Chapters Anon has been living in Equestria for a week, and during that time he never told the ponies his real name. The ponies tried to get Anon to tell them his feelings, but he turned them all down. Twilight asked Anon about his past life, sure he responded but only with half truths. Nopony knew anything about Anon and were afraid he was keeping dark secrets, this only got worse when he blew Bon Bon's cover. Twilight didn't know how to help his friend Anon so she sent a letter to Princess Celestia requesting aid.
Her golden chariot arrived a day later, Anon met her outside. When Anon and Celestia met for the first time they both knew the other was wearing a fake smile. Celestia figured he must be up to no good, because she has never met another creature with such a false smile with so little emotions behind it. Anon on the other hand was very interested in Celestia, sure her smile was more genuine but it was still fake, Anon really wanted to learn about her and tried to make a good impression. "Ah, Celestia I assume. A pleasure to met you." Anon said as he bowed dramatically. "I heard that you came here to talk to me, please come in." Anon opened the door for her and followed her in afterwards. She then sat on a cushion while I sat on a stool. (Stools are better than cushions.) It was then that Celestia decided to talk.
"Anon, I have heard a lot about you recently."
Anon sarcastically replied."Nothing bad I hope?"
"No, not necessarily, I have heard that you keep to yourself and refuse to tell others about what you did to Bon Bon, It make me wonder why you refuse to speak of yourself."
Anon mulled this over a bit. "Well I find talking about myself pointless, I don't wish to speak of my past because I have secrets and so does Bon Bon."
The princess raised an eyebrow seemingly surprised. She dismissed the last statement. "Surely there is something interesting in your life that you could share with others."
"Hm, nope I simply exist, my previous purpose in life was to help humanity move forward."
Celestia looked questionably at you. "What is your purpose now?"
Anon could only think of one thing. "For now I wish to learn everything unique about this planet and it's inhabitants, but most particularly I wish to learn about all the magics in this land."
"All the magics you say." Celestia grinned. "Surely that doesn't include necromancy and other dark magics?"
Anon considered lying to her but decided he didn't care If it was a crime or not. "Yeah sure, magic is a useful tool, and like any tool they can be dangerous in the wrong hands."
Celestia was both surprised at my honesty and angry that I would want to learn such dangerous and disturbing magic. "Anon Dark magic and necromancy are evil, they can corrupt you!"
Anon raised an eyebrow at her outburst. "So says the princess of harmony, I would think that a harmonious country would learn how to include magics of all types and use them in harmony. Guess not."
Celestia ignored that statement and labeled it as nonsense. "Anon you need help, but don't worry I will find a way to fix you." Celestia got up and left. Hm it seems I misunderstood her, I figured she was at least similar to the understanding pony she is in the books. Anon pondered this while diving into more magic books.
Celestia didn't understand why Anon told her these things, but the things he said got her thinking. He wishes to seek out darkness, maybe he has been corrupted already? Should we use the elements on him and purify him of this darkness so he can live happily? Celestia put on a determined face and decided to gather Twilight and her friends.
Later in the day Anon found himself brought to Canterlot Castle's throne room. "Princess this is the second time we have met today, surely my presence isn't that alluring to you, is it?" Anon smirked on the inside at his illogical joke.
Celestia continued smiling. "Actually Anon I brought you here so I can help you."
Anon for the first time frowned in Equestria. "Celestia there is nothing to help, unless you wish to bestow upon me forbidden knowledge of magic."
Celestia gave a sad frown and used magic to hold Anon in place and open the doors to the side of her throne. "No Anon we won't let corruption take you, I was to late to save my own sister but I can still save you."
Anon tried to free himself to no avail, so he accepted whatever fate he had with a stoic face. Twilight walked up to him. "Don't worry Anon, once we remove your darkness you will be able to live a happy and normal life."
This only made Anon more unhappy. "Twilight emotions are pointless, why be happy when I can be rich and well fed?"
Twilight frowned and said. "Don't worry This will all be over soon. Once your purified you will be happy just like Luna." Twilight and her friends charged the elements of 'harmony' and blasted away Anon's darkness pushing it out of the castle and off the edge of the mountain. Leaving behind a overly emotional human that was only concerned with making himself happy and finding 'love'.
Afterwards the human called himself 'Jared' and went back to Ponyville with his new friends. He happily joked with them and told them all about his advanced planet. He told them that he got here in a magical accident and then cried when he remembered he will never see his family. His new friends comforted him before they all went home and went to their personal beds. ('Jared' decided to stay at Twilight's house.)
While this was all happening a dark mist was forming itself into a vaguely humanoid shape at the bottom of Caterhorn mountain.
It's strange, have you ever felt every cell of your body at once and then have your body ripped apart and put together again without feeling pain? That sums up what I felt except without the cells. I looked up. Yes I fell off a mountain, and no I'm not panicking. Panicking is pointless just like many other emotions. Normal people would ask themselves why they are a floating dark mist, me? I don't care. All I know is that I have another new purpose now, discover everything I can about this 'body' I have.
Author's Note
Edited this chapter to better with prequel. + Fixed some small unimportant mistakes.
Lot's of my ideas have potential, so tell me is this a bad idea?it's more than some other people do.
Please feel free to tell me it's crap, but it would be more useful if you can tell me specifically what makes it crap.
Lathran was watching Ponyville from the Everfree forest. He almost found it funny watching all the colorful ponies panic at his 'Suicide'. I did sorta kill myself back there, but was that murder or suicide in the law books? We were 2 parts of a being and were separated but I believe I could pull it off as a half suicide. Not that Celestia would allow me to go to court to plead for innocence in the first place. She wanted me 'purified' and that's what she got. I'm probably all of humanities sins and triumphs wrapped together in magic. Anyways enough about myself I have ponies to spy on.
This was the first reported murder in Ponyville the last 200 years! Twilight called in the assistance of Celestia for the second time this week to send investigators and to help set up a funeral. Twilight spent her morning drinking tea and rocking back and forth. This was just too much for even her to handle. Spike was trying to comfort as he always does, but couldn't do much for her detrimental amount of stress. They heard someone knocking on the door.
Spike got up. "I'll get it, just stay here and relax alright?" Twilight gave him a strained smile, but she couldn't bring herself to be happy yet. Spike walked up to the door and opened it to see a royal detective. The unicorn stallion had a grey coat, blue eyes and a silver chest-plate.
The detective cleared his throat. "You must be Spike. I was told there was a murder here."
"Yeah.. He's downstairs." He pointed to the stairs. "Second room down."
The detected set off to work investigating the murder scene. First he surveyed the area for physical damages, finding none he surveyed the local magic to see if there was anything unusual. "Bingo." He found strange leftover magic on the door and on Jared's throat. Using his horn he channeled the magic into a clear crystal for later study. All he knew about it was that it was grey and looked creepy. Finding no more evidence he went back upstairs and searched for more of the strange magic. He found some on the ground seemingly going in a straight line and curving around. He then found some more on the front entrance. He noted in his report where he found the magic residue before storing it away with the rest. Being done with that part of the investigation he started leaving for the door, he figured he could question them when they were more mentally stable. He took one last glance at the rocking Twilight before leaving.
Lathran wasn't surprised by the amount of pony investigators sent here. Throughout the town their had to be at least 12 ponies investigating this 'murder scene'. Many of them were probably questioning the locals about last night and many were surprised someone was murdered. I made sure to stay away from town, I wouldn't want to be spotted. After about an hour most of them left and so did I, there is only so much time I can waste on making sure they aren't tracking me. I decided to travel down the path to the ruins. 'Hopefully there is a ancient collection of knowledge.'
Eventually I came across a calm river. 'Does water affect me?' Thinking logically I 'lean' over the edge of the river and try to pick up the water. I find that water just flows through my hand like i'm oil. Deciding it's safe I float on over the water to the other side and continue down the path. After awhile I came across a bridge, in my old body I would have avoided using this bridge due to my mass, but now I don't have to worry because i'm as light as a feather now. Not worrying about a thing I hovered through the rickety old bridge. Continuing down the path for about a minute, the ruins came into full view.
'It looks half decent, I wouldn't mind living here.' Striding up to the door I tried opening it only to remember i'm physically weak and i'm basically incorporeal. Learning from my lesson I moved through the door and started searching through the castle. 'It was excessively tall, especially for ponies.' Did the princess want this for their ego or did the common ponies build it this way? Who cares. During my search I found a few interesting things like a few suits of full pony armor and a few shinny treasures. After 10 minutes of searching I finally found the library I was looking for and like everything else in the castle it was HUGE . There had to be about 1200 books here. I could spend months reading all of this, imagine all the useful things I might learn. Of course there's a few things I don't require right now such as knowledge how to cook or how to build a home, being incorporeal and all I don't really feel the need to sleep.
Deciding I have nothing better to do I started gathering books I was interested in reading on a table. Problem was I could only carry about 2 books at a time it took awhile not to mention the books that I had to hover up to reach. First I started with a few books on incorporeal entities and magic. I read and read through the entire night learning multiple things. Apparently incorporeal entities are commonly made of magic and can cast spells by draining their body but doing so may result in them 'dispelling' themselves. So theoretically I could cast magic if I gather enough of it. 'Nice to know.' It also spoke of how magic comes more naturally to beings made of magic 'Makes sense.' and that they cast it through intent and willpower. Reading through the magic books I found that it mostly just explains what they spell does and how it does it. They say if you understand the science behind a spell it makes it easier to cast it. Such as friction + wood + air = fire. I kept reading and reading waiting for time to pass away.
Eventually it was midnight and I felt empty for some reason, so I explored the ruins while thinking to myself.
After awhile I figured out what was missing. 'My other personalities, they're gone.' That was it, everything that was putting an emotional strain on my mind was gone. No more anger and no more bliss. But the more I thought about it, the more incorrect I feel. "I must rectify this problem by creating more... I just need an emotional base..."
Lathran was lost in thought trying to come up with a solution to his predicament. That was until he stumbled upon a set of silvery pony armor that caught his attention. He could feel the magic radiating off the metal like it was a bright light shining in his eyes. He got close to it and did the oldest known investigation technique, he poked it. As Lathran poked the mysterious he felt a presence in his mind. He retracted his finger. 'Could this be what I was looking for?' He decided he would at least study this object to learn of it's nature. So he laid his 'hand' on the armor and focused on his 'mindscape'. Eventually the presence in his mind spoke.
"Greetings wraith." She said in an angry tone. "Have thee cometh to take my magic away?"
Lathran thought about it. "I might have done that if I had the knowledge to do so. Sadly I do not."
The presence gave a mental smile. "You may be of use to me. How about we do a trade?"
"A trade you say, what is it?" Lathran asked.
"I will give you my magic and instinctual knowledge, but I get to hibernate within your mind." She spoke with the smallest hint of desperation.
"And what will happen if I decline."
The presence frowned. "Then I shall be left here forever to waste away, why wouldn't you take such a valuable resource?
"Good to know, how long will this hibernation last?"
"Why do you ask so many questions? Just take the magic already!"
"I ask these questions because I'm your way out, you rely on me to get anywhere, So tell me."
"Fine, it will last till I get sufficient magic to be sentient again, once I am sentient again I'll be like a secondary personality in your mind."
'Or one of many.' "I would gladly take your trade, in fact I will ask nothing more, hibernate away."
"R-really? Ok just allow me inside and I'll do the rest."
Lathran calmed himself and felt the presence seep further into his mind. It is far more feminine and angry than his creator, but It would be good enough for an emotional blueprint. Once the presence settled Lathran reinforced his mind. When that was settled he went into a nearby corner to 'meditate'. In his stoic demeanor, he called forth the instinctual knowledge granted by the new personality hibernating in his mind. Most of it is useless physical body functions that while interesting, was not useful at the time, after a few minutes he found her instinctual emotions. From this he created a replica and brought it out to a separate portion of his mind to modify it.
He split it into various emotional types and gathered all the anger and made a lesser personality with it. This personality would be used for whenever he had to replicate this emotion. Then he put all of the happiness and joy into another, it was far weaker than it's predecessor but it would do. Deciding that he wouldn't let the rest be useless he decided to create a sad personality and a lustful personality. He doubted the usefulness of these but decided that they may have a select few uses. The only 'problem' with these alternate personalities is that they were quite 'feminine' so they may cause stronger or weaker emotional reactions given the scenario. Especially with the lustful one.
Lathran never cared much about 'gender' but now that he lacks a solid form, it put the last nail in the coffin. He truly was gender less, in a way it reflects his logical personality perfectly, he never cared for sex unless it was for procreation or mutual benefit, never 'fun' he doesn't care for emotions they are tools.
Now that I finished creating lesser personalities I decided to go through the pony's instinctual knowledge. There were a few useful things, she instinctively knows how to cast certain spells like levitation and a magic bolt. I studied these techniques she used and casted them using the magic she gave me. These will be useful later. I then found her name, it was interesting to say the least there were two main ones, Luna and Nightmare Moon. I think I've read something mentioning her before. I decided to dive into the other interesting knowledge like quadrupedal movement and body shape. I found that I could easily recreate her large equine body using my incorporeal form, the magic I got from the pony must have made my form more 'solid' because my lower body didn't fall apart when I moved.
I decided to keep the equine form minus the wings for now, as to make myself look more native to this land and blend in better. I walked to the library in my new feminine equine body thinking of future interactions with the natives of the land, surely I could gain more 'friends' (Assets) somewhere in Equestria.
Lathran traveled to the library and read for the entirety of the night, ferociously studying everything he defines useful. While studying he came up with a secondary name that sounds less threatening and pony like for his secondary form. He called 'her' Shadow Sense. He felt this name would be satisfactory for his means. After agreeing with himself he continued reading through the library's books feverishly.
Author's Note
Tell me readers, is Shadow Sense a good name for a large ghostly unicorn mare?
Also feel free to comment on anything else.
'Shadow Sense' decided to quit studying and to set up plans for 'her' future. So 'she' got some parchment and wrote down some ideas.
~~plans~~
Daily preparations: Read magic books, have conversations with myself (Lathran vs Shadow Sense), study my own magical body and experiment with new spells. This procedure shall be sustained till I am 'comfortable' with my skills.
After preparations: Go to Dodge Junction (Shouldn't take more than 4 hours.), get 'identification' if that exists, get money / job and then go to Canterlot. Once in Canterlot, blend in with populous and gather as much magical knowledge as I can.
Notes: I heard of some sort of forbidden section in the Canterlot library, I shall try to find and read those books if I can do so with little risk to myself.
'Shadow Sense' put the parchment down and started her training. Weeks went by and during those weeks many things have happened. Firstly, for whatever reason someone pissed off a Ursa Minor, she heard it smash through the forest. Shadow Sense also found her form more agreeable as time went on. Not only that but she discovered a spell to modulate her voice to sound more 'normal' compared to whispers. During her study of her body, she discovered that indeed, her body was magic and she could turn part of her body into a spell permanently with little drain on her part. So she administered the voice spell to her incorporeal body to make a 'voice box'. Shadow Sense also incorporated small shield spells to help her form a protective cover over her form (So things can't go through her easily). it was done in multiple thin layers, not unlike plate mail, to help her seem more solid. On the final and 5th week Shadow Sense learned everything she could on illusions. Not once has she felt drained or tired, but she finally learned how to give herself a more pony like look, she made the last of her improvements.
'That's it, I finally did it.' I now had a perfect disguise for infiltrating the equines so I could get my Intel. With the illusion spell giving me the appearance of a darker indigo coat with dark purple eyes and hair, I could finally leave. 'Here I come Equestria, let us hope you don't blow my cover lest things go south.'
-Author's note for colors, these are rough estimates of the colors I see the character as.-
So Shadow Sense did exactly as she planned, she packed some gold she found in a sack and put it on her back before traveling east along the river. Along the way when she left the forest, she could see Dodge Junction, she decided that she will claim that she is a lost traveler.
While approaching the 'old fashioned' town Shadow Sense saw exactly what she was looking for, an elderly individual who probably knows their way around here. Shadow Sense approached the cherry loving mare.
"Hello."
"Why hello there, what can I do you for?" The mare asked.
"I got lost in the woods and ended up here, do you mind helping me find a job so I have enough bits to get back home?"
"Why of course, you see that tavern over yonder? It's your lucky day, it just opened a position for a new bartender."
"Thank you, I will be on my way."
Shadow Sense made her way to the worn down tavern and entered. On the inside it looked just as poor, she made her way to the current bartender and talked with them.
"I heard that there's a open position for bartender? Do you mind if I take the job for a few days?"
"Yeah sure thing partner, my name is Bitter Brew what's yours?"
"You may call me Shadow Sense, what do you want me to do?"
"Just stand right there *points hoof to his right* and refill the cups with cider when it gets busy."
"Understood."
The rest of the night was spent watching ponies drink cider and cherry juice (They did not get drunk) and having light conversations with Brew. The store closed when it got dark out.
"Have a goodnight Brew."
"Night Shadow."
After taking a payment of 25 bits I left the tavern and went silently and stealthily into the Hayseed Swamp behind Dodge Junction. I found a nice isolated patch of land and practiced spells through my fake horn. Then after an hour or two a random idea came into my head. 'If I am sentient magic with emotions and I can cast spells, can I cast sentient spells or even duplicate myself with enough magic?' I spent the next hour crafting another personality just like me but more subservient to me specifically. I then created a bubble of telekinesis magic and mentally 'cast' the personality into it.
I was actually surprised by what it did. It changed shape into another much smaller Shadow Sense and looked at me. I looked at it and said one thing.
"Jump once."
It followed my instructions to the letter. 'This is interesting, but has no use to me now, I need more magic and maybe I can make a 'sister'.
"Come here." I commanded again.
It walked to me.
"Let us merge."
So we did exactly that, I absorbed all the magic used in creating my miniature double and the personality that came with it. I stored that personality in my mind for use later. Deciding I haven't done enough physical magic, I played around with lethal blade arms in my 'humanoid' form. I then updated my form with thick shields for armor and changed the overall shape to be more solid, tall and spiky for intimidation value. All in all, it was a creative night i'm sure my new 'humanoid' form could scare these ponies shitless.
There was no sleep for Shadow Sense, there's no rest for the wicked.
Author's Note
Here's the new form, just ignore the robe and imagine the spikes being thicker and less common, like Sauron with more shorter spikes.
All credit for the art goes to DaveIgo.
(5) Wherein lies the journey
Before the sun has touched the sky with it's light Shadow Sense was at the train station, she was observing the prices for tickets. 'Only 10 bits for a private car to Canterlot, this will do' Shadow Sense then went to the tavern to 'keep up appearances'.
"Hey Brew you there?" I spoke.
"Yeah one minute, what's up?"
"I'm not gonna be here today, figured I would let you know in advance."
"Well that's to bad, I was starting to like ya, where you heading?"
"Oh just Canterlot, I heard they have good weather at this time of year." 'That was a lie.'
"I won't keep ya then, best of luck Shadow!"
"See ya latter Brew, good luck with the tavern business!"
As I was walking away I recounted the bits I got from work and the ruins. 'About 30, unless I counted wrong.' Making my way to the train station I got there just in time to buy the ticket before leaving.
"One private car please." I spoke as I gave the stallion his bits.
"Here you go ma'am."
I made my way to my private car without another word and sat down. There was even bread and butter, so for the sake of looking normal I took a single bite out of the bread. Not that I can digest anything, it will just be turned to ash via fire in my 'stomach'. So I sat down and watched the scenery through the window as it changed. 'Appleloosa, Ghastly Gorge, some river and Ponyville?' The town was a complete mess with flying insects everywhere, luckily the engine driver decided to skip Ponyville's stop for today in order to insure customer safety and drove right past them. One of the buggers got in my car, so I tore it's fragile wings apart and stomped on it. I absorbed it's mass and it had a surprising amount of magic in it, I just had to destroy the flesh to reach it. Eventually we went through the mountain and around it until we reached Canterlot.
I will admit, the contrast between the colorful train and the gold, purple and blue train station did distract me for a second. Trotting onto the yellow tiles I made my way outside the station and right into Canterlot. 'The magic in the air here is much thicker, maybe it's the ponies, or just the unicorns...' Anyways I arrived in what looks like a medium income area with fancy looking businesses and houses. Walking around I looked for a magical item store. 'Perhaps I can learn to enchant things.' Given about 20 minutes of walking and avoiding colliding with anyone I found what I was looking for. 'Night Light's magic emporium.' I opened the door and walked inside, observing the inside. 'Quaint, rich yet not spoiled. A perfect place to work, they have lots of merchandise to. A blue stallion with a moon cutie mark came from the back.
"Why hello there! I'm Night Light, what can I get you?" He said in what seems like his naturally energetic voice.
"I'm Shadow Sense, I was wondering if you could hire an apprentice, I can easily learn any spell you put in front of me."
"An apprentice you say? Say, did you go to Celesta's school for gifted unicorns?"
"No I couldn't get here when I was young, yet I am gifted none the less." I spoke.
"We will see about that, here read this book and try to get the spell on page 15."
I skimmed through the book to 15 and found it was a cooling enchantment, you put it somewhere fire proof and have it absorb all the heat, usually hanged from ceilings. 'relatively simple, conduction is a basic concept I learned in elementary.' So I picked up a metal rod, lifted it up in my magic and manipulated it by increasing thermal conductivity and increased the amount of time it took to reach absolute 0 by 5 times. (In layman's terms, I manipulated the metal so it takes in more heat before it think's it's hot.) 'There we go, it's already hot.' Holding the metal in my magic I called over Night Light.
"Your done already?"
"Yes it was a simple concept that I have worked with before."
"You mind if I take a look?"
"Go ahead." I say while passing it to him. "Told ya I could learn anything."
He looks to me and then back to the metal and again to me. "This looks almost like what someone would make after 3 years of experience!" He spoke as if I blew his mind. "You remind me of my daughter Twilight, she could do all sorts of things."
"So, am I hired?"
"Yes, yes of course your hired just go in the back and read page 20 on disenchantment to remove this spell."
So I went to the back with the book and the enchanted rod. But instead of 'dispelling' the magic I simply absorbed it. When I absorbed the spell, it's almost as if I learned everything about it in microscopic detail. I waited a minute before heading back out again. "Done." I said in a playful tone.
"That was quick, where did you learn magic?"
"I'm self taught, my family was very poor."
"That's sad to hear, what about your cutie mark, what does it mean?"
I look at my flank to see the two black swirls. "It shows my skill for absorbing information and then forgetting it latter if it's not a constant in my life, I know how heat transfer works, but I don't use advanced math every day, you get what i'm saying?
"Ah I see, well come back tomorrow and we can get you a job as a salesmare."
I started walking towards the door waving bye to him. "Bye Night Light, have a good day."
"See ya latter Shadow Sense."
'Lets see what else there is.'
Author's Note
-Start Author's Notes-
Snobby Canterlot pony names? Names for peculiar salesmares? Guard names? Suggestions are always welcome.
-End Author's Notes-
(6) Searching through Canterlot
Shadow Sense decided that the best course of action would to search around for sources of magic. The highest concentration of magic was in the castle so she figured she should try to explore it, should the guards allow her. Along the way she head the petty bickering that seems even more mundane and pointless than when humans did it. Eventually she could see the golden gates with pony guards.
Acting as if I was supposed to be there, I walked with purpose and pride. The guards ignored me and I started walking towards one of the many powerful sources of magic. Along the way there were a few curious guards, I was also absorbing quite a lot of the ambient magic out of the air. It was just so, plentiful. Eventually I came across a library and a guard stopped me.
"Excuse me ma'am, do you have a library pass?" The guard asked.
I checked my saddle bags as if looking for something. "Oh sorry I guess I lost mine, do you know where I can get another?"
The guard chuckled and replied. "You either have to get another from the princess or a high ranking Canterlot guard. How did you get it the first time?"
I smiled innocently. "Oh my friend in the guard gave me one, i'll have to ask for another. Ta ta."
I walked away memorizing the location of this archive as best I can. Then I came up with what was probably a bad idea. Walking into a closet when no one was looking, I changed my shape and color to something more guard like. Changing my fur to gray, giving myself a male voice and body, I decided to call this alter ego Silver Sword. Adding a set of false armor with thick magical shields in it. I left the closet and headed back to the guard.
I spoke first. "The captain wishes to speak to you, I was told to take your position." I did this with a stoic guard like demeanor.
The guard taped my solid 'false armor' and hummed. "Yeah sure, right away." He walked slowly to wherever the captain is.
As soon as the real guard was out of sight I went inside to look at what there was, there were many books some were advanced. But I couldn't leave with the books just yet, that would be suspicious. Then in a different room, I could feel the magic coming from it, sadly it was locked. Going from door to door, I learned about half of them have forbidden items and books in them. Memorizing all I can for later I left the archive and went back to a closet. I changed back to my normal form and left in search for other things.
Along the way I found the guard quarters, it was a fair distance from the archive. So if I broke in, the response would be slow. Maybe I could get a job as a guard, I would get lots of access and money, something to think of later. I continue to wonder the halls till I felt a presence magic density coming near. I tried walking away but It seemed to be following me faster. I changed my fur to grey and made my mane black, I scrambled my cutie mark to a black mess. Before sprinting eventually I felt the presence far behind me and I looked. It was princess Celestia, I knew I couldn't escape from her. So I stopped and waited for her.
As she was approaching with 2 guards I was thinking of what to do. 'I could easily lie to her face.' 'I could go to jail as a pony? Maybe.' But before I could think more she was before me, it took a lot of willpower to not absorb any of the magic radiating from her. Then she spoke, in a concerned tone.
"What are you?"
I actually had to think for a bit on that one. "I am a purified being."
Her eyebrows rose on that one."Why do you have so much magic?"
I decided to not say, she would likely kill me. "A magician never reveals her secrets."
Now she looks disappointed in me, does no one keep things from her? "Guards arrest.."
"Lathran." I said.
"Yes, guards arrest Lathran for suspicious behavior." She spoke.
The guards put shackles on my 'hooves' and walked me away. I got many stares from the ponies yet none recognized me, which is good. Eventually we arrived a the dungeon and I was put in a cage.
"Food will arrive in an hour at 2 PM. If you try to escape you will be charged with obstruction of justice." The guard said, before walking down the dungeon watching over other inmates.
I searched around my jail cell, there was a barred window, I looked through it and saw a deadly drop, for ponies. I shifted into a incorporeal form and slithered through the bars and gently glided to the ground before I started climbing up the mountain. It took roughly 3 hours to fall and climb back up, once I reached the top I changed form to Shadow Sense and acted as if nothing happened. 'I appear to be in the poor mare's district.' Looking around I could see worn down houses and cheap stores. I could also sense a singular powerful source of magic nearby. I trotted calmly to the source.
I came across a building full of junk, it looked like a store. The source in question was a evil looking amulet with a red and black design, it was covered with a glass dome. Looking around to make sure no one could see me, I changed to my intimidating human form. I then crouched to get inside before standing. As I was walking to the amulet a pony lit a light and walked in it was wearing strange clothing and glasses. It looked startled before speaking.
"May I help you traveler?"
I pointed to the amulet. "I want that."
"Ahh you have a keen eye, the alicorn amulet is the most mysterious and powerful of all the known magical charms."
"Yes and?" I asked.
"I'm afraid you can't purchase this, it is far to dangerous." He spoke in a mysterious and foreboding tone.
I came up with a witty response. "Ah you made the mistake that I want to buy it, no, i'm simply taking it, free of charge, understood?" I spoke in a threatening tone, that promised slow death.
"Ah um I wouldn't do that sir, it's against the law."
I ignored him and broke the container taking the amulet in my hand.
"Wait stop thief!"
I ran out the door and disappeared in an alley way. I looked at the amulet thinking of what I could do with this magic.
Author's Note
-Begin Author's Notes-
What do you think will happen next readers?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o494WLBFjj0
-End Author's Notes-
(7) Sudden change of plans
'I felt like a child once again, always changing my mind at a moments notice, but I am in a dangerous place, alone. With all this magic I could create a new base of operations, a small piece of land claimed solely for humanity. Not that I am very human anymore.'
I absorbed a small portion of the magic and put the amulet into a small shield bubble and hid the amulet within myself for safe keeping. 'No doubt the princess and her royal guard are looking for me. It is no longer safe here.'
Shadow Sense felt that the time for subtly is over and for there to be a bigger impact from her presence. Being a spy hidden in plan sight was not what she was good at, blunt straightforwardness was. She made her way to the northern edge of Canterlot to climb down the side of the mountain, making sure to keep an eye out for pegasus guards along the way. As she reached the bottom the sun started falling down the horizon. 'The darkness should make me harder to spot.' She proceeded north as the sky and land grew darker as the moon got higher in the sky. At around midnight Shadow Sense swam across a river, after crossing she continued several more miles on land before stopping.
'This is it. From here I can see Canterlot, Cloudsdale and Neighagra Falls, Yet a decent distance from the Frozen North. The perfect place for me to set up that isn't subtle yet won't immediately gather attention.' Gathering the magic from the amulet I sculpted a magical being made with the same personality I tested earlier in Hayseed Swamps. To make it seem more believable to non magical beings, I gave the magical creature stone parts (made with real stone) to make it look like a stone golem. Essentially I gave it a thick stone skin to cover it's magical insides. It looks like a living being of stone, it could also use the magic I give it to cast spells or change shape, but it won't do it unless it is necessary, if it's magic is used up it would 'die'. Basic levitation for moving it's parts is all it needs to do what I need it to do for now.
Using magic I altered the personality giving it the general idea of what I want it to do and build, then I copied the personality for more golems, I sent it on it's way before building another... By the time I created the 5th golem I felt mentally exhausted, so for once in a long time I took a break and watched as the golems work. They started digging a quarry and taking as much stone as they can out, they built pillars into the ground using their magically enhanced hands to mold and shape the stone to their needs as if it where just clay. Over time they built a large pile of stone to work with. I took some and made another two golems with it, the rest was being turned into large stone bricks by 1 golem while the rest mined for stone. I made the stone in these golems more compact and smooth, making them more symmetrical and solid, then I created a large solid stone shield for both of them on their left arms. I added as many small details as I could but kept it simple, It was for intimidation not style. After finishing the two guard golems I sent them on separate patrol paths around the quarry and working golems.
It was at this moment I had a great idea. He made 4 golems quickly out of dirt and 1 guard golem. After their creation she gave them very important goals along with extra magic. They are to go west to Galloping Gorge inconspicuously and find strong metals or gems. The dirt golems will rebuild themselves with the stronger materials, when they can no longer carry any more stronger materials they will come back. The guard golem is there to protect them and help mine the materials when the dirt golems aren't strong enough to dig them. I sent them on their way, hopefully when they come back they will be larger and denser.
I checked up to see how the construction was going. They had made about 14 'bricks' they were 10 feet long and 2.5 feet thick. They are stacking them like normal bricks and they had also made plenty of half bricks that were 5 feet long. The idea was to make a basic structure of 200x200 square feet area on the ground that was 120 feet tall. After the walls were built I would melt them together to make the structure sold before adding the roof / ceiling myself. Of course the golems would make the parts for me while I add the parts to the ceiling. It would essentially be a large rectangle of a building with a large door on one side, but that's all I needed for the near future.
As time passed The structure was about 25% done by the time the sun started rising. The mental strain from creating so many personalities in my mind was annoying. Each and every entity I created is almost as intelligent as me and obeys without question. I have no idea if I can bypass this strain, but that's a problem for later. Watching my subordinates work stoically almost reminds me of home. Something that I likely won't see again, but magic might solve this problem, I would not trust the likes of Celestia to send me back, she is too emotionally indisposed (Archaic definition).
So wherein lies the problem, I can either take what I want by force, or I could convince the ponies to give me what I want to get home, if neither are possible... I'm going to build an enclave powerful enough to contest any nation and wait for humanity to reach me, even if it takes centuries.
Author's Note
-Begin Author's Notes-
The image to help visualization of stone golems was found here.https://www.pinterest.com/pin/444449056961224894/
-Tracker-
--Collection group going to Galloping Gorge
Base is near Neighagra Falls, map is for those who don't know where the character's base is going to be.
-End Author's Notes-
Dousing Rod with the help of his fellow guards and the eggheads in the lab finally connected the dots. Not only was the strange magical residue found at the murder scene at Ponyville, it was also found in the jail cell where the prisoner escaped and more recently at a robbed store. Now all Dousing Rod had to do was turn in the report to Celestia to continue this investigation and track the murderer.
Celestia was enjoying her tea in the dinning room until the investigator came in. 'Hopefully this isn't more bad news.' The guard walked up before bowing.
"You may rise, what news do you have for the investigation today?" Celestia said.
"Well your majesty, we have evidence connecting the jailbreak, the murder and the robbery, we believe the pony you captured may also be the murder."
'Well, that's bad news.'
"But also your majesty, we learned that we could trace the path the murder took, it's almost as if they are using magic 24/7, we can track them down immediately with your permission."
'There's the good news.' "Ah, this is great news lead investigator. Have a team of royal guards track the murderer but don't engage, the murderer is to powerful to take down, find them and report back to me."
"Yes Princess Celestia, we will track them down immediately."
Shadow Sense decided that he no longer needed to waste energy wearing a disguise so the illusion was turned off and she transformed into the humanoid form, to give off a more leader like look. Lathran would've been proud of his work if he wasn't stoic. Having nothing of immediate importance to do, he sat there and contemplated future plans for golems and structures alike. 'The golems should naturally absorb magic from the air just like him, but is there such a thing as to much magic absorption?' 'Would having to many golems kill the land itself?' 'Grid formation structures should be good, just like the old cities, do I want organic citizens?'
There was to much to question. I mean, there doesn't appear to be to many negative effects on the land from his golems. 'It may be only 7 in the base right now, but 30 doesn't seem to much.' I started pondering mass production ideas, I could only think of one. 'Someone else making them.' I created another minion, this one is only made of magic, no solid parts. It's personality has all the information I used to make the golems. This wraith is a mist with many sharp spider like legs so it can easily move parts together and shape them with ease. It's body has no structure and can't be broken, it can only be moved with magic. I will call it a replicator, nice and simple. I shove a large portion of magic into it and order it to make 5 construction golems and 2 guard golems to help with construction and protection.
It may have used up a lot of the stone but I was happy with the results. Stone collection was doubled along with construction. This must be what it feels like to play RTS games in real life, it's a bit satisfying. I told the replicator to make 6 dirt golems to act as guards, they will be faster and act as cannon fodder. I'm glad this amulet is holding up, but it won't last forever, it would probably make a great pillar in the construction of my enclave.
As I waited for time to pass one of my stone guards caught my attention, then it spoke two words. "Pegasus pony."
I used my magic to read the personality and memories of the golem, it appears a searching party has found me. They left and did not engage. I am glad they were paying attention while I was thinking. '1 pegasus and probably some unicorns.' I wondered how they found me so fast... Oh well, let's hope that the ponies don't immediately try to destroy him. I shifted my body into a new form, it's the equivalent of a male alicorn, without the alicorn magic of course. Not that the ponies could tell the difference. It's roughly the same size as Celestia with the same coat colors and cutie mark as Shadow Sense.
[#201931 hex color for coat] Dark purple / indigo almost Luna like, but darker.
With this new form, I could easily strike surprise and obedience into ponies, I may even surprise anyone long enough to actually be able to speak to them. I got some construction golems to make me a throne with stairs leading up to it, I did not melt the pieces together because I didn't want the throne outside, but I did melt the seat itself into one piece. I then sat in the throne and ordered 2 stone guards to stand next to me on each side. Then I waited for the confrontation, after several hours I saw multiple flying ponies coming my direction with some carriages in tow. They landed about 40 meters out, the ponies all got out of the carriages to get into formation.
Then there was Celestia herself, she left a majority of he guards behind and brought 2 spear wielding guards with her. She walked calmly up while her guards seemed to be shivering in fear. 'Pathetic' I gave Celestia the full welcome.
"Celestia, it's great to see you, I'm sorry I don't have food prepared, I haven't set up any sort of agriculture yet."
Celestia was a little confused but spoke anyways. "I didn't know there was another alicorn, there haven't been any ascensions recently." She looked at me with a face telling me I'm a fake and to quit with the bullshit.
"Why of course there hasn't been an ascension recently, I'm not an alicorn, but this does not mean we can't be allies. My name is Lathran, don't wear it out."
'Allies?' Celestia thought. 'Not until he explains his crimes.'
"Tell me, why did you commit murder and theft in my nation."
I thought about that for only a moment. "Ah, you mean the murder of Anon yes? He was a threat to the planet in his unstable condition, I figured it was best to kill him before he spilled certain knowledge."
"What kind of knowledge?" Celestia asked.
"The kind of knowledge that could destroy planets and eradicate species without any effort, I didn't want my other half to spread knowledge that would lead to war and death. What if the griffons got hold of it?"
'That makes some sense, but what does he mean about other half?' "I'm sorry, did you say other half?"
"Exactly, you purified Anon right? I'm the half that got removed, left behind was an unstable human with dangerous knowledge. I would know, he likely had multiple personality disorder since I was no longer there to contain them. Imagine if he had a fit of rage and killed one of your subjects? I felt it better to kill him before he caused a scene."
'That is, dark, Anon wasn't my subject and it may be unfair to him, but I can't lose my ponies over the unstable half of an alien.' Celestia thought.
"I would also be willing to sign a peace treaty here and now along with a mutual defense pact. I have much to offer in exchange for peace and knowledge." I spoke again.
"What about the robbery?"
"Ah yes, I needed that amulet to jump start my enclave, I would gladly pay back tenfold when I can along with a formal apology."
'That isn't enough to trust him.' "I demand that you give it back, I will return the property to it's rightful owner. You can't be trusted with it."
I give the amulet to her. "I apologize for any inconvenience I may have brought upon you. Lets not have this get in the way of peace."
Celestia teleported a piece of parchment in front of her and wrote down a treaty before passing it to me. Using my magic I picked it up and signed it, but not before reading it. I passed it back to her. 'She can break the treaty whenever I become "evil" or commit anymore crimes, so no murder for self protection.'
"May our peace bring much fortune to us both." I said while waving goodbye.
"Yes may our peace last forever, Lathran." She spoke while walking away. 'If he commits more crimes, he's going in the garden, too dangerous to give more than a second chance.'
I sat on my throne and watched as Celestia and her army gathered and left to Canterlot. I am glad I have time to bide my plans.
Author's Note
-Begin Author's Notes-
These two chapters may seem sudden, what do you think about the change in direction?
-Tracker-
--Collection group going to Galloping Gorge
-End Author's Notes-
Without the amulet it would take much longer to set up an enclave. Natural magical absorption is slow and tedious, to make progress I would need more wraiths and golems to absorb magic. Golems absorb less, but have more of an effect on the physical world. Wraiths are purely magical in nature and need to cast spells to effect anything physically, usually with shaped shields and levitation but they absorb more magic. I decided that I should have a spell connected to all my golems/wraiths tracking their magic levels, so that I may take what magic they don't need. I took the magic the golems didn't need and put half of it into my wraith replicator, I gave it new instructions by altering it's personality and adding new information. I gave it plans for a new unit to add to my numbers.
Due to the lack of magic we needed magic batteries of some sort, so I had the replicator make some, they were relatively simple and artistic. A carved stone with symbols carved through the entirety of it, the symbol would go through it and to the other side like a tunnel. It was also hollowed on the inside. The replicator put it on top a circular stepping stone. Then it was given a wraith to posses it much like a golem, except it can't move, then it wraith changed colors to purple giving it a strange glowing effect. The purpose of this obelisk was to stay there and absorb magic from the air, it would use up very little of it and wait to be absorbed by me or replicators. I had my replicator make a total of 4 of these, I had to keep a close eye on it to make sure it didn't run out of magic before it was done.
Seeing that I now have batteries to get magic stored and collected, it would be a lot less likely that I wouldn't have magic when I needed it for an emergency. Checking back up on the structure it was almost done. So I started melting the pieces of my new home together, chunk by chunk, by the time I was done I only needed to add the roof and attached them as my golems fetched new pieces. There was now a fairly large hole in the ground and a bland looking structure. I added a pillar in the center for structural integrity. I was exhausted from the magical drain on my being, so I gave my construction golems commands to improve their quarry and to make it more structurally stable and easier to gather from, I wanted the quarry to be like the modern ones from earth, simple, large and easy to use ramps.
Then I had my 2 personal guards move my throne in the building so I could melt in down in place before sitting down and closing my 'eyes' and 'resting'. I simply sat there in peace for what felt like an hour before thinking of what else I wanted to do. 'Fresh supply of stone, sent team to get strong materials, magical batteries and a house. What more do I need?' I sat there and thought about politics and what I could do to seem more peaceful to the ponies to gain their admiration and respect. I could only think of a few things, but I decided the easiest option is the best. 'A public announcement declaring to do Celestia's bidding in exchange for peace between her people and my loyal minions.'
Absorbing the spare magic my golems and batteries had I left on my way to Canterlot, this time I took the steps. I stayed in my pony form and slimmed down my personal guards forms making them less thick and more human like, yet still made of stone. Then I cast illusions on them making them look like they wear golden shoulder pads and a chest plate. To give them a more 'Royal guard look.' I then gave myself a kingly robe made with a flexible magic shield and illusions. I did away with the wings and remained a unicorn, quite a large one. Before continuing up the stairs, eventually I reached a checkpoint with guards.
"Halt, what business do you have here?" The guard said.
"I wish to speak with Celestia personally, send her a message saying Lathran wishes to speak with her."
The guard seems to think I am joking, but sent the message anyways. After a few minutes the guard received a message back, he diligently read through it before turning back to me.
"Right this way Lathran."
I followed him up the long path to Canterlot for several minutes without speaking a word, my guards remained by my sides and slightly behind me at all times. After awhile we reached Canterlot proper and went past some large golden gates after the guard spoke with his fellows. After we passed the gate I now had an escort of 4 Royal guards leading me to the Castle. Many ponies looked at me with either fear or jealousy, some looked like they wanted me for my money. But most of the ponies just ignored me as if I was common, visiting royalty from other nations probably are common in Canterlot.
After minutes of walking we reached the castle, the guards at the door parted way as we headed for the throne room. The door opened and there she was, Celestia and all her glory sitting on her throne. She dismissed her guards and I sent mine to guard the inside of the entrance.
"Greetings Celestia, I thought it would be best if we got public relations settled early. I was wondering if I could become a lord and pledge allegiance to you and protect our land."
"I will consider it, but would you tell me what creatures inhabit your land and tell me what you are as well?"
"I am a wraith your highness. My fellows I created myself, they are diligent wraith workers in golem forms. I know your kind frowns upon golems and wraiths but mine are more intelligent than your average magical entities."
"Prove it." Celestia simply asked.
I pointed to a guard and order it to stand close to Celestia. "Go ahead and give it orders princess, he is now yours."
She looked at me questioningly before looking at the golem. She brought a pie out and gave it to the golem. "Throw this pie at your fellow guard."
The guard turned without question and threw the pie directly the the others face, it slowly wiped it off with it's hands. All the while Celestia almost looked like she was going to break character but she regained he senses. "Yes these golems seem to have understood the concept without explanation, they could be very versatile."
"I could offer more of these golems free of charge, they will follow your orders to the letter, all I ask in return is the land I claimed and possibly the title of lord."
'That, is very generous, it's not like I plan to use that land anytime soon. I could even keep my little ponies out of danger with these new smart golems.' "Deal, I will make a public announcement tomorrow, I will tell the ponies you are a local lord who claimed land who offers smart golems. I'm sure the nobles would love a few. Just send a few my way to test on."
"Thank you Celestia, I shall not disappoint you."
I left the two golems with her and made my way back home with the royal escort.
Author's Note
-Begin Author's Notes-
Remember I have no idea what i'm doing, any constructive criticism is great.
-Tracker-
--Canterlot
--Collection group going to Galloping Gorge
-End Author's Notes-
(1) The end is just a beginning
I studied my new 'form' and came to a conclusion. 'The Anon facade is dead. I will need a new name now. May he forever rest in peace.' Anon was our combined form I guess you could say we had a split personality I was the dominant one I was stronger than him. I will call myself Lathran . Yes it suits my new form comfortably. 'Now lets try changing my form.' I spent several hours trying different forms and densities, I also discovered that I can pick up lightweight objects like feathers and break them down to add solidness to my form. Eventually I had my torso, arms and head done, but my legs refuse to remain as long as I move. I spent the whole night learning how to use my form. I can shift around trees and create blades from my body and even control them from a few feet away until they fade away and come back to me. Then the sun came up, it seemed brighter and more irritating than before.
I decided it is time to see if I can find source of knowledge. As they say knowledge is power. So I started traveling through the forest towards the southern edge. I came across a few curious creatures along the way. One cockatrice stared at me, I slit it's throat and started to see what I could learn from experimenting on it's body. I tried absorbing mass from it and it was surprisingly easy, it took about an hour but I was able to absorb it's blood and turn it into the mist that makes my body more solid and leaving a empty husk behind. I felt maybe 5% stronger than before but nothing too noticeable. I tried filling the body with my essence and willing it to come to life and serve me. Eventually I found it's 'spirit', it's much weaker than mine. So I gave it some essence I bound it under my control. Looking at it I can see it's a dark purple compared to my dark grey. I prodded at it and found that I was much less solid than even me. I tried to command the cockatrice specter but it didn't seem to understand. So I force-ably took it's essence away and allowed it to die.
I turned away and spoke. "The more you know the easier it is to thrive." My voice comes out more like a whisper in the winds rather than casual speaking. I continued on my merry way until I hit the southern edge of the forest. Over the hills I could see the start of Sweet apple acres, those apples were pretty good, but I can no longer eat them. I 'sat' on the edge of the forest waiting for the time to pass and then I finally realized. 'Do I need to eat?' 'Or am I dead?' Both of these are genuine questions I have no answer for. Not that it matters much, if I am dead i'll just continue as per usual. Then I asked myself a more important question. 'Should I kill the human?' He does have my memories and can ruin this world irreversibly. He is foolish enough to think I don't exist, I will kill him for the safety of me and the inhabitants of this world. I don't want that fool to introduce weapons to this world even if he was forced to do so. Tis to much of a risk to let him live.
Night fell and I exploited my dark shape-shifting form. I crawled in corners, cracks and crevices, up until I reached Twilight's house. I look through the windows to find Twilight upstairs sleeping with a book. (How cute.) I slid through the cracks around the door not making a single sound and started going down the basement. I found the spare room I used to sleep in to find my 'better half'. He was sleeping soundly with a smile on his face, it was revolting to look at my previous body and see real emotions displayed on it. It was as if he just wanted to insult me and did this on purpose. I used my mass to form a sharp dagger and moved it over his jugular. I whispered in my quite voice. "The end is just the beginning of another tale. A tale that will last generations." Then I formed a solid hand to cover his mouth with and slit his throat with the dagger. The only sound he could make was gurgling sounds as he tried breathing through his neck only to choke on his own blood. Once he was silent I absorbed his blood into my essence and walked towards the door. I looked back to his shriveled body. "Goodbye, may you find peace in your false afterlife." I turned back to the door a shifted through it to head back upstairs.
Reaching the top of the steps I found the dragon spike shifting through books, well until he looked in my general direction. He looked scared but he probably didn't know what was in front of him considering it's about midnight. Spike slowly opened his mouth. "H- hello, anypony there?" Heh best make him think this is a nightmare, or things might go south fast.
I slithered across the ground and whispered behind him. "I AM A MONUMENT TO ALL YOUR SINS." He squealed like a pig and ran upstairs jumped on on Twilight's bed and cowered. I left outside and started going south towards the Everfree forest, not bothering looking back or taking my time.
Twilight woke up not long latter to find spike cowering next to her on the bed, she tried to comfort him but he kept babbling about a ghost haunting him for his sins. So Twilight did what any reasonable pony would do and lit candles like a nightlight and pretended to search the library to make Spike more comfortable before they both finally went to bed. When they woke up in the morning Spike made breakfast and Jared wasn't up yet, so he went down stairs and found his corpse. To say he screamed loudly enough to wake up the whole neighborhood would be an understatement. Needless to say, they both cried and vomited that day. Lathran was proud to be able to save the ponies from his unstable and dangerous half.
Author's Note
Any opinions would be nice.
