I woke at the sound of a bang and reached to my back for a rifle that wasn't there. The brief moment of panic passed when I saw Celestia standing in front of a closed door with a cheeky grin. She made her way over to my table with its assortment of tomes. The studying last night had been interesting to say the least. Runes were basically symbols in some archaic language that represented different words. When magic is channeled into them they can activate and produce a desired effect. One of the more simple ones that I was able to study before knocking out was a basic fire rune that varied in intensity depending on how much magic one poured into it.

Thinking on that now, it would probably be a safe bet that the sun princess knew a thing or two about fire runes. “Hey Celestia, you know anything about fire runes?”

Her grin got slightly bigger at that. I don't know what that would mean though. The only possibilities are that she was interested in my topic of study or was happy someone had the balls to address her without the title. Actually, come to think of it both she and Luna showed slight signs of gratitude when I did... Maybe they just want another friend besides each other. No friend worth having cares about a title.

“Anon are you with me?” She said, waving a hoof in front of my eyes.

“Shit, sorry I was just thinking. What did you say?”

She rolled her eyes, “I said, of course I do. Being Lady of the Sun comes with a natural affinity for fire and light magic.”

I couldn't help but smile. “Then would you happen to know a more efficient version of the basic fire rune?”

“As it so happens, I do. Were you planning on this being the first in your newfound repertoire of spells?”

“Yes, it would be a great combination with melee weapons and a good natural defense mechanism. Which brings me to where I want them. One on the palm of each hand would work best for me. It would seem the best placement to augment weapons.”

“I believe I could do that for you. Before I do so there is one thing I must tell you. Runes put onto ones self will always be painful and are permanent. Are you absolutely positive that these runes will serve you well?”

“Of course I'm positive, flamethrower hands will most certainly be useful, and awesome.” On the off chance they aren't I could always get more runes.

“So be it, prepare yourself.” That was all the warning I got before a searing pain shot through my hands. Like someone had taken a red hot iron poker and impaled my palms. When the pain subsided and left a dull ache behind. I couldn't help but think, Celestia was the type of chick who volunteered to pull the arrow from your ass and went on two instead of three. Bitch.

Looking at the newly branded runes on my palms I couldn't help but stare quizzically at them. Taking interest in my befuddlement Celestia walked over. When she looked at the runes she let out a 'hmph,' apparently just as confused as me. To explain, the runes on my palms were nothing like anything in the book I had been reading.

“That doesn't look like ancient equish to me. Do you know this language Grim?”

“Yes actually, it looks like old latin to me. The triangle is a symbol for fire, surrounding it is the word 'salamander.' Although, I haven't the slightest idea why it would show up in a dead language from my world.” Thinking on the whole language thing it was a wonder how I was able to communicate in an entirely different world from mine.

“That reminds me, how come I'm able to understand and read your language? It doesn't look any different from english to me.”

“The summoning spell that Luna used had many, many layers to it. One of which being a complex translator. Allowing you to not only hear us in your native tongue but speak it as well. Along with that the spell translates written words for you too.”

“So I've been speaking...”

“Equish”

“Equish this entire time?”

“Yes, albeit with an odd accent, but equish none the less.”

I tapped my chin in thought at this newfound ability to speak any language. “That is fuckin balla.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow at that before responding with a simple “what?”

“What I'm sayin playa, is that shit is wack and totally off the chain yo.”

All I got in the way of a response was a deadpan stare. I couldn't keep it together after that and burst out laughing. I just confused a demigoddess, after stowing that one for my memories I managed to compose myself. She was just looking at me like a teacher who heard a great yet inappropriate joke in class and tried not to lose it.

“If you're done I actually did come here with a purpose other than to wake you up.”

“Oh? Well as your faithful puppet for the time being I'm obligated to listen.” With that little comment all traces of amusement vanished from her face. She wasn't glaring at me, or mad, or anything of that sort. Her face just turned into a mask. One that a person who had dealt with formalities and obligations wore to appear as civil as can be.

Trying to befriend the two princesses would, in all likelihood, get the circle removed from my chest faster. On the other hand it was proving difficult to not be bitter at times. For the moment they were still essentially captors. With that barrier in place there was no way to truly make the two into some semblance of friends. Given enough time I'm sure they'll come around but for now...

“At the moment you are still bound Grim. Tasks like this one will help you earn our trust. Now for the matter at hoof. The Minotaur invasion was one thing among many that has affected our country recently. There are smaller issues that need dealt with which don't require an army. In a town to the north a great many residents have been plagued by nightmares. The contents of which my sister cannot decipher. All she was able to gather was that the nightmares had a variety of horrifying images difficult to comprehend. The images themselves are not the issue since none can recall them while not in the dream. Instead they seem to instill a great deal of fear and paranoia into ones very soul.”

I couldn't help but snicker at the bullshit being spread before me. “So let me get this strait. Instead of the princess of the night dealing with this, thing, causing nightmares too horrific to describe. You want to send me, a newcomer to the world of magic? I'm sorry, from what I'm seeing there is no way that I would be able to do something almost any competent mage could. Therefore I have to ask, why in the ash laden soil of Gehenna, would you send me?”

Celestias mask showed a crack for a moment. The ghost of a grin showing. “What is the matter Grim? Are you afraid of the unknown, not confident in your mental fortitude?”

“I'm not playing that game so wipe the look off of your face.”

She seemed to grin even more before a melodramatic sigh. “Well if you insist, the reason behind choosing you is that you seem to have mental barriers that most creatures do no poses. Luna tried to look into your dreams and found significant resistance in doing so. After all of her work getting in the dreamscape she found was fragmented and difficult to navigate. Even after that she didn't find anything of importance.”

“I don't know whether to feel violated or proud.” For the sake of my sanity I might just go with proud.

“Whichever you choose we believe these barriers will keep you protected whilst you investigate and hopefully destroy the source of the nightmares. The only restriction on the mission is that no intentional harm is to come to the citizens. I have brought an emblem to identify you as an agent of the crown.”

She hoofed over a large coin, one half with the sun the other half with the moon. “I had a pack made for you and filled it with essentials for travel: some food, water, a map, and bits for expenses. Just stop by the guard post after the front gates. Once done dealing with this return for your next assignment. I wish you luck in your endeavors.”

After that simple farewell she was gone in a flash, literally. Presumably to do princess things while I walked into my own demise. Heaving out a sigh I shrugged and stated on my way out of the castle. This was not looking like it would be a good time. The near future didn't look much better. The fact remained that I would be doing this sort of thing for a hot minute. Best to try and make the best of it instead of wallowing in misery. Who knows maybe they would free me out of guilt if I barely survived.

Approaching the front gates I saw the pack laying off to the side of the path. Two guards stood a distance away keeping trained eyes on me. Seemed like I wasn't the most welcome of company here. Picking up the pack I got out the map and took a look. The path drawn out was simple enough; stay on the road out of the north gate and get to Elderberry in a few hours.

The trek to the town itself was very uneventful. The only things that happened were some strange looks from passerby and a lot of walking. Upon entering the town something strange stuck out immediately. There were no ponies outside, it was late afternoon yet not a soul was out. The only signs of life were the occasional eye peeking out from behind curtains. Walking through the outskirts the pattern seemed to hold. That was when I heard the strangest thing, a song from my world.

Following the music I headed into the town center. There was a small clutch of ponies huddled around the music source. It looked to be a miniature jukebox, complete with flashing lights and multiple records. All of the ponies were gawking at the machine while a tall slender earth pony stallion stood behind it.

He had a charcoal black coat with a tussled gray mane. The brown cloak draped over him hid his butt tattoo, yet the most outstanding feature on him were his eyes. They didn't have an iris and the sclera was sickly yellow. From the pupil spread lines that seemed to be racing back into his skull. Upon looking at me he smiled and addressed the crowd.

“Now my friends! There is something I must attend to. Feel free to listen to my technological marvel to your hearts content.” The ponies seemed to mutter words of thanks while he made his way over to me. Looking up close he was about as tall as Luna.

“Hello there friend, ever since you arrived I have been meaning to speak with you. Such a terrible turn of luck isn't it? Ripped from your home world and forced to be a slave in the new one. The chances of that spell finding a human are actually slim considering your race manages to kill itself in most instances. Though there are a few universes that you thrive in. Personally your race is one of my favorites, so chaotic and destructive to itself. Some of your feats give me no reason to intervene in some instances. Others only need the slightest push in the right direction. The world burns either way so it doesn't make much of a difference.”

Listening to this pony was giving me a splitting headache. His words seemed to echo through my mind. It made everything he said that much more worrying.

“By the look on your face you are extremely confused at the moment. Let me fix that, just come with me.”

The next instant we were standing in a blank white space. There was no flash, no transition, nothing. He went on talking, the voice still bouncing around in my skull.

“Much better don't you think? No? Well too bad we're here now so make the best of it. Now you came here to investigate the nightmares correct.”

I struggled to answer, his voice was fading, albeit slowly. “Yes my...”

“I already know, just wanted you to feel included in this little confrontation. Now about those lesser 'gods,' as they seem to be called.”

In that moment I felt rage like I hadn't in a long time. This thing... was treating me like less than an insect, tiny, minuscule, worthless. He knows my circumstances and has the audacity to try and make me into his pawn as well. I wouldn't stand for it! My blood glowed with magic as I released all of my fury. The runes on my palms glowing as well. With a mighty scream I thrust my hands outwards unleashing a torrent of white hot flame. I would melt this freak into slag even if it meant using all of my magic.

After burning myself out my spell faded. The flames were still dancing around where the stallion had once been. I let out a weak laugh as I fell to my knees. Suddenly the stallion walked out of the fire seemingly untouched by the heat. He grinned and laughed on his approach. The sound screamed through my mind louder than before. I clutched my ears as they started to bleed. He stopped when he was an arms length away.

“No matter where I go there will always be those that bow before me. It seems universal. But you should know that there is no resisting a true god. Our whims are absolute, your just lucky that most of my siblings are sleeping and dreaming. I am one of the very few that choose to walk among mortals. You came to stop the nightmares, well they will stop in time. Fading into the minds of those afflicted. Adding to the ever present threat of insanity. I grow bored of this world for now, but for you Steven I leave a gift.”

His hoof rose over my left eye and for a few moments I knew true terror. Standing before me was an abomination that I knew was his true self. There was nothing I could do but stare and listen to the voice that projected into my mind.

“Let others witness an Outer God and see if they can survive as you have.”

Finally I was able to blink. That instant was all it took to appear outside of that cursed white space. I was kneeling where I had been standing before. The ponies were gone along with the jukebox. Slowly getting to my feet I managed to stand and took notice of the sky. It wasn't much later than it had been, only early evening now.

I had enough of this town and never wanted to set foot in it again. That was all the motivation I needed to get moving back to the castle. It was slow going since I had used almost all of my magic reserves to try and slag that fucker.

As the moon rose to its zenith I stopped and took notice of the night sky. The moon was full and the stars filled up the void with their light. It was a beautiful picture, one that was hard to come by back home. What with light pollution and all of that. I was taken away from my stargazing from the sound of hoof steps. The path had been dead for the entire walk and now seemed an odd time to come into contact with another traveler. Turning around I saw a lone figure approaching with a dagger in her mouth.

“Gimme everything you got pal no funny business.”

Looking at her I couldn't help but burst into a fit of giggles. Even in my worn down and virtually magic-less self, this was nothing. A petty bandit on the road? Seriously, if the universe was trying to dick me over it needed to step up. She seemed offended by my sudden outburst and yelled out.

“Think this is a joke?! I'll show you freak!”

As she rushed me a sudden burning sensation came from behind my left eye. It looked like I would get to see how well his so called 'gift' worked. All it took was a spark of magic directed at my eye and she stopped dead in her tracks. I could only assume she was looking upon that Outer God. My own vision was flickering slightly with his image as well. It was akin to some fucked up subliminal messaging. Staring at me with in abject horror. She suddenly started to scream and back away. As she turned and ran into the night I could make out a trail of piss behind her.

Cutting the minuscule flow of magic I regained normal use of my eye. I chuckled quietly to myself and continued on. By the time I reached the castle it had to be well past midnight. The night guard saw my approach and one even decided to come up to me and talk.

“Princess Luna has asked for your presence in her personal study immediately. I will be your escort there.” Okay, so he didn't decide to talk to me. More like he was ordered to... still that's progress. The possibility remains that the day guards are just twats but I digress.

“Alright but you guys should probably go and bring Celestia too. My mission didn't pan out as expected and I want her there when I report my findings.”

“Of course.” He called out for one of the other guards to fetch Celestia. As we walked the halls to the princesses room a silence permeated the air. So I decided to break the ice.

“So hows the wife?”

“I don't have a wife.”

“Girlfriend?”

“You mean marefriend? No.”

“Oh... then coltfriend?”

His stoic guard mask broke for a moment, shifting to an displeased frown. “Hes been bitching about not seeing me enough. I just told him if he were willing to change his sleep schedule we could see one another more. Not like an artist has set hours.”

“Sounds like a pussy. I'd dump his ass and move on to someone that had common sense.”

“I've tried but he has this thing he does with his mouth... makes it really hard to stay mad.”

“Just move on dude, you'll be better for it trust me.”

As we approached Lunas door he left with an 'I'll think about it.' Indecisive little shit. One of the guards posted at the door knocked and Luna answered with an “enter.”

Pushing into the room I noticed that she had an obsession with the night sky. However fitting that may be, making literally every surface in your room look like that was kind of predictable. Whatever, to each their own. Luna got up from an ebony desk at one end of the room and trotted towards me.

“So what happened on your outing that warranted you coming back at night and lacking in magic?”

“I was gonna wait until Celestia got here to tell you. The events were extremely disturbing to say the least.”

Celestia chose then to enter, only looking slightly disheveled. “Grim what did you find to warrant waking me? Is it of dire importance, because if not I'll be returning to bed.”

“It is Celestia and now I need you to cast a soundproofing spell on the room. It is essential that nothing leaves here.” The two sisters exchanged worried glances and Luna eventually complied.

“Now I am going to show you two what the fuck you put me up against. Remember you forced my hand.” Another spark of magic and my left eye cast the sight of the abomination upon the two demigoddesses. They both froze on the spot. Unable or unwilling to move, much like I was. Satisfied that was enough I cut the flow once again.

The two of them came back to their senses a moment later both looking at me in shock. Luna was the first to speak up.

“What in the bloody name of nightmares was that!? That magic was ancient Grim! It predates even our oldest of spells by eons!”

Celestia decided to chime in. “That image you showed us... was that the being who gave you the spell?”

“Heh, yeah. The bastard probably thought of it as a 'gift,' so I could show my enemies what I have seen. He also said he was a true god or outer god. I tried to use all of my magic at once in a torrent of fire to turn him into slag. He just walked through it like nothing, no magic barriers and not a strand of hair out of place.”

Celestia and Luna were looking more and more worried by the moment. There may have even been a little guilt in there too. “No need to worry about him though. Said this world was boring and that the nightmares would fade with time. He's gone for the time being.”

That seemed to lighten their mood a small bit. Celestia breathed a small sigh of relief and made her way over to me. She wrapped her wings around me in some sort of feathery hug.

“Thank you for the sacrifice Grim. It does not go unappreciated.” She pulled back and made her way to the door.

“I'll be heading back to bed now. Have a good night sister, Grim.”

With her gone that just left Luna with me. “So I guess I'll be going too. Do I get a room or something?”

Luna smiled gently as she nodded her head. “Yes Grim you have a room set up at the end of this hallway. Although I would like if you stayed the night here. I'm certain you'll be hit with nightmares after tonight and it is my duty to safeguard dreams.”

“I guess, so where exactly will I be sleeping then?”

“The room to your right is my bedchamber. There is a couch by the fireplace you can take.”

“Thanks I'll be off to bed then, goodnight Luna.”

“Good night to you as well.”

I didn't even look around the room after I spotted the couch. The events of the day caught up rapidly as I dropped my pack and fell unceremoniously onto the cushions. I was out only a moment later.

In the white void it stood before me again. This time in a human form. He looked like an Egyptian pharaoh from one of the hieroglyphs yet he lacked the usual gold jewelry. “How have you enjoyed the gift so far.”

“Since you already know I can't figure out why you ask.”

“One sided conversations are so droll. Better to involve a second party.”

“Well it can literally scare the piss out of people and strike fear into demigoddesses. Gotta say you have a face only a mother could love.”

“Ha! So few have been bold enough to insult me! I knew you were an interesting one.”

“So even with all of the things you know about me I don't even know your name. May I have the honor?”

“How courteous of you, I have many, many names. The most common seems to be The Crawling Chaos. I am a messenger by trade. The message being that mortals such as you are grains of sand in a vast desert. I entertain myself by reminding you all of this fact.”

“Great so a mad god drunk on his own immortality, how quaint.”

“You mortal, will be particularly enjoyable to watch descend into madness.”

With those final words he reverted to his true form and came towards me. All I could do was stare in terror and feel the dread wash over me. I woke up screaming, feeling like my very soul had been violated by that monstrosity. All I could do was laugh, laugh at the misery, laugh at the terror, and laugh at the tears. It really was funny, in the past few days I've seen things that should have only been the stuff of dreams or nightmares. Yet here I was in another world crying after a dream of an eldritch abomination I just had the displeasure of meeting. Suddenly a pair of deep blue wings wrapped around my body. Followed by a soft voice trying to ease the pain.

“Do not fear, for nothing is here. Go back to bed and rest your head. I am the princess of the night so there is no need for fright. Sleep without dreams and there will be no screams.”

I barely heard her last words as I fell back into unconsciousness.

Author's Note

What is up people hoping you are enjoying my foray into more grim and adventurous stories. I particularly like this chapter and if you can guess who this story was inspired by you get a bonus point.