Calkohun Village.
My home, my family, my future. Deep within the jungles and mountains in a land I couldn't remember. It was quiet there. People treading on gravel and dirt on worn out paths, all making an effort to sustain ourselves. Everyone had a job to do. Men, women, and child alike, a task to help one another. Males tend to go and hunt, or gather materials. Females tend to cook or harvest, even caring for the youth. Although if need be, anyone can be called to do any task. Children lend a helping hand with cleaning or light carry work. I was not like most children.
I was a thinner boy then most other six years of age. I had short brown hair, heavily tanned from the summer's sun rays. My thin stature was mainly because I was more prone to sicknesses. Stunting my growth every time I caught a simple cold. Even so, my mother cared for me. She taught me, guided me, protected me.
She always had that heart of gold, caring those who fell ill to time or injury. My father was a hunter. He would bore meat every hunt he'd go. Occasionally passing down techniques of survival and wisdom on resting days. I was his prodigy of the village's future. He however, was very adamant in his decisions when he set upon them. No matter how they were, They were ones I looked up to. Everything was good as it got. I was...
.͖.̵̯̤͉̳̯ͮ̉́̂̉ͯ̈.̱̘̹̆ͪh̿͌â҉̱̯̳̪̘̞p̴̮̼ͭ̏ͯ̂p̺͎̰̠ͮ̃ͧ͞y̳̯̣͔̘̼͕̎͐̑ͪ͊͡.̢̖̖̝̼̌̂͗͌̾ͦ̚.̶̪̬̲̘͈̯̹̀ͥ.͙͋̌̒͋͋ͬ̊.̼̰͓̜͙̩̞͋̏ͮ̂̑
On a humid summer day, something was off. A large metal creature crawled into the entrance of our home. A 'car' my father said once. Tourism wasn't new to us. It was for educational purposes for those who wanted to see how some older tribes survived without any advancement of technology. As long as they never bothered, or interrupted our tasks, we never minded them. This one however, was different from the other ones that came by. It looked far too shiny, as well as a bit louder than the usuals. It halted just after the main fence.
The dark black transport opened from the side as a just as shiny boot came out. Soon, a large man dressed in a prim blue suit and tie revealed himself. He looked to be six foot and two inches in height, broadened shoulders and dark windswept hair. He bore a mustache that seemed as if a blackwood caterpillar made its home under his nose. His hazel eyes looked about giving a judgemental view of his surroundings. Eventually, his eyes locked upon mine staring back.
I felt my spine tingle...
..̵̡.f̕͝͞e̸a̧ŕ̶..͝.
With a huff then a sharp whistle, the other doors of the vehicle opened. One was dressed in those white labcoats occasional researchers wore when they checked on our overall health. Although they didn't introduce advance medicines unless a major epidemic started spreading. This one was a female, hair wrapped in a orange bun and a light blue dress. She had glasses over her light blue eyes, looking at a clipboard she held at her side. The other two looked far more intimidating. They both looked as if twins, albeit, masks and helmets covering their heads. They had forest colored jumpsuits and heavy looking vests with a lot of small devices hanging from pockets or straps. At least they moved in unison.
The one in the blue suit spoke first. "Dr. Krayson, how many are in the populace? We won't have much time for preparation." He said with a bit of distaste, still looking about.
The lady started to flip paper to paper in the clipboard, scanning quizzically. She stops and points out a piece and shows it to the suited man. "A fairly small population of only fifty-three. We should be done by the evening, Commander Kordain.
The suited man nods and waves his hand towards the masked men. One nods and heads towards the trunk of the car flicking it open with a gentle click. He then brings out a strange contraption held together by colored strings in the center was a black box. He proceeds to walk to the suited man as he begins heading towards the chieftains hut. I couldn't look away as they passed by. Only until I heard my mothers voice did I leave.
A few hours have passed since the arrival of the guests, and father returned with a large boar. A good feast and a future jerky snack. Mother was prepping the jerky racks as father shown me how to skin the boar's coat for clothing or crude rucksacks. We had just gotten halfway, when a set of tapping came from our entrance. Mother went to peek out and started speaking to whomever was outside. She then opens the hut for the suited man, the doctor, and one of the masked men carrying the device to walk in. It was very cramped.
They took a relative seat where they could find one as they masked man set down the device, propping it up and opening it. The Box contained a screen on the top half while the bottom consisted of rows of buttons with symbols in each of them. As one of the squares was pressed the screen flickered to a bright light, then pictures popped into view. Doctor began to speak in our native tongue. "We are a local research team to take records of every individual in case of any natural disaster strikes. I'm sure you are aware of the landslide of the nearby neighboring village?" She asks.
Both my mother and father nod, father looking more distant at the mention. He lost a good hunting partner. The doctor continued, "In that case, this will help monitor the local populace and tell us if there needs to be an intervention to prevent a total wipeout of the tribes." That only confused us. My father looking more skeptical.
My father spoke out. "There are doctors that have us in check. Can't you ask them?" My mother only held me close, silent on the questions.
Dr. Krayson looked a bit antsy but explained. "They only have health records, we need blood samples for any major incidences that may require more then vaccines." The doctor started to look more worried.
Father calmed down, if only just. "So, what will happen? Will we need to gash our hand and spill our life?" He never did like doctors.
The doctor smiled and shook her head. "This device will only do a small prick to your finger and only takes a small drop as it recorded. It will feel like you just tapped against a cactus. For sanitary procedures, we change out the DNA gatherer and put wrappings over the finger.
Both mother and father seemed to relax. I didn't, I loathed needles. If it's anything like those 'booster shots' the other doctors did, they will be talking about my screams of bloody murder for another year. Kordain shook his head and huffed. "If we are done explaining, we don't have any more time to waste here Krayson. We need to get back to the HQ.
The doc gave a jump and started to tap on the keys of the device. "Right! Let me set up the program again. The father here can go first. Just put your forefinger into the red box and keep it there." He done so and gazed over at the flickering screen as she was typing. "Ok, now take a breath in and count to three." Father did so and counted. Before he said three...
POP!
I jumped and mother held tighter against me as the sound almost echoed in the hut. How have I not heard that at all nearby?! Father shot back cursing expletives in our language as he clenched his hand, or rather his bleeding forefinger. The hole looked to be under his nail as he held down on it. Glaring towards the guests. The Doc however seemed surprised as we were.
She took off the hinge of the top and looked in. She groaned in agitation as she looked at the masked man. He seemed unmoved by it. "I TOLD you that you didn't align it right last visit. Just leave it to me then, here." She dug into her labcoat and removed a roll of wrappings as father extended his 'injured' hand to her. Quicker then any doctor I've seen, she wrapped it 4 times and was tucked in seconds. "Better?" Father nodded, but still kept his angered eyes on her.
"Well, at least it still worked." Kordain explained looking at the screen. My gaze look as it flickered a bunch of colors and symbols. It stopped seconds later as it went to another screen. "Now for the little details." He finished, motioning to the doc and the device.
Krayson sighed with an 'oh joy' look. "All we need is a name and age, then we move to the next person." I was getting more nervous then before. Mother hugging me whispering her calming tune. She sang well, better then most of the others here. It helped a bit.
My father answered quickly with 'Noromo' and 'thirty-two' as he took a seat away from the others. The doc motioned to my mother. "Your turn, and don't worry, It should be aligned and quiet." Mother didn't nod or speak, but slowly placed her forefinger in the box.
Me and her both braced...
tap...
I opened my eyes as she eased her hand away only looking relived. There was still blood oozing from the needle, which was taken care of promptly by the doctor. The machine flickered back alive again with slightly different patterns, and ended back at the screen for the name and age. She then spoke up. "Ariana, age..." she paused. Mother had been orphaned during a tribe war and couldn't remember her birth date due to the tragedy. The Doc looked quizzically.
"If you can't remember, I can give an estimate for you then." She smiled, so as my mother with a nod. The doc typed in twenty-nine in the box on screen and then looked at me. "It's your turn little guy." I froze.
Mother saw me and held my arm. She started to use her calming voice as promised to not let go while it happens. I'm shivering to a point that I look like I'm going through a panic attack. She starts to sway left and right with me in her arms singing my night song. I can't help myself start to get tired. Before I knew it, there was a small 'tap' and my hand jolted away bringing me to full alert again.
Always got me. She was good. As I look at my bleeding finger, tears welt up in my eyes. Soon the Doc wrapped it and handed out a small orb that smelled rather sweet. "It's called 'candy,' it's for being well behaved for this." She explained. I took it and popped it in my mouth. It tasted like cocoa beans when they were cooked right. The screen flickered a bit more but suddenly made a 'beep' as a new screen popped up. Compatible Match Detected.
I saw an eerie grin slather itself on the man in the suit...
"No! You can not take my baby away from me!" Mother shouted. She never shouted at anyone. Even if she dealt with stubborn villagers. She was too kind for that. Here though, someone was trying to take me away. She didn't want me without her. I was her only child, the only one she could have. My birth left complications according to the doctors before.
The man in the suit, Commander Kordain as he finally introduced himself, made a reassurance. "He could be beneficial to health research on medicines for the future. As soon as we gather the data at the facility, he will be sent back here all in good order." That didn't help, nor did she buy it. My father looked as though he was about to send a blade to him.
"I refuse to let you have him! Just take your witchcraft things and leave this instant!" She stamped back with me in her grasp, me looking scared to whats going on. Krayson glanced at the commander and back to the device.
"Commander, we got what we came for. Let's just finish the registry and get back to HQ before our time frame is up." She slid her hands through hair in annoyance. "Plus, she's been at this for 30 minutes now."
Kordain muttered under his breath, glaring daggers between my father, mother and me. He then made a sharp exhale looked at Krayson. "Fine, finish this up and start packing. We have a lot to cover after this." The doc looked relieved to be able to get somewhere less humid, her bun frayed and almost undone, like orange cotton candy.
Dr. Krayson went back to a familiar screen and asked for only the age. In tradition, children didn't get an official name until a ritual of passing was done at age ten, giving the parents time to have a solid decision. I look towards the doctor and made a raspy reply, "six". I couldn't remember my birthdate specifically. I did know however at was in early spring. The lady nodded and tapped in the response as the computer promptly turned blank and closed. The man with the mask then picked the device up and started to walk out the hut door.
Dr. Krayson smiled and bowed, thanking us for our time and followed out after the soldier. Kordain however looked upon the three of us and turned never breaking his sight on me. "I'm sure we will meet again real soon." he frowned and left soon after. Eventually we heard the doors of the car slam and the loud engine roared off to silence. Father mentioned having a village meeting and headed to the chieftain's hut. Mother only carried me to bed singing me my night song aloud.
---------------------------Later that night----------------------------
I awoke to screams. I scrambled upright almost falling off my bedding as I peek out the corner of my window. Fire, and it was on most of the huts around me. I see something walking through the roaring light of the fire. A shape of a man, wearing a black mask. This man suddenly sprayed fire from something in his arms as another hut catches ablaze. Louder screams come from the home and a villager scrambles about engulfed in an embrace of flames himself. He fell rolling trying to put out the essence eating at his flesh. Then became motionless. I see the masked man glance over in my direction. I gasp.
The door burst open to my mother as she ran in grabbing me in her arms quickly. Telling me 'they wont get you' and 'I will survive' as she turned to run out the door into the open. I see the village in a roaring light as some huts now nothing more then a pile of embers and bodies in it's wake. I see one poor soul trying to crawl out of a pile too burnt to recognize. Mother saying for me 'to not look.' I never seen mother so brave, yet so scared. I look where we left only to see the masked man bash the wall down of our home tearing it apart. The smoke in the air was getting to me, I placed my face in my mothers sash. It was a short felt feeling as I heard my mother gasp and everything spun.
I rolled on the hard ground feeling pain in my arm and back. I started to tear up looking for mother in my pain. I found she had fell, someone standing over her. A man wearing another of those forest jumpsuits, but his mask was off.
I saw a faint shape of a mustache. That familiar feeling coming back as I see a smile form under that stache. He then walks over to me, kicking over mother in the process. She only curled whimpering about me. As he steps up to me, he grabs me by my unhurt arm and yanks me upward. "No one denies me from my goals, no child, no possessive bitch, not even some pathetic hunter. you are FAR too important for me to pass by."
He turns with me in tow. Beginning to walk into the darkness, as a shadow bursts from a patch of flames. Jumping at Kordain with a crude spear, it lashes outward towards his chest. Kordain however, was quicker. The man grabbed the spear before impact and redirected it into the ground flipping the shadowed man into the light of the fire. The shadow wobbled back on his legs a bit showing pure anger on his face. Father.
Panting, my father move and unsheathed a dagger from his side pouch. A family heirloom passed down from his great grandfather, made from crude metal instead of usual stone or flint. He brought himself to a stance that meant no fear. Kordain however threw me to the side as he grabbed a knife of his own. Sleeker, jagged, and better quality compared. He too went to a stance as he grinned, "Bring it on then 'hunter.'" My father sprung out first, aiming for a left hook. Kordain only back-stepped pushing his arm down and rammed father with his shoulder. "Ya have to be better then that my friend." He taunted. Father once again sprung forward with a jump, baring his knife downward. The mustached man only sidestepped, then making his own downward stab. Father saw this coming.
Father twirled on his feet splaying one leg outward knocking into the commanders feet. It threw his balance enough to miss his mark and stumble. Father then made an uppercut the drove home in his left eye. Kordain was knocked back with a roar of pain. He 'firmly' planted his ass on the ground dazed. Father approached the man and barred his blade on the crease of his neck. A hand grabbed him afterward. Father didn't have any time to look as he was smashed from the side with a boot. Father rolled off next to mother, gasping for air. One of the masked men came to the spectacle, then proceeded to help the commander up. The second one appeared and stood over my parents, fire-sprayers at the ready.
Kordain shook himself slightly and glared at my parents, reddening eye adding to the effect. Stumbling over a bit as he dug into a vest pouch, he pulls out another metallic shape. "Smith, hold the trouble makers here. Jones, you grab the child. Make sure he doesn't miss this." The two salute then separate, one grabbing my head and shifting my face to my parents, the other grabbing their shoulders and propping them together roughly. Kordain then shifts over and brings the metallic object to the side of my father's head.
"Coward." father said at him. "Darkened hearts like yours will pay for your actions. The gods will only laugh at your sorrows." Kordain only smacked him with the object, silencing him.
Kordain spat as he spoke his time. "If your gods DID care, they wouldn't have let me burn it all away. Now, about that punch to my eye." Kordain then planted one end over my fathers left eye, a 'click' sounded. "I believe there was an old saying, I can't remember how it went...hmmm." His face shifted to exaggerated thinking then smiled. A eye for a eye? My father face remained stern as Koldain squeezed something on the object.
POW!
A loud bang and a flash of light came as everything slowed down to me. My father reeling backwards as a blood spew from his now missing eye and somewhere on the back of his head. Mother screamed as his head thumped on the floor, no longer moving. I saw every tear forming not only on her eyes, but mine as well. My voice came to me, "MUM! What they do to Pa?" It was a question I already knew the answer too. I knew what death was, but I never considered it to happen to my parents. I just screaming to mother. Mother attempted to jump to me, but was held back and decked from behind by the one known as 'Smith'. Mother couldn't hold back her sobs and pleas to not to hurt me.
Kordain looked rather amused. He then kicked what was my father into a dying fire, renewing it. He didn't even look back as he hovered over to my mother, another clicking sound as he pointed it at her. "Oh don't you worry about him, or your love there. I'm not THAT heartless. If anything, I will let you have your final words for him before he says goodbye to you. Jones, be a pal, and don't let the kid blink. It will be easier for him to 'acclimate' to HQ." The grip on my head shifted as two fingers on each side forces my eyelids open, no longer blocking the flow of tears.
I only cried towards my mother as everything slowed once more, my teary eyes only catch the slightest of movements from her. She looked down at the ground then looked back to me. Kordain's hand slowly squeezed on the trigger. With the last of her crying breath, I hear it.
Falushen ka' Prukella (Be brave my Survivor.)
That's when I felt an icy feeling...
.̕͞.̸́.̧ś̡a̕͜҉d̴̶ņ̷e͟͡s͟s..
I didn't know when they had placed the bag on me. I didn't care. All in my mind was my mother splayed out on the ground, my never ceasing screams, and that neutral face the Commander gave me. It kept playing over and over, until I felt I was thrown and my head thumped on something hard. Brought back to reality, I tried to look about, realizing now the sack upon my head. It didn't last long. Soon a whoosh and a bright light assaulted my eyes as that horrid voice spoke. "Wakey, wakey ya runt. It's time for a reality check."
My eyes slowly adjusted as I get a view around myself blinking away tears. We were in a small room pure white with concrete walls, a laminated floor, and a metallic ceiling. It looked as if the room was making a fashion statement. The room consisted of a small cot in the back-right corner, a pipe on the back-left slightly extending from the ceiling over a small grate, surrounded in some very opaque walls, a metallic sink and toilet in between the pipe and bed, and a table in the center with two chairs that all looked to be made of a dense rubber. The only thing lighting the room was a bright disk structure in the center of the ceiling.
As I got enough to get an idea, I center my attention back to Kordain looking rather unamused. I didn't need to say anything however as he got to the point. "Alright you brat, this is how it's going to g-"
He was interrupted by the door sliding open to a familiar orange haired lady in the labcoat and glasses, albeit wearing a red blouse and a black modest skirt. Her hair wasn't in a bun this time, so it looked more like actual cotton candy as it bounced in each step. "Kordain, he wont be able to understand you yet. He knows nothing of the English language and needs to be taught. Until then, I need to help translate." She looked at him sternly, then back to me. "In fact, I'll try to explain what he's going to go through now."
Kordain snorted. "Fine, you have half an hour before we begin procedures." He then shakes his head and walks out the door, sliding shut behind him.
In a quiet tone, Dr. Krayson spoke in tongue. "I can't believe he did that to you, at such an age. I know you are devastated by what you had witnessed, and don't have the slightest trust. I will find a way to help you." She cleared her throat as I started choking up sobs. Although I never expected her to hold me in a hug. "Shh-shh-shh, crying isn't going to help right now sweetie, we need to be brave right now. Do you want a song to calm you down?" I froze.
Be brave.... Mother...
My sobs turns to whimpers as I only nod to her. She gives a small smile. "Thank you sweetie, now lets see."
*Ahem*
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.
You make me happy, when skies are grey.
You'll never know dear, how much I love you.
Please don't take my sunshine away.
She sang beautifully as it slightly echoed in the room. Wait. My eyes widened, she knew mother's night song? I looked at hear surprised. She gives a small high pitch giggle, and smiles down at me. "I always seem to know just what helps. Are we feeling better now?" I give hear a still bewildered nod. "That's good. Now we should always find a way to smile, okay?"
Another nod but with a breaking smile. "Great, now to tell you what will happen soon." She then pulls out a book from seemingly nowhere. Where did she... "Education!~" she exclaims.
I was confused.
---------------------4 years later----------------------
I had another book in front of me on the table open to numbers and symbols, each giving me more of a headache then the last. Education was boring, more so then the English portion. At least I was getting to communicate with Dr. Krayson better. After the first couple months starting education, I was less fearful of my situation. Although I had nights where my nightmares of my past haunt my dreams and I wake up screaming, Ms. Kray would always run in and hug my shaking form singing the song until a settled enough to get back to sleep. She wouldn't leave my side until I did.
As I look through the twisted pages of math I hear her voice as the door slides open. "Alright dearie, You can close that dusty book for now, I want you to follow me." I smile up at her as I excitedly slammed the book shut. Now I don't have to deal with more headaches right now. I then jump out the chair and my socked feet thump on the smooth floor. They didn't have any shoes for children here it seemed. As I followed Ms. Kray through the door, I realized I never left this room until today. I wonder of all times, why now? Kray held my hand and guided me only a couple doors down this long cramped hallway.
"Today is a special day, you know why?" She asked as she opens another door to a small office space. I shake my head. She gives a chuckle and sits me on one side of the desk. "You are now ten years of age, and because of that, you are able to get your actual name!" I only gaze with a confused stare. "Well, in your tradition, children do not get an official name until the age of ten, where they earn their name to be called upon." She opens something behind her desk and a small colorful creation is placed in front of me, smelling sweet.
I stare in awe at it, but I haven't any clue what this was. It wasn't like the food she gave me here. Always some ready-to-eat meal, or some bland slop. I almost looked afraid to touch it. Kray gave out a snort before laughing. "It's not going to hurt you, its only a cupcake silly!" A cupcake? Huh. Well, if my memory served right, the last thing that smelled sweet was that 'candy' she gave me before... I shook my head, Be brave. I was about to give it a poke when she yelled out. "Oh! Before we start, we need to give your name first!" Huh? I never had a chance for that? What would my name be? I sat with a blank face in thought.
"Don't worry to much on it, it can be anything you like. If you need help, maybe think of the stories I read to you at night." That wasn't a bad thought. I think on the stories she brought, hero's saving the girl, Knights protecting their city. There was still a lot, but one stuck out the most... I don't know why.
---------------------8 years later----------------------
"You still didn't 'need' to do that you know." I deadpanned.
Ms. Kray only laughed, "But it made you happy didn't it?" Well, it did, but really? Pink?! I know I said it looked like cotton candy, but I didn't think she'd go and do that. Now a days she'd do 'something' random to make sure I smile another day. She'd crack a joke, give a treat of a desert among the MRE's, even singing a joyful tune making me sing along(Albeit horribly.). Today though, she seems to be trying more then usual. It was getting creepy.
We take a couple more turns then usual in these maze like hallways. This place was a large underground research bunker, as well as housing for it's personnel. There was a couple classrooms(Which I didn't need), barracks, a gym(Goddamn exercises), and a large storage room. If there was anything else, I wasn't allowed to go there. Guards made sure of that, with lots of shocks from batons. Even so, today this was a new part of the bunker to see.
We entered a set of double doors to a rather spaced out room, what was in it concerned me. There was a couple computers on the left currently on a main screen with listed programs I couldn't even identify. On the right looked to be recording stations and a machine with a large tube the size of a dumpster can. It was covered with a layered metal shield, hiding what may be inside. In the center, is where my spine gave a tingle. There was a movable medical table with leather straps, two on the side, two one the base, and a large one top. I turn to face Kray and was greeted with hands grabbing me.
I struggle against my oppressor, failing to do so as I feel myself sliding across the floor. I felt pushed as I land flat on the table in the center as more hands grab each limb. Arms roughly planted then secured in the side straps, legs bound to the foot, and one wrapping across my chin. All brought tightly that it hurt, and would most likely chafe later. Try as I might I couldn't look around. Although that need was dashed as an old face popped into my view. "Hello there 'Audarious', I'm glad you could make it." Fucking Kordain and his cock sucking smile.
"Today is a special day! Do you know why?" He asked. I only sent a daggered glare in response. "Now, now, don't be like that. Besides, great advancement is about to be made. You see, you have a very unique blood type. If you remember from biology, there are three blood types. A, B, and O. A and B can be classified as positive or negative, but O is left negative. Although under rare occasions, you see A and O, or B and O but are always negative. You have the rarest so far if not the first recorded case! You have traits of all three at once in positive." I followed, but still had a headache. "Because of this, one of two things tend to happen. One, your immune system is much stronger then normal, or two, its get weaker then normal." So, that's why I got sick easier.
Kordain only clicked his tongue, as shifting came from my left. "Biology lessons aside, yours is unique enough for a project to commence. I call it: Project Void. You shall see why in just a moment." He snapped his fingers and I felt a hand around the neck strap loosen only just. "Look at your surprise." Even when loosened, I had trouble turning. I gaze over and see the shield of the the tube was lowered. My eyes looked in horror at what was within.
Some black entity was swirling inside as if there was liquid, yet there wasn't. It pulsed every so often as a light hum emanated from the center. The center of it itself, was almost that of a cartoon hole as if nothing existed. Surrounding the blackness was a white wavy outline, kinda like a membrane of a amoeba. It gave another pulse as a headache followed. What WAS that thing? What were they planned to do with it? The answeres were not far though. "This is something we found years ago from deep under this facility. It originally was inside a crystal like rock, but now brought out and studied upon. The power it radiates is astounding. We hope to harness it into something, like a fuel cell..." He paused, turning to me. "...Or a weapon." I'm getting all the red flags from this. Shame I can't move however.
I felt the hands once again as my head was forced back in place, straps tightening. "Okay, begin the procedure." Shuffling went all around me and some took place to my right, tapping on the computer. Some on the left, still moving. Ms. Kray moved into my view holding the sides of my head, speaking in my old tongue. "I'm sorry Audi. This isn't going to be pleasant at all, but please, be brave no matter what happens." She planted a light kiss on my forehead as she left my sight. Soon the doors opened then closed.
Kordain laughed as I witness a large needle connected to a tube to my left slide into view. I agonizingly knew what that was probably attached to. "Relax, you'll feel a slight pinch followed by..." He smacked his hand next to my head with a grin. "...an obscene amount of pain." Then the needle went into my chest.
Nothing in any language could describe what I felt. Pain may have been one of them most likely. Not that I could do anything about it. My body was tensed to the point I felt as if my muscles would pop of my bones. It felt like Instead of something going in my chest, and it was sucking it out. Screaming didn't help, but neither did holding it back. My eyes shut closed unable to open them as visions flashed into my mind. Some reliving my nightmares, some of a colorful place. Voices echoed into whispers or screams that rivaled my own. I feel as if something wanted to rip out my brain thumping hard at my skull. All I wanted was for it to stop, then it did? What?
"Hello mortal."
Did something just speak? I must be going mad and hallucinating. There was no way that-
"Can you understand me?"
Okay I definitely heard that. More so in my head. I reply, echoing in this space. "Uh, yes?"
"Ah you are the first to make it this far. I am that darkness you saw in that containment." It's voice seemed to be mix with others although a deep tone was more present.
"Who are you? What are you?!"
My call is Calamity, I existed before life existed. and you are?
Calamity? Sounds foreboding. "Audarious, and I'm apparently a labrat." It bellowed a laugh in response.
I am well aware. Although I helped you by taking your mind to a separate realm for the time being. You are currently unconsious.
Well, that is welcome I guess. "So what now Calamity? Are you gonna devour me or kill me?"
None in the slightest mortal, I hoped we can have a means of a shared goal?
Shared goal... does it mean...
The one who is referred to as Kordain has dark intentions for the world. He wishes to obtain my power and use it for his selfish desires. I only wish to stop him.
I thought into it, but how could I trust this 'calamity'? What if it's just looking for a way to destroy all of us anyways? My thoughts were short lived.
In return I could help your survival, maybe even give you back what you lost long ago.
I went stock still. Memories shifting about, the horrors that replayed. Its seems I may die one way or another. Eh, fuck it. If I can get back at that commander, the better I'd feel then. "What's gonna happen if I agree?" A brief silence.
We shall merge into one, but he will most likely try and harvest my power through you in time. I know all of this 'bunker'. How it's powered, how its operated. The weak minds of those scientists were easy to infiltrate. I shall tell you more after we merge, and after you come to from all the bodily pain.
Well, it seemed like it may work out. It has the information, I had it's means to be free to make a plan. What about after is all said and done, will we be stuck together? Hmmm.
The test will end shortly, your body won't last much longer here.
I put out my imaginary hand and nod. "Lets see what we can do then."
I woke up to crying, as well as a roaring headache. Was it all a dream? I shift in my bedding and yelp in pain as my whole body seized. Nope, the test was real. Either that or I passed out from exercising too hard. A gasp came from behind my sight as arms wrapped around me. "Oh thank the gods you're okay! I thought you weren't going to wake up again. How do you feel?" She looked at my being making sure I hadn't fell apart in that instant. Ms. Kray, always so protective of me. Kind of like mother. I internally smiled.
"Like a train ran me over, reversed back over me, and told a car to finish the job." I groaned. She quietly let out a giggle. Turning my head slowly to ease my sore neck to her. My heart sank at the sight. She looked as if she didn't sleep for a good while. Eyes where red and puffy, glasses smudged with dry tears. Her hair had lost a portion of its curls and looked straighter then usual. Funny, if it wasn't so sad looking, it'd be a beautiful sight. "How long was I out?"
She gave a surprised look. She looked at her watch and sighed. "Eight hours, during the procedure as the entity entered your body, your heart stopped. Doctors got you back with a defibrillator." Sheesh. That bad huh? Well that's one question answered. A voice echoed in my head.
I may have had a hand on your revival. What use is a host that is dead?
My eyes popped out of my head as I looked around me. Only realizing that it was all indeed real. I gave a mental 'thanks' and tried to move again. Ms. Kray stopping me as I flopped back in another spasm. "No Audi, you need to rest more, the Commander wont bother you until a full recovery is made. Although he may never bother you again after what I had planned." Wait, SHE also has a plan?
"I'll tell you more later, for now, sleep sweetie. You are gonna need all the energy you can get." With that, she started to quietly sing the song. My mind drifting off with calamity's voice faintly in my mind.
It won't work...
Of all the plans she had... THIS was it? Going to the mainframe to remove a 'special lock' on it to be able to open the front bay gate and walk away. Once it closes back up it would then 'lockdown' trapping everyone else within. They wouldn't be able to unlock it unless they knew the new password to turn it off. Running through cramped halls straight to the main entrance to the facility? It was improbable, yet here we were. We make another turn past the Equipment storage, and was heading for the mainframe.
She said something about guaranteeing this place shuts down for good. The large door hisses as it groans open to a large computer. She ran to it, telling me to watch the door as she begins tapping on the console. I see multiple commands pop up and disappear across the screen. What did 'failsafe' and 'power allocation' mean? It wasn't long before she finishes and we run back out of the Mainframe. As we continue onward I notice an EXTREME lack of guards. In fact, I didn't see any at all. Did they all share a lunch break at the same time? Was it guard appreciation day? God forbid.
We end up at a huge bay door in a rather spacious area. Ease of access for vehicles maybe? My thoughts were distracted by another pull on my hand. "We are almost in the clear, the controls are right next to it." She leads me over to a metal panel sticking out of the wall and opens it. A keypad and a lever reside with precautions of electrical and magnetic hazards. Dr. Krayson was looking nervous. "Okay, I just type in the code and pull the lever and we are free!" The voice starts echoing in my head.
It's already too late...
I look at Krayson as a red dot moves about on her back, then more appear. I turn and see beams pointed to me. "Ms. Kray..." I call out, and she looks over. Her face goes from shocked to horrified. Guards were everywhere. On the floor we were at, and in the catwalks above. All aiming weapons at us. A slow clap emanates from the hall opposite of us. From the dark hall across from us, a familiar mustached man walks into the light. God Fucking Kordain.
"Oh ho! What do we have here? A couple of deserters? Dr. Krayson, for shame! What gave you the idea that you'd actually make it out? The mainframe doors send out alerts on every entry." Krayson's face blanched, cursing under her breath. "Plus, my dear doctor, his room was bugged. His seemingly private room was a recording station. Exposed your whole plan, and gave me an interesting way to 'benefit' from it." He snapped his fingers as a guard holds out a case and opens it to him.
Kordain then pulls a pistol unlike what I've seen on normal guard personnel. It looked like a glock, but its receiver had something sticking out glowing a slight orange. "Do you know how 'Ms. Kray'?" he asked as he clicked something on the gun and it hummed, glowing bright red now. He glanced at us, then he pointed towards us. Not directly at me or Krayson. "We break whatever hope he has left." He squeezed the trigger.
THOOM
The sound echoed around the bay. My ears rang as I shut my eyes, expecting death soon after. The pain didn't come. Did he miss? Did his device fry in his hand? I pop open an eye and looked at Kordain. He was only wearing a smug look and answered my glance. "You'd think I'd kill my own project?" He then motioned his head towards Krayson. 'Oh...'
I looked over.
No...
Krayson has leaning against the wall and floor, holding a smoldering spot on her neck. She wasn't moving besides a shiver and a cough. I dropped over to her and moved her hand. It looked far worse then expected. A good chunk was missing and was bleeding heavily. She tried to look over to me with a smile. Tears welling up not just in her eyes, but mine as well. She moved her clean hand to my cheek, and said something I could barely hear. "No matter what Audi, please find a way to keep smiling. Be brave, survive." Her hand slowly slid from my cheek as it fell to her side. Still smiling as she closed her eyes.
Looking upon her still smiling form. Tears came down in a steady stream. I shook my head in disbelief. This had to be a dream... it had to. No matter how many times I opened my eyes, that I shook my head, or prayed, it didn't change. My heart shattered into pieces and I look over to Kordain. I felt tense suddenly, thoughts changing to another feeling. Something I felt already, but It started to envelope my mind and soul. I took a step to that man, wanted to do 'something', 'anything' but stumbled on my knees. I let out a wail of anger mixed with a deep emptiness. Kordain had enough of my sight however.
"Alright, tragedy is over men. Take his sorry ass back to the lab for analysis on his progress with the Void." I hear a couple guards move towards me quickly. I didn't bother looking at them. I had enough of all of them. I think over Kray's words, looking for a reason. Why smile or survive? Why bother when everything was just taken from me? Why *me*? What did *I* Do to deserve this? My emotions bubbled within me as I hear it's voice echo faintly.
It's time for plan B my friend. Let me set it in motion, I will lend you a tiny portion of my power.
I felt an energy flow from my core outward, feeling very cold. My body didn't respond very well as I curled up screaming as everything seemed to burn. The guards near me paused at my sudden act. This cold burning started to eat at my thoughts now. Feeling my mind warp and twist as every emotion blended into another. Only one emotion seemed to make itself noticeable, and it was stronger then any other.
...HATRED...
One of the guards went to grab me. His mistake, as my right arm flew outwards to him. Something began to stretch outwards from me as I swung. I only hear a scream from him a a thump resounds next to me. I hear a few started exclamations and looked up. My hand wasn't a hand anymore. It looked like a blade made of the entity itself with a partially serrated edge at the base where my thumb would be. I look at the guard that now lay in two halves from the waist in a pool of blood, twitching. The other guard was changing his gaze from me to the guard and back, processing what I just did.
I slowly stood up with a sigh and a close of my eyes. The other guard shifted and stated me to freeze. I could hear his gun shaking. Fear, but this time the other way around. Good. I open my eyes and glance at him. He froze as he looked upon me. Everything seemed to be coated in a shade of red. It didn't matter much as I took a stance, looking to take a swing. He raised his gun, "Move anymore, and I'll shoot." He warns. I laugh, but it sounded sickening, like I had another voice along with mine.
"Fine I won't take another step. I won't need to anyways mortal."
The guard gave a surprised look, but didn't stop aiming. "W-what do you mea-" He didn't get to finish as I swung my arm forward as my arm stretched out at a blinding speed. The guard only got a step backward as the blade punctured completely through his chest. He gasped with a curse and soon began to scream in a more agonizing fashion. I felt a new sensation filling me with warmth as a wriggling mass started wrapping around his chest-wound, slowly covering him. The guards around him shouted or backed up upon the mass completely encasing his form. It then began to shrink as his screams faded, slowly moving to me slowly. As soon as it got to my chest it merged into me like molding clay feeling a bit stronger.
I look over to the others and Kordain surrounding me. Some look woozy, others still ready to shoot on a moments notice. Kordain just... smiled. As if he was expecting this to happen. "I was wondering when it would show itself. That's good. We can begin prepping for the next phase." He clicked his gun again the red changing back to a orange and pointed it to me. "Now be a good boy and stand still."
My hatred bubbled again and responded. "Fuck that. You're dead to me." I proceed to run straight to him. A few guards responded with a couple of shots, missing me however as I sped with a new speed unlike what I ever did. I pull back my bladed hand ready to strike at that smug face as I got close. That's when a new pain came in as something strongly shocked me, just feet away from Kordain. The shock was too intense as I flop over, spazzing on the floor voilently.
"Shock gates." He explained. "Newly implemented too. Its more than enough voltage to subdue a god damn whale. That should keep you down until we get you contained in a special unit." Kordain motioned to a near guard as he walks off into the hall. The guard in question stepped to my spazziming line of sight. I only glazed up as I got in intimate contact with the butt of his gun. Everything going black.
"Perfect..." as it's voice laughs fade into silence.
I wake up to hear a gurgling of liquid. My body soggy as I feel submerged. I eyes shot open quickly observing where I am. I'm in a tube? I shift and notice my arms are in a straitjacket and my legs are bound together. I gasp and realize I have a oxygen mask on me allowing me to breathe. I try to look out of the tube, the liquid around me warping my vision. I can make out a bunch of people behind a control panel a few good feet away from my new prison. In the middle, I see that goddamn mustache wearing face of Kordain. This time, he looks more concerned, agitated even. He moved his mouth to talk, but I can't hear anything other then muffled sounds. All I do is glare at him from the other side.
"It is almost time, Partner." a voice echoes clearly in my head. I keep my eyes on Kordain. Still wondering what he may be planning now. My thoughts were stopped by it's laughing. "You need not worry about him, his fate is sealed since plan 'A' failed." Ok, now it got my attention. What's it hinting at?
A females voice is heard from my inner 'sanctum', even with the gurgling liquid. Alert! Failsafe activated, Now dispensing neural gas. Neutralizing all potential threats. Neural gas? They had that here!? Were they that desperate to contain me? To make sure I never left, by me or by others? This was plan 'B'!? For all of us to die? I knew I couldn't trust this thing. Yet... I did. I never felt so done with it, with everyone, everything. I just coldly stared at the scene before me.
Warning, power Levels at critical threshold. Reactor meltdown in T-minus sixty seconds.
I see everyone running about in a panic. Some trying to bust a door down, some looking sick, some having already flopped on the floor. I see Kordain however, on the panel typing up a storm glaring at me. I didn't care. At least he'd die too. I just stared back, mentally enjoying the last moments of him walking up to the tube, then stumbling. He thumps the floor with his hand.
Warning! Please evacuate the facility immediately. Core melt down in ten....nine...
I see Kordain speaking, as though directed towards me. I couldn't hear him as he slowly lowered his head to the floor. I read his lips before I felt a rumbling sensation. 'Fuck you, Audarious.'
Three...
Two...
One...
Everything faded to darkness as I hear a faint explosion.
"Everything went to plan, and a deal was a deal." I didn't say anything as I hear Calamity from the darkness. I just wanted it gone, to go fuck itself and leave me alone to a dark eternity.
It continued regardless. "Now don't be like that mortal, I spared you a suffering from a world. Even IF I had saved you from the explosion there, you had nothing left. I however, can give you another chance somewhere else." Somewhere else? There WAS nowhere else. It was either here, or that burned pile of ashes that was my village.
"Think of a more peaceful world, where crime is almost non-existent. You can make a life for yourself, or you can just sit here to go mad in the emptiness of my realm." Another world? Hm... I loved the adventures that my storybook hero went on. It DID sound better then the going mad part, but I'm sure there was a catch to this. So I look towards the darkness with a skeptical look.
"Ah, you caught on then. Yes, there is something I want in return. I shall only perform it if you choose to accept.
"And what would that be then?" I asked allowed, voice faintly echoing in the expanse of this space. What could it want in return? Probably something sinister given what it allowed to happen to the facility, to *her*. I shook off the memory.
"In the other world, there is another dark presence. It will show itself in time. I want you to gather the strength to stop it, and absorb it. I shall collect it's essence and use it's power to help restore what you lost. Nothing can be created from nothing." I nodded. That made sense. Equilibrium and conservation of mass. Science. Sounds fair in all honesty.
"Fine, I guess it would be better then floating in nothingness. I'll do it." I hear it bellow in a laugh. Okay, now what?
"Excellent. You made a wise choice. Now, to prepare you for what is ahead. I'm not going to lie mortal, This is going to be painful. In the end, it will be worth it."
My eyes open wide in response before it started. I feel a coldness bubble in me slowly turning into a searing burn from within. I curl up as everything tenses. My bones and muscles felt like they are melting and shifting. I glance as I see a vile growth as my veins pop with a black color. The blackness starts to web around me and spread throughout. It reaches my head and I feel it enter through my ears. It crawls through and my head throbs as if it went straight through.
Similar flashes of images overtake my sight, seeing a Forest, a large castle in a mountain side, and then a small town with a large crystal structure. My head feels as if split open tearing into my memories. I start losing senses as memories are shown, my parents death, Kordain's shit eating smile, my first birthday cupcake, Krayson's saddened face, her shot body in the entrance. I felt...nothing... Why? No matter how I wanted to feel, I couldn't put it into emotion.. What did Calamity do to me?! I felt like I was drifting away.
You are ready, warrior. Now go, Audarious, the Shadow-walker.
Author's Note
Heh, sorry for the LONG intro. This was the appetizer backstory before the main course of the story happens. (That's where the mlp stuff happens.) If it seems a little off, I'm sorry. I'm not too much a story writer. Nor an English major XD. Once the main story happens though, it wont be consistent with post times. I practically work every day, with only what little sleep hours I take to type up more. Thanks for the patience.
Chapter 1: Strange readings, new sightings.
Author's Note
"Bon-Appetite! The main course has arrived. Now the real story starts with cake, confetti, and ga--" Hey! What are you doing here?! Get back in the story for the next chapter! *Lighthearted giggles and then a slam of a door.*
Sheesh. Well. I'm glad to have this finished to properly get the train moving. Now, I can focus on work and developing a plot for later chapters. I do have many ideas already, it's just getting that time into it. Thanks for giving it a read to here at least!
Chapter 1: Strange readings, new sightings.
"Spike! Can you please get me the book of Abnormal Energies? We are going to need it for the task at hand!" The lavender alicorn called out. Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship, and mentor to Princess Celestia. Speaking of whom, had just sent her a letter explaining about some disturbance somewhere just in the borders of the Everfree Forest. It was also locally reported that there was a faint thunderous sound in the middle of the night, even though there was no telltale storm scheduled for the next week. Rainbow Dash was already questioned if she was about flying in the middle of the night. It was unlikely anyway, it would be too dark for ANY pegasus to be flying. The bookworm shook her head clear as a telltale scratching was heard getting louder.
"I *pant* got it Twilight! Whoo... you really need to get the study a little *wheeze* closer to the library part of the castle. A dragon can only get so *huff* much exercise before he passes out." The small purple and green dragon puttered out as he stumbled to hand the book out to her. Spike was a good assistant through and through. He would have a spare quill at the ready as soon as Twilight would wear her current one out or snapped it by accident. He'd carry a whole stack of books while having his tail holding a bunch of scrolls with his tail, still happy to help afterwards. Twilight smiled as she took the book with her levitative skills and placed it in her satchel bags, with the other assortment of papers and inks.
"Thank you Spike, we are still trying to get this place settled after it formed. These rooms are currently temporary and we have all the time we need to adjust the rooms as necessary. If we can find the rooms again that is, hehe." Twilight chuckled. It was true, sometimes the castle was a bit unfamiliar and could get a bit disorienting. She'd have to make a mental map to map an actual map to help ponies navigate in the future. For now however, there was a mission that needed her and the others. The energies could be something sinister, or could just be a magical fluke in the atmosphere. It needed clearance just in case. Either way, it be good to get out of the castle for some fresh air.
Spike salutes as he pulls out a checklist and goes over everything in the purple pony's bags, checking the items as he finds them. In less than a minute he nods proudly and shows the completed checklist with quills, ink, books, and other science instruments. "It looks good to go, when shall we head out to meet the others?"
Twilight held up a hoof to Spike in a 'matter-of-fact' notion. "Actually, they are meeting us here so I can show them where on the map we need to go. They also need a refresher on the task at hoof." She then began to trot out the study doors into the castles expansive hallways. "Depending on how this goes, it could be just a fluke in the air, or it can be a new discovery!" She felt giddy. She always loved to learn or discover something new. It's one of the reasons she became Princess Celestia's most prized student. If it was about learning everything about anything, it be Twilight.
Her brisk walk stopped as she entered a large room with a very nice 'chandelier' in the center of the ceiling. At the floor just under it, an large crystal table surrounded with many chairs each with a different cutie-mark. The Table itself shown a detailed map of most of Equestria, clouds and all. Twilight walked over to a chair that matched her cutie-mark and sat upon it, opening another book and going over probable inhabitants near the area of interest. Animals, plants, air composition, even weather patterns were considered in her eyes. Spike overlooked the notes she had started taking and frowned questionably.
"It all that really necessary Twi? I mean, it doesn't seem like it would be that big of a deal. Like, seriously, 'potential travel patterns?'" Twilight didn't hear his concern however. She was lost in the information she would think she'd need.
A loud knocking emanated from the castle doors in the tone of 'shave-and-a-haircut' then creaked lightly open as a yellow snout came into view. Then blue eyes and a pink mane slipped in as a quiet voice almost unheard spoke. "Uh, o-oh um. Twilight, are here?" She gazed about and centered on the alicorn in question and relaxed a smidgen. "Oh there you are Twilight! I- um, I hope I'm not too early. I could come back a bit later of it's too much of a bother." She lowered herself almost already backing out the door. Twilight shook her head and motions a hoof.
"Oh hello Fluttershy! I almost didn't notice you, and no, you are not a bother at all. Please have a seat until the others arrive." She mentally giggled. Fluttershy was anti-social with others, although if it was a friend she could be more open. If only just. She had definitely improved since she last met the yellow pegasus. Albeit she wasn't as 'adventurous' as the rest of her friends. "Would you like some tea or something to eat while we wait?" Twilight inquired.
"That sounds... nice." The shy one said as she took her seat.
It didn't take too long of a wait. Rarity a white unicorn shown up punctual as a rather intricate sundress and hat. Shortly after Applejack and Pinkie, both earth ponies orange and pink respectively, came in with assortments of food and drinks. All were idly chatting about the day before Rarity spoke up. "Honestly, were IS Rainbow Dash? She said she would be on time for this. Lagging behind on her 'flying practice' no doubt." She exclaimed a bit agitated.
"Now ther's no guessin' what Dash is up to, but she'll git here when she gits here." The orange cowpony sighed. As if life was waiting for that exact moment, a loud crash goes through the castle doors. The doors swing with a 'boom' as a Rainbow blue whizzes across the table, thumps into the chair, flipping said chair, then slows as a cyan blue pegasus rolls into the wall. Most of the ponies roll their eyes, the pink one giggles happily.
"Present, here, reporting for duty, ow." The dazed Rainbow Dash said swaying to and fro trying to stand upright. Her feathers looked crumpled and messy, her amethyst eyes drooping from left to right. She then shook her head a bit and brought her attention to the others looking at her. "What?" Pinkie just giggled.
"That was an awesome landing Dashie! It would have been cooler if the chair was bolted on the floor so you could land on the cushion! Or would that have been worse? OH! Maybe it could have been like bowling with us as the pins! *GASP* That sounds like an amazing new game! I gotta write that down for a party! Maybe I can find a way to-" Pinkie ranted out as Twilight facehoofed.
"Pinkie..." Twilight deadpanned. The sugary pony didn't cease as Rainbow trotted up to the table. "Pinkie?" Twilight said again, slightly annoyed at the neverending rampage of speech. Dash looked horrified at some of the rules of the game the pink one explained. "PINKIE!"
"Yes Twilight?" The pink mare responded with a flutter of her eyes.
"Focus Pinkie, we are all here now. Let's get to business shall we?" Twilight said with a nod. The others agreed, Dash still looked horrified at Pinkie.
They all stood at the edge of the everfree forest, Spike deciding to stay and readjust the castles library and studies. Ominous sounds echoed from the depths of the darkness. Some causing the yellow pegasus to shiver. "U-uh, do we 'have' to go in there now? W-we can come back another time when we are more... prepared?" she said almost to herself. Twilight nodded her head, putting a hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder.
"The destination is not that far in, only fifty yards or so. We will get a quick magic analysis, and be out in less then thirty minutes." The alicorn reassured. That still didn't account for anything being there already or to jump them before arrival. That's a bridge to cross when they get there. Twilight begins to trot towards the forest. "Let's just get this over with, right girls?" She glances back as she does.
"Yer Darn tootin'! Sooner we get in there teh sooner we git out." The orange mare exclaims. The white unicorn shakes her head but walks just behind them.
"I did not plan to be walking into that awful forest or I would not have wore my finer dresses! Rarity complained. "All those musty vines and jutting roots will be a travesty to the durability of it's craftsmanship!" She then brought a hoof to a fainting position as Rainbow rolls her eyes.
"She DID say where it was before hoof. It was in the letters she sent us. If it's that bad Rares' I can carry you over most of it." Dash offered. Rarity looked aghast.
"And have you scuff up the fabric with your hooves!? I shall not be carried with that risk! I-I would rather walk instead." Rarity decided.
Pinkie just bounced along side them as she hummed "giggle at the ghosties' just excited as usual. "So whaddaya think this anomaly is Twilight? Is it gonna be a good thing? Or is it gonna be super extra scary?" She questioned as she started bounced left and right of Twilight, just as they entered the forests treeline.
Twilight's horn began to glow dimly as she focus on analyzing the area. "I think its going to be a simple fluke, but the way Celestia worded it, its sounds like it could be a serious thing. The disturbance felt negative and could be some dark magic. Either way, we have to be careful." Twilight answered, getting a headache from trying to follow the bouncy mare's movement.
"I hope its some awesome ancient artifact! There might be a chance Daring Do might be there as we would all get to be in the next book!" Rainbow fangirled, doing a loop at the mere thought.
"I-I hope its nothing b-but a fluke. I don't want anything bad happening to anypony or anything..." The shy one added.
"Ah don't see why we all hafta' be here fer this, Ah mean, you see tah be more then capable to handle this here 'disturbance Twi." Applejack stated. Twilight just sighed.
"It's to make sure if it IS something, it isn't something that may be a danger to all Equestria. We need to be there if a threat need to be neutralized. Also, the more of us, the better our chances at safety." Twilight affirmed. Her horn started to change color a bit. "Oh! I think I picked up something over there!" the alicorn pointed to the right.
"About time, the longer we stay here, the more stress will get to my dress!" Rarity stated trying hard to avoid another patch of mud. Rainbow and Applejack just rolled their eyes.
Twilight and the gang soon came across a small clearing as Twilight's horn shone in a red color now. "Okay girls, we should be right on top of-- whoa!" She gazed upon the sight as the others followed suit, gasping at the sight.
The clearing was smouldering with a dark cloud, a fire long put out. All surrounding a body of something lying on the center of the blackened earth, sprinkled with twigs and leaves. The body had a dark tan skin, short brown hair, and dressed in a singed white t-shirt and black slacks with bare feet. The body splayed out face down. Twilight's horn flared up as the magic pinged bright red and turned off, now only giving a subtle light.
"W-what is that thing Twi?" Rainbow asked hovering just over the still body. Flying in a small circle to get a full view of things.
"I... I don't know. This doesn't look like any creature ever recorded before. This could be a whole new species!" Twilight announced with her eyes sparkling widely. "We HAVE to study it after I take an analysis of the area around it." She continued as she started pulling out a few instruments of science out of her saddlebags.
"Is it even alive? I'm not carrying a corpse around you know." Rainbow huffed.
"Disgusting! Please do hurry up. I don't want to have a rotting stench settling anywhere on me." Rarity irked.
"That's... a very gud question Rainbow. Should we make shure that its breathin' before we start doin' that ana-what's-it?" Applejack agreed.
Twilight groaned and put aside the notepad over the energy in the air. "Fine, I'll see creature is alive." Her horn then lit up as magic enveloped around the neck, only for it to poof away instantly after contact. "W-what!?" Twilight exclaimed as she tried again to envelop a field of magic to scan the body for anything pulse related, only for the magic to once again fizzle out.
"Is your horn broken Twilight?" Pinkie asked suddenly intrigued walking to mere inches from the creatures forelimb.
"No! It's either the forest, or the creature is heavily magic resistant! Fascinating! I guess I'll just have to get the readings around him first then." The alicorn exclaimed. Writing down more in her levitating notepad.
Pinkie looked very inquisitive over the lying form at her hooves. Fluttershy soon joined beside her just as curious as the pink one. And in that curiosity, the gentle one lifted her hoof and poked at its arm.
*Twitch*
"Uh girls..." Fluttershy started. "I think its uh.. alive."
Chapter 2: Misunderstandings
Oooooh. Everything hurts. Calamity wasn't wrong about that one. In fact, everyone that told me it would hurt wasn't wrong. Well, excluding the ones who actually lied about that. Like... uh? Why can't I get a name? My head hurts just trying to think, just like the rest of my body. I swear I heard voices at some point. Female? I don't know anymore. Everything fades in and out of blackness among the soreness. Eventually I try to open my eye. My eye then complains and starts to sting fluttering open. Vision slowly clearing.
A darkened room greets me, soon a blue hue starts highlighting things around me. Wait, night vision? The hell else did Calamity give me? The hue goes over the shape of a table with a cloth covering the top over over shapes. A set of double doors on the far side of where I was. I look at myself and see I'm still wearing my 'uniform' from the other world. Bright side, I'm decent at least. A stand next to me with a bag dripping with something, an I-V bag I assumed. I'm I at a hospital? Did I actually survive the explosion? Did Calamity send me back home instead of where ever else? The machines seem familiar, but with some notable differences. A different brand maybe? The heart-rate monitor doesn't seem connected. Huh. Were they confident I was just a goner? Pfft, showed them then. Maybe I should find a way out of here to make a few more plans. Wait... I hear footsteps. They sound like they are wearing the worlds thickest tap shoes then. Hm, scratch leaving right now. Let's see what I could be dealing with for the moment. I closed my open eye just enough to peek through and still look 'dead'.
The double doors open and the visitor's stature surprised me. This must be a joke. I must be in a dream. It's the shape of a horse, or rather a smaller horse. Erm, I can't really tell, as I only saw rough pictures before... before? Gah, why can't I remember this?! The 'horse' then walks over to the corner with pictures highlighted behind with a faint light. The light gives the figure more color then the blue hue my eyes are giving me. The color of it's hair and tail is a light pink popping out with its white body. A red plus surrounded by hearts in each corner also adorns it's hind-side. A identification brand to show it belonged to this hospital? I knew from my education branding was used to 'claim' a horse to help in case of escaped or stolen 'product'. Something was off here.
It's light blue eyes suddenly narrowed at the pictures and exhaled in a feminine tone. "This IS a strange one this time. Not even X-rays show any internal structure. How would this thing live let alone survive? Hmm." That caught me off guard. A horse speaking english? Okay, now Calamity sending me to another world isn't false. Wait a minute... No internal structure? I'm pretty sure I had bones, organs, blood, and veins! I watched as she then goes back to the double doors touching a panel on the wall. The room lights up brightly above me, blinding my peeking eye slightly. As I recover from a practical flashbang to the face in terms of light, it spoke up. "Sheesh, it looks more worse for wear in proper light. What was it doing to get like that? Fighting a manticore? " Uh, what now?
The double doors open once more to a few more horses... ponies? They were dressed like common doctors with masks over their mouths and walking towards me. "Ah, Miss Redheart! There you are. The medical team will be working on the specimen shortly. The lead doctor wanted you to do a check-up on floor one patients while we were working." The one in the center spoke in a lighter male tone. Specimen? Oh right, I DID just appear here randomly. Although, that didn't sound good that they are going to 'work' on me. I don't want to just get up and have them freak out that I became a zombie or something. Four vs one didn't sound like great odds for escape.
The white mare huffed but nodded. "I don't believe this is a wise idea, the Elements DID find it twitching still. Just be careful Quick Cut." Quick cut? Redheart? What names were these? Did it also correspond with their profession? I didn't have much more time to think as I see the three surrounding me. Shit. First impressions are REALLY gonna suck. I see one pull of the cloth of the table to a variety of tools, blades, a glove box, folded towels, and a... muffin? The one on my right spoke up.
"There's my breakfast muffin! I was wondering were I left that!" He tries to reach over me and grab it and was slapped on the hoof by the one on my left. The stallion shaking his head.
"Absolutely not Clot Trot, that is technically contaminated now. Next time put your food in the breakroom like everypony else!" He scolded. Everypony huh? I guess it's these things equivalent to everyone. Does that go for other things too? Someone is somepony? Well, that also clarifies what they are now. Clot Trot gave a 'hrmph' and looked down at me. "Anyway, are we ready to proceed?"
The one just above me nodded. "Yes, let us begin the operation. Pace Maker, please pass the vacuum." Wait what? I watch as the one above bends down at the table a bit under my viewing range and shifts things around. "Please tell me you know where the bloody thing is Pace. A hoof slightly waving towards the left one was the only response he got before he pull out a huge syringe connected.. to a... tube. Oh hell no.
FEAR
My head is racked with a flashback of an operating table with a similar tube in my chest connecting me with Calamity. The pain, the screaming, a face of utter smugness hanging over me. I come to as the vacuum turns on. Welp, subtle introductions out the window, and I'll be out the door! I then open both my eyes wide and roll off the bed I was on with a thump on my feet. GOD that floor is cold. A set of three gasps emanate behind me, one exclaiming something about a 'celestia?' I don't glance back as I run and burst through the door, only hearing one of them yelling, "Wait! We just-" The door shuts before he finishes.
I run through the halls that scream hospital and dullness. The same thing I guess. Meanwhile I pass other ponies as they look at me shocked. Some look at me and scream 'Zombie Alien' as I pass. Well shit. I notice a window open near the stairs as I pass by, giving it a glance. I see we are near a village of sorts, as well as me being on the second floor. I continue to the stairs to see two rather large ponies block my path glaring towards me. "Now hold on there buddy." The red coated one says. "We can't have ya just run off like that, just calm down and lets get you back to your room." They're kidding right? I'm not going to be some guinea pig for these guys. I glance at them, then the window. I hope that survival training actually works here.
I run back, hearing their hoofsteps thumping the floor behind me up the stairs. "Ey, stop! There's no need to-"
I didn't even bother with opening the window and jumped through with a crash. I open my eyes as I see the ground getting closer. Time seemed slow for some reason. The ground had a slow time to want to meet me. I tucked in as I got close and rolled as I felt my feet hit the ground and bits of glass. A minor pain shoots up me, but I finish my roll with no shards in my back thankfully. I begin to sprint away from the building I resided in.
Okay, so I didn't have a plan where to go after this. I just ran, rather quickly for someone who was sore from whatever Calamity did to me. Although, running through the town didn't help. More ponies were walking about the sunny roads then in the dreary halls of the hospital. As expected, more gasps, and screams. I see a pink pony with yellow hair and a flower hanging in her hair look ever to me, point out a hoof, then scream 'the horror' as she promptly fainted on the spot. Yeah, I'm gonna rate my first impressions as a total failure at this point.
Gah! I need a point of reference to guide me through the town. I pass by a building that has a large clock on the top of its tower. Town hall I deducted. That must mean I'm in the center of the town. Damn this town was actually larger then it looked. Even If I got out of town, where would I go? In a cave until things cool down? Nah, they'll have posters of me in a few days and I'm not gonna wait years for that to go away. My thoughts halt as something lands in front of me.
The dust clears as a large white pony with wings, clad in golden armor glares at me. A Pegasus of sorts? Not good for me... I turn around as another lands there as well. ALSO not good for me! A few more thumps and I'm surrounded by 6 of them. Aww Fuck. "Halt, stranger." One of them said. "We have you surrounded. We shall escort you to the Princess's castle for questioning. Don't make this difficult." he finished as he gets into a lowered stance. What?! They were about to use me like a labrat and they wanted me to not make this DIFFICULT? Oh ho! Not a chance. Not again...
I get into my own stance and raise my fists at the ready. 'Disable and flee' echoed in my mind, a voice so familiar, but I couldn't place it. No, Focus. I glare at the one that spoke. "And what are ya gonna do if I say no?" I reply in a monotoned yet serious tone. He did not expect me to say anything, judging by his eyes widening. The guards around me look at each other and back at me. The one recovers with a slight shake of his head.
"Then we detain you by force stranger. There is no need for this quarrel, our rulers only want to ask you questions." I Pause to think about t he situation. Maybe he was right? Looking back, They knew nothing about me while I was unconscious. Now I'm awake, they wont need to resort to anyth- aww man! Now my first impression is being dense. I lower my fists and give a slight nod as I hear a whistling sound get louder.
"HOLD IT RIGHT THERE CRIMINAL SCUM!" Shouted above me in a tomboyish crack. I only look up and see rainbows before I blink to darkness again.
I groan as I come to with a blistering headache. Rainbow suicide strikes? What the hell man. They got me with that surprise military strike. Now to figure out where I am and act accordingly. I'm probably in a dungeon now for public panic, however, this bed doesn't feel very chainy. I open my eyes to the room around me. I'm in a bedroom with little furnishings, that being a nightstand and a lamp. I'm in a bed for sure, but not in chains or straps. Actually this is kinda comfy, better than the cot at the facility! I almost wanted to fall back asleep when I hear a few voices outside this room.
"Consarnit Rainbow, What were ya thinkin'?! Ya coulda seriously hurt th' newcomer, as well as other ponies!" a western drawl exclaimed. Heh, no kidding. I swear I heard an explosion on the impact. Wait, that was a pony?!
A raspy voice very similar to the recent event replies in a sarcastic tone. "Reeelax, if the guy can get up after being in the Everfree, I'm sure they could take a rain-bomb just as fine!"
Heh, little does she know how true the statement is. I slowly get out of the bed and try to get a better ear in the conversation, as well as to find an appropriate time to make my presence known. I barely get my ear on the door and the door flashes a vibrant purple aura, making me jump back. Another female voice right afterwards is heard throughout the establishment.
"WE GOT A RUNNER GIRLS!"
I freeze in place ready for whatever comes into that door. A few loud sets of thumping start closing in at the door rapidly. A large soldier? A small squad of smaller soldiers? I take a small step back from the door just in case.
I don't really get to find out who or what it was. The door not only opened, but flew straight off the hinges as it barreled into me in a intimate embrace flat on wall. All of the air I had expelled on impact of becoming a sandwich between a hard space and a harder space. My skull shook violently as my vision wobbled. Only barely catching a high pitched squeal as my ears rung.
"OOOO!~ Where did he go? He couldn't have left without being seen. Unless... *GASP* He wants to play hide and seek! OH, OH! Come out, come out where ever you are!" This one seemed energetic. A sensation hit the bottom of my gut, but I can't register what it is. A remember this feeling from somewhere, maybe it was the doorknob lodged in my kidney. My thoughts were interrupted by the country voice again.
"Pinkie, Ah dun think he's tryin' tah hide from ya sug'." She deadpanned.
The country gal's statement was unnoticed by the energetic pony. "Are you under the bed silly?"
"Pinkie?"
"Ollie Ollie Oxen Free!"
"PINKIE PIE!" The raspy one shouted so loud the door and wall shook, and by those accounts, me as well.
"Yes? Rainbow Das- Ohhh..." A small burst of giggles come form the source and gradual single thumps head for my pancaked scenario. A set of 3 knocks are felt at the center.
I reply slightly winded now, "Nobody's home..."
A louder giggle and a snort echo in the room. "You're very silly!"
The knob jabbed in my side turns as the door swings out from my left and hits the wall with a thud. The scene before me is eye raising as light and color come back to my sight. I see a rather unamused orange pony with blond hair wrapped in a pony tail(heh) on her head and actual tail. A picture of 3 red apples adorn her side visible to me. To the right of her, a cyan colored pony, with wings, a cloud with a rainbow lighting bolt, and unkempt multicolored hair dangling as she is flapping just of the ground, trying their damnedest to not laugh at the sight. And before me, giggling still, is a very pink pony with 3 balloons on her side and had curly hair like.... cotton...candy...
I felt nauseous as vivid pictures swam in my sight for a split second of a woman against a metal wall. As fast as it came, it was gone to the sight of two ponies looking now concerned and the pink pony still looking at me with a calm smile. I groan as I finally unstick myself from the wall onto my knees, rubbing my temples as I breathe a bit harder then normal. The orange pony breaks the tension.
"Landsakes, ya look like ya seen th' dead rise." She tilts her head.
"Yeah, I haven't seen a pony that pale since having Twilight realizing she would be late on a lesson." The cyan pegasus added.
I start to calm myself, standing back up. I spoke in a uncharacteristic manner. "It was... an aftershock of becoming a living smore." Geeze, my sarcasm is on point today.
The bouncy one up front smiled widely as she gets closer to me. "That's a good one! I gotta write that one down! OH wait! You're new here! A New face! *Squeee* "
The technicolor pony facepalmed...er Facehoofed? "Oh boy, here we go."
"We have to throw a welcoming party for you, I mean you just got here but-I-don't-even-know-your-name *GASP*"
She sped up a from a mile a minute to 10 as you lost her in a rambling speech as she bounced around the room. How does she get all that energy? I didn't need to think long as I see the country mare roll her eyes.
"You hafta excuse Pinkie Pie, once she gits like this she dun stop until it's said an dun. She 'does' bring up a good point mister." She walks up and raises a hoof out towards me. I reach out and shake it. "Th' names Applejack, proud farmer of Sweet Apple Acres. The flyin' one 'ere is Rainbow Dash the-" A Blur of rainbow cuts in between us.
"THE best flyer in all Equestria, and soon to be Wonderbolt!" The pegusus states with stretched out forehooves. "And you already met Pinkie Pie, Ponyville's party planning fanatic. So uh, what's your name?"
Equestria? Is that what this place is called? Or is it the country? No wait, Ponyville must be the town, or was that Sweet Apple Acres? Uhhm. Wait my name? I pause contemplatively as a voice echoes within the back of my conscious. "My name is A--"
A brilliant flash of purple light illuminates the room. "STATUS REPORT! WHERE IS THE SUBJECT!?"
Rude...
