Outbreak: Hellish Hateby Head of Common MockeryChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Intermission ft. Princess Luna & John StewartChapter 5Chapter 1In another world in a different time, I once deemed my name unimportant. It was during a time where I set out to see if I could set the world on fire. And at that time, in that world... I succeeded. I went on a genocidal crusade because I wanted to die as violently as possible, making sure to bring down as many bodies as I could with me. I killed everything I saw. I’ve killed men. I’ve killed women. And don’t think for a second that I even spared children. I did it all because I hated humanity, and I still hate it. I also hated life. I hated having to live every single day in a stinking, rotting body. Doomed to die of old age only to further rot until nothing is left. Hell, I still hate life. The thought of having to move around in this filthy body still sickens me to this day. And for the longest time, I’ve wanted to solve my problem of being alive. If only those damn ponies didn’t make wanting to die so difficult. Whatever cosmic entity is responsible for my being in this world filled with anthro ponies needs to choke on its own stupidity. Thanks to it, I almost forgot what it was like to hate life. Thanks to it, I was saved from my imminent death. I was lying on the ground, bleeding out after a squad of soldiers filled me with lead in a nuclear power plant. I was fine and dandy with knowing that the world was going to burn because of me. I was fine with all the people I killed. And I was fine knowing that I would probably burn in hell. But instead, I get sent to a world filled with magic and friendship. And for the longest time, I hated it there. The place I was sent to was just like some gay faggot’s dream. The grass was green, the birds would sing, and the new race I had to live with would go on every day like nothing bad could ever happen to them. And that’s just the thing, nothing bad really happened. And they were nice to me, despite my menacing appeal. They reached out to me and gave me a home to live in. They built it just for me, and some of them were even willing to give me a job. I can’t believe I accepted the job offer from a fucking candy store owner. God, what a bitch my boss was. Her name was Bon Bon. She was a cream-colored mare with a navy blue mane that had thick streaks of pink. I thought she was a bitch. She thought I was an asshole. The only reason why she gave me a job was because... Oh God, I’m remembering her again. Bon Bon only gave me a job because her best friend saw something in me. I still don’t know what she saw in me, and she never told me. What did you see in me? Every fucking time I would get pissed off at not knowing why you would giggle in a way that I found... Adorable. Just when I thought I couldn’t find beauty in anything, she came into my life. She showed me that ponies aren’t human. She showed me the bright side of things. She taught me how to not hate. And she taught me how to not hate life... Why? Why is it so fucking painful to remember her! Why did those fuckers have to barge into my life and take all that I’ve ever valued from me!? She was the only thing I ever actually cared for!! I told her about my sins and in return, she told me that everypony deserves a second chance!!! Why!!! Why Did I Fucking Love Her So Much!!!... She was the love of my life. I might be a darkness, but her light filled my void of a soul with such brightness. I should’ve hated everything thing about her, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I shamelessly slaughtered crowds of people who couldn’t defend themselves, yet I attempted to cut my arm open at the thought of hurting her. And she stopped me from doing it with tears in her eyes. Tears out of the golden globes that were apparently her eyes. She had a fur coat that was the color of mint ice cream, and a sea foam green mane with streaks the color of white toothpaste that she kept short. She would always wear clothes with simple patterns like light green pants and a matching striped shirt. She was beauty incarnate, and she mattered more to me than my hatred for life itself. I have to tell you her name, don’t I. Fuck, stabbing myself in the stomach would hurt less than having to say her name. Especially how she was taken away. H-her name... Oh god, her name was as beautiful as her. Lyra Heartstrings. Her name was Lyra Heartstrings, and I took her for a lesbian at first. I thought as much because of how much she would hang out with her best friend and how much they would hug each other... And when she showed me such friendship... Why couldn’t that student of the sun bitch teach me friendship, yet Lyra could? She built such a strong bond to me that she would let me touch her. She would let me take out my frustrations on her, but she knew I wouldn’t dare hurt her. The songs she would sing were the only kind of music that I actually wanted to hear. I have a record from an artist named DJ Pon-3. It has only one song on it. Lyra offered to sing in it, and that’s the only reason why I even own it. The record has been played so many times that the only sound that doesn’t make my ears bleed is Lyra’s voice. She found out that I liked that song, so she brought out her guitar and sang it to me herself. She sang it to me next to a creek that ran through a field. That moment has to be when I realized that she almost made me forget how to hate. She looked so beautiful in the dress she wore that night. We slept in that field after we did what I can only describe as truly making love. I wanted to be with her forever. She wanted to be with me forever. And the next morning, she was taken from me. She was taken from me and harmed before my eyes. But I had forgotten to hate, so I only ran away to my house. Originally, it was a pigsty. Lyra taught me to keep it clean. It went back to being a pigsty after I boarded up the windows and lived off the stockpile I kept in my basement. For the past two years, I’ve been living in regret, relearning how to hate because I finally have something worth hating. I hate the fucking worthless piles of flesh who took away my friends. I hate the things that invaded a place that I actually consider a home. I hate that which took away what was changing me into a new man. I hate the son of a bitch named Dainn, and I hate the Caribou. For a while, my name held importance. But now it’s back to not meaning a damn thing. Right now, I’m going into my basement for supplies. But not the usual survival meals that I’ve been surviving off of for two years. This time I’m pulling out a box that Lyra and I would pull out when we wanted to shoot clay pigeons and stationary targets. It’s a box of “sports equipment”. At least that’s what Lyra called it. She knew exactly what I used it for before we used it for fun. I take the box out of the basement and onto a table that hasn’t been wiped down for a few days, but it’s still clear enough to pull out my tools that will once again be used for destruction. I pull out an M4A1 that I took from a soldier, a Glock 27 that I took from a cop, and a double barrel shotgun that I made for Lyra. She loved trap shooting, and she was good at it. But her friend Bon Bon was better. She was a bitch that could pass for a quick draw with how good she was at target shooting and trap shooting. I’m getting off topic. I need to remember why I’m going to die today. Interesting... I start coughing up blood on the floor, but it doesn’t hurt. The blood burns and melts away at the floor like it’s some kind of acidic lava. Weird. Anyway, I return to looking inside the box. There are magazines for the M4 and Glock, and ammo for all three of the weapons. Underneath the weapons and ammo is my old black leather trench coat. I modified it some time ago to better hold the Glock and ammunition. I have a back holster for the shotgun that also works for my M4. I put on the leather trench coat and start stuffing if with Glock mags, M4 mags, and shotgun shells. With all the pockets full, I holster my Glock and shotgun then pick up my M4. I load a magazine into the M4 and walk over to a wall with a single picture. Lyra hung up all kinds of artwork around my home, but this picture is the only one that's important to me. It's Lyra and I holding each other under a moonlight night in a field of flowers. Bon Bon snuck up on us to take it, and I took a swing at her for that. She blocked the hit. She was a lot stronger than she looked. As I look at the picture, a burning hatred builds up inside. It has been building for a while, but this is the last push I need. As I grit my teeth, I start to glow red and that acid-lava blood from earlier starts dripping off me and my vision literally goes red. Okay, what the fuck? Do not worry about the blood that is dripping off you, your body is preparing itself for a change. Okay, who the hell are you? As you have stated about yourself once before, my name is not important. What is important is what you are about to do. I can see your hate. It boils your blood, making it almost as hot as my own. ... What are you getting at? Only that I will be watching you. Continue on your quest of righteous genocide. I would like to see how far you will make it. My cause is not righteous. It is in more ways than you would like to know. I will bother you no more. Go forth and kill as many as you can. It might take you beyond death. ... Whatever. Lyra was taken from me, and dying violently is my goal. This time, I won’t fail. You may find yourself disappointed... ... Well, the voice is gone. I don’t know what the hell he was on about. But it doesn't matter. The red glow is gone, and I can see in colors other than red. I hope I don't hear that guy again. Now that I’m back to what I was doing, I put the picture of Lyra away in my pocket. I walk up to my front door and I kick it open. Outside my house is where a fountain once stood. Lyra and I built it, Lyra designed it and I put it together. But the fountain has mares with red collars playing in it now. They are completely naked. They don’t have any Caribou or Stallions currently fucking them senseless, and this occurrence is strange to me. I listen around for the sounds of hoofsteps but still hear nothing. “Hey!” Call out to the collard Mares, “Where the hell is everyone?” “There’s a gathering happening at Dainn’s castle.” One of the mares answers, “I think it has to do with Dainn’s death and the machine who lives at Sweet Apple Acres. It might also be about the Demons of Canterlot.” Wait, Dainn’s dead and a robot lives on Applejacks property? And demons are actually at the capital? I thought that was a kids’ story. And I didn’t know there was a castle in Ponyville until I looked over to where Canterlot comes into view. There it is, the place I apparently need to go to. People are going to die today, and that’s where. Author's Note With blood and rage of crimson red… Chapter 2Two years. For two years I’ve had to wear this black leather collar. For two years, I’ve been stuck inside my own candy shop And watch it so the new kind of “candy” that’s been sold in it. It is in a candy shop anymore, it’s a place where ponies and caribou go to buy slaves. Call me Lyra’s weird-ass fiancé, but I really fucking hate it here. Oh, I’m Sweetie Drops by the way! My cutie mark is three bonbons, which is the name I currently go by ever since I left the agency. Bon Bon, I mean. That’s right, I used to be an agent. A secretive agent, but not a “secret” agent per-say. You see, my best friend's fiancé doesn't know it but I used to be exactly like him. I hated the world I lived in. I hated the friendship, I hated the peace, and I really hated everypony living in it. I did, and still, have anger issues that are a serious problem. Through my anger issues, I came close to reducing the population of my hometown. That's when a strange creature that defied logic and magic walked into my roommate's backyard and in my way. I felt better when I killed the thing. After that night, a stallion in a cheap suit asked me about joining an agency devoted towards the containment and elimination of things like what I saw. I asked if my anger issues would be a problem. He said they’d be an advantage. I signed a contract and went through training that went on for ten months. What I did during the training doesn't matter, what does matter is that I almost have a handle on my anger. Almost. I eventually retired, purchased an old bakery, stole my old gear, and started a candy shop. The problem was that I still hated everypony. Then I met the mare who I now can call my best friend… I wish she would be my girlfriend, but she doesn't swing that way… Apparently, Lyra’s into redeeming the damned. Why she’s going to marry Allen B. Busterfield is beyond me, that guy's an asshole who put his homeland through a nuclear winter. But whatever Lyra did to me, she did to her fiancé. Still, fuck that guy. Anyways, like I said, I retired and started a new life as Bon Bon. That was ten years, six months, and nineteen days ago. Today, I’m taking my shop back. I paid off the mortgage literally a week before the invasion, and I’m pissed off over the situation. I’ve been pissed ever since. My old gear is all nicely set up in my basement, waiting for me to put it back on and I’m no longer going to keep it waiting. I’m going to show the Caribou why the name Sweetie Drops is known in The Wastelands. I’m going to show them all that I changed my name for a reason. Right now, I’m sitting in a corner with a cone on my head that says “dunce” on it and a black collar around my neck with a shocker attachment. I have no other clothes on my body because my “owner” doesn't think that any of his “property” needs them. My “owner” is a caribou rental slaver. You can rent a slave for whatever you want, so long as it doesn't breach his contract. I’m not a rental slave though, he just likes to torment me and use my throat as a cock warmer. This has been going on for one year, eleven months, and sixteen days. That's going to stop now. And I’m going to stop it now. My “owner” sees a customer walk into the store, a brainwashed stallion who used to be Carmel. Did you know that they brainwash the gay to being straight? Carmel used to be a gay construction worker who went to the club every night to get lucky until the invasion. Now Carmel has a bad reputation for braking mares. And I mean literally breaking them. I see my “owner” walk to the back and pull out Derpy- Okay, fuck this. We’re not going to play the right-moment game… Shit, I have to don't I. You can't sneak away after slaughtering your owner and his customer. Don't worry Derpy, I’ll come for you. But first, I’ve got to grab my gear. A few minutes have passed, Derpy sucked off her current renter, and the two have left the building. My owner left for the bathroom! Perfect! I get out of my chair and the shocker turns on. It's a sequential shocker, the pain will only go up from here. I don't care for the pain. I walk over to a certain point on the wall of my store and I slam it with my fist as hard I can. A section of the wall pushes in and falls down, leaving an opening that I slide through. After I climb down the bricks of the tight space to the basement, I make it to the actual basement… My basement. I made it myself. The constitution took one month and three days. I dug it deep enough to be able to go unnoticed so that not even my old boss could find it. It's a rather large room with only one wall holding my gear. On that wall is my old uniform: a set of tan painted Kevlar laminated titanium armor plates with shock absorbing foam over a layer of medical foam. Next to the armor is a folded set of pants and a combat shirt with no pockets. The pockets are on the armor plates because of how often we were in full kit. The entire point of this armor is to allow an agent to sustain constant combat capability against the unknown. The set I have comes with mountaineering modifications for increased mobility and traction with the utility belt featuring a special tip to replace on the bolt of my crossbow. The armor is supposed to come with a removable pack, but I’m not going to be needing it. It takes a good half-hour to put on my kit when I begin to notice a voice in my head. Whoever you are, you're not controlling me. The first thing that tried it is locked in a special cell now. I not looking for conflict right now. At least, not with you. I turn around to see a floating blue cat in a black and red jumpsuit, “Wait, what the fuck?” I Dex-Starr. I Red Lantern. The floating cat points to a large, muscular, fat-lipped alien who is also wearing a black and red jumpsuit, only this jumpsuit appears to be armor plated. He Atrocitous. “First off, you mean Dexter. Second off, you're talking about Allen?” I Dex-Starr, Wretched Pony Cur! “Hey, good kitties watch their language,” I say while the cat lunges at me. He's held in place by a red aura while the red alien raises his fist and a red ring on his hand glows. “Stand-down, Dex-Starr.” The big, red thing to put Big Mac to shame says as it steps forward, “Do not antagonize him, lest you wish for your bones to be his next meal.” “I’m talking to a telepathic cat and a big bald alien.” I say to the two, “I’m trying to kill my owner before he notices me, what do you want?” “Allen Baxter Busterfield.” The alien says rather informatively with a really raspy voice. My guess is that he’s used to yelling, “I am Atrocitous! Leader of the Red Lantern Corps! Allen Busterfield’s rage is going to tear through the town of Ponyville as he commits righteous genocide, and it is over the loss of the ones who he remembers as his friends.” “Bullshit, he only cares for Lyra.” “Not quite. He cares for Lyra, but Allen still cares for you and others as well. I intend on watching him become a Red Lantern with Dex-Starr. However, for you, I have a separate task.” “Hey, you can't just send me to do whatever you want me to do, especially when I barely know you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got-“ “You are to ruin a slave deal. Your current master is losing money because of your constant interruptions and is selling your friends to a man who has a casualty count high enough to sound cliché. His previous victims demand vengeance, and you shall deliver it!” I take a moment and consider his offer. If Lyra’s fiancé is going back to setting nations on fire, I want to see it for myself. But if I get to theatrically splatter my boss, kill an asshole, and save my friends, then I’m all ears. But that's the problem. I don't know what I want more. “Clearly there's a lot in store for me if I agree, but what about Lyra?” I ask, wanting to know more, “You probably know about her, and obviously know her fiancé.” “Ah, the best part about my offer!” The alien says with a big toothy, evil-ish smile on his fat lipped face, “Your presence is still necessary for Allen to become a Red Lantern! You shall fight beside me as you prove your might to those who used to protect the wretch known as Dainn! Champions set all throughout Ponyville waiting for a challenge, and you shall provide it! Today Shall Be A Day Of Days! A Tale Of Truly Legendary Proportions!!” I don't know if evil is the word to use on this guy. He seems like somepony trying to do the right thing; he's offering a plan to help me with what I want to do, his letting me takedown Dainn’s Elites, and he's got plans to make Allen into something that sounds big… But I’m still curious about something. “What are you going to do in all this, Mr. Atrocitous?” I asked my question. Time for his answer. “I am going to guide Allen so that he may kill only the deserving. Only those with victims that demand justice! And you may witness it all at your leisure.” Atrocitous says, proudly lifting the hand with a big red ring on it into the air. “… Okay, I’m in.” I think Allen might be an asshole, but I don't actually hate him. I never did. I just hope that Atrocitous doesn't abuse my trust. You apologize about calling Dex-Starr “Dexter”, yes? “Don't push your luck, Dex-Starr. Ms. Bon Bon does not understand your situation.” Atrocitous says, probably trying to stop him from making a stupid mistake. Fine. Stupid pony. The cat looks me in the eyes, You make no challenge to me, anyway. I ignore the remark and return to setting myself up, drawing my crossbow and crossbow pistols. My armor features magic enhancements that allow me to put my crossbow on my back and my pistols on the sides of my legs, all without holsters. The EPA armor didn’t come with that, I had it added later by a friend. “So, where do I start?” I ask, awaiting instruction. “For now, you shall accompany me as I observe and guide Allen.” Atrocitus informs, “From there, you shall spot the first of men four men who have brought much suffering to your kind and avenge their victims.” Atrocitous points his ring behind me and opens a portal made from what I think is blood, “I trust that you shall not do anything against my wishes?” “As long as I’m no one’s slave." "You are your own master. Tell me, would you prefer to go by Sweetie Drops or Bon Bon?" I had to think about it for a while. If I'm going back to my old life, I might as well go back to Agent Sweetie Drops. But thinking about it, I wonder about the agency. I'll have to check on them when I'm done working with Atrocitous. I'd make up a superhero name, but let's be honest. I wasn't a hero before, and I'm not about to be one. Besides, not all saviors are superheroes. "... Call me by my old designation. Agent Sweetie Drops." Chapter 3I’m making my way to Dainn’s castle. It’s going to be a while before I get there. But that doesn't matter that much to me, I guess not everyone went to whatever meeting that they’re having. I came across an old friend, a cross-eyed mare named Derpy. She was getting double teamed by a stallion and a Caribou. Now she’s grabbing at the bodies like she actually misses them. I pull her to her hooves and force her to look me in the eyes. One look and whatever was going through her head stopped as she's hugging me tightly with tears in her eyes. God only knows what's been happening to her for the last two years. “Where's Dinky?” I ask, my tone an angry grunt. “Sh-she's been rented!” Derpy tells me. I’m not sure what to make of her tone, but it's depressing or something, “I-I think I heard that she w-was heading t-to...” The waterworks start back up. I’d push her down and continue on my way, but I can’t. I don’t know what’s happening, but I think I can feel her suffering. Her sadness. Her want for her child. And buried underneath it all... I feel her rage. I wipe away her tears and rest my hand on her shoulder. “This is not the way you get your child back, Derpy.” I tell her with sincerity, “It’s going to be hard to think about, but I need you to tell me where Dinky is.” Tell her to reach deep inside, To break into the ground of her emotions, and to grab hold of the memories of her child and how she was taken from her. “... I need you to dig deep and think about who took Dinky. I’ll bring her back to you, but I don’t know where she is. Can you do that for me?” Derpy looks me in the eyes. I show her my eyes filled with this strange sense of compassion towards her and rage towards whoever “rented” Dinky. “Sugarcube Corner,” Derpy tells me. She is a broken mare, but she can be saved. I can see it inside her. “Go to my place. There’s food in the basement and I kept the guest room clean.” Derpy hugs me one last time before making a run for my place. I’m going to a place where Lyra loved to go. Maybe I’m lucky and Pinkie Pie’s Party Cannon. I always wondered what it could to someone at point blank. As I head to Sugarcube Corner, I see a bony Caribou wearing glasses and decent clothes surround by shirtless and muscular Caribou. The bony one is getting pushed around by the muscular ones, all of them talking. “You didn’t show up where we told you to.” One of the muscular Caribou says as he pushes the bony Caribou into a puddle of mud, “C’mon, we had a mare waiting for ya!” “It’s not nice to miss out on pussy when it’s offered, you know.” “I told you all, I wasn’t interested.” The bony Caribou says before getting solidly kicked in the face. Hm. He’s just an innocent victim getting beaten in the mud. What? I shouldn’t care, he’s never done a thing to hurt anyone. “Look At You! So Prim And Proper, Huh!” I raise my M4 and switch it from safe to semi. I lay waste to those who chose to hurt the man currently bleeding in the mud. I step closer to the group making sure to put a bullet in all their heads except one! The one who deliberately attacked a man who couldn’t defend himself even if he wanted to! As the maggot stands there in shock, I kick him into the mud next to the Caribou with glasses. “He chose not to go because he doesn’t go for girls.” I growl as I toss the M4 and go for the dagger on the Caribou’s pants, “So tell me. Was it worth making him suffer?” “E-excuse me, Mr. Human?” The Caribou with glasses asks. “What!!” I Bark! “... Do it.” I smile at the bony Caribou as I cut the last muscular one’s head clean off of his neck. I guess I won’t get my answer now, but I don’t about getting it. As long as I get my revenge for losing Lyra. I guess my M4 attracted attention, I see some guards. I reach for my Glock and unload it into the three guards that are charging me. They all fall and die on the ground. I reach for my M4 and look around. They’re all dead. All the deserving. All the wicked. But Dainn’s castle is where the meat of the crowd is. Only there will I have my vengeance! I check on the bony Caribou, and he’s gone. That’s probably for the best. There’s no one up ahead, so I lower my M4 and continue on my way. You held back. What are you on about? If you seek vengeance, then show them all your anger. Show them your rage! Reveal how legendary you can be![/i] Wouldn't I become blinded by my rage? Your rage will guide you. Trust my words, you will not hurt the wrong people. … You’d better be right. Anyway, I made it to Sugarcube Corner but something’s not right. It's not that the place hasn't been converted to some kind of slave shop, it's that the place seems to be the same. The only thing that's different is that the place has a sign in front of it that reads “Spike’s Property”. I remember when Spike got greedy before, it was before I fell in love with Lyra. He went through my stuff and found my weapons. I showed him what they could do. This time, I’ll show him my rage. Let the greedy fucker take all that he can take of it. I approach the doorway and walk right through, my M4 raised to make sure that Spike won’t ambush me. My rage is only disappointed. The first room has no one, and the place seems to be empty. I enter the kitchen and find something that reminds me of Dinky… She wore a pair of shoes that Rarity made for her. It was Rarity's way of helping out Derpy because she was a single mother who struggled to get by sometimes. The ponies don't need shoes, but these ones were special. Dinky wore them to feel safe. They're on the floor at the start of the stairs with specks of blood on them. “What are you doing in Spike’s home!” A voice- not as angered as I am- says. I immediately turn around and set my M4 from Semi to Auto and unleash the weapon on the fucking dragon. I cry out in rage as I spray Spike, but it's no use as he walks towards me. My bullets can't hurt him. He throws a punch at me. I catch it. He swings another punch. I miss and he hits me in the stomach… I need to throw-up. I barf on Spike, spraying him with blood that will leave him burning! As the dragon burns, I punch him away and through the walls! I ready myself to face him again!... And then I think about Dinky. I walk back over to Dinky’s shoes and pick them up. I still haven’t checked the whole place, Dinky might be upstairs. I head up the stairs and see Dinky tied up on a bed. Her horn has been cut off and she’s only in her underwear. I walk over to Derpy’s daughter and untie her. As soon as she’s free, she springs onto me. She doesn’t say anything while I wrap a blanket around her. I don’t say anything to her. Nothing needs to be said. As I’m about to pick Dinky up, Spike smashes through the wall to confront me. It appears that my rage has left him without scales. “SPIKE WANT HEAD!!!” “I’LL GIVE YOU MY RAGE!!!” I cry out as two red assault rifles appear in my hands and I show Spike my Rage!! My bullets tear through the Dragon as I don’t let off, but I stop and let him fall to the floor. I pick up his head from his spikes and look him in his eyes. My blood burns away at his flesh and leaves him suffering. I summon a pistol and put a bullet in his head. Spike falls to the floor, dead. I turn back to Dinky, and she’s terrified. “I-I...” I fail to say anything. How could I? I shield my eyes from looking at her, I don’t deserve to. But as I do so, Derpy stops me. “Allen.” Derpy says, moving my hand away from my face, “Don’t do that to yourself. What happened to the old you? What happened to Mr. Not Important?” I have nothing to say back. I just stay silent. “Don’t worry about if you traumatized my daughter, I think she’s just shocked to see you defend the girl you used to shoo away. Just keep hating. You’re good at it.” I look her in her weird eyes and she smiles at me. I get up, pick up my M4, and head for the hole in the wall. I jump to the roof of the lower, but I notice that I’m faintly glowing red and floating down. I look around and see a floating blue cat in a black and red jumpsuit looking right at me. I here to give you something. “Are you that voice in my head?” No. But he have something for you. Check back pocket. I check my back pocket and pull out a red ring. “What’s this thing?” Put ring on. “I’m trying to kill shit, get out of my way..” The cat pukes on me and I burn in anger. Put ring on. Direct anger towards what you seek to kill and ring will guide you. Say oath of ring, and become Red Lantern. Ring will bring you power through rage. “Gr-What a-are you doing to me!” You feel pain because you resist. Ring help regulate your current fluctuation currently happening. Accept offer and receive strength. I here to help, not stop. I put on the ring on my trigger finger, and feel... I feel good. With those strange feelings from earlier and this new feeling, I realize that I was losing control. And this new feeling makes me feel like I have the same strength, but the power to control it. I look around for the cat but find that it’s gone. Say oath to fully grasp power. You know it when you need to. I have no idea what kind of oath he’s talking about, and I don’t care about it. All that matters is that I found Derpy and Dinky. It seems like I haven’t lost everything. But I still lost Lyra, and the Dainn’s Empire will pay. I’ll make sure of it. And I’m going to his castle to kill everything inside that’s made what I love suffer. But I’ve got to make it over there first, then I’ll have my revenge. Author's Note Ripped from a corpse so freshly dead... This totally feels like I rushed it, so I apologize if it seems to be poor quality. Chapter 4Three hundred twenty-one meters. Three hundred twenty-one meters away is Sugarcube Corner. And Allen just killed Spike the Dragon. Four hours and seven seconds ago, Atrocitous sent me after two separate Elite Caribou Guards. I might be tough, but I lack weight. Those assholes tossed me around and I had to use my skills as a marksmare to kill them. As for right now? I’m really confused. I was pointing my crossbow right at the face of the third elite Caribou, but my old supplier of strawberries just rushed up to him. She’s clothed in her usual dress and vest combo and she lacks a collar. “Don’t Hurt Damian!” Strawberry Fields cries out as she wraps herself around the surprised Caribou. The Caribou gently removes Fields from his body. “Strawberry, this was going to happen sooner or later and we both know that.” The Caribou tells her, moving his focus to me, “You must be Bon Bon. Strawberry told me a lot about you, especially how you help her with her disability.” “I’ve been told that you did terrible things.” I tell the Caribou, my voice holding no confidence, “You have victims that cry out for vengeance, and I’m here to bring it.” “This must be about the Bostallion Massacre. I understand. Just do me a favor and make sure to keep Strawberry Fields safe. You of all ponies should remember that she’s autistic.” I lower my crossbow. “Look, I’m not sure about you. You don’t-“ “I’m responsible for the deaths of fifty stallions that were going to kill Dainn. They weren’t brainwashed, they were trying to rebel. If I didn’t kill them, Dainn would’ve found out about Strawberry.” “Your case does not protect you from vengeance, Damian of Dainn’s personal guard!” I looked behind myself to see Atrocitous walking up from behind me. He seems pissed off and he’s pointing his ring at the Caribou. “I cannot promise a painless death.” “Bon Bon, remember to let Strawberry grow a garden.” The Caribou tells me, “You know it’s her safe place.” I switch my crossbow to my crossbow pistols and point them at the fat lipped alien. “You don’t know what your stepping into, Atrocitous.” I threaten. “Stay out of my way or taste hellish hate!” “I can’t let you hurt Strawberry Fields.” Atrocitous lunges for the Caribou, but I launch two explosive bolts into his side, blasting him away. I put a pistol away as Atrocitous soars my way. I time myself and jump right as he attempts to tackle me, putting a bolt into his spine. Without a second thought, I draw my full-sized crossbow and pin Dex-Starr to a wall with a bolt that prevents him from using his power. I aim for Atrocitous and hit him with a power-stopping bolt as well. “Stay down, or I aim for the head.” “You Fool! Your Actions Hold Consequences!” “And your actions would’ve killed the right pony for the wrong reason! I don’t doubt for a second that he killed those ponies, but he didn’t want to!” “That Does Not Mask His Actions!” “That might be so, but he’s not responsible for his actions! The Caribou responsible is dead!” “With Blood And Rage Of Crimson Red!” Atrocitous gets off the ground and pulls the arrows out of himself, “Ripped From A Corpse So Freshly Dead!” “Ah, shit.” Atrocitous forms a red spike on his hand that he impales me on and lifts me into the air. Suddenly, the surroundings change to red stone landscaping at somewhere that is not Equestria. “Together With Our Hellish Hate!!” Atrocitous punches me off the spike and into a stalagmite, “We’ll Burn You All!!” A large, red bull emerges out of Atrocitous’ chest and slams me through the stalagmite, flinging me to the ground, “THAT IS YOUR FATE!!!” Atrocitous drenches me in his blood as he hurls it all over my body, leaving me to burn. We return to where we were standing, the Caribou horrified to see me covered in blood. “It appears that your services are no longer required,” Atrocitous says, moving his focus to the Caribou. “My turn.” Atrocitous looks back at me only to find that I’m gone. I’ve activated a prototype cloaking device that allows me to sneak up, draw a combat knife, and slice through Atrocitous’ calf. Then I jump over him and do a handstand to buck him hard in the face. I get back to my hooves, draw explosive knives, and stab him in both shoulders. I leap high into the air and set off the explosives, flinging Atrocitous to the ground. As Atrocitous looks to the sky, I decloak and block out the sun as I aim my crossbow right at the symbol on Atrocitous’ chest. I load and fire a paralyzing bolt right into Atrocitous’ chest right before landing hard on Atrocitous’ face, backflipping off of the alien. “I guess that prototype cloaking device I stole works,” I remark, switching the crossbow for a crossbow pistol. She points the pistol right at Atrocitous’ head, “Don’t make me put you down.” “H-how could you survive such an attack?” Atrocitous asks before coughing up some blood. “I’m an agent trained in killing monsters and reality-bending entities.” I respond while offering a hand to Atrocitous, “That, and I’m wearing armor specifically built to sustain an agent like me.” “What is your armor made from?” “It’s made from a long list of fancy materials, some magically enhanced. Basically, I survived being impaled because the armor protects me that well.” “Indeed. Do not make me test how much torment it can make you handle.” Atrocitous warns me before trapping me in a field of energy that I can’t escape. But right as he’s ready to strike the Caribou, Strawberry Fields wraps herself around the Caribou, “Move out of my way, foolish girl.” “If you’re going to hurt Damian, then do it to me too.” Strawberry says, holding the Caribou tighter, "I can’t imagine living without him.” “What are you going to do, Atrocitous.” I say, not even trying to move, “You said something about his victims demanding vengeance, did you not? Kill her, and you will have ended up achieving irony by gaining an innocent victim killed by you.” “... If I did that, Dex-Starr himself would attack me...” As I make an attempt to break free, a bluish-purple colored humanoid figure forms behind Atrocitous and puts a four-fingered hand onto his shoulder. “Compassion can make us do many things, Atrocitous.” The figure explains in a calm, caring voice that could soothe a crying foal, “You of all people should know how some emotions can trigger others. Such as Dex-Starr’s compassion towards Wallflower Blush, or Allen Busterfield’s defense of Dinky Hooves. If you’d like, you can observe the show of compassion in front of you.” Atrocitous looks at the faceless form, then back at Strawberry Fields. He lowers his ring and releases me as the form beings to disappear. “Remember just how connected emotions are. If you take the time to think about it, rage can be fueled by compassion...” And with that, the figure fades completely and Atrocitous stares at his ring and back to Strawberry. “... I see now that I have almost made an error. In killing your partner, I would find myself being hunted by my fellow Red Lanterns.” Atrocious looks over to me with eyes trying to hide his disappointments in himself. But then they go back to being filled with rage and hatred at something that's behind me, “But killing you would help to quench my search for vengeance.” I turn around to see one very tall and very muscular Caribou who's smiling as he looks down at me. I recognize him immediately. “You mother fucker,” I grumble in an angered annoyance. “Your owner should've kept a better eye on you, Bon Bon.” The large Caribou says to me. I don't think he notices the fact that Atrocitous just pulled a literal red lantern out of nowhere. I need to keep him distracted... “You want to know something?” “A good whore keeps her mouth shut, you know. I could use my cock to help you.” “When you kidnapped me, I could’ve left whenever I wanted.” “Oh? Really? How so?” “The same way that you woke up and went straight to the hospital. It sounds like you weren’t smart enough to figure out that the poison joke flower has an actually poisonous cousin that’s red instead of blue, or that the flower left in your kitchen went missing.” The large Caribou wanted to say something, but Strawberry’s boyfriend reaches for the sword at his waist and draws it. “Leave this place, John.” Strawberry’s boyfriend warns. “What can you do to me, Damian?” The larger Caribou asks. Suddenly, Dex-Starr begins to walk towards the large Caribou, making the cutest mews as he approaches him. The cat looks up to the Caribou with an adorable smile before continuing on his way. He reaches the Caribou’s legs and starts nuzzling his legs. “Awww, come here you cute little thing.” The Caribou says gently as he picks up Dex-Starr and starts patting his head. The cat looks into the eyes of Caribou with another cute smile... And then scowls with exposed teeth. “DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEE!!!” Dex-Starr yells out like a battle cry as he slashes the Caribou’s throat wide open. Blood is leaking onto the cat’s fur, leaving him drenched in blood as the dead Caribou falls to the ground. Dex-Starr floats away shortly after the Caribou hits the ground, shaking the blood off his fur, I good kitty. “Indeed,” Atrocitous complements. “I believe that the conflict is over?” Strawberry’s boyfriend says, confused by what just happened. I’ve got to agree, I don’t know what the fuck just happened either. “So let me get this straight.” I say, trying to understand what I saw, “A tabby just slaughtered a big problem while making a cute face, right?” “Are there any other house cats that you know of that can accomplish such a feat?” Atrocitous asks. “Okay. Damian, is it?” I ask Strawberry’s boyfriend. “Yes, Damian Lite.” Damian answers. “Let’s both agree to ignore what just happened. I’ll take it that Strawberry couldn’t be brainwashed?” “Yes, how could you guess?” “A lucky guess what I’m going to report back to my old employer. Don’t worry about it.” “I’m only worried about Strawberry. She’s more fragile than most.” “By the time my red friends and I are done, you won’t have to worry about keeping her safe. Besides, Allen is basically filtering out the old empire from Ponyville.” “Bon Bon?” Strawberry Fields is trying to get my attention, “Do you know how he’s doing? I-is there any way that I can help him? I want to pay him back for what he did for me.” She just made me remember exactly what she’s talking about. Four years, five months, and eight days in the past, when Allen relapsed on being hateful. Strawberry Fields is a mare with high functioning autism. She could originally take care of herself when her parents would check on her every now and then, but her parents got a little too old to keep doing it. I learned a lot running the candy shop that I did because she would always visit me on weekends to bring me strawberries that she supplied me with. When I found out that her parents were becoming unable to support her, Lyra and I volunteered to look after her. I wouldn’t say that she’s a daughter or sister to me, but she still means a lot. I would check on her every day to make sure that she did her chores, that she made the right friends, and that she didn’t have anything to take that pretty smile off her face. One day when I checked on her, she wasn’t there. I got worried and searched all of Ponyville for her. Then Fluttershy told me that she was going to the Everfree. When Allen heard about it, he grabbed his rifle and went looking for Strawberry. Me being suspicious, I followed Allen to make sure that his relapse didn’t hurt anypony. Allen found Strawberry getting attacked by something that I was going to call the E.P.A. to catch and examine. It called itself a “Yellow Lantern”, and it said something about it having power over fear. I watched Allen make it scream over scaring Strawberry Fields. When Allen took Strawberry back to Ponyville- and he held her in his arms all the way to her home- I took the time to tactically acquire from that “Yellow Lantern”. I still have it hidden in my shop. I wonder if it’s related to these Red Lanterns. But that’s not important. What is important is that Strawberry wants to pay it back to Allen for making what could’ve been a horrifying memory into one she appreciates, Even if she doesn’t know that Allen tortured the thing. “... Remember when I taught you how to make those strawberry candies that I sell a lot of during Nightmare Night?” I ask Strawberry. “Yes, I loved making those!” Strawberry says with her unique form of joy that warmed even Allen’s heart. “Well, seeing as your place hasn’t changed, why don’t you make his favorite candies?” Strawberry eeked with excitement as she heads over to her backyard. I then look Damian in the eyes. “I’ll take it that you’re doing absolutely nothing wrong to her?” “There are those amongst the Caribou who were against Dainn’s rule.” Damian tells me, “I was actually plotting to kill my fellow partners over the things we did. They knew I disagreed and they all tried to scare me because they thought they were big. But they were just big piles of shit.” “Keep Strawberry safe. That’s all I ask. You know how special she is and you know what she needs.” “I don’t need a lecture about the mare that I intend to marry. She’s a wonderful mare who showed me light when I thought that I cursed to see darkness.” “She’ll do that to ya.” “Bon Bon!” Atrocitous calls out, "Your services are required!" “Give me a moment!” I tell him, redirecting my attention to Damian, “You seem to know her well, but just remember this. I used to be a complete bitch who almost forgot what it means to be Pony. But I went looking for a strawberry supplier and came across her experiencing a meltdown over not knowing what to do with her abnormally large amount of strawberries from her small bushes. Helping her out helped me out. She really is a gem. Keep her that way.” “Like I said, I intend to marry her.” Damian reminds me, “Don't worry about her safety.” Satisfied with his answer, I head towards Atrocitous. As I catch up to him, he gestures towards Derpy and Dinky. “Behold! The doing of a Red Lantern!” Atrocitous states proudly, “By showing the one known as Spike his rage, Allen has bested him in a display of strength. Spike’s greed made him strong, but Allen’s rage made him stronger!” “I’ve got a question about the Lanterns… Are there others?” I want my question answered so I can take note on that ring that I tactically acquired. “There is an entire spectrum of emotion. Red represents rage, and your stolen yellow ring represents fear.” “You're not going to take it, are you?” “Only if you use it wrongfully. You can use a power ring and not be part of its corps. Besides, the leader of the Yellow Lanterns has passed away.” “How did he die?” “He escaped punishment for too long, and his death was part of a treaty between my Red Lanterns and another corps known as the Green Lanterns. The Green Lanterns had new rules that allowed them to kill, but not all of them could handle death. The treaty has my Red Lanterns replace the Alpha Green Lanterns and has us do the killing. My Red Lantern Corps has since been able to prosper, though I sense that you may end up seeing a Green Lantern by the end of this day.” “I don't intend to use that thing-“ “You might consider it. A power ring is a weapon only limited by one’s imagination. If you can instill great fear, that Yellow Lantern ring may become more useful, if not fitting. But only use it on the deserving, lest you find yourself being hunted by a Red Lantern.” “… Noted.” With our conversation finished, we continue on our way to Dainn’s Castle. I’m needed for whatever Atrocitous has planned, and I think I’m starting to like that plan. Intermission ft. Princess Luna & John StewartAuthor's Note This chapter is from two separate perspectives. The first one is Allen Busterfield, the second is Atrocitous. Let me know what you think, I value opinion! Intermission ft. Princess Luna & John Stewart I’m navigating through a castle… This castle pisses me off beyond belief, all the nobles walking around like they've got sticks up their asses and guards standing around with straight faces. It's fucking boring and confusing. Everything looks the same. The only reason why I’m even here is because I asked Princess Celestia to let me talk to her sister. Just yesterday was this culture’s Halloween, a holiday called Nightmare Night. Celestia’s student, a girl that I would as annoying but not unpleasant, tried to teach Luna friendship. But this ended up making Luna go on a rampage that would've ended up with eaten children, had I not stopped her. Apparently Nightmare Moon isn't immune to bullets, I pumped that thing full of them. I should probably tell you who I am, Lyra says it can come off as rude not to introduce yourself. My name is Allen Baxter Busterfield, I work in Ponyville as an assistant for Bon Bon in her candy store. Bon Bon is a bitch, but she's still a friend. Lyra trusts her so that's good enough for me. Anyway, I’m here because I kicked Luna’s ass, and I only did it because she would've hurt those that Lyra cares for. When whatever that Nightmare thing was left her, she was still someone filled with holes. She healed overnight because Alicorns have corrective healing, but I know that she didn't take kindly to getting shot. I wouldn’t. I’m hoping that I can help Luna understand what I did and ask her if there's anything I can do for her. As I continue to be lost in this god damned castle, I hear a noble walk up behind me. “excuse me sir, but you appear to be lost.” The noble points out. Dear god, he's wearing a monocle and a three-piece tuxedo that he obviously didn't put on himself, “Perhaps the janitors quarters are somewhere near the dunge-“ I knock him to the ground with a hook to his face, “You Ruffian!” “Chat-ta,” A guard says. This one isn't like the others, his mane looks like its got a nickel finish. “I don't speak guard. Such jargon is-“ “It's short for chat-ta-fuck-up. If you can't tell, that's Allen Busterfield, the only human in Equestria.” “Don't bother, I'm used to getting shit from rich assholes,” I tell the guard. “Trust me, friend, they’re not as rich as you think. Name’s Nickelmane,” The guard says as he offers me his hand, “First Lieutenant of the Royal Guard.” I accept his hand and shake it firmly. “You think you can help? I’m looking for Luna’s room.” “She's not there, I checked. I was instructed by Celestia to help you find her, she’s worried about Luna.” “Is she pissed about what I did?” “No, Celestia said that she… Something about some awfully dark words.” “I need to see her, as soon as possible. Do you have any guesses as to where she might be?” “My guess, the royal gardens. Probably in the gardener's shed, she’d hide there when she remembered what the Elements of Harmony did to her.” “Take me there,” I say, Nickelmane guiding me through the castle. After a good half hour, we make it to the gardens. The gardens looked filled with life, but that's not important. What is important is what I’m about to do. Nickelmane shows me where the shed is, a small structure made from gray bricks I ask Nickelmane to wait outside while I check on the Princess. I knock on the door. “Princess Luna, it's me, Allen Busterfield.” I say as calmly as I can, “I wish to speak to you, your majesty.” “Go away, I’m not a princess.” I hear. I hear the door lock. “Well, looks like we tried!” Nickelmane says hastily, “Now, can we go? You tried, Celestia would probably understand, and I don't want to lose guards because of Nightmare Moo-“ I pick up a brick and throw it at Nickelmane’s chest, expelling the air from his lungs and knocking him down. “Ungrateful mother fucker,” I spit out. I knock on the door again, “If I’m not talking to a princess, then can I talk to Luna? I’ll talk to her whether she opens this door or I make it open.” I hear the door open and I see Luna in a bloodied sleeveless dress sitting next to a bloody dagger. She has cuts that are closing themselves as she tries to hide them from me. I walk over and sit next to her. “What do you want?” Luna asks. “At first I came here to apologize about filling you with bullets.” I tell her, my tone changing to my usual, rather cold tone, “But now that I see the dagger and the blood, I think I’ll find directly apologizing to be pointless. Let's talk about the dagger and why you ruined a dress?” “I don't wish to talk about it.” “Yeah, and I didn't commit genocide once.” “I don't understand, you’ve committed genocide?” “Your sister didn't tell you about me?” “She never said anyone about killing in mass number… I guess that makes us equals.” Luna picks up the dagger and brings it to her arm. I effortlessly take it from her, “Please, I need this.” “No. Besides, you're not a monster. If you were a monster, you wouldn't be doing this.” “What do you know about being a monster. I’ve killed hundreds to satisfy my hunger before being banished to the moon.” “Yeah, and I’ve killed millions in cold blood. Besides, you’re not Nightmare Moon. You’re Princess Luna. That monster isn’t anything like the woman who helps me sleep at night.” “You speak of Lyra, yes?” “I’m talking about what I see in my dreams. The ones that haunt me and made me cruel. Lyra can do a lot, but she can’t stop me from seeing the violence stuck in my head.” “... What does that exactly make us?” “I’m definitely not a wise man, but I’d say that we’re just two very fucked up people in a not so fucked up world. The only people who think that something’s wrong is both of us.” “We made our own demons?” “Exactly.” “You are wiser than you say.” “Trust me, I’m not. Just remember that you’re someone with a monster inside. I’m someone who’s a monster period. You’re hurting yourself because you regret doing what you did. I don’t.” “Why was somepony like you allowed to be an Equestrian citizen?” “Because you ponies aren’t humans. And because Lyra says that killing in cold blood is wrong. Now I only kill when it’s necessary.” “Like when I once again became Nightmare Moon?” “I wasn’t looking to kill you. I knew you Alicorns can take a few bullets. If I wanted to kill you, I’d find something else that could actually do the job. None of my guns can kill you, even if I blew your head off with my shotgun.” “How did you learn about this, it’s not public knowledge?” “Your sister told me as a threat when I got to this world. She didn’t think I was redeemable, but her student disagreed.” “Twilight is quite the resourceful one.” “I thought she was insane. I got proven dead wrong. Now c’mon, let's go talk to your sister…” Six Years Later In a sector that belongs to the Red Lanterns, I journey to one of two solar systems that are in a strange field of ancient magic as old as the Emotional Spectrum. Only two of things in this place are the only things worth note; a perfect replica of Earth’s Solar System and a planet where the sun and moon rotate around it. Both of these things hold a magic that appears to hold great strength. The Magic of Friendship. Mark my words, this magic can bend matter and physics. It can turn the invincible to being vulnerable, start and end wars without bloodshed, cure those doomed for death, and most of important… It shows you that there is always someone that you can call a friend. I have reached the destination of my journey, the replica of earth. This earth is fascinating. It is not a perfect copy of earth by any means. It is a completely different earth, one that holds similarities to the planet of the second solar system. I have ventured to this earth to see my comrade Dex-Starr, as he has been the guardian of that world for some time. He has also claimed himself to be the pet of a human, a green-skinned female by the name Wallflower Blush. I asked Dex-Starr why he chose to lay dormant, but he has told me that he feels a coming conflict involving someone whose soul is filled with great confusion. Dex-Starr has already defeated a prior opponent, but he feels that this one requires my strength, rage, and understanding to defeat. Without even needing to locate Dex-Starr, I sense a great conflict on the planet’s surface. I sense the fabric of reality being torn apart by a great demon. I sense someone delivering fear to the innocent surrounding her… “What do you see?” An old enemy, now ally asks me. “John Stewart,” I say, my constant rage feeling a tinge of joy at his presence, “I see that The Guardians sent you to Red Lantern territory?” “I volunteered. How could I miss an opportunity to see what you’ve been up to?” “Tell me, Green Lantern. Can you feel it?” “Feel what, exactly?” “A faint tinge of power deep inside. Our rings should be reacting to this.” “Now that you mention it, something does feel off about this place. Other than the fact that we're hovering above a world that looks exactly like earth.” “Ahh, but this is earth. It is not your earth, it is some form of ancient anomaly that is linking two separate planets. I would enjoy continuing this talk, but this world is experiencing a conflict that I believe will take more than myself to settle. Care to join me?” “The superhero role never does get old.” With that, I opened a portal a location near where Dex-Starr should be. But once I found him, I saw Wallflower Blush holding him in her arms. He has been extensively injured, though his ring keeps him alive. “M-mr. Atrocitous, Dex-Starr got hurt trying to protect me!” The girl tells me, fear flowing through her veins. “What attacked you?” John asked as he knelt down and put an assuring hand on Wallflower’s shoulder, “You can tell me anything, I’m from the Green Lantern Corps.” “… Over in the schoolyard. Twilight, a girl from Crystal Prep. S-she made some kind of magic absorbing device, and I think It's gonna break and hurt people!” “Then I shall show her hellish hate-“ “Wait Atrocitous-“ I ignore my friend as I soar towards the scene of several teenagers in a courtyard while a young girl is being pulled into a purple ball of energy. “Heeeelp meeee…” The girl cries out as she is pulled into the ball of energy. With the girl consumed, the ball expands and lets off a flash. The flash dies down to reveal the girl from before, but in a form twisted by dark magic that is laughing maniacally. “You were right!” The twisted form says is a voice as sinister as any truly evil force, “I didn't understand magic before. But I Do Now!!” The twisted girl fires a beam of power at a statue of a horse, destroying it and tearing a hole in the fabric of space, yet not time. A hole that leads to a town in the land known as Equestria, a land that was once one of beauty before a recent invasion. With an apparent crack running through the ground, the twisted girl blasts it open to make another hole in space that again leads to Equestria. “FOOL!!!” I cry out as I charge for the girl, “I’ll Show You Hellish Hate!!” The girl quickly dispatches me with a beam attack that sends me soaring towards where John and Wallflower currently stand. “Still feeling vengeful?” John asks me, using his power battery to charge his ring. I spit out blood non-insultingly. “Rage is my natural state,” I struggle slightly to answer, still feeling the power of the attack upon my chest. “Shocker. Maybe what that thing needs is a taste of willpower.” “So long as it satisfies my rage.” And with that, John floats over to the twisted girl, his ring being shown with pride. “Seen a lot of things, but nothing like you,” John says as he examines the girl. “I’m going destroy this world to learn it's magic!” The girl announces to John, as well as the people around her. “I don't like the sound of that.” John says warningly, “You probably don't know, but I’m what's called a Green Lantern. I’m part of an intergalactic corps of people like me that exist to stop people like you from destroying worlds and civilizations. Call us the intergalactic police.” “Is that so, ‘Green Lantern’? I’ll take it that the red one from earlier was a pet who is just like you. He was nothing compared to me!” “He was my friend, and you kinda kicked his ass. I’m enforcing intergalactic law, but this is also payback.” The twisted girl threw a ball of energy at John, John constructing a green bat to bat it away. The girl telekinetically threw a piece of the ground at John, the Green Lantern grabbing it with a large green hand and crushing it. The girl then tried to blast a beam of her power at John, John firing a beam back. The two beams contest with each other, the twisted girl’s beam seeming to overpower John’s. More tears in space begin to form as the twisted girl’s beam gets closer and closer to John until he looks around to see the fear in the innocent civilians that are becoming victims of the tears as they scramble to save themselves and each other. It is at this moment that I see a spark within John. The spark that he had when I warned him about Sinestro’s plot. The spark he had when I saved him with a Red Lantern ring. The spark he had when he took the ring off without dying. The spark he used when Sinestro nearly killed me… A spark of green. A spark of will. “In brightest day, in blackest night.” John continues to lose the beam contest, but he begins to glow. “No evil shall escape my sight.” John has lost the contest, and the beam begins to consume him while seeming to send cracks of purple through his body. “Let those who worship evil’s might!” “Say Goodbye!!” The twisted girl says as John becomes consumed by her attack. “Beware My Power!!” John says as he blasts a beam that immediately overwhelms the twisted girl and begins to strip her of power, “Green Lantern’s Light!!” “AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!” The beam ceases and becomes a great field that surrounds a girl who looks nothing like her twisted transformation. I walk over to the girl as she’s slowly lowered and get a better view of her. She’s but a mere schoolgirl who wears glasses, likely one who was under much pressure. The girl is lain on the ground with John and I standing on either side of her as she wakes. “Easy now, you got hit hard,” John says as he kneels down and lifts the girl into his arms. “Y-you saved me.” The schoolgirl says, looking John in the eyes. “Just doin’ my job, ma’am.” “No, you saved me, but Midnight-“ “I WILL TEAR YOU APART!!!” The twisted girl cries out as she flies out of one of the cracks in space, charging for John and the school girl. I position myself to intervene, but it is apparent that Wallflower has beaten me to it while wearing a Red Lantern ring with a heart filled with anger and hate. Wallflower tackles the twisted girl into the side of the school’s wall, sending the two through the wall and into a classroom. “You!” Wallflower calls out while pointing towards Midnight then gesturing through the hole to the ruined flowering vines that bring beauty to the bland brick walls, “You Took My Flowers From Me! I Planted Those With Dex-Starr During My Freshmen Year! I’ll Kill You For Destroying Them!!” Surpassingly, Dex-Starr jumps onto the hole in the wall, then onto Wallflower’s shoulder. He hisses violently at Midnight Sparkle. Foolishly, Midnight charges at Wallflower, only for the Wallflower to spear Midnight with a shovel. With the twisted girl stunned, Wallflower front-flips over the form and grabs hold of its wings. With her shoes firmly planted into the twisted girl’s back, Wallflower begins to tear its wings from its back. “You’re the only ONE-“ Wallflower tears one wing off and the form screams, “Getting torn APART!” Wallflower tears the other wing off and tosses them to the side before putting a hand over Midnight’s mouth, “Shut the fuck up. You will be punished for your attempt at tearing this world apart.” Wallflower punches into the twisted girl's chest and removes its heart, destroying the twisted form. The form fades and the tears begin to repair themselves, Wallflower jumping through the hole and everyone but John and I looks to her in shock. “Oh, fucking stop.” Wallflower says while removing her Red Lantern rings, “You're going to forget this ever happened by morning… You're right Dex-Starr, let's just go home.” With that, Wallflower left the school with Dex-Starr purring in her arms. “Atrocitous, how did she take off a Red Lantern ring without dying of heart failure?” John asks. “I was hoping that you would be able to assist me in finding out how we can now remove our rings.” I admit, "I thought that you might have some insight on the matter.” “Look, I couldn't tell you what's happening to the Red Lanterns even if I could figure it out. You know more than I do. The only thing that I could guess is that this ‘Magic of Friendship’ might something to do with it. Hell, it might affect all the Lanterns if it's already affecting one Corps.” “E-excuse me?” The prior host of the twisted form says in an attempt to grab our attention, an attempt that proves successful. “Speck, young girl.” I grunt. “How can we help you?” John asks. “I-I think I can h-help you with y-your-u-uh-“ “Fear not.” “You’ve got two Lanterns here to keep you safe. I only blasted you ‘cause that thing from earlier was possessing you. What would you like to help us with?” The girl takes a deep breath before saying what she has to say. “I think I can help you figure out what is affecting you.” The girl says, “If you give me all the data I need, I might be able to figure out what's happening.” “You have my word that the Green Lanterns will give you all the information you need.” “And as leader of the Red Lanterns, I shall provide you with all the information you need, as well as a ring for testing.” “I’ll see if The Guardians will give you a ring too. I think we would all like to know what exactly is going on with the Red Lanterns and if it means anything for the Green Lanterns.” “Anything that you give to me, I’ll be careful with. I already have a way of gathering the ‘Friendship Magic’, I just need to modify it to collect it from a better source.” “Leave the collection of energy to Dex-Starr, as he is currently residing in this very city. How long should your research take?” “It took me only a few months to find out about ‘Friendship Magic’, but I’m guessing that this might take almost a year if you want extensive results.” “Take your time, we don't want inaccurate results.” I bring my hand out and present the girl with a Red Lantern ring. She takes it from my hand and stores it in her pocket. “I’ll explain what just happened to the authorities, Atrocitous. They're gonna be confused, but I’m willing to bet that this wasn't the first showdown here.” John makes his way to whomever is in charge and I offer the girl safe passage home. As for the rest of the night, I left the girl and took to the stars, John following shortly after. I must inform the Guardians about the girl, and John is to be debriefed. I will remember this night, as it was no ordinary night. Even for a Red Lantern. Chapter 5Two hours ago, I shot the guards to the back entrance of Dainn’s castle. However, one of them could take my hits and came at me with a sword, my reaction to make a machete appear to parry the attack and then chop him in half. From there, I moved through the guard barracks to clean them all out and free their “stress relief” mares. There’s a lot of victims here, and they’re all still alive. They all have fear in their minds, but rage in their hearts. I can feel it coursing through my veins, making my blood boil. I found a Caribou guard in a “supply” closet supposedly freeing mares inside. But his obvious lie made me wonder what trap he had in store, so I followed him to a tight space where I drenched him in my blood and his friends got there attempt at my life. I chose to cut them down with a sword that I conjured using my new ring. I was able to cut down all but one guard, he can apparently hold my blade. But he can’t stop a shotgun from blasting his head off. This place isn't exactly swimming with guards, but I get the feeling like I’m going to get quality over quantity. I’m suddenly hit by a bolt of magic. I blast the asshole with a beam of my rage. I’m standing, he’s a bloody mess on the floor. Some guy runs at me with a dagger, so I use my shotgun to let him know that he's terrible at evaluating his opponent. Three more run away from me, so I switched to my carbine to account for how far they were. I walk into what I think is the throne room. I assume that the king is in my sights, his personal guards next in line. The king went down, his guards weren't so easy. I thought one M4 would do the trick, but I guess two is what I needed. After a while the killing becomes a blur, this castle was filled with people who all deserve to die. They all should burn but something inside is telling me that this castle will be worth something in the future. It's a shame, I really want to smash this place to pieces. I eventually approach an area that has what I’m going to guess is the new population of Ponyville all waiting in line for something. If their mumbling is correct, they're talking about “the best pussies in town”. I decided to get a look about the mares that they're talking about. As I find a good spot to observe without being noticed, I see the mares. They have Octavia, Vinyl Scratch, Flitter, and… No, it can't be. That's Impossible! That Can’t Be Fucking Right!! Sh-She's Dead!!! “LYRAAA!!!” I cry out as I leap into the middle of the crowd below, two M4s in my hands as I prepare to die. If I die protecting the one who I thought was dead, then today would've been worth leaving my house. I lay waste to the crowd, never removing my fingers from the triggers. I’m going to save Lyra! She means everything to me! And I’ll Kill All These Fuckers Who Took Her From Me And Stole What She Can Only Give Me!!! THESE CARIBOU NEED TO DIE, AND I’LL SHOW THEM MY RAGE TO TAKE IT BACK!!! I can't even see what I’m killing, but I know deep down that it needs to die! All These Bastards Do! But as I shoot my way to the stage where Lyra is, I toss my M4 and resort to ripping and tearing my way through to her. When I make it to the stage, the guns on me all fall off with my trench coat. I’m now wearing a new more sleek red and black trench coat with a red and black jumpsuit underneath with exposed fingers on the gloves. I feel a lot stronger right now, allowing me to free my love from the bondage that keeps her here with my ring. Lyra doesn't seem to recognize me. She's stuck in some kind of depressive trance. I hold her close and kiss her on the cheek and take off the red collar from her neck, letting her know that it's me. “It's all going to be okay now, Lyra,” I whisper into Lyra’s ear, rubbing a finger up and down where it makes the ear twitchy. That always sets her off in all the right ways. As I caress the mare who I will marry, a very tall, and muscular Caribou looks down on us. “You must be Allen.” The Caribou observes, “Lyra spoke highly about you, even said that you’d kill me one day. But she's wrong.” The caribou lifts a fist, “Dead wrong.” The caribou takes a swing at Lyra and I. I'm not able to react quick enough to do anything about it. I don't have to do anything as a large hand stops the caribou’s fist. The hand came through a portal made of blood. “The only thing that the female got wrong was who kills you,” A large red alien in bone armor says as it walks through the portal, pushing the caribou back as he fully comes into view. His voice is very familiar, “William Sarpblade! You have escaped punishment for too long! Your victims demand vengeance, and I shall bring it.” I don't say anything. Lyra is all that matters to me as I as I fly away from Dainn’s castle. I’m heading back to my home so that Lyra can be safe- “S-slow down.” That line was the first thing Lyra said to me when I started to open up to her. “Lyra…” I press Lyra tightly against me. I’m not losing her agai- “Y-you always rush through things, Allen.” Lyra tells me, “There's ponies in need back there.” “You're all that matters to me right now.” I tell her while I land on the wall of the castle, “I lost you once. I thought you were dead!" “You know me, Allen. I can hold my own.” “You Were Taken From Me!” “You're being repetitive again. You do that to push your point a lot. For Celestia’s sake, you look like a superhero right now.” Whatever shell Lyra was in, she's clearly broken out of it as she moves her hand across my abdomen, “With your new red and black jumpsuit that brings out your muscles.” She places her free hand on my chest and starts moving it in circles, “I can tell that you didn't stop your exercise schedule, my handsome hunk.” She then places both hands on my face and brings me in for a deep kiss. I wrap my arms around her waist and she moves a hand to grab my ass. I move a hand to the back of her head and gently move my fingers through her mane. “Remember when you went looking for Strawberry Fields?” Lyra asked as she broke our kiss, “I thought I lost you. Fluttershy told me about how you walked into The Everfree with your sports equipment. I wanted to cry, but something inside told me that you were setting out to do wonderful things. When you came back with Strawberry, I knew that that thing was right. When the Caribou took me away, that same thing told me that you would set out to do wonderful things again in time… Allen Baxter Busterfield, slow down and enjoy the moment. You're doing wonderful things for Equestria, and you will continue to do so. And while you get to be a hero, I get to change my name to Lyra Heartstrings Busterfield.” “I-I never told you about-“ “I checked your nightstand for some ibuprofen when I found an engagement ring. You should've asked a lot sooner because I’ve been wanting to be your mare for a long time. Now go back to Dainn’s castle and-“ Lyra is interrupted by the Caribou that the alien was fighting. The alien itself is longed into the wall beneath Lyra and I, the Caribou taking pride over his action before looking right at Lyra… “Ah, Lyra.” The Caribou said in a tone that sounds like someone having a fond memory, “I never did use your pussy that often, I thought it best to use it sparingly like an aged scotch. But A thief wishes to steal the bottle. I’ll have to take it back.” I don't know what's happening to me, but I feel something deep inside calling out to me. A power that's making the ring on my middle finger glow brightly at the Caribou's words while I clench my fist with enough force to dislocate every bone. As this hidden power becomes more present in my mind, I can hear the words it's telling me. It's telling me who I am now, and what to say next. It's telling me that my greatest strength is the hatred and rage that this Caribou is making me feel, and I follow its guidance as I jump down to the level of the Caribou. He’s got to be seven feet tall and built like a gorilla, definitely bigger than the alien that he was fighting before… I’ll show him my hellish hate! “That's My Wife You're Talking To!!” I say through very tightly clenched teeth, blood seeping through my teeth like foam from a rabid animal’s mouth. “And? Are you not willing to sha-“ “With blood and rage of crimson red.” My body begins to glow red and drip with blood that burns and melts the area around it. “Ripped from a corpse so freshly dead!” I conjure a massive aura of red energy that surrounds the large Caribou and I. “Together With Our Hellish Hate! We’ll Burn You All! That Is Your Fate!” I clap my hands together and we both end up at the control room of that New Jersey nuclear reactor, where I was supposed to die. I draw twin glowing red M4s as a group of glowing red Army soldiers surround me, all cocking their weapons. We open fire on the Caribou, me eventually tossing my M4s and pulling out an explosives remote. “Hmm, I only wonder if those explosives would work.” I push the button, and a red flash consumes all that I can see. The flash eventually clears and reveals the Caribou who stole precious moments with Lyra from me lying beaten and broken on the ground. “Patheti-“ The bastard gets up and all his wounds close. And I wasn’t even trying to kill him. I made a mistake. “You can't kill me, Allen.” The Caribou chuckles at me, “I have found power in Caribou magic. Through it, I have made myself nearly invincible.” I go to punch him in the stomach, but he catches my fist, “My only guess is that something with strength like mine can properly defeat me, and neither you nor your friend match up to my might.” The Caribou throws me straight through the castle was and into a building on the other side. I get out of the rubble and point my ring at him, but nothing happens. The Caribou looks up at Lyra and jumps up onto the top of the wall. I point my ring at the Caribou, but it doesn’t do anything. “Our rings need to be recharged, Allen.” The red Alien says as he digs himself out of the rubble, “We have no chance against Sharpblade now.” All I can do is lower my ring and hope that something happens to stop him. I didn't give my hopes up for no reason as a red forcefield surrounds the Caribou, only for the Caribou to break free… And then the Caribou is held down by two glowing chains made from red and green links. Author's Note Together with our hellish hate! You might be wondering what took me so long to get this out. That's because I'm currently having to fight off some things that relate to me being able to keep my current career, and I'm trying to make sure that I can. It's been stressful lately and very tiring. That's why this took so long. But I'm still working on it, it will take longer now. Also, there's new coverart.
Chapter 1In another world in a different time, I once deemed my name unimportant. It was during a time where I set out to see if I could set the world on fire. And at that time, in that world... I succeeded. I went on a genocidal crusade because I wanted to die as violently as possible, making sure to bring down as many bodies as I could with me. I killed everything I saw. I’ve killed men. I’ve killed women. And don’t think for a second that I even spared children. I did it all because I hated humanity, and I still hate it. I also hated life. I hated having to live every single day in a stinking, rotting body. Doomed to die of old age only to further rot until nothing is left. Hell, I still hate life. The thought of having to move around in this filthy body still sickens me to this day. And for the longest time, I’ve wanted to solve my problem of being alive. If only those damn ponies didn’t make wanting to die so difficult. Whatever cosmic entity is responsible for my being in this world filled with anthro ponies needs to choke on its own stupidity. Thanks to it, I almost forgot what it was like to hate life. Thanks to it, I was saved from my imminent death. I was lying on the ground, bleeding out after a squad of soldiers filled me with lead in a nuclear power plant. I was fine and dandy with knowing that the world was going to burn because of me. I was fine with all the people I killed. And I was fine knowing that I would probably burn in hell. But instead, I get sent to a world filled with magic and friendship. And for the longest time, I hated it there. The place I was sent to was just like some gay faggot’s dream. The grass was green, the birds would sing, and the new race I had to live with would go on every day like nothing bad could ever happen to them. And that’s just the thing, nothing bad really happened. And they were nice to me, despite my menacing appeal. They reached out to me and gave me a home to live in. They built it just for me, and some of them were even willing to give me a job. I can’t believe I accepted the job offer from a fucking candy store owner. God, what a bitch my boss was. Her name was Bon Bon. She was a cream-colored mare with a navy blue mane that had thick streaks of pink. I thought she was a bitch. She thought I was an asshole. The only reason why she gave me a job was because... Oh God, I’m remembering her again. Bon Bon only gave me a job because her best friend saw something in me. I still don’t know what she saw in me, and she never told me. What did you see in me? Every fucking time I would get pissed off at not knowing why you would giggle in a way that I found... Adorable. Just when I thought I couldn’t find beauty in anything, she came into my life. She showed me that ponies aren’t human. She showed me the bright side of things. She taught me how to not hate. And she taught me how to not hate life... Why? Why is it so fucking painful to remember her! Why did those fuckers have to barge into my life and take all that I’ve ever valued from me!? She was the only thing I ever actually cared for!! I told her about my sins and in return, she told me that everypony deserves a second chance!!! Why!!! Why Did I Fucking Love Her So Much!!!... She was the love of my life. I might be a darkness, but her light filled my void of a soul with such brightness. I should’ve hated everything thing about her, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I shamelessly slaughtered crowds of people who couldn’t defend themselves, yet I attempted to cut my arm open at the thought of hurting her. And she stopped me from doing it with tears in her eyes. Tears out of the golden globes that were apparently her eyes. She had a fur coat that was the color of mint ice cream, and a sea foam green mane with streaks the color of white toothpaste that she kept short. She would always wear clothes with simple patterns like light green pants and a matching striped shirt. She was beauty incarnate, and she mattered more to me than my hatred for life itself. I have to tell you her name, don’t I. Fuck, stabbing myself in the stomach would hurt less than having to say her name. Especially how she was taken away. H-her name... Oh god, her name was as beautiful as her. Lyra Heartstrings. Her name was Lyra Heartstrings, and I took her for a lesbian at first. I thought as much because of how much she would hang out with her best friend and how much they would hug each other... And when she showed me such friendship... Why couldn’t that student of the sun bitch teach me friendship, yet Lyra could? She built such a strong bond to me that she would let me touch her. She would let me take out my frustrations on her, but she knew I wouldn’t dare hurt her. The songs she would sing were the only kind of music that I actually wanted to hear. I have a record from an artist named DJ Pon-3. It has only one song on it. Lyra offered to sing in it, and that’s the only reason why I even own it. The record has been played so many times that the only sound that doesn’t make my ears bleed is Lyra’s voice. She found out that I liked that song, so she brought out her guitar and sang it to me herself. She sang it to me next to a creek that ran through a field. That moment has to be when I realized that she almost made me forget how to hate. She looked so beautiful in the dress she wore that night. We slept in that field after we did what I can only describe as truly making love. I wanted to be with her forever. She wanted to be with me forever. And the next morning, she was taken from me. She was taken from me and harmed before my eyes. But I had forgotten to hate, so I only ran away to my house. Originally, it was a pigsty. Lyra taught me to keep it clean. It went back to being a pigsty after I boarded up the windows and lived off the stockpile I kept in my basement. For the past two years, I’ve been living in regret, relearning how to hate because I finally have something worth hating. I hate the fucking worthless piles of flesh who took away my friends. I hate the things that invaded a place that I actually consider a home. I hate that which took away what was changing me into a new man. I hate the son of a bitch named Dainn, and I hate the Caribou. For a while, my name held importance. But now it’s back to not meaning a damn thing. Right now, I’m going into my basement for supplies. But not the usual survival meals that I’ve been surviving off of for two years. This time I’m pulling out a box that Lyra and I would pull out when we wanted to shoot clay pigeons and stationary targets. It’s a box of “sports equipment”. At least that’s what Lyra called it. She knew exactly what I used it for before we used it for fun. I take the box out of the basement and onto a table that hasn’t been wiped down for a few days, but it’s still clear enough to pull out my tools that will once again be used for destruction. I pull out an M4A1 that I took from a soldier, a Glock 27 that I took from a cop, and a double barrel shotgun that I made for Lyra. She loved trap shooting, and she was good at it. But her friend Bon Bon was better. She was a bitch that could pass for a quick draw with how good she was at target shooting and trap shooting. I’m getting off topic. I need to remember why I’m going to die today. Interesting... I start coughing up blood on the floor, but it doesn’t hurt. The blood burns and melts away at the floor like it’s some kind of acidic lava. Weird. Anyway, I return to looking inside the box. There are magazines for the M4 and Glock, and ammo for all three of the weapons. Underneath the weapons and ammo is my old black leather trench coat. I modified it some time ago to better hold the Glock and ammunition. I have a back holster for the shotgun that also works for my M4. I put on the leather trench coat and start stuffing if with Glock mags, M4 mags, and shotgun shells. With all the pockets full, I holster my Glock and shotgun then pick up my M4. I load a magazine into the M4 and walk over to a wall with a single picture. Lyra hung up all kinds of artwork around my home, but this picture is the only one that's important to me. It's Lyra and I holding each other under a moonlight night in a field of flowers. Bon Bon snuck up on us to take it, and I took a swing at her for that. She blocked the hit. She was a lot stronger than she looked. As I look at the picture, a burning hatred builds up inside. It has been building for a while, but this is the last push I need. As I grit my teeth, I start to glow red and that acid-lava blood from earlier starts dripping off me and my vision literally goes red. Okay, what the fuck? Do not worry about the blood that is dripping off you, your body is preparing itself for a change. Okay, who the hell are you? As you have stated about yourself once before, my name is not important. What is important is what you are about to do. I can see your hate. It boils your blood, making it almost as hot as my own. ... What are you getting at? Only that I will be watching you. Continue on your quest of righteous genocide. I would like to see how far you will make it. My cause is not righteous. It is in more ways than you would like to know. I will bother you no more. Go forth and kill as many as you can. It might take you beyond death. ... Whatever. Lyra was taken from me, and dying violently is my goal. This time, I won’t fail. You may find yourself disappointed... ... Well, the voice is gone. I don’t know what the hell he was on about. But it doesn't matter. The red glow is gone, and I can see in colors other than red. I hope I don't hear that guy again. Now that I’m back to what I was doing, I put the picture of Lyra away in my pocket. I walk up to my front door and I kick it open. Outside my house is where a fountain once stood. Lyra and I built it, Lyra designed it and I put it together. But the fountain has mares with red collars playing in it now. They are completely naked. They don’t have any Caribou or Stallions currently fucking them senseless, and this occurrence is strange to me. I listen around for the sounds of hoofsteps but still hear nothing. “Hey!” Call out to the collard Mares, “Where the hell is everyone?” “There’s a gathering happening at Dainn’s castle.” One of the mares answers, “I think it has to do with Dainn’s death and the machine who lives at Sweet Apple Acres. It might also be about the Demons of Canterlot.” Wait, Dainn’s dead and a robot lives on Applejacks property? And demons are actually at the capital? I thought that was a kids’ story. And I didn’t know there was a castle in Ponyville until I looked over to where Canterlot comes into view. There it is, the place I apparently need to go to. People are going to die today, and that’s where. Author's Note With blood and rage of crimson red…
Chapter 2Two years. For two years I’ve had to wear this black leather collar. For two years, I’ve been stuck inside my own candy shop And watch it so the new kind of “candy” that’s been sold in it. It is in a candy shop anymore, it’s a place where ponies and caribou go to buy slaves. Call me Lyra’s weird-ass fiancé, but I really fucking hate it here. Oh, I’m Sweetie Drops by the way! My cutie mark is three bonbons, which is the name I currently go by ever since I left the agency. Bon Bon, I mean. That’s right, I used to be an agent. A secretive agent, but not a “secret” agent per-say. You see, my best friend's fiancé doesn't know it but I used to be exactly like him. I hated the world I lived in. I hated the friendship, I hated the peace, and I really hated everypony living in it. I did, and still, have anger issues that are a serious problem. Through my anger issues, I came close to reducing the population of my hometown. That's when a strange creature that defied logic and magic walked into my roommate's backyard and in my way. I felt better when I killed the thing. After that night, a stallion in a cheap suit asked me about joining an agency devoted towards the containment and elimination of things like what I saw. I asked if my anger issues would be a problem. He said they’d be an advantage. I signed a contract and went through training that went on for ten months. What I did during the training doesn't matter, what does matter is that I almost have a handle on my anger. Almost. I eventually retired, purchased an old bakery, stole my old gear, and started a candy shop. The problem was that I still hated everypony. Then I met the mare who I now can call my best friend… I wish she would be my girlfriend, but she doesn't swing that way… Apparently, Lyra’s into redeeming the damned. Why she’s going to marry Allen B. Busterfield is beyond me, that guy's an asshole who put his homeland through a nuclear winter. But whatever Lyra did to me, she did to her fiancé. Still, fuck that guy. Anyways, like I said, I retired and started a new life as Bon Bon. That was ten years, six months, and nineteen days ago. Today, I’m taking my shop back. I paid off the mortgage literally a week before the invasion, and I’m pissed off over the situation. I’ve been pissed ever since. My old gear is all nicely set up in my basement, waiting for me to put it back on and I’m no longer going to keep it waiting. I’m going to show the Caribou why the name Sweetie Drops is known in The Wastelands. I’m going to show them all that I changed my name for a reason. Right now, I’m sitting in a corner with a cone on my head that says “dunce” on it and a black collar around my neck with a shocker attachment. I have no other clothes on my body because my “owner” doesn't think that any of his “property” needs them. My “owner” is a caribou rental slaver. You can rent a slave for whatever you want, so long as it doesn't breach his contract. I’m not a rental slave though, he just likes to torment me and use my throat as a cock warmer. This has been going on for one year, eleven months, and sixteen days. That's going to stop now. And I’m going to stop it now. My “owner” sees a customer walk into the store, a brainwashed stallion who used to be Carmel. Did you know that they brainwash the gay to being straight? Carmel used to be a gay construction worker who went to the club every night to get lucky until the invasion. Now Carmel has a bad reputation for braking mares. And I mean literally breaking them. I see my “owner” walk to the back and pull out Derpy- Okay, fuck this. We’re not going to play the right-moment game… Shit, I have to don't I. You can't sneak away after slaughtering your owner and his customer. Don't worry Derpy, I’ll come for you. But first, I’ve got to grab my gear. A few minutes have passed, Derpy sucked off her current renter, and the two have left the building. My owner left for the bathroom! Perfect! I get out of my chair and the shocker turns on. It's a sequential shocker, the pain will only go up from here. I don't care for the pain. I walk over to a certain point on the wall of my store and I slam it with my fist as hard I can. A section of the wall pushes in and falls down, leaving an opening that I slide through. After I climb down the bricks of the tight space to the basement, I make it to the actual basement… My basement. I made it myself. The constitution took one month and three days. I dug it deep enough to be able to go unnoticed so that not even my old boss could find it. It's a rather large room with only one wall holding my gear. On that wall is my old uniform: a set of tan painted Kevlar laminated titanium armor plates with shock absorbing foam over a layer of medical foam. Next to the armor is a folded set of pants and a combat shirt with no pockets. The pockets are on the armor plates because of how often we were in full kit. The entire point of this armor is to allow an agent to sustain constant combat capability against the unknown. The set I have comes with mountaineering modifications for increased mobility and traction with the utility belt featuring a special tip to replace on the bolt of my crossbow. The armor is supposed to come with a removable pack, but I’m not going to be needing it. It takes a good half-hour to put on my kit when I begin to notice a voice in my head. Whoever you are, you're not controlling me. The first thing that tried it is locked in a special cell now. I not looking for conflict right now. At least, not with you. I turn around to see a floating blue cat in a black and red jumpsuit, “Wait, what the fuck?” I Dex-Starr. I Red Lantern. The floating cat points to a large, muscular, fat-lipped alien who is also wearing a black and red jumpsuit, only this jumpsuit appears to be armor plated. He Atrocitous. “First off, you mean Dexter. Second off, you're talking about Allen?” I Dex-Starr, Wretched Pony Cur! “Hey, good kitties watch their language,” I say while the cat lunges at me. He's held in place by a red aura while the red alien raises his fist and a red ring on his hand glows. “Stand-down, Dex-Starr.” The big, red thing to put Big Mac to shame says as it steps forward, “Do not antagonize him, lest you wish for your bones to be his next meal.” “I’m talking to a telepathic cat and a big bald alien.” I say to the two, “I’m trying to kill my owner before he notices me, what do you want?” “Allen Baxter Busterfield.” The alien says rather informatively with a really raspy voice. My guess is that he’s used to yelling, “I am Atrocitous! Leader of the Red Lantern Corps! Allen Busterfield’s rage is going to tear through the town of Ponyville as he commits righteous genocide, and it is over the loss of the ones who he remembers as his friends.” “Bullshit, he only cares for Lyra.” “Not quite. He cares for Lyra, but Allen still cares for you and others as well. I intend on watching him become a Red Lantern with Dex-Starr. However, for you, I have a separate task.” “Hey, you can't just send me to do whatever you want me to do, especially when I barely know you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got-“ “You are to ruin a slave deal. Your current master is losing money because of your constant interruptions and is selling your friends to a man who has a casualty count high enough to sound cliché. His previous victims demand vengeance, and you shall deliver it!” I take a moment and consider his offer. If Lyra’s fiancé is going back to setting nations on fire, I want to see it for myself. But if I get to theatrically splatter my boss, kill an asshole, and save my friends, then I’m all ears. But that's the problem. I don't know what I want more. “Clearly there's a lot in store for me if I agree, but what about Lyra?” I ask, wanting to know more, “You probably know about her, and obviously know her fiancé.” “Ah, the best part about my offer!” The alien says with a big toothy, evil-ish smile on his fat lipped face, “Your presence is still necessary for Allen to become a Red Lantern! You shall fight beside me as you prove your might to those who used to protect the wretch known as Dainn! Champions set all throughout Ponyville waiting for a challenge, and you shall provide it! Today Shall Be A Day Of Days! A Tale Of Truly Legendary Proportions!!” I don't know if evil is the word to use on this guy. He seems like somepony trying to do the right thing; he's offering a plan to help me with what I want to do, his letting me takedown Dainn’s Elites, and he's got plans to make Allen into something that sounds big… But I’m still curious about something. “What are you going to do in all this, Mr. Atrocitous?” I asked my question. Time for his answer. “I am going to guide Allen so that he may kill only the deserving. Only those with victims that demand justice! And you may witness it all at your leisure.” Atrocitous says, proudly lifting the hand with a big red ring on it into the air. “… Okay, I’m in.” I think Allen might be an asshole, but I don't actually hate him. I never did. I just hope that Atrocitous doesn't abuse my trust. You apologize about calling Dex-Starr “Dexter”, yes? “Don't push your luck, Dex-Starr. Ms. Bon Bon does not understand your situation.” Atrocitous says, probably trying to stop him from making a stupid mistake. Fine. Stupid pony. The cat looks me in the eyes, You make no challenge to me, anyway. I ignore the remark and return to setting myself up, drawing my crossbow and crossbow pistols. My armor features magic enhancements that allow me to put my crossbow on my back and my pistols on the sides of my legs, all without holsters. The EPA armor didn’t come with that, I had it added later by a friend. “So, where do I start?” I ask, awaiting instruction. “For now, you shall accompany me as I observe and guide Allen.” Atrocitus informs, “From there, you shall spot the first of men four men who have brought much suffering to your kind and avenge their victims.” Atrocitous points his ring behind me and opens a portal made from what I think is blood, “I trust that you shall not do anything against my wishes?” “As long as I’m no one’s slave." "You are your own master. Tell me, would you prefer to go by Sweetie Drops or Bon Bon?" I had to think about it for a while. If I'm going back to my old life, I might as well go back to Agent Sweetie Drops. But thinking about it, I wonder about the agency. I'll have to check on them when I'm done working with Atrocitous. I'd make up a superhero name, but let's be honest. I wasn't a hero before, and I'm not about to be one. Besides, not all saviors are superheroes. "... Call me by my old designation. Agent Sweetie Drops."
Chapter 3I’m making my way to Dainn’s castle. It’s going to be a while before I get there. But that doesn't matter that much to me, I guess not everyone went to whatever meeting that they’re having. I came across an old friend, a cross-eyed mare named Derpy. She was getting double teamed by a stallion and a Caribou. Now she’s grabbing at the bodies like she actually misses them. I pull her to her hooves and force her to look me in the eyes. One look and whatever was going through her head stopped as she's hugging me tightly with tears in her eyes. God only knows what's been happening to her for the last two years. “Where's Dinky?” I ask, my tone an angry grunt. “Sh-she's been rented!” Derpy tells me. I’m not sure what to make of her tone, but it's depressing or something, “I-I think I heard that she w-was heading t-to...” The waterworks start back up. I’d push her down and continue on my way, but I can’t. I don’t know what’s happening, but I think I can feel her suffering. Her sadness. Her want for her child. And buried underneath it all... I feel her rage. I wipe away her tears and rest my hand on her shoulder. “This is not the way you get your child back, Derpy.” I tell her with sincerity, “It’s going to be hard to think about, but I need you to tell me where Dinky is.” Tell her to reach deep inside, To break into the ground of her emotions, and to grab hold of the memories of her child and how she was taken from her. “... I need you to dig deep and think about who took Dinky. I’ll bring her back to you, but I don’t know where she is. Can you do that for me?” Derpy looks me in the eyes. I show her my eyes filled with this strange sense of compassion towards her and rage towards whoever “rented” Dinky. “Sugarcube Corner,” Derpy tells me. She is a broken mare, but she can be saved. I can see it inside her. “Go to my place. There’s food in the basement and I kept the guest room clean.” Derpy hugs me one last time before making a run for my place. I’m going to a place where Lyra loved to go. Maybe I’m lucky and Pinkie Pie’s Party Cannon. I always wondered what it could to someone at point blank. As I head to Sugarcube Corner, I see a bony Caribou wearing glasses and decent clothes surround by shirtless and muscular Caribou. The bony one is getting pushed around by the muscular ones, all of them talking. “You didn’t show up where we told you to.” One of the muscular Caribou says as he pushes the bony Caribou into a puddle of mud, “C’mon, we had a mare waiting for ya!” “It’s not nice to miss out on pussy when it’s offered, you know.” “I told you all, I wasn’t interested.” The bony Caribou says before getting solidly kicked in the face. Hm. He’s just an innocent victim getting beaten in the mud. What? I shouldn’t care, he’s never done a thing to hurt anyone. “Look At You! So Prim And Proper, Huh!” I raise my M4 and switch it from safe to semi. I lay waste to those who chose to hurt the man currently bleeding in the mud. I step closer to the group making sure to put a bullet in all their heads except one! The one who deliberately attacked a man who couldn’t defend himself even if he wanted to! As the maggot stands there in shock, I kick him into the mud next to the Caribou with glasses. “He chose not to go because he doesn’t go for girls.” I growl as I toss the M4 and go for the dagger on the Caribou’s pants, “So tell me. Was it worth making him suffer?” “E-excuse me, Mr. Human?” The Caribou with glasses asks. “What!!” I Bark! “... Do it.” I smile at the bony Caribou as I cut the last muscular one’s head clean off of his neck. I guess I won’t get my answer now, but I don’t about getting it. As long as I get my revenge for losing Lyra. I guess my M4 attracted attention, I see some guards. I reach for my Glock and unload it into the three guards that are charging me. They all fall and die on the ground. I reach for my M4 and look around. They’re all dead. All the deserving. All the wicked. But Dainn’s castle is where the meat of the crowd is. Only there will I have my vengeance! I check on the bony Caribou, and he’s gone. That’s probably for the best. There’s no one up ahead, so I lower my M4 and continue on my way. You held back. What are you on about? If you seek vengeance, then show them all your anger. Show them your rage! Reveal how legendary you can be![/i] Wouldn't I become blinded by my rage? Your rage will guide you. Trust my words, you will not hurt the wrong people. … You’d better be right. Anyway, I made it to Sugarcube Corner but something’s not right. It's not that the place hasn't been converted to some kind of slave shop, it's that the place seems to be the same. The only thing that's different is that the place has a sign in front of it that reads “Spike’s Property”. I remember when Spike got greedy before, it was before I fell in love with Lyra. He went through my stuff and found my weapons. I showed him what they could do. This time, I’ll show him my rage. Let the greedy fucker take all that he can take of it. I approach the doorway and walk right through, my M4 raised to make sure that Spike won’t ambush me. My rage is only disappointed. The first room has no one, and the place seems to be empty. I enter the kitchen and find something that reminds me of Dinky… She wore a pair of shoes that Rarity made for her. It was Rarity's way of helping out Derpy because she was a single mother who struggled to get by sometimes. The ponies don't need shoes, but these ones were special. Dinky wore them to feel safe. They're on the floor at the start of the stairs with specks of blood on them. “What are you doing in Spike’s home!” A voice- not as angered as I am- says. I immediately turn around and set my M4 from Semi to Auto and unleash the weapon on the fucking dragon. I cry out in rage as I spray Spike, but it's no use as he walks towards me. My bullets can't hurt him. He throws a punch at me. I catch it. He swings another punch. I miss and he hits me in the stomach… I need to throw-up. I barf on Spike, spraying him with blood that will leave him burning! As the dragon burns, I punch him away and through the walls! I ready myself to face him again!... And then I think about Dinky. I walk back over to Dinky’s shoes and pick them up. I still haven’t checked the whole place, Dinky might be upstairs. I head up the stairs and see Dinky tied up on a bed. Her horn has been cut off and she’s only in her underwear. I walk over to Derpy’s daughter and untie her. As soon as she’s free, she springs onto me. She doesn’t say anything while I wrap a blanket around her. I don’t say anything to her. Nothing needs to be said. As I’m about to pick Dinky up, Spike smashes through the wall to confront me. It appears that my rage has left him without scales. “SPIKE WANT HEAD!!!” “I’LL GIVE YOU MY RAGE!!!” I cry out as two red assault rifles appear in my hands and I show Spike my Rage!! My bullets tear through the Dragon as I don’t let off, but I stop and let him fall to the floor. I pick up his head from his spikes and look him in his eyes. My blood burns away at his flesh and leaves him suffering. I summon a pistol and put a bullet in his head. Spike falls to the floor, dead. I turn back to Dinky, and she’s terrified. “I-I...” I fail to say anything. How could I? I shield my eyes from looking at her, I don’t deserve to. But as I do so, Derpy stops me. “Allen.” Derpy says, moving my hand away from my face, “Don’t do that to yourself. What happened to the old you? What happened to Mr. Not Important?” I have nothing to say back. I just stay silent. “Don’t worry about if you traumatized my daughter, I think she’s just shocked to see you defend the girl you used to shoo away. Just keep hating. You’re good at it.” I look her in her weird eyes and she smiles at me. I get up, pick up my M4, and head for the hole in the wall. I jump to the roof of the lower, but I notice that I’m faintly glowing red and floating down. I look around and see a floating blue cat in a black and red jumpsuit looking right at me. I here to give you something. “Are you that voice in my head?” No. But he have something for you. Check back pocket. I check my back pocket and pull out a red ring. “What’s this thing?” Put ring on. “I’m trying to kill shit, get out of my way..” The cat pukes on me and I burn in anger. Put ring on. Direct anger towards what you seek to kill and ring will guide you. Say oath of ring, and become Red Lantern. Ring will bring you power through rage. “Gr-What a-are you doing to me!” You feel pain because you resist. Ring help regulate your current fluctuation currently happening. Accept offer and receive strength. I here to help, not stop. I put on the ring on my trigger finger, and feel... I feel good. With those strange feelings from earlier and this new feeling, I realize that I was losing control. And this new feeling makes me feel like I have the same strength, but the power to control it. I look around for the cat but find that it’s gone. Say oath to fully grasp power. You know it when you need to. I have no idea what kind of oath he’s talking about, and I don’t care about it. All that matters is that I found Derpy and Dinky. It seems like I haven’t lost everything. But I still lost Lyra, and the Dainn’s Empire will pay. I’ll make sure of it. And I’m going to his castle to kill everything inside that’s made what I love suffer. But I’ve got to make it over there first, then I’ll have my revenge. Author's Note Ripped from a corpse so freshly dead... This totally feels like I rushed it, so I apologize if it seems to be poor quality.
Chapter 4Three hundred twenty-one meters. Three hundred twenty-one meters away is Sugarcube Corner. And Allen just killed Spike the Dragon. Four hours and seven seconds ago, Atrocitous sent me after two separate Elite Caribou Guards. I might be tough, but I lack weight. Those assholes tossed me around and I had to use my skills as a marksmare to kill them. As for right now? I’m really confused. I was pointing my crossbow right at the face of the third elite Caribou, but my old supplier of strawberries just rushed up to him. She’s clothed in her usual dress and vest combo and she lacks a collar. “Don’t Hurt Damian!” Strawberry Fields cries out as she wraps herself around the surprised Caribou. The Caribou gently removes Fields from his body. “Strawberry, this was going to happen sooner or later and we both know that.” The Caribou tells her, moving his focus to me, “You must be Bon Bon. Strawberry told me a lot about you, especially how you help her with her disability.” “I’ve been told that you did terrible things.” I tell the Caribou, my voice holding no confidence, “You have victims that cry out for vengeance, and I’m here to bring it.” “This must be about the Bostallion Massacre. I understand. Just do me a favor and make sure to keep Strawberry Fields safe. You of all ponies should remember that she’s autistic.” I lower my crossbow. “Look, I’m not sure about you. You don’t-“ “I’m responsible for the deaths of fifty stallions that were going to kill Dainn. They weren’t brainwashed, they were trying to rebel. If I didn’t kill them, Dainn would’ve found out about Strawberry.” “Your case does not protect you from vengeance, Damian of Dainn’s personal guard!” I looked behind myself to see Atrocitous walking up from behind me. He seems pissed off and he’s pointing his ring at the Caribou. “I cannot promise a painless death.” “Bon Bon, remember to let Strawberry grow a garden.” The Caribou tells me, “You know it’s her safe place.” I switch my crossbow to my crossbow pistols and point them at the fat lipped alien. “You don’t know what your stepping into, Atrocitous.” I threaten. “Stay out of my way or taste hellish hate!” “I can’t let you hurt Strawberry Fields.” Atrocitous lunges for the Caribou, but I launch two explosive bolts into his side, blasting him away. I put a pistol away as Atrocitous soars my way. I time myself and jump right as he attempts to tackle me, putting a bolt into his spine. Without a second thought, I draw my full-sized crossbow and pin Dex-Starr to a wall with a bolt that prevents him from using his power. I aim for Atrocitous and hit him with a power-stopping bolt as well. “Stay down, or I aim for the head.” “You Fool! Your Actions Hold Consequences!” “And your actions would’ve killed the right pony for the wrong reason! I don’t doubt for a second that he killed those ponies, but he didn’t want to!” “That Does Not Mask His Actions!” “That might be so, but he’s not responsible for his actions! The Caribou responsible is dead!” “With Blood And Rage Of Crimson Red!” Atrocitous gets off the ground and pulls the arrows out of himself, “Ripped From A Corpse So Freshly Dead!” “Ah, shit.” Atrocitous forms a red spike on his hand that he impales me on and lifts me into the air. Suddenly, the surroundings change to red stone landscaping at somewhere that is not Equestria. “Together With Our Hellish Hate!!” Atrocitous punches me off the spike and into a stalagmite, “We’ll Burn You All!!” A large, red bull emerges out of Atrocitous’ chest and slams me through the stalagmite, flinging me to the ground, “THAT IS YOUR FATE!!!” Atrocitous drenches me in his blood as he hurls it all over my body, leaving me to burn. We return to where we were standing, the Caribou horrified to see me covered in blood. “It appears that your services are no longer required,” Atrocitous says, moving his focus to the Caribou. “My turn.” Atrocitous looks back at me only to find that I’m gone. I’ve activated a prototype cloaking device that allows me to sneak up, draw a combat knife, and slice through Atrocitous’ calf. Then I jump over him and do a handstand to buck him hard in the face. I get back to my hooves, draw explosive knives, and stab him in both shoulders. I leap high into the air and set off the explosives, flinging Atrocitous to the ground. As Atrocitous looks to the sky, I decloak and block out the sun as I aim my crossbow right at the symbol on Atrocitous’ chest. I load and fire a paralyzing bolt right into Atrocitous’ chest right before landing hard on Atrocitous’ face, backflipping off of the alien. “I guess that prototype cloaking device I stole works,” I remark, switching the crossbow for a crossbow pistol. She points the pistol right at Atrocitous’ head, “Don’t make me put you down.” “H-how could you survive such an attack?” Atrocitous asks before coughing up some blood. “I’m an agent trained in killing monsters and reality-bending entities.” I respond while offering a hand to Atrocitous, “That, and I’m wearing armor specifically built to sustain an agent like me.” “What is your armor made from?” “It’s made from a long list of fancy materials, some magically enhanced. Basically, I survived being impaled because the armor protects me that well.” “Indeed. Do not make me test how much torment it can make you handle.” Atrocitous warns me before trapping me in a field of energy that I can’t escape. But right as he’s ready to strike the Caribou, Strawberry Fields wraps herself around the Caribou, “Move out of my way, foolish girl.” “If you’re going to hurt Damian, then do it to me too.” Strawberry says, holding the Caribou tighter, "I can’t imagine living without him.” “What are you going to do, Atrocitous.” I say, not even trying to move, “You said something about his victims demanding vengeance, did you not? Kill her, and you will have ended up achieving irony by gaining an innocent victim killed by you.” “... If I did that, Dex-Starr himself would attack me...” As I make an attempt to break free, a bluish-purple colored humanoid figure forms behind Atrocitous and puts a four-fingered hand onto his shoulder. “Compassion can make us do many things, Atrocitous.” The figure explains in a calm, caring voice that could soothe a crying foal, “You of all people should know how some emotions can trigger others. Such as Dex-Starr’s compassion towards Wallflower Blush, or Allen Busterfield’s defense of Dinky Hooves. If you’d like, you can observe the show of compassion in front of you.” Atrocitous looks at the faceless form, then back at Strawberry Fields. He lowers his ring and releases me as the form beings to disappear. “Remember just how connected emotions are. If you take the time to think about it, rage can be fueled by compassion...” And with that, the figure fades completely and Atrocitous stares at his ring and back to Strawberry. “... I see now that I have almost made an error. In killing your partner, I would find myself being hunted by my fellow Red Lanterns.” Atrocious looks over to me with eyes trying to hide his disappointments in himself. But then they go back to being filled with rage and hatred at something that's behind me, “But killing you would help to quench my search for vengeance.” I turn around to see one very tall and very muscular Caribou who's smiling as he looks down at me. I recognize him immediately. “You mother fucker,” I grumble in an angered annoyance. “Your owner should've kept a better eye on you, Bon Bon.” The large Caribou says to me. I don't think he notices the fact that Atrocitous just pulled a literal red lantern out of nowhere. I need to keep him distracted... “You want to know something?” “A good whore keeps her mouth shut, you know. I could use my cock to help you.” “When you kidnapped me, I could’ve left whenever I wanted.” “Oh? Really? How so?” “The same way that you woke up and went straight to the hospital. It sounds like you weren’t smart enough to figure out that the poison joke flower has an actually poisonous cousin that’s red instead of blue, or that the flower left in your kitchen went missing.” The large Caribou wanted to say something, but Strawberry’s boyfriend reaches for the sword at his waist and draws it. “Leave this place, John.” Strawberry’s boyfriend warns. “What can you do to me, Damian?” The larger Caribou asks. Suddenly, Dex-Starr begins to walk towards the large Caribou, making the cutest mews as he approaches him. The cat looks up to the Caribou with an adorable smile before continuing on his way. He reaches the Caribou’s legs and starts nuzzling his legs. “Awww, come here you cute little thing.” The Caribou says gently as he picks up Dex-Starr and starts patting his head. The cat looks into the eyes of Caribou with another cute smile... And then scowls with exposed teeth. “DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEE!!!” Dex-Starr yells out like a battle cry as he slashes the Caribou’s throat wide open. Blood is leaking onto the cat’s fur, leaving him drenched in blood as the dead Caribou falls to the ground. Dex-Starr floats away shortly after the Caribou hits the ground, shaking the blood off his fur, I good kitty. “Indeed,” Atrocitous complements. “I believe that the conflict is over?” Strawberry’s boyfriend says, confused by what just happened. I’ve got to agree, I don’t know what the fuck just happened either. “So let me get this straight.” I say, trying to understand what I saw, “A tabby just slaughtered a big problem while making a cute face, right?” “Are there any other house cats that you know of that can accomplish such a feat?” Atrocitous asks. “Okay. Damian, is it?” I ask Strawberry’s boyfriend. “Yes, Damian Lite.” Damian answers. “Let’s both agree to ignore what just happened. I’ll take it that Strawberry couldn’t be brainwashed?” “Yes, how could you guess?” “A lucky guess what I’m going to report back to my old employer. Don’t worry about it.” “I’m only worried about Strawberry. She’s more fragile than most.” “By the time my red friends and I are done, you won’t have to worry about keeping her safe. Besides, Allen is basically filtering out the old empire from Ponyville.” “Bon Bon?” Strawberry Fields is trying to get my attention, “Do you know how he’s doing? I-is there any way that I can help him? I want to pay him back for what he did for me.” She just made me remember exactly what she’s talking about. Four years, five months, and eight days in the past, when Allen relapsed on being hateful. Strawberry Fields is a mare with high functioning autism. She could originally take care of herself when her parents would check on her every now and then, but her parents got a little too old to keep doing it. I learned a lot running the candy shop that I did because she would always visit me on weekends to bring me strawberries that she supplied me with. When I found out that her parents were becoming unable to support her, Lyra and I volunteered to look after her. I wouldn’t say that she’s a daughter or sister to me, but she still means a lot. I would check on her every day to make sure that she did her chores, that she made the right friends, and that she didn’t have anything to take that pretty smile off her face. One day when I checked on her, she wasn’t there. I got worried and searched all of Ponyville for her. Then Fluttershy told me that she was going to the Everfree. When Allen heard about it, he grabbed his rifle and went looking for Strawberry. Me being suspicious, I followed Allen to make sure that his relapse didn’t hurt anypony. Allen found Strawberry getting attacked by something that I was going to call the E.P.A. to catch and examine. It called itself a “Yellow Lantern”, and it said something about it having power over fear. I watched Allen make it scream over scaring Strawberry Fields. When Allen took Strawberry back to Ponyville- and he held her in his arms all the way to her home- I took the time to tactically acquire from that “Yellow Lantern”. I still have it hidden in my shop. I wonder if it’s related to these Red Lanterns. But that’s not important. What is important is that Strawberry wants to pay it back to Allen for making what could’ve been a horrifying memory into one she appreciates, Even if she doesn’t know that Allen tortured the thing. “... Remember when I taught you how to make those strawberry candies that I sell a lot of during Nightmare Night?” I ask Strawberry. “Yes, I loved making those!” Strawberry says with her unique form of joy that warmed even Allen’s heart. “Well, seeing as your place hasn’t changed, why don’t you make his favorite candies?” Strawberry eeked with excitement as she heads over to her backyard. I then look Damian in the eyes. “I’ll take it that you’re doing absolutely nothing wrong to her?” “There are those amongst the Caribou who were against Dainn’s rule.” Damian tells me, “I was actually plotting to kill my fellow partners over the things we did. They knew I disagreed and they all tried to scare me because they thought they were big. But they were just big piles of shit.” “Keep Strawberry safe. That’s all I ask. You know how special she is and you know what she needs.” “I don’t need a lecture about the mare that I intend to marry. She’s a wonderful mare who showed me light when I thought that I cursed to see darkness.” “She’ll do that to ya.” “Bon Bon!” Atrocitous calls out, "Your services are required!" “Give me a moment!” I tell him, redirecting my attention to Damian, “You seem to know her well, but just remember this. I used to be a complete bitch who almost forgot what it means to be Pony. But I went looking for a strawberry supplier and came across her experiencing a meltdown over not knowing what to do with her abnormally large amount of strawberries from her small bushes. Helping her out helped me out. She really is a gem. Keep her that way.” “Like I said, I intend to marry her.” Damian reminds me, “Don't worry about her safety.” Satisfied with his answer, I head towards Atrocitous. As I catch up to him, he gestures towards Derpy and Dinky. “Behold! The doing of a Red Lantern!” Atrocitous states proudly, “By showing the one known as Spike his rage, Allen has bested him in a display of strength. Spike’s greed made him strong, but Allen’s rage made him stronger!” “I’ve got a question about the Lanterns… Are there others?” I want my question answered so I can take note on that ring that I tactically acquired. “There is an entire spectrum of emotion. Red represents rage, and your stolen yellow ring represents fear.” “You're not going to take it, are you?” “Only if you use it wrongfully. You can use a power ring and not be part of its corps. Besides, the leader of the Yellow Lanterns has passed away.” “How did he die?” “He escaped punishment for too long, and his death was part of a treaty between my Red Lanterns and another corps known as the Green Lanterns. The Green Lanterns had new rules that allowed them to kill, but not all of them could handle death. The treaty has my Red Lanterns replace the Alpha Green Lanterns and has us do the killing. My Red Lantern Corps has since been able to prosper, though I sense that you may end up seeing a Green Lantern by the end of this day.” “I don't intend to use that thing-“ “You might consider it. A power ring is a weapon only limited by one’s imagination. If you can instill great fear, that Yellow Lantern ring may become more useful, if not fitting. But only use it on the deserving, lest you find yourself being hunted by a Red Lantern.” “… Noted.” With our conversation finished, we continue on our way to Dainn’s Castle. I’m needed for whatever Atrocitous has planned, and I think I’m starting to like that plan.
Intermission ft. Princess Luna & John StewartAuthor's Note This chapter is from two separate perspectives. The first one is Allen Busterfield, the second is Atrocitous. Let me know what you think, I value opinion! Intermission ft. Princess Luna & John Stewart I’m navigating through a castle… This castle pisses me off beyond belief, all the nobles walking around like they've got sticks up their asses and guards standing around with straight faces. It's fucking boring and confusing. Everything looks the same. The only reason why I’m even here is because I asked Princess Celestia to let me talk to her sister. Just yesterday was this culture’s Halloween, a holiday called Nightmare Night. Celestia’s student, a girl that I would as annoying but not unpleasant, tried to teach Luna friendship. But this ended up making Luna go on a rampage that would've ended up with eaten children, had I not stopped her. Apparently Nightmare Moon isn't immune to bullets, I pumped that thing full of them. I should probably tell you who I am, Lyra says it can come off as rude not to introduce yourself. My name is Allen Baxter Busterfield, I work in Ponyville as an assistant for Bon Bon in her candy store. Bon Bon is a bitch, but she's still a friend. Lyra trusts her so that's good enough for me. Anyway, I’m here because I kicked Luna’s ass, and I only did it because she would've hurt those that Lyra cares for. When whatever that Nightmare thing was left her, she was still someone filled with holes. She healed overnight because Alicorns have corrective healing, but I know that she didn't take kindly to getting shot. I wouldn’t. I’m hoping that I can help Luna understand what I did and ask her if there's anything I can do for her. As I continue to be lost in this god damned castle, I hear a noble walk up behind me. “excuse me sir, but you appear to be lost.” The noble points out. Dear god, he's wearing a monocle and a three-piece tuxedo that he obviously didn't put on himself, “Perhaps the janitors quarters are somewhere near the dunge-“ I knock him to the ground with a hook to his face, “You Ruffian!” “Chat-ta,” A guard says. This one isn't like the others, his mane looks like its got a nickel finish. “I don't speak guard. Such jargon is-“ “It's short for chat-ta-fuck-up. If you can't tell, that's Allen Busterfield, the only human in Equestria.” “Don't bother, I'm used to getting shit from rich assholes,” I tell the guard. “Trust me, friend, they’re not as rich as you think. Name’s Nickelmane,” The guard says as he offers me his hand, “First Lieutenant of the Royal Guard.” I accept his hand and shake it firmly. “You think you can help? I’m looking for Luna’s room.” “She's not there, I checked. I was instructed by Celestia to help you find her, she’s worried about Luna.” “Is she pissed about what I did?” “No, Celestia said that she… Something about some awfully dark words.” “I need to see her, as soon as possible. Do you have any guesses as to where she might be?” “My guess, the royal gardens. Probably in the gardener's shed, she’d hide there when she remembered what the Elements of Harmony did to her.” “Take me there,” I say, Nickelmane guiding me through the castle. After a good half hour, we make it to the gardens. The gardens looked filled with life, but that's not important. What is important is what I’m about to do. Nickelmane shows me where the shed is, a small structure made from gray bricks I ask Nickelmane to wait outside while I check on the Princess. I knock on the door. “Princess Luna, it's me, Allen Busterfield.” I say as calmly as I can, “I wish to speak to you, your majesty.” “Go away, I’m not a princess.” I hear. I hear the door lock. “Well, looks like we tried!” Nickelmane says hastily, “Now, can we go? You tried, Celestia would probably understand, and I don't want to lose guards because of Nightmare Moo-“ I pick up a brick and throw it at Nickelmane’s chest, expelling the air from his lungs and knocking him down. “Ungrateful mother fucker,” I spit out. I knock on the door again, “If I’m not talking to a princess, then can I talk to Luna? I’ll talk to her whether she opens this door or I make it open.” I hear the door open and I see Luna in a bloodied sleeveless dress sitting next to a bloody dagger. She has cuts that are closing themselves as she tries to hide them from me. I walk over and sit next to her. “What do you want?” Luna asks. “At first I came here to apologize about filling you with bullets.” I tell her, my tone changing to my usual, rather cold tone, “But now that I see the dagger and the blood, I think I’ll find directly apologizing to be pointless. Let's talk about the dagger and why you ruined a dress?” “I don't wish to talk about it.” “Yeah, and I didn't commit genocide once.” “I don't understand, you’ve committed genocide?” “Your sister didn't tell you about me?” “She never said anyone about killing in mass number… I guess that makes us equals.” Luna picks up the dagger and brings it to her arm. I effortlessly take it from her, “Please, I need this.” “No. Besides, you're not a monster. If you were a monster, you wouldn't be doing this.” “What do you know about being a monster. I’ve killed hundreds to satisfy my hunger before being banished to the moon.” “Yeah, and I’ve killed millions in cold blood. Besides, you’re not Nightmare Moon. You’re Princess Luna. That monster isn’t anything like the woman who helps me sleep at night.” “You speak of Lyra, yes?” “I’m talking about what I see in my dreams. The ones that haunt me and made me cruel. Lyra can do a lot, but she can’t stop me from seeing the violence stuck in my head.” “... What does that exactly make us?” “I’m definitely not a wise man, but I’d say that we’re just two very fucked up people in a not so fucked up world. The only people who think that something’s wrong is both of us.” “We made our own demons?” “Exactly.” “You are wiser than you say.” “Trust me, I’m not. Just remember that you’re someone with a monster inside. I’m someone who’s a monster period. You’re hurting yourself because you regret doing what you did. I don’t.” “Why was somepony like you allowed to be an Equestrian citizen?” “Because you ponies aren’t humans. And because Lyra says that killing in cold blood is wrong. Now I only kill when it’s necessary.” “Like when I once again became Nightmare Moon?” “I wasn’t looking to kill you. I knew you Alicorns can take a few bullets. If I wanted to kill you, I’d find something else that could actually do the job. None of my guns can kill you, even if I blew your head off with my shotgun.” “How did you learn about this, it’s not public knowledge?” “Your sister told me as a threat when I got to this world. She didn’t think I was redeemable, but her student disagreed.” “Twilight is quite the resourceful one.” “I thought she was insane. I got proven dead wrong. Now c’mon, let's go talk to your sister…” Six Years Later In a sector that belongs to the Red Lanterns, I journey to one of two solar systems that are in a strange field of ancient magic as old as the Emotional Spectrum. Only two of things in this place are the only things worth note; a perfect replica of Earth’s Solar System and a planet where the sun and moon rotate around it. Both of these things hold a magic that appears to hold great strength. The Magic of Friendship. Mark my words, this magic can bend matter and physics. It can turn the invincible to being vulnerable, start and end wars without bloodshed, cure those doomed for death, and most of important… It shows you that there is always someone that you can call a friend. I have reached the destination of my journey, the replica of earth. This earth is fascinating. It is not a perfect copy of earth by any means. It is a completely different earth, one that holds similarities to the planet of the second solar system. I have ventured to this earth to see my comrade Dex-Starr, as he has been the guardian of that world for some time. He has also claimed himself to be the pet of a human, a green-skinned female by the name Wallflower Blush. I asked Dex-Starr why he chose to lay dormant, but he has told me that he feels a coming conflict involving someone whose soul is filled with great confusion. Dex-Starr has already defeated a prior opponent, but he feels that this one requires my strength, rage, and understanding to defeat. Without even needing to locate Dex-Starr, I sense a great conflict on the planet’s surface. I sense the fabric of reality being torn apart by a great demon. I sense someone delivering fear to the innocent surrounding her… “What do you see?” An old enemy, now ally asks me. “John Stewart,” I say, my constant rage feeling a tinge of joy at his presence, “I see that The Guardians sent you to Red Lantern territory?” “I volunteered. How could I miss an opportunity to see what you’ve been up to?” “Tell me, Green Lantern. Can you feel it?” “Feel what, exactly?” “A faint tinge of power deep inside. Our rings should be reacting to this.” “Now that you mention it, something does feel off about this place. Other than the fact that we're hovering above a world that looks exactly like earth.” “Ahh, but this is earth. It is not your earth, it is some form of ancient anomaly that is linking two separate planets. I would enjoy continuing this talk, but this world is experiencing a conflict that I believe will take more than myself to settle. Care to join me?” “The superhero role never does get old.” With that, I opened a portal a location near where Dex-Starr should be. But once I found him, I saw Wallflower Blush holding him in her arms. He has been extensively injured, though his ring keeps him alive. “M-mr. Atrocitous, Dex-Starr got hurt trying to protect me!” The girl tells me, fear flowing through her veins. “What attacked you?” John asked as he knelt down and put an assuring hand on Wallflower’s shoulder, “You can tell me anything, I’m from the Green Lantern Corps.” “… Over in the schoolyard. Twilight, a girl from Crystal Prep. S-she made some kind of magic absorbing device, and I think It's gonna break and hurt people!” “Then I shall show her hellish hate-“ “Wait Atrocitous-“ I ignore my friend as I soar towards the scene of several teenagers in a courtyard while a young girl is being pulled into a purple ball of energy. “Heeeelp meeee…” The girl cries out as she is pulled into the ball of energy. With the girl consumed, the ball expands and lets off a flash. The flash dies down to reveal the girl from before, but in a form twisted by dark magic that is laughing maniacally. “You were right!” The twisted form says is a voice as sinister as any truly evil force, “I didn't understand magic before. But I Do Now!!” The twisted girl fires a beam of power at a statue of a horse, destroying it and tearing a hole in the fabric of space, yet not time. A hole that leads to a town in the land known as Equestria, a land that was once one of beauty before a recent invasion. With an apparent crack running through the ground, the twisted girl blasts it open to make another hole in space that again leads to Equestria. “FOOL!!!” I cry out as I charge for the girl, “I’ll Show You Hellish Hate!!” The girl quickly dispatches me with a beam attack that sends me soaring towards where John and Wallflower currently stand. “Still feeling vengeful?” John asks me, using his power battery to charge his ring. I spit out blood non-insultingly. “Rage is my natural state,” I struggle slightly to answer, still feeling the power of the attack upon my chest. “Shocker. Maybe what that thing needs is a taste of willpower.” “So long as it satisfies my rage.” And with that, John floats over to the twisted girl, his ring being shown with pride. “Seen a lot of things, but nothing like you,” John says as he examines the girl. “I’m going destroy this world to learn it's magic!” The girl announces to John, as well as the people around her. “I don't like the sound of that.” John says warningly, “You probably don't know, but I’m what's called a Green Lantern. I’m part of an intergalactic corps of people like me that exist to stop people like you from destroying worlds and civilizations. Call us the intergalactic police.” “Is that so, ‘Green Lantern’? I’ll take it that the red one from earlier was a pet who is just like you. He was nothing compared to me!” “He was my friend, and you kinda kicked his ass. I’m enforcing intergalactic law, but this is also payback.” The twisted girl threw a ball of energy at John, John constructing a green bat to bat it away. The girl telekinetically threw a piece of the ground at John, the Green Lantern grabbing it with a large green hand and crushing it. The girl then tried to blast a beam of her power at John, John firing a beam back. The two beams contest with each other, the twisted girl’s beam seeming to overpower John’s. More tears in space begin to form as the twisted girl’s beam gets closer and closer to John until he looks around to see the fear in the innocent civilians that are becoming victims of the tears as they scramble to save themselves and each other. It is at this moment that I see a spark within John. The spark that he had when I warned him about Sinestro’s plot. The spark he had when I saved him with a Red Lantern ring. The spark he had when he took the ring off without dying. The spark he used when Sinestro nearly killed me… A spark of green. A spark of will. “In brightest day, in blackest night.” John continues to lose the beam contest, but he begins to glow. “No evil shall escape my sight.” John has lost the contest, and the beam begins to consume him while seeming to send cracks of purple through his body. “Let those who worship evil’s might!” “Say Goodbye!!” The twisted girl says as John becomes consumed by her attack. “Beware My Power!!” John says as he blasts a beam that immediately overwhelms the twisted girl and begins to strip her of power, “Green Lantern’s Light!!” “AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!” The beam ceases and becomes a great field that surrounds a girl who looks nothing like her twisted transformation. I walk over to the girl as she’s slowly lowered and get a better view of her. She’s but a mere schoolgirl who wears glasses, likely one who was under much pressure. The girl is lain on the ground with John and I standing on either side of her as she wakes. “Easy now, you got hit hard,” John says as he kneels down and lifts the girl into his arms. “Y-you saved me.” The schoolgirl says, looking John in the eyes. “Just doin’ my job, ma’am.” “No, you saved me, but Midnight-“ “I WILL TEAR YOU APART!!!” The twisted girl cries out as she flies out of one of the cracks in space, charging for John and the school girl. I position myself to intervene, but it is apparent that Wallflower has beaten me to it while wearing a Red Lantern ring with a heart filled with anger and hate. Wallflower tackles the twisted girl into the side of the school’s wall, sending the two through the wall and into a classroom. “You!” Wallflower calls out while pointing towards Midnight then gesturing through the hole to the ruined flowering vines that bring beauty to the bland brick walls, “You Took My Flowers From Me! I Planted Those With Dex-Starr During My Freshmen Year! I’ll Kill You For Destroying Them!!” Surpassingly, Dex-Starr jumps onto the hole in the wall, then onto Wallflower’s shoulder. He hisses violently at Midnight Sparkle. Foolishly, Midnight charges at Wallflower, only for the Wallflower to spear Midnight with a shovel. With the twisted girl stunned, Wallflower front-flips over the form and grabs hold of its wings. With her shoes firmly planted into the twisted girl’s back, Wallflower begins to tear its wings from its back. “You’re the only ONE-“ Wallflower tears one wing off and the form screams, “Getting torn APART!” Wallflower tears the other wing off and tosses them to the side before putting a hand over Midnight’s mouth, “Shut the fuck up. You will be punished for your attempt at tearing this world apart.” Wallflower punches into the twisted girl's chest and removes its heart, destroying the twisted form. The form fades and the tears begin to repair themselves, Wallflower jumping through the hole and everyone but John and I looks to her in shock. “Oh, fucking stop.” Wallflower says while removing her Red Lantern rings, “You're going to forget this ever happened by morning… You're right Dex-Starr, let's just go home.” With that, Wallflower left the school with Dex-Starr purring in her arms. “Atrocitous, how did she take off a Red Lantern ring without dying of heart failure?” John asks. “I was hoping that you would be able to assist me in finding out how we can now remove our rings.” I admit, "I thought that you might have some insight on the matter.” “Look, I couldn't tell you what's happening to the Red Lanterns even if I could figure it out. You know more than I do. The only thing that I could guess is that this ‘Magic of Friendship’ might something to do with it. Hell, it might affect all the Lanterns if it's already affecting one Corps.” “E-excuse me?” The prior host of the twisted form says in an attempt to grab our attention, an attempt that proves successful. “Speck, young girl.” I grunt. “How can we help you?” John asks. “I-I think I can h-help you with y-your-u-uh-“ “Fear not.” “You’ve got two Lanterns here to keep you safe. I only blasted you ‘cause that thing from earlier was possessing you. What would you like to help us with?” The girl takes a deep breath before saying what she has to say. “I think I can help you figure out what is affecting you.” The girl says, “If you give me all the data I need, I might be able to figure out what's happening.” “You have my word that the Green Lanterns will give you all the information you need.” “And as leader of the Red Lanterns, I shall provide you with all the information you need, as well as a ring for testing.” “I’ll see if The Guardians will give you a ring too. I think we would all like to know what exactly is going on with the Red Lanterns and if it means anything for the Green Lanterns.” “Anything that you give to me, I’ll be careful with. I already have a way of gathering the ‘Friendship Magic’, I just need to modify it to collect it from a better source.” “Leave the collection of energy to Dex-Starr, as he is currently residing in this very city. How long should your research take?” “It took me only a few months to find out about ‘Friendship Magic’, but I’m guessing that this might take almost a year if you want extensive results.” “Take your time, we don't want inaccurate results.” I bring my hand out and present the girl with a Red Lantern ring. She takes it from my hand and stores it in her pocket. “I’ll explain what just happened to the authorities, Atrocitous. They're gonna be confused, but I’m willing to bet that this wasn't the first showdown here.” John makes his way to whomever is in charge and I offer the girl safe passage home. As for the rest of the night, I left the girl and took to the stars, John following shortly after. I must inform the Guardians about the girl, and John is to be debriefed. I will remember this night, as it was no ordinary night. Even for a Red Lantern.
Chapter 5Two hours ago, I shot the guards to the back entrance of Dainn’s castle. However, one of them could take my hits and came at me with a sword, my reaction to make a machete appear to parry the attack and then chop him in half. From there, I moved through the guard barracks to clean them all out and free their “stress relief” mares. There’s a lot of victims here, and they’re all still alive. They all have fear in their minds, but rage in their hearts. I can feel it coursing through my veins, making my blood boil. I found a Caribou guard in a “supply” closet supposedly freeing mares inside. But his obvious lie made me wonder what trap he had in store, so I followed him to a tight space where I drenched him in my blood and his friends got there attempt at my life. I chose to cut them down with a sword that I conjured using my new ring. I was able to cut down all but one guard, he can apparently hold my blade. But he can’t stop a shotgun from blasting his head off. This place isn't exactly swimming with guards, but I get the feeling like I’m going to get quality over quantity. I’m suddenly hit by a bolt of magic. I blast the asshole with a beam of my rage. I’m standing, he’s a bloody mess on the floor. Some guy runs at me with a dagger, so I use my shotgun to let him know that he's terrible at evaluating his opponent. Three more run away from me, so I switched to my carbine to account for how far they were. I walk into what I think is the throne room. I assume that the king is in my sights, his personal guards next in line. The king went down, his guards weren't so easy. I thought one M4 would do the trick, but I guess two is what I needed. After a while the killing becomes a blur, this castle was filled with people who all deserve to die. They all should burn but something inside is telling me that this castle will be worth something in the future. It's a shame, I really want to smash this place to pieces. I eventually approach an area that has what I’m going to guess is the new population of Ponyville all waiting in line for something. If their mumbling is correct, they're talking about “the best pussies in town”. I decided to get a look about the mares that they're talking about. As I find a good spot to observe without being noticed, I see the mares. They have Octavia, Vinyl Scratch, Flitter, and… No, it can't be. That's Impossible! That Can’t Be Fucking Right!! Sh-She's Dead!!! “LYRAAA!!!” I cry out as I leap into the middle of the crowd below, two M4s in my hands as I prepare to die. If I die protecting the one who I thought was dead, then today would've been worth leaving my house. I lay waste to the crowd, never removing my fingers from the triggers. I’m going to save Lyra! She means everything to me! And I’ll Kill All These Fuckers Who Took Her From Me And Stole What She Can Only Give Me!!! THESE CARIBOU NEED TO DIE, AND I’LL SHOW THEM MY RAGE TO TAKE IT BACK!!! I can't even see what I’m killing, but I know deep down that it needs to die! All These Bastards Do! But as I shoot my way to the stage where Lyra is, I toss my M4 and resort to ripping and tearing my way through to her. When I make it to the stage, the guns on me all fall off with my trench coat. I’m now wearing a new more sleek red and black trench coat with a red and black jumpsuit underneath with exposed fingers on the gloves. I feel a lot stronger right now, allowing me to free my love from the bondage that keeps her here with my ring. Lyra doesn't seem to recognize me. She's stuck in some kind of depressive trance. I hold her close and kiss her on the cheek and take off the red collar from her neck, letting her know that it's me. “It's all going to be okay now, Lyra,” I whisper into Lyra’s ear, rubbing a finger up and down where it makes the ear twitchy. That always sets her off in all the right ways. As I caress the mare who I will marry, a very tall, and muscular Caribou looks down on us. “You must be Allen.” The Caribou observes, “Lyra spoke highly about you, even said that you’d kill me one day. But she's wrong.” The caribou lifts a fist, “Dead wrong.” The caribou takes a swing at Lyra and I. I'm not able to react quick enough to do anything about it. I don't have to do anything as a large hand stops the caribou’s fist. The hand came through a portal made of blood. “The only thing that the female got wrong was who kills you,” A large red alien in bone armor says as it walks through the portal, pushing the caribou back as he fully comes into view. His voice is very familiar, “William Sarpblade! You have escaped punishment for too long! Your victims demand vengeance, and I shall bring it.” I don't say anything. Lyra is all that matters to me as I as I fly away from Dainn’s castle. I’m heading back to my home so that Lyra can be safe- “S-slow down.” That line was the first thing Lyra said to me when I started to open up to her. “Lyra…” I press Lyra tightly against me. I’m not losing her agai- “Y-you always rush through things, Allen.” Lyra tells me, “There's ponies in need back there.” “You're all that matters to me right now.” I tell her while I land on the wall of the castle, “I lost you once. I thought you were dead!" “You know me, Allen. I can hold my own.” “You Were Taken From Me!” “You're being repetitive again. You do that to push your point a lot. For Celestia’s sake, you look like a superhero right now.” Whatever shell Lyra was in, she's clearly broken out of it as she moves her hand across my abdomen, “With your new red and black jumpsuit that brings out your muscles.” She places her free hand on my chest and starts moving it in circles, “I can tell that you didn't stop your exercise schedule, my handsome hunk.” She then places both hands on my face and brings me in for a deep kiss. I wrap my arms around her waist and she moves a hand to grab my ass. I move a hand to the back of her head and gently move my fingers through her mane. “Remember when you went looking for Strawberry Fields?” Lyra asked as she broke our kiss, “I thought I lost you. Fluttershy told me about how you walked into The Everfree with your sports equipment. I wanted to cry, but something inside told me that you were setting out to do wonderful things. When you came back with Strawberry, I knew that that thing was right. When the Caribou took me away, that same thing told me that you would set out to do wonderful things again in time… Allen Baxter Busterfield, slow down and enjoy the moment. You're doing wonderful things for Equestria, and you will continue to do so. And while you get to be a hero, I get to change my name to Lyra Heartstrings Busterfield.” “I-I never told you about-“ “I checked your nightstand for some ibuprofen when I found an engagement ring. You should've asked a lot sooner because I’ve been wanting to be your mare for a long time. Now go back to Dainn’s castle and-“ Lyra is interrupted by the Caribou that the alien was fighting. The alien itself is longed into the wall beneath Lyra and I, the Caribou taking pride over his action before looking right at Lyra… “Ah, Lyra.” The Caribou said in a tone that sounds like someone having a fond memory, “I never did use your pussy that often, I thought it best to use it sparingly like an aged scotch. But A thief wishes to steal the bottle. I’ll have to take it back.” I don't know what's happening to me, but I feel something deep inside calling out to me. A power that's making the ring on my middle finger glow brightly at the Caribou's words while I clench my fist with enough force to dislocate every bone. As this hidden power becomes more present in my mind, I can hear the words it's telling me. It's telling me who I am now, and what to say next. It's telling me that my greatest strength is the hatred and rage that this Caribou is making me feel, and I follow its guidance as I jump down to the level of the Caribou. He’s got to be seven feet tall and built like a gorilla, definitely bigger than the alien that he was fighting before… I’ll show him my hellish hate! “That's My Wife You're Talking To!!” I say through very tightly clenched teeth, blood seeping through my teeth like foam from a rabid animal’s mouth. “And? Are you not willing to sha-“ “With blood and rage of crimson red.” My body begins to glow red and drip with blood that burns and melts the area around it. “Ripped from a corpse so freshly dead!” I conjure a massive aura of red energy that surrounds the large Caribou and I. “Together With Our Hellish Hate! We’ll Burn You All! That Is Your Fate!” I clap my hands together and we both end up at the control room of that New Jersey nuclear reactor, where I was supposed to die. I draw twin glowing red M4s as a group of glowing red Army soldiers surround me, all cocking their weapons. We open fire on the Caribou, me eventually tossing my M4s and pulling out an explosives remote. “Hmm, I only wonder if those explosives would work.” I push the button, and a red flash consumes all that I can see. The flash eventually clears and reveals the Caribou who stole precious moments with Lyra from me lying beaten and broken on the ground. “Patheti-“ The bastard gets up and all his wounds close. And I wasn’t even trying to kill him. I made a mistake. “You can't kill me, Allen.” The Caribou chuckles at me, “I have found power in Caribou magic. Through it, I have made myself nearly invincible.” I go to punch him in the stomach, but he catches my fist, “My only guess is that something with strength like mine can properly defeat me, and neither you nor your friend match up to my might.” The Caribou throws me straight through the castle was and into a building on the other side. I get out of the rubble and point my ring at him, but nothing happens. The Caribou looks up at Lyra and jumps up onto the top of the wall. I point my ring at the Caribou, but it doesn’t do anything. “Our rings need to be recharged, Allen.” The red Alien says as he digs himself out of the rubble, “We have no chance against Sharpblade now.” All I can do is lower my ring and hope that something happens to stop him. I didn't give my hopes up for no reason as a red forcefield surrounds the Caribou, only for the Caribou to break free… And then the Caribou is held down by two glowing chains made from red and green links. Author's Note Together with our hellish hate! You might be wondering what took me so long to get this out. That's because I'm currently having to fight off some things that relate to me being able to keep my current career, and I'm trying to make sure that I can. It's been stressful lately and very tiring. That's why this took so long. But I'm still working on it, it will take longer now. Also, there's new coverart.
