//-------------------------------------------------------//
                   A Princess's Monster                    
                    -by Crooked Djinn-                     
//-------------------------------------------------------//
//-------------------------------------------------------//
                    Deal with the Devil                    
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Deal with the Devil
1288 C.E
Anon the Ripper terrorizes Canterlot, preying on lone mares who stray from their homes at ungodly hours! The peaceful city is wracked with fear. Citizens are unable to leave their homes for fear of death. Forty-seven mares have already fallen to this monster's bloodlust and the body count rises! Several mares have gone missing this week alone, and with the nefarious creature lurking about, they are presumed dead!
".....Our hearts go out to each and every family who've lost loved one to this wild beast. It is advised that citizens stay indoors past sundown..."
Princess Celestia trails off as she places the days newspaper down on the table and resumes her tea.
"How convenient..."
Lightning illuminates the dark skies over Canterlot. Rain crashing down like cats and dogs, hitting the cobble stone streets and going pitter-patter, pitter-patter. A shadowy figure stands over a corpse, blood mixing with water as it pooled around its boots. He was male. Tall and scrawny, almost sickly so. His eyes were those of a maddened bull and his teeth were razor blades fixed to his jaws. His clothing concealed the rest of him. Dressed in the height of fashion. At least, a popular aesthetic from where the creature originated. A very tall hat that rested lazily on his head. A long coat that stopped just by his calves. A very dapper suit hugged him closely in the cold rainy night.
Lightning boomed across the sky again with an encore of thunder. He could see his reflection then, in the puddle of watered down blood. Rather, you could see your reflection. You crouch down by the corpse. She's still fresh, your latest kill. Your gaze traces her figure, starting at the hooves and making its way to her heart. There, protruding out of the mane's chest is a dagger. Blood ran from her mouth, as well as tears from her pin-pricked eyes. You could still hear her struggling to breath as blood surged into her lungs. You shiver, perhaps because of the chill in the air or the adrenaline. Gingerly you reach for the hilt of the dagger, wrapping your hard leather gloves around it. Giving a mighty tug the dagger comes loose with a thick sopping sound. You shiver again. With your other hand you reach into your coat pocket and retrieve a handkerchief, dry with the blood of previous prey. The dagger quickly returns to its reflective metal form, no longer stained with the murky thick ichor of the innocent mare.
After tucking the dagger away safely, you stand. It's getting colder by the minute. The longer you stayed out the higher chance you gave yourself to sickness. But before leaving, there's something you had to do. Something you do with ever mare after their life's ending. Very carefully, as careful as a mouse you stick your boot out and move it under the mare's dress. You apologize to the mare for what you were about to do and raise your leg, revealing the mare's cutie mark. A golden lyre.
"How quaint." you say looking at the lyre that lay snapped in half beside her. Withdrawing your foot you back away and give a deep respectful bow. "You were extravagant. There hasn't been a mare like you in quite some time. And as I take my leave, I fear there won't ever be a mare quite so amazing as you."
You tug on the lapels of your coat before turning to saunter away, leaving the mare damp and soaked. As you stroll through the rainy alleys of Canterlot, you whistle to pass the time. Your voice meshes with the sound of your leather heels on the cobble. Bouncing off the walls and skipping back to you. It has been an eventful evening for you. One that probably warranted your bounty raised another several hundred bits. The alleyway is illuminated by magical street lamps that give the dark walkway a purplish glow. Looking down, you can see the light dance in the still puddles of rain.
"Damned pegasi."
It has been raining all this week and doesn't look like it would let up any time soon. You can't say you liked rainy days. They obscure your vision at night and dampen your fine clothes. Not to mention mares caught in the rain are slightly less appealing than on a clear night. Regardless you still make an effort to make your rounds. If you hadn't, mares would go unattended under Luna's pale moon. Suddenly a flash of cold wind tackles you, grappling with you until you are completely still. You halt, listening to your surroundings. You were very paranoid, and rightfully so. Any self-respecting serial killer would be paranoid, right?
You are stone; a craft worthy of Michelangelo as you stand perfectly still. For awhile you hear nothing. So you opt to wait a while longer. You wait until all your whiles are spent, finally taking up your stroll again. Then you hear it. The sound of whistles screaming into the brisk air. Harsh and heavy hoof steps trampling over cobble. Hoarse voices calling into the night at one another. They must have found her. Lighting becomes your ally as it throws its thunder out to conceal your own running footsteps. Your steps are masked by nature as you resume your route home in a hasty fashion. You count off in your head the number of twists and turns. Left, another left. Three rights while avoiding the lights. Over and under, concealed by thunder. It's always done without a blunder. Your legs bring you still as you take a moment to regain your breath.
"Have I always rhymed in my head?" you ask aloud. To no one in particular other than yourself. But you don't respond.
Instead you continue walking, too tired (or too lazy) to run. You were about a few yards away from home. A nice abandoned house that sat between a bakery and shop for daggers and combs. It had been your stay for a very long time. So long in fact that you don't remember. Time is almost meaningless to you now. When you came to Equestria the concept of time deteriorated. Slowly but surely. Now you can't even tell if you ripped your good shirt a week or a month ago. You open the large wooden door to your home and slither inside. The rain becomes muffled after you close it behind you, giving you the sense that you had walked into someplace else.
There are no lights, only filtered rays that hung quietly in the air from the outside lights. Despite the darkness, it's very easy for you to maneuver. You know where everything is,right down to the inch. Picking up where you left off you begin whistle. You go through your systematic ritual of undressing. First you peel away your long coat and with it the day's stress. Next you remove your hat, something that should be done first thing when entering a building. You remove your gloves, slowly peeling your hands out of the tight leather grasps of false fingers. You turn around, stuffing your gloves in your coat pocket and hanging it on the coat rack along with your hat. Then you turn around again, take five steps before removing your baldric. The leather strap comes off you with ease. The buckle a faded silver and discolored brass. Carefully you set it down on the table in front of you. Afterwards you take the dagger and place it on its pedestal with the delicacy of a bee on tulips.
Your most prized possession. Eight inches from hilt to tip, a stunning metallic majesty that soaked its lusty fangs into countless mares. The hilt, which you admire so, is a combination of gold and bronze. A beautiful diamond lay encrusted on each side of the hilt. It's by far the fanciest thing you owned. You stare at the blade as it sits on the pedestal, as best you could in the dark anyway. At the end of each night you find yourself entranced by the murder weapon. Perhaps because you admired it so, or perhaps you loved the stories it held. Or maybe you envied it.
Men aren't made for murder. They simply choose it, whatever their motive might be. But a dagger is a weapon. A weapon meant for only one thing. Simply to kill. That purpose alone is what it was born for. It had no choice in its destiny. It simply existed and by doing so immediately became of use to others. Weapons have a simple life. One that will always be fulfilled so long as one fills justified in crafting such things. But a man is different. Men aren't merely tools granted a purpose upon their birth. Men have it harder. They must first grow, mature, think about what they're going to do before actually doing it. Men search for their purpose, and sometimes they don't never find it. For many, purpose comes hand-in-hand with death. They only realize their reason of life right before they take the big sleep.
You aren't sure if you had found your purpose yet. Or if you even had one. Sometimes you argue that your purpose was stolen from you the moment you fell into this magical world. You had no destiny, nothing you'd be remembered by. It hurt, but only slightly. If you weren't going to be remembered as a whole then your legacy would be fragmented and spread across the whole of Equestria. In the hearts of each mare who stumbled around dumbfounded in the late night. Like any monster you would take your place in the fear of others. That would be your memoria. Or so you hoped.
You break away from your trance and move past the dagger. Heading for the lights, which is just a single oil lamp that'slow on oil. You feel around in the darkness for the tinder box, not remembering exactly where you had placed it. Unlike most things. Eventually you find it and strike the match, lighting the lantern. The room around you begins to soften and open up. The darkness steps back and bows its head to the light. You hold the lantern aloft to get a proper vista of your home. It is the same as always. But for some reason you feel as though it kept changing with each day. As if the building around you has slowly begun to wither away. And who knew, it may have been. Time marches on wards as you sit still. Never really going anywhere.
You sigh, something you often did when home. You enjoy it, so much so you take another deep breath and slowly exhale. It feels good to breath. Breathing is a blessing. Nothing came better to you than the good clean air of home. You continue to breath as you move through your home, the light casting away the darkness that dare encroach on your residence. It's very natural for you to do this. Rather, it became natural. You love walking through your home, not going anywhere, just walking. But this time the ritual is broken.
Never have you not wandered aimlessly around your home. And for something to disturb you is very unpleasant. You happened to stop in the living room. A room with high walls and wide spaces. Nothing in the room save for a couch, two chairs, a folding chair, a lounge chair, and a fireplace. The fireplace is lit. Strange considering you've never tended to it in all your days, weeks, months, or years living here. So why were flames gayfully dancing in the pit? The flames filled the room with a pleasant autumn red and orange that flickered off the burgundy striped wallpaper. On the walls were shadow-plays of light fighting dark, moving back and forth in a timeless tug-of-war. But you ignore it. Your left eye looks to the right and your right does the same, for it could do nothing but follow the left. You see nothing, which troubles you more than pleases. Looking to the right, you again see nothing. But... you're sure someone is there in the room with you. Or maybe you did see them... and chose to ignore them? For some reason you find yourself afraid. Your breath halts and arms shake. You're no longer able to keep the lantern aloft and drop it by your side.
Suddenly the room became the Sahara as heat bombards you from every direction. As if you were taking an early trip to Hell. The smell of sulfur rudely intrudes into your nose causing you give a disgusting gag. Fire. All is fire as it swirled around you and into you. Heating you to the point you were sure you'd burst into hot burning coals! You buckle over, closing in on yourself like a dying spider. Your tongue hangs ragged from your mouth, any trace of saliva evaporating into the air. You want to burst through your clothes. Drown yourself in the icy arctic waters of the north. Yet you could hardly move. Great fiery chains wrap around you and constricted your movements. It's like Great Beelzebub himself sprang out of the rock and wrapped his molten claws around your person. And then suddenly it stopped. Just when you were about to submit yourself to the madness of the heat.
Your panting breath fills the now distilled air and you fall to your hands in knees, still feeling your internal thermometer drop rapidly. You look up and for the first time (in a very long time) since your stay in Equestria, you felt fear. There were only five things that frightened you. Stingrays, for their affinity with great Satan. The dog in Mr. Pantywaist's yard. Most amphibians. Commitment. And Princess Celestia. I'll give you a chance to guess what held your fear at present.
"Seventeen-sixty. Seventeen-sixty. The mare in the wagon goes by Trixie...."
You recite yourself a rhyme to calm your nerves. Maybe she didn't notice you yet. But if you kept breathing so harshly you were sure to gain her ire.
"Thirty-three and thirty-two. Paul has an ox that's blue..."
You look at the still form sitting in your favorite chair by the fireplace. She's massive. Imposing her figure on the world around her. As if gravity itself would bend to the weight of her will alone! There's no way she could possibly be real. The laws of causality wouldn't allow her to even take her first breath. For nothing warranted her existence. Yet she walked liked normal ponies, flew like birds, created miracles like God. She loved like a woman and hated like a man. She's hot to the touch, yet immensely cold. Celestia seems to fade in and out of reality. As she peacefully sat in your chair you worked on regaining your composure. You were getting used to her presence. Albeit very slowly.
"Twenty-nine, eighty-two. Three mice in my shoe.."
Your breathing calms and you no longer feel the heat. Your body is returned back to you and you are granted control again. But you opt to stay perfectly still. You won't even breath. You won't even move your eyelids or blink. But what you would do is rhyme.
"Seven-hundred and thirty-four. Eight knocks on Heaven's-"
"I would greatly appreciate it if you stopped that senseless prattling."
A voice rings out that isn't your own causing your blood to freeze white. Only to quickly heat up again and boil. That's definitely her. No doubt whatsoever. Though you aren't entirely sure you could trust your own mind, it seemed like instinct. A primal instinct shouting at you that someone is there in the room with you. And that someone's name is larger than life. You stand, shaking in the knees. You shiver as you feel that familiar sensation wrack your body. Despite your best efforts, you can't help but feel giddy inside. Celestia isn't looking at you. She's quietly gazing into the flickering flames of the fireplace. The sight of her makes your heart pound. Like it's tearing through your ribs in order to break itself free from your body. And you'd let it.
She is very beautiful. A beauty that is sometimes incomprehensible and always understated. No one man, whether he be the most skilled poet or wordsmith can one-hundred percent depict her. She is simply 'above' mere words and thought. Something beyond mortal thinking. Her beauty makes you want to turn and flee, because you knew her beauty would hold an unstoppable power over you. It's coupled with age old wisdom. The kind your grandmother would only hint at. You can practically feel Celestia's life just by standing in her presence. It makes you want to cower. And also rush towards her and bring her into your embrace. You open your mouth to speak but are interrupted by her shooting her deathly stare at you. You turn away, if you had gazed a moment more you would have drowned in the sheer intensity.
"Anon the Ripper. Anon short for Anonymous. Full name, unknown. Age, unknown. Blood type, yet to be determined. A 'human' who found his way into our world. An urban legend in some small towns in the countryside. Each one exaggerated and inflated to the point of out right tall tales and lies. No different from a mythical beast. You shouldn't even exist. Yet here you are. Standing before me like a terrified child. I have to say I'm disappointed. I would have thought Canterlot's infamous monster to be more...intimidating."
She looks away, dismissing your existence. How dare she? Who does she think she is? Who does she think you are? Well, she has every right. You can't hope to stand up to someone of her caliber.
"Intimidation is a tactic employed by bullies and barbarians. I am neither of the two. If I am a monster, then I prove the case that we monsters are indeed civilized."
Anon, what are you doing? Don't give the God princess any lip!
"You insult me. My honor is damaged, as well as the honor of all monster kind. We are good people. I can assure you that. But you... you've broken into my home. Sat in my favorite chair. And now impede on my honor. If I am only a monster, what does that make you?"
You're putting up a front. There's no way you could be this confident in front of her, is there? At least, that's normally the case. But you've always had the knack of faking it til you made it. Celestia finds herself looking at you again, this time you don't look away. To your surprise there's no nefarious intent in her sightseers. There's no longer the stifling feeling of oppression suffocating you. You were free to breath normally and rhythmically.
"All buildings, persons, items and objects within the realm are mine to subjugate, dominate, and command. Therefor, this chair has been commandeered by the monarchy."
What?! You huff, folding your arms and turning your nose up.
"To hell with that business. That's my favorite chair and it's going nowhere. Remove yourself from the throne of the great Anon!"
You shoot a glare at the princess and it is returned ten fold. But you can't back down now. You have to fight for what you believe in. And right now all your belief, faith, and religious fortitude is placed in that single peace of furniture.
"I will not relinquish the best seat in all Equestria to some lowly murderer who doesn't even have the decency to hide the body. Really, you made it easy for me, Monster. It's a wonder how the guard hadn't found you. But that's the price you pay for a decorative task force."
You tuned her out a long while ago. Now you were trying to wrap your head around how exactly she's sitting in that damned chair. Your chair. Celestia's horn is now glowing gold and so is something by her side. With her magic she lifted your dagger into the air. Rotating it and cocking her brow as she studied it. You grind your teeth, wanting even more to grind them on her big stupid face!
"That is mine!" you say as threateningly as you could manage.
However, Celestia isn't phased. She only continues to look over the blade. Sometimes scoffing at its 'crude' craftsmanship
"Need I remind you? All buildings, persons, items and objects within-"
"Enough! Return my dagger and remote yourself from my cathedra!"
Surprisingly you find it within your self to approach her. But as soon as you take the first step, that terrible heat rushes towards you and collapses your knees. Celestia's sheer will alone throws you to the floor and you hit it hard. You cry out an "Oof!" before rolling over, turning the room upside down. She bears down on you with her heat of a billion burning worlds. Her stare is entire planets crumbling and bending to gravity as they are pulverized and consumed by the celestial flames. You are motionless. Trapped in the chaos of her pupils.
"I am not one for games, Monster. I did not come here to play with you." she says in a stern voice.
"So why are you here, Majesty? Come to kill me? No, had that been the case I would be in shackles and hurried off to your dungeons until my chopping day. Or is it hanging day? Or are your people too soft to actually end the life of another?"
You begin to squirm, trying to break yourself free of her will. All the while keeping eye-contact with 'Her grace'. She's enjoying watching you struggle. You knew this by the very slight smile that tugged at her lips. It pissed you off.
"On the contrary. Killing is precisely why I've taken time to walk upon the ground and sift through the endless mounds of garbage in lower Canterlot. The philosophy of death is exactly why I personally took it upon myself to find its most committed agent."
"If you've come to flatter me save it for someone who needs it. Besides, what could princess want to know about murder. Nonetheless an immortal one. Get to the point you zounderkite!" Your loud mouth earns you an inflammation of the lungs and you cry out to the high ceiling.
"I've come to you Monster because I feel you can be of use to me. Despite your lowly existence beneath a ruler's hoof. Out of the great benevolence of my own heart I am offering you grander things."
Celestia then craned her neck downward. Her face came within inches of yours and you were granted a front row seat to the chaos in her eyes. There's nothing but insanity evoked by centuries of unending life. After all, what would the idea of death become in the mind of one who could not know it personally? Wouldn't it cease to be the abstract fear that walks among the living? However, you bore yourself with the thought and look away.
"You seem to be content with clinging to this filth; it is befitting of your kind. You wish to fulfill your role as a monster so that you may never be forgotten. You wish to live on in the hearts of all your victims after your demise. You feel this is your ticket to immortality. Yes?"
Celestia is now incredibly close. So close that you can feel the heat of her breath on your slightly open mouth.
"I must applaud you. Your psychiatric skills are unparalleled. I didn't even have to tell you about my childhood."
Sweat begins dripping down your forehead as you shift uncomfortably beneath her. She's still focused on you like a beam of intense sunlight shining in your eyes.
"So you think you understand me. What of it?"
"I ask of you only one thing. I am not here to force you." Celestia's expression softens. At least, you think it does. One thing was for sure though; her lips were now almost pressed up against yours, locking you in a thermal kiss.
"Become my monster. Align yourself with your ruler. Become all that I need of you. I have tasks that only a monster could carry out. I need someone who isn't afraid to get their hooves dirty. Devote yourself to my mission and I will see you satisfied."
Your heart is now beating like a primal drum. Going Pom-pom-pom, pom-pom-pom!
"What if I were to say no? I can't say I particularly enjoy the idea of becoming someone else's lapdog. Not to mention pretty white princesses. What self-respecting monster would?"
Celestia pulls away, taking your breath with her. The air around you then falls in temperature. Celestia's hold on you softens and you are given your freedom of mobility back.
"Of course should you refuse, I will eliminate you on the spot. And in the wake of your death, I will erase every trace of you. Every possession of your's and every memory of you. Then I will capture your soul and plunge it into the core of my own affinity. Where you would spend the rest of my days burning. Try and make the right choice. I do not want to be disappointed."
You rise to your feet, somewhat stumbling. Celestia retakes your seat by the fire, which only serves to anger you further. It's bad enough that she just waltzed in here, annexing your things. Now she's making you a deal you couldn't possibly refuse! Well, you could refuse. Just to spite her. Yeah, that'd show her that not everything bends to her will. But then, who would remember you? All the magnificent deeds you have given the world would be completely snuffed out! No proof of your spectacular existence! All traces denied! Your stomach feels heavy and the hints of a fever begin to over take you.
This devil has trapped you in her game! It wasn't even fair. You're not even competing on a fair playing field. But it's not like she isn't spot on. Allying with her could further your goals; widen your ambition. And there's nothing particularly wrong with using someone to your own gain, right? That's what it'd be. She wouldn't be using you but vice versa. You chuckle to yourself as you revel in your triumph in mental gymnastics. Celestia doesn't seem to notice this. Instead she continues to observe your dagger. At least she has an appreciation for blades at least.
"I have decided." you say aloud.
You puff your chest out, flexing your muscles and drawing in breath.
"Have you? Very good then. Your decision?" she replies dismissively.
"I have decided that I will join you." you say with an exhale. It still feels very good to breath.
"Excellent. Though it was never your choice to begin with."
Celestia stands and as she does the room around you seems to dwarf. Even now Princess Celestia imposes her presence onto all. It really gives you the feeling that this entire world really is her domain. You somewhat admire that, though not completely. After all, you have no desire to rule the world. It'd be too much of a hassle for a simple monster like yourself. No, you would rather stick to the pleasant happy life you lead now. Celestia moves closer to you, her wings now spread as wide as the sky. Suddenly they wrap around you and you are once again inches away from the princess. She's holding you close, so close she could practically smother you if she chose to snuff out your life right here.
"Is personal space not a concept here in Equestria?"
She says nothing at first. She's only staring at you. Her wings pull you in closer and presses your face against her's.
"Listen to me. From this point on you are my monster. You belong to me. Everything you are. Your body, your mind, your soul, all objects for me to employ at my leisure. Do you understand?"
Celestia's face hardens. The chaotic vortex in her eyes threaten to swallow all you are should you fail to comprehend. And to comprehend what exactly? That you practically just signed yourself over as a slave? You think to yourself. That wouldn't entirely be so bad, would it? She's an immortal deity and ruler of an entire country. You could have anything you want. But to be totally hers? The thought disturbed you. You belonged to no one. You belonged to your passion! And yet, you find yourself wanting to accept. The idea of being a tool is appealing. At least for now. You were always an indulgent man, Anon. Why not explore this idea to the fullest? At least until you get bored.
"Fine then. I'll be your tool, play thing, partner or what have you. Consider myself your's to command."
Celestia smiles. It's exquisite. A beautiful amalgamation of maleficence, benevolence, and immaculate beauty. Truly she's Elysium itself.
"Perfect. You will like your new life, I promise you. You have made me a very happy and satisfied mare. My monster."
Within an instant your lips lock with her's and her embrace tightens around your form. Your eyes shoot wide as you struggle to breath and move. But you are trapped. Trapped within a cage of hooves and wings. You could feel everything within her with just this one kiss. Her breath, her heart beat, the coursing of her immortal blood in her veins. And most of all, the unending warmth. It all poured into you, flooding your body with an overwhelming sense of peace and pleasantry. It is similar to how a poet compares the wonders of heaven to a single moment in time.
You feel her tongue invade your mouth as she pushes deeper into the kiss, tightening her hold on you. You begin to lose yourself in her, wander if you'd ever be able to resurface. Soon enough you would drown within her and never see her day ever again. There is an attempt to pull yourself away, but you find you aren't strong enough. Her strength far exceeds your own and you are completely powerless. Your life is being drained from you. She is literally taking you from yourself and capturing it within her! Then you realize you can't breath. You begin struggling as best you could but to no avail. Your eyes roll into the back of your head and all is darkness as you collapse into her. Your body goes limp and your consciousness is locked away for the time being.
Celestia pulls away from you with a loud 'pop' and she gasps for breath. She still maintains her devilish smile as she looks you over, pleased with herself.
"There. Now that that's out of the way...."

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                        Employment                         
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Employment
You wiggle your toes as you open your eyes to the blinding light. Immediately you sit up, clutching the covers in your shaking heads. Your breath is ragged and your hair a mess, and you feel a slight sickness in your stomach. But you aren't dead. So that's something. You look over your body, trying to find any scars or wounds. To your relief you find nothing. You are totally unharmed. You think. Shaking your head you try to remember everything that happened. You came home late at night after a kill. Nothing was out of the ordinary was it? You try harder to remember but when your brain turns up nothing you become frustrated.
"I know there was something.."
Your own voice somewhat surprises you. As if you shouldn't be able to speak at all. Now you look around the room you were in. White. Nothing but white. White walls, white floors and ceilings. White furniture. It hurt your eyes. Pulling the sheets off you, you turn in the bed, placing your bare feet onto the cold alabaster floor. You shiver as you stand, your loose pajamas cascading down your body.
"I don't remember changing. And where the hell am I..?"
Sleep still has its groggy handlers on you as you move away from the bed in an attempt to escape it. You make towards the vanity in the corner of the large room. It's a very quaint little piece of furniture. Lined with golden curls, resembling French Rococo. You don't sit, instead you lean in on your palms to look at yourself in the mirror. It's old, so old you have to wipe away the dust with your sleeve. Eventually you create a surface you can see yourself with and look over yourself once again. Nothing was wrong with your face, thank God. And nothing else seemed out of the ordinary. Then why can't you remember? Why is it that you awoke here with a memory gap? Dammit, you deserve answers!
You spend a little time making angry faces in the mirror, smearing your visage all over it. This vanity will know your displeasure in being here! But soon enough you tire of playing games with yourself and you turn away. But as you do so, you catch something looming across your chest, poking its head out of your loose pajama top. You lean back in for another look. It was on the left side of your chest and curved like some sort of tendril.
"Strange.."
You slowly pull at the neckline to expose your chest and what greets you sends you rocking back in slight horror. There on your chest is a charred black sun. Its blackness like the deepest chasm and as ugly as sin. You remember almost immediately. This was her doing. You run your finger over it and you instantly tense. There was a pain that pulsated throughout you at the touch. It feels like the pain reached its cold bony hands into your chest and grasped your heart. She has placed her mark on you. She wasn't kidding when she said she'd make you hers. But you didn't know that meant her scarring your body! How dare she!
You stomp away from mirror and make a straight line for the door. Someone is going to get a very stern talking to. You place your hand on the cold door knob and prepare to yank the door open. And you almost break an arm, for the door was stuck. The door rattles as you continue to pull on it, but it doesn't budge. Then you opt to try two hands and give it a mighty tug. Again the door doesn't yield. You begin pulling with all your might. Even going as far as to place your feet on each end of the doorframe, lifting yourself off the ground.
You pull. And pull some more. Then the door begins to creak. Almost! You've almost got it! Celebrations are already running through your head as the lock gives way and you're sent on your back side with the door knob in hand. It takes you awhile to come around again but when you do, you see the door cracked open. You stand, pleased with yourself. There's nothing a man can't do when he puts his mind to it! Tossing the door knob aside you stroll up to the door and open it. Only to be met by a wall of bricks. You groan loudly. Like a child who's parents aren't indulging him.
The tantrum you throw is also similar. You stomp around in your room, tossing things over and screaming at the ceiling. Usually you'd care about acting so childishly, but now it doesn't matter. You deserved to let off a little steam after being kidnapped, branded, and forced into this room with no way out. Eventually you tire yourself and collapse on the bed. Your stomach growls, causing a rumbling in your lower body that you can't ignore.
"And what am I supposed to do for food!?" you call out.
Naturally nobody answered. There was only your voice and the sounds you made with your own movement. You lay on the bed, bored and hungry. You hadn't either bothered to look out the window. The view was nothing compared to freedom. A caged bird could have a view of the entire kingdom, but he wouldn't get to explore it. You begin to trap yourself in shallow poetry, tucking your knees to your chin and passing the time with old songs and rhymes. Then you hear a soft creaking from within the walls.
You snap to attention immediately and hop off the bed. Your body has now entered stealth mode. Something you had a great deal of practice in. The creaking doesn't stop, instead it continues on indifferent to you. Your ears have been trained to hear a butterfly's wing beat, though not really. You liked to think that. Still, you follow the sound over to a wall adjacent to your bed. Placing your ear up to it you hear the sound more clearly.
"Hmmm. A pulley. Three-hundred foot rope. It's....lifting something."
You use your supernatural powers to determine what the source is. Though they aren't really supernatural, more just clever guessing. The creaking in the wall stops and you back away, not sure what to expect. A panel in the wall opens, one you hadn't noticed.
"Peculiar.."
You lean in to peak inside. Inside is a neatly placed meal of eggs, bacon, four pancakes and a nice tall glass of vitamin C. Also a letter. You stand there staring at the plate. For some reason you don't trust it. You feel if you reach for it the panel would snap down on your arm and bite it. A moment passes, causing your stomach to rumble a bit more, paining you until you surrender. You reach towards the plate and gingerly retrieve it from the tiny elevator and go over to the bed.
"It's always a letter in these stories...." you say aloud.
Before reading the letter you place it aside and dig in. It was a peculiar meal, considering you hadn't had any meat in a very long time. Ponies were herbivores, yet they kept live stock. Were they secretly savage meat eaters? The meal was still filling though. The bacon wasn't too thin, there was plenty of cheese in the eggs. The pancakes were even spot on. They reminded you of the old country. It's been awhile since you had such a great meal. Actually, you've been living off of stolen breads for a very long time so this was a nice change of pace. Downing the tall glass of orange juice, you turn to the eggshell white envelope on the bed beside you. It fits in your hand perfectly, and it smells like sunflowers. That's nice. You peel it open, wafting a stronger smell from inside.
"She must fancy perfume."
Neat swirly curls of words dance across the parchment from left to right. It's much better than your own, and you don't think you'd ever get that good. Even with a thousand years of practice. You begin to read, squinting your eyes.
"I take it you've awoken. Try and be more quiet. You'll bring the entire castle down with your childish temper. No doubt you have questions, questions I'll answer when I feel the time is appropriate. For now, I want you to focus all your effort into getting dressed. Your clothes are in the wardrobe. I am coming to see you within the hour. Wait for me."
There is no signature, not that it needs one. You don't like the idea of having to wait on her. Knowing her, she'd probably make you wait all day. You sigh as you stand, finding the wardrobe. Marching over to the giant wooden exo-closet, you pull on the handles to open it. There's your normal attire, neatly sorted into the left side. On the right are more clothes you've never seen before. You pull one item from the right. A nice white button down with golden embroidery and frilled around the collar and cuffs. You nod, draping it over your arm. Next you pull some very nice slacks. A deep black with gold buttons trailing up the seams on the side. You nod again and continue looking through the wardrobe.
Eventually you settle on your attire and begin to get dressed. You peel out of your pajamas, shivering slightly in the cold stone room. You'd bathe, but there was no tub. You'd have to mention that to Celestia. As you get dressed your attention is constantly pulled towards the large window. After slipping on your pants you stride over to it. It's high-noon. Not that late in the day. You were high up, very high. Must be in one of the several keeps that puncture the sky. But it's hard to tell which one.
You watch the sky for a little while before becoming bored with it. Cloud watching just wasn't as fun as it used to be. You sit down on the bed and buckle up your boots. With that done you begin to wait for Celestia, at least for now. There's a clock in the corner. An ancient grandfather clock that ticks madly. A thick heavy sound that is heard every second. All it does is remind you of your boredom. A minute passes. Then three, then nine, thirty, until finally it's been a whole hour. At least it feels that way. Boredom threatens to overtake you should you stay on this bed for a moment more. So you rise, pacing frantically.
"I have to leave this place. I'll go mad if I stay here any longer!" you say aloud.
You begin to search for ways out. You certainly weren't escaping via the window or door. No there was only on option. The service elevator sits patiently in the wall, the panel still open. It's just big enough. You smile, patting yourself on the back for the genius idea. You'll escape this prison and be among the people once more! All you need to do is tuck your elbows in and hug your knees. You poke your head into the small crate-like elevator. It smelled like oldness. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea?
"No. It will work. I just need to have faith."
Yes, faith! Faith could make a man fly if he believed hard enough. You begin to hastily climb in. It's a tight squeeze but you manage to get yourself inside without too much hassle.
"Alright. I'll need the other components as well. I have faith. I have trust.... sort of. What was the last part?"
You try and remember the third component to the formula but eventually turn up with nothing.
"Bah! I'm sure it'll be fine."
Two out of three wasn't bad so the odds weren't terrible. You grab hold of one of the ropes between your legs and test it. Pulling it lifted you slightly higher. Obviously, that was the wrong rope. So you grip the other and begin to pull. With a few tugs you manage to lower the box a tiny bit. But hey, it works so that's good enough for you. Slowly but surely you begin to ascend. The box creaks with each tug, groaning under your weight. Pretty soon you're encased in darkness and unable to see. Now you're more or less a mouse scuttling inside the walls. As you descend you begin to grow tired. You're already several minutes in and you have no idea how far the bottom is. After another five you start consider that maybe you made a mistake. Maybe you should have waited. But you're already halfway! Maybe. It may be even harder to go back the way you came. You must persist! Freedom was only a few tugs away!
It has been what feels like several hours. Your arms can no longer pull. The tips of your fingers have withered away, leaving only your skeletal feelers. Your back hurts from being hunched over for so long. And you're pretty sure the crick in your neck will kill you. You're pretty sure you've gone insane, if you weren't already. The darkness has become tangible. Crawling up your legs and wrapping itself around your waist, intimately. It's deathly hot. It's the kind of heat that bleaches bones white and makes you burn your bare feet on the concrete. Extremely unpleasant. You can't even form a thought. It could be that you simply stopped thinking as a way to cope with this suffering. But a single word echoes in your collapsed mind. A question that'll haunt you for the rest of your life.
Why?
Why the hell did you think this was a good idea? You regret everything you've ever done. If this was punishment for your sins, it was a little cruel.
"This must be similar to how convicts feel. Deprived of any freedom....void of any sunlight. Oh the horror.."
Your voice doesn't travel far, making it seem louder within the enclosed space. Right now, you are your only friend. And as far as you know, the last living creature in Equestria. After all, you had no sense of time. So to you, it seemed fairly plausible. How long has Celestia been dead? No, she was still alive. She had to be. But would she still be in power? It could be that some other fellow took power years ago. You entertain the idea of Celestia forced into hiding. Living in a hovel and barely staying alive. Her days of chair stealing and abduction completely over!
"Ha!"
You laugh aloud, jolting your body and causing the service elevator to shake. Now you're reminded that you're still in the elevator and not some world of your own. Eons have you spent imprisoned here. But no more! You made a commitment all those years ago that you would escape this castle! Or at least that bedroom. Now isn't the time to quit. There are mares that need killing, and chairs that need sitting. You can't afford to sit on your ass, hunched over in an elevator between the walls. You once again take hold of the rope, age old dust falling from your revitalized arm and pull!
You're descending faster now. You can feel it. One, two. One, two! The elevator is practically plummeting from how fast you're pulling. Soon enough, you'll crash at the bottom and be free! Nothing has made you more committed in your entire life. A wellspring of potential energy was suddenly tapped in the darkness and now it powers you like a steam train with too much coal. You begin to see light gently leak into the shaft and you become excited. Your palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy, but you persevere! Nothing can stop you. Your arms are fine instruments crafted by gods and your will is as sturdy as Troy's walls! Nothing is unobtainable. Your goal is within clear sight. Reach out and grasp it!
Light is filling the shaft and you can see out side for the first time in years. It's beautiful. Never before has there been a sight that has made you weep tears of joy. It feels like coming home. Your hands are burning and your biceps threaten to tear themselves from your shoulders. But you don't stop. Not when the promise land is so close. Finally, at long last you reach the bottom. Weakly you climb out, shaking and frail. But the light kisses your face so sweetly. You did it, Anon. You are free.
You move to stand, but fear your knees may give out from under you. But you must at least try. Try and stand and bask in your freedom. Eventually you are able and you stand tall on your own two feet and gaze upon the world around you. Which is the room you just left. Celestia is sitting on the bed, her nose buried deep within the folds of a newspaper.
"When I give you instructions I expect you to follow them."
Her voice is low and sweet. But you can still hear the maleficence behind it. You quickly whirl around and throw your gaze at the elevator. It looks just as it did when you left. Which was eight minutes ago. You fall to your knees, utterly defeated.
"Mark my words, Princess. I will have revenge for this trickery!"
"Trickery? Do you really think me that evil?"
"Of course I do!"
Celestia recoils. She seems surprised and slightly hurt. But you don't care, you're only speaking the truth. She is the scorn of the virtuous. The caretaker of the damned. She is the death of hope!
"It pains me that you think of me in that way. I had hoped we'd become friends, or at least you learned your place."
Your place? You knew very well where your place is. And it sure as hell ain't here.
"My place is out there!" you say pointing to the window. "I belong outside. Free to do as I please. Not confined to this cell you call a room. For God's sake you've barricaded the door! And that trick you pulled with the lift is just cruel!"
"You want me to allow you to roam the streets like some sort of wild animal? Anon, your being here is part of your domestication. As I said before you are mine and that's that." Celestia raises her nose in the air, looking at you through half-lidded eyes.
She sets her newspaper down beside her and you suddenly feel something tug at your collar. Your feet leave the ground as you move through the air, against your will. It isn't until you're brought before her that you see the magical golden glow of her horn. Damned thing, you'd like break it off.
"Unhand me!" you bark.
"I would, if I had any hands." she remarks while waving her gold plated hoof in your face.
But eventually she lets you down and your feet hit the floor. You are now eye level, mostly because she is currently sitting on your bed.
"I'll be frank with you, Anon. I didn't bring you here simply because I wanted a pet of the exotic variety."
Really? You assumed she abducted you because she had some weird thing for primates.
"Like I said, I plan to use you."
"And that entails?" you ask while taking a seat beside her.
"Some ponies need killing."
Ah there it is. You're to be her assassin.
"You're the damned ruler of this nation. Kill them yourself."
You take a seat on the bed and lean back on your elbows.
It's not that simple Anon. Though you've most likely lived under a rock these past years, Equestria's monarchy has been challenged. Young schoolcolts who feel their word should carry weight in my court. You give the ignorant knowledge and they bite the hoof that feeds them."
"I don't understand. Why not just give them their bloody say and be done with it?"
Celestia rolls her eyes, very unprincess like.
"They won't stop there. For years the peasantry- as well as nobility- have tried to push for democracy. An ideal that will lead this kingdom to ruin."
Celestia was rubbing her head, tired from all the stress.
"Ah I see. You don't want them to take away your power. You want to remain on top."
You're confident in your claim. So much that you go as far as to adopt the smuggest smile you can muster. The princess now looks guilty, her mouth folded into a frown and her brows slanted.
"That is not the way of it. This isn't about my status as ruler or my desire to remain in power. It's about the whole of Equestria. What is needed for my subjects. They cannot govern themselves. They are too naive and childish. If I were to surrender control over to them they would lead the kingdom I've spent a thousand years forging into ruin. I only wish to protect them. From themselves. Ponies need somepony to guide them. Somepony wiser and more learned in the ways of the world. That is why I've come to you, Monster. Drown out these rebellious children. Purge the unfaithful from my kingdom."
Celestia now gazes into your eyes with such intensity that you begin to struggle in your breathing. She was determined, devoted entirely to her ideal. Her resolution created an enormous shadow that loomed over you like great Death and embraced you. It made you want to do anything for her, and for that reason you were afraid. You stare unable to break your gaze from hers. She has you completely ensnared. You feel your heart drum madly within your chest. Thump-thump-thump it cries. "Let me out!" it screams. It wants to escape this otherworldly experience. Retreat into more familiar atmospheres. Anywhere but the presence of Princess Celestia. The both of you share a deep meaningful silence. Unspoken words shooting between you. But eventually you manage to break the silence when Celestia shifts her gaze to the window.
"You can't think that to be true. You may be their ruler but you're not their god. You can't lead them forever. It has been a thousand years. I'm sure they've evolved to the point where their able to think for themselves entirely. Let them leave the nest already."
"No. They are not ready."
"Then when will they be ready?" you counter.
"Who knows? Possibly never. Which is why I must be there for them. And to do this I need you're help. I have seen how each one of them live their lives. So fleeting and uncaring. They're too kind. Unsuspecting of the evils around them. For star's sake they try and befriend dragons! They are self-destructive. They are good ponies Anon. I won't stand by and let a few rotten apples spoil the bunch."
You roll over sighing, not wanting to face her anymore.
"I have nothing to do with your politics. I am but a humble monster. I have no concept of greater good, I could care less about your country and its people. The world around me is susceptible to change, but I need not change with it in order to do as I please. But, I suppose I did agree to your proposal. And had I not I'd be sailing with spirits. But know this, Celestia. It takes a true monster to contract another to do their dirty work. It takes someone cunning, manipulative, and wise to influence those around them."
Celestia erected herself, once again adopting her prideful airs.
"What are you implying?" she asks sternly. You wave your hand back and forth playfully.
"Nothing. Though I hope you don't lose sight of your vision, then you'd be even worse than I."
It's strange for you to think so, but in this moment Celestia looks exactly like you. Of course not physically, but spiritually? She is of course a monster, in her own right. Though she plays the role of the tragic hero, forced to make a sacrifice for the greater good. All the while having her lapdog perform the slaying. But behind that sinister intent was genuine care and love for her people. A love that can never waver. Not even if the heavens opened up and commanded her to relinquish their lives.
Men aren't born with purpose. Same with pony folk and the like. We must all find our own purpose, our lot in life and role to play. Where you were a bit uncertain, Celestia knew one-hundred percent what her purpose was. To lead. To supervise her subjects for eternity. In that way you respected her. Celestia was a monster who hid from the shadows and walked in the light. Willing to do anything to preserve said light. However, monsters like her are dangerous. If left unchecked, their ambition may either decay or increase to gluttonous sizes. Celestia could be driven mad by her own purpose to the point where her frothing madness swallows the entirety of Equestria. And if that happened, how would you fulfill your own purpose? She claims ponies are the ones who need supervision when really it is her that must be watched.
"Very well then." you say rolling back over.
She still has that painfully lovely gaze that caresses your heart.
"Ask whatever you may need of me. Consider your enemies my own."
A devilish smile that could frighten demons assumes her pristine face.
"But of course." she replies.
She also hesitates which is uncharacteristic of her.
"Thank you."
That's strange. You could be wrong, but you're sure you see gratitude under that nefarious intent of hers. You don't get to comment on it as she stands. Her wings unfurled and her mane begins to flow like the wild currents of the sea.
"So what's the first order of business?" you ask.
"The death of Lady Penelope."
You exhale, your breath fleeing from your insides and into the cold night air. Once again you stalk the night, feeling at home. You're practically bursting with excitement as you make your way to Canterlot's very own cloud district. It wasn't often that you visited, but each time you did you found exquisite pleasures. It's the same with tonight.
Lady Penelope, wife of a noble who is currently away. Recently she has been organizing meets with the peasantry in an attempt to plant the seeds of revolution. Supposedly she is very beautiful. Coat a pure platinum and mane of glistening ivory. You shiver as you stand out side the gates to her estate. Haughty iron bars stand between you and the inside. For most this gate would be a test of conviction. To give you the sense that you won't be able to go back should you cross them. However this is pointless for you. After all, you could never go back. Wherever 'back' was.
From the pocket of your over coat you retrieve the key given to you by Her Majesty. A literal key to the city. You chuckle as you slide it into the lock. The only thing that'd make this moment perfect is if the key were comically oversized. The gate opens with a loud 'ca-clunk' and you push ever so slightly on it and peek into the mansion grounds. It's night and hard to see which makes it a bit difficult to truly appreciate the lavish garden that was the front lawn. You try and muffle your footsteps as you make your away across the cobblestone. You tip toe as cautiously as a cat, making your way through the mansion grounds until your hugging the walls.
The front door is next to you, risen by some stairs. But you can't possibly just take the front door. Well you could, but it wouldn't be tasteful. You have to do this by the book. Sneak into a window or something. You look up and scan the second floor for and accessible windows. Sure enough there's door open on the balcony. That's your way in, you just need to find a way to reach it. You turn and reach into your bag. It just so happens that you have a grappling hook in your inventory. Celestia made sure to send you in with appropriate tools. You've never used a grappling hook before, but you figured it'd be simple. All you really have to do is latch it onto the balcony rails. you lengthen the rope in your hands before twirling the hook. Then it flies from your hand in an underhanded motion, knocking against the balcony floor. Now you pull carefully, trying to guide it to the rails. It grabs hold and you give the rope a might tug to test it. Success. Now all you need to do is figure out how to climb a rope. But you figure that too would be easy enough. You grab the rope and place your boots on the wall. Slowly you begin your ascent.
"Right, left, maintain breath. Stay out of sight and avoid death." you say in a very hushed drone.
Climbing is a lot harder than you thought. It takes stamina and strength that you're slightly lacking at the moment. But you persevere. Only a few more paces. Eventually you pull yourself over the balcony and rest. The weather is getting to you. If you stay out here any longer you'll catch your death of cold. You immediately look towards the warm glow within the house. The only thing standing in between you and it is a light curtain flapping in the breeze. Quickly you pull up the rope and bundle it beside the rails and slowly move towards the door. Your footsteps are muffled and your breath is ever so calm. You were meant for this. This lurking in the shadows. Shadows cast by Celestia's radiant light.
Slowly and carefully you pull away the curtain and peer inside. There is a fireplace, much fancier than yours, a very ornate lounge chair, and a desk. It truly looks like the home of nobility. You're even jealous the wallpaper. There was no one around, or so it seemed. And so you step in. The flames in the fire place seem to startle at your sudden presence. And rightfully so. For only the flames knew what your intentions were, yet they could tell no one. They can only attempt and hiss and crackle their warnings. Now that you were inside you perceived a better sight of the room. The walls were lined with books. Some as ancient as the princess and newer than the sixth season. You pussyfoot around for awhile, taking in everything completely until you're ready to move on. Supposedly there were only three ponies in the house. Lady Penelope, her son Telemachus, and their head maid. This would make it easier to move about. Moving over to the door leading into the hall, you hug your right cheek to its frame. You listen for a moment until reaching for the door knob. You pull gently, not wanting the creak in the door to be too loud. You poke your head into the hall and hear a voice from one end of the hall. A voice like falling ice and crunching snow. It makes you shiver.
"Ms. Bonnet, could you come here for a moment please."
"Yes ma'am!"
The second voice came from the other end, from behind a corner. You hear hoofsteps begin to round the corner in a hurry and you peel back into the study. You wait until the hooves past by you, then fade from hearing. Then you look out again to emerge from the study. You follow the sound of conversation, a door that's now wide open and revealing a bedroom. Inching closer you pick up their conversation. The frosty voice- who you assumed was Lady Penelope, your delightful target- spoke first.
"Thank you Miss. I shan't be needing you any longer tonight."
"Well, if it's alright with you ma'am, I'd like to be going."
"Oh? Rushing off somewhere?
"Ehh....yes ma'am. See, my brother has been sick for almost five weeks now. I try to be with him as much as I can."
You come to a stop by the door. You were close enough now to even hear their breathing. Without a sound you hug the wall by the door, making sure they can't see you.
"Ah I see. Well then I shouldn't keep you any longer. Give my regards to your parents."
"Will do ma'am. And you have yourself a good night. I'll be here in the morning around nine."
You hear the maid begin to shuffle her hooves and turn to leave when she is stopped by the lady.
"Oh and Ms. Bonnet."
"Yes, ma'am?"
There's a brief moment of silence between the two. As if both of them paused to read each other's expressions.
"They found another victim last night. Ms. Heartstrings...."
You feel a tingle run up your spine and you're force to give a smile. It always pleases you to hear others talk about your work.
"Oh yes ma'am I heard. Such a tragedy. She played beautifully..."
"That she did. My husband and I once attended a show of hers. I can remember feeling my heart ache as she strummed through entire lives worth of emotion. A talented mare she was."
The two go silent again. Maybe reflecting on the mare that used to be Lyra Heartstrings. It does you good to know that people cared for her so. For you also cared for her. She was beautiful as she received your gift. In that moment you had thought you found love, only to have it fade with the light in her eyes. Lady Penelope speaks up again, this time adopting a more positive tone.
"Do be careful Ms. Bonnet. Stay on the main road. Avoid the dark. Or Canterlot's own monster will snatch you up in his fangs."
She wasn't wrong. But Ms. Bonnet will have to wait. You make a mental note of the name as you wait outside in silence.
"Thank you ma'am. So like you to worry about the peasantry."
You hear hoofsteps coming your way and you duck into the shadows by the door. Ms. Bonnet strides down the long hall before disappearing behind the corner. You listen to the clip-clop of her hooves fade out completely before you exhale. But you're motionless still. You don't move a muscle until you hear the door downstairs close with a thud. Now was the time.
You slither into the room. A comfy space that resonated an air of peace. It was like sleeping in your mother's room when you were home sick. Lady Penelope sits in a rocking chair that faced the window. Your footsteps are as light as air and you move like the looming clouds. From behind Penelope looks like a painting. A lone mare calmly gazing at the night sky. Her mane a stark white and her coat a monochrome grey. She's in her evening gown, a modest white ghostly sheet that covers her from neck to hoof. Even from this limited observation you can tell she's quite lovely. A beauty who stands above most common mares. It makes you happy. You watch her for awhile, not really eyeing her for anything in particular. But it was sometimes nice to observe those who would fall your victim. You like to watch them in their last moments. Before they succumb to the mind wracking fear that was their imminent doom.
Lady Penelope hums gently. A warm song on winds from the East. It fills you with thoughts of love and awe, something that had become very rare for you these days. After awhile you step up and clear your throat. The chair immediately stops rocking, as well as her angelic humming. You could feel her breath hitch in her throat and see her hooves grip the arms of her chair. She see's you. In the reflection of the window. You loom over her like a great giant of shadow and umbra. Her head slowly turns to you, her bespectacled jewel-like eyes staring into your manic lookers.
"Hello." you say pleasantly.
You place your arms behind your back and put on the biggest smile you can muster. She's still frightened by you. You can see this in the way her eyes trace your monstrous figure. She see's you as a minotaur, yet your knees weren't backwards and your head was that of a hairless monkey. She recoils in horror and you love it.
"What are you doing in my home?" she asks as calmly as she can manage.
You give a shallow bow and lock your eyes on hers.
"Working."
She is perplexed. You watch as she tries to unravel what that would mean. When she finds no answer she asks,
"What labor have you in my home at this hour? Begone! I don't know who you are, but I will see you in prison for intruding on my property!"
She stands and rounds her window side chair, her eyes burning hot coals. But you can tell it's all a front. Her knees quiver and her breathing is substantially uneven. Most didn't try and put up a fight. Most mares would immediately flee or catch the smell of your murderous intent and beg for their life. But not Lady P-e-n-e-l-o-p-e! She is a noble mare. One with pride! So stern and steadfast. It makes you a bit giddy.
"And if I refuse?" you call to her.
You watch as her gaze begins to dart all around the room; she's trying to find any focal point that isn't you. You love when they try and ignore you. As if you'd simply go away if they didn't have to look at you. Some are actually surprised when you pounce on them, wholeheartedly believing you had vanished.
"Wait. I know what you are...." Penelope says in a frightened whisper.
She begins to back away. So you advance, your boots hitting the hard wood floor.
"You're The Ripper!"
You clap, a sound of thunder ricocheting off the walls.
"Bravo! You've figured it out! Congratulations!"
Penelope's flank hits the window and she gasps aloud.
"Why? Why have you come for me!? Don't you know who I am!?"
She tries to adopt a more intimidating and proud speech, but it fails to impact you.
"Someone wants you dead, Ms. Penelope. And I've been employed to make sure that happens."
"Employed...? By whom? Who could possibly want me dead? The nobility? That damned Prince Blueblood isn't it?!"
You shake your head? "No. But close. She doesn't take too kindly to you and your husband trying to force her the Magna Carta."
Penelope's eyes go wide. Wider than a baby's. Her mouth hangs open, but only slightly. Just enough so that you can see her perfectly white teeth.
"You don't mean... No! She would never!"
"Oh but she would! She told me herself in that damned condescending voice of hers. Apparently Equestria is no place for democracy. Or so she says. Personally I would have supported the idea. But when one offers you a choice that's completely one-sided, you can't do much to help."
"You're lying! You sinful deceiver! Our princess would never order such a thing! She is kind... Too benevolent to allow such a thing!"
You throw your head back in thought. She was right, in a way.
"Precisely. She is kind, which is why she's doing this. Most kind. She's looking out for you all in the long run. Or so she says. She claims to be such a know-it-all, but I think she just can't handle being deposed. Regardless, she gave me a job I must carry out."
You reach into your coat and wrap your hands around your beloved dagger. Pulling it out, the blade glimmers in the lamp light of the room. Cold steel that would pierce the Lady Penelope's warm beating heart.
"Are you ready, ma'am?" you say mimicking Ms. Bonnet.
"You stay away from me! You....You monster!" she shouts while trying to find an escape. But she cannot. She is trapped like a tiny animal.
Ah there it is. Every mare's last words. It always comes so sweet from the lips of women and mares. It makes you shiver. And for it to come from someone such as her, it was pure bliss. Never have you thought in a thousand years you'd feel such ecstasy. The only thing that could increase this joy is if she begs.
"I suppose I could spare you. On a humble favor." you say, thumbing the blade held tightly in your hand.
Penelope's old and watery eyes look up at you in desperate curiosity.
"Your maid, Ms. Bonnet. Where does she live?"
The mare shudders. Her eyes become hateful, burning with Vulcan's forge. She grinds her teeth with ten pounds of pressure, wanting to gnaw you to the bone.
"Her life for yours. How about it? I think it's a fair deal. After all, she's just a peasant girl. A maid born to wait on you hand and foot. Well, hoof in your case."
Penelope puts up a front, once again trying to intimidate you. So you move closer with your blade pointing straight at her. "No?" you ask again.
Only when you are half a foot away from her does she relent. Her fury is replaced by pure fear as she stares into your maddened eyes. She cowers under you, losing her battle with distress. He breath is ragged, hardly keeping pace at all. It sounds like a wounded animal, struggling to endure pain. Finally she speaks.
"Very well... I will tell you. Just please, don't steal me from this world!"
This time your own eyes explode open in excitement.
"Well?" you say impatiently. It comes out like a long spread of butter over toast.
"She and her family take residence in lower Canterlot. On Sunset Avenue.... House 283..."
Lady Penelope collapses in on herself. You watch as her eyes implode like a star and form an endless pit of despair. You wonder what that feels like.
"Thank you." you say kindly.
Then your blade finds itself ramming through her fur and shattering her skin as you drive it deeper and deeper. Penelope cries out in great high pitched wails that mimic howling phantoms. Her pupils shrink to the size of atoms and her mouth hangs open in a perpetual scream of terror and pain. She grabs you, not knowing what to do with her body now that it has been taken from her. Though she was nearly gone, she looked into your eyes. Your dark swirling eyes were often the last thing your mares ever saw. And they were driven mad by it. In their deaths they would roam the underworld, insane and dumb. For they beheld a beast more frightening than any legend or fable. Her grip begins to weaken around you as you push deeper and deeper. Blood is now spilling from her wound and elegantly pooling around the hilt. Her blood caresses your hand gently, giving you its warmth.
Then her body falls to the floor with a crashing sound, pulling itself off your dagger. Blood now messied her night gown. Staining it a bright crimson that darkened at the touch of air. You back away and gaze at Penelope's corpse. So beautiful and still. Tranquil to the point of never moving again. You exhale deeply, loving the feeling of your own breath. It felt very nice to breath. Continuing your pleasant breathing you bend down and lift Penelope's night gown to place your eyes on her flank.
"A weighing scale. How fitting. I wish I could see the world you and your friends were hoping to build."
You stand, wiping the blood from your blade when you hear the door behind you open a bit wider. You glance over your shoulder to see a young stallion.
"I had forgotten about him.." you say under your breath.
You turn to him so that you may get a good look at him. Telemachus. He was young. About fifteen? A hushed tone of brown that melded with his almond mane. His eyes are bright with rage, like a maddened bull he hones in on you. The man standing over his deceased mother. You sigh in annoyance. Killing males wasn't your favorite activity. But he saw your face, so he must be eliminated.
"What is it boy? Never seen a member of the working class before?"
The youngling says nothing. Just then you notice the spear he held in his magical grasp. A unicorn. That was odd, considering his mother was a pegasus. Without a word he charges you, two red giants burning in his saucer-like eyeballs. He howls like a locomotive as he sprints towards you. But from the beginning he stood no chance. Not against you anyhow. In the end you suppose it's his fault. He shouldn't have saw you. He shouldn't have wandered in here.
You dodge under the spear and close in on him with unnatural speed. Before the colt can register anything your grabbers are already wrapped around his neck. Using his momentum you pivot on your foot, turning and hurling him out of the window behind you. It's unclear where this unnatural strength comes from. Or why it manifests within you. But you know how to use it to your advantage. The colt crashes through the window, cursing you as he plummets to the hard ground below. You look out on the windowsill, witnessing his mangled body. He could still be alive. You sigh again.
"This isn't going very well. Monsters are supposed to be efficient. That horse may give me Hell for this..."
You casually step over Penelope's body and rush into the hall. Finding the stairs, you seem to glide down them with ease, finding yourself at the front door. When you open the door, the cool air hits you like a heavyweight boxer. It takes a few moments for you to shake old man winter off before stepping outside. Making round the manor grounds you come up on Telemachus' body. Yes he's still alive. Which only made more trouble for you. There was no joy in killing stallions, but you do it out of duty. He doesn't get the chance to curse you one final time as your heel violently crushes his wind pipe. You grind your boot into his throat for good measure before turning on it and making to leave.
"This all could have gone better. I should have locked the door. Her husband will be heartbroken. Not only his wife but his son as well...." You shake your head as you exit out the gate, not looking back. You expect to be hounded for this blunder when you get back.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                          Reward                           
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Reward
Icy cold waters snatch you from your sleep, dragging you into the waking world without any mercy. You gasp, an act that feels like you've just taken your first breath. Your vision is blurry and you can't quite make out the moving mass in front of you. But it is white.
"Bloody hell woman. Is this really necessary?" you say harshly.
The sound of your own voice is like sandpaper grinding against wood. As your vision clears you become able to make out the room around you. Ancient cobblestone walls that stack high above your head and hard cold floors beneath you. No windows or any hope of sunshine. Your wrists are aching and also above your head. You look up to see you are hanging by a chain. And you are also naked. Celestia's presence also stirs you further into wakeness. It is powerful, drawing sleep out of you like a vampire.
"Rise and shine Monster." Her voice is an angel's laugh. Yet carrying the tone of devils.
"Why have I been tied up? Explain yourself!" you try and sound threatening. But all you can manage to do is cough up the words.
"I am Princess; I may do as I please. And presently it pleased me to string you up in chains. It's a fitting look for you, bound and helpless like a wild beast."
She moves closer now, very close. Her breath carries the scent of honey and dreams. Her soft azure eyes stare into your own and you feel your heart flutter. Celestia gently runs a cold gold-plated hoof down your bare chest, evoking shivers through your suspended frame.
"I must commend you on your work last night. Real horror show. But did you really have to take the life of her son?"
You roll your head, trying to remember all recent events.
"It was out of my control. He saw me and attacked. It was self defense, you understand."
"He saw you?" she says condescendingly. "And here I thought you were professional."
She sighs, her warm breath heating your chest.
"It was an error in judgement. I treated it as a game and took my time with her, I was careless."
You make no excuse, there'd be no point in doing so. At the end of the day it was still mission accomplished. But you can see Celestia is still unsatisfied. For a moment she pouts, poking out her bottom lip like some sort of child. Then she relaxes and smiles.
"Regardless, you did well. You've eradicated this thorn in my side, the first of many." she says pleasantly.
Then she leans into your ear, her soft fur brushing against your neck and her body heat nearly evaporating the water cascading down your body.
"You've pleased me greatly, my monster." she whispers gently.
Her voice takes the sweetness of sugar and intoxicating lure of wine and combines the two. It makes your heart jump for joy though you'd never admit that to her. She doesn't move. Celestia remains in your ear, drawing slight breaths that seem to steal the air from the room.
"As a reward, I shall bestow upon you the company of a particular mare." she coos.
Celestia backs away, her eyes half-lidded and lips parted in an incredibly alluring grin.
"A gift from your master! Oh no doubt you must be excited~! Go on then, show your excitement."
You're confused to say the least. Not to mention her constant insistence that you were some sort of pet agitated you. Yet here you are, tied up like some beast. There is a fine distinction between a monster and a beast; such treatment of a proud monster is disgusting and deplorable. You deserve better damn it! Before you can even protest you feel your heart catch fire. A fire that quickly spreads all throughout your body and binds your being to the very core of the erupting sun! You look down, seeing the black sun branded onto you shining brighter than fire. Then it stops, returning your breath and sense of mind. You hang your head and dangle from your arms like a prisoner.
"Let's try that again. Show your excitement."
Oh this mare as evil. Rotten to the core! On Earth or Equestria there is no greater villainy than her! Before you know it she is circling you like some sort of hungry shark. You hardly notice it, but you're sure you saw her flash a crooked lopsided smile.
"Go on then Monster. Show your excitement for your master's gift." she says, coming up behind you to nibble at your ear. "It will amuse me."
You crane your neck to the side in order to look behind you. Your mad eyes are dim in the dark stone room you two occupy. But no doubt she sees the venomous fire in them. She returns your gaze with her own infernal stare. She's having fun with this, so much fun that she'd be loathed to stop now. She's almost hoping you'll resist more. But you reject her the fun she wants and start to play along. You want this over as soon as possible. And well, you were also somewhat excited about this 'gift'.
"Well?" she asks expectantly.
You manage to choke out a few words.
"I am very excited for the gift you have brought for me. With each second I grow more and more curious."
Your spitefulness seems to have the opposite effect on her. She's now happily striding around you to look you in the face once again, that damned smile never leaving her face.
"That's more like it."
Celestia's horn begins to brighten the room, revealing more of it. Terrible torture devices are scattered across the dark cell, each carrying stories as old and horrid as yourself.
"You're going to love it. Though I'm not sure you really deserve it."
Your attention is drawn behind her, to a table placed along the wall. There was a pony strapped in leather bindings that held them neatly in place. As the light of Celestia's horn increased you could see that it was a mare. Shivers immediately run up your naked body and you begin to subconsciously salivate the moment you realized who it was. It was Ms. Bonnet; Lady Penelope's hoofmaid.
"How did you know?"
Your voice leaves you like a mudslide, ugly and thick. Celestia only hums as she begins to unchain your wrists. You fall to the floor, weak kneed and unsure if you can stand. The sun princess towers above you, as she did when you first met. From the floor she looks to be giant. Exaggerated by the world around her. She kneels down to you, placing a hoof on your curved back. It's comforting, like being held in the arms of a mother.
"Come."
That's all she says as you feel a force move you to your feet. You're not sure if it's your own will or hers that compels you to move, but you do so without hesitation. She leads you over to the table where Ms. Bonnet lay bound and asleep. Your heart leaps for joy in your chest, wanting to implode on itself from sheer excitement. You hunch over the table, taking in the sight completely. The mare before you is very beautiful, even more so than she was last night. Her sleeping form was a painting of the planar beings. Slightly curled lips that bloomed bright red like roses. Gently lidded eyes that shield her sight from the waking world. Long thick shimmering mane that seems to wrap her in a soft blanket of obsidian. Her coat a faded brown, each strand of hair a delicate blade of grass that mimics a pasture in the wind. You feel the arm intoxicating breath of Celestia down your neck and you nearly collapse. Your breathing becomes ragged and you struggle to form coherent thoughts. Great alabaster wings wrap around your form and she rubs up against you, lowering her head on top of yours.
"She is very beautiful, yes? A living example that gods trifle with mortals. She is my gift to you, my monster. Go ahead, enjoy yourself."
Celestia's right wing motions to an assortment of tools on the side of the table. Each a doctor's instrument used for surgery and autopsy. You could get used to these kind of gifts. It's almost as if you were beginning to be won over by this mad princess. You instantly reach for the scalpel, a fine rounded blade that can elegantly get the job done. Oh but you want to take your time. This is a very rare opportunity after all. You will milk this for all its worth. Ms. Bonnet's bare chest is presented to you, slowly rising up and down rhythmically. So peaceful and gentle, like a pleasant morning in the summer home. You once again feel Celestia. She's so warm, burning even. It's enough to make you sweat, you can practically feel the smile she's wearing on her face.
"Go on then." she coos into your ear.
For a moment there is only the sound of your ragged breath, but that soon calms to a slow calculated inhale. It mixes with the helpless mare's own breath and in that moment you become one. You carefully apply slight pressure on the scalpel and the skin beneath the fur hastily parts. So do Ms. Bonnet's eyelids. Her eyes dart open, suddenly feeling the sharp pain of being cut open. Her back arches and she begins to cry out. It takes awhile for her to completely regain her vision but when she does she sees only you and the towering demon behind you.
"W-what is this! Where am I!?"
You don't respond, neither does Celestia. In your mind there is only ecstasy, a release of powerful romantic urges that rapture your body into heaven. You cut deeper, allotting a terror filled scream that cries into the darkness of wherever you are. She squirms under you, struggling against her bindings, trying with all her might to escape. But she does not and she cannot. She is completely and utterly helpless. She struggles through the pain of being slowly cut open. You slide the scalpel downward, leaving her chest and cutting through her soft skin until stopping below her stomach. Neon red blood seeps out of the gash that divides her. You pull the scalpel away and inspect the wound. Your amazed by how easy it was and how you felt little resistance.
"Amazing!" you say aloud.
Celestia chuckles behind you, leaning in closer.
"Her eyes are very beautiful. It would be a shame to let them be buried along with her. Why not take one?"
You shiver and no doubt she feels it. Celestia begins pushing up against you, forcing you to impose yourself over the helpless mare. Tears are freely flowing like rapid rivers down Ms. Bonnet's beautiful face. Tears that fall from her miraculous auburn eyes that can thaw ice with their warmth. You'd be lying if you said you didn't want one. So you move the scalpel to the giant orbs embedded in her skull. They plead with you, trying to worm their way into your own maddened bull eyes that strike like great Chernabog. You exhale with a shudder. That's it. That pained helpless gaze that you love so very very much. Oh how it makes your heart soar higher than the clouds~! Celestia can feel your excitement as she traces a stray hoof down between your legs. She bites at your ear, egging you on.
"Go on.." she says almost inaudibly.
Ms. Bonnet struggles even more, throwing her head in circles of grief. She screams and shouts, trying her best to alert anybody, somebody! But no one comes to her rescue. The damned cry out for salvation and freedom from their torment, but never does the light of god shine on them. This was no different. For no matter how loudly she cried or how pitifully she protested, no one would come from her. This thought excites you even more. Celestia's magic then locks her head in place, insuring that the mare can gaze upon you in absolute horror. This is what you were made for! This moment of pure bliss and excitement, this is your purpose! Never have you felt so alive! You inch the scalpel closer, her pinpricked eyes spewing great floods of tears. Your breath is calm, your muscles tensed, and your mind undergoing great throws of pleasure.
"No..." the mare whispers, a quake in her sweet voice. "No! Please! I'll do anything if only for you to stop this madness! Please I beg of you!"
Now there was certainly no stopping you. You're pushed over the edge, it'd be a crime to stop now! You hitch your breath as you puncture the mare's eye and she unleashes an incredible howl that blows through the room like a might storm. The pain and sorrow that plagues this mare's body is absolute! Nothing is as comparable to this utter anguish and drama! You hunch over her, feeling something grip you between your legs. Celestia grinds herself into you, exhaling into your ear. She pushes you forward, encouraging you- no- ordering you to press forward.
You penetrate the mare's skull further with your scalpel, a metaphor that sends you rolling in your own perverted mind. You twist the blade, causing her a sharp mind splitting pain that manifests in her cries that become ugly croaks and throaty sounds. You push deeper and her shouts increase in volume. There is nothing else but her world shattering prayer for death to shatter her soul! Celestia's grip around you tightens, working her way up and down. Her wings expand, each feather separating itself and fanning the room. You hear her devilishly soft tone in your head and for a moment everything around you fades into pleasure.
"This is your reward, my monster. Serve me and you shall know this pleasure every night. Should you deny me, you will be the one strapped to this table. Do not forget, Anon. You are mine. Your body, mind, soul, all objects for my pleasure and will. You have no sense of self, there is only what I allow you to have. Your world is mine, everything you value will be replaced by what I value. You are a beast. Something to be owned and dominated. Do not ever lose sight of that."
You jam the scalpel deep into the mare's eye socket as you howl into the air, arching your back and feeling your body become wracked with an indescribable ecstasy. Your mind runs from you, gayfully fleeing into the unknown and you're unsure if you'll ever reclaim it. You collapse on top of the mare beneath you, who has stopped moving Your faces smears the blood seeping out of the vertical cut on her stomach. Celestia still looms over you like an animal, now satisfied. Your breathing is hardly returning to normal and you can't stop the immense quivering in your knees. It feels like every muscle in your being was just put to the test. You open your eyes, not realizing they had been closed. You can see Ms. Bonnet's mouth hung open in an eternal scream of terror. It pleases you.
As you recuperate you feel Celestia's weight move from you. She's no longer hunched over you but standing again on all fours. Her horn glows, shattering the darkness that engulfed the room around you. Like an explosion, light ripples through the room, combating the darkness and driving it into corners. In an instant the chamber around you is revealed to be your own. The same white walls, floors, and ceiling. To your surprise, it was day. Around the evening. The princess moves to open the large window by the bed, allowing a warm breeze to waft into the chamber.
Maybe it's due to your current state of post coitus bliss, but you begin to marvel at the mare who overlooked her kingdom. You had known her to be beautiful, sure. Everyone in the world recognizes her as the epitome of beauty. But you feel as though you're peering beyond that shallow observation. The first time you felt it is when you first met. When her presence nearly forced you into submission in an instant. It isn't only her physical beauty that attracts you. But her power, her wisdom, will and conviction. Princess Celestia as a whole is someone you could only dream of! And best of all. She is a complete and total monster. Right down to her core. She is your kin. It's more apparent now than it was last night. She's in a completely different league.
Monsters like her are meant for only one thing. To rule over lesser beings and govern the world. In this brief moment you envy her. You are somewhat humbled by her. You realize that she is your ultimate goal, to be like her. Princess Celestia is the monster you wish to be. But gazing at her now, you doubt if you'd ever can ever achieve such status. It's a hell of a climb. Celestia peers at you out of the corner of her eye. You must look like some pathetic mongrel hunched over this corpse. Regardless she smiles, one that is no longer sinister, but pleasant and refreshing. This mare is very strange. One minute she's completely dominating the situation, the next she's just a princess who likes all things sunshine and rainbows. A constant shift of light and dark that fits her perfectly. You move to stand, still trying to recover. As you do so Celestia levitates a bathrobe over to you. You take it and feel its softness brush against your skin. It was remarkably similar to her.
"There is no more work for you today, my monster. You are free all afternoon and you may keep the body as well." Celestia points her hoof at the bloody table. That's nice her.
"What of you? Shouldn't you be getting back? How long have you've been here anyhow?" you say, slipping on the robe.
The princess cocks her head in thought at the question. Seemingly unsure on where she's currently placed on her schedule.
"Dusk is in a few more minutes. Afterwards I must prepare for your next job. Or...."
Before you can even literally blink Celestia is before you, staring down the well of your eyes. She takes your chin in her hoof gently and leans in close.
"I could stay here and have you entertain me a bit more. What say you, hmmm?"
You're speechless for a second before you hastily back away. You're not falling for her wiles. "I cannot say. Do what you want, you're the boss."
She seems to approve. For she gives a sly smirk and gestures to herself.
"Why yes. I am."
She then turns to you and makes for the window. You honestly can't help but eye the sway of her hips as she retreats.
"Food will be up for you soon. As well as somepony I'd like you to meet. I have faith that you two will get along nicely."
Before you can inquire about who it is you were to meet she takes off through the window. you rush after her, hitting your palms against the windowsill. Like a falling star Celestia fastly glides to the ground to disappear inside another keep. You will never say it out loud, but although the heavy air is lifted, you kind of hate to see her go so suddenly.
"Not even a goodbye kiss. How rude.." you complain.
But now with her gone there was nothing to entertain you. All you have is a corpse that will most likely bore you within the hour. And you still need a bath. You groan as you throw yourself onto your bed and roll around for a few moments before stopping. Boredom is already slithering into your being and you can't even hope to combat it. Very unpleasant. You opt to wait a while. Then a while longer. Then you wait until you're driven to the brink of madness. And just as you were about to tear yourself limb from limb with boredom, the door to your room opens with a long creak. You snap your eyes forward, eyeing the door as it slowly moved open to reveal a purple hoof step inside.
"Be weary of entering my room. I am very agitated and may pounce!" you shout. Though you were only half joking.
The hoof does not move for awhile and you begin to consider if it were even there at all. Then the door opens wider, revealing a face you've only seen in papers. A violet mare. The kind of shade that matches the time between day and night. She's an alicorn, same horn and wing combo as Celestia, though she's a lot shorter. Her bangs hang low, covering her eyes. She's wearing a deep frown that seemed droopier than syrup.
You know this mare, the pink highlight of her mane gives her away immediately. She enters your room, her head held high. Deathly serious and swaying her backside. She stops before you, spreading her wings to emphasize her presence. You gaze at her with only slight interest. With her so close there was no mistaking it. She's no imposter. This is Princess Twilight Sparkle.
"Anonymous," her voice sounds like a lilacs dancing in the breeze. "It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Twilight Sparkle, your new associate."
"Associate?" you say with a frown, you do your best to match hers.
"Yes. We're going to be working together from now on."
Her smile doesn't leave her face and you still can't make eye contact with her. The only thing you have to focus your gaze her is small rounded horn.
"You tell that witch that I am not interested. I don't need a partner, I am perfectly capable on my own."
You turn over and face away from her, no longer interested in what she has to say.
"Princess Celestia disagrees. And seeing as how poorly you handled your first assignment, I would say it warrants cause for supervision on your missions." Twilight holds her head even higher, her frown slowly creeping into a smile.
"Supervision? Blow it out your ass. If she wants to keep an eye on me then maybe she should do it her own damned self. I have no need for taskmasters or babysitters. Begone with you!"
You wave your hand dismissively. You weren't about to be subjected to that kind of humiliation. Not even by the mare you've practically given ownership of yourself. It's impossible for you to see but Twilight's frown drops into a mean snarl, but only for an instant.
"I don't think you should be so quick to pack me off. After all, I'm kinda your boss now."
You turn over to see her lull her head in a smile.
"What?"
"Mmhm. Technically you work for me as well as Celestia. And judging how the princess and I are practically equal, it lends itself to reason that-"
"Equal?" you interrupt.
Twilight's bangs seem to lift from her face and for the first time you can see her eyes. They are clouded and murky like muddy water. They shift between a fiery purple and icy blue.
"That's right equal. As both of us are princesses, we are equal. She said so herself. And believe me I actually had a hard time believing it myself."
You sit up, your interest piqued again. You move closer to Twilight to look her over and to generally get a 'feel' of her. Though she is a princess, she feels nothing like one. There is no profound perception of her presence. She doesn't impose herself onto others. There is no stifling air of intimidation and submission that follows her. No. She's just some mare with wings and a horn. Equals. Ha!
"You are equal in only one respect. You're both incredibly idiotic. Now go away, you're disturbing me."
You get up and brush past the violet alicorn and begin to make your way over to the corpse on the table. But as you near it your chest begins to burst with a magnificent bright light. Followed by a sharp stabbing pain that spreads throughout your upper body, causing you to fall over and carefully draw your breaths. The black sun across your heart sets fire to your entire being and you call out in terror and pain. Twilight now strides over to you, her hooves being the only thing you can see.
"You should probably be a littler nicer. Celestia is aware of every move you make."
The burning doesn't stop and you're forced to endure the immeasurable heat that circulates within in. Twilight then makes her way over to Ms. Bonnet's body, disgusted with your handiwork. She turns to you, he bangs once again shielding her eyes.
"Now, first order of business. We're taking a trip to Manehattan."

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                          Lapdog                           
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Lapdog
Manehattan. A sprawling city of towering spires that outstretch their hands to grasp the heavens. Population: approximately 1.626 million. At night, the city becomes so bright that it appears to be day. A city divided along the lines of race, practice, and political stance, yet still uniform and functioning in symbiosis. One of the shining beacons of Equestria's free-world ideology. You sneeze, wiping your nose with a handkerchief. Princess Twilight is explaining to you the inner workings and complex way of life of ponies who live in this harbor town. Halfway through you fell asleep however, only rousing awake with that last sneeze. You look over to Twilight who yaps away next to you sitting by the window of the train.
Look at her. She just talks and talks. What the hell is she even saying? Something about a gift from Prance..? The hell's a Prance? Her eyes are weird. They tend to stay hidden under her bangs, only revealing themselves in brief opportune moments. In the times you did see them, you were a bit unnerved. They don't seem to absorb light, rather they reflect it like two oculine mirrors. You shiver. She's still talking, amazing. How does Celestia tolerate this constant stream of prattle? She must be able to tune her out, you wouldn't be surprised. You tense a little at the thought of the princess. Your "master". That damned psychotic mare! Packing you off with this girl as if you were merely some sort of weapon to be deployed at will.
............
Oh that's right. You are only just a weapon. A tool. An instrument for her to weed out her political enemies. You feel your heart sink to the bottom of your chest, to your surprise. Is that really all you are to her? A puppet? Why does this make you sad? After all, you knew this from the start ever since you met her. Celestia is a monster. She's not capable of any interpersonal relations outside of simply pulling strings and making others dance for her. You click your teeth and kick out your feet, throwing a minor temper tantrum. This gains the violet mare's attention.
"Anonymous, are you alright?"
"Piss off you country hedge-creeper! I will have it so you only speak to me in regards to the job. We aren't friends Ms. Sparkle. Simply partners."
You emphasize the Ms. You refuse to acknowledge her as a princess, there's just no way she can be Celestia's "equal". Twilight gasps, her flat horse teeth revealing themselves as her jaw hangs open.
"How dare you! If we're going to work together I'm going to need you to be more cooperative. Being an anti-social psychotic murderous monster would be detrimental to this assignment. I suggest you wisen up before stepping off this train. When we reach Manehattan, the mission will start and we'll have to work together. Get used to it."
You grumble, slouching in your seat and sinking your hands into the pockets of your nice slacks. Twilight then leans in, her mirror-like eyes reflecting your frowning face.
"Besides. I can always tell the princess you're being problematic. If you become too difficult to handle, she can end you on the spot. We can always find some other monster to carry out her will." Twilight backs away content with herself. She's silent as she stares out into the countryside through the window.
During the reprieve from her lecture, you begin to dwell on what all was said. The idea that Celestia would just so casually brush you aside is somewhat of a heartbreak. A sobering realization that scares you. Of course you don't want to blindly bow down to some mad self-absorbed ruler fitting of a fictitious antagonist. If anything there was only room for one legendary evil, and that is you. Celestia may be a demon, but ultimately you are the proprietar of all your kin. In the end, all monsters and demons will fall under your umbrella. Even if this ambition springs you into conflict with Celestia, it will be a battle worth savoring. Though you're already somewhat adamant about your resolve, you aren't completely at ease with the idea of one day opposing her. You hate her for sure, at least you like to think so. But there's something about her that moves you so. You know it's nothing superficial like her beauty or blind loyalty. It's something much much more. She's the first being to ever have bested you. To hold such an immense power over your life. The idea that she could cut your thread of fate so easily (if it pleased her) excited you. It's like your waltzing with death. Testing an unstoppable omniscient god everyday to see if that was when you'd finally see them snap.
As you contemplate, the brand on your chest begins to glow faintly and become warm. It sends your old twisted heart into a flurry. Twilight says that Celestia is aware of every move you make. Is she aware of your thoughts of her and sending you a sign? Whatever causes this, you don't fight it. You simply recline and let the warmth overtake you. You relax, shifting your gaze to Twilight who still stares out the window. It may be the sudden pleasantness overtaking you, but maybe it wouldn't be so bad to be a little nicer to the dwarfed princess. You can stand that much at least. You also become slightly curious as to who exactly Twilight is. You know she is the 'Princess of Friendship' or whatever. But what does that mean to you? What does that mean to Equestria? And what does that mean to Celestia?
"Twilight." you say firmly.
"Yes?" she replies, gazing at you out of the corner of her eyes.
"What is your relation to Celestia? How did you even come to be on this little project of hers?"
You shift in your seat so that you can face her. You can see her face scrunch up in thought as she tries to form her ideas into one neatly organized presentation.
"Well, I'm her former student. For a long time Princess Celestia has been somepony of great importance to me. A pillar of morality. Reason and logic. An infinite well of knowledge."
You can see Twilight become somewhat embarrassed. Blood is already rushing to her cheeks, making them a soft pink. She continues, not making eye contact. Instead she keeps her eyes focused on the country that goes rushing by.
"She's like a second mother to me. She insists that she and I are now on the same playing field, but it never feels that way. She always seems leagues ahead of me, lightyears ahead and sometimes I feel like I'll never be able to catch up. Not in a thousand years, not in a million." Twilight's voice becomes hushed, much more soft and gentle. She smiles, looking out towards Canterlot mountain which fades in the distance with every passing moment. "Despite all that. Even though I may never actually see myself equal to her, I can always hope and persevere. I can always strive to be more like her. To be someone worthy of standing by her side, even if by that time Equestria has long since faded into obscurity. I want to be of use to her and give my all for what she believes in."
You listen intently, soaking up her words like a thirsty plant. Her reasoning makes sense to you, but also makes you question her. Is she acting out of loyalty or reverence for the princess? Simply because the job was asked of her, or because she feels it's her duty?
"Do you agree with what she is trying to do? Issuing the deaths of your fellow countrymen. Keeping the fate of Equestria out of the hands of its citizens?"
You prod her, wanting a deep and honest answer. Twilight doesn't answer at first, but soon enough she turns to you. Her bangs lifted and eyes reflecting your own.
"It doesn't matter what I believe Anonymous. What matters is that we get the job done. For her. When you come under service to someone such as her, morality becomes a gray area that contorts and shifts in the mist. You stop seeing good and bad, right and wrong, benevolence and malevolence. There is only her ambition."
"And what she's having you do doesn't bother you in the slightest? You're completely content with snuffing other pony's lives for the sole purpose of pleasing that mare?" You sink down further in your seat, struggling to wrap your head around the concept. "Strange. You're willing to throw away the morals you value just because she asked you to. Typically, individuals such as you would see it as wrong. Most would classify beings such as the princess and myself as pure evil."
Twilight's ears lay flat against her head and she breaks eye contact. It isn't until now that you see her eyes have been glowing, a warm golden light. Celestia's golden light.
"I don't know if she's evil. You could argue that those who do terrible things with the best intentions aren't nefarious themselves, but a product of their own bloated compassion for others. In this world, it's easy to determine what's right and wrong, as if the contrast is an objective law of nature. But when it comes to Princess Celestia, you suddenly feel like you can bypass that instinct. See past the darkness and see the light. Even if that light is at the end of a tunnel filled with the blackest black. Good and evil become subjective. Ideologies and principles become simple matters of opinions and schools of thought."
Twilight sighs, a shiver running up her spine and causing her to shake like a cat. Her eye's find your's again and you're able to see the two swirling stars in her irises. It was then you realized. Though Twilight Sparkle hopes to someday stand side-by-side with Celestia, that day will never come. Instead she will stand below her. As an object, just like you and anyone else she plans to use. An edit to the observation from the other day: there are actually three kinds of monsters. The first being those who do terrible things out of self-satisfaction and pure indulgence. he second being those who believe they are working towards the greater good, roping in lesser beings to messy their hands for them. And lastly, those who want so badly to be along side the second monster. So they cast away all they are and give themselves to that monster. They fall subject to the second monster's will, becoming a demon so that they may have a sliver of a chance to stand by their side. But they'll never get it. For the second monster is the worst kind. They have no attachments. No obligations to their fellow monstrosities. There is only their will, their own selfish ambition.
It is true that the second monster may be the most tragic of all. Believing that they truly are working towards a better future and the good of all. Even if they fall victim to their own aspirations, that pain is nothing comparable to the anguish of the third monster. For no matter how hard that monster tries, they will never get what they want. They are pitted against a force that is coded into their very being. They are simply meant to serve the second monster. And that is all their relationship will ever be. You find yourself pitying Twilight; she doesn't know how hopeless her quest is. You've always despised her kind; they have no will of their own. They seek only to please others, to make it so they may be of service to their 'friends' and never once seeking what they personally desire. Too selfless for their own good, destructive to their own being! In the end, she is no better than Celestia. They are both terrible monsters that should be beneath you. For you are the only sane one. You're the only one with who doesn't require the aid or approval of others. What you do, you do for yourself.
In the end, you don't kill for Celestia. You kill because it pleases you. Because it is something you simply enjoy doing. It just so happens that you're managing to stay alive so long as you murder certain people. It isn't your reasoning that rests within Celestia's hooves, but your life. That is what sets you apart from her and Twilight. But what is Twilight's reason? What is the cause of her devotion? She claims that she simply admires her former teacher, that she only wants to see Celestia's will be done. But that alone shouldn't be enough to drive someone to throw away what they personally value. There has to be something else. Whether it be mutual understanding, blackmail, some sort of deal, or love. You pause your thoughts, wondering if you've come to a conclusion.
"Now if I didn't know better Ms. Sparkle, I'd say you were in love with her majesty. How 'bout it then? Carrying some burning passion for our princess?"
You lean in a bit closer. She turns away, her bright eyes no longer burning holes into you.
"It isn't anything like that. What I feel for her goes beyond something as trivial as love. I imagine it's what all ponies feel for her."
"Complete and utter devotion?" you complete her thought.
Twilight nods. But you're not content with that answer. It tells you nothing, it doesn't tell you why. Why she is able to inspire such an emotion within these sorts of people? Unless, that's just it. It is simply a characteristic of one such as her. You've felt it before. When you first met in lower Canterlot. That overpowering will of hers. Celestia radiates an air of invincibility, an atmosphere of total and complete domination of everyone and everything. As if it has been her right since birth. Like she inherited it from some old eldritch god who's gift to her was the very universe. A cold bead of sweat runs down your cheek and your eyes are wide with realization. You begin to wonder if you'll soon succumb to the same spell that has enthralled Twilight Sparkle. Then you will become the same monstrosity as her.
An edit to the list of fears belonging to Anon the Ripper: Stingrays, for their affinity with great Satan. The dog in Mr. Pantywaist's yard. Most Amphibians. Commitment. Princess Celestia. And the idea that your sense of self could be robbed of you and replaced with one that is artificial and crafted by someone else.
"Eight and nine, garlic and thyme.."
Twilight shoots you a glance out of the corner of eye but says nothing. No doubt she thinks you're not only a monster, but a lunatic. But that was fine. You've long since considered the possibility that you're crazy and at this point, it might even be true. An hour passes before you come within sight of Manehattan. You've been all over Equestria, from small towns, hamlets, and villas, to large sprawling cities. But you've never been here. A population density much larger than Canterlot. Which means when someone turns up missing, no one bats an eye. A perfect environment for you to perform. You wonder why you never set up shop here in the first place. Maybe Celestia wouldn't have found you so easily if you were holed up in the big city. But wait. Won't the constant flow of pedestrian traffic hinder your movements? You're the only human in Equestria after all. Not to mention Ms. Sparkle was a 'princess'. So what the hell are you suppose to do?
"Twilight. How exactly are we supposed to move about the city? The streets are fairly crowded, even at night yes?"
Twilight perks up, excited that you finally get to put plans in motion.
"I'm glad you asked!" she says beaming.
For a moment you regret ever asking.
"This train isn't like most. While we -are- bound for Manehattan, we won't be stepping off at the usual station."
"Then where? Don't tell me we're taking some secret entrance into the city."
"That's exactly what we're doing!"
"What?"
"Under Manehattan is a labyrinth of old subway tunnels and abandoned sewer ways. We're headed for an old transit platform that hasn't been used for fifty years. That'll be our base of operations."
"And we're to use these underground networks as a means to navigate the city without being seen?"
"That's correct."  
"Huh.... I wasn't aware this job would need something so.... Covert."
"Well based on how you did the first time, Celestia thought it best to take precautions so that we limit your time in the open as much as possible. You'll move below ground in pursuit of the target, staying out of sight of innocent bystanders. So that we can avoid an incident like Lady Penelope's son."
You huff and fold your arms. You're probably not going to live that mistake down. "And what will you be doing? You're not coming with me, are you?"
Twilight shakes her head, her mane swaying left to right.
"We aren't the only one's on this job. There are others waiting for us at the transit platform. Several ponies who specialize in information gathering and intelligence. I'll be working with them and help get you to where you need to go. That way we'll be able to place you in the right place at the right time."
"Can't you just, cast some sort of invisibility spell? I dislike the idea of footing around sewers and unstable tunnels."
Twilight rolls her eyes, something that seemed extremely natural for her. It manages to piss you off a slight bit.
"You think I just have that sort of thing on hoof? Things like that take time to prepare, hours of study."
"Then why didn't you do your homework before the job?" you throw her a sideways glance in which she tries to avoid.
"Well I...." she trails off and sounds unsure of herself. "That doesn't matter. What matters is how we apply the resources available to us."
"Aren't you the supposed Element of Magic or other? That implies you're pretty handy with that wand of yours, yeah?" You give Twilight's horn a gentle pluck and she recoils instantly.
"In any case, you should be able to move about the city with ease like I said." Twilight reiterates, rubbing the length of her horn.
"Right then. Then I'll leave everything to you, so long as you stay out of my way when the time comes."
"Easy there. Don't get too full of yourself. There's still a chance for error, no matter how carefully you plan."
"Mm, I'll keep that in mind."
The train trembles as it shifts rails, deviating from the normal railway and heading for a tunnel. Manehattan quickly disappears as your train begins to burrow deep into the ground. Lights flicker by, illuminating your face in intervals of three seconds. You find yourself wondering who your target is this time. You start to think about who they might be as a person. What they do for a living, what kind of clothes they wear, how they style their mane. It's always the trivial things that tie your mind down when it comes to victims. You spend the rest of your time thinking about all this. Below your feet you can feel the train begin to come to a stop so you stand, grabbing one of the ceiling rails. Your body rocks back and forth in the train as it glides over the rails, slowly halting.
"Oh and one more thing. Princess Celestia has asked you to be on your best behavior so be nice." Twilight says.
You scoff. You're not some child, you know perfectly well how to mind your manners. You don't need a reminder. Twilight stands and moves past you so that she may access the doors. You join her, waiting for the series of small lights to end and reveal the brightly lit train platform. Before long you arrive at your destination. Outside the train are a few stallions and mares who talk among themselves. The platform is almost barren, save for a few nondescript devices and boards. The train stops completely and Twilight inhales deeply, her ears still folded down.
"Nervous?" you ask.
Twilight only holds her head high in response.
"Of course not."
The train doors open and you step down with Ms. Sparkle. Looking around, the underground platform looks no different from any other train station. Save for the rocky roof over your head. A team of six comes to meet you. Four mares and two stallions, all of varying colors and body shape. One of the mares is rather cute, a short powder blue mare with glasses. She eyes you from behind her glasses and when you stare back she looks away. Each pony takes their turn greeting Twilight and, for obvious reasons, only nodding in your direction. For the first time in a long while you find yourself curious as to what you might look like to them. A tall menacing creature with wide maddened eyes, long appendages and almost permanent scowl. As well as an incredible fashion sense.
Twilight wastes no time getting down to business. Which is rather nice, you didn't enjoy waiting around when there's work to be done. There is a table near the center of the platform, surrounding that table are numerous boards with various maps pasted on them. Highlighted streets and railroads. Some with tacks pressed into them to mark various locations. You all take your seats, which are really just pillows. You rest your elbows on your knees as you begin to memorize each of their faces, taking up ever detail you can. It is then that Twilight clears her throat and begins to finally deliver the briefing she has withheld from you all this time.
"We'll be skipping the introductions. The princess doesn't want any of your names on what we're about to do. Keep your identity to yourselves and you may be able to walk away from this cleanly in the event we are found out. And if we are discovered, all responsibility will fall on me. I will shield you as much as I can."
You look at each pony's face. They all seem glad to hear that; this must be their first shady operation. Twilight continues.
"Our target is Mr. Peon Hayseed, who is playing as host to a rally in downtown Manehattan."
Twilight reaches for a bag she brought with her, one that you hadn't even noticed. From the small leather bag she produces a photograph of an aging gray-maned stallion. Heavy bags under his eyes and beard of match striker. A member of the working class through and through.
"As you all know, Anonymous will be our err... hitman. We are to assist him in any way we can. This includes mapping, time coordination, and general information of the area of operation. We'll be assigned codenames, each of you will-"
"Codenames? How are we even going to communicate if I'm above ground and you lot remain here?"
Your sudden interjection causes the other ponies to jump slightly in their seats. Twilight huffs and shoots you a sideways glance through her mirror-like eyeballs.
"The codenames are something I added to make this more fun. I'll even let you pick yours, Anonymous. As for communication, we will be using whisperweed. Enchanted blades of grass that let's you communicate verbally over long distances. Isn't that neat?"
You shrug your elbows, not really impressed. Twilight continues despite your unenthused rebuttal.
"Sorry, I digressed a bit. Anyway, Peon's rally will be held in an abandoned warehouse down by the docs. Supposedly warehouse C through G. The plan is to do him in as subtly as possible, but knowing our man of the hour, that may not be possible. Regardless, there will be many ideal opportunities to 'whack' him." Twilight then points across the table to the mare with glasses.
"Ms..... Glossary,"
The mare in question frowns and adjusts her glasses.
"Uhm, Princess Twilight.. could you maybe change my codename. Glossary doesn't really suit my fancy."
Twilight stares blankly for a few moments before finally blinking, and then furrowing a brow.
"What's wrong with Glossary?" she asks.
"Nothing. Just, I would rather something different. Like Limerick or Pastoral, if we're to keep up the theme of literature."
"Are the naming conventions really following literary terms? That's dumb." You fold your arms and throw Twilight an uninterested stare.
"It's not 'dumb'! You're dumb." Twilight lashes out at you instantly, her cheeks puffing up like a chipmunk.
"What's you're codename then?" you ask.
Twilight smolders in quiet anger as she reveals the codename she spent so long creating.
"Biblio..." she mutters meekly.
"You see? That's incredibly dull. If you want the codenames to be fun, you have to allow us to go all out with it. Something like Eagle 1 or Naked Snake."
You nod to yourself, realizing how right you are. Twilight only looks at you flatly.
"Many would argue that those names are dumb. Now hush." Twilight once again turns her attention to the mare with glasses. "Alright, you'll be Ms. Pastoral. The rest of you will go by Torn Paperback, Light Novelette, Angel's Thesis, HB 1, Sci, and Fi."
Twilight holds her head high as if she has just made a great accomplishment. Everyone grumbles and shoots each other a look of displeasure, but none of them request to change their name. But you sure as hell aren't going to let her give you any poppycock codename that doesn't even fit you. No, your name has to depict you, represent you in a most appropriate manner. Before Twilight can suggest the name "Bible" you pinch her muzzle closed.
"My codename should obviously be something that rightfully describes me. Something that really captures the infinite mystery that is myself." Twilight's deadpan stare does little to phase you. You're more concerned with thinking of codenames. "Something fitting of a monster."
"In that case I would suggest Lapdog, my monster."
The air becomes insanely heavy, so much so that you find yourself buckling in on yourself. Hard echoed hoofsteps fly through the air and each pony bows out of reflex, including Twilight. It's hot, too hot for what it was a few seconds ago. And if that wasn't enough a hot flash moves across your back, instantly drawing sweat from you. She's there, right behind you. You can feel her standing over you and you can almost hear that damned smile plastered across her face.
"Hello my little ponies." she says aloud. Then you hear her in your ear, her sweet voice flowing into you in a whisper. "Hello, my monster."
Twilight's the first to rise, putting on her biggest smile and widening her eyes to the size of saucers.
"Princess Celestia! I thought you weren't supposed to be in Manehattan until tomorrow."
Now that Twilight has risen, the rest return to their hooves and give a collective exhale. You however are motionless. Twilight rushes past you to recieve hug from Celestia.
"True that my being here is a bit unexpected. But I figured that if I was coming anyway, I may as well stop by a bit earlier to pay you all a visit. I hope the human is on his best behavior?"
You snap out of your trance and whirl around to look at the tall white mare. Her wings are spread wide to make herself appear bigger and it's definitely working. She seems to tower over you just like she always does.
"I'm not a child. And I won't be referred to as "the human". I have a name and I expect you to use it."
You begin to stand but find yourself halt. Something in your legs is resisting you, hindering you from standing. Instead of bringing you to your feet, they instead bring you to your knees. Without your input your body bows to the princess even though you try your hardest to fight it.
"Show your respect and bow before your sovereign." her voice is a bit more stern. More authoritative than usual.
"I would have bowed! Most likely."
Celestia ignores you. She takes her time looking over the team of ponies gathered.
"I trust you all will aid my two friends to the best of your abilities?"
Each pony nods, adopting proud smiles. Eager to please, eager to not disappoint.
"That pleases me. You're all providing a great service for the nation. Each of you prove to be true patriots and will always be remembered as such." Celestia offers a smile to each of them, a smile that warms each of the hearths of their hearts. "You are all working towards a greater good that will secure your future, as well as your children's, and the many generations to come. It all starts here. With ponies like you, willing to throw yourselves into the line of service to your princess. There aren't many who I owe a debt to, but now I shall add you to the list."
You spy Twilight shiver next to her former teacher. A twisted wicked smile curls the corners of her mouth and her eyes seemed to glaze over. She's beaming with absolute adoration for Celestia. You can somewhat sympathize with that.
Celestia's gaze then trains on you again. Her eyes are hungry, starving even as they plat burrow into you.
"Enjoy yourself tonight. Have fun in what you do. And if it pleases me, you will be rewarded."
The marking on your chest begins to glow faintly and you do your best to conceal it. Celestia's massive wing brushes over your cheek, her feathers tickling your face as they gentle glide along the surface.
"All of you do me proud. You know what waits for you should you fail."
It's then that you notice everyone cast their eyes to the floor, avoid Celestia. The hell does she mean by that? You move to ask but you're interrupted by her horn shinning incredibly bright. Her form seemed to fade from the world around you, making her appear translucent.
"Oh and I almost forgot. Peon Hayseed is not your only target. I have decided that it would be best if you eliminated any and all participants of his rallies. Find some way to get rid of them all at once. This is most preferred."
With that last bit Celestia is gone within an instant, leaving you all standing around glad you can finally breath again. It's a long silence before Twilight speaks up.
"Alright. Let's go over the plan."

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                       Vento Ardente                       
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Vento Ardente
Your footsteps echo through the abandoned tunnels. It gives you an empty feeling, as if you walked inside a black hole. Your footsteps would travel down the tunnel and never bounce back, eaten by the darkness ahead of you. It's surprisingly cold, you have to pull your coat on tighter so that it traps the heat within you. You have with you an assortment of toys given to you by Ms. Sparkle and the princess. As always you carry your faithful dagger, sharp and ready for action. But you also carry whisperweed, a fancy lantern, a Webley Mk IV, a gas mask, a few canisters of tear gas and a box of matches. Never had you been so equipped. Usually just your dagger and a handkerchief would do, but now your killings were to be more large scale. Especially tonight. A mass murder planned for the attendees of Mr. Peon's independence rally.
"You're taking a left at the next intersection. From there you'll continue straight onward until you reach a dead end."
Ms. Pastoral's wonderful voice rests in your ear via whisperweed. You trace your fingers around the blades of grass tied around your ear, interesting magic it is.
"How long until I'm able to go up top? I mislike the feel of these dark tunnels."
"Come now Lapdog. You aren't afraid of the dark, are you?"
"For the last time that's not my codename, and it isn't the dark that gets to me. I'm excited."
You come to the intersection and make a left, continuing down an even darker, danker tunnel than before. You walked over train tracks, railings that lay deeply embedded in the ground and rusted over.
"Excited? I guess that's one way to put it."
"You don't agree Ms. Pastoral?" you ask, kicking loose rocks as you make your way about.
"I can hardly say I do. I mean, how can you be excited about what you're about to do? Don't you have a conscience?"
You laugh aloud, your thunderous voice booming all throughout the underground.
"Do you know who I am? I do this for pleasure, it's a hobby. Now I'm somewhat being paid for it, so why wouldn't I be excited?"
The mare is quiet for some time. All you can hear is the emptiness that walks beside you.
"But why? What about murder is appealing? I can see if it were only your job; if you were a hired assassin. But to kill out of pleasure? That's just evil."
You huff. And here you thought she wasn't the kind to persecute you. "Call it what you will it is what I enjoy. But don't go thinking you're innocent. You're still participating in that damned mare's little project. You're just as 'evil' as I."
You swing your lantern as you walk, trying to balance on the train tracks. Long ago you had stopped caring how the world saw you. You've already accepted that you were a monster so it made no sense to be troubled by someone calling you what you are. It's as foolish as a man getting upset if he is referred to as a male. It is just a simple fact, a state of being.
"There's a difference between you and I, Lapdog."
"And what is that?"
You notice Pastoral's voice become hushed and secretive.
"I don't do this because I want to. I do it because it is my job, if I had the choice I would never be here participating in this disgusting display of violence. I'm only following orders."
You stop swinging your lantern and you lose your balance on the train tracks. You're silent for a long time and for awhile the only sound you can hear is the emptiness of the tunnel and Pastoral's breathing. Then another laugh leaves you, a mighty roar like a boar's.
"What's so funny!?" she demands.
It takes you awhile before you break from your fit of laughter. Wiping the tears away from your eyes you continue forward.
"You remind me of a certain group of people in my world. Some considered them the worst humans possible."
"What do you mean?" she asks, now curious.
"I don't remember how long ago it was, but in my world there was a war. A war waged by a certain country that wished to exterminate an entire race..." Pastoral surprisingly doesn't interrupt you and you continue on. "...Their leader ordered his soldiers to round up this race of people and systematically murder them. In mass amounts, inhumanely. This country however lost the war, but the international community weren't about to turn a blind eye to those displays of 'disgusting violence'. The soldiers who carried out these killings were put on trial. Their plea: "I was just following orders." Now Ms. Pastoral, do you believe those soldiers innocent, protected by the code of a soldier?"
"I... Yes. Those soldiers were innocent. As a soldier, it is your duty to follow orders, no matter how problematic." Pastoral is confident in her answer. So much so that she adopts a slight tone of arrogance. It was in some way cute.
"The rest of the world didn't share your opinion. They were still held responsible for the deaths of millions. These soldiers were sentenced to death themselves, and that was that. Now consider whether or not Equestria will view you the same way. Will they pardon you on the idea of a soldier's loyalty? Or will they condemn you to die like those soldiers?"
You wait patiently for her answer. Not even you know the answer, or have enough knowledge to even develop one. You interacted with her kind so rarely that you have no real knowledge of what they're actually like.
"What about you Lapdog? Do you think those soldiers should have been spared?"
Pastoral turns the question around on you. Which was disappointing, you wanted to hear her answer. But you already know your answer, it's incredibly easy.
"Of course not. Although I'm sure some of those soldiers enjoyed it, most only murdered because it was their job. There's no passion in murder if all it is is a job to you. They were tools used by a monster, making them disposable."
"But that's horrible! Lives aren't expendable, they aren't something to just throw away!"
"Then why do countries participate in war? Throwing thousands of lives against each other? Apparently lives are expendable. It's all tragic really. When one kills, he should honor his victim, cherish the moment. On the battlefield there is no time to indulge yourself in the act of ending a life. Killing isn't worth it if you can't enjoy it. And the government ignores this, dictating who you kill. You have no freedom to choose who dies, instead you are assigned a target."
You become a bit hostile. You can't help but think about the situation you're currently in. A tool to be used by the princess. Your victims were no longer selected by you, instead by someone else. Forcing you to kill those who have no worth to you.
"Is that all you care about? Murder?"
"Mostly yes. It is my reason for living."
You come to a dead end, a high brick wall that touches the ceiling. "I've arrived at the dead end, now what?" you ask.
But Pastoral doesn't answer you. Instead Twilight- or "Biblio" answers, her voice much louder than Pastoral's.
"Good work Lapdog. There should be a loose brick somewhere on that wall, try tugging on it. It'll open up a panel, leading you to an alleyway. Mr. Peon frequents that alley on his way to the docs..."
Twilight pauses, the sound of her rolling in her rolling chair coming through the whisperweed.
"....He should be coming around in the next five minutes. Get to it."
You grunt your reply and begin searching for the special brick. Though it's a bit hard, your light source is limited and it makes it hard to point out differences in the wall's face. You place your hand against the hard wall, rubbing it across until you hopefully hit something.
"Twilight, I'm not seeing-"
"Biblio!"
You sigh. Your temper will catch you one of these days, but not today. "Biblio. I can't find the bloody brick. Can't I just take some stairs?"
"Of course not! All the old stairways into this network are closed; you'd draw too much attention if you're seen breaking those locks."
"Well, why couldn't there be a God damned lever or something?"
"The secret behind any hidden door is a hidden switch. Levers are very conspicuous."
"Whatever. I still don't see why I personally have to be the one to- Hold on, I think I found it."
Your palm wraps itself around the protruding brick and you pull on it, causing a heavy grinding sound. Backing away, you can see the light filter into the tunnels from the edges of the wall as it began to slide away. It revealed a passage of stairs that lead up into.....another door. Quickly you make your way up the stairs, very long stairs that carry you to the door on the surface.
"Twilight, there's a door in the way."
You report your status as you peak through the small holes in the door. Now that you're up close you can see that it's fairly old and almost rotten through.
"Biblio. And have you checked to see if it's unlocked?"
Actually you didn't. You jiggle the knob. But it yields no results, it's possible that it may be rusted shut. Wait no, it's just locked from the inside. Once you unlock the door you keep your hand on the knob and place the lantern down. There's nothing to do except wait now.
"So when is he supposed to pass through? And what's the plan for taking him out?" you ask.
You can hear Twilight hum to herself as she tries to think of an answer.
"I don't know. Think of something."
"Are you serious?"
"Is there a problem? You're a very creative man. I'm sure you can make some sort of plan."
"But you're supposed to be my assistance!"
"And we've assisted you thus far. It's not our job to determine how you take out the target."
You grumble to yourself. Twilight has an infuriating way of pissing you off. If your life wasn't on the line you would've run her through a while ago.
"He should be there any second now. Get ready."
Sure enough a stallion entered the alleyway. You could see him cautiously step into them dark, checking his lefts and rights. He wore a large coat and a hat that concealed his face, as appropriate of any revolutionary. He dressed the part which was nice. Your heart beat increases, which is odd. You never liked the idea of killing stallions, there was just no satisfaction in it. No beauty. And yet you've become excited, as if the hunter's spirit suddenly entered your body. You slow your breath, bringing it into long drawn out inhales and exhales. You trace your touch around the handle of the revolver close to your chest and then move to your dagger.
You shiver the second you completely wrap your grasp around the hilt and draw it. This is the moment, the exact moment when you commit yourself to your target. Your other hand is still on the door knob and you pull on it slightly, opening the door to reveal a sliver of the world outside. Peon draws closer, not yet noticing you.
"Don't go for anything fancy. Make this quick and make sure nopony sees you."
You nod, even though you're the only one in the stairwell. This won't be like the last time. There will be no errors and no mishaps, you are a professional. The stallion is merely a few feet away from the door. Your anticipation begins coiling around you, crushing your body until you can hardly take it. Pulling on the knob the door slides open towards you. Peon doesn't hear the silent groan of the old door, allowing you to step out freely cut him off as you walk past him. As if nothing was wrong.
Your motions are calm and calculated. Quick and efficient. Peon doesn't know what hits him as you calmly glide past him, flicking your dagger across the width of his throat. There's a gagging sound, followed by sharp disgusting coughs as Peon grabs at his throat. You can practically feel the warmth of his soul flee from his body, fleeing from the physical world. Moments later he falls dead. You make quick work of him, moving his body back into the stairwell. Kicking his corpse down the stairs, you close the door behind you and continue after it.
"Biblio. I've taken care of our man. Nice and easy, just like you asked."
You grab the lantern on your way down to inspect the body. You were instructed to search the body for any names that could be linked to the movement.
"Good work. Even if we aren't successful in the second phase, at least we've taken out their ringleader."
"The mass murder in the warehouse, yes?"
"Exactly. Though that's more of a bonus, a little extra favor for the princess."
"Hrmm... I don't do favors."
"Hush. You'll do this one. I know you will."
You come upon the body, a twisted and battered thing. Bruised from the trip down. "What makes you say that?"
"I heard you. You were excited, weren't you?"
Twilight sounds as if she's teasing you. But she's right.
"Maybe. So?" You begin checking over the body. Running your hands through the pockets of its coat.
"I thought you said there was no satisfaction in killing stallions. What happened, sudden change of heart?"
Turning up with nothing you stand, wiping the blood from your dagger with a handkerchief.
"Perhaps. I have to admit that it was rather exciting. But the happiness is nothing compared to a mare. I could get used to this, considering the princess's little rewards."
"Rewards?"
You press your foot against the stallion's cheek to turn him towards the light. The same expression shared by all your victims. The same terror filled eyes, pools of tears gathering in the corners. A mouth stretched open in an eternal scream. Everything about his expression was pleasing, but...
"Biblio.... This isn't our man. This isn't Peon."
You hear the wheels on Twilight's chair slide across the floor. Her breathing quickens as she tries to figure what went wrong.
"That should be him. Peon always takes this route!"
"Maybe he chose a different route on his way to the rally? Or maybe he passed by earlier than expected?"
You're a bit disappointed. You had hoped to get this done as soon as possible. And not only was the most important part of the mission still unfulfilled, you'll most likely have trek your way through even more dark tunnels. Twilight on the other hand is almost in a panic. You hear papers being unfolded, tossed, and strewn about.
"Alright Lapdog. This is just a minor setback, we can still get the job down without much complication."
"Then I'm to make my way to the warehouse? That should be simple enough. What about the rest of the team? Isn't HB 1 supposed to be tailing the target? Have you heard from him?" You move past the the dead body and continue back down the tunnel to the intersection.
"No. I had assumed he hadn't checked in because everything was according to plan. But now that I consider... Something may have happened."
"Think he may have been found out?"
"That's a possibility. I doubt they'd do anything to harm him though. In the end, they're just a bunch of conspirators, no real threat."
"I wouldn't be so sure if I were you. When you commit yourself to a cause- especially one as shady as this- you have to be prepared to pluck a few hairs. They could be interrogating him."
You can hear Twilight let out a long tired sigh. You're imagining her hunched over the table, rubbing her temples with her hooves.
"Okay, we'll assume HB 1 has been captured. Lapdog, I'm giving you to Pastoral, she'll give you directions. It's a long walk so hurry."
Though you're not entirely used to be commanded you comply instantly. It's not like she's actually ordering you though, is it? No, she's just telling you what the best course of action is. Yes, definitely. Before long you arrive at the intersection you were once before, but you have no idea what direction to take next.
"Ms. Pastoral, I'm at the intersection. Which path do I take?"
There's brief sounds of "Uhhhhh" and "Hmmmm"s. Eventually Pastoral finishes calculating your path and she points you in the right direction.
"That would be the tunnel to your left. It leads into an old station, one much bigger than the platform we're stationed on. From there you'll continue down tunnel G."
You once again nod and turn to your left. Your pace quickens until you find yourself breaking into a light jog. This entire ordeal would be a lot better if you could just use the train. Not much happens during your journey through the tunnels. Not that much can happen anyway. Occasionally you'd trip over a rock or railing, forcing you to spout curses at it with a vile venom. Other than that there was nothing but endless walking. You're starting to get bored. As you walk your start to fall deeper and deeper into the chasm of thought. Mulling over events from today, yesterday, and way before.
You think about lots of things. Your entire situation, the events that lead to it, and her. Recently, Celestia has been on your mind more frequently. You used to fight it, but figured there's no harm in thinking of someone who literally held your life by a thread. All thoughts seem to fade once she makes her way into your contemplative state. Even in your mind she imposes her presence until she is all you can think about. You don't even focus on anything in particular, you just simply ponder her as a whole. You still have no idea what she is. She is a monster, yes, but she is also something more. It seems almost impossible for her to be defined so simply. You've met monsters like her, but those monsters weren't comparable at all to her. Rather, their influence, will, personality was nothing like hers. So what makes her different? It's quite possible you'll never find an answer. But it's fun to chase after it, even if the answer is imaginary.
Celestia. The very name invokes powerful emotions within one's self. Like a drug the name courses through you, altering your state of being. The name inspires your ethos to undergo changes that fit perfectly within the boarders of her will. Men are not born with purpose. But in hearing this name, one feels as though he has found his calling in life. And that calling is to serve. But are you the same? You don't think so. After all, you won't allow yourself to become like the others, blinded by her light. You'll peer through it, see what's really beyond the bravado of her ambition and unquestionable authority. Is Princess Celestia the same as any other monster? Or is she different? Can a truly good and honest personality exist within the confines of her demonic workings? It may be so, for that what's dangerous about her. She believes that she is being kind. By crossing out names on her list, she believes she is preserving the people's well being. She is willing to do such terrible things all in the name of peace. A juxtaposition that would unnerve most.
Did it scare you though? It's hard for you to say really. Sure enough you held at least some fear of Celestia as a being. But the reason escapes you, it is just a simple reaction within you whenever you're in her presence. The actual vertex of that fear is unknown. But while you know that fear, you also know happiness within it. As if the terror is comforting and soft. As if fear itself were a kinder force than people think. Fear watches over you, protects you, help you survive. It is but fear of death that pushes animals to survive. It is our first friend in life. So why wouldn't it be comforting? Why wouldn't Celestia bring you joy? You're still your own man, but as time goes on you consider the fact of finally bowing down to her. Presenting yourself as a gift to the overwhelming fear. But each time you attack the thought, casting it out of your mind like great Michael did Satan.
"You are mine. Your body, mind, soul, all objects for my pleasure and will. You have no sense of self, there is only what I allow you to have. Your world is mine, everything you value will be replaced by what I value. You are a beast. Something to be owned and dominated. Do not ever lose sight of that."
Celestia's words stay with you even now. They constantly echo inside you, crashing against your heart and mind like great big waves. Are you really her's? You claim to be your own man still, yet you can't help but wonder if you've already lost to her. Perhaps you stood no chance in fighting her; maybe you lost the very moment you met. You shake your head and try your best to dispel the thought. But it won't go away. It persists within you, taking root in your chest like a tiny sunflower. Soon if left unbarred and unwatched, it will bloom and completely take hold of you. It will steal your mind away from you and leave you a hallow shell full of Celestia's own intentions. The mark on your chest still glows a dim amber. A fire that swirls within you, reminding you that you are indeed owned by her. You are a possession and that doesn't sit well with you.
You begin to grow angry, then sad, swelling up like a great ball of fury before deflating into a depression. This flux of emotion drains your energy, causing your eyelids to sudden feel heavy and your pulse to slow. This is the effect Princess Celestia has on those around her. A lingering piece of her charisma that follows you, even after leaving her sight. She's always there with you, watching and observing. Never will you escape. Your thought halts as you realize you've reached the large station. Four platforms aligned in neat rows, tracks dividing them. The ceiling is high, arched and supported by great pillars as wide and thick as redwoods. You hold the lantern high to gaze at the mural in the center of the ceiling. A brightly colored star hovering above. Never will you escape.
"Ms. Pastoral, I'm at the station. Which tunnel am I to take again?" Your voice is tired and weighed down by grief. But she doesn't seem to notice.
"Tunnel G. It's a straight shot to the docs. Careful though, that tunnel is especially old so don't do anything that'll cause trouble."
"Right, I'll be careful."
You moved much more slowly than before. Your quick pace slowed into a peaceful shuffle of the feet. If you could see your face, it'd probably be pale. But despite that you continue on. There was a job to do and you were the only one to do it. No professional leaves a task undone. After a long grueling walk you arrive at an old stairway leading to the surface. From below you can see that the doors are wide open, the locks busted by some adventurous young colts. Saves you the trouble of breaking the locks yourself.
"Lapdog, there should be a door above that stairway. You'll be coming out in a fairly secluded area, so breaking those locks shouldn't attract too much attention if any."
You nod and continue up the stairs. Emerging from the dark you stand out in the sunlight after walking such an incredible distance. You inhale, taking in the air around you. Dirtier than Canterlot, but with character. It's like a new wine that hasn't yet settled on your tongue. From where you're standing you can see the rows of warehouses that overlook the bay. Ponies are slowly trickling inside one building which you assume is the rally point. You begin to cast off the dread that walked in your shadow and replace it with your old self. A more excited and passionate man for murder. As you walk toward the warehouse you do your best to remain unseen, hiding along the shadows in the late afternoon and behind corners.
"Ms. Pastoral, what am I to do about HB 1? I hope you don't want me to rescue him."
You can hear her passing the whisperweed into another's hooves and soon after Twilight speaks up.
"Negative. Consider HB 1 as part of the target. Extracting him would just be another problem that I'm sure you don't feel like dealing with."
You shrug in agreement. It would be easier just to take him out with the rest of them. It is his fault for being caught after all.
"So, do you have anything planned?" Twilight asks.
Regrettably you shake your head, as if someone was with you to see the gesture. "I never really have a plan. It ruins the spur of the moment."
Twilight sighs "Sure, whatever it takes to get the job done. But remember, nothing fancy. In and out, got it?"
"Yes, yes. I'm as anxious to get home as much as you. Walking all this way has made me tired."
"You'll get plenty of rest when everything's complete. Now get moving, the longer you procrastinate the longer until you get to sleep."
You can't argue with her so you move out, still staying close to the shadows. Eventually you kneel behind some crates, peering over to see two ponies standing watch by the warehouse doors. They both throw shifty eyes left and right before nodding to each other before retreating inside, closing the doors behind them.
"Well I'm not getting in from the front door.." you think to yourself.
From behind the crate you begin to check the surrounding areas. Mostly warehouses, cranes, and water. Nothing much to work with. Then you spot the metal stairs leading up to the second floor of the warehouse. The second floor exterior is lined with long rectangle windows that have been dusted over from years of unuse. That's your best way in. You quickly move out, closing the gap between you and the warehouse as soon as possible. You probably look like some strange Sasquatch scurrying along the concrete ground.
The door out front seems to be the only exit, aside from the small door on the second floor. Your first thought is to bind the main doors, two giant sliding slabs of metal with handles to do the sliding. You look around, searching for anything that can help. After a brief search you find some rusting chains on he side of the ware house and as you gather them you lament over the rust getting on your coat. Tying the chairs around the door handles you begin to think about how exactly you'll go about this. You certainly can't just slaughter them all, there were just too many. It doesn't matter how good you think you are, you'll go own within the first ten minutes. But just as before you neglect thinking of a plan and continue to wing it.
With the front door barred you begin making your way up the exterior stairway, your boots clinking of metal as you ascend. Coming alongside one of the dusty yellow windows you peer inside. There's a makeshift stage, three ponies standing atop it. One of them the target: Mr. Peon. And the other, a captive HB 1 tied to a chair. HB seems to be coughing his lungs out, shaking violently back and forth between hacks. The other pony is holding a bucket and isn't saying much.
"Biblio, we were right. Looks like HB's been captured and it seems like they're interrogating him."
"All the more reason to take him out. It could be he's already talked."
You chuckle at that. "You're awfully quick to cast him aside." you say somewhat accusingly.
"I must be. When we were chosen for the job we accepted the fact that we'd be expendable. Even myself and even you."
You let out a very loud and obnoxious "Pffft". To Hell with that, you're not expendable at all.
"I'll take care of him."
You crack open the window, one of the ones that open outward instead of sliding. You can hear Mr. Peon preaching away about the injustice of the government or something or other. Whatever it is, it doesn't interest you. You begin to count the many multicolored ponies standing below the stage. All shifting and swaying to the revolutionary's words. You start to wonder how many places in Equestria are like this.
"Our so called "princess" keeps everything from us. She makes our laws, mandates how we live our lives, right down to the first thought we have in the morning! Celestia and her sister are two ponies posing as gods! They steal our sense of self, our individuality! They've been dulling our minds over the centuries, attempting to make us content with their galas and jubilees. They attempt to distract us from the underlying truth of the Equestrian way of life. We live as merely cattle to them, pampered yes, but cattle all the same. What control does each of you have over your own life? None! In Equestria, under their rule, your destiny is defined by their will! Long ago, when this country was founded, it was founded on unilateralism- unity between the three tribes. But then they came, swooping down from the heavens and robbing us of our destinies! They destroyed everything Equestria stood for in that very moment! We aren't meant to be shepherded through our existence. Don't you think it's time for us to take back what's ours? Steal fire from the gods, and place the reigns of history back into our hooves!?"
A collective nod and resounding stomping of hooves was the audience's response. They were captivated by his words, caught in a hypnotic trance induced by the passions of one being. They felt security within his ambition, assurance that things would get better if they pledge their lives to the cause. This isn't new, it happens all the time. One man appears in each era to challenge the current authority, a man chosen by destiny to bring about the new age and thus renewing the cycle of constant changing powers. Power is constantly changing hands, taken by those who feel their life is a poem of oppression. You lean against the window, listening to his words and wondering if your own heart would sway. But it does not, for no one can possible hope to sway your feelings, none except for her.
As always the white mare worms her way into your thought, distracting you. You brush her influence off of you and refocus yourself. It's time to get this job over and done with. Like a snake you slither into the window and plant your feet on the catwalk inside. Now that you were inside you could smell oil, a lot of it too. A fire should do the trick. You've already sealed the only exit, aside from the door on the second floor. You'll have to do something about that later.
You look to HB 1, still tied to the chair with his head hung in defeat. You somewhat feel sorry for him, after all he was about to die due to his mistake of being captured. That, and you don't feel like spending the effort and energy to rescue him. How unfortunate. You reach into your bag and thumb around for a bit until you pull out three canisters of tear gas. Something that was just laying around Twilight's little base of operations. You wonder if she even notices they're gone. You begin pulling the pins one by one and tossing them down to the warehouse floor, making sure to separate them by a good distance.
Peon's speech comes to an abrupt halt as three tiny explosions go off in different areas of the large room. Panic quickly follows as gas is released into the air, making its way into them mouths, nose, and ears of the revolutionaries. The warehouse is soon host to a carnival of deadly wheezing and shouts. You watch as the lake of ponies begin to run frantically around, binding their eyes shut and vomiting.
"This is nice.." you say to yourself.
You thumb around in your pocket for the box of matches. Below you everyone was enshrouded in a sickly mist of pain and general unpleasantness. There is also an open oil drum so conveniently placed below the catwalk on which you stand. Without hesitation your strike the match, your nostrils filled with the essence of flame. You can feel your body tense with anticipation as you dangle the match over the rails. You carefully align the burning match with the oil drum, trying to still your shaking arm. Without giving it much thought you drop the match and watch it plummet down below into the shifting mist and disappear into the tarry black. Then the black is nearly instantly burned away, giving rise to a brilliant blaze of red and oranges.
The flames leap high into the air, latching onto the tear gas and then spreading across the entire room below. Stepping back from the rail you try and control your breathing. You have known excitement, absolute pleasure in the most horrible events. But it all did not compare to this. This is bigger and better than anything you've ever done. And to think, you're responsible for it all. A cooking pot for burning them all alive. You've really out done yourself this time. The flames begin to leap extremely high now, reaching up to you and causing you to sweat. So you with draw, not wanting to ruin your nice shirt with your perspiration.
The air is much cleaner on the other side of the window, and chiller too. It's like shoving your head into a freezer after being outside in the summer sun. You make your way down the stairs, strolling and whistling as those on the other side burn alive. It's fantastic. Absolutely nothing thus far can compare. You pass by the large doors at the front of the warehouse. Loud, heavy bangs call out to the outside world. About twenty hooves all pound on the doors, begging for someone to save them. You consider it, if only to see their charred and melted faces. But you've never been one to give into such risks. Smoke climbs into the sky to be absorbed by the sun. Appropriate. Their lives are to be used to fuel her desire. The sun will surely shine brighter with more lives to stoke the flame. You trace the blades of grass in around your ear and begin to speak.
"Biblio, I'm all done here. Each and every one of them are burning alive as we speak. You may be able to hear them pound on the door."
Twilight sighs in relief on the other end. "Good work. Not too shabby for your second job. Now get out of there, we don't want anypony to see you. They're probably already on their way to fight the fire."
You nod and turn away from the burning warehouse. The smell of burning wood and flesh trailing you. But you are stopped when you feel something tug at your foot. You turn to see a charred and burned Mr. Peon Hayseed. His eyes are burning with contempt, smoke rising from his lungs and out of his mouth. His coat was now a dirty charcoal and mane nearly burned off his head. He looks comical. Did he see you up on the catwalk? How did he even escape? Your gaze looks to the second floor and you can see the door had been broken down. You silently chastise yourself.
"You... you did this!" Peon says, his voice as dirty and polluted as the sewers.
You nod. "Yes. I did."
"Why!?"
You kneel down to the pony holding you in place. You somewhat want to pity him, at least you would have if he were already dead. "It is my job."
"Your...job? Then, you're with her aren't you!?"
"That's correct."
Peon shakes his head in disbelief. You can tell he's trying to find the exact moment he went wrong. What could have tipped Celestia off?
"Do you have any idea what you've done!? You've condemned Equestria to darkness, you've just through a wrench into the new world we're trying to build! And for what, so some false god can stay in power!?"
You throw your head back, scanning the clouds that pass over head. You aren't really in the mood for this.
"No. I don't do it for her. I do this simply because I want to, and because it benefits me over all. It's nothing personal, I'm just following orders."
Peon's eyes are now wide, his teeth grinding on each other like great big stones.
"Following orders? You would intentionally compromise the fate of a people, simply because you were told to? Do you have any idea what you've done? What we're creating is a revolution for the betterment of Equestria! A uniform society in which we'll no longer be subjugated by her will. You're like us! You should be fighting along with us, not serving that damned whitch!"
You throw your eyes down to him again, your maddened eyes staring into his. But your expression is apathetic, uncaring to his preachings.
"Your revolution has nothing to do with me. Nor does Equestria's future. So you can kindly take your pretty words and shove it." You stand and kick his hoof away from you. "Consider this Mr. Peon." you say pulling on the lapels of your coat. "Even if your little revolt is successful, it's only a matter of time before your new government is faced with another from a new generation. Power is constantly changing hands, it doesn't remain in one's grasp for too long. It's inevitable. A revolution is waged to depose one government, and a moment later they themselves are being deposed. But I doubt you would have even gotten that far. She said so herself, you ponies are completely incapable of leading yourselves. Sheep aren't meant to have control of their own destiny. In the end, that's all you are. Sheep herded along the centuries, doing whatever she wills. Meeting her in person has helped me realize this. Ponies aren't at all like human beings, so they can't even hope to seek their own purpose. They can only bow to one who stands over them, someone above them. Your little movement is nothing but a farce, child's play at changing the world. She knew all along you know; what you were planning. You had no hope to begin with."
You reach into your coat pocket and draw the revolver, aligning it between his eyes.
"You.....YOU!"
"Goodbye."
The hammer slams into the primer, igniting the bullet and sending it spiraling into his head, nice and clean. You sigh, enjoying the taste of air as it passes through your lungs. You could get used to this, killing for "the man". You grin as you turn away and flee the crime, just as you've always done. Behind you, flames and smoke continue to rise into the sky. The warehouse eventually collapses, crushing all inside under the hoof of Princess Celestia's will.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                     Proof of Purchase                     
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Proof of Purchase
"Do you think you'll ever find your purpose in life with this 'profession'?"
"Who knows. I may and I may not, but the fact remains that I still enjoy what I do. And that may be enough to sate my longing for purpose."
"And if it doesn't?"
"..Then I'll lose myself, become hallow and empty. I'll keep killing, but I doubt the joy would remain. It would become systematic, autonomous, without any sort of fulfillment. I suppose that is when I'll truly become just a tool for you."
Your back side sits buried in a oversized lounge chair in your room. Your crooked fingers curl over the chair arms and you slouch to the right, giving you the shape of a sagging old man. Across from you sits Princess Celestia, who elegantly sips at her fifth cup of tea. Twilight sits adjacent to her, her own mirror-like eyes downcast and avoiding the both of you. The three of you enjoy the peaceful silence around you. Silence takes the form of a nice cool breeze that wafts in from the open window.
"Are you not content with what you are to me?" Celestia asks.
Her question is quite surprising. You never expected her to start questioning how you yourself feel. It seems completely out of her nature to worry about the state of mind of another, especially if she only saw the individual as a mindless tool.
"Frankly, no."
Celestia's eyelids descend halfway down her eyes, her gaze becoming inquisitive and curious.
"Explain."
You immediately start to gather your thoughts.
"You see me as just a tool. Not as a man, not as something that is sentient and draws breath. To you I am inanimate. No different from a sword, hammer, or harvester. The worst part is, I am beginning to see the allure in that. As time goes on I find myself wanting to give myself to you completely, not as a man but as device."
"And what would be wrong with that? You would be taken care of. We could avoid all your trouble making and get things done much quicker."
"What happens to me after I have fulfilled my purpose to you?"
You sink lower into your chair, your face a mix daring accusation. The princess's face remains unchanging. Still peaceful and somewhat aloof to your struggle. She takes another sip of tea from her china cup and sits it back down on its saucer.
"What happens is up to you. It's not for me to decide what a human is to do with himself after I am finished with him."
"Then you will allow me to do as I please? I will continue to plague your people, and I won't stop. It may be so that over time I won't be satisfied with petty murders and assassinations. I could take to bombing schools, terrorizing the elderly. ...Talking at the theatre." That last one earns a squinted gaze from Celestia.
"If it comes to that, my monster, then I will personally put you down. It would be the least I could do; free you from your frothing madness before it consumes you."
You can't stand the idea of being killed off as if it were as easy as squashing an ant. You liked to believe you held some power, some method to defend against the all powerful sun deity. But truth is, you don't. In the end you are powerless in her eyes. You'd probably put up a good struggle at best.
"Of course..." she continues "...You could give yourself to me. Cease your pointless resisting and gift me your mind as well as your body. I'd put it to great use."
Without you noticing, Celestia has left her chair and is now behind you, resting her head on your shoulder. You begin to feel it again, the immense warmth swirling in your chest. As well as the fear and the joy marching through you like a legion of conquerors. As Celestia speaks, her words meld with you. Worming into your heart, feeding the poisonous sunflower that sprang from your ethos. It's like a warmth that never fades. A warmth that only goes dormant when the princess is away; but when she comes back it springs to life. This is your connection to her. You've been reduced to a parasite who wants to constantly be near her to absorb the heat. She's awfully close, mere inches away. Her presence is feverish and it forces you to shut your eyes.
"Do you remember what I showed you the other day? How wonderful the reward is for those who choose to submit to me? It can be yours, everyday, for the rest of your life. And I would be happy to make it so, my monster."
You shiver as Celestia coos in your ear. You're only moments away from giving in. You want so badly to feel that bliss again, pure unbridled fulfillment. Celestia brings her voice down to an insane whisper, one that pushes your mind to the brink of shattering.
"I could be yours. Yours alone. Everyday- every night- should you wish it so. I would say that I'd love you, but someone like you is above such trivial urges. No, what you want is far deeper than that, yes?" You struggle to nod, gripping your arms and biting your tongue to stay silent. "You want me. And you wish for me to want you. But you see Monster, you already have half of that. I already want you. All of you, everything you are, I want it for myself. Would you like that?"
Celestia tilts her head and brushes it against your cheek, nudging you. You exhale a shaky breath and your legs begin to tremble. The emotions swelling inside you were ones that have been dormant for more than a hundred years. Your heart was shouting at you to give in, to hand over yourself to her. After all, what's wrong with servicing a god? What's wrong with giving your loyalty to someone much bigger than you. Someone who's power outmatches your own a hundred fold. You HAVE to submit, there is no other way! But still you fight. Giving yourself to her would spell the end for your entire being. You would become someone else entirely. Little more than a doll for her, a play thing. No, you can't have that and she can't have you! At any cost, defend yourself from her!
"I need you. I need you like I've never needed anyone before. In this brief moment of my life, you are most important."
You hear a slight sniffle from across the room and it is enough to bring you out of whatever spell she has over you. You weakly open your eyes to see Twilight still staring at the ground. But every now and then she wipes at her eyes, shaking and lightly bouncing with each sniffle. She's crying. Of course she is. She just found out that she has no chance. No hope of standing next to Celestia, so long as you lived. The princess says so herself, you are what is most important to her. Not Twilight, not her sister, and perhaps not even Equestria could match up to you. But why?
"Why am I so important to you? In the end I am just a killer. You know as well as I that one day I will attempt to kill you as well."
Celestia gives a confident chuckle as she wraps her forelegs around you from behind. She continues to rub her head against you, her breath slightly quivering.
"You are what I need. A killer with no remorse, a creature with no ethical code. A monster. The only monster of your kind here in Equestria. Not even a dragon or draconequus has the potential you do. If your ambition and will to fill the hole within you were to be refined, I could use you far beyond your current state. Monster....tyrannical empires, unjust peoples, the sinful, even those beyond the stars will fall to you. A human man is far more dangerous than anything I or anyone else may have up their sleeves. If I can tame you, hone you completely, there will be nothing stopping you and I. Nothing to stop me from liberating the universe, unifying it under one being. And you will likely gain what you are so desperately searching for. Your purpose."
Celestia's hoof kneads your crotch and you're forced to shut your eyes again.
"As I said. You will not go unrewarded. I will give you everything I can."
You feel Celestia's surprisingly sharp teeth bite down on your neck and you roll your head back in a foolish attempt to resist. You manage to clear your head and think somewhat clearly. As clearly as you can anyway. You aren't so blind as to give in to just a few pretty words and alluring promises. There was the chance that Celestia was not a mare of her word. But she fulfilled every part of her deal thus far, correct? But can you still trust her? She may not have betrayed you yet, but how long until she finally does? How do you know her word is absolute gold?
"Prove it to me. If I am your ultimate weapon, prove to me that you'll never cast me aside. Prove to me that I am the one you absolutely need!"
Your eyes open and they stare directly into hers. As you gaze into her you realize that your maddening stare was not even half of hers. One look could drive you insane, but it always feels like she's holding back her full stare and sparing you.
"...Proof..." The word leaves Celestia as if it were spoken for the very first time.
A concept almost completely alien to her. For a sliver of five seconds she looks lost. Which was something to behold. Then her smile returns and she backs away from you, her hoof leaving between your legs. With the sway of her massive hips she strolls over to the still crying Twilight Sparkle.
"Proof." she says again, this time focusing on Twilight.
You watch her curiously as she observes the purple alicorn, who hasn't even noticed her. Then you see Celestia's smile spread even wider, cracking through her face like an earthquake. Her hoof finds Twilight's chin and she turns her head upwards to look the princess in the eyes. Twilight's own mirror-like gaze makes it so Celestia is staring at herself. At least that's what it would look like. But Celestia was staring past the mirror, through the mirage and into Twilight's own soul.
"My dearest Twilight. My most precious and adored Twilight.." she coos. Twilight shivers in her seat, tears still lingering around the corners of her eyes. "You know you are very important to me, yes? You know that nothing will ever replace my most faithful student. My everything. My twinkling star."
Twilight cautiously nods, her smile returning. You watch on in confusion and curiosity.
"Over the years I have known you as child, student, princess, friend...." Celestia leans in very close to Twilight, their muzzles touching. "And lover."
Twilight blushes and quivers severely, but she doesn't avert her gaze. She can't help but stare into the immense darkness that is her princess's eyes. Celestia speaks again, her voice low and breathy. You notice her horn glowing, though you can't see what it is she's manipulating. But Twilight shifts in her seat constantly, nearly panting.
"I need you to do something for me. The most important act you can carry out for me."
Twilight nods frantically, giving an "A-Anything for you, Princess!"
Celestia's eyes now turns to you, mischievous and lustful. Without your input, your hand slides into your coat and wraps around your dagger. Then you withdraw it, staring at it and amazed that you would retrieve it without reason. Then you look to Celestia and the reason becomes clear. Celestia turns back towards Twilight who is now leaning forward, grasping at Celestia's chest and panting heavily. Her eyes half lidded and her tongue hanging lazily out of her mouth.
"I need you to prove to the monster my commitment to him." Celestia says.
"Anything!" Twilight replies.
You stand, slowly making your way across the room to stop a foot away from the pair of alicorns. With the distance now closed, you could practically smell the excitement. Twilight looks so pitiful, a slave to her own pleasure. While Celestia towers over her, radiating her will and stimulating her pet. The princess moves closer to Twilight's ear and whispers "You know what you must do". Twilight slowly and shakily nods and turns over to you, presenting herself. You can see everything, the entirety of her exposed form.
The golden glow around her nether regions says it all. Celestia moves behind Twilight's chair and holds the purple alicorn's forelegs down. There is no struggle from Ms. Sparkle. Only the rise and fall of her uneven chest and the light moans that escape her. You look to Celestia who's smiling hungrily and wide eyed. Her tail raised high into the air, moving rapidly back and forth. She locks eyes with you again, edging you on.
"Do it." she says with all her calm. "This is your proof, Monster. I will give to you my Twilight Sparkle. She is yours, use her as you see fit. Enjoy yourself."
You say nothing as you run your thumb along the length of your blade. Twilight waits for you impatiently, moments away from attempting to pull you into her.
"Pitiful." you think to yourself.
Twilight Sparkle is a monster most tragic. Completely and utterly given to her princess. No doubt she thinks that in doing this, she will finally be able to be with Celestia. As long as she served her master, there was salvation for her. Always will she remain within Celestia's heart. To her, no one could replace her place in Celestia's heart. Which was incorrect, and that made it all the more sadder. You suppose you saw a little of yourself in Ms. Sparkle. A result of a certain path that has been presented before you. Twilight is you, should you wholly and completely gift yourself to Celestia's will. You would no longer be a monster who serves himself. But a monster who serves another out of desperation, out of the gluttony and lust of purpose and meaning. Celestia grits her teeth, revealing fangs as she continues to pin down Twilight.
"Do it!" she repeats commandingly.
You don't have to think twice. Within seconds your blade is digging deep into Twilight's chest. There are no cries of pain or anguish. Instead there are only throws of pleasure and testimonies of joy as you plunge deeper into her. You were not yet hilted, you wanted to take it slow. You want to savor it. Savor the bliss that wracks through your body like how a machine gun rips through flesh. Twilight's sporadic movements and moans only amplify it. As well as Celestia's long drawn out laughs and giggles. ou push deeper into her until you feel her heart beat rapidly against the tip of your blade.
The floor, as well as your nice shoes and pants are soaked as you stand over her with both hands pushing the dagger deeper. Twilight looks at you, her mirror-like eyes a bright gold. She's smiling at you in between the throws of her head. You take your time watching her, this mare who was enjoying it all as much as you. She manages to overpower Celestia's hold and grabs at you, trying to pull you in until you hilt. She wants all of you, as deep as you can go.
"Pierce her heart! Take her life and know that with it, you have my loyalty to you! Do it!"
Celestia coaxes you closer, pulling your mind in. You lock eyes with a blissful Twilight, so happy to be of great use to her princess. And you were so happy to finally drive the dagger into her after so many lectures, orders, and preaches. Her burning red blood makes contact with your hands and from then on you become lost in your own pleasure. You're no longer able to hold the beast with in you and it breaks from its chain. Without thought or input, without any sort of method, you give your all in one last push. Twilight's wings stretch to full mast, as well as Celestia's. The purple alicorn's mouth in a great big permanent "O" shape. Her eyes roll into the back of her head as she kicks her lower hooves and wraps her tail around one of your legs.
Twilight's moans are interrupted by ugly throaty sounds and coughs that spew blood from her lips. You shiver and shake, grinning crookedly. Your nimble fingers still grasp the hilt tightly, never ever wanting to let go. Eventually Twilight's grip on your arms begins to slacked and her pin-pricked eyes become empty of any light. Her breath stalls as her lungs continue to fill with blood. Within moments all sound from her ceases and she is motionless. You back away, now free from her grasp. It's apparent that you are hardly in better shape than she. Your own breath is ragged and shaky and your knees could buckle over at any second. Your mouth is almost a waterfall of salivation and your eyes burn from neglecting to blink.
Twilight Sparkle lay dead in her seat, covered in her own blood and vaginal discharge. Though she's only been dead for moments, you can already smell the decay coming off of her. You continue to back away until you fall into your seat. Staring at Twilight, and the gigantic mare behind her. Staring for so long causes your vision to fail you. Colors begin to mix and meld together, creating some sort of modern art master piece. You can't be sure, but you're sure the humongous of alabaster moving towards you is Celestia.
She calls to you, a sound like distant funeral bells. You close your eyes, begging for rest. No one man was meant to experience so much pleasure in that short a time. You've just killed a princess, a mare of great importance. A hero of Equestria! Oh the joy that fills you is too immense to measure. Suddenly you feel light, as if you weigh nothing and are being carried away by the air. Until you open your eyes to see you have been brought close into Celestia's breast. Her massive and powerful wings cascade over you, shielding you from anything that isn't her own personal radiance. She is silent for a very long while. Possibly silent for a few years before she speaks again.
"I have shown my commitment to you. I need you Anon, you are vital to me if I am to save Equestria from these rebellious children. And perhaps one day, I can save other worlds who suffer from the same chaotic malevolence that plagues mortal kind. You and I can be an unstoppable team, but only if you give yourself to me willingly. It is true that I can just force you to do whatever I like, but you would be squandered that way. Your meaning of life trampled and snuffed out, I do not want that for you. I want the very best for my monster."
You listen to her words, tho only lightly. You're much too focused on yourself to give her any thought. But soon enough you're able to fully hear her and actually process what she's been saying. She's promising you an entire life of wonder and grandeur. A fulfilled and meaningful life, one in which your legacy is insurmountable. She would make you a god, just to have her way. And she would do it out of kindness. Out of her sense of duty to the world and her subjects. She would slay the few to deliver the many into paradise. And it would all start with you.
Celestia isn't a liar, she's far too kind, too sweet to lie. She is telling you the truth. She needs you, all you have to offer if she is to obtain what she ultimately seeks. It goes beyond just one kingdom, one continent or planet. Her ambition stretches its hand into the heavens to devour the stars themselves. The warmth in your chest reaches its peak and you can no longer fight it. The sunflower within you is beginning to bloom and you're starting to lose yourself within the maze of Princess Celestia's iron forged will.
"Don't hold yourself back from happiness. Don't seclude yourself in darkness. I lay my heart before you, I give you promises of a complete life. Now, I am begging. Please, be my monster. Give yourself to me and there will be no more doubt, no more hate. We will be allies, friends, fighting for the same goal."
Her voice is so sweet. The sound of it always awakens something within you. Nostalgia maybe? Regardless, you're too out of it to give your princess a proper answer. But you think on it. It'd be great. Killing for her, slaying her enemies. And getting praised for it nonetheless. But what did you have to lose? Your individuality, your sense of self. No longer would you belong to you alone, but utterly and completely to her. She's asking you to cross that threshold, to surrender yourself to her or face an existence of autonomous thought. Both situations are those in which you lose. If you refuse her offer, you will be killed or even worse, turned into a mindless robot. If you accept, you become her lapdog, a servant to the only monster greater than yourself. How could you possibly emerge from this victoriously?
You reach inside yourself, tugging at the flower that blooms from your heart. It has already begun overtaking you. Her will has already started to consume you, it's almost a race against time at this point. What could Celestia truly be thinking? Keep in mind that this is the same mare who just through her most faithful servant to the dogs. What's to stop her from doing the same to you? But, suppose she wouldn't. Suppose you are never betrayed by her. By striking this deal with the devil, you are ensuring protection and fulfillment throughout your seemingly immortal life.
On the surface, yes you would be nothing more than her slave. But deeper than that, deep in both of your hearts, you are friends. Parters in crime, A duostar. A team of monsters was much more sinister than just one. Only thing is though, monsters have no friends. You open your eyes, still held by Celestia's mammothian grip.
"I need time.. to decide." you manage to say weakly.
All your energy was being drained from you, stolen and stored inside her chest. Celestia's smile does not fall, instead she brushes her ever so soft cheek against yours and coos.
"Very well then. I have great faith in you, I know you'll make the right choice."
Your overcome with weightlessness as you glide through the air, your fine clothes shimmering off of you to be replaced by pajamas. Celestia settles you in bed, wrapping the sheets around you ever so tightly. Before you know it, your eyes are already closed and you're only gazing at the infinite dark that's behind your eyelids. But you can still hear Celestia's heavy hoofsteps on the white marble floor as she moves about your room. You can hear her low soft breath and the flutter of her wings as she stands by the window.
Sound isn't the only thing that comes to you in the darkness. You can also feel her. Of course you feel her overwhelming presence, for it cakes the walls in its girth and enormous size. Easily you feel the giggling warmth as it touches your entire body all over, messaging you lightly. But you can also feel her phantom limbs still touching your body. Her delicate touch remains with you. Her hoof between your legs, her teeth embedded deep in the side of your neck. Her burning lips searing yours as she seemingly sucks the life from you. It's all still there and it'll never go away. Which you are fine with. Celestia will always be there even if physically she is worlds away. She will remain within you, around you. That is the effect of Princess Celestia of Equestria. The greatest monster to ever be birthed. And the kindest mare to ever gaze into the hearts of millions.
She says something, but you can't quite make out what it was. Before you can ask her to repeat it, she's already gone. Out the window and vanishing like a summer's nymph. Leaving you alone in your bed to think about the future. With Celestia gone, the overpowering smell of blood attacks you. It acts as a sort of chloroform for it knocks you out within seconds. Twilight's body would need to be removed from your room. But there was no rush. Let her stay, watch you as you sleep. She'll no doubt give you sweet dreams.