Hatched

"Damn street thugs." Detective Magnus said. "Chase 'em one day, find 'em dead the next."

He looked down at one of the corpses, one of the unicorns with his horn snapped off. "Howler, you S.O.B., when I said I'd get you for that Colt Killer case, I never imagined it'd be like this."

Another detective, his partner, walked up. "Sir, we picked up a witness across the street. She said all she saw was a lot of red, then the bodies were left on the floor."

"No shit," he replied. "Three leaking blood bags and not a single hoof print to follow. I don't want scared civilians McCheese, get forensics off their asses and find me some real evidence."

"They're already here sir."

"Good." Magnus walked over to his car and stuffed his face with a doughnut. "Who could have done this? The mafia would rather take over the streets than clean 'em up."

"Another gang sir? Maybe the Merry Pegs are making their move." McCheese reached for a doughnut. Magnus swatted his hoof away.

"The Unis are undisputed around here. No way in hell it's the start of another turf war. Some kind of psychopath lurking the alleys, now that's my guess. But I want everything here turned up and on my desk by tomorrow morning at the latest. Hate being in the dark like this."

"As do I sir. I'll see how the forensics teams is doing."

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"Why won't it come off?"

Hatchling bit at his armor again.

"It's like I'm being trapped in my own body!"

He commanded his cloak to obey him, to tear his armor, and itself, to pieces. It writhed and wriggled up, gripping sections of thick leather and chainmail.

The cloak retreated. It would not harm itself.

Company property Hatchling. Ya know how things are. Those suits aren't cheap ya know, the boss invests quite a bit of power into each and every one.

Those were the demon's last words. It hadn't spoken to him for three days, and for three days he hadn't stopped trying to escape.

"You okay bro?"

He turned to the voice. Not him again.

"It's been a few days, and I don't think you've eaten. You should really get out of these alleys and get your life back."

Hatchling snarled.

"That, coming from a drunk like you? Thanks, but I'm fine without your advice."

The drunkard stepped back, wise enough to give the Hatchling his space.

There, he sat, he waited. He dosed off to sleep. That was where Hell resided.

First came the fire, like scorching coals under his feet. No, not like, that's what they were. He wanted to flee, to escape, but he wasn't in control of his legs. He simply kept walking.

Hatchling looked around. Most of the room was dark, the only light was the coals. He kept walking, looking forward, reaching his master.

An assassin must ignore the worst pains. Anything less and you will have the same weaknesses as your targets, and you will lose power over them quickly.

He struggled to open his mouth to ask what was happening, but he had no control over his words. Everything was set to play out.

"Of course, Master Stoneheart. This is nothing."

A sharp crack slashed his face.

Do not be so quick to believe in your skills. There is such a thing as hubris. Nature is a powerful weapon, and a vicious killer. It's a tool we use to be unparalleled in what we do. We respect is power over all living things, and by doing so, we can only hope to tame it. Do not overestimate your abilities.

The whip's slash barely stung. He was focused, unwilling to be broken.

Is that so? Let's try something else then kid.

Hatchling screamed, pulled back into the darkness.

You're slow!

The pain came freely now. His body flew across the sparring mat effortlessly.

If she had told me their son was useless, on top of being a bastard, I would never have taken you in.

Still, he felt determined. His feet moved to a familiar stance, planted firmly on the ground. Two strikes, two blocks. But he returned the attacks with a kick of his own, and found his face greeting the mat.

Something tore in his shoulder.

Even my worst students have mastered their acolyte training! If you want to be anything more than a street rat begging for pity, you better stop dicking around and fight like a stallion.

His skin felt ready to tear under the pressure. His master pinned him to the ground, pushing his foreleg into an unnatural position. Hatchling grinded his teeth until he couldn't handle it anymore, and tapped out.

The pressure disappeared and he laid limp on the floor.

Nice one, tough guy. How about another?

Hatchling reached out, grabbing the voice. He felt the demon hiding in the shadows, and he clenched his cloak around his neck. He was back on the streets, choking the demon right after killing the three unicorns.

Hm... this wasn't how it all went down. Wanna see what you're doing wrong, Hatchling?

The nightmare vanished. The drunkard grasped at Hatchling's cloak with his wings, but they were weak and malnourished, and could find not grip.

The drunkard choked, windpipe slowly collapsing. The Hatchling barely understood what he was doing for a moment.

Hatchling relaxed, freeing the drunk and dropping him on the ground.

"Sorry to sneak up on you like that yo," the pony said, "but you were moaning and twisting around, I thought you were hurt or something."

He turned away, ignoring the drunk. "Learn from this. Stay away."

"We street folk don't have much, but we look after our own." He held out a crooked wing, inviting the Hatchling.

The Hatchling didn't want to be invited.

"Stay away from me."

He got up from the trash and leaped up onto the walls and rooftops, his cloak following like a streak of blood.

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Canterlot, city of perfection. Quite nights, lively days, and enough gold and cash for each resident to bath in their wealth. It wasn't so perfect this night.

"If Luna saw the dreams then we have to act!" Twilight slammed her hoof down on the table. "Please Celestia, it's finally my turn to face one of them!"

"You'll do no such thing," Celestia told Twilight. She sat on her throne, regal as ever, looking over the other princesses to guide.

"Sister, perhaps we could reconsider-"

Celestia cut off her sister, unwavering in this matter. "Candence has the Crystal Empire's power behind her. The Crystal Heart's done wonders for her magic, she can face another this time."

Luna stepped into her sister's tired gaze. "Cadence nearly died hunting the last Hatchling, and that was only a day after we located it. It's been three days already, and no pony knows how long until we find it this time."

"Exactly why Twilight will not face the enemy."

Princess Twilight wouldn't have her old mentor being overprotective. "I am the element of magic, Princess Celestia. If Cadence can gain power from her empire, then I have power from the Tree of Harmony itself."

Celestia didn't relent. "You cannot go up against this kind of enemy Twilight. This is something beyond us, a power far more ancient than we realize."

"Even so, if this thing is as bad as you all says it is, then I have a duty as a Princess of Equestria to stop it." Twilight revealed a folder from under her wing. "This is a report from the local police in Fillydelphia, the same town where Luna says the Hatchling appeared. Three ponies, all dead."

"This has gone far enough Twilight. Luna's suspicions does not allow a senseless chase around Equestria!"

"Sister!"

Celestia shot a look at Luna, realizing how far her nerves had gotten to her.

"The dreams aren't completely accurate, but Fillydelphia is definitely close to the creature. Furthermore, he seems to be regaining some memories through his dreams. If his strength is growing then he's already begun harvest, whether or not he knows it."

Celestia sighed. She closed her eyes, letting go of her anxieties.

"Twilight, there are old ruins under the city of Fillydelphia you can use, if you choose to go. It's from an ancient era, long before the three pony races even began to make their first pact. You'll find weapons in the temples that should be able to harm the Hatchling, and special charms to defend against his powers. You'll ultimately have to subdue him and purge his soul from this world. Bring him to us if you can, but the temples in the ruins should have the equipment to end him as well."

Twilight nodded. "How do I get to these ruins?"

"Just south of Fillydelphia lies the entrance."

Celestia shone a light from her horn onto the world map in the center of the room.

"Right there, in the valley between two shallow hills."

"Thank you, Princess Celestia. I will put an end before this gets out of hoof." Twilight made her way out of the castle, but Celestia stopped her with one last ominous caution.

"Twilight," Celestia spoke with great worry, "you should say your goodbyes to your friends. Just in case."