Chapters "Fuck"
The unicorn quickly darted through the Everfree forest, weaving through the dense forest with as much grace as a bull in a china shop. Although for his lack of grace he was still keeping away from his pursuer, and that pissed her off to no end.
Why can't I ever get lucky and have a target that couldn't run? Like a ghost. Ghost cases are easy, a little detective work, some digging, a little salt and fire and I could call it a day. * But no,** I have to deal with the crazy, mind reading, Tartarus worshiping pony that, apparently, ran track in high school.*
She grumbled but she had one advantage on her target in this dense forest. Her years of training and experience showed as she swiftly ran through trees, the only sign that she was there was the faint rustling of leaves under her claws. To anything alive she was just another shadow and a breeze that flowed through the forest.
"If you'd just quit with trying to summon everything in Tartarus I wouldn't have to chase you right now!"
"Your tricks won't work on me, lying whore! I know you work for that false Princess in the Everfree that wishes to keep us ignorant! But I know! I know of her dirty secrets and her evil schemes! I will stop her, you, and all of her corrupt followers!"
Great, another nut-job. I swear these guys come out of the woodwork, their like Parasprites, except they insult you while their destroying everything!
She'd been following this unicorn for days, secretly sabotaging all his efforts to summon whatever the hay it was that he wanted out of Tartarus. After multiple warnings he finally decided to outright attack her, a big mistake on his part. Now they played this game of cat and mouse. A few more hours of running and the unicorn had finally come into a large clearing. When he reached the center he turned back to the section of forest he had just ran out of and yelled
"Come out and face me, harlot! Face me so that I might rid Equestria of your filth!"
His pursuer emerged from the treeline, her lithe form moving as gracefully as a flowing river, her dark blue scales sparkled in the moonlight. She pushed part of her mane out of her face and behind her ear, the moonlight contracting her pupils to slits in her glowing violet eyes. She relaxed her wings a bit before she answered his call.
"Now there's no need for name calling. Just come quietly and this will all be over in a day or two, you get to go home, I get paid for a job well done and everyponies happy. Whadda say?
She slowly inched her way towards her target.
I hope he resists, I could really use a punching bag right now.
She tried hard not to let her anger show, but their was only so much a girl could take! Being assaulted, insulted, and the most dreadful offense of all, making her run in this dirty forest just after she showered!
Come on, say no. Say no you inbred, backwoods, stupid hick!
"Make me!"
"Ooohhhohhh, I'm going to enjoy this."
She pounced after her target, only to be stopped in mid air by his magic. She was be ratting herself for letting her guard down around a unicorn when the ground let out a blinding light. Her eyes quickly adjusted as she looked down at the ground. A quiet terror overtook her as she realized what she just walked into.
"No, you can't. That magic was forgotten years ago! How do you know this spell!?"
"It's amazing what you can find with a little digging. NOW DIE!"
Her screams ripped through the night as she was enveloped in the spell. A bright flash and she was gone, only scorched earth was left of the trap she had stumbled into.
"Owwww, my aching head. What did that prick do to me?" she groaned. She tried to open an eye but was forced to shut it as the noon sun stared right back at her, sending another wave of pain through her skull.
"I swear, when I find him I'm gonna rape him with his own horn."
She slowly got to her claws and stumbled towards the forest, keeping a half-opened eye fixed on the ground beneath her. Once she was in the cool shadows of the forest she fully opened both her eyes. Her hawk-like vision drifted over her surroundings. After a minute of searching she found a small path. Hopefully this will lead me outta here. She quietly followed the path as it started to widen. The sight at the forest edge stunned her. Instead of the city that was there last night there was a small town, if it could even be called that. She marveled at the small buildings with thatched roof and the vendors that lined the streets.
What surprised her most though were the ponies. They all seemed to stop when she passed by and gave her a slack-jawed stare. I know I'm sexy but even this is a little much, isn't it? She caught a glimpse of herself in a window. Her dark blue scales shone brighter than any gem, reflecting small blue dots on everything as she moved. Her purple and black mane hung limply from her neck and obscured half her face, leaving only one large violet eye to be seen. a playful smile danced on her lips as she turned away.
Nope, I'm just that sexy. She giggled as she walked through the town, her snake-like neck holding her head high. She trotted through the town, in a daze as her vanity fed her ego like a Parasprite at a buffet. After a few laps around the town she stopped for a break in the park. Finding an empty bench she grabbed a nearby newspaper and plopped herself down into a comfortable position. She idly glanced through the pages. This looks like it was printed by a school filly. She thought as she went back towards the front page. Foal Free Press was printed across the top, the date in the corner next to it. The slits in her eyes almost disappeared when she read it.
"1989?"
Thoughts wheeled through her head. How? Why? What happened? After a few minutes the painfully obvious conclusion dawned on her. She threw her paper aside as she jumped off the bench and roared at the sky.
"THAT BASTARD SENT ME BACK IN TIME!!!?"
Dear sweet Luna, my head. What happened?
She awoke with a pounding migraine. The back of her head throbbed, sending a fresh wave of pain over her. She groaned as she lifted a leg to her aching skull.
Or tried to.
It took her a moment to realize she couldn't move. As the haze slowly lifted from her mind she became aware that something heavy was draped over her. She softly opened her eyes. Everything was a blur of color. Her eyes rested on a grey blur as everything started coming into focus. She noticed a large metal hoop wrapped around another, and another, and....
Chains? Why am I in chains?
As thoughts swirled through her head she remembered the moments before she blacked out. She remembered reading a newspaper in the park. freaking out after she read the date that it was printed. Everything went black after she screamed.
* Squeak*
The sudden noise tore her from her thoughts. She then became aware of a soft rumbling under her. Her binds wouldn't let her raise her head, let alone look around, so she cast an eye skyward. The tops of trees were slowly moving past her.
Great, what fresh new Tartarus have I gotten myself into now?
Hours passed, the sky was a vibrant display of orange and pink before she could make out the dull roar of civilization. As she was pulled closer the noise started to become deafening. The chorus of voices, coupled with the inability to move, made her scales itch. Her heart started to pound in her ears as paranoia slowly crept over her. Years of combat and training told her to expect the worst. Doubt crept into her mind and whispered one thought into her ear.
Your going to die.
She broke into a cold sweat. She began thrashing at her chains, the wooden cart beneath her groaned in protest but held fast. The noise around her died down to nervous whispers. After a full minute of hopeless thrashing all she did was get her snout lose. Her will broken she laid down, defeated. One last thought crept into her mind as she lay there. If she was going to die, she wasn't going to do it quietly. Drinking in a deep breath of air, she opened her mouth and did the only thing she could. She sang.
"The lights come up on cafe windows; a stale glow.
The smell of day old bread and cigarettes, and on a table a magazine is open to a page upon which words have framed the quaint and shining smiles of a promise left unbroken, but forgotten over time.
Dearest love, don't you dare believe it.
What you want, you won't ever need it.
Silhouette, you gave your word and broke it.
Stand and pick off sounds in the dark where the steel meets the land.
Up above the river's arms in the graveyard of the stars.
Here, the warrior tore the sky and did not appologize.
His love in stone and glass, and in the deepest caverns hides.
Dearest love, don't you dare believe it.
What you want, they won't ever need it.
Silhouette, you gave your word and broke it.
So let 'em see you when you're strong and laughing at the world.
For the longest they can hold out; uncomfortable at best.
For the ways that we change and we stay the same and the tedium of parts.
For the teller, from the bottle, for the tyranny of hearts.
Dearest love, don't you dare believe it.
What you want, you won't ever need it.
There were walls long before the timid.
And all of you can just keep believing, one time told is the story ended."
The song of the pony who gave her the gift of music washed over her, calming and preparing her for anything that came. When she finished she noticed that the cart had stopped moving. Looking upwards she saw not the night sky but a far away stone ceiling. She was about to say something when she was wrenched from the cart. Six night guards dragged her to the center of the room before releasing her. They then backed away, far enough that they were out of her reach but close enough to react if she tried anything. She was then met with a thunderous boom of a voice, younger than what she was accustomed to but unmistakable all the same. She looked up and was met not by the old wrinkled ruler of the night but a young princess.
"What art thou, creature? "
"Wow, that was rude. Didn't anyone teach you any manners? Really, to make demands without at least introducing yourself. That's just plain uncouth."
Luna was stunned. Not only was the thing before her capable of intelligent speech, it just lectured her on proper behavior. the guards just stood slack jawed. This thing was either the bravest, or dumbest, creature they had encountered. The sound of it clearing it's throat broke the awkward silence that had befallen the room.
"Well?" She said with a condescending tone.
Fury started to take hold of Luna. She could see it plainly on her face, after all, she did just make a fool of her in her own throne room. In front of her own guards no less! Luna opened her mouth to scream at her but was interrupted by a new voice filling the room.
"Sister, what is taking so long? You must lower the moon in a few minutes."
Now she was surprised. She new that loving, motherly tone like the back of her paw. However, she was not accustomed to the form that now came with it.
"Celestia..." She mumbled under her breath. The great ruler, fair and kind to all. She knew her in her own time, but then she was old, her mane had lost much of it's color and her coat was a dull silver. She had lost much of her regal stature and usually was kept in bed. That, however, was not the Celestia before her. Her vibrant, multicolored mane flowed around her. Her coat was a blinding white that glistened like snow, and most certainly held every bit of her regal status on every part of her tall, lean form.
Celestia stopped, taking a place next to Luna, carefully studying the creature that stood in the middle of the throne room. A few moments passed before Celestia broke the silence.
"Hello there. I am Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria, Who might you be?" Her tone was gentle, but still held a firm command over the creature.
"My name is Saphear, your majesty. Saphear Brightscales." She said with a deep bow.
"I must say, I have never seen a being such as you, where do you hail form?"
"I hail from nowhere, your majesty. I'm a bit of a traveler, and have no real home other than the roads I travel." Saphear said rising from her bow.
"And what is it thou actually does on these "Travels" Ms. Brightscales?" Luna asked, her voice a mixture of annoyance and genuine curiosity.
"Um, could you call off the attack dogs first? I don't want to get hit on the head again."
"Excuse me? Hit on the head? Did my sisters guards attack you?" Celestia asked, a look of concern resting heavily on her face.
"Well, I was... not myself at the time, so I probably appeared like some vicious predator. It was my fault for letting my emotions get the better of me in public." Saphear turned to the guards and, giving her best "kicked puppy" look, said, "I'm sorry, could you forgive lil ol' me for scaring such strapping stallions as yourselves?"
"Yes ma'am." was the only reply that came from the stoic guards.
"Guards, you are dismissed." Luna opened her mouth to protest but thought better of it.
"Let's go talk in the royal study. Do you like tea?" Celestia's warm, motherly expression returned.
"Yes. Tea sounds lovely."
"Right then, Starsign?" At Luna's call a dark purple maid pony walked in.
"How may I be of service?" The tone of her voice told of years of professionalism, and a distinct pride in her work.
"Show our guest to the royal study, my sister and I shall be there after we finish our duties."
"Of course, Princess Luna." Starsign gave a quick bow and guided Saphear away.
"What's wrong, Divi?" Seraph Hymn was worried about her lover. She had been pacing their room since yesterday. Nothing ever set Divi on edge, not like this.
"The Tear, something came through it." Divi's voice was dark and heavy.
"But the only thing that has been coming through for months now is influence, why would that change now? Besides, you told me that....." Panic flooded her face as the truth began to dawn on her.
"Only the power of a god can send a whole being through The Tear, but that's not what has me worried. What scares me is that if something came through, then why have I not heard about any destruction or panic in the streets. Any god besides myself loves to cause pain and misery for their own enjoyment, so why has none occurred? Something is wrong, I just don't know what...."
The study was silent as Saphear quietly sipped her tea. The dying glow of the fireplace beside her chair bathed her in a comfortable warmth and helped to bat away the cool morning air.
"We hope we have not kept you waiting to long." Celestia and Luna spoke in perfect unison.
"No, I must say though, this is probably the most wonderful cup of tea I've had in ages." Saphear took another deep sip from her cup. Letting it's warmth seep into her aching bones. "Right, let's get on with it then. I know you two must have a mountain of questions you wish to ask me." Luna was the first to speak.
"Our first question is what art thou? We have not seen a species such as yours in all our time in Equestria."
"I'm a Draconsteed."
"I think what my dear sister means is "What is a Draconsteed?"
"We are a race of Dragon/Pony hybrids. We have pony traits like types, magic, and even get cutie marks."
Luna cut Saphear off, "But you have no mark on your flank."
"That's because of the dragon half. As you may know, dragons are naturally resistant to magic. The magic we get from our pony side reacts differently to us than to normal ponies. One such difference being that our cutie marks appear on our heads." Saphear gave a light tap on the top of her head with a singles claw. "We live longer than ponies but nowhere near as long as dragons. Most of us live to be about 500."
Celestia spoke this time. "You keep saying "us". Did one of your species come with you?"
"Nope, and none ever shall" She stated coldly.
Luna was concerned this time. "Why? Surely thou have family or friends thou can call on." Saphear's face set into a grim frown. "They can't find me. Not unless they all suddenly become time-travelers."
Luna's face showed clear confusion while Celestia simply closed her eyes and frowned.
"....How far?" Celestia voice was low and solemn. Saphear was a little off guard at the question. Not because she didn't expect it, she just didn't think she'd be asked it this soon. after a moment of silence to compose herself Saphear finally answered.
"How old are you, Celestia?" The princesses ignored the frankness of the question for the sake of a real answer. But that didn't keep Celestia from blushing slightly as she answered.
"I'm 3049."
"Tia, tell her the truth."
"Fine, 4000." Celestia grumbled, which sent Luna into a fit of giggles. Saphear waited for the commotion to die down before answering.
"I'm roughly from 9000 years in the fut-" The princesses barely had time to gasp as Saphear collapsed into a heap on the floor.
Saphear awoke in a hospital. Her eyes burned and her mouth felt like it was made of sandpaper. She let out a soft groan as she tried to roll out of bed. Her attempt, however, was halted by a purple blur.
"Slow down there, just lay down and tell me what you need."
*Mumble*
"I'm sorry, I didn't catch that."
*Mumble*
"What?" The strange blur leaned in close to her mouth. Her snout was filled with the smell of old books and.... brimstone? Saphear was to tired to care. Putting all the energy she could muster into her lungs, she weakly coughed out her request this time.
"Water"
'Right away." Saphear could hear the door open as the purple blur called out for a nurse. After a few moments she could feel her head being lifted and a cool substance met her lips.
Water! Sweet, delicious water! Oh Celestia! That's good.
Saphear drank greedily from the cup. After her second glass her vision started to clear. After a moment she became aware that the purple blur was still there, and she was actually a unicorn.
"Thank you, miss. That was just what I needed. I'm Saphear. Saphear Brightscales, and you?"
The purple unicorn put on a smile and looked at her with large, equally purple eyes, and said,
"I'm Twilight Sparkle, and The Princess has asked me to look after you while you settle in."
Confusion filled Saphear's face. "Settle in where, exactly?"
"Why, here in Ponyville of course!"
Saphear looked out the large window on the wall next to her and saw that she was no longer in the bustling city of Canterlot but was instead in a small town. Saphear studied the town outside the window for a while. After a few minutes a nurse walked in.
"Ms. Brightscales, your up. How do you feel?"
"Better after a glass of water. What happened?"
"You collapsed in Canterlot Castle. You were suffering from extreme exhuastion. When was the last time you slept?"
Saphear had to think hard on the question. Well, I was knocked out by the guards. But that was only for a few hours. Lets see.... I started following that.... * bastard*..... four days ago. I've been here for two days so that means....
"About a week ago." Shock and concern coated both mare's faces.
"What were you doing that was so important to neglect sleeping for a whole week !?" Twilight asked.
"That's a bit of a.... personal issue. I'd rather not talk about it. Nurse-" Saphear blinked. She forgot to ask her name! That was one of the first things she learned about proper manners! It was right next to "Please" and "Thank you". The nurse caught her little dilemma and cut off Saphear's train of thought.
"Redheart, dear. Nurse Redheart." Thankfulness shot across Saphear's face.
"Thank you, Nurse Redheart. If I may ask, may I leave soon?" Concern once again coated Nurse Redhearts face as she considered it.
"... You may leave today, but only if you promise to get plenty of bed rest!"
"Of course, Nurse." Saphear rolled out of bed and headed for the door when Twilight called out to her.
"Where do you think your going?"
"To find an Inn or a hotel to stay at. Why?"
"Oh no you don't. The Princess asked me to keep an eye on you! Your staying at my place till she tells me it's alright. Besides, while your on bed rest I'll get to ask you all sorts of questions!"
Saphear froze in her tracks. "Questions? Like what?"
"First lets get you to my place" Twilight sauntered up next to Saphear and drug her along to the library.
I hope she's strong enough to lift me. Sweet Luna, I'm getting dizzy
"Saphear, are you really alright? You don't look to good."
"Falling."
"What?" That was the only warning before Saphear dropped over on top of poor Twilight.
The yellow pegasus squeaked and jumped back, hiding behind her pink mane. Saphear gave her a gentle smile and rested her head on her paws. After a few minutes of watching the sun creep across the sky Saphear spoke.
"Care to join me? It's a little nippy out here."
The yellow pegasus complied and took a spot next to Saphear. The timid pegasus gathered her courage and finally spoke.
"Um, wh-what's your name?" Her soft voice was barely louder than a whisper. Another tear streaked it's way across Saphear's face. She even sounds like her.
"I'm Saphear, what's your name?"
"I-I'm F-Fluttershy." The two sat in silence till nearly noon before Fluttershy broke the silence again.
"W-Why were you crying?" The question hit Saphear hard. It brought up things she didn't want to remember. She destracted herself by thinking up a lie she could tell that would satisfy Fluttershy's curiosity.
"I'm... not from here." Saphear's voice was cracking. "It's gonna be a long time before I can go home and...." Saphear stifled a sob. "...I miss my family." Saphears tears started flowing again. Fluttershy quickly pulled Saphear into a tight hug. Saphear just sobbed even harder in her coat. I need something to clear my head. The first thing she could think of to help her mood was hard work. Saphear pulled away from Fluttershy and dried her eyes a bit before she asked, "Is there someplace I could work? Something strenuous if you could."
"My friend Applejack runs Sweet Apple Acres. She's always looking for a cheap farm aid. I'll take you over and introduce you." Fluttershy's timidness disappeared for a second but quickly came back. "That is, if you don't mind." Saphear stood and brushed her mane out of her face. "I'd like that. Thank you, Fluttershy."
The two walked in silence as they made their way to Sweet Apple Acres. The farm was truly a sight to behold. The rows of trees stretched as far as the eye could see. The only blemish in the green tops were the apples that sparkled like rubies against the leaves. As they walked through the gate they were immediately greeted by a large red stallion. His body was thick with muscle, no doubt earned from years of hard work.
"H-Hello, Big Mac. Is Applejack around?" Fluttershy asked.
"Eeeyup. Sis is out by the barn." He gestured towards a large red building in the distance, keeping a weary eye on Saphear. "Thank you." Fluttershy gave him a quick smile before she started to make her way towards the barn, Saphear following closely behind. Applejack was stacking crates of apples when the two walked in. Saphear cleared her throat to get her attention.
"Howdy Fluttershy. Who's yer friend?"
"This is Saphear. She's looking for a job." The orange earth pony put a hoof to her chin as she fell into deep thought. "Ah dunno, she looks a mite scrawny ta be applebuckin." Fluttershy just looked back to Saphear.
"I'll hoofwrestle ya." Saphear said. Confusion filled Applejacks face as she asked, "Beg yer pardon?"
"I'll hoofwrestle ya. I win, you give me a job at 5 bits a tree." Saphear said brimming with confidence. Applejack's face drew a sly smile. "A'right, and if ah win you put in a weeks worth a work free a charge." Applejack raised a hoof to her opponent. Saphear extended a paw and the two shook. I hate to trick her like this, but I could really use those bits.
Saphear and Appljack took their places on a nearby crate. Fluttershy was their referee as the two squared off.
"R-ready. S-set, eep." Flutter shy took in a breath to calm herself. "G-Go." It was over in the blink of an eye. Saphear misjudged Applejacks strength.
*Wham*
Applejack landed on the far side of the barn. She was visibly dazed. Saphear and Fluttershy rushed to the farm mares aid.
"OHMYGOSHAREYOUOKAYI'MSOSORRYIDIDN'TWATCHMYSTRENGTHPLEASEDON'TBEDEAD!" Saphear exclaimed.
"Applejack, can you hear me?" Fluttershy said while she set to work checking her friend for injuries. Applejack stirred slowly, her breathing was labored and her eyes were spinning in their sockets. She tilted her head towards Fluttershy and said, "Cock-a-doodle-doo."
Saphear breathed a sigh of relief. She carefully lifted the mare and gently set her across her back.
"Fluttershy, could you show me to the hospital? I want to make sure I didn't cause any serious damage." Fluttershy simply nodded as the two set out for Ponyville.
The sun had begun to set by the time they reached Ponyville General Hospital. The staff had immediately admitted Applejack. She had a slight concussion and a sprained hoof. Twilight arrived quickly with a few ponies Saphear didn't recognize. At least not at first. It wasn't until Rarity walked in that the others identities clicked into place in her mind.
I knew they looked familiar! How could I forget about the Elements of Harmony? Bah, stupid useless brain! Never recognizes important information until it stares it in the face.
Saphear snuck away while everypony was fussing over Applejack. She left the hospital and made way for the only place that she felt at home.
The Everfree Forest.
Now, Saphear hadn't technically lived anywhere in years. She only had two places where she spent most of her time. One was the Everfree Forest, the other.... she didn't like remembering. Pain always seemed to follow Saphear. It followed her as faithfully as her own shadow. Constantly hounding both herself and everything around her. Hence she would relocate every few days, to keep disaster to a minimum.
Ponies are already starting to get hurt. It's only a matter of time before pestilence and famin come..... I have to leave....
Saphear wept as she stalked her way through the forest. She wanted to stay but the risk of her staying, keeping a demon inside Ponyville, was too great. Especially with a Tartarus gate so close. No, she had to leave, there was no other option. A scream roused her from her thoughts. A pony was running, behind her a large manticore gave chase.
"R-RUN!!" The pony screamed as it darted past her. Saphear didn't care, she needed something to vent her emotions on, and she just got a volunteer. She planted herself directly into the manticore's path. As it neared she drew back a paw. Her heart retained a steady, calm rhythm as it came close enough for her to feel it's breath on her face.
*CRACK*
Her paw flew threw the air like a whip. Her claws tore open the side of the manticore's face, nearly taking one of its eyes as it smashed through several trees. She made her way towards the manticore's still body and checked if it was still alive. It's breathing was faint but steady.
Good, just unconscious. I've enough blood on my claws without adding mindless animals onto the list of the lives I've taken....
Saphear started to walk off only to find the pony from earlier embracing her. Now that she could get a good look at it she saw that it was a small pegasus filly. Her bright mane was somewhere between a dark pink and a light purple, her orange fur was matted with sweat and mud. The small filly pressed herself tightly against Saphear's side as she shook from the terror she had just been in. Saphear's instincts kicked in as she pulled a wing from one of her pouches and wrapped it around the filly. Pulling the small, panic-stricken body close. She started to sing to help calm the filly's nerves.
Forma lleya lisami,
Fascineya sephami,
Ferme ello anyarei,
Sopha neya mi
Sleeping now so calm and mild
safe and sound my sweet young child
in my arms till the morning blooms
Her lullaby had done it's job. The one verse had put the small life curled so delicately in her side to sleep. Not wanting to wake her, Saphear wrapped herself around the small filly and the two slept as the sounds of the Everfree lulled her to sleep.
A persistent nudging in Saphear's back forced her to awaken. She immediately regretted opening her eyes when Celestia's sun burned it's image into her pupils. She slowly lifted her head as she searched for the one who had roused her from her slumber. She was immediately greeted by Twilight Sparkle and her friends as they crowded around her.
"Five more minuets." Saphear said as she lazily put her head back around the life she had in her care.
"What were you doing out here!?" Twilight shouted, her voice dripping with agitation and concern.
The moment Saphear heard the volume of Twilights voice she whipped her long tail out and tightly wrapped it around the unicorns muzzle. Her friends started to protest but Saphear shot them a firm glare that kept them frozen in place. Keeping her eyes on the Element bearers, she slowly lifted her wing and revealed the still sleeping filly nuzzled closely into her side. Everyponies eyes went wide when they saw the small sleeping filly. Everypony backed down as Saphears sudden actions started to make sense. With a nod towards Twilight, Saphear released her grip.
"Let's get her somewhere more comfortable before we get into a discussion." Saphear's vioce was barely above a whisper.
With everypony in agreement, Twilight levitated the filly out of Saphear's protective hold and they started off towards the library.
The group sat in a circle downstairs. After a minuet, Twilight came down and joined everypony.
"And just WHAT were you doing with Scootaloo in the forest, HUH!?" Rainbow Dash had no problem getting right into Saphear's face.
"Calm down, Rainbow, I'm sure there's a perfectly reasonable explanation as to why she was in the forest with Scootaloo, right Saphear?" Twilight said while taking a seat next to Rarity.
"I was leaving Ponyville." Saphear deadpanned.
"Right, like leavin-WHAT!?" Everyponies jaws dropped.
"I was going to leave Ponyville, head for some other place when I ran into Scootaloo in the forest. Or rather, she ran into me.... with a manticore behind her." Everypony gasped.
"She ran behind me and I took care of the manticore. When I turned around the poor thing was absolutely petrified. Once I got her calmed down she went right to sleep. I didn't have the heart to wake her so I watched over her all night."
A long silence fell over the room. Rarity was the first to break it.
"Well if you really wanted to leave, darling, we wouldn't stop you. I doubt we could if what you told us about the manticore was true, but that still leaves us with a question. Why were you going to leave in the first place?" With that statement, all the eyes in the room were focused on Saphear.
Saphear sighed heavily. "Look, it's not that I want to leave. I have to. Things follow me, strange things. The longer I'm hear, the more bad things are gonna start to happen."
"Oh yeah? Well what kinds a things?" Rainbow asked, still suspicious of her.
"It'll start small. Accidents, some unruly animals and ponies. The longer I'm here the worse it will get. Ponies will start getting hurt in the accidents, the animals will get violent, and the ponies will start to give in to their.... darker desires. Eventually things will get really bad. The accidents, the animals, and the ponies will get....." Twilight was the first one to pick up on what Saphear was implying.
All at once the lanterns flicked to life in their brains. Everypony except Fluttershy, who hid in the corner with a soft squeek, had a hard look adorning their faces.
"Saphear, if you will excuse us, the girls and I need to talk." Saphear simply nodded as they left to speak in the kitchen.
"She's lyin'! No way she took out a manticore all on her own!"
"Ah dunno, RD, I think she was tell'n the truth."
"But Applejack, darling, if she was being honest with us, then why would those horrible.... things.... happen if she stays?"
"Ah dunno, Rare. She's tell'n the truth but she ain't done told us everythang."
"Your all just being silly-fillies! My Pinkie Sense hasn't gone off once around her!"
"Isn't it obvious!? She'd probably do those things herself! Or maybe she's a spy!"
"U-um girls? I don't think she would do that."
"Right, she risked her life fighting a manticore to save Scootaloo. Though how she managed to accomplish such a feat without getting a scratch on her is perplexing."
"Um, that's not why I think she wouldn't do it."
"Watcha talkin bout' there, sugarcube?"
"W-well, when I first found her, she was sitting on the hill next to my cottage. She was watching the sunrise and..."
" and what, darling?"
"And she was singing. It was one of the saddest song's I've ever heard. When she finished she just layed down and started bawling."
"And what the hey does that have to do with anything?"
"Shush, RD, let Fluttershy finish."
"W-well, when she first started crying I thought it was because she was hurt. After she calmed down she told me about how she missed her family. I thought it was out of place with the song she was singing but with what she said earlier, I think I understand what she was singing about."
"An what was that sugarcube?"
"...."
"Sugarcube?"
"I... I can't say..... It's something she should tell you."
Saphear watched as the group came back into the main part of the library. She half expected them to kick her out. What surprised her ,though, just might have been worse. Once everypony returned to their seats, Twilight asked the question that only Saphear and Fluttershy knew the answer to.
"Saphear, when Fluttershy met you, what was the song you were singing about?"
The question hit Saphear like a rampaging dragon. A torrent of memories flooded Saphear's mind. Sunny days and warm summer nights. Laughter and smiles and sweet, passionate moments spent together. Loud music and a quiet wedding under a bright full moon. For a second, she was alright. Then the rest of her memories hit her. Memories of fire, of screaming.
Memories drenched in blood.
Saphear's scream shattered the window behind her. She fell to a heap on the floor as she gripped her head in her paws. Red tears poured from her eyes. Her breathing was short and ragged. After a minuets she finally gathered enough air to let out another scream.
"EMERUAD!!!!!"
"What in tarnation was that!?"
Saphear just curled in a corner after her outburst. The slits of her eyes shriveled until they were no bigger than needles. Her gaze constantly darted around the room. Scanning everything as if it were a potential threat. Fluttershy was the first to approach her. All she got in return was that frightened stare. She tried to get closer but Saphear just bared her fangs and growled at her.
"Fluttershy, could you find anything wrong?" Twilight said with obvious concern.
"Nothing physical, but she's acting like one of the little forest creatures I take care of when I meet them for the first time..." Fluttershy plopped her self down next to Twilight with a soft sigh.
"I think I might know a spell for checking her mental state, hold on." Twilight's horn flashed to life as she started working on the spell she needed. Once she was certain she had it down she let loose a bolt of magic at Saphear. It quickly enveloped her entire head as the spell set to do what it was meant to do.
Or so it seemed.
Twilight slouched over as her magical aura enveloped herself as well. In seconds her whole world faded to utter darkness. She frantically started searching for anything within the blackness that surrounded her. After what seemed like hours a single light began to pierce the black veil that surrounded her.
She didn't give it a second thought as she charged for the light. The closer she got, the more aware she became of a voice echoing across the unknown landscape.
A soft giggle, the wind blowing through the trees, the soft plunk of fish jumping for the insects above the water. All these thing accompanied the sight before her once she was away from the darkness. Along with two forms laying against one another as they basked in the shade of a large tree. She recognized one immediately as Saphear. The other was also a Draconsteed, but her scales were a brilliant forest green. She had two large horns that started at the back of her head and curved around to frame her snout. The most stricking thing about her, though, was her armor.
Her royal guard armor.
Twilight just sat their, staring at the couple as she tried to register what was happening. She was just about to get a hold of her thoughts when another feature came and smacked her in the face. Both of the Draconsteeds before her had an all to familiar pudge. One Mrs. Cake had not to long ago. Before that reality of what she had just seen could sink in the scene was ripped away from her. Once again Twilight stood in the darkness. However, she wasn't alone this time. The barely audible voice from before spoke to her now, clear as a bell.
"Leave."
The sudden command threw Twilight off as she almost complied, but her curiosity quickly got the better of her. Forming the questions in her mind she wished to ask, she prepared herself for the truth.
"I'm in Saphear's mind, aren't I?" The reply to her question was immediate.
"Yesssss, leave."
"Who was that with Saphear?" The reply took only a second longer than the first.
"Emruad. Now leave ." The agitation in the voice was clear, but there was one last thing she had to know.
"Were they both pregnant?"
A roar tore through the darkness. It's volume put Luna's Royal Canterlot Voice to shame, but that wasn't what scared Twilight. What scared her was how it sounded. No living thing should be able to make the sound she just heard. It was like a thunderous boom combined with a shriek that could easily shatter whole glaciers and had a coarse scratchyness to it.
A colossal head appeared before her, but she could only make out the eyes on it. The six eyes that adorned the mockery of a face. They were even blacker than the darkness she stood in and were rimmed by a dark blue. In each eye were three, glowing violet dots. Twilight stood bewildered as she realized this was the thing that had been talking to her. Then it talked, not with the soothing voice it had before, but with the tone it had used when it roared.
"LEAVE!
Twilight awoke to her friends standing over her where she had passed out on the floor. Their questions and concerns fell on deaf ears as she played back through the events that had taken place in Saphear's mind. Saphear still sat in the corner, the same dumbfounded, wild-animal look on her face.Twilight was the only pony to notice that Saphear had suddenly started sniffing the air, as if she was a bloodhound picking up on a trail. Saphear slowly got up and made her way to the stairs.
Twilight's and Saphear's sudden actions quickly made the rest of the group become silent as they followed the two up the stairs to Twilight's bedroom. Once inside, they found Saphear poised over the still sleeping form of Scootaloo. Everypony tried to leap to the filly's aid but were quickly stopped by a single, hushed word from Twilight.
"Watch."
The other ponies looked at her like she was crazy, but the harsh glare that adorned her face made sure that they settled into a nervous position as they stayed ready to spring into action should something go wrong. What happened next shocked all but Twilight, who just closed her eyes and gave a sagely nod as her suspicions were proved correct.
Saphear tentatively sniffed the small filly before laying down next to her and wrapping Scootaloo in the same protective cocoon she had used in the everfree forest. When Saphear was done not a single bit of Scootaloo was visible behind the wall of scale and lean muscle that encompassed her.
"Just like a mother protecting it's child."
Twilight's sudden input snapped everypony out of their confused states long enough to catch a glimpse of Twilight as she headed back down the stairs. Twilight prepared herself as she heard her dazed friends follow her back down stairs. She still had to explain to her friends what she had seen and needed to send a letter to Celestia about her findings.
Tonight was going to be a long night.
"Awaken."
"You take over. Leave me to my memories."
"We cannot. It is your emotion and thought that give us direction. Without it, we are nothing."
"Then we shall be nothing."
"And what of the life you have placed under your protection? You are useless to her like this."
"...."
"Would Emruad want to see you like this?"
"....No. She would kick my flank for being such an idiot..... All right, if I'm going to regain control I'll need something that both my cognitive and primal minds can comprehend. Something that resonates with me to my very core. Until something like that happens we will bide our time."
"There is still the matter of that retched summoner to deal with."
"I already have a way to deal with him. I do not like it, but it is necessary. Once we awaken call Slendermane. The summoner fool will rue the day he thought he could bend Tartarus to his will."
"There is the cunning master that conquered us. Your will is our will, we will summon Slendermane."
"Will you help guard Equestria from threats with my special band of ponies?"
"As long as it leads me to...... Him .... you have my loyalty."
"Ooooohhhhhh, my head." Saphear awoke in a soft bed. The setting sun shone through the window.
And right into her eyes...
"OOOWWWW!!! BUCK! MY EYES!" Saphear roared in pain as she fell out of bed.
And down a flight of stairs...
Twilight didn't get any warning as the jumbled mess of a Draconsteed rolled down the stairs on top of her.
".... Is this going to be a recurring thing?" Twilight asked, still entangled with her guest.
"Celestia, I hope not. If every morning turns out like this I just might stop getting out of bed altogether."
"Come on then, let me get you something to-" Twilight stopped her train of thought once she had gotten herself separated from Saphear. She turned around and helped Saphear to her paws. Popping a question as she did so.
"What exactly is it you eat?" Saphear let out a heavy sigh before answering.
"A cup of tea will be all for me, my stomach doesn't work this early."
"Ooh! Does that have to do with your species physiology or-" Saphear quickly put a paw over the unicorns mouth.
"Tea first, then talk." Twilight nodded as she strolled into the kitchen while Saphear walked into the main part of the library. She browsed the many books that lined the shelves on nearly every wall.
Oh! Quite the organizational setup she has here! Saphear mused to herself. Let's see... First by genre, then alphabetically, and finally chronological. Not even the library from home was this well organized! I wonder how mush work it is to maintain this state of organization in the library? Saphear was so lost in thought she didn't even notice Twilight come back in.
"-ur tea." Saphear snapped out of her thoughts as Twilight levitated the glass to her.
"What? Oh! Thank you, dear." Saphear grasped the cup and took a long, slow drink. A pleased moan escaped her lips as the tea's warmth filled her. Saphear was the first to speak after an awkward silence had settled upon the room.
"I know you must have a tone of questions, so where do you want to begin?" Twilight scratched her chin with a hoof as she levitated over a quill and some paper.
"Lets start with what I asked earlier. What do you eat?'
"Technically? I'm Omnivorous." Twilight cringed at the word while she was taking notes."However, most Draconsteed will only eat meat in dire situations." "Draconsteed?" Twilight asked. "My race, dear. Now, we have two sets of teeth. One set of fangs and one set of normal pony teeth." Saphear put on a toothy grin. With a slight swishing sound her once flat, unassuming smile was filled with glistening white daggers. Twilight leaned in to get a closer look but Saphear switched her teeth back.
"Next on the list, dear?"
"Right, what is a Draconsteed?" Twilight settled back down to wear she had been sitting. "A dragon/pony hybrid. Most of our features come from ponies. Like our height, manes, necks, cutie marks, and most importantly, our magic." Twilight's ears flicked when she heard magic. "Like ponies, Draconsteed come in three subspecies. Those being classified as Horned, Winged, and Earth." Twilight's quill was scribbling furiously as she took in all the new information. Her mind was acting like a sponge as Saphear spoke. "There are virtually no differences between us and normal ponies.... except for the Earth types. Their a bit.... special."
"The Earth Draconsteed's magic changes them depending on whatever element their born closest to. The Draconsteed that make their homes close to rivers and the ocean, for example, tend to have fins and sometimes even gills. Those born in the desert can go for months on a single glass of water and can breathe the sand in a sandstorm. "
Twilight's scribbling slowed as the next question formed in her mind. "I notice you didn't mention lifespan in that list. Does that mean you live as long as dragons?"
"Yes and no." A quizzical look covered Twilight's face. "What do you mean?"
"We have a longer lifespan than ponies but not as long as dragons. Most Draconsteed have a life expectancy of about 500 years, and before you ask I'm 286 years young and proud of it!" Saphear gave a seductive smile and swished her long, thin, dragon like tail through the air. Wiggling her flank a little as she did so.
Twilight blushed at the display. "Sorry, I'm not into mares." Saphear let out a small laugh. "That's perfectly fine dear! I'm not a mare, well at least not entirely."
Twilight's jaw hit the floor, literally. "I'M SO SORRY I DIDN"T REALIZE YOU WERE A STALLION!"
Saphear laughed again at the panicking unicorn. "You weren't listening deary! I'm not a total stallion either! Draconsteed are Hermaphrodites!"
Twilight's face just went blank. It was as if her brain just shut itself off.
"Okay, judging by the look on your face and the fact that the moon has sunken low enough for me to see it in the window I'm gonna say it's bedtime for you."
Twilight's brain kicked back on just long enough to process her statement. "What about you?"
"Naturally nocturnal, dear. Now off to bed with you!" Twilight subconsciously Added a few more notes to the paper while Saphear shuffled her upstairs. Once she had tucked the tired unicorn in she went back downstairs to the library.
Maybe I'll go for a stroll and find a place to watch the sunrise.
After a few hours of walking Saphear found a nice hill near a cabin by the Everfree. Picking a soft spot of grass she laid down and watched the sun slowly creep up the horizon. As the sky was lit ablaze by dazzling pinks and vibrant oranges, Saphear felt the need to sing. She sang slowly, letting her low voice fill the air like smoke.
"There was a moment I doubted the turn.
Was it something you wanted or something you learned?
If fear is the motive, you're not really concerned.
I can't. I won't. I don't. I do forgive you.
Suffers the fighter the pain of regret.
But tougher still simply to live and forget.
And if it's the last chance we'll ever get,
I bent; I broke. I choked. I couldn't save you.
Indifference could drown even your most holy and profound revelations.
With this light be crowned, lest your brightest beacon flicker out.
Dancer in moonlight, renew your repose.
You always seemed doubtful that anyone knows the value of what lay just under your clothes.
This pen. These walls. Last fall. Oh, go away then.
What of your trigger if not to destroy?
What of your anger if not for a boy?
What of your voice when you're so timid and coy?
I heard your words before you even said them.
And Emi, don't you see?
She could never spin this world for me.
Promises are feared more than believed.
I can see the sunrise as she leaves."
For the first time in years Saphear wept. Thoughts of her long lost love flew through her mind as the tears streamed her face. Nearly a full hour had passed before she realized something soft and warm was embracing her. She turned her head to see a yellow pegasus was hugging her. The initial surprise passed as she just reveled in the comfort of being held again. She nuzzled into the mares soft pink mane and whispered into her ear.
"Thank you."
"Twilight Sparkle, did I teach you nothing? There is a reason why I banned mind-walking spells, though I am impressed you had the magical power to cast it without killing yourself."
Celestia had come immediately after she had received Twilight's letter. Once Celestia had arrived Twilight immediately jumped into explaining what had transpired between herself and Saphear. Everypony sat in a state of shock at what they had heard. Everypony except Celestia who was angered that her student would attempt such a dangerous spell like one of mind walking.
"That's the thing, Princess. I only cast a simple sense sentience spell, and I gave nowhere near the power for it to do anything like what it did." The Princess went into deep thought over what she had just heard. After a minute she finally spoke.
"Then there are two questions that need answering. The first is where the power to change your spell came from. The other is what was that presence in her mind that you had described. We can't answer the second question but I may have an inkling as to the answer of the first. Twilight, may I see your report on Saphear's physiology?"
Twilight retrieved her report from her desk and levitated it over to Celestia.
"Now, she said that Draconsteed come in the exact same three sub-species as ponies, correct?" Twilight answered with a simple nod.
"The only thing that could twist your spell is if you attempted it upon a unicorn, or the Draconsteed equivalent."
"But Saphear doesn't have a horn, she has wings that she seems to pull out of nowhere." Twilight interjected. Celestia quirked an eyebrow at the prospect of wings appearing out of nowhere. After mulling the information over she took a leap-of-faith with her logic.
"If she is indeed able to hide a pair of wings, what is to stop her from hiding a horn if she has one?" Celestia could see the smoke poring out of evryponies ears as their brains kicked into overdrive to process what she was implying. As she expected, Twilight was the first to figure it out.
"Princess, are you saying that Saphear is the Draconsteed equivalent of an Alicorn?" Celestia's answer was simple.
"Yes, and with this prospect, I may be able to at least partially answer our earlier question."
Everyponies jaws were glued to the floor. There heads were reeling at the fact that Saphear might be of royal blood. If she was of royal blood, then she was a princess of something. Celestia giggled to herself as she saw things click into place in her little ponies heads.
"As you may have gathered, if she is an alicorn then she's a princess of something. If she is then that something would represent itself as another presence in her mind. Much like my sister and myself with the sun and moon. But we can be certain of nothing until she awakens."
Scootaloo stirred slowly. She didn't want to wake up. She felt so safe and warm as her mother held her. She pressed her head deeper into her mother's chest. The sound of her mother's heart was deafening, but it was so calm and soothing at the same time. She raised her head and tried to open her eyes. Her vision was blurry as she tried to catch a glimpse of her mother. In the back of her mind she knew she was an orphan but that didn't stop her from asking a question she wasn't sure she wanted an answer to.
"Mom?"
I never knew the inside of my own head was such a boring place! There is absolutely NOTHING to do here, how do you stand it?
Normally I spread our magical senses and search for future residents of our humble abode. Usually we have much more potential residents to sort through and mark but there's almost no corruption here. At least not enough to warrant going to Tartarus.
Really? I don't believe it. There's got to be somepony who has sinned?
Only one that we could find. A mare with so much lust that even we are having trouble keeping her influence at bay.
Horny enough to make Tartarus wet? Damn, I don't know whether I should be impressed that their's somepony whose a bigger slut than me or scared that she'll rape everything in Tartarus when she gets there.
The filly is stirring.
The poor thing must have been exhausted.
I think she's trying to say something.
"Mom?"
Everything in Saphear suddenly fell into place at that one word. It had been nearly a century since she had heard that word. She found that she had control of herself again.
She.....
This filly..... she has suffered a harsh fate.
Why....
She never imprinted with her mother. She never had one. Your the first to show any kind of affection for her. She's imprinted to you.
I.... I can't..... our magic-
-she's young, and she has no cutie mark. There is nothing for our magic to get a hoof-hold on.
but when she gets older-
At this age, and this pure. By the time she's grown she will be immune. Why are you so hesitant? You could give this filly a good life. You can protect her.
...
Your afraid. You don't know why, but your afraid...... listen to me, you can do this. She will help with the hole you have. She will ease your instincts and calm your soul.
Can I really? I can't stay here and this is her home. I can't rip her away from that.
"Are you my mom?"
She needs an answer.
Saphear pulled her wing away from Scootaloo. The small filly stared at her with enormous, expectant eyes. Saphear couldn't help herself. She brought her head down and nuzzled gently against the side of Scootaloo's. She had her answer.
"Only if you want me to be, little one." Saphear's voice was barely above a whisper.
Scootaloo just sat there with a look that said her whole world had just shattered. She didn't know if she was still dreaming or not. She knew one thing though. If she was, she didn't want to wake up. Just then the lights began to flicker.
It's about time he got here!
Everypony was about to head upstairs to check on Saphear and Scootaloo when the lights began to flicker. The air quickly turned stale as a chill settled over the group of friends. Celestia felt a dark magic begin to work its way into the room. The source seemed to becoming from the front door. Twilight must have felt it as well because she began to charge her horn as she slowly turned towards the door. At first she couldn't see anything. Then with another flicker Twilight swore she saw a shadow dance across the door for a split second. Another flicker and the shadow was closer. Then it was gone, but she felt like it was still there. She tried to trace it but her magic kept pointing her to one place. Her room.
Twilight ran up the rest of the stairs. Her friends went far behind her as she threw the door open. The first thing she saw was an all white pony in a black tuxedo. He was missing his mane and tail. He was nearly as tall as Celestia. He was so thin that it looked like somepony just stretched his coat over a skeleton. It wasn't until he turned to face Saphear that she got a good look at his face.
Or where it should have been.
He had no eyes, or mouth. Even his ears and nostrils seemed to be missing. His white coat stretched cleanly over everything. Saphear's voice brought everyponies attention to her.
"Slendermane, you look well. How long has it been since we last talked?"
"..."
"Really? That long? Wow, your turning into an old man."
"...."
"That was not an insult! It was a compliment. It means you get promoted from smart-ass to wise-ass."
"...."
"Nnnope. I'm still a smart-ass." Saphear began chuckling and the Slendermane seemed to kind of shake.
"Well, now to get down to the business of why I called you here. I'm implementing an emergency plan to deal with the summoner."
"!!!"
"Yes, unfortunately. I'm afraid this might be the only way. You know the markings I'm talking about. Tell them they need to be etched on with water from the Styx. I'll remove the chains once he is dead."
"...."
"Please, you don't need to use honorifics with me. You are no longer bound to my realm or my sovereignty. You are more than a friend to me, Slemdermane. You are family."
Saphear brought Slendermane close and pulled him into a tight hug.
"Now go, and be safe." Another flickering of the lights and he was gone. Saphear let out an audible sigh and turned toward her audience.
"I bet you have some questions, right?"
If you have any questions about anything, ask in the comments below this chapter. I'll answer anything I can that won't give away future plot. With that let the Q and A commence