Darkness surrounded me as I walked down, some sort of hallway I think. I wondered what was happening until I finally saw a solitary light appear down the way. I walked until I stood underneath the light. Once I was I looked around, in horror.

All around me were stains of blood, some old and dark, but others were still bright and wet. ‘What is going on? This isn’t one of my normal nightmares. A new one perhaps?’ I spoke aloud. I continued walking but flinched back as the hallway I was apparently in was suddenly flooded with light. I opened my eyes to be greeted with a scene that could only exist in a nightmare, at least I hoped so.

Down the now lit hallway were the rotting remains of several creatures. This is the only way I could describe them as they were so maimed that I’m not sure what the even used to be. They littered the walls in various fashions, some cut in twine, others ripped limb from limb, and others still just a bloody smear on the wall. I looked at it all, but for some reason I didn’t feel sick I just continued walking as the lights flickered and buzzed above me. While bathing me in a red glow because of the blood that coated them.

I finally made it to the end of the hall. Before me stood a large metal door, when I opened it I was confronted with a large circular room. Inside which was a dim light which showed the front of a very large metal cage, ancient from the looks of it. Its bars coated with several inches of rust, except two spots on two side by side bars closest to me. I took a step closer, trying to see if there was anything inside.

I stepped inside to until I was under the light. As soon as I was though, I was hit with a wave of pressure filling me with a sense of dread. The pressure was suffocating, but somehow I wasn’t scared. I was familiar with this feeling, but I couldn’t place from where or when. As I stared into the cage I was met with two slivers of red staring back at me.

“Who’s in there?” I asked, not really expecting an answer.

However I was met while an enchanting voice whose words dripped honey. “Would you please open the cage?”

“Why would I do a thing like that?”

“You’d really leave your brother trapped in a cage?”

The slivers opened into two distinct red eyes as the figure stepped into the light. Like he said, in front of me stood my older brother. Leo was around 6’2”, muscular because of his military training, with dark brown hair and green eyes. He was wearing a marine t-shirt and camo army pants, however they were filled with rips and tears, not to mention the massive blood stains and scars covering the majority of his body.

Rational thought was thrown out the window at the sight of my brother. “L-leo, what’s going on? Why are you covered in blood and scars? And why are you in a cage?”
“Open the door first. I’ll explain once I’m out.” Leo said, while staring at me with his… red eyes…

Wait, that wasn’t right. Leo’s eyes are green not red, something isn’t right here.

“Hmm, how about you tell me who you really are and I might begin to consider it.” I spat back venomously, for almost falling for such a simple trick.

The copy of my brother’s voice warping into a demonic growl as it began to laugh. “Hehehe. HAHAHAHAHA! I GUESS THERE IS NO POINT IN TRYING TO TRICK YOU ANY LONGER.”

This definitely was no longer a copy of my brother, but a demon. It looked much like a bloody shadow, with a constantly shifting form. However one trait I could defiantly distinguish was its wolf-like head.

“So if you have no more tricks to use, what will you try next?”

As I said this, a ring of fire encircled the room shedding light over the entire room.

“HOW ABOUT FEAR? I’VE ALWAYS LIKED THAT ONE.”

“What are you talking… about…” I stopped short as I looked up.

I gagged as I looked at the sight before me. Above me were everyone I had met and considered a friend since entering Equis… their bodies in tatters… and hanging on meat hooks. I eyes instantly trained to two individuals in particular, Vinyl and Octavia. Their faces were twisted into looks of pain and terror as their bloody corpses swung above me.

“OPEN THE CAGE, AND I MIGHT SPARE THOSE YOU SEE THE FATE IN FRONT OF YOU!” The shadow howled at me.

I refocused my attention back on the thing before me. “No.”

The shadow seemed to shift slightly at my words, like I had confused him. “THEN ENJOY THE LIGHT. FOR WHEN DARKNESS COMES, I RULE YOU!”

With its words a blast of fire came through the bars and enveloped me.

I bolted upright from the nightmare that had finally ended. I was drenched in a cold sweat as I blinked rapidly to adjust my eyes to the dark of the room. I looked to my right to find vinyl curled up against my side.

I smiled as I looked at her peaceful face as I thought, I’m so glad that was just a nightmare. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost her.

Now to get some answers. Bael, you’d better answer me.

What is it?

Do you know the dream I had last night?

No, I have no influence over you when you sleep. Only when you are awake can I contact you.

I saw the cage…

… I see. What did he show you?

Can’t you just check for yourself?

Yes, but I thought it might do some good if you talked about it.

Well no thank you, I rather try and forget that dream if I can.

You won’t. IT won’t let you.

Lovely. And what exactly is IT?

In time, it isn’t of great importance at the moment. As long as you leave the cage closed.

I don’t like it when you dodge my questions Bael. I need answers.

And in time you will receive them. You are not ready however for all the things I have to tell you, yet.

Fine, not like I’m going to get anything out of you anyway. Just answer when I call at least, you are the only thing that seems to know what is going on.

That is acceptable, whether I answer your questions is still up to me of course.

I expected as much. That’s all for now Bael. I’m going to try and sleep some more.

I will do what I can to prevent anymore nightmares this night.

…Thank you, Bael.

As I laid back down I felt Vinyl wrap her arms around my torso possessively as she snuggled deeper into my side. I smiled as I brushed a few strands of her mane behind her ear. I will never let anything happen to you, I promise Vinyl. As smile appeared on her face as if she had been able to hear what I thought. I kissed her beneath her horn before I laid my head back and slipped back into the world of dreams.

~Two weeks later~

Vinyl and I spent the rest of the weekend relaxing and enjoying each other’s company. When Octavia finally returned from the Apple family reunion Vinyl nearly bowled her over as she mock sobbed about being so bored without her. Which was partly true, without Octavia around neither of us really came up with much to do. Which left of with lots of time to learn about each other, not that I’m complaining.

Everything went back to normal after that for the most part, Octavia and I would go and practice with the orchestra during the day, and during the night we’d spend working at the Spinning Disk, sadly I haven’t been needed to remove many customers since that incident with that stallion. Bael has been quite for a while though I haven’t cared much seeing as I’d yet to call on him since our conversation. Though I am thankful, I had yet to have another nightmare of the cage or any nightmare for that matter. All in all life was pretty good, I just hope it keeps up.

I was drawn out of my musings as I heard a knock at my door. I got out of my bed and opened it to find Octavia waiting on the other side.

“Hey Tavi, what’s going on?” I asked using her nickname, I’d started using it after she questioned why I always used her whole name.

“Not much I was just wondering if you’d like to practice with me.”

“Sure I’d love to.” I replied walking out and following her over the studio room.

We played for about an hour before Tavi looked over gave me a mischievous smile. “You want to show off some?”

I returned the grin with one of my own, “Is that a challenge?”

To which her only reply was her beginning to play.

“Oh it is so on.” I replied bringing Blair to my lips.

We went back and forth until Tavi’s bow was frayed and my lips were sore. We looked at each other’s frazzled states before we started chuckling, which soon turned into full blown laughter.

After we calmed down a bit I looked over and said, “Thanks Tavi that was a lot of fun.”

“Anytime, I enjoyed it too.” She said with a smile as she stared at me with those mulberry orbs.

I felt like I could get lost in those eyes if I stared too long but I just couldn’t tear my gaze away. Thankfully I was brought out of my musings as clapping came from the studio door, we looked over to find Vinyl leaning up against the frame.

“Sorry to interrupt the touching moment, but can I have my coltfriend back?” She said with a smirk.

I noticed a light blush appear on Octavia’s face before she started putting her cello away. I put Blair away as well and walked over to Vinyl pecking her lips as she gave me a hug.

“Needed something Vi?” I asked with a smile.

“Not really but we do have to get to work in a bit.”

I looked over to the clock to find it was already ready almost four o’clock, me and Tavi had been playing for a good three hours.

“Yeah I guess you’re right. I’ll go get changed and then we can head out.” I told her giving one last peck before going to my room.

It only took me a few minutes to get ready before we went on our way. We got to the club as the line of patrons started to grow as they waited to get in. Tavi wasn’t with us tonight as she had other things to get done for the orchestra, which was saddening but I’m sure I’d manage.

…I. Am. Sooo bored! This was literally the most lacklusterly normal night in the history of me working at the club. I almost wish a fight would break out just to get some excitement in here. Though Vinyl seemed to be having fun as she bobbed her head to the beat she was making on her turntable. I loved her, giant glasses and all, and it was calming to watch her work.

What a sap… not that I care.

What the hell! I thought as I whipped around, scanning the room. That definitely wasn’t Bael.

I looked around until my eyes landed on a person in a dark green coat with the hood up staring at me from across the room. I froze as felt a pressure come over me, I felt my hand shake slightly as I felt the person’s unseen eyes bore straight through me. I took a step forward before I hear the voice again.

Ah ah ah, just stay where you are like a good dog. Or keep coming, it doesn’t matter.

I froze as I looked at this being with pure hate.

Ahh, there it is. So you really are Fury’s cage. Better than this little number anyway. It gestured to itself as before continuing to speak. That doesn’t matter though, I was just curious to know what you looked like.With that the being stood from the seat across the room and made their way over until the walk just past me.

“By the way, you can call me… I.D… or whatever. I don’t care.” A distinctly feminine voice spoke over the music.

I whipped around to confront this woman only to find she had disappeared. I look over the entire club but she was nowhere to be found.

As my anger grew I finally stopped and thought to myself. Bael, answer.

She seems to have gotten a good rise out of you.

Who the hell was she anyway! I thought only you could do the weird talk in my head thing!

You’ve much to learn young one, but all in good time.

No, not this time Bael. I want answers!

Let’s just say that person wasn’t actually a person anymore.

You mean to say that they used to be?

Yes, and what they are now is not something you can deal with at the moment.

I hate when you’re cryptic, you know that right?

I might get some pleasure from the fact, yes.

I sighed, no matter what I felt I knew getting Bael to telling something he didn’t already intend to tell me was pointless.

I focused back on Vinyl as she continued her tunes, completely oblivious that anything had been wrong. I smiled at seeing how happy she seemed to be, doing what she loved. Oh and would you look at that, I looks like a guy is getting a little too frisky with that mare. I grinned as I walked towards the offending party… I love my job.

~That night~

I stared at the blood rusted cage that stood in front of me as a pair of red eyes stared back.

“It’s been a while. I almost thought you were just bluffing” I said coldly.

Dark laughing filling the room as the shadow twisted in its cage. “I NEVER BLUFF, I HAVE NO NEED FOR SUCH TRICKERY.”

“Probably true, so why have you brought me back here?”

“BECAUSE I CAN, AND BECAUSE I KNOW YOU HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING ONE OF MY SIBLINGS.”

My eyes narrowed as I stared at the cage, wishing I could will it to burst into flames. “You’re referring to that bitch that called herself I.D. aren’t you.”

“NANAL HAS ALWAYS BEEN A CONNIVING ONE. THOUGH I DO ENJOY HER BRINGING OUT YOUR ANGER”

“Nanal is it? Ok how about this ‘Fury’ what’s your true name?”

“HA, IT’S BEEN LONG SINCE SOMEONE CALLED ME THAT. OK MORTAL I’LL GRANT YOU THE HONOR, FOR SHOWING SUCH BRAVERY IN MY PRESENCE. THE NAME THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW AND FEAR IS, KORVIN!”

The room shook as ‘Korvin’ laughed, I looked up to see storm clouds above me before a bolt a lightning struck me.

I bolted upright in my bed, again drenched in a cold sweat. I felt Vinyl at my side as I laid back down, wrapping an arm around her as I did.

I need to figure out what’s happening, and I need Bael in order to do that. I thought as I held Vinyl tightly, almost afraid to let go of her for fear she’d disappear.

I spent the next couple week in the royal library, thanks to permission from Luna, trying to find something on either Korvin or Nanal. But I’d yet to find any mention of magical beings or spirits by those names. I did think about the seven deadly sins but that didn’t fit since Nanal didn’t really match any of the sins. If anything she acted indifferent to learning about me, so I’m not really sure what to do. The internet drew just as big a blank as I was having luck in this library.

Maybe Twilight would be able to find something. No I can’t do that, if she did find something and it turned out to be like dark magic she’d interrogate me on how I learned about such things. So Twilight’s out, that leaves finding a way into the infamous ‘forbidden section’. Apparently only a princess can grant access to that area so that puts me in a bit of a bind since I’ve been doing my best to keep Bael under wraps.

And I must commend you for doing such a great job of doing so.

Oh great, now you speak up! Are you going to give me some information or do I have to start being illegal to find out anything?

I was just waiting for you to realize that there is no texts that will tell you what you wish to know.

… Are you telling me I just spent the last two weeks… for absolutely nothing?

Not nothing, you provided me with entertainment.

…I hate you so much.

… So are you going to tell me what I want to know?

No, but I’ll let you know something you used to desire to understand.

And what would that be?

That humans are capable of magic.

What…

Though they are few in number, select bloodlines in humanity hold an affinity for magic. Yours included.

So humans are able to do magic? Then why isn’t it a normal thing like here on Equis.

You are mistaken, humans can’t do magic.

But you just…

They used to be able to.

… Explain.

Select bloodlines held a strong bond to magic that was on earth, but millennia ago they decided that it was too dangerous for your race to hold such a power. So the bloodlines of magi, as they were known, came together and cast a spell that expelled all magic from your world and prevented from magic being able to return. That is why Equestrians cannot live on Earth for more that few months without revisiting Equis, or they will perish.

Where do you fit into all this?

A tale too long for today, patients young one, it is a virtue.

Ggg, ok fine. How do I fit into all this?

As I said your bloodline used to hold an affinity for magic, for most that hold these bloodlines within them evolution had eliminated the gene for being stagnant. Meaning though by this point in humanity’s life the bloodlines have touched almost all who live on earth, almost none have the gene to allow them to harness Equis’ abundant pool of magic.

So you said I still could, why am I so special?

Because you hold a direct line to one of the first arch-magus, one of nine who created and cast the spell that rid Earth of magic. He was also the one who made our pact and started the legacy that lead to your conception.

Ok~, so does that mean you’re going to start teaching me magic?

No.

What! Come on, you can’t tell a guy he can do magic and then expect him not to want to learn.

There is a condition that you must fulfill before I teach you anything.

What is it!?

You, like the ponies you live with, have an affinity for a particular type of magic. I want you to figure out not only what it is, but the element’s ancient name as well. You know what it is already, but to remember will be the test.

You’ve got to be kidding me. That is the most abstract thing I’ve ever heard!

That is your condition, meet it, and I will teach you all you wish to know about your magic.

And with that Bael went silent, no matter how many times I screamed at him to answer to remained quiet to me.

I’m really starting to hate that guy. I thought to myself as I trudged out of the library and back to my home.

I walk through the front door to find Vinyl and Octavia feverishly arguing with each other before Octavia stormed away. I walked over to Vinyl as Octavia slammed the door to her room shut.

“Ok what the hell was that all about?” I asked while giving her a stern look.

Vinyl looked sheepishly at the ground before glancing up at me from behind her shades. “It was nothing. I just said something I shouldn’t have.”

I continued to stare at her, but eased up on my glare. “You going to tell me?”

“Do I have to?” Vinyl turned her gaze back to the ground.

“Yes.”

Vinyl sighed before walking over to the couch and sat down, as I sat beside her. “We had just been joking around, but then I had to go and mention her parents.” Vinyl tried to press herself into my side in an effort to disappear.

“Was that all?” I asked ignorantly.

“You don’t understand."

"What’s so bad about her parents? Did she have a falling out with them?”

“That would be an understatement.”

“That bad?”

“Worse. I met Octy when we were just foals, I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned this but I’m actually of a noble Canterlot family just like Octy.”

“Wait, both you and Octavia are nobles?”

“Well that’s the thing, I still technically am, but Octy was disowned by her parents when she got her cutie mark.”

“Why’d they do such a thing?”

“Octy comes from a family of unicorns, like most nobles in Canterlot. When her mother had an earth pony foal, she was immediately declared as being unfaithful to her herd and exiled. Her father kept her in the family however, they were hoping she’d discover a talent for medicine, politics, or something else they could exploit. So when she found her talent in music, all hope for her was lost. She was disowned at that point, and my family actually took her in and raised her. That’s why we’re so close, we’re basically sisters.”

“So what did you say that set her off?”

Vinyl tried to curl into my side again as she spoke softly, “I might have said something along the lines of ‘You’re so uptight you could be mistaken for a unicorn…’ I’m such an idiot.”

“No denying that fact.” I replied which earned me an elbow to the ribs. “Ouch! But as I was saying, you didn’t do it on purpose. Let me see if I can calm her down. Just stay here K?” I said before standing up and walking over to Octavia’s bedroom door.

I knocked lightly on her door only to hear, “Go away Vinyl!”

“It’s not Vinyl, Tavi.” I calmly replied.

I heard shuffling before I heard the lock click. Octavia cautiously cracked the door, just to make sure before she opened it wider.

“Do you need something, Andrew?” She said only glancing at me. It was obvious from the redness in her eyes she had been crying.

“That’s what I should be asking you. Want to talk about it?”

“I’m sure Vinyl’s already told you.”

“She did, but I want to hear it from you.”

Octavia stood for a moment before moving aside and allowing me inside, before shutting the door behind me. She sat on the edge of the bed as I sat next to her and wrapped her in a short hug, which she returned.

“So, tell me what happened.” I told her as I tried to sit up but Octavia just stayed in the hug, which I didn’t have a problem with.

“Vinyl and I were just talking about music, human music actually, and we got in an argument about styles. I should have just left when we started raising our voices, but I was being a little stubborn.”

“So was Vinyl, it’s something you to have in common.”

Octavia chuckled at my observation. “Yeah, I guess so. But then she had to go and compare me to them.” She spat the last part.

“Your parents…” I said calmly, hoping not to set Octavia off again.

“They don’t deserve that title. They didn’t do anything to earn it.” Her words were cold as ice as she talked about them.

“So I’ve heard.”

“You got the short version.” Octavia started off. “I never knew my birth mother, she was made to leave Canterlot right after I was born. I don’t know if she ever attempted to see me, but if she did she never succeeded. I was left in the care of my herd mother, who had recently had a foal of her own. I never breast fed, that was considered too good for me, which stunted my growth when I was little. Thankfully it didn’t do any lasting damage. I was only kept around for my potential to be used, when I got my cutie mark in music all my usefulness vanished. I was disowned and left at an orphanage which thankfully I didn’t stay in long.

“Vinyl has been my best friend since I could remember. When she found out what had happened she told her parents and they got me out of that horrid place. At that point Vinyl and I legally became sisters. I’m pretty sure Vinyl hasn’t talked about her parents much to you, they’re nice ponies and they do care about Vinyl and me. Though they’ve had to distance themselves to retain their position and influence as nobles. We usually hear from them around Hearths Warming just to make sure we’re doing ok. They were the ones I truly consider my parents, but that doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten about them.” Octavia said, finishing her rant.

“I can relate in a way. You know about my step mother, but I don’t think I’ve ever told you anything of what she did specifically.” Octavia shook her head as I continued. “After I was put in her protective custody my life went straight to hell. I started teaching myself martial arts as a way of coping with the abuse. It pissed her off to no end when she hit me and I didn’t even flinch. When she ran out of ideas to cause me pain she start to cut me. For three years every birthday I had she’d slit my arms equal to the number of years old I was.” I explain while turning my arms over to show the ten slivers on my right arm and the nine on my left. Octavia looked at them in horror before hugging me tighter, burying her muzzle in my chest.

“I’d usually pass out when she hit around twelve, but then I’d wake up at fifteen and start screaming again. She was always just sober enough to make sure I didn’t die, but I came close a couple times. When I final got away from her I made an anonymous tip to the police, with audio, video, and written evidence that got her thrown in prison for twenty-five to life. The money I received from the case for recompense is what I used to travel over here and start my new life. Where I got to meet you and Vinyl, and where I learned how to love again…” I concluded.

Octavia looked at me with tears in her eyes, there was remorse in them but at the same time was another emotion. I looked at her as she pulled herself up to my lips and gently kissed me, I didn’t push her away but neither did I pull her closer. She pulled away after a moment before speaking softly.

“I’m sorry I don’t know what came over me.” She glanced up at me before averting her eyes.

“Don’t be, I understand. Are you feeling any better?”

She smiled at me before replying, “Yes, thank you. I’m glad you came to stay with us Andrew. I don’t know what me or Vinyl would do without you around.”

“Be at each other’s throats?” I threw out sarcastically.

“You’re probably not far off.” Octavia laughed, “Come on I think we’ve had enough sadness for one day.” She said before pulling me to my feet and walking to the door.

As she opened it she was assaulted by a sappy white unicorn as it apologized to her.

“Tavi I didn’t mean what I said. Please don’t stay mad at me.” Vinyl sobbed out, her mane was more frazzled than normal and on the counter I saw a bottle of Sweet Apple Acres whiskey half gone. We must have been gone longer than I thought.

I helped peel Vinyl off of Tavi before carrying her to my room where she passed out almost as soon as she hit the covers. Tavi and I ate a small dinner before we retired to our separate rooms exchanging goodnights. As I crawled into bed Vinyl molded to my side as she subconsciously wrapped her legs up in mine and wrapped her tail around my waist. I weaved my arm around her as I felt sleep pulling at the corners of my mind before falling to the darkness. Dreams would have to wait because now I had a mission… finding my magic.

Author's Note

And the dark powers coalesced into Lyruil Mhuhahaha!

I told you guys I'm not dead, just lazy. Well I finally was able to write a chapter, I wished to put in some more content before introducing some of the things I did but oh well, I needed to write something so I could continue the story.

Hope you guys enjoyed what I did manage to write. If any of you can guess Andrew's magic I'll pm you a spoiler for a major plot point of the story, if you want it. But you have to do it by my next chapter which I hope to have done in about two weeks. Hint: If you look closely at parts of the story it's fairly obvious.

With that said. Stay awesome everyone, Lyruil out.