Living in the Shadows

Chapters

Chapter 01 [Edited: 08/10/2015]
Chapter 02 [Edited: 01/11/2015]
Chapter 03 - Repossession
Chapter 04 - Plans

Chapter 01 [Edited: 08/10/2015]

Chapter 01

The statue stood quietly in the sunlight, counting the number of days since he’d been sealed away in stone. How long had he been sealed like this? How many years? By this point, the number was so large that he’d almost given up. He flexed, trying to raise his arm. It didn’t.

This just serves as a reminder of my carelessness, the statue thought. Magic truly is a formidable force in Equestria. I’d forgotten that. Strange how time works.

Magic was something that was commonplace on the planet of Equus; a world vastly populated by four legged creatures. Many creatures are born with the capacity to use it, but in all nations—bar one—it isn’t really used at all. However, this was Equestria; land of the Celestial princesses, magic, the Elements of Harmony, and Canterlot city.

On top of his pedestal, the statue looked onwards. It was a perfect day—the type that truly was one in a million. The sun was shining brilliantly in the sky with not a cloud in sight, along with a slight breeze blowing down from the east. How he wished he could feel it against his skin.

A couple of earth ponies walked along the set path giggling, while a few other ponies such as pegasi and unicorns lay on the lush grass enjoying picnics and other similar outdoor activities—surrounded by various sculptures. He could hear everything they were saying too. Those look rather amatuer, he thought, observing. How are they even allowed in a place such as this? Although, considering how it’s them who are in charge, I’m hardly surprised. Back all those years ago, I’d have pieces of art commissioned that would put all these to shame. Memories of a vastly different time surfaced. He’d seen wars and bloodshed; some even by his own doing. Entire towns destroyed and new ones built in their place. Days like this were to be treasured, and he’d seen a few of them. He was immortal afterall. If he could’ve smiled, the statue definitely would have done so. Instead, he bore a face of apathy.

A pony ran past, bumping his leg, chasing after her friends. The force caused him to shake, before settling down. That was too close. He sighed. There was a time when I could’ve killed a pony for doing that. They no longer fear approaching me anymore. Some of them shiver upon looking… they are correct in doing so. Subconsciously, I feel as if some of them know their true place at the bottom of the—

“I want to start our trip here” – a feminine voice catching the statue’s ear – “in the world-famous Canterlot Sculpture Garden.”

He shifted his gaze towards the entrance of the garden. Thankfully the voice hadn’t come from behind. Even though the voice was far away, it was as if it was right next to him. Even in this sealed state, some of his powers hadn’t left him. Focussing, he began to make out the shapes of a group of foals being led by fully grown mare as she mentioned something about friendship. Some of them look around in awe, others shrugged, and a few just didn’t seem to care. The mare had magenta coloured fur, along with large smiling faces flowers as her cutie mark. It's a school group, he thought, taking a mental note. I know exactly who this is.

“All right, my little ponies,” said Cheerilee, referring to her class. "This one represents Victory.” Again, the same thing happened. However, this time, a few more turned their heads.

A few more looked this time. I can understand why. Victory for as long as I can remember has always been a word to grab anyone’s attention. It’s something that inspires soldiers on the battlefield, or a foal at school working to perfectly complete a test. A goal. He was also a fine enough fellow—bought me drinks once. Afterall, everything has to come from somewhere. But nows not the time to focus on past glories.

Cheerilee and her school group moved to the right, stopping mere metres from himself. She and her students came here every single year. Whatever they were looking at was just out of his field of vision. That annoyed him. I wonder, whatever could they be looking at? he queried. Hardly anything in this place is worth attention, bar that Victory sculpture and myself.

A small few of Cheerilee’s students started fighting. “Girls! Now this is a really interesting statue.” Cheerilee pointed towards it. “What do you notice about it?”

“It’s got an eagle claw!” one of the foals replied, in a country-like voice. She had yellow fur, along with a red mane.

I’ve always disliked that accent.

Another student immediately replied, confidently. “And a lion paw!” She had orange fur accompanied with a purple mane.

A white foul quickly jumped. “And a snake tail!” she answered in a squeaky voice.

Ergh, how can any one pony be that high pitched. The claw and paw of an eagle and lion respectively, along with the tail of a snake. Hmmm. He pictured himself in the pose of Le Penseur. They’re talking about a chimera. I didn’t know we had a statue of a chimera. Discord was the only one of them I knew.

Cheerilee nodded, smiling. “This creature is called a draconequus. He has the head of a pony and a body made up of all sorts of things. What do you suppose that represents?”

The same foals from before began to answer her questions, which he now identified in order as Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle. If it’s who I think it is, then they’re not wrong necessarily, although chaos more accurately fits that description than any other due its broader term. Confusion is accurate in describing its physical state, but I wouldn’t call it evil. Something can be chaotic but not evil, just as something can be evil but not chaotic—working in a methodical manner.

Cheerilee interrupted them. “Actually, in a way, you're all right. This statue represents Discord, which means a lack of harmony between ponies.”

Discord, hmph. Well that confirms my suspicions. No wonder why they find it so interesting. However, the statue looked downwards as Cheerilee moved the group towards him. They’re wrong in one regard. They can call Discord whatever they want, but he’s not a draconequus, he’s a chimera.

Well that’s rude, a voice said in his mind. I mean, we haven’t seen each other in centuries, and you’re talking like this behind my back. Shame on you.

Apologies my old friend. If he could’ve face palmed, he would have. How long ago did they move his statue next to mine. I had no idea that they’d moved the real statue of you into the Sculpture Garden with myself. That’s an odd move for the princesses to do, but I’m more surprised that you can still use your powers.

I needed fresh air, Discord replied. I was locked in a dusty old room for a few hundred years without any light. In your old castle I might add, before Celestia decided to move me—along with some of your own things—into Canterlot. You really need to add some windows or maybe a ventilation system—

Cheerilee interrupted him. “Now, my little ponies, what do you think this one is? It is a rather strange looking creature.”

“D… I… O…” said Scootaloo, reading the nameplate slowly. “What’s a DIO?”

It’s not a question of what, but who. It’s me. I am DIO.

Yes. You most definitely are.

Quiet Discord. You’re distracting. Also, how would you know what a ventilation system is?

Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony. Remember.

Cheerilee began to explain to them the history behind the statue. “DIO was a creature said to terrorise all manner of creatures during the night. He ruled it with his terrible armies and was said to have even conquered the whole world at some point.” Her class looked on in surprise. Some even began to shake.

DIO looked on. Yes. Fear me, for I am DIO. Ruler of the Night. Lord of the Dark. He turned his attention towards Cheerilee, while speaking to Discord. I’m surprised she knows so much. She hasn’t given any of her students a look at me before. Most tour guides who talk about me don’t know anything about what really happened in Equestrian history. She’s only wrong in one regard however; I didn’t manage to conquer the whole world—just the parts of it that weren’t Equestria or parts of Equus that were too barren to support any form of life.

“You mean it’s nocturnal?” asked Sweetie Belle.

No, I’m not. DIO sighed. That’s just something that is rather easy and quick for ponies to assume about something living in the night.. A lie I spread all those years ago which seems to have taken root.

Of course you wouldn’t tell anyone the real truth though, replied Discord.

There’s a reason for that. You know full well.

“But that’s impossible!” A foul wearing a tiara of some sort spoke up. “It can’t of taken over the world, because Celestia and Luna are ruler of Equestria! Nothing can beat them.”

“And they weren’t,” said Cheerilee, reassuring her students. “Using the Elements, they sealed him away and his empire with him, never to be seen again. The fact that his name translated into God only went to show his arrogance, showing how those with evil are always destined to be defeated by harmony. Now come along everypony, there are still more pieces of artwork to see.”

Discord, thought DIO. You never answered my question. How did you retain your powers? You’re the most chaotic entity I know. The Elements effect definitely would’ve been far more devastating on you.

I did nothing.

Discord.

I’m serious! Really! Discord’s voice entering his mind. When the Elements hit me all those years ago, I lost all my powers. But a few months ago, after that freaky eclipse, my powers started returning. Don’t tell me you didn’t notice? I must say, you’re not as sharp as you used to be.

That’s not important. DIO actually hadn’t noticed. He couldn’t sense magic. It didn’t matter how strong he was—the life overflowing from him scrambled any magic he could possibly sense. Talk.

The little scuffle that school group had earlier has given me enough energy to finally break free, his voice said, casually. Since I was thinking of taking back this terribly orderly planet, I was wondering if you wanted me to release you.

If you have to ask, then you obviously don’t remember me as well as you thought, DIO retorted. I want those princesses to pay for what they did to me. Tearing down my empire. Usurping my throne. The planet was almost completely united with victory in reach, and it slipped through my fingertips.

Okay, calm down my shadowy associate. Very well. I will release you, and yes I’ll wait and make sure to do when the sun isn’t out. I remember how easy you burn. For now though, do we both wait?

Yes. We both wait. Five or six more hours are nothing compared to the amount of time we’ve been sealed away. Around them everything went on normal, unaware of the chaos about to unfold.

“Dear faust, I never realised how much I truly despised paperwork,” said Celestia; princess and Co-ruler of Equestria. She raised a hoof to her head, rubbing her temples.

Since she had gotten up to raise the sun, Celestia had been sitting at her desk in her chamber all day long—writing up a mountain of paperwork that didn’t seem to stop increasing, thanks to her scheduling advisor: Kibitz. Laws and legislations that needed reviewing, letters of formal complaints, and other things involving the daytime court.

When would it end?

“Normally, I’m fine with this level of work,” Celestia said, exhausted. “But ever since the Nightmare Moon incident a few months ago—and the subsequent return of my sister: Luna—some of my old habits have finally caught up with me. And then there’s this sense of uneasiness I just can’t seem to get rid of.” She look at the work in front of her. “It’s probably nothing. I need to get some fresh air. The flower gardens should do.”

Getting up, Celestia walked into the large castle corridor directly outside her chamber. Guards walked on patrol, bowing as she passed. She was too deep in thought to notice. If it’s nothing, then why do I feel like something terrible is coming just around the corner. Celestia kept walking, towards the entrance. Had she been paying attention, she would’ve noticed the shape of a blue alicorn heading directly towards her.

“Sister!” the alicorn called out, happily. With her smaller form, it wasn’t quite the Royal Canterlot voice, but it was enough, snapping Celestia out of her thoughtful state.

Celestia smiled. “Oh, hello Luna. You’re not usually up this early.” She stopped moving.

Luna’s cheeks perked up, slightly. “I woke up early and since there wasn’t really anything to do, I went outside to catch some sunlight. What’s wrong? You looked like you were thinking really hard about something, almost like it was troubling you.”

Oh Luna, even in this state, you’re just as perceptive as you were all those years ago, Celestia thought. “Something along those lines. You need not worry yourself about it.”

“Nonsense. We’re both sisters. Whatever you problem is, it’s mine too.”

“It’s just that ever since the Elements defeated Nightmare Moon, and even more so now –” Celestia turned, looking out the window towards the Sculpture Garden “– I can’t stop feeling as if something terrible is about to happen, and that no matter what I do I won’t be able to stop it.”

“You don’t mean Discord do you?” Luna queried. “You told me that he’d been sealed away by the Elements hundreds of years ago. He can’t do anything. I’m sure that you’ll feel better soon.”

“I so Luna,” Celestia said. “I hope so.” Because if you’re. No, if I’m wrong, then this world in this era will see disaster never seen before. Sighing, they both turned, heading towards their destination.

A few hours passed as the sun started to fall beyond the horizon, leaving the moon to rise in its place and stars to begin filling the empty blank space. Strangely, the nightlife wasn’t bustling in Canterlot. Instead, there was a silent night.

For two specific, unremarkable looking statues in the Canterlot Sculpture Garden, this was exactly what they had been hoping for.

DIO mentally called out. Discord! It is time!

Indeed it is, replied the statue of a draconequus. Cracks surfaced all over its body as energy rippled across its surface. Equestria, now is the time for fun! The statue burst in an explosion of colourful light. Instead, Discord stood where there was stone just moments ago—stretching his body. “Ahhh, it feels so good to move again.” He casually snapped his fingers.

DIO’s form immediately began to regain colour, his clothes beginning to flap in the nighttime wind. His skin was alabaster, giving him an almost spectral appearance, wearing a black tank-top with baggy yellow pants with green heart shaped knee guards. Over his top, DIO wore a yellow jacket, as well as a green heart shaped circlet on his head with metal rings for cufflinks. Most astonishing however was his red eyes, which seemed to pierce effortlessly through the surrounding darkness. He pushed himself off the podium, seemly defying gravity as his body fell towards the ground in slow motion.

“I’m finally free,” DIO said. He stretched.

Discord immediately appeared beside him. “Yes you are. Now, I don’t mean to be rude, but I’ve got a certain couple of princesses to annoy. You’re welcome to join me if you wish.”

“Not at the present. I will get revenge on Celestia and her sister, but I’ll do it my way. However, depending on the circumstances, I might need your help later on. So until then, try not get yourself sealed up again.” DIO walked towards where his statue once stood. He stopped in front of it. “There is one thing you can do for me. Create a decoy of my statue. It would be better if the princesses thought that only one of us had escaped, when they find out. If they came after me now, I’d most certainly lose.”

Discord smirked. “You always did like to be one step ahead. Or was it two. Nah, maybe it was three. Oh nevermind.” He clicked his fingers, a perfect replica of what had been previously standing there in its place.

“I am most grateful Discord. You have my solemn oath that I will repay you for this favour one day.” DIO began to walk into the darkness, towards the vast—and empty—Canterlot streets. It’s been hundreds of years since I last roamed Equus and I must say, I’m rather famished. I know that I said that I might join you Discord but really, it is you who should consider joining me. This world is yet destined for greater chaos. The species that roam this world will remember the name that dominated the night.

He walked through the night. “They will remember, Dio Brando.”

Author's Note

Hello everyone. Thank you for reading the first chapter of my story. I haven't had much experience with writing stories like this - or for that matter stories of any kind - so please excuse my terrible writing and excuses as an Author :derpytongue2:

Now I just need to think of a plot, and figure out where exactly there this is going.

All criticism is welcome and appriciated. I mean, what better way to increase the quality of what I write by listening to the opinions of my readers. Anyways, enough rambling. Again thanks for reading. Hope you enjoyed it. :twilightsmile:

Edit (08/10/2015): Finally go round to rewriting the first chapter after a couple of months of me saying I would. So here you are. Enjoy :twilightsmile:

Chapter 02 [Edited: 01/11/2015]

I finally got round to rewriting the second chapter of Living in the Shadows. Enjoy everyone.

Chapter 02

The thirty-first of May wasn’t a particularly good day—clouds weathering the horizon as far as the eye could see. For the people who lived in Wellington city, this type of site was a regular occurrence. However, that wasn’t going to the thousands of people gathering outside the site known as the Westpac Arena—a building which gave great resemblance to a gigantic cake tin—for an event simply known as the Entertainment Expo.

A young man waited in line. “Thank god that I got my tickets a couple hours early,” he said, panting slightly. “You know, I’m really glad that I took your advice Nathan, considering how this my first time doing anything like this. Any longer and we would’ve been stuck all the way back there.” He pointed towards the back of the line.

“Mate, don’t worry about it,” Nathan said. “I’m just glad that you actually could make around this time Jason. We’d been talking about doing this for ages, but things never quite turned out right did they?”

“Pretty much, yeah.”

They moved forwards as the line began to progress into the arena. Most of the people around them were in cosplay, including Jason Venture—his brown hair and hazel eyes turned blond and crimson to match the person he was dressed as. Nathan on the other hand was dressed normally.

“Hey Jason.”

“Yeah?”

Nathan pulled out his phone. “Who are you dressed as again? You told me a few hours ago I know, but I kinda already forgot. Mainly I’ve been so excited to get in that it slipped my mind.”

“Really? Fine… I’ll tell you again. I’m just lucky that I’m just about tall enough to pull it off.” Jason sighed, putting on his best british accent. “It is I, DIO. Dio Brando; vampire and slayer of Jonathan Joestar. WRYYYYYY!” He returned his voice to normal as people around him began to give strange looks. “He’s a vampire from a series know as JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, which is renowned for its ridiculously strong characters and fabulous posing.”

“Yeah, well just don’t go posing around me. I just want to buy some quality wears.” Nathan brought out his phone. “Mate, this DIO character you're dressed as sounds pretty overpowered. I just checked some stuff about him.”

“Well to be fair, a lot of the characters in that show are overpowered, so it balances itself out. Say, what do you even want to buy?”

“A sword or something else that looks completely badass. I can’t come back home empty handed.”

“Heh, fair enough,” Jason said, shuffling his friend forwards. “Aren’t the quality items really expensive though?”

Nathan turned around, shrugging. “True, but I withdrew some of my student allowance that I’d been saving up for a few weeks, so I should have enough.”

Dumbass, Jason thought. “You do realise that you’ll probably get in trouble for this right?”

“Yeah whatever,” Nathan said, shrugging. “We can worry about that later.”

Jason pulled Nathan forwards as the line progressed. After what seemed like an eternity, the two of them finally entered the arena and began to roam its curved hallways which seemed to be specifically designed for the rugby games commonly held instead. The colourful shops and clothes inside was contrasted by the dull grey concrete floor which did nothing to stop the vibrations of hundreds of feet passing through.

Jason looked onwards. “You know, considering how small this place is, it feels really big in here,” he said, feeling slightly overwhelmed.

“It always feels like that the first time,” Nathan replied. “Personally, I always felt that this place was too small. I always end up feeling like I’m being bunched in. You’ll learn soon enough.”

“I look forward to it Nathan senior,” Jason retorted, sarcasm dripping from his voice.

“Hahaha, real funny. Come on, let me show you around.”

Nathan began to show Jason around the event, showcasing the various stands and what they had to offer. Many of them sold t-shirts with various anime and manga references on them while others sold merchandise from games like The Legend of Zelda. Other’s sold DVD’s representing various animation studios and western dubbing companies. People moved around them, trying their hardest to get to the different venues.

Moving closer to one of the stands, Jason noticed a particular book up for sale. He took it up to the cashier, quickly swiping his eftpos card. Then, quickly as he could, Jason put it into a plastic bag and ran to rejoin his friend.

“What’d you get?” Nathan asked, curious.

“Secret. I’ll tell you later.” Jason handed him the bag. “Mind holding it for me? Don’t look at it though, else you’ll have to face my wrath.”

They walked further on through the curved corridors, looking some more at the other events taking place. They stopped to look at a gaming event being held. On the screen, two teams of five were battling it out to destroy an objective in the enemy team’s base.

“Hey Jason. What to watch this?”

“Might as well. It looks like it only just started, so we haven’t missed anything.”

They sat down, time passing relatively quickly. However before long, the outcome of this match became clear before it had even finished, and so onlookers began to leave.

Nathan tapped Jason on the shoulder. “Come on, I think we both know how this match is gonna end.”

“Indeed,” replied Jason. “I grow tired of these petty games. Actually, watching it has made me hungry for some reason. It’s probably because I feel so excited about being here, doing this. I’m gonna go grab something to eat.”

Nathan nodded. “I’ll join you. Now that you mention it, I feel a little peckish myself.”

Meanwhile, in the shadows of the Cake Tin, reality began to shift. Without notice, a portal opened up and a figure emerged, leisurely walking out. The figure was dressed in large cloak and hood with concealed his face, giving him the look of some kind of merchant. He scratched the back of his head as the portal closed behind him, noticing the huge crowd of people. I’ll fit in perfectly. The Merchant knew that he had all the time in the world and so slowly, but surely, be began to look for a place to set up shop. There would be another victim, just like the hundreds of others before who’d fallen into the exact same trap. Every single time.

A crowd had begun amassing in the food court as lunch time approached. Jason and his friend waited in near the front of the line. Now that some time had passed, the two of them noticed that people had already begun to leave the event with other taking their place. The weather outside hadn’t seemed to improve either, remaining a grey blanket of cloud.

“Jason, mind shouting me something?” Nathan asked. “You know if it were any other time that I’d pay myself, but I really want to make sure that if I see something I like I’ll have enough to get it.”

Jason sighed. “Sure, but it needs to be something small like chips or something. I’m also looking out for something to buy, remember?”

“Oh yeah, that’s right,” Nathan said. “That’s fine. I’ll just have hot chips then.”

The two of them walked up to the counter, placing their orders. The transaction happened smoothly with Jason and Nathan both sitting at a nearby table. The food was delivered to them even quicker and they ate it without any complaint. Eventually, the two of them stood up.

“Nathan, I’m gonna go have another look around on my own, alright?” Jason said.

“Sure thing. I was going to do have another look around anyway,” Nathan replied, taking out his phone. “Call me if anything happens.”

Jason walked off. “Yeah yeah. I know the drill.” He walked through the hallway a few more times, taking another quick look at the stuff on sale. The only thing that’s interested me so far was that book, Jason thought. There must be something else. I just don’t see myself being satisfied with some of the stuff being sold.

“Hey you!” an unknown voice called out.

Jason turned around. He noticed a stand which seemed rather out of place compared to its surroundings. It was rather big, a mat laying over of the concrete floor. The sides were made of old mahogany wood. Behind what looked like a small desk was a guy dressed in some kind of merchant cosplay.

Jason tapped a person standing near him on the shoulder. “Sorry to ask, but was that stand there earlier?”

“Don’t think so,” the person replied.

“Thanks.” Jason turned back to the Merchant. “Me?” he mouthed.

“Yes you!” the man replied.

Jason walked over to the stand.

“You’ve been searching for something haven’t you?” the Merchant asked him. “I saw you walk past a couple of times with this troubled look on your face. Maybe I have something you’ll like.”

I don’t like this, Jason thought. However, I have looked pretty much everywhere. This might be the only place left to check. “Sure. Show me what you got.” He walked onto the mat, gazing at the different items on sale. Various items were either hung on the walls or positioned on the floor on purpose.

The Merchant spoke behind him. “See anything you like?”

“There are a few things here, but something’s just not—”

Looking at carefully at one of the corners, Jason noticed something, catching his eye. He moved closer, moving a couple different eyes away so he could get a proper look. Lying underneath was what appeared to be a stone mask with a raised depression in the middle of its forehead. Behind it, a wooden bow with an arrow. The arrowhead had a insect-like carving on its flat side.

Jason picked up the items, “This is really well made! Did you make these yourself?”

The Merchant looked at him. “Ahh, yes I did. Fine pieces they were. Unfortunately, all the normal stone masks that I’d made are sold out.”

“How much for these three?” Jason asked. These are really well done. The stone definitely looks as if it were carved by hand. The bow and arrow have the exact same feel to it as well.

“Fifty each for the three of them. So one hundred and fifty in total,” the Merchant replied. “I’ll throw in a free quiver.”

Damn that’s expensive, Jason thought to himself. But I have enough. Besides, I really want it. “Done.” He pulled out his wallet, handing the man three crisp fifty dollar notes.

“Nothing like a good sale,” the Merchant said, tucking the notes into his jacket pocket. “Thanks for the stretch, and hope you have a great day.”

“Thanks, I hope so too.” Jason strung the bow and quiver over his back, placing the large arrow into it. Lastly, he put the stone mask on his face. You know, I should probably go find Nathan, Jason thought. He ran through the wide hallway, dodging people as he moved past. Eventually, he found Nathan, standing in front of another stand. He had a smokey white blade across his back. It had jagged edges and was so large, it looked as if it may have been able to cut a boulder in half. A jewel was inserted in the base of the pummel. Nathan turned around, smiling as he noticed Jason.

“Hey Jason,” Nathan said. “What you think of my kickass sword? It’s a weapon called a Shardblade from a book series called The Stormlight Archive.”

“That is pretty kickass. I ain’t gonna lie. Hey, can I have that bag I gave you earlier?”

“Yeah, of course. It is yours afterall.” Nathan handed he the bag.

“Thanks. Also –” Jason held out his hand “– can I borrow the key to the car boot. I just need to put the things I have in there.”

Nathan tossed him the keys. “Don’t hurt yourself.”

“Funny.” Jason ran further until he reached the exit. Weather hasn’t improved much, he thought. You know, I feel kinda dizzy. It might be this mask. He raised his arms in an attempt to remove it. His finger grazed a rough part of the mask’s surface, a small amount of blood dripping from the wound. Everything went black.

Author's Note

Hey everyone. Thanks for reading the second chapter of Living in the Shadows. I hope you enjoyed it.

I decided that since I never explained who Dio was before he came to Equestria, I might as well do it in the second chapter and dedicate that all to it. Don't worry though. I will write more about what happens to him once he first arrives in Equestria. :twilightsmile:

But yeah, for now, enjoy the second chapter. And remember, all criticism is welcome.

Chapter 03 - Repossession

Chapter 03 - Restoration

The Everfree Forest

I’m almost there.

It had taken me a few hours to get to the Everfree Forest under the cover of darkness since leaving Canterlot undetected. So far - it seemed - the princesses hadn’t realised that both me and Discord had escaped. Considering that Celestia and Luna - to my knowledge - were still the current holders of the Elements of Harmony, I’d assumed that the two of them might have gotten some form of warning.

To get out of Canterlot, I'd had to use my teleportation; fading into the darkness of the city. I was surprised by the amount of ponies that were actually still out at this late hour. Back in my time; they would've been fearing for their lives. I still had some magic lingering in my system, which prevented me from using some of my more powerful abilities. The teleportation - which was more like shadow fading - was only short range, so once out, I had to move by foot. Going by train or drawn carriage would've been the stupidest thing I could've done.

“Well it doesn’t matter now,” I said, quietly talking to myself as leaves and trees moved passed. “If they don’t know then that means the statue Discord put up worked better than I thought it would.” All that mattered to me at this moment was reaching a place I could hide in for when the morning came.

You see, my type of vampire was different from that in folklore and fairytales. While classical vampires were told to be affected by things such as holy relics or running water, I had no such weakness. My body is maintained by willpower alone, and can only be truly affected by the natural energy of the sun, or Hamon energy, which cancels the force sustaining my body.

The trees and plants beginning to break away as a path formed to the Castle I was heading to. Strange though, I thought. Discord said that he would go annoy the sisters. I stopped as my destination came into sight. The old Discord would’ve begun creating chaos right away. Even for a chaos spirit, he always was a little bit predictable. I began walking again, feeling the cold air move past flicking my jacket as I did so.

I guess being sealed away for so long actually taught him something. I smirked. I’m not surprised though. Being sealed for a few hundred years would change anyone. After all, I was always the patient one out of the two of us.

I began to quicken my pace. It was imperative that I set up a base of operations before sunrise. I'd specifically chosen it there because of how nature seemed to function. It wouldn't matter what creatures I found skulking around the Castle. My centre of rule had been in the Everfree Forest for years. I knew most of the types of creatures that lurked inside it. Besides. It was my Castle, and they would be trespassing. The Castle of the Two Sisters? Nonsense! It was MY Castle. DIO’s Castle. Nobody would be allowed to claim it, except me and me alone.

I arrived at the gorge by the front entrance and noticed that the bridge across it looked to have been broken at some point. I moved over for a closer inspection. "Hmm. It seems to have broken some fair time ago," I said. "However… -" I went over to one of the knotted areas "- It seems that something has been here recently. Maybe in the last few months or so." I backed off. Not trusting the integrity of the bridge to support my weight, I took a few steps back before breaking into a sprint, pushing against the ground. The momentum created by my mass and velocity was enough to carry myself carefully over the gap.

The Castle had fallen to the sands of time. Much of the outside parts of the Castle had been worn away, evident by the amount of overgrown moss and holes in the walls. Vines ran across them from the ground up. Many of the windows had also been cracked or completely destroyed. Various tapestries ripped and left to wear out. I walked through where the front entrance would of been. How the Castle had come to be in this state didn’t bother me. Much of what had been destroyed seemed to have been things that the sisters had put in after they took over. If that’s the case, then where did they store everything else I had here? I pondered.

“Grrrrrr."

My ears began to pick up the sound of what I assumed to be wild beasts lurking further on in the distance inside. So there are things living in here after all. I took a few steps forward, purposefully sending a message. If they thought a little growling would scare me off, they thought wrong. I'd challenge them. The beasts obviously assumed that this was their home. They might be able to see me where I am, I thought. But I can hear their footsteps. Steps that no ordinary creature would hear. I began to focus my senses, increasing the sensations around me, honing on the beasts locations. I took another step forward, daring whatever lurked out there to come at me.

Upper Floor, The Castle of the Two Sisters, Everfree Forest

The unknown beasts inside began to grow restless with the presence of an unknown figure. They growled, moving out of the cover of darkness. Five emerged. Four of them had fur whcih was a black-grey colour while the fifth appeared to be bigger, with orange fur. Their fangs gleamed in the moonlight.

The alpha wolf saw the intruder take a step forward, hearing the rest of his pack starting to growl behind him. The alpha and his pack had claimed this place as their home some few months ago, driving out the other creatures once lived here. This thing was an intruder, one who even dared to challenge them for ownership of this place.

Howling, the alpha commanded the rest of his pack to follow. To them, this was their territory. They’d make sure the intruder didn’t leave this place alive. Quickly, the alpha and his pack ran out of their hiding spot, paws travelling fast down to the floor below.

The Castle of the Two Sisters, Everfree Forest

Wolves. I guess I’ll just have to show them who the top dog is, I thought. This fight, - if it could even be called that - wouldn’t even be a challenge. I spotted them as soon as they appeared out the upper hallway entrance. I counted five. They ran down the stairway with incredible speed.

The wolf at the front jumped straight for my chest. This wolf was bigger and had a sense of command compared to the others. The alpha, I thought. This will be rather unfortunate for him. I pushed out my arm, opening my hand. The alpha gave a small whelp as my fingers connected, digging into his chest. “Now DIE!” Colour started to drain from the alpha’s flesh as his body began to deflate into a withered husk. It’s useless to struggle, I thought. You died the moment you charged at me.

This was another example of my vampiric abilities. Classical vampire's could drain blood from their victims using their fangs. I could do the same, except I could also do it using the blood vessels in my fingers.

The other wolves ran at me. Two of them jumped, going for my arms, while the other two further behind went for my legs. I twisted, swinging my arm, using the alpha’s body to attack. I heard a snapping sound as the body collided with the necks of the wolves in midair. They slammed onto the concrete floor, glassy eyed. “MUDA! MUDA! MUDA! MUDA!” I shouted.

The remaining two wolves stopped dead in their tracks, apparently mystified that three of them - including their leader - had been taken out in such a short amount of time. This thing was monster. It had slaughtered their leader. They turned away, legs moving, hoping to escape.

I ran at them, using my vampirically enhanced speed. “Oh no you don’t!” I blurred past them. They were too slow compared to me. Digging my fingers into their backs, I scooped them along. Abruptly stopping in front of a wall, I let physics do its work as my arms - carried by momentum - slammed the wolves into the wall. The force alone should broken every bone in their bodies, I thought. But just to be sure. Using my fingers, I began to drain all the blood from their bodies until all the life was gone, dropping their corpses on the ground.

Normally, because the wolves weren't human, they wouldn’t have been able to restore my vitality. However, when I first came to Equestria, early on I managed to find a way to overcome that weakness. I would have perished years ago without it. With the more blood I took, the more I felt the magic leaving my system. Restoring my strength. Granting me power.

Turning around, I began to survey the damage. I sighed. “I’ll have to fix this place up later on.” The moonlight inside the Castle disappeared the further down I went. The princesses may have lived here for a while it seems, but they can’t know all its secrets. I doubt they’ve even dared to go this far down. I came to a door which hadn’t been used in a long while. The whole thing was covered in dust. The hinges seemed to be mostly rusted away too. “Ah, here it is.” I pushed the door open. The hinges broke, the door hitting the floor.

I’d purposely built this room so far down as to make sure light from outside never reached here. It was a square room. Most of the walls were completely covered in dust, with the furniture inside suffering the same fate. I walked towards the centre of the room. In the middle, was an object, something always associated with vampires. A coffin. MY coffin. I opened it up, and lay down inside.

I’m finally back, I thought satisfied. I have a lot of work ahead of me tomorrow.

Author's Note

Hello, and thanks for reading the latest chapter in my dispaced story Living in the Shadows.

Finally, some ACTION, :pinkiegasp: even if it was just against some silly little wolves. This was my first attempt at writing an action scene, so yeah, it might be a little bad.

But thanks for reading. :twilightsmile: If you've made it this far then you have my sincerest gratitude and I hope you'll indulge me by staying and reading further chapters to come. So till then, enjoy.

Chapter 04 - Plans

Town Centre, Ponyville

The night passed with no disturbances. It was only later on the next day that the locals began to notice something was wrong. Everything had been normal during the first few hours of the early morning - that was until it all turned to chaos.

The whole of Equestria, at first, had turned into a junk food paradise. Normal clouds that had no minds of their own had gained sentience, turning into cotton candy. Rain inexplicably turned into chocolate milk, and normal corn cobs randomly grew arms and legs.

Unicorns had begun to panic when their magic - for no reason - stopped working, while the pegasi weather system crumbled once the weather became uncontrollable. Chaos, panic, and disharmony. This was exactly what a certain draconequus had wanted.

Discord had been extremely pleased with himself. He’d realised that in the past, he’d been a bit too soft when it came to dealing with those he viewed to be enemies. Taking a page from Dio’s imaginary book, Discord had decided to make to do things properly - while still keeping his unique spin on things.

He’d stolen and hidden the Elements of Harmony - forcing their current wielders to play his deadly game, manipulating them like a puppet master. He’d even managed to completely fool Celestia’s favourite student. One with an unparalleled talent for magic. Twilight Sparkle, the element of magic. Observing her struggles with a group of hypnotised friends had been highly amusing. He’d laughed when Twilight found where he’d hidden the elements, and again when she’d miserably failed to seal him away with her discorded friends. Eventually, she’d even fallen to the same fate - turning grey and dull.

That’s the fundamental problem with the elements, thought Discord looking at his surroundings. If even one of them stops working, then the entire thing falls apart.

In Ponyville, the chaos capital of the world, the laws of physics had broken down. Everything had stopped making sense. Creating chaos and disharmony was a fundamental part of what Discord was, just as order and harmony was a part of life for ponies all across Equestria. It wasn’t fair that they hated him for his nature, but as Discord knew - life isn’t fair.

A building toppled over, the structure somehow flattening before it hit the ground into a 2d object. “Chaos is so much fun!” exclaimed Discord. “I wonder how our precious little Twilight is going?” He clicked his fingers, a glass appearing in his hands barely moments after. Ripples started to appear in its surface, images and sounds beginning to take form

“What’s this?” Discord queried. He looked closer, then his heart became ice.

Somewhere in Ponyville

Twilight Sparkle - the element of magic - had broken free of Discord’s control.

Everything had gone terribly wrong. Earlier that day, Celestia had asked Twilight, as well as the other wielders of the elements to reseal Discord. It had all seemed simple enough. However, Discord - being the spirit of disharmony - had stolen the elements, breaking a spell that supposedly only Princess Celestia could break.

To get the elements back, Twilight and the other elements had to figure out where Discord had hidden them. He'd had said that twists and turns were his master plan.

Twists and turns, the elements had all thought. He must be referring to the labyrinth.

Of course though it had been a trap. Discord, using the labyrinth, began turning Twilight’s friends against her. One by one. When they’d finally found the elements, they hadn’t worked, due to their lack of harmony.

The draconequus had said it was because her friends no longer believed in friendship.

Despairing, Twilight herself ended up suffering the same fate as her friends, becoming discorded and losing her resolve. Her body drained of colour, now grey and dull. Twilight had gone home, thinking that everything she and the other elements had done was now for nought.

That was until Spike - the only remaining normal member of the group - began regurgitating a seemly endless pile of old friendship reports. Reading them, Twilight rediscovered the meaning of friendship and undid Discord’s influence on her. Colour returning to her body, and filled with a sense of resolve greater than ever.

Twilight had ran into the chaos outside. “Thanks Spike!” she'd called out. Spike - for some reason - spitting out those reports was exactly what she’d needed. It’d seemed crazy that she’d given up. Not only on Ponyville, but on her friends too.

It was while reading those friendship reports that Twilight came to a very important realisation. It didn’t what Discord had done to her friends, even if they no longer thought of her as one in their current conditions. Friendship is not always easy, but it is something worth fighting for.

Now that I know how to save them, thought Twilight, with a look of determination on her face. We can beat Discord once and for all. And I know exactly where to start. Twilight ran towards Sweet Apple Acres hoping that Applejack - the element of honesty - would be there, memory spell in hoof.

Town Centre, Ponyville

Discord was in a fury, his face gradually turning red with the seconds from watching Twilight

“This isn’t how it was supposed to go!” said Discord. He stood up, throwing the glass towards the floor. Steam was literally coming out of his ears. He heard a small shatter as it made contact with the floor. “This isn’t right! How did that unicorn find a way to cure herself and her friends!”

“Calm down alright,” said Discord, talking to himself. Getting angry would only help the elements if he couldn’t think straight. At best, he only had a few moments before Twilight and her little gang of friends were completely cured. Then without a doubt they’d all be coming for him. “I don’t want go back to being sealed in stone,” said Discord, shuddering. “It’s no fun.”

He began to pace. “I mean, there’s only so much that you can do. When those blasted princesses sealed me away using the elements, I was unable to do anything at all. It truly is a horrible thing being sealed in stone. Watching all your hard work undone just by using some colourful gems.”

Back when Celestia and Luna had first found the Elements of Harmony, Discord hadn’t known what they could do. He’d been full of himself, which is what led to him being so casually rainbowed into defeat.

Discord sighed, remembering the past. I’d hoped someone might have been able to beat them. Tirek might of been able to do it hadn’t the princesses already imprisoned him long ago back in the time when that old relic ‘Starswirl the Bearded’ was still around - so asking him would of been out of the question. Dio had yet to be defeated and at the time was on a bit of a role conquering places under the cover of darkness.

He put his claw to his chin. You’re a creature of chaos Discord. Think! There has to be something you haven’t thought of yet. I know that Dio was also released, but I don’t want to go to him for help. After all, I told him he could join me but if that ball of fangs could see me now, I bet he’d be laughing at how miserably I’ve failed.

Discord picked up the glass from the floor. He moved his head closer - looking inside it - images of a farm began to form. Light dwindled away from Twilights horn as Applejack - the element of honesty - regained colour, breaking free of Discord’s influence.

“Looks like I don’t have any other choice,” said Discord. The glass changed instantly into a doorknob, floating in midair. He turned and pulled, opening a door. White light pouring out of the empty space. “Bon voyage Ponyville!” Discord stepped through, the light enveloping him as he closed the door.

Dio’s Castle, Everfree Forest

I was taken partially by surprise from a certain draconequus literally walking out of thin air.

I’d been taking it careful these last few hours after noticing the chaos happening outside, especially noting the orbits of the celestial bodies in the sky being completely out of whack. To me, Dio, it had been a major annoyance. Soon after getting out of my coffin, I’d headed up stairs where I immediate realised something was wrong.

It should of been daylight outside, and yet it was as dark as midnight. I’d gone far up enough as to be able to see the daylight, but not to far up as to be completely exposed. Does that mean that I can finally, at least for a few moments, leave this place? I’d moved, slowly, exposing my left arm.

“WRYYYYY!” I cried out. I’d quickly withdrawn back, pain shooting up my arm. The sun had just blazed up through the sky, quickly followed by the moon in the opposite direction. This is crazy, I’d thought. Discord… You’re the only person who could cause everything to turn to chaos with such extremes.

The pain in my arm had begun to lessin. That draconequus is a damn troublemaker. He frees me, takes over, and yet doesn’t keep the planet in perpetual darkness. Sure, it’s chaotic, but doing this actually doesn't help.

And so, I’d stayed alone in my castle, waiting hopefully for Discord to remember like most vampires, that I could only live in the night. That was until he arrived unannounced, closing the door he came from back into nothing.

Discord turned around, facing my general direction. “Dio my fanged friend,” he called out. “I know you’re here. I’m dying to tell you something that I’m sure you’ll sink your teeth into, oh and I’ll raise the moon so you can actually talk to me. Wouldn't want you burning up.” He conjured a rope, lassoing the sun and pulling it down past the hills. At the same time, the moon seemingly rose on its own.

“Finally,” I replied to him. “I never thought you’d get round to lowering the moon for me. You know how much I detest the sun.” I walked out of my spot, the moonlight slowly illuminating me, and I began to clap. “Well done Discord. You’ve finally managed to plunge the world back into chaos, and doing so only after twelve hours. That’s a new record. My, I never thought you had the patience.”

I smirked at him, letting him know that I was clearly insulting him. Discord was here, and usually that could of meant a range of things. However, under the circumstances I figured that that it probably was one thing.

“You messed up didn’t you -” I said, talking towards Discord “-and now you’re here to take up my offer of joining me.”

“Well you don’t have to be so rude about it,” Discord replied to me, annoyed. “ And here I was trying to be nice. I didn’t even really want to come here you know.”

I nodded. “Yes. I, Dio, already knew.” I found the nearest piece of rubble and sat on it. “I’ll let you join, but on two conditions.” I raised my hand. “Condition One,” I told him, raising a finger. “Tell me everything you know so far - including what’s happened these last few hours. I’ll tell you Condition Two after your done.”

“Fine,” said Discord. “But I might have to give you the short version. The elements might have almost completely gathered by now, and if I’m not back in Ponyville soon Twilight and the others will probably start wondering where evil old me has gone to. The six of them have really turned out to quite a pain. Especially Fluttershy.”

Wait, what? I was caught off guard slightly. “You mean Celestia and Luna aren’t the current wielders of the elements of harmony?” Six new wielders. This was news to my ears, and critical information.

Discord started giggling. “Oh what?! You still thought that those two were still -” Discord broke out laughing “- no! That’s the reason why the magic on our prisons began to weaken in the first place.”

I put my hand to my chin. “Hmm. I guess that does make sense. Fine, just give me the short version for the moment. After we’ve dealt with the current problem with the elements, you can completely fill me in.”

Discord quickly gave me the rundown of everything that had happened since we separated in the Royal Canterlot Sculpture Garden. “Discord,” I said, standing up. “After this, you and me are also going to have to a serious talk about evil takeover plans.”

Discord flew through the air, his body silvering around me “Dio, so what do I do?”

The words that came out of my mouth must have seemed ridiculous. “Easy. You let the elements hit you.”

Discord looked dumbfounded. “Huh?” He disappeared in a flash of white light, appearing a few steps away in the air. “And I thought I was the crazy one, but you must be absolutely insane.”

I shook my head. “Oh no.” A took a few steps forward. “Do something similar to the statue decoy we did when we first broke out. Create an organic copy of yourself, and fill it with so much chaos magic so that when the elements magic hits it, it'll have to turn it to stone thinking its a threat. The stones themselves aren't organic and can't think as we can, so it shouldn't be able to tell the difference between you and a super chaos charged copy."

Discord looked uneasy. “You do realised that I’ll be left with very little magic for quite a few days if this actually works. I’ll have to replace myself with the decoy the moment before the elements strike me. There just isn’t enough time to do something like that.”

“I’ll take care of that,” I said. “I know you can move in frozen time, you’re too chaotic to not be able to. Abilities like short range teleportation and short range telekinesis don’t use lots of magic anyway compared to moving through time.

“Come with me Discord,” I told him. I’d searched the castle earlier, and luckily the princesses hadn’t discovered my greatest treasure. “Further down is a chest with the tools we need.”

Discord trailed behind me. “I’m curious as to what you be referring to.”

We went down the flight of stairs for about ten minutes until I finally came across the door I was looking for. We’d had to go down some few secret corridors to get here. The was made from steel, which had rusted slightly with time. The edges of the door were gold trimmed. I pushed, like most of the doors in my castle it opened. This one moved with a bit more resistance that the others. A small chest lay in the middle of the floor.

“This is it Discord.” I pulled out a key from my pocket. “The weapon which will allow us to defeat the elements once and for all.” I inserted the key and turned. The chest opened, a relic of times past lying inside it. As expected, they had remain perfectly intact.

“So this is what you were referring to!” exclaimed Discord. “So you’ve finally made your decision.”

I took out one of the relics, an insect carving on its head. “Yes I have,” I replied. Long ago, I’d decided against this particular method. I'd decided against it because of the power gained was outweighed by having an additional weakness. Not to mention that power could possbily be destroyed using magic. However, times had changed.

I forced the relic into my chest, the head piercing my alabaster skin and into my flesh. I felt an amazingly strong power rush through me as a golden aura enveloped my body. I felt an overpowering urge to laugh. “MWAH HA HA HA HA HA!”

“Dio?” said Discord. “You okay?”

I turned to him. “Oh Discord, I’ve never been better.” I put my hand to my head, my claw-like nails digging into my skin. “This power I’m feeling. It’s AMAZING! I feel complete. I’m stronger than I ever was without it.”

Discord tapped me on the on the shoulder. “So, we can begin then?”

“Yes,” I told him. “We can begin.”

Author's Note

Hey guys, Senbonbanana is here with the latest chapter of Living in the Shadows.

Sorry it took so long for this chapter to come out. With it being school holidays at the moment, my time has been pretty packed, leaving me not much time for writing (not to mention this chapter is slightly longer that usual).

But yeah, here it is guys. Hope you enjoyed it and thanks for reading. :twilightsmile: