Chapter One: A Mare of Many Masks
“It is an honor to make your acquaintance Cult Leader Fluttershy,” I said in quite a gentlecoltly manner, if I did say so myself. “I praise The Great Lord Smooze for even the chance,” and of course I did say so.
“Um, hello Mr. uh Cabaal,” the mare in front of me was hanging her head low, “praise His name…” She was ghastly pale after just a few words, the last ones being barely above a whisper. This shivering wreck couldn’t be the renowned cult leader of Ponyville. She practically shook herself out of her coat! “I got your um… message,” It obviously wasn’t Fluttershy, she was feared throughout the entire cult for her ruthlessness and cruelty. There was conspiring going on somewhere and I was going to uncover it! “Please let’s go to my office... if that’s okay of course…”
“Yes why don’t we do that,” so a trap maybe? That was fine I hadn’t gotten my hooves dirty in far too long. “Lead the way Cult Leader.” I really hate titles, they’re very silly things in my eyes, can make a pony forget their real limits because of the fake power in a title.
“Here we are.” I did not like this pony with butterflies on her flank. She stood there holding the door open for me with a timid smile on her face, offering me first entry. Ah, yes. I smell a trap! Well the absolute last thing I would do is fall for it!
“Thank you my dear,” and so I did as social protocol dictates and took her offer. I exposed my backside to her and walked directly into what was most likely a trap designed to make my day most unpleasant. Yes this was starting off as a fun trip already. I’d love it if all of Ponyville turned out to be this suspicious.
Click went the door and slide went the latch, and here comes the trap! “Please take a seat Mr. Cabaal,” an unfamiliar voice came from behind me. There it was, I knew something was wrong. That cold confident voice, it dripped with cruelty; it was the voice of a true monster. A monster I could respect. This must be the real Fluttershy, not that shivering yellow thing.
I did as I was bid and took my seat, “real leather I see, very nice.” Very nice indeed, I chuckled a bit inside thinking of those poor cows killed simply for their skins.
“Thank you very much,” the timid yellow pony passed by me and sat at the desk, only she wasn’t timid anymore. “Their blood was used in a ritual for Lord Smooze.” Her mouth was moving and that cruel voice was coming out of it. Now I understood. That trembling thing out there was an act. “The Great One saw fit to allow us their skins.” I suppose that painful death wasn’t just for their skins.
“Ah,” I said to her, “a wolf in sheep’s clothing, now I understand how the feared Cult Leader of Ponyville can shiver so much.” It wasn’t a new trick, hiding evil under innocence; in fact I use it myself all the time. My level of respect for this mare shot up not only for the monster inside but simply for playing such an obnoxious role so perfectly.
“Yes, it’s an effective tool to achieve my ends. I would recommend using it sometime.” What a silly mare she is to think that I need lessons in evil. I’ve been playing this game far longer than you have.
“That’s good advice, I’ll consider it,” I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, “but to the business at hand… I trust my assistant behaved herself while she was here.”
“She did. What was her name again… Vaxel or something like that?” Her voice expressed utter disinterest. It was understandable, ‘Vaxel’ as she called her, prided herself on being the opposite of interesting.
It made me chuckle inside; never have I met a pony that could remember her name. “Vix is her name, she’s not very remarkable.” Not even one, and such a simple name!
“Enough of your assistant Mr. Cabaal,” an edge of ice creeped into her voice, “you have your secret meeting. Now what is it that you want from me?”
“Oh it’s a simple matter, I’ll be moving here soon and I would like to offer my talents to this chapter of the cult.”
“And what great talents do you have to offer me that require meeting like this.” She wore an annoying smirk as she said it. “You can join the same way as every other mare and colt.” She held an annoying tone in her voice to go along with the smirk.
“I’m a bit of a special case. I believe you’ll find this meeting well worth your time. You see it’s my profession that’s the issue, my profession being a necromancer.”
Her ears perked up at that. I saw her eyes widen slightly, only slightly though. She was a skilled actress. “A necromancer you say… That’s a bold claim. I thought Celestia killed all of them hundreds of years ago.”
“Yes, it’s true; she tried very hard and was very successful. But still some remain. In fact that is the exact reason I’m her, our numbers are low and I seek an apprentice.” I was taking a risk telling her about myself, but Smooze cults always offered a good safety net for people like me. I was going to need allies and support if my plans were to succeed. The goo lovers were enemies of Celestia too, filthy heretics she called them. I personally couldn’t dispute the filthy part but heretic was out of line from a fanatic. The Sun Princess was without a doubt a fanatic. Once upon a time she’d turned her self-righteous eyes on the Smooze cults and the memory of cultist’s being burned by her oh so holy hooves still floated around their culture.
“An apprentice… Very interesting. I’ll need to see some proof of your claims before we continue. I spoke with the Cult Leader in Canterlot and he had good things to say about you. Which is why I’m willing to even give you a chance.” Is that why she dropped her timid act so quickly? At least he wasn’t foolish enough to tell her about my magic. I always see it as a compliment when my threats hold sway.
“Thank you very much for your hospitality Cult Leader Fluttershy,” still with the silly titles. “I brought some supplies with me to offer your proof, if you could allow me to fetch my pack I’ll be right back.”
“There will be no need for that.” Did she want to keep me within sight? Whatever the case she reached for a microphone before I could object, “Um, excuse me, uh could some pony please bring my guest’s pack to my office, pretty please.” I had to admit it was a good act. All of these fools probably fell for it. “I’m surprised you would let your necromancy supplies out of your sight.”
I wouldn't have if the receptionist hadn't forced me to leave my pack with her for 'safe keeping.' “A few simple protection spells are all my pack needs. I would never be so careless as to leave any sensitive materials without my attention.” A sigh came but it did not escape my lips. If I were that stupid I’d be dead already. “Besides I have a perfectly innocent explanation as to why I am carrying around ashes with me.”
“Good, good.” Arrogance will be your downfall silly filly. “I am very interested to see what you will do with mere ashes. I’ve never seen necromancy in action.”
A knock came from the door “P-please come in!” I hid a smirk from the pony coming through the door. I thought it hilarious the way she wraps these fools around her finger, she’s even getting extra points for that stupid little stutter.
“Here’s the pack you asked for Miss Fluttershy.” A colt walked in and placed it on the table.
“Oh thank you very, very much.”
“Anything for you Miss Fluttershy.” The colt walked out the door, as I laughed inside. No. No idea about who their leader was.
“Now then,” that cold tone crept back into her voice, “let’s see your proof.”
I pulled an urn out of my pack. A simple ash binding, a beginner level spell for a necromancer, but it was certainly enough to convince this yellow mare. I would even get some extra security from those ashes. “I think you’ll like this,” I said as I poured about a half cup of ash onto her desk.
“You thought I’d like you pouring ashes onto my desk?” Her remark wasn’t as cold as usual, a little anger perhaps?
My horn glowed green as I pulled the soul up out of the ashes a small white orb surrounded by cold blue flames. “I’ve never seen anything like this...” Yes I already knew that, I could tell by the look on her face.
“The soul is a fascinating thing isn’t it Miss Fluttershy.” I said mimicking the title used by her subject. I don’t think she noticed the title change as her eyes were fixed to the floating soul. I took the opportunity to smear some ash under her desk. A soul bound to its ash could pop up anywhere those ashes were. This one could report to me anything important said in this room.
“Where did you get this?”
Isn’t it obvious? I burned some goo lover when I exhausted all the use it gave me. Even now the memory of its contorted face made my heart feel elation. “I got the ashes at a crematorium. Poor thing had no family or friends to mourn so I bought them.”
“I see…” I’m not sure she believed me but I doubt she suspected anything involving a cultist.
“Soul. Speak.”
“as you wish master” Now THIS was something the cult leader was interested by.
“What amazing magic Mr. Cabaal!” I could see greed shining her eyes. What opportunity was she dreaming up in that twisted yellow head? “I am convinced. The testimony of another Cult Leader and the evidence of your necromancy have convinced me to let you into our cult. I hope to see you on Friday to meet the other cultists and if you like we can prepare your initiation.” I was surprised to hear some of the ice gone from her voice, maybe the thought of a new and valuable member warmed her evil little hard. I knew it would warm mine.
“Yes I would like that very much Cult Leader Fluttershy,” I figured I’d reward her with the title as I gathered the ashes back into the urn. All of it except the ash smudged under the table of course.
“Please, Please,” she said it kindly but without the usual shivers. This wolf could play many parts it seemed. “Mr. Cabaal if you are going to join us, Miss Fluttershy is all that is necessary.”
“And please call me Caz.”
“Well then Caz, there is only one more matter for us to discuss…” That ice came back into her voice with the word ‘discuss.’ Oh joy and I thought I was almost out of here. “You said something about gaining an apprentice?”
“Ah yes I had nearly forgotten,” completely forgotten actually. “Do you know where a pony named Twilight Sparkle lives? Is she a member of the cult?” At that she burst out laughing. Laughing! At me! It wasn’t even a cruel laugh! She was laughing as if there were something entirely ridiculous standing behind me.
At that anger rushed forward. “Have I said something funny?” I hope she didn’t notice the hint of rage in my voice.
“You’ve said something hilarious in fact!” If she noticed the anger in my voice she ignored it. “Let me get this straight, you want to turn Twilight Sparkle, nearly the most goody-goody pony I know into a necromancer?!”
“That is exactly what I intend, and exactly what I will do.” Still that hint of rage, damn. “I will bring her into the cult as well!” Why was I yelling?
With that she burst into another fit of laughter, “You’re going to teach the personal protégé of Princess Celestia some of the darkest magic is Equestia AND turn her into a worshipper of Smooze?!” That laughter just didn’t stop.
Fortunately I was able to tame my anger. “That’s the plan, Miss Fluttershy.” I was beginning to fill up with determination and the excitement of a challenge, barely a hint of aggression in my voice.
Her laughter started to fade to a chuckle, “Dear Smooze I pray you succeed. I’ve been trying to get that pony to join us since, well since Smooze knows when!” With a last chuckle she shook my hand, “Twilight lives in a library made of a tree. It's in the middle of town, it’s impossible to miss. I wish you luck necromancer.”
"Thank you very much Miss Fluttershy," I actually meant it for once. "I hope to see you soon." I didn't really mean that.
"Good bye Mr. Caz." It was a real shame nothing ever came out of my suspicions of a trap. I must have gotten bored to get this paranoid.
Chapter Two: The Webs We Weave
Author’s note- I’m going to use Zethariel’s concept for changelings out of his story ‘My Little Changeling—“I” is Magic’. Basically they function as a hive mind all controlled by Queen Chysalis whose the only changeling with her own identity/personality. If they get disconnected from the Hive they become mindless beasts with only the instinct to feed.
“Vix!” Where is that damn changeling? “Vix get over here!”
“I’m here Master.” And how can I never find her until she opens her mouth?
“Ah there you are. I like your disguise for this trip.” Really how can anypony not see a bright strawberry red mane in a gloomy forest like this?
“I’m glad. I didn’t even copy the cutie mark this time.” She showed me her cream beige flank and I had to admit she was finally getting creative.
“Two white lilies with red stems crossed like an X.”
“Yes I’m going to tell them I’m a botanist studying rare flowers. I think it’s a good excuse to be trudging around Everfree forest at odd hours.”
“Smart.” I always prefer when she dresses in colors. It contrasts with my grey body and black mane. The only color I have is a red recycling symbol for a cutie mark. Even my eyes are black. “Using nature conservationist will be a good cover for me. A botanist will go well with that. ”
“Thank you Master.” She is technically my slave, I have the contract to prove it, but she’s competent and loyal enough that I view her more as a partner than a slave.
“Are you going to be a unicorn or a pegasus while we’re in Ponyville?” I’d found her soul haunting some broken down inn unable to move on. She was interesting enough so I kept the soul bound to a doll until the changeling invasion. It wasn’t hard to convince her to sign the slavery contract; after all who wouldn’t want a new chance at life? The hardest part wasn’t even getting a changeling to body accept a new soul. The real challenge was teaching her how to control her new body’s instincts to drain all the emotion out of anypony she saw.
“I still don’t have a handle on most magic other than shape shifting so I think pegasus will be more valuable.” I watched as she sprouted a brand new set of wings.
“It amazes me every time I see that body morph. Changelings truly are amazing creatures.”
“Damned hard to control though, this body doesn’t even breath automatically! And do you know how hard it is to relearn the habit of breathing after you’ve been dead for Luna knows how long?!”
“I can’t say I’ve ever had that experience.” I said as light started to show up ahead. We were nearing the exit to the Everfree forest.
*knock knock knock*
“Coming!” A purple pony opened the door, “Hi, can I help you?”
“Hello my names Caz and this is my colleague Vix. We’re looking for a Twilight Sparkle, we hear she runs the local library.”
“You found her, it’s nice to meet you both."
“Nice to meet you as well,” Vix said in a polite if bored tone.
“Likewise,” I said after her.
“Please come on in,” Twilight said. I played the gentlecolt and motioned for Vix to go in first. “What kind of books are you looking for?”
Vix was the first to speak up as I was admiring the shelves of books, “we’re looking for any information you have on the Everfree forest. You see I’m a botanist and my colleague here is a nature conservationist. We’re here researching the forest.”
“Oh, a fellow researcher?” What kind of project are you working on?”
“Right now I’m going to be looking for some new medicines.” That wasn’t a bad lie. We only needed her to believe us for a short time.
“I can get you some books but I can do you one better! There’s a zebra shaman who lives in the forest. She knows all kinds of herbal remedies.” Or it could backfire instantly.
“Really?” I spoke quickly. “We’re definitely going to have to meet this mare.” I really didn’t want to. A shaman could be a big annoyance if she wanted to be.
“Yeah I could take you to see her tomorrow if you like.”
Vix started in, “I don’t know if tomorrow would-“
“No, no I think it would work fine,” I interrupted. “We’d just have to move a few things around but I think it’ll work fine.”
We made the most boring kind of small talk for a couple hours after that and politely excused ourselves. We didn’t check out any of her books saying that we’d have plenty to learn tomorrow.
“We need to move our plan forward. I don’t want that shaman to know about us.” I spoke softly to ensure no passersby could hear.
“What do you want to do?” Vix said in a worried tone.
“I need you to change and find our vampire friend. Tell her ‘Castiel is here to collect his payment.’ She’ll know what that means. I want you to bring her to our camp in the forest.”
“Yes master, I’ll bring her.”
I had just finished making dinner, leak and potato soup, when Vix showed up with our guest. “What’s this about Castiel? What do you need this time?” A pale mare with an electric blue mane stood before me with flared nostrils. Are those fangs I see poking out from under her lip?
“Vinyl Scratch, the vampony, nice of you to join us.”
“I was in the middle of work and you send some pony I’ve never even met to fetch me? I had to leave 4 hours before my gig was supposed to end! Do you know how unprofessional that is?!”
“You’ll have to forgive me Vinyl. I know professionalism is very important to you. I meant to give you a few days warning but a great opportunity presented itself.” I really couldn’t have thought of a better excuse to bring Twilight out into the forest. “I need you out here tomorrow Vinyl. I need you to turn someone for me.”
“YOU WHAT?!” Yes her fangs were definitely out. Her eyes even shined a little red.
“Not so loud! We don’t know what else is out here.”
Vinyl looked like steam was about to start coming out of her ears. “You want me to turn a pony in the Everfree forest? Are you luring some innocent pony out here or does she know you want to turn her undead? What kind of game are you playing Castiel?”
“Please just call me Caz, and it is not your place to question my motives. You owe me a debt.” I said unable to contain my smugness at the word debt.
“So your idea of me paying you back is to force me into taking on a fledgling?”
“That is exactly my idea of payment. I saved your life. You were on the edge of your second death and I healed all of your wounds.” Not that I have to mention it was a different favor being called in that got her to the edge of death in the first place. “After this then your debt is paid in full. No more favors.”
“No more favors? You’re serious aren’t you? You’ve been milking this for the past decade and now you’re going to free me? Fine Caz,” the way she said my name was like she was spitting out acid, “I’ll turn this pony. Who is it.”
“Vix show Vinyl what she looks like.”
“Yes Master,” the changeling mare transformed into the spitting image of Twilight, purple highlights in the mane and all. Vinyl’s jaw practically hit the floor watching this.
“Is that a changeling? How in the hell do have a changeling delivering your messages and calling you master?!” I had always known Vinyl as a vampony who couldn't keep her shit together but this was getting ridiculous.
“Do you like my flank Vinyl?” I would have assumed Vinyl had plenty of experience getting hit on but she had no idea how to react to a changeling coming onto her, she just stared. “What about my throat?” Vix on the other hand seemed to love teasing her.
Vinyl was even starting to blush. “Vix! Stop toying with the poor thing she’s already shocked as it is. And in answer to your question Vinyl.The changeling body is really just an empty thing waiting to be filled. It’s usually filled by the hive mind but if it gets disconnected there’s plenty of space for the soul of a dead pony. Vix isn't actually alive shes just a ghost in a shell."
“Dear Luna… how in the hell did you do figure that out.”
“Well all we have to say for now is that there’s a huge pile of changeling corpses that didn’t make it through testing.”
“Wow. I didn’t think this kind of thing was possible.” Vinyl just stared at the changeling.
“So,” Vix started, “you like what you see.” She let that sink in until Vinyl was ready to answer her. As soon as Vinyl decided to open her mouth she was interrupted, “because this is the pony you’re going to be turning.”
“Wha… who is she?”
“She’s a purple pony, to whom you’re going to give the gift of eternal life. That’s all you need to know about her until tomorrow.” I had expected her to know what the element of magic looked like but apparently luck was on my side.
“Alright Caz, so what, you want me to just pounce on her in the middle of the woods?” Vinyl looked at me with doubt in her eyes.
“Yes that’s exactly what I want. Vix and I will be walking with her so I want you to attack when Vix changes her cutie mark. Speaking of which, you should probably change back to your other skin so Vinyl knows what to look for.”
The changeling transformed back into the beige mare with strawberry red hair. “What do you think of this body Vinyl? Personally I prefer it to that purple mare’s form.”
“Well I’ve always been one to go for a red mane.” I was wondering when Vinyl was going to go back to her casual self.
“Look at her cutie mark,” I didn’t need to tell her, she was already looking at her flank. “Watch for her to change it into a black heart, that’s your signal to attack.”
“Alright fine, but I'm not raising a fledgling all on my own."
"You wont have to worry about that. We're playing on staying in Ponyville for a while."
Vinyl sighed, "What time do you want me to be here?”
“Be waiting for us inside the forest at noon.”
