Chapters Chapter 1: Setting the Stage
I was so tired, this was the most draining performance I've ever had, and I don't know why. I could feel myself panting, and I was sweating, my bow tie felt like a choker. But I couldn't go home to a nice bed, no, I had to get my payment. My hooves felt like they were tied down by lead blocks trotting over to the manager, and I thought about how long it would take until I was awake tomorrow. He didn't even notice me trot to the side of him, only until I poked him did he react with a jump.
"Oh my Celestia, Octavia you scared me!"
I shrugged a bit in embarrassment, "I get that a lot," coughing in a lady-like manner I continued, "About my pay?"
The manager grabbed a small sack of bits out from under the bar counter, "All set for you Ms. Octavia, every bit has been accounted for, thank you for your business."
Picking up the bag and my cello case, which weighed a ton, I gave the manager a small nod and headed out of the hot, enclosed wine bar.
The night air was such a relief on my burning lungs, and the slight breeze felt amazing on my mane and coat. I always did like the look of Canterlot at night, it was such a beauty, not as dirty as Manehattan or rural like Ponyville. The well lit streets always seemed to have a glow, whether night or day, each building was unique in design and shone under the effects of Princess Luna's moon.
But unfortunately I had to leave, sleep was the only thing on my mind, and I slowly made my way to the train station that would bring me to back to Ponyville, and back to... Vinyl...
When I finally arrived to the train station and ordered my ticket back home, the only thing that I had to do was to sit down and twiddle my hooves until it arrived. With my cello case to the side and my flank on the bench, I let my body unwind temporarily, what would've been just a simple rest for any other pony was a godsend for me. I've never been this tired before, it only made me miss my bed even more, I was about to let my eyes close but the sound of another pony on the bench grabbed my attention.
"Tired eh?" A masculine voice asked me.
I looked over and saw another pony staring back at me giving me a comforting gaze. It was a stallion, I almost couldn't see him in the night due to his charcoal grey coat, his mane was quite long, the same size as mine, but a snowy white with the bottom a scarlet color. His eyes were the brightest shade of red I've seen, and I thought Vinyl had bright eyes since hers were switched between megenta and red, his were a vibrant ruby that seemed to glow in the night.
I gave him a nod in return, and the stallion placed a case to the side, my musical expertise told me exactly what it was when I saw it, a trombone.
"I see you play the cello, pretty big instrument, but it can produce quite an amazing sound when played correctly."
That shocked me, and I almost laughed at the situation we were both curious to see what instrument we played.
Instead I gave a more lady-like chuckle, "Yeah, but it's what I went with and what I'll stick by."
He gave a small laugh in return, "I guess, and where would somepony like you be heading?"
A confused look spread on my face, "And what would that mean?"
I was expecting him to laugh, or that... gleam... to appear in his eye, as most stallions did when they've had one too many drinks. But looking him over, he didn't seem drunk, nor did he seem to be faking concern, he looked like he was genuinely interested.
Instead his face grew with confusion with a mix of interest, and his ears perked up when he retraced what he said. "Oh! I didn't mean it like that, I apologize, what I meant was, where are you going?"
He seemed confident up until now... I thought while an amused smile spread on my lips. "Just heading back home, no where special."
The stallion then nodded and laid back in the bench, and I felt like he was in the same boat. "Same, just done performing."
I was about to continue, but all of a sudden the stallion just stood up, and his eyes were on full alert. I looked where he was and saw nothing, but he picked up his trombone case and started to gallop toward the darkness.
"Wait! Where are you going?!" I yelled out.
"Something came up! I have to leave!" He replied.
One question was burning in my mind, "What's your name!?"
"Adomia Fetter! Pleased to meet you!" Just like that, he was gone, I looked up to see a shadowy figure flying away, I guess he was a pegasus, I just didn't see his wings.
I sat there just watching the shape get farther and farther away, and only when I heard the screeching of the train did my attention turn to my original task at hoof. The door opened up and the sudden light hurt my eyes a bit, I picked up my cello case, showed my ticket to the conductor, and sat inside, letting my cello take another half of the seat.
The train got moving about fifteen minutes later, the moon lit the train up like a search light. It'll probably be eleven by the time I get home. I thought, and I set myself up a little bet, if I was right then I would finish off the cake that Vinyl got from Sugar Cube Corner.
I sat back and thought about the day, waking up to Vinyl blasting dubstep as usual, how could she call that music? Music is supposed to carry emotion and immerse the pony in another world. Not sound like a cow dying at a microphone, I'm sure there are some ponies who like that stuff, but I just hate it. Why was she such a big shot? I just didn't get it, I was a good player, I've heard it a lot. I thought that Grand Galloping Gala gig would boost my chances, but since that pink pony requested that... hideous... song, that got me down to playing at wine bars. While Vinyl was out, "peforming" for hundreds of ponies, and I have to live with her!
Vinyl was a good roommate, she carried her own and kept to herself most of the time, but then came those nights when she would come back with a stallion or drunk, or even both! The sounds of their... love-making, could be heard from my room, and it was really starting to tick me off, I should probably go talk to her about that.
Then I thought of Adomia, what a strange pony he was... I don't think I've seen anypony with a mane like that, so long, and something seemed off about those eyes, like he was looking deep inside me and probing for secrets. He seemed nice, and certainly not like the stallions Vinyl brings home, he seemed a bit more mature and I wouldn't be surprised if he was a little bit older than me, probably two or three years.
I could feel my cheeks becoming red, and I looked down to see that my muzzle was red, Why am I blushing just thinking of him? Come on Octavia it was just one pony, perhaps you shouldn't of had that Solar Wine, you know what that does to your mind.
Before I knew it I was back inside my home with my case by the door. I checked the clock, Ha! I was right, eleven on the dot! Cake for Octavia! I trotted over to the small fridge that we kept, a strange device that was given to Berry Punch, and she happened to have an extra. It kept our food nice and cold, opening it up I saw the delicious slice of chocolate cake and a note which read;
Thank me later Octy.
-Vinyl
Typical Vinyl, I thought and took small and delicate bites out of the cake, making sure not to get any crumbs on my coat or tie. Soon enough my belly was full and I headed to my room to retire for the night.
I was surprised at the lack of dubstep or... love-making... She must have been wiped out from her last concert I concluded.
My bed creaked when it took my weight in, and I wondered if eating that cake was a good idea. But my body was just begging me to sleep, and took off my tie before letting myself drift into sleep.
Adomia POV
I let out a breath of relief, "Phew! that was too close."
What was I thinking? Getting that close to Octavia? If she had figured me out the mission would've been ruined! My record would've been broken, and I would have to go into hiding... Okay maybe not the last part.
She seemed oblivious to my true identity, I thought, If she is truly the pony that I have to work with, then this war will probably never end, Adomia, you got some work to do.
With a spread of my wings, and trombone case in my hoof, I flew my way back to my home in Manehattan, about an hour flight, but it was normal for me, afterall, I do go to the castle every week. I knew I would see her again, and perhaps find a bit more about her, she seemed like a nice mare, but she isn't aware of who she truly is, and I knew if I didn't get her soon, then the griffin's would, and that could be major trouble, major trouble.
To be continued...
(Authors Notes: Well, second shot at a fic, and before anyone asks, No this does not have anything to do with Adomia Archives, this is a completely different Adomia, but still has practically the same backstory, a few minor tweaks here and there. Thanks for reading!)
Chapter 2: My Own Stalker...
A Week Earlier
"Look Luna, I don't see why I need a partner, I'm perfectly capable of handling anything the grffins can throw at me." While Luna is definitely one of the smartest ponies I know, she can be as stubborn as a mule, especially when it came to my well-being.
I wanted her to say I was right, but instead I got a typical sigh and a shaking of the head, "I'm sure you can Adomia, but it's not really so much as getting a partner. It's more like getting a sacred object, well... Pony in this case."
I took the final bites of an apple and tilted the chair I was in, back, "You mean Octavia, correct?"
She grabbed the leg and pulled it back down to the ground. "Yes, Octavia is a special pony, but if she were to fall into Griffin hooves-"
"Talons," I corrected, with a smug look on my face.
"Talons, then I think this war would be much harder to keep secret."
With a sigh I got up from my chair and trotted one of the large windows in her room, "I'll make sure she stays safe okay?"
I was about to jump out the window and fly off, but Luna's voice stopped me, which caused me to slip off the edge. But I grabbed it at the last second and climbed my way back up, "That's good, but try not to do anything to freak her out okay."
"We'll see Luna, we'll see."
Present Day
I don't think I have to begin how annoying it is when your sleep is interrupted by dubstep, but what makes it even worse is a crazy, white pony with glasses on screaming, "Good morning Ponyville!" At the top of her lungs.
Even though I had been living with Vinyl Scratch for about a year now, I still have never gotten the reason why she does that. But what amazes me more is the lack of complaints, not even a peep about Vinyl's, "Morning wubs." As she calls it.
With my head in the pillow, just trying to get some remnants of sleep back, I waited around fifteen minutes for the music to stop. That was my queue that I could head downstairs without my ears exploding.
"Good morning Vinyl." I said with a yawn.
"Hey hey! Look who finally decided to get up!" She responded in her energetic manner.
I didn't even need to look at the clock, "Vinyl it's still 9AM, same as always. You always blast your... music, at nine."
I sat down with a glass of orange juice as Vinyl put her glasses on, "Octy come on, you're still on about that?"
It took every single bit of self-control to not give my roommate a good slap, "Yes! I am! You know, I like sleep Vinyl, a lot of ponies like sleep! Having to be woken up by dubstep everyday gets tiring!"
She just laughed, "It's a great way to start the day!"
"Yeah, if great is having your ears bombarded with noise..." I grumbled to myself.
I droned Vinyl out as she went non-stop on how great dubstep is, and I turned my attention to outside. It looked like a beautiful day, the sun seemed extra radiant, it made every color of the world vibrant. I could see some ponies walking outside, either with early work, or just getting a head start on enjoying the perfect weather.
"Vinyl," I interrupted as I got up from the table, "I would love to continue this conversation, but I have business to take care of, I shall see you later."
She didn't even notice me leave, and I wondered if she had heard me.
I took a deep breath of the air, Looks like I was right, the weather is perfect! I began a nice smooth walk, not really caring where I was going. Canterlot was a nice place, but it couldn't compare to the natural beauty that was Ponyville, everything was so open and friendly. If I ever had to move to Canterlot I would probably miss this small rural town.
I didn't even notice myself trot out of Ponyville and end up at a large field, the long grasses teased at my legs, and the wind whipped my mane around however it pleased.
Taking refuge under a large tree I looked up at the sky, and let my hooves support my head, and I could feel painful memories starting to rush through my mind.
Many Years Earlier
I felt my nightly slumber interrupted by a strange sensation I've never felt before, burning. I woke up to have my eyes swarmed by a deathly black smoke, I let out a gasp, and then a fit of coughing. Breathing began to hurt, and the smell of a campfire infiltrated my nostrils. I crawled out of my small bed and began to make for the door, but debris fell from the ceiling and blocked my path. My small mind realized what was going on, fire. I continued to crawl on the floor, pain racking my sides from the heat, my eyes stung and watered, everything seemed to be a blur. I crawled out through the back door and finally stood up, my eyes cleared and I saw ponies trying to supress the fire with magic and water.
"What's this filly doing here?!" I heard a voice all out.
My knees started to buckle, and I fell to the grass with a small thump. I felt so tired, all I wanted to do was go back to sleep. But I could feel magic starting to swirl around me and my body turned weightless. Until I was placed on a strangers back, "She's burning up, we need to get her to a hospital."
I tried to protest, but all that came out was a small croak, and my throat instantly stung with each attempt to speak.
It all happened so fast, no pony ever figured out why or how my house was set on fire. No pony knew how I survived, with second degree burns all over. They said that my small body couldn't handle that, but time seemed to slow down when I was recovering in the hospital, and I saw the doctor walk in.
"Octavia, I'm afraid I have some bad news."
I was still so afraid, this new place, these strange things they were doing to me with magic, "W-where's mommy and daddy?" I squeaked out.
"That's just it, Octavia, they didn't survive."
Now for a filly, I was quite smart, and I knew what he meant, "They're gone, aren't they?"
"Yes, I'm so sorry Octavia."
Once again time blurred, I soon found myself in an orphanage, then in the hooves of a young mother and father. That's where I discovered the cello, it was so big to me, but that didn't stop me from playing it. I went to a small school where I was bullied due to my burn marks and love for such a instrument.
"She's good, for a filly." I heard my mother say one day.
My father gave me a solid nod, "I think you found something special to you Octavia."
I shut off the memory, I hated reliving my past, I was always a pony that looked to the future, and let the past be just the past. Memories like that made me feel horrible for some odd reason.
I was about to leave, but a voice penetrated my eardrums. "Something on your mind?"
I turned to see Adomia, that strange pony I had met the night before. "Adomia? Wha- how did you get here?"
He spread his wings, "Wings are quite useful you know."
My attention turned back to his question. "No, just memories is all."
"Your parents are dead aren't they?" He asked out of the blue.
My body instantly tensed, and a gasp escaped from my mouth, "How did you know that?!" I exclaimed.
"Because, I know that look in your eyes, they're full of pain, pain from a bad past. Perhaps a bad childhood?"
I stood up over him, "Okay who are you? How do you know so much about me?"
He held his hoof up as a signal to be quiet, "All in due time, Ms. Octavia."
Now I was really getting freaked out, and I took a few steps back. Perhaps if I ran, he wouldn't notice like most ponies.
"You can run, I'm not stopping you." He said as I was tip-hoofing away.
On that statement I bolted away, I was expecting him to follow me but he still laid there, his eyes closed and wings spread in a relaxing manner.
Whenever I was nervous I would clutch at my cello bow, much like how a filly would clutch a stuffed animal of some sort. "I just don't get it Vinyl, how did he know all that stuff about me? It doesn't make any sense!"
Vinyl just sat back in her chair and laughed, "Looks like Octavia got a peagsus stalker!"
"Vinyl this is serious! I'm genuinely afraid... How much does he know?"
She saw the look on my face, and soon her face reflected my fear. I felt happy that a pony was listening to me worry, and one of those rare moments happened where she seemed genuinely concerned about me, and it made me wonder how much of a friend I was to her.
"I don't know Octy, only he has the answer to that. Look, if you want my advice, just stay inside for the day okay?"
I gave her a solid nod, and I trotted up to my room and pulled out my cello, playing always seems to distract me, whether from Vinyl's dubstep or something like this.
I couldn't keep myself focused though, Adomia just kept popping up in my mind, every line, every measure, every note.
"All in due time, Ms. Octavia"
Why couldn't he tell me now? What was stopping him? I couldn't even get a decent thought on what he could mean by that, I was just so confused.
Not even my cello could keep me distracted for long, and soon day turned to dusk, and I found myself looking out my window at the world beyond. He is out there, doing... something, I just don't know what. I watched the clouds move by slowly, they wouldn't have had to put up with this... stalker...
I let out a deep sigh, "What happens next? Am I bound to keep meeting him like that?"
I don't know if Celestia was watching me or some other cosmic reason, but I looked out to one of the many roofs of Ponyville. They were all pratically the same, except for one, one which had a pegasus in a strange cloak of some sort, it was staring right at me, and I knew exactly who it was.
"Adomia..." I said outloud.
I was about to open my window when I heard Vinyl yell, "Hey Octavia! I got some food for us!"
"Just a-" I looked to the roof again and he was gone, "second..."
To be continued...
(Authors Notes: I hope you guys like this next chapter, I'm a little worried it wasn't as good as my first, but I guess that's okay. Thanks to everyone that reads, you guys are awesome)
"Is that her house?" My comrade asked me.
"Indeed, you don't want to know what I had to do to get that information." I replied.
"Good then... We'll strike tonight, when that pegasus has been dealt with."
Today was a strange day right off the bat. When I woke up, I was blessed to hear nothing but silence, no yelling Vinyl or dubstep of any kind. I looked at my clock to see it was 10:17 AM, and my body certainly felt like it. For the first time in a while my muscles were relaxed, and I felt well rested. However my mane certainly reflected it, instead of it being its long, flowing self. My late sleep had caused it to become a scraggly short mess.
After a refreshing shower, and a fruit salad with a note on the plate saying:
Sorry Octy, going to be at a Dubstep convention all day, take this as an apology.
-Vinyl
That note just made me laugh, it wasn't perticularly funny, but it seemed like Vinyl would always cook something up as an apology. She's just the strangest pony, but one of the best roommates I could have, I mean, free food is always a plus.
I put on some saddlebags with a bag of bits inside and headed to my front door. But as I was about to go outside, Adomia flashed through my mind, would he be waiting for me? Worry started to grip at my nerves and I had a hard time thinking whether I should go out or not.
Octavia, you can't let those two things dictate your life! You're your own pony, and no stallion will ever say otherwise! I thought, and my worry washed away, with a deep breath I pushed open the door and headed outside to get some groceries since our pantry and fridge were low.
Adomia POV
It's been around twelve days, and no signs of griffin activity. I'm starting to get a little doubtful, why have they been waiting for so long? Keeping complete eye contact of Octavia has grown tiresome, even messing with her has been a bore. I know I have to protect her, but for how long? It's only a matter of time before she takes her role, a deciding factor in this silent war.
I watched as the grey coated mare walked down the many paths of Ponyville, her attention ever so focused on whatever trivial thing she was doing. I sighed as I finished off an apple, and let my wings spread wide, light seeping through the small holes. I watched almost with envy at her, she had life perfect for her, she didn't have to live in this dark world. Where your deeds are never mentioned, she did something she truly enjoyed. While I was forced into this life of stealth and trickery, but... Somepony had to do it, why not me? Besides, her precious life would be taken away soon, maybe for good, maybe for only a few months. I'm not the one to judge, fate shall do that for me.
But... I wonder about her story, I've already concluded that her parents are dead. How much has she lost though? I can see much in those sad, amethyst eyes. Pain and suffering, just like me, perhaps we have more in common than I originally thought.
Octavia POV
My saddlebags were filled with all of the food they could carry, and on the way home I couldn't help but have that feeling of being watched.
He's probably behind me on the roofs I thought, and almost instantly a plan formed in my head, one that would get me the answers I so deserve. I will not stand to be the jewel of some crazy pegasus stalker.
Instead of going home I went the opposite way, to the field that I trotted to yesterday.
I let my saddle bags fall off and land on the ground. Putting my head on my hooves for support and crossing my hind legs for comfort I waited for him to fly overhead.
The wait was agonizing, and it seemed like an eternity before I heard the rustling of grass and the flapping of wings, I could feel him getting closer and closer, and even hear him breathing.
The tree shook a little when he put his weight on it, and I could feel his cloak rub on my coat, Now, while he's down. A voice in my head commanded.
In the fraction of a second I flipped over on top of him and pinned his hooves to the ground, his wings flared from the shock and I almost laughed at the surprised expression on his face. Like he never expected me to pin him so easily.
"What are you doing!?" He shouted out.
In an unladylike manner I took my right hoof and slammed it across his face, drawing blood, "I think I should be the one asking that question! Why have you been stalking me!?"
He scowled at me, and his eyes shot daggers into mine. "That's none of your business!"
"None of my business? What do you mean by that!?" I shouted in reply, "How is it not!? You're the one who's following me you... you!" I couldn't think of a name to call him, my mind blanked out.
I found my weight being reversed and myself tilting over, and before I knew it he was on top of me, with my hooves pinned to the ground. I could feel his anger from how hard he was pressing, as if I was his precious little gem. "You have no idea Octavia..."
My anger boiled past it's limit, and I pushed out from under him. I was back on all fours, restraining myself from just pouncing him like some wild animal. "I'm sure I don't! Seeing how you keep popping up in my life, what do you gain out of this? Something pretty to look at?! Or perhaps that's your special talent isn't it? Being a nosy, uncouth, bum of a pony!" I got right up in his bloodied face, "Stop following me Adomia Fetter. It's not your place, and it's not your job. Go bother somepony else!" I started to trot away, "Oh, and if I find you following me again, know that the authorities will be there to arrest you, and lock you up for good, you idiotic pile of filth."
I was shocked at my own words, I had never been that angry before. The shock must have carried onto him, because his face was full of it. Soon though, I could see a hint of anger in it, and I didn't stop trotting as he began to yell at me. "If that's how you feel, then fine! See how long you will live without me guarding you! I can guarantee you Octavia, you will die without my protection... I hope you realize that you signed your own death warrant."
With the rush of wings and air, he was gone, high into the sky where I couldn't see him. Truthfully I was glad he was gone, but his words lingered in my mind all the way home, with the saddlebags placed on the table to be stored away, I grabbed my cello case and headed for the train station. I still had a show to perform back at the Wine & Roses, and hopefully get those words out of my mind.
My gig went on with no problems, and in the end I did think it was one of my best. My drive to prove that pegasus wrong affected my playing, and made me sound beautiful, in my mind at least. The pay was a bit bigger, turns out the manager thought so too.
But as I trotted back to the train station, fear began to grip on my nerves. I could feel my heart racing, and my muscles twitched with anxiety. All because of the fear of Adomia popping out of nowhere, eager to kill me. I let out a deep breath when I got onto the train, he couldn't kill me here, and my mind began to question him. Was he really protecting me? Or was he just the stalker my mind thought he was? All these questions and none of the answers, and it drove me crazy. I've always liked to have my answers straight forward, I never liked it when people spared me details. If I was supposed to know something, I was supposed to know it.
You have no idea Octavia...
Idea of what? What am I not grasping here? What's the key to this puzzle? My mind eventually gave up, and I laid back in the chair to rest, temporarily forgetting all of my doubts, and fears.
When the train rolled up and screeched to a halt, I knew my relief was over, and my nerves were on high end again. Every sudden sound caused me to look around in fear, I kept looking back and forth at the darkened corners and alleyway's, the moon being my only source of light.
I finally got back to my home, and I had never been so happy to see lights on, indicating Vinyl was back home. I needed somepony to talk to, bad...
Everything was quiet in the house, strange, considering Vinyl's glasses were on the table along with bits of food. No noise besides my own breathing.
"Vinyl?"
I could faintly hear something, it sounded like Vinyl, only no words were being produced, just sound... Like a... scream.
The pupils in my eyes contrasted as I comprehended what I just heard, and I began to gallop upstairs at a frightening speed, adrenaline pumping, fears flowing through my frayed mind. I entered the darkened room and saw a bloody Vinyl, covered in brusies, panting. With another creature that I couldn't even imagine what it was standing over her, with it's long razor-sharp talons at her throat, ready to slice.
"What's going on in-!" I was cut off when a talon clamped over my mouth, and another poked at my throat lightly, but still drew blood.
Adomia POV an hour before
My body woke with a racking pain at my side and head, I could feel one of my eyes swollen shut, and the ground was sticky with blood.
"Oh Celestia, how long have I been out?" I thought out loud.
Then my memories came back to me like a tidal wave, the griffins found me on the roofs. They knocked me out when they beat me to the ground. It was strange, if they were intending to kill me, then they would've done so while I was down. The scenario rushed through my head a million times, and I quickly thought of their motives, what could they want from me?
The answer hit me like a bolt from a crossbow, Octavia! They intended to keep me unconscious while they attempt to kill Octavia... They must have been spying on us when she snapped at me, and used it as a perfect time to strike.
I remember losing her when she went into the Wine & Roses in Canterlot. I was getting tired, these days have been draining a lot out of me, and my body demanded rest when she went inside, then I woke up to a talon tearing at my side. The battle was short, I remember that, but what exactly happened I have no clue. It didn't ring any bells, and the pain in my head didn't help either.
I looked over to Ponyville, it would take around an hour to fly there, even going as fast as I could. But duty calls I guess...
After making sure I had my crossbow and Hidden Blade I took off into the sky, with only the thought of the grey mare scared out of her mind, and pain all throughout her body until she died.
Present, Octavia POV
I knew I was about to die, the pain the two creatures brought onto me was almost unbearable. I could feel blood leaving in almost dangerous quantities, Vinyl didn't look any better, but I noticed the fire in her eyes that said, Don't worry, we'll get out of this.
I tried to keep my hopes up, but I was running out of things that could save us, we were beat, but the only thing in my mind besides the fear and pain. Was confusion, why would these things even attack me and Vinyl? What do they want?
"I think we're done here..." One of them said, and he stood in front of me. I could fully see what he was, he had the head of an eagle, and his body resembled that of a lion, and something jogged in my memory. A griffin, that's what they called it. I recalled a troublesome one in Ponyville not to long ago, she was a troublesome one, but never harmed anypony like this.
"You should have died in that fire all those years ago Octavia, now it's time for you to die."
I closed my eyes, tears flowing freely, as I waited for the strike that would end my life.
But it never came... When I opened my eyes I could see the griffin's eyes were stuck open, he fell to the ground and I could hear a second body hit the ground.
What happened? Why did they just fall over? I shook myself of their limp grip, and turned on the light. When my eyes adjusted I could see a lone pegasus, standing at our doorway, panting, and blood dripping from his side, a small device in his hoof.
"Told you, you couldn't even last a full day eh?" He said with a weak chuckle.
My mouth fell agape, how could he just brush this off like it was no big deal?! I felt Vinyl get in front of me, and even though she was broken and bloodied, she still protected me...
"Who are you?!" She shouted.
Adomia let out a sigh, "I can't explain now, but what I can say is that Octavia needs to come with me."
"What!" My voice finally decided to work, and I felt him grip my hoof with his.
"You're in danger Octavia, you need to be taken away from here. Vinyl, I want you to get out of here as well, not forever, just get to a hospital and get patched up, but don't mention how you got your wounds. Say a Timber Wolf attacked you." He said.
I struggled as he tried to pull me away from the room, "No! Not until I get an answer, who are you!? Why do you want me so bad?!"
He stopped and turned to face me, "My name is Adomia Fetter, I am Luna's personal assassin, and you Octavia... You're going to be my new partner."
Those were the last words I heard as my knees buckled, and I gave into the wounds and exhaustion.
To be continued...
(Authors Notes: Okay if you had read my previous story, you would've known where this was going. Yes, I have decided to take this route, thanks very much for the people behind all the Octavia Creed pics)
Adomia POV
I sat patiently as Octavia rested in one of the few hospital beds, observing every little detail. Her semi-peaceful look, her slowly rising and falling chest, her mane that had a bit of griffin blood in it, her ear would twitch occasionally which I could only smile at.
"You know she'll call you a stalker when she wakes up, you know that right?" A voice from behind me disturbed the silence in the room.
I let out the faintest chuckle in reply, "I'm aware of that Luna, but you sent me to protect her and train her, and I will."
Luna placed her hoof on my shoulder, which was cold from the metal shoe, "Please go easy on her Adomia, she'll be completely new to this, plus she doesn't fully trust you yet. I'm putting a lot of faith in you, but if you mess up, you can always come to me for guidance."
Turning to face her, I could see the worry in her expression as my eyes met hers. "Trust me Luna, she'll be ready in a few weeks," I gave her a reassuring smile, "But I'll come to you if I need to, okay?"
The soft touch of her cheek on mine gave me a bit of a jolt, but she broke the nuzzle as quickly as it came. "I need to go, have business to take care of over in a small town, Daww'troit I believe it was... Goodbye my assassin."
I gave her a little wave before she went out of sight, then my attention turned back to the sleeping mare in front of me. She started to shuffle a bit in the bed, and I knew she was starting to come to.
Octavia POV
My eyes slowly opened, and I could already sense I was in a unfamiliar place. The air smelled of blood and rubbing alcohol, the floors were marble white tiles. A curtain was to my side and fully open, and at the end of the room was Adomia Fetter, sitting in a chair, much like my friend Lyra does, only his hind legs were crossed. Overall he appeared more threatening, with his eyes shining in the dimly lit room.
"Glad to see you're awake Octavia." He said to me.
There was a hint of concern in his voice, and I didn't try and bolt out of the room. "Where am I?" I asked in return.
The pegasus got up and trotted to the side of my bed, "You're in the medical wing in Canterlot castle. It's not the best, but you're wounds weren't that bad, how are you feeling?"
As soon as he said that my wounds decided to point themselves out, my neck was bandaged along with part of my chest. They both stung, but I could feel the sizzling of alcohol on them, indicating that it was just put on.
"I'm okay, I- wait... Canterlot Castle?! As in, where Princess Celestia and Princess Luna live!?"
Adomia nodded his head, "The only really secure place I could put you for now, don't worry about Vinyl, I got wind that she was okay, a little shaken, but she'll be back home soon."
I let out a sigh of relief, and noticed Adomia, light smile on his face. "What are you staring at?" I asked him.
His eyes widened slightly and he coughed, "Nothing, now, I'm ready to answer any questions you have."
About time... I thought. "Okay first question, I recall you saying you were Luna's... what was the word? Assassin? I thought those things were only in dark novels."
He unfurled the hood on his head, and I noticed he had a bandage on one of his eyes, "Well I'm the only one, I only answer to Princess Luna. I was assigned to protect you from the griffins, and yes, killing in secret is my job."
"Why would she have something so dark?... No offense." I questioned in reply.
It looked like his face grew a bit darker and he turned away from me. "It's a long story, I'd rather not go into it..."
I have no idea how to feel about this pony I thought, At first I was creeped out, but... Now that I think about it, he was just protecting me. It was in a weird way yes, but he did after all save mine, and Vinyl's life.
I got out of the bed, and my wounds reminded me of their presence. As I got to the door, Adomia quickly rushed up and closed it, "I'm sorry, you can't leave now."
Fear started to come over me again and I tried to keep myself calm. "Why not?"
"Look, you need to listen to me okay? Do you know why the griffins attacked you?"
His voice was filled with genuine concern, and I wondered that exact same question. I don't know why they attacked me and Vinyl, nor did I know why griffins would be in Equestria. "No, I'm still so confused about this entire thing..."
Adomia fished something out of his cloak, and tossed it to me. I caught it and saw a small leather book, and I looked back at him in confusion.
"Read it, it will help prove a point." He told me.
I cracked it open and already I could feel its age. The pages were stained yellow, and the leather was cracked. The writing on it almost was indecipherable, but it was a diary of somepony. I didn't understand what it was talking about though, it mentioned something about the griffins, but the rest I couldn't wrap my head around.
Letting out a sigh, I closed the book. "What was I looking at?"
"It's the diary of one of your ancestors." Adomia explained, "One of the first assassins, Earth Pony, went by the name Kenji Philharmonica. Last name ring any bells?"
All other shock that I had felt recently was nothing compared to what I felt when I heard those words. Philharmonica was my deceased father's last name... As well as mine.
He seemed to have picked up on my shock and tried to elaborate, "Your father and your mother both came from a long line of assassins, dating back around eight hundred years. When they made you, they unwillingly combined the blood of their heritage into one pony, you."
"But what does it mean!? I'm not an assassin! I'm a cello player!" I shouted at him.
He rested a hoof on my shoulder which I instantly shrugged off, he had no right to touch me. "Than why is a great cello player like you never noticed by the public? Why is she so good at time keeping without the aid of a clock? Why would griffins want to kill a normal cello player? You can't run from it Octavia Philharmonica, it is in the blood coming out of your assassin heart."
I didn't even notice myself back into a corner and curl up in fear. "Stop it! Please... Just let me go home..."
Adomia let out another sigh, "I can't let you do that, under order of Princess Luna, I am to protect and train you in the art of stealth and the use of a blade. We'll start tomorrow morning, until then, try and get some sleep."
With that he left, leaving me on the floor just trying to keep the information at bay. As the night moved on I began to look for exits, not even caring about what he said. I needed to get home, I needed to see Vinyl.
I looked at the window that gave way to the open night and tried to lift it. It wouldn't budge... Adomia probably locked it to keep me from getting out, how creepy...
My hope reignited however when I saw that Adomia had placed my cello case in the room. I had no idea why he would go back and get such a thing, but that wasn't on my mind. Inside my case were extra strings for my bow, and the dual paned window had handles on the outside which were stuck by a small metal rod jammed in each of them. If I took one of the strings and wrapped it around the rod, I could push it out of the way and open the window!
It took a bit of time but eventually I was outside on the roof of Canterlot castle, now to make my escape...
"Just where do you think you're going?"
I froze in mid-step, and turned to see Adomia looking at me with a hint of anger. "I was just-"
"Leaving?" He interrupted, "Go back home to see your Vinyl Scratch, and try to regain some semblence of normality? Shrug it off like it was nothing?"
Before I could say something he stomped his hoof onto the roof, the noise echoed across the paneling, and it suddenly turned a few degrees colder. "You can't do that! Your old life is gone, live with it Octavia! While I'm genuinely impressed that you found your way out, I'm still angry because you can't accept it."
I found my anger boiling again and I turned to face him, "Do you think I want this?! Did you ever think I wanted to be told that I'm some sort of, blood born assassin?! Did you think I ever wanted somepony guarding me!? No! I didn't want any of this!"
He looked down at me, and my enraged heart soon turned cold again, "Neither did I... Did you think I wanted to do this? Having to capture a mare I do not know, and train her to become my partner? No, I did not." He sat back down on the roof, "But the cards as it is, you can stay here and get training to help a greater cause, or you can go home and die a selfish pony. Your choice Octavia, I just hope you make the right one."
With that he took off into the sky and left me alone, mane whipping in my face from the wind, cold, and more confused than ever.
Adomia POV
That Octavia... The more my mind traced back to her, the more worried I became. I worried that she would actually leave, and leave me alone... Perhaps I was a bit hard on her, but that was how it stood. I needed her to help me win this invisible war.
"Did you think I ever wanted somepony guarding me!? No! I didn't want any of this!"
Those words reminded me when I was younger, under Luna's teachings. I asked her why I had to do this, she responded with. "I saved your life Adomia and gave you a home, this is your payment."
To become her personal warrior of the night, I didn't blame her, she needed somepony like me. Especially after the whole Nightmare Moon incident, and ponies doubted her return. She needed at least one pony under her that would be loyal no matter the cost, no matter what she did.
But maybe there was more to that than I realize, perhaps I mean more to her than I think...
I shrugged it off and finally landed back at my small apartment complex in Canterlot, I crashed on the couch as soon as I entered. Not even caring about the wounds crying out in agony under the soft cushion.
Octavia POV
Sleep didn't come easy for me, thoughts kept bouncing in my mind like a rubber ball and kept me from the sweet, sweet relief of sleep. By the time the sun finally rolled around, I had managed to get about an hour or two of sleep. I was surprised I wasn't awoken with a blade to my throat, or another strange way. Instead I was awoken with a gentle nudge to the side and a calm voice saying. "Hey Octavia, it's time to begin your training."
With a groan and the cracking of my back I got up and out of bed. Adomia stood on the other side, and for the first time I could see him in his full uniform. It wasn't much, a brown cloak, hood drawn over his head. It was ripped in several areas and sutured with different types of cloth, obvious that he did it himself, He had what looked like a visor? One large hunk of metal that seemed to cover his eyes with a red lens. I have to admit, he did look a bit intimidating...
"Like what you're seeing?" He said smugly.
My face flushed a bright red and I hid it with my foreleg. "Pervert..."
He gave a weak chuckle in reply, and trotted over to the open window. "First lesson is up here, come on." I watched as he got himself back onto the roof with ease.
Truthfully, I liked it a lot better when it was night. Because I realized, it was almost scary how high it was. The cold wind lapping at my coat, rustling my mane. I didn't dare look down, for I was afraid I would slip.
"Perfect day isn't it? Not too hot, or too cold."
He stood on the very edge of the roof, part of me feared he would slip, the other thought he was nuts. "I guess... Why are we up here?"
He turned his head back to look into my eyes, "You're afraid up here, aren't you?"
I could only nod in reply.
"It's okay, I was to my first time. But this is your first lesson, I'm going to teach you how to let go of fear, to accept death for what it is. If you can master this, the rest will be an easy ride, that I promise you."
There was no sarcasm in his tone, he was genuinely serious. How could he not fear death? What... has this pony gone through that makes him that confident...?
I didn't even notice him drag me closer to the edge, until my heart started to beat faster and adrenaline to start pumping through every vein in my body. "See that small pool of water below us?"
Only by squinting my eyes could I see it, he wasn't thinking...
"You're going to jump off this roof, into that pool. Do this, and the real training can begin."
"Are you crazy!?" I exclaimed, pushing away from him, and almost slipping in the process. "The fall is about sixty four feet!"
He clapped his hooves, "exactly right Octavia. No normal pony could say that unless they were trained in estimation, see how naturally it came to you?"
I didn't care about that, not at all! "You're still crazy!"
"Oh come now, it's easy. I'll do it first, then you." With that he dove right off, his hood flew back and his wings stayed tucked in on his sides. No interference, just complete confidence...
He landed with a small splash, and climbed out, completely unscathed.
"Now you try!" He yelled back at me.
The fall looked way bigger when I saw it again... The pool was so small, there was no way I could do this! I would die! "I can't do it!"
I heard something that sounded like a groan, and then the flapping of wings. "Why not?" He asked as he flew back onto the roof. His cloak stuck to his body from the water.
"Well, you're a pegasus, I'm an earth pony! You have the relaxing thought of your wings catching the air if you mess up. I don't have anything like that."
He must've picked up something else in my tone, because I felt his hoof on my shoulder. "Hey, my wings had nothing to do with it, you need to learn to let go, accept death. Then it holds nothing over you, every day you wake up, you have a chance to die. Does that stop ponies? No, you accept death every time your eyes open from sleep. Now come on Octavia, I know you can do this."
The words sunk in like a rock, and I realized he was right. But when I looked over the edge, my fear took over, and I only cared about living, and not taking that dice roll with death. "I'm sorry, I just can't do this."
His grip grew tighter. "Octavia, you need to do this. I cannot teach you anything else until-"
"Why not!" I interrupted, "I don't know about you, but I'm a normal pony! I'm not a freak like you!"
Another sigh escaped from his mouth, and he let go of me. "Perhaps you're right..."
I turned to see him sitting down, one of his legs dangling off. "Do you know how old I was when I made this jump?" I was going to give him an answer but he shook his hoof, "I was about seven when I finally made this jump, it took me a full two days to build up the confidence. To fall without using my wings for help, I'm trying to get you to do it in about five minutes. Look, I have something I need to do in Ponyville, while I'm gone... Sit up here, get used to the height, let yourself get comfortable, I'll be back in about two hours or so."
Get comfortable? How could I? I'm up sixty four feet in the air, on a slanted roof, being told that I have to jump off!
"Having trouble jumping Octavia?" The sudden voice caused me to jump, and I snapped my head to see Princess Luna giving me a warm smile.
"P-Princess Luna!" I bowed at her hooves as she drew closer.
"Rise Octavia, no need to bow to me. I'm not my sister," She replied with a laugh, "From your look, I'm guessing you're wondering about my apprentice."
Was I an open book or something? How could these ponies read me so easily!? "Well... Yeah, was he really seven when he made this jump?"
She sat down with me and nodded, "Yup, brave pony that one. I was expecting him to wait a few weeks to build some confidence."
"How come he was so young?"
Her face grew sad, and I realized I must've hit a touchy subject. "Like you told him, Adomia isn't a normal pony, no doubt. He's... Been through a lot, things that would cause any other to crack. It's not my place to tell you, that is his job."
I took a big sigh and looked back out at the morning sky. It was strange, I never thought I would speak to the princess of the night. Especially in the daytime. "Something else bothering you?" She asked.
"Oh, no, nothing at all Princess."
She returned my sigh, "You shouldn't lie to me Octavia, Adomia had a horrible habit of keeping his thoughts and emotions inside. Even now he does that, he's open with me. But not with any other pony... Then again... I'm the only pony he talks to."
Now that caught my attention, perhaps we have more in common? "He never had any other friends? What about school?"
"He never went to a school, everything he learned by himself from books, and me. He never talked with any other pony, and eventually he became a Lone Wolf. Always doing everything by himself, and not letting any other pony interfere. That's why he was suspicious about having you as his partner." She informed me.
The faintest of chuckles escaped from my lips, and I could feel Luna's confusion from where I was sitting. "I'm sorry, he just reminds me of myself. I was that loner type as well, not having any other pony interfere with my affairs." Another thought crossed my mind and I asked, "Another question though, how come he was with you at such a young age? Are you his... You know..."
"Mother?" She interrupted, "No, although... I have heard him make that mistake of calling me that... Look, I'm aware how you lost your parents. Don't bring up his past to him, he'll grow really defensive, really quick. Give him some time, and perhaps he will open up to you." With that she got up and trotted back to the window, "You don't realize it now... But you will find that many of these lessons will come more naturally than you think."
Adomia POV
I never realized how relieved I was when I arrived back onto the roof to a sleeping Octavia, the sun just on the edge of the mountains. The wounds Vinyl inflicted on me with that frying pan probably hurt more than the damage the griffins caused. It took me a full ten minutes before she would stop hitting me, and actually listened. I explained the situation, and I was surprised that she grew serious and started to listen. While Vinyl didn't seem happy that she lost her, "Wub Buddy" She understood the severity and took it in maturely.
The bag I had slung over my shoulder started to shake slightly, and I finally put it on a flat part of the roof.
I looked back at Octavia, watching as her chest slowly rose and fall, and I found myself staring more intently at her, measuring every detail of her body. How her head rested on her crossed forelegs, her hind legs crossing as well, the way her tail would flick back and forth, the small things. Soon enough I could feel my muzzle growing hot, and I looked down to see it blood red. Wh-what's going on? Why am I... Blushing? Do I...? No, it's probably the air, it is quite hot up here...
It quickly faded and I nudged Octavia awake. "I see you got very comfortable, do you think you could try the jump now?"
She batted the sleep out of her eyes and looked at mine, "I just can't do this... No matter how much time I spend up here, I just can't build the confidence."
The tone in her voice, such desperation, and lack of hope ignited something in me. It made me flash back to my youth, when Luna was giving me this task.
"But Luna it's so high!" I remember exclaiming...
"Adomia, you can do this, you managed to get here on your own from Cloudsdale. I have no doubt that you have more courage and strength than you realize. Even more than my sister and I, you just need to find it... Find that fire inside Adomia, use it, and be the champion that I need."
I placed my hoof under her chin and made sure our eyes were locked. "Octavia, I know this is a complete change for you. I know that you would never have to do this, and I personally didn't want such a hard working pony to undergo this. But, it is how it is. I need you to tap into the assassin that is in your blood, and make this task seem like foals play. I can't do this alone Octavia, I need a partner, so please... Find that strength, and be the partner I need so desperately."
Octavia POV
I could see the fire in his eyes as he said this, and that fire passed to me. My body tingled with a indescribable feeling, and I felt my fear disappear, everything that I had worried about up to this had faded away. He helped me up and we walked to the edge, I looked over. I didn't see a scary fall, I saw a invisible gate, a gate into something that was bigger than I was. A gate into a whole other world, one of darkness and secrecy. One that wasn't seen by just anypony, only the select few who were worthy. With one approving nod, I jumped and let myself fall, and pass through that gate.
The feeling was amazing, I felt free, adrenaline pumped in my veins. My heart was on overdrive, my mane and tail whipped in the rushing air, but most of all I felt... Alive.
Water rushed up to greet me, and shook me back to reality. I sputtered water out of my lungs and hung onto an edge and let myself refill on precious air.
Adomia landed in front of me, and offered a hoof, which I accepted with a new found respect for the pony.
"Thank you Octavia," He said, trust and sincerity in his tone.
"I think I should be the one thanking you..."
"Perhaps, but Luna has arranged a room for you to stay in. I've already placed your personal belongings in there, including your cello. Dry yourself up and get some rest, you're going to need it."
The pegasus took off into the sky, and I watched him fly off, until I couldn't see him anymore. Where was he going off to now?
With some help from a guard I managed to find the room Luna had given me. I was shocked to see that it was better than my room back home! The floors were a sleek white marble, large, ornate windows hung on the walls. The bed was three times my size, with comforters that were a night sky blue, and had a large crescent moon on it. The drapes hung across it in a decorative style, but what seemed odd was the large bag in the middle with a small note on it.
The scent of wet ink stained the page, indicating it was written recently.
Dear Octavia,
I'm glad you were finally able to do it, and this means a whole new start for you.
Like I said, I'm sorry for having to drag you in this, but I'm left with no other choice.
Take this small gift, perhaps it will teach you a lesson in responsibility.
-Adomia
I put the letter down and looked at the bag on my bed, I could hear a faint shuffling sound, like something was alive in there.
The smell of animal hit my nostrils as my hooves untied the bag, and a small crate was revealed. I gasped as I heard a small, mew, and with hesitation I opened the crate, and pulled out a small kitten.
To say it was adorable was an understatement, when I looked into it's big, yellow eyes, it stared right back. His fur was a sleek black, and it blinked at me as if to say, "Are you my new mother?"
The cuteness of the kitten overwhelmed me, and a squeal found its way out of me. It rubbed against me lovingly, and I pet it with a stray hoof. "I think I'll call you... Bellator."
Bellator mewed in delight, whether by the name, or just me petting him. A few other things were inside the bag, two bowls, some fish, and a box for the kitten to make his... gifts.
Time flew by, and eventually my eyes drooped, and one yawn after another pointed out my exhaustion.
I climbed onto the bed, Bellator following me, and placed myself in the covers, the warmth from Bellator and the soft sheets took their tole, and I fell asleep.
Late into the night
My eyes opened wide when I found my legs were pinned, and a shadowy figure loomed over me. A appendage I know all too well covered my mouth, preventing me from screaming. I could see the window open from the corner of my eye, and Bellator was fast asleep.
"Now you listen here Octavia... Try all you want, but you, and that pathetic pegasus you call a mentor will not stop us... Not even me, I'm not here to end your life yet... But I want you to know... I will be watching you. Every breath you take, every single heartbeat will be seen by me... Your stepping into the wrong door Octavia, and I will make you beg for death... Soon enough."
The claw scratched against my neck, and I felt completely helpless, at total mercy of whoever this griffin was. But as soon as the feeling came, it left, and he let go. I watched as he flew out the window, and the only thing in my mind was his eyes... Blood Red...
To be continued...
(AN: Sorry it took so long for this, and I'm sure I made a bit more mistakes than the other chapters. But I had a power outage for the longest time, and it took a while to get back into the swing of things. I hope the size of the chapter makes up for it...)
