she hasn't attacked me yet, so maybe I can trust her. Although, only time will tell.

Thou are very dear to somepony and we art aware of thine problem with mine sister. Thy memories she has taken hostage, for whatever reason.

"Dear to someone... Wait, sister? You're Celestia's sister?" I inquired in disbelief, stepping forward a little bit. Why would she help me against her own sister? Something's not fucking right here, and I don't like it.

Yes, we art sisters. But... That's not important. We know how thou can re-acquire thine memories and identity, but it requires getting Celestia to give them to thee.

"Celestia won't do shit for me. She's currently trying to erase my entire fucking being." I snapped, leaning forward a bit. Sighing, I glanced down and then back to her.

Not all is lost, Crimson. The only way to Celestia is patience and time. Somepony will pave the way to mine sister, and from there, the rest will come to thee.

"What do you mean? Are you fucking talking about the future?" I asked, not believing what I'm hearing. Time is the last thing I fucking have, and you're asking me to have patience?

If thou truly want thine memories back, then listen to our instructions: Thou art to wait in Ponyville until the Summer Sun Celebration in ten years. In that time, thou art to defend thyself against Shining Armor's attack, Celestia, and avoid contact with Twilight Sparkle. On that night, meet us here, in the dreamscape.

"Wait, what? Ten years? What are you talking about?" I asked, stepping forward, my mind overwhelmed with so many questions, and not many answers. It was insanity, all of this was.

We art sorry, Crimson, but thy slumber ends soon and we art afraid we can't remain in contact during the day. But, we will be here later tonight, and we will answer thine questions. Farewell, Crimson... And of good fortune.

"No! Wait, I have so many questions!" I quickly said, approaching the pony. But, she vanished into air and I was left alone. Staring at the spot where she was, I felt myself stirring as the whole entire palace began to shake. Then, it became white.

*   *   *   *   *

My head jerked upwards, my eyes darting to my fingers. Glad they were still intact, I noticed that I was resting on top of a book. The title was 'Mind Control: How to Master It'. Closing it, I stood up and rubbed my eyes.

Glancing to the bed upstairs, I noticed there was a white wing hanging off the side, giving me the assumption that Surprise was here and didn't even bother waking me.

Past her was the window, sunlight raining down on the bed and onto her sleeping form. She looked peaceful, although there was obvious bags under her eyes. Worked too hard, I guess.

Entering the bathroom, I locked the door and gazed into my own eyes in the mirror. They jumped from my hair to my beard, and eventually to my naked body, save the cloth on my waist.

After rummaging around the library, I managed to find a pair of scissors, and if I'm going to be living in this fucking hellhole for ten years, I might as well be classy.

Snipping the excess hair off my beard, I started shaving with the razor I searched twenty minutes for. Being careful not to knick my face, I cleaned up my face to the best of my ability.

Now for the hair. Grabbing the scissors, I sliced the hair around my forehead, ears, and the back of my neck, trimming it. Of course, I fucked up a few times, but I made myself look half decent with just scissors, so bite me.

Jumping into the shower quickly, I washed my body and now cut face and hair. Drying myself after a few minute shower, I ditched the cloth and just wrapped myself in the sheet.

Walking back into the main lobby, I sat down in front of the sewing kit I found, I ripped off some of the sheet covering me so I could try and make some clothes out of it.

I don't believe I ever mentioned this, but my mother taught me and my father how to sew. Unlike my Dad, I used this skill very often. Most of the things I used were sewn. Thanks Mom.

You have yet to reveal your location to me. How do you hide so easily from me?

Fuck off Celestia, I'm sewing.

And she did fuck off. As well as some of my memories, because Celestia is a fucking cunt! With that visit done, more of my memories and myself are stolen by Celestia.

That fucking bitch wants me to wait ten years? I will already be lost in a few months, and she wants me to wait that long? Does she not realize that I will probably forget what she told me?

It's bad enough I already lost my name, now stuck with my shitty, edgy fake name. But, will I forget what I've done? To Amber? To that guard pony? Will I forget my sins?

I know the answer to that question, that's the problem. That's the fucking problem. All these thoughts about what I'll lose, they all lead to the same fucking answer: Yes.

Yes, I will forget Amber. Yes, I will forget my Parents. Yes, I will forget M. Yes, I will forget myself. Yes, yes, yes! The answer is fucking yes, okay?! It's God fucking damned yes!

Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and attempted to calm myself down. After a minute of just breathing, I continued sewing. Too bad it was in silence, because I would have loved to have some company.

Surprise is nice and lively, don't get me wrong, but... I would prefer another Human. One I could relate to, one that I know. I'm a fucking black sheep here, and I hate it.

Sure, I differ from the ponies a lot. It's something I could never get on Earth. I would just live the same tired life of someone else for the millionth time, and yet nobody questions it.

Here... I could try and do something. Do something for myself and be proud of it. Of course, it'd be a pain in the ads considering the fucking white horse chasing me, but I could try.

Trying is what I've been doing all my life. I've been trying to succeed at life, have something to look back at and feel pride. But when you're beaten down constantly, it's a little hard to do that.

I'm twenty three years old. I'm young. And yet... I'm dead. It's something so surreal and it's fucking crazy. Not to mention it was by suicide. Something that's looked down upon.

And yet I did it, and I'm here now. With these ponies. With this target painted on my back... With Celestia. With Surprise. And with that other pony, Celestia's sister. I'm here and can't change it.

But, I can certainly fucking try.