Chapters ‘Welp, here goes nothing,’ I thought as I walked through the doors and into the crowded halls of one of the biggest gaming and pop culture conventions in the country.
I was finally ready to show off my magnum opus; a to-scale Silent King Szarekh suit without the Sanguinus mask and scythe. I've invested more time and energy into this project than is probably healthy, having spent almost every free moment of the last few years pouring myself into it.
Unlike the blocky skeletal forms of traditional Necron units the Silent King was described as being almost organic in appearance, though I kept a few things from overlords, and from scraps and hints in the lore, plus a few long forum discussions, I elected to use a nearly gray faded purple heavily accented with dull gold as the color pallet.
Standing at full height put me near eleven feet tall, though I hunched down closer to nine and a half to move indoors easier. The scythe's shaft approached nine and a half feet long with a three foot blade.
All of the symbols on the suit, the eyes, and parts of the scythe, including the blade, glowed in the traditional violent green of the Necron.
Overall the suit was rather intimidating and earned many a second glance. I did have trouble with doors, but thankfully the organizers were more than willing to make a workaround for me.
The first two days of the week-long convention passed by in a blur of activity, entertainment and poor budgeting.
Things took a turn for the weird near the end of the third day, though.
I was lumbering my way through the crowd when a glint caught my eye.
I made my way to the stall, which was manned by someone resembling the merchant from Resident Evil 4.
“Szarekh the Silent King, eh? An impressive rendition, I must say. So, stranger, what catches your eye hm?”
Scanning the table I saw many items I recognized and even more I did not. Eventually my gaze found a pair of oddly shaped tachyon arrows and the bane of many a tabletop army; a resurrection orb.
Pointing at the items I asked, “How much?” my voice metallic thanks to a voice modulator.
“Hmm,” he cocked his head in thought, “one fifty for the tachyon-gauss arrows.”
‘Tachyon-gauss arrows? Never heard of those.’
“Aaand the Orb of Infinity is… two hundred,” my eyebrows rose at the name, and the cost. “Buuut,” he said before I could say anything, “since you went through all the time and energy to make that outfit, I'll give ‘em to you for half price. Whaddaya say?”
‘That's more than half my remaining swag budget, but considering the cost of the rest of my outfit, it's kinda hard to find a good reason not to. Fuck it, when will I ever see something like this again?’
Nodding I spoke, “I'll take them.”
I pulled my card from a hidden pocket behind the sternum plate of my suit and payed for my new accessories.
Having nowhere to put my purchase, I propped my scythe on one shoulder before clipping the tachyon-gauss arrows to my wrists and grabbed the scythe before picking up the Infinity Orb.
As I stepped away from the stall, the world around me shifted and my vision swirled with impossible shades of purple and white.
POV: Szarekh
I awoke the same way a light is turned on, nothingness and then awareness, which is somewhat disconcerting.
The first thing I saw was a blue sky dotted with clouds.
‘Strange, if I fainted I should be in the hospital.’
I sat up and looked around. I was in grassy field a short way outside of a forest.
‘Where am I?’
I looked down a myself and saw that I was still in my costume. I went to remove the head of the costume, but as I grabbed it both my face and hands felt contact with metal.
Examining my hands I couldn't find the seams or joints that held the suit together. I poked an experimental finger into my other hand and flinched at the sensation of metal against my skin.
Looking myself over I noted that all the holes I'd used dark cloth to disguise were now open, I could see clean through to the surrounds.
I closed my eyes and tried to calm a rising panic, then I sensed something off. It took me a few moments to find out what it was that was wrong; I wasn't breathing, I had no heartbeat, I couldn't even move my mouth!
Fear raced through my mind, before a coldness clamped down on it. The feeling was like a cool damp towel draped over a feverish heat.
Opening my eyes, or rather, reactivating my optics, I decided to take stock of my situation.
I looked myself over once again, this time with a calm, appraising eye. My new body was spotless, the shining image of Necron regality, the tga's (tachyon-gauss arrows) attached neatly to my wrists. Another addition was a small pouch made of woven necrodermis hung at my waist.
Turning my gaze afield I spotted my scythe and the Infinity Orb by my side. Rising to my feet, I grabbed the scythe and orb, which I stowed in the pouch.
Figuring I'd likely find a river or town near the forest edge, I started walking.
I'd been walking for what felt like a few hours when I heard shouting and a scream. I bolted in the direction of the sound, quickly coming to the source.
What I saw was nothing short of heinous; near a wooden cart lay two equines in pools of blood, their throats slashed, as a third, smaller one backed away from a group of five bipedal canines, whom were chuckling and murmuring among themselves, savage smiles on their faces.
Two of the dogs held bloodied knives while a third, who appeared to be the leader held a crude crossbow.
An instant after observing the situation, rage streaked through me.
I exploded into motion lifting my off hand to aim the arrow at one of the knife wielding dogs while my right hand drew the scythe into a ready position.
I felt a wave of power surge down my arms, the arrow pointed at the dog fired a bolt of viridian energy that wiped it from existence in a cloud of glowing ash.
My scythe thrummed with power as I reached the leader. A single swing of my blade cleaved his head from his shoulders.
A single step put me in arms reach of the other knife wielder.
I wrapped a bone crushing hand around his head as my scythe lashed out towards the fourth dog.
The last dog caught a gauss blast as he scrambled to flee.
The fight, if not a slaughter, was over in a few seconds, leaving three corpses and two scattering piles of ash.
Calm rushed back to me as I looked around for the smaller equine, which I assumed was a child, fearing it had fled into further danger. A tiny whimper from under the cart filled me with relief and dread.
Electing to work out how the child would be cared for later, I planted my weapon blade first in the dirt, and strode slowly towards the cart.
POV: Harvest Moon
I squeezed my eyes shut and tried to stay quiet so the mean diamond dogs wouldn't find me.
A bright green light flashed and there was a hissing, crackling sound.
I curled up tighter and tried not to make a sound, but a small sob slipped out.
Soft steps were the only sound I heard, until, “Child,” a strange, gentle voice called to me, “are you hurt?”
Keeping my eyes closed, I shook my head, “Uh uh.”
“I'm glad,” he said, “can you come out from under there? I swear upon my honor that nothing will happen to you.”
Cracking my eyes open, I slowly crawled from under my daddy's wagon.
There, sitting on the ground, was a weird creature with pretty armor, its eyes glowed a brilliant green, and I swore its mask had a gentle smile.
“Greetings, child,” the stranger said, “my name is Szarekh, it is an honor to meet you.”
POV: Szarekh
“M-my name’s H-harvest Moon,” the child spoke in an almost whisper.
I smiled mentally and nodded slowly, hoping my time volunteering at various orphanages would aid me, “That is a very pretty name, little one. Where do you live, miss Harvest?”
“I-I live in Ponyville.” she murmured.
“Oh? That sounds like a lovely place,” I said, trying to direct the conversation to getting her to a safe place. “Do you have any friends there?”
She nodded lightly, and I noticed her shaking subsiding, “Uh-huh, my bestest friend Dinky!” she answered brightly, “She's super nice and lots of fun! Mommy and daddy u-used t-to…” she trailed off, sniffling.
Seeing my mistake an instant too late, I reached out a hand, resting it gently on her shoulder. The moment I did she burst forward and wrapped her forelegs around my torso as best she could.
Not knowing what else to do, I stroked her head softly as she sobbed into me, murmuring what comfort I could.
We stayed that way until Harvest had stopped crying and had fallen asleep.
Seeing the sun was setting, I decided to let Harvest sleep while I try to get her home.
I picked her up and, gently as I could, laid her on the front seat of the cart. I then picked up the bodies of her parents and loaded them into the back.
I retrieved my scythe and tried to work out how to carry it on my person to free up my hands, as I did so, the scythe collapsed into itself until it was small enough to hang from my hip.
Stowing my weapon, I returned to Harvest, who was squirming and whimpering in her sleep. I hooked myself up to the cart and lifted the sleeping child, before walking back in the direction the group had come from.
Though I could have covered the distance in a fraction of the time, I chose a smooth walking pace through the night to ensure Harvest could rest.
As such we only reached the town shortly after dawn, though I noted that several of the natives had already begun their day.
I'd stopped for a moment shortly before sunrise to cover the bodies of Harvest's parents. I'm glad I did as she'd woken up soon after and asked to sit on the front of the cart.
I still thank the stars for the reflexes that came with my new body. I spotted a blue winged equine streaking towards me and readied to catch them.
I took a step back and curled in, wrapping my arms around them to cushion what would have been a bone shattering impact.
Looking down at the equine in my arms, I cocked my head and spoke jovially, “Greetings, miss,” I could see that she was female, “I am Szarekh, it is a pleasure to meet you!”
Behind me I could hear Harvest giggle.
“Hello miss Dash!” she called.
‘If only I could smile, or sigh.’
Miss Dash was struggling against me, so I gently put her down, where she immediately flew up to my face, “What do you think you're doing you freak?” she yelled aggressively, “You here to terrorize my town? Well you’ll have to go through me first!”
Any amusement I felt with the situation vanished.
I responded with a less friendly tone, “Miss Dash, I am here to return young Harvest Moon here home and settle some private matters with the town leadership, please stand aside that I may go about my business in peace.”
She snorted derisively, “Sure, and next thing you'll say you're some kinda knight or something.”
“King actually,” I replied, “though that was a long time ago, now I'm just Szarekh.”
Her eyes bulged at the absurdity of my words.
I just walked past the stunned mare and into the wide streets of Ponyville.
Author's Note
I honestly have no idea how to write about a traumatized child, so if I get something wrong feel free to tell me. Any advice is appreciated.
(I've gone back and tweaked the chapter.
Let me know if it helped.)
POV: Szarekh
The town was quiet as I walked through the streets.
It took me a few minutes realize that I had no idea where I was going, “Harvest?” I called over my shoulder, “Could you perhaps guide me to your home? It appears that for all my many talents, getting lost is still my greatest strength.”
She giggled and hopped off the cart and led me to a quaint home near the middle of town. I hummed in approval, “A lovely home you have here, little one. I do hate to ask this of you, but I have some rather unpleasant business to attend to with the local authorities and I need you to stay here while I deal with it. Can you do that for me?”
She nodded hesitantly, and motioned for me to come closer. I knelt down and drew near, and received a warm, desperate hug, which I gladly returned, “I'll be back as soon as I'm done, alright? I promise on my ancestors memory.”
I waited for her to enter the house before turning and pulling the cart toward the town center.
It took the better part of half an hour to reach the center of town.
I stopped for a moment and scanned around.
The town was laid out radially, with large through roads extending out from the center and smaller streets branching off of those. The central area consisted of a large open plaza surrounded by various stores and restaurants, with small vendors running stalls dotted around. In the middle of the plaza was a tall circular building with a sign hung above the door that read, in neat, friendly writing; ‘Town Hall.’
I tried to use an old calming method I'd learned to brace myself for the unpleasant business I was about to undertake. As it happens it is difficult to do a breathing exercise when one does not breathe.
Now even less calm than before, I walked up to the building and released the cart.
Leaving it near the entrance, I lowered almost to my hands and knees to pass through the doorway before walking up to the reception desk.
I attempted to swallow before speaking, “Excuse me,” I began, catching the attention of the mare at the desk, “I need to speak to the local governmental representative. If you could direct me to their office, I would be most grateful.”
By the time I'd finished her eyes were wide and her pupils were like pinpricks. She lifted a trembling hoof and pointed to a door behind her with a brass plaque.
“My sincerest thanks,” I said, nodding.
I knocked on the door and waited. A few moments later a female voice called out, “Come in!”
I once again stooped through the door and examined the room. It was a somewhat plain affair, with an ornate desk with a title plate denoting her as mayor in the middle, and various small decorations. The mare sitting behind the desk had a tan coat and a graying mane,she wore a pair of green glasses, and a starched collar with a ruffled neck tie.
“Greetings, ma'am, my name is Szarekh,” I introduced myself, “I wish we could have met under better circumstances, but I'm afraid I must be the bearer of tragic news. Do you know a filly named Harvest Moon? She has a navy coat, bright white mane, and amber brown eyes.”
The mare had looked terrified of my appearance, but as I spoke her expression shifted to a serious one.
“Is she okay?!” the mayor demanded.
I raised my hands placatingly, “She's unhurt, however she and her parents were attacked most of a day's walk outside of town. They did not survive the attack.”
“Do you know what attacked them?” she asked.
I nodded, “A group of five bipedal canines. When I arrived on the scene I found them standing over the bodies whose throats had been cut. I saw Harvest trying to hide under their cart, and engaged the canines. Once they were dispatched I focused on returning her home safely, and recovering her parents’ remains for proper treatment and ceremonies.”
The mayor sighed heavily, “Where are the remains now? I'll need to confirm their identities, and have the bodies processed properly.”
“They are in the cart, I left it near the front of the building, and covered them as best I could. If you could lead me to the local morgue I will gladly complete any paperwork that is needed.”
She gave a satisfied nod, “Follow me if you would.”
We made our way outside, where I reattached the cart and followed the mayor to the local hospital.
POV: Mayor Mare
I struggled to keep my composure in the intimidating presence of the being next to me. Every time I looked at it I felt as though one wrong move, one thoughtless word, would bring its wrath down upon me.
I about jumped out of my coat when it spoke with that strange metallic ring in its voice.
“Oh my,” it began in a conversational tone, though its face didn't change from its fierce scowl, “it seems as though, in all this unpleasantness, I have not asked your name.”
‘Keep your cool, keep your cool.’
“ I'm Mayor Mare.”
“A pleasure to make your acquaintance. Now, I must ask, who will take care of Harvest Moon, with her parents gone?”
Raising a brow, I looked at him out the corner of my eye. He was looking directly at me. “That will depend on several factors, and will be handled by Foal Protective Services. If she has any family they will be interviewed for suitability, if they don't find any or find them unsuited, she will be cared for as a ward of the Princess until such a time as she is adopted.”
Szarekh hummed in understanding, “I see, is there a way that I may be able to take her in? I made a vow upon my ancestors names and to my people such a vow is enforceable upon pain of death. I understand that this was likely a promise I should not have made, but I shall uphold it to the end of my being.”
I stared at him, trying to find any insincerity in him. He stood proud, head bowed, one of his hands curled on his chest as though he held his own heart.
I felt a hint of a smile at his dedication to poor Harvest, “I'll see what I can do. If no family is found I will mention you as a candidate.”
He stopped dead in the road, turned to face me fully, and bowed deeply at the waist, “That means more to me than I can say. If you ever, ever need something of me, you need but to ask and I shall do whatever is within my power to grant it to you.”
I blushed slightly at the rather extreme reaction, “We should keep going, I don't want somepony to see us and cause a panic.”
“Of course, lead on, Madam Mayor.”
POV: Harvest Moon
I was getting scared by how long it was taking mister Szarekh to come back.
‘Is he going leave me here all alone? Did he just say those things so that I wouldn't follow him?’
These and other awful thoughts raced around my mind until I couldn't think of anything else.
Tears poured down my cheeks, fear ate away at my heart and I ran out of the house.
I didn't get very far before I barreled into somepony, “O-oh no, I'm so very sorry, I didn't see you there!” she apologized fervently, “A-are you alright? Did I hurt you? O-oh dear I did, didn't I? I'm sorry, please don't be mad, but if you are I completely understand. I-I'll just go and-”
Before she could get any further into her self loathing I wrapped my hooves around her and sobbed into her coat. She tried to ask what was wrong, but I couldn't string enough words together to explain anything.
The mare I was clutching began singing a gentle song and I felt myself calming down.
I sniffled one last time, before letting go of the nice mare. I looked who it was, and saw it was miss Fluttershy, she takes care of all the animals that live near Ponyville.
“N-now, why don't you tell me what's wrong, maybe I can help, i-if that's what you want?”
I nodded, and told her that I needed to find mister Szarekh, and that he said something about talking to the pony in charge of Ponyville.
“O-okay, why don't we go to town hall a-and see if your friend is there, b-but only if you want?”
“Uh-huh, let's go.”
When miss Fluttershy and I got to town hall, we asked the receptionist mare if mister Szarekh or the mayor were there.
She told us that a polite monster had come in to talk to the mayor, but they left a little while ago to the hospital.
“Do you w-want to go to the hospital and see if mister Szarekh is there?” miss Fluttershy asked.
“Mm-hmm,” I mumbled miserably, as worry started creeping back into my mind.
“O-oh dear, don't worry, I'm sure we'll find him soon! I'll stay with you u-until we find him, promise,” she said, wrapping me in a warm hug.
I hugged her back, before we let go and started walking to the hospital.
POV: Szarekh
The mayor led me to the local hospital in short order and directed me to wait outside while she retrieved a member of the nursing staff to take me to the morgue entrance.
A few minutes later the mayor returned, followed by a mare in a nurse’s uniform.
The nurse stumbled and gasped upon seeing me. Closing her eyes, she shook her head and composed herself, “I understand you have two deceased adults, one male and one female?” she questioned, her voice calm and professional.
“Correct, cause of death appears to be exsanguination due to a deep laceration to the major arteries of the neck. They were likely dead within a minute of the initial cut. I arrived after the fact and dispatched the perpetrators before collecting the bodies and young Harvest Moon and coming here. Speaking of, do you know a decent therapist or psychiatrist for her? I worry about how this might affect her.”
The nurse nodded, “I'll give you the details of a good trauma therapist I know once we've finished here.”
“You have my thanks.”
During the conversation we had reached the morgue, and taken the corpses inside.
“Everything seems to be in order, we'll have to check the registry to confirm their identities.” she pulled out some papers from a drawer in the front desk, “You'll need to sign these, they declare that you brought in victims of a violent crime and are willing to comply with the local guard. They'll also need a contact address if they need you for further questioning. I must also insist that you remain at the hospital for a statement.”
I nodded gently grasping the quill on the desk and signed my new name in the forms.
“There is one thing,” I said, looking to the nurse. “Could you send someone to check on Harvest Moon? I left her in her home whilst I was dealing with all this unpleasantness and I fear she should not be alone.”
The mayor nodded, “I'll have somepony visit the house immediately.”
I watched her walk outside and disappear into the town. I followed the nurse back to the main hospital building and stepped inside. I shifted next to the door and out of the way before sitting down with my knees tucked to my chest, my arms across my knees, and my head resting on my arms. I settled in my position and deactivated my optics, allowing the quiet bustle of the foyer to continue around me.
There was the occasional gasp of fright or murmur of confusion as I waited for the guard to arrive.
POV: Harvest Moon
Miss Fluttershy and I walked into the reception of the hospital. We made a beeline to the front desk and I asked if they saw mister Szarekh.
The nurse pointed to the door, “Over there.”
We turned around and saw him sitting next to the door, looking at us.
Miss Fluttershy screamed almost silently and fainted.
“Huh,” was mister Szarekh's deep, rumbling response. “I was not expecting that.”
I bolted to him and hugged him as tight as I could.
“Harvest?” he asked, “Are you alright? Did something happen?”
I sniffled a little, “W-when you went a-away I got s-so scared so I tried to find you, a-and I couldn't a-and miss Fluttershy found me, and we came here and I found you! Please don't go away again, I-I promise I'll be good! I promise!” I cried into his side.
POV: Szarekh
During my wait, I tried to understand what it was about Harvest that made me want to protect her, care for her, but it was there in the back of my mind, nagging at me, urging me to leave the hospital and return to her.
I almost leapt at her when I heard her voice.
A wave of elation washed over me, so intensely that I felt it crash against that strange oppressive wall of calm that seemed to guard my mind.
My sight snapped to Harvest, then to the mare at her side, whose eyes rolled back in her head, followed by her crumpling to the floor.
“Huh. I was not expecting that.”
A moment later I felt something wrap around my midsection.
Looking down I saw Harvest clinging to me, tears streaming down her muzzle as she rambled incoherently.
I did not need to think before embracing the sobbing foal and stroking her head and neck, “I will never ever leave you, Harvest, never. I swear to you, I will always be there, whenever you need me, no matter what, you will never be alone. I'm so very sorry for scaring you like that, I never meant to hurt you, or upset you. Now cheer up, little one, or I may have to use my special technique,” I playfully threatened, raising one hand and wiggling my fingers.
Harvest looked up at me quizzically, “What's your special technique?”
“This,” I answered, chuckling, as my fingers darted and danced across her sides, making her squeal and laugh uncontrollably.
“S-stop it,” she cried between peals of laughter, “stop, tha-that tickles!”
“Ahem,” a surly voice caught our attention, giving Harvest just enough of a diversion to scramble out of my arms, giggling all the while.
I turned my focus on the newcomer, “Hello there! What can I do for you?”
The stallion that addressed me wore a set of armor made of iron or steel, and carried a short spear tucked under his wing.
He raised an eyebrow before speaking, “Are you the golem named Xerox?”
I shook my head, answering, “No, I'm the Silent King of the Necron, by the name of Szarekh. Who might you be?”
“I'm lieutenant Shield of the town guard, I am here to take you into custody in relation to the deaths of Night Sky and Bumper Crop.”
“Very we-”
A small blue from slammed into the guard's side, and started wailing on him.
“No! You can't take him away! He didn't do anything bad! He saved me from the bad diamond dogs! You can't take him! You can't!”
“Harvest,” I tried, stunned, “plea-”
“No! You said you wouldn't go away! You promised! You made a promise, so you can't break it!”
By this point, we'd attracted the attention of everyone in the room. Harvest lay on the floor sobbing. The guard stood a mix of bemusement and worry on his face.
I reached out to Harvest and scooped her up, “I'm not going anywhere without you, little one, I made a vow, and I shall not break it. Right now, though, we need to go with the lieutenant and answer his questions.”
Harvest nodded softly and huddled close to my chest.
Author's Note
I heard your demands, and have answered them!
As always, tell me what you think, if something is good, or bad, or if you just have a question!
Thanks
(edited)
The guard station was fittingly spartan and severe, gray stone, dark wood, and iron bars and fixtures.
I sat on the floor of the interview room I'd been put in, thinking about my next move, whether I should give my story or that of the body I now possessed.
I pondered the way the filly in my lap had latched onto me and would fall into a panic if I left her sight for more than a few minutes, and how I would worry and fuss in the back of my mind.
When I'd sent her with a guard to get a snack and something to drink, they returned after less than ten minutes with Harvest trembling and breathing heavily. She immediately dove into my arms upon seeing me and refused to leave my side for any reason.
I worried what would happen to her if a suitable guardian was found for her and she was prohibited or unable to see me. It was a troubling thought, but not something I could immediately remedy.
After almost an hour of waiting, I put my ruminations aside as the door to the room finally opened, and an older looking stallion walked in.
He placed an odd gemstone on the table, tapping it once causing it to glow, “This is captain Steady Charge of the Ponyville Guard, interviewing Szarekh the ‘Necron’ in relation to the deaths of Night Sky and Bumper Crop. This interview is taking place at 8:57 am on the 17th of spring of the 1000th year of the Summer Sun. Also present is Harvest Moon, daughter of the deceased.
“For the record please state your full name and confirm that you consent to this interview of your own volition.
“My name is Szarekh, I consent to this interview of my own volition and without duress.”
Capitan Charge sat opposite me at the table, “Please describe the incident as best you can. Try to be as detailed as possible. Anything you might remember could lead us to the perpetrators.”
I chuckled in dark satisfaction, “You don't have to worry about finding them.”
Charge raised an eyebrow, “Why is that? Do you know where to find them?”
“No… well yes but they will not be causing any problems ever again. You should find them right where I left them, lying in the dirt, as they should,” I answered proudly.
“Please elaborate, why would they not leave the moment you were out of sight?”
“To be perfectly honest, I killed them all. Left them to rot where they fell.”
I was inwardly stunned by the lack of remorse I felt. I began to freak out over it, when the heavy wave of calm quashed it once more.
‘Something to think about later.’
The captain shifted, becoming notably more serious, “How many individuals were there?
“Five. Though you willl only find three bodies, the other two were reduced to naught but dust.”
“I see, did they have any distinctive marks or clothing? Collars, badges, anything of the sort?”
“I did not pay them much attention, I was more focused on protecting Harvest, getting her somewhere safe.”
“Hmm, very well, we'll have a scout check the scene and verify your story. Until then, you'll need to remain in town in case you're needed for further questioning. Do you have an address where we can reach you?”
I nodded toward Harvest, “I will be staying in her home to watch over her until this matter is resolved.”
“Thank you for your cooperation in this matter, and for your bravery in rescuing Harvest Moon. You're free to go.”
“I am happy to be of help.” I gently nudged Harvest, “Harvest, time to wake up, we are leaving now.”
POV: Harvest Moon
I felt somepony pushing my shoulder, “I don't wanna go to school, daddy,” I moaned, pushing his hoof away.
He shook me again and said something, but he sounded weird. I pushed him away again and curled up closer the warm spot I was sleeping on, but something felt wrong, my bed wasn't this lumpy or warm.
I opened my eyes, trying to see what was wrong. I saw Sugarcube Corner slide past.
‘I'm still dreaming, I think’
I looked around, everything seemed normal until I saw a giant purple, gold, and gray shape right next to me, where the warmth was. I looked closer and the shape turned out to be mister Szarekh, I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding, and relaxed into him.
“Welcome back to the land of the living!” he said in a merry voice, “Did you have a good nap?”
“Mm-hmm,” I nodded. “Where are we going?”
He looked down at me, tilting his head to the side, “I am taking you home, of course. I need to see what we lack in terms of groceries and hygiene products. I will be taking a trip to the market in the coming days to purchase anything you require.”
I tilted my head, confused, “What about you? Don't you need food? Or toothpaste?”
He gave a small humming laugh, “No, I do not eat nor do I need sleep, and my body cleans itself well enough without my interference. There is nothing I need apart from the energy I draw from my gauss converter.”
“What's that?” I asked, wanting to know more about this strange being that had saved me yesterday.
“Think of it as something akin to a heart and a liver put together. It draws in energy from the world around me and converts it into energy I can use before distributing it around my body.”
“Woah, that's super neat! What other cool things can you do!?”
“Hmm… Let me think; I can regenerate any injury I might sustain in an instant, I can see Warp energy, I can, using the nanoscarabs in my Infinity Orb, turn any material into energy, and from there into inert Necrodermis, which I can use to make any of my people's technologies and machines.”
I stared at him, not understanding most of what he'd said. He stared back with an unmoving face, looking kind of angry.
I shrank down, scared that I upset him.
I felt my heart beat faster and faster.
My chest felt tight, like I couldn't breathe.
Formless, nameless fear tore at my mind.
I squeezed my eyes shut, trying in vain to hold back tears.
I could barely hear Szarekh's voice, talking to somepony, maybe me.
But I couldn't respond, my voice had fled between choked down sobs.
POV: Szarekh
Thoughts ripped through my head as I tried desperately to comfort Harvest. I knew the signs of a panic attack, I had been prone to them as a child, but I had no clue how to deescalate one from the outside, nor could I identify the cause.
It did not help matters that miss Dash chose this moment to continue her earlier harassment.
“Hey!” she yelled, “Leave her alone you monster!”
She once again attempted to tackle me, however, this time I was in no mood to humor her.
I turned my back to her, sheltering Harvest, and let her slam into my unyielding metal from with immense force.
She cried out in pain as she crumpled to the ground.
I turned to look down at her, straightening my posture, portraying the fierce intensity of my irritation.
“Do you think you can hurt me? Do you think you could even give me pause?”
Her eyes widened and she shrunk back under my gaze.
“I am the last of the Silent Kings of the Necrontyr.”
I crouched down, covering Harvest's ears with a hand. She was still deep in the throes of the panic attack.
Miss Dash's defiant scowl only further inflamed my temper.
“I am older than your entire species and have seen and done more than you could ever imagine.”
‘Why did I say that?’ I thought
She tried to shuffle away, but my anger demanded more.
“I have waged wars longer than your civilization is old, wiped out races that spanned stars.”
I tried to calm down, but my instincts pushed me further.
I glared at Dash, her defiance had left her, along with the last of her own anger, her face only held fear.
My thoughts blurred as I fought to control myself.
“And you thought for even a second that you would be able to stop me?”
By this point, she was trembling, her pupils narrowed to pinpricks.
“You are a fool, and I have no patience for such. Leave me to my business, or I will force the matter.”
I crouched down and leant forward, finishing my tirade with a harsh whisper, “You do not want me to force the matter.”
With that clarity returned to me, I rose and turned, my focus solely on Harvest and calming her.
Author's Note
You asked and I answered!
Another chapter for you to enjoy!
Feel free to let me know what you think, if there's anything I missed, or could do better.
Thanks for all the positive response, it tells me you like what I'm doing.
Doing my best,
POV: Mayor Mare
I sighed as I began writing a letter to Foal Protective Services concerning Harvest Moon, including notes about the strange golem, Szarekh, and his desire to stay with her.
I stopped to consider my recommendation on the matter, weighing the possible consequences of my choices.
He seemed earnest enough, belied by his intimidating stature and appearance, but I knew next to nothing about him or his origins.
‘Perhaps a conversation is in order. I need to know more about him before a decision is made.’
A knock on the door derailed my train of thought.
I sighed again, resolving to work on this later.
“Come in!” I called.
The door opened to show a guard.
“Ma'am, there's been an incident involving Rainbow Dash and the golem, Szarekh. There are conflicting reports as to who started the altercation, but most state that the golem was carrying a crying foal.
“Rumors are beginning to spread that it was attempting to abduct the child, however we have not identified the foal.
Rainbow Dash is currently being seen to at Ponyville General for a series of hairline fractures in her forelegs, and a moderate concussion. She claims the golem attacked her when she confronted it about the foal. She wishes to press charges.
We've sent a pair of guards to bring in the rogue golem for questioning and termination.”
I stared at the armored mare, “Did you just say termination ? As in kill ? Because I have met this ‘rogue golem’ and he is a kind being despite his appearance, all he's done so far was done protecting Harvest Moon, who is almost certainly the foal in your reports. He saved her from a bandit pack of diamond dogs after they murdered her parents!” I stopped just long enough to take a breath, “You will report to your seniors immediately and tell them I will not allow him to be harmed in any way. Is that understood!?”
The guard gave a smart salute and left, closing the door behind her.
I breathed out heavily, collapsing into my seat. I looked at the letter on my desk and made a decision. Picking up my quill, I cast my lot in the fates of that foal and her strange golem.
POV: Harvest Moon
I yawned quietly and rubbed my stinging eyes.
Everything felt stiff and sore as I stretched before climbing out of bed.
I walked out into the hall and turned toward the bathroom to brush my teeth.
Something felt wrong, like everything was moved just a little bit out of place.
I ignored the feeling and brushed my teeth, trying to wake up some more.
Finishing up, I headed down to the kitchen to get breakfast.
The figure sitting at the kitchen table brought back all the bad thoughts and feelings I'd lost sleeping, but I didn't want to cry this time, I didn't want to beg this time, as the hurt shot through my chest, all I wanted to do was go back bed and sleep until the bad feelings went away again.
I turned to go back my room, when I heard his strange voice call out to me, “Harvest, I wish to speak with you, please come and sit with me.”
His voice sounded sad, like he'd lost something important.
I just walked up next to him and sat on the chair he'd pulled out.
He sat with his head on his knees, looking down at the floor. He hummed deeply before talking again, “What happened on the walk home from the guard station? Did I do something to scare you? Make you think I was going to hurt you?”
I shook my head and muttered a ‘no’, looking away from him, trying pretend like nothing happened.
“Harvest, I need you to be honest with me, I will not be able to help you if I do not know what is wrong. Please let me help you, that is all I want to do.”
His voice was soft, like he was about to cry.
I looked back at him, guilt worming into my heart. “You looked upset when I didn't understand some of the stuff you said, and I don't have anypony who's gonna take care of me an-and I don't wanna be alone like with those d-diamond dogs and when you went to the mayor and the hospital, and when you sent me away with that guard! You promised you wouldn't make me be alone!” by now I was yelling at him, tears pouring down my face.
I slumped to the floor babbling nonsense through my tears, and in a second he was there, his warm arms wrapped around me, his gentle claws stroking my mane the way mommy used to, his deep voice speaking soft words just like daddy did, and in that moment, the fear left, the hurt felt better, and for that long instant I felt safe again, the world couldn't take anything else away.
I don't know how long we sat there, just taking comfort in each other, but eventually I ran out of tears and he ran out of words, and we just sat in the middle of the kitchen floor, holding the other for as long as we.
Our small haven was broken by a knock at the door.
“Hmm,” my protector almost growled, “I shall see who it is.”
“I'll wait ‘round the corner ‘kay?”
“Very well, I will send our guests on their way, then we must have a real conversation about our future, understand?”
“Alright,” I mumbled, not looking forward to it.
POV: Szarekh
I opened the door, unamused by the interruption of an important point in Harvest and my relationship.
“What do you want?” I demanded, my voice cold.
A pair of guards stood at the door. One spoke up, “Szarekh the golem, you have been declared as a rogue construct and are to be taken into custody by order of the captain of the Ponyville Guard.”
My temper flared, “First of all, I am not a golem, I am a Necron, you would do well to address me as such. Secondly, on what charge is this ‘arrest’ being made?” I asked, fury rising.
“You have been charged with the assault and battery of Rainbow Dash and the attempted foalnapping of a minor, you are to surrender yourself into the custody of the Ponyville Guard immediately or be taken by force.”
I was overwhelmed by the impulse to slaughter the ponies in front of me for an instant, before the wall of calm that followed any emotional surge clamped down on my anger, forcing clarity into my mind.
“Harvest Moon has been free to leave, or tell me to do so since the very start.
“And what of my side of this? Rainbow Dash attacked me. Do I not have the right to defend my actions? To act to protect those I care for? Or do I not have those rights because I am not a pony?” I questioned, “If this is true, your society has many more severe issues than myself, and I will not be made to live under the fallible whimsy of such foolish mortals.
“I will gladly give my statement as to the events of the altercation, but I will not surrender myself to you if you have no evidence of my wrong doing. You have not proven my guilt, and until such I am innocent.
“Now, unless you have reason to put me in chains, I have more important matters to deal with, begone.”
With that I closed the door and shuffled back to the kitchen to talk with Harvest.
POV: Harvest Moon
I heard Szarekh's voice echo down the hall, but I couldn't make out what he was saying, he sounded really mad though.
I stayed out of sight and waited for him to send away the ponies at the door.
After a few minutes I heard the voices stop and the door close, I peeked out into the hall and saw him crawling along the hall, using his hands to steady himself.
Looking at him properly for the first time, I realized how big he was, even curled up the way he was, he took up the entire height and width of the corridor.
If he stood up fully, he'd probably be taller than most of the buildings in Ponyville.
I stared in awe of him, the power he had just in his presence.
He ushered me back into the kitchen and sat down across the table from me.
“Harvest, I am going to ask some very odd questions about things that may seem obvious, but I need you to answer as best you can, and for every question I ask, you can ask me one in return. Does that sound fair?”
“Okay,” I nodded with a smile.
For the next hour or so we questioned each other.
POV: Szarekh
‘This is a strange place I have found myself in, though perhaps that is for the best. Here I have a chance to avoid the pitfalls of my namesake.’
It was a rather novel thing, my new body. I had surges of memories, knowledge, and instincts that were my own and yet foreign at the same time.
I had a lifetime of experience as a human, though names and faces eluded me.
At the same time I would recall fragments of Necron knowledge, the inner workings of gauss technology and the writings of cryptek historians, small shards of a great library of technology and culture that I wished to piece together.
My conversation with Harvest was equally enlightening, I learned her parents had no close family, she loved the color green, and her favorite plushie was a Princess Celestia doll she had been given on her tenth birthday.
She also despised daisies, a filly named Diamond Tiara, and generally did not enjoy mouth writing.
I was surprised to learn that she was a unicorn, her mane until now covering her horn, and that she was said to have a prodigal talent in the arcane arts, but was disallowed from using magic in class as to avoid upsetting those who had yet to unlock their own abilities.
We talked at length about inconsequential things into the evening, relaxing in the others presence, allowing ourselves to open up to one another.
This came to an end with yet more knocking at the door.
I looked to Harvest who was trotting over to a small couch in the living room, she settled into the seat and nodded to the door.
I once more shuffled down the hall and opened the door.
Outside were thirty or more guards of various types all armed with spears, shields and swords.
A standard ‘earth’ type I recognized as the captain stepped forward, “Szarekh, you are to come peacefully or be made to surrender by force! If you do not comply you will documented as a rogue automaton and will be declared a destroy-on-sight target for all members of the Equestrian Guard Corps. You will release your hostage immediately. You-”
I felt the surge of rage in my being and, before he could say any more I spoke, “I will not release my charge. I will not cede to your baseless accusations. I have stated before that I am not holding her against her will. I have not been allowed to offer my defense. I now state for the official record that I will only speak further on this with Princess Celestia. I warn you now that any who attempt to enter this building without being allowed in will be treated as a criminal intruder and incapacitated with prejudice. You have heard what my position is. If this is to be resolved, I will talk no further in such biased company. I expect the Princess at her earliest convenience. That is all.”
With that said I closed the door and made my way to the living room.
“Harvest,” I asked, “would you like a cup of tea?”
“Can I have some juice instead? There's some in the fridge.”
I nodded, “Of course, I will be just a moment.”
Author's Note
And another one done!
As always let me know what you think, if there's something I can do better, if I made any mistakes, or if you just want to know something, I'll do my best to give you the best possible story.
(edited)
POV: Princess Celestia
Day courts are usually a tedious affair, filled with ‘nobles’ taking up time trying to weasel out of this or that tax, or have crown funds allocated to self-serving projects citing those same taxes as their contribution to the royal coffers, when such time is meant to serve the common citizen, whom they bully and bluster their way through to bow and lick my horseshoes in an attempt to gain favor.
I cheered internally when a messenger rushed up to one of my guards in the late afternoon to deliver an urgent missive, this being the only reason a messenger would interrupt court.
The current petitioner, another self-absorbed noble, paused with a strained, polite smile, as the guard approached my dias and stood at my side.
I leaned down to hear what he had to relay.
“The captain of the Ponyville Guard has sent word that there is a potential rogue construct currently residing with a young foal in her home.
“Though it claims to be acting in the foal's best interests, the guards have maintained a watch in fear of what it may do to the foal if provoked.
“It refused to comply with guards on site and demanded your presence for any further interaction.
“The mayor also gave a report of the construct's personality, insisting it has no desire to harm anypony, and that it believes it is acting in the filly's best interests.”
I took a breath, and announced, “My little ponies, I'm afraid a matter of great importance has arisen that requires immediate attention, as such, I'm sorry to say, day court is suspended until the matter has been resolved.”
I turned back to the guard at my side, “Prepare my carriage, we leave for Ponyville immediately.”
POV: Szarekh
I sat in the living room as the sun set, reading a magical manual covering the basics of casting, directing and power output of spells, while Harvest dozed quietly in my lap.
I had cooked a light dinner and sat with her as she ate, after which she insisted she introduce me to the world of magic and spellcraft, an extraordinarily fascinating field of study. I immersed myself in literature on the subject and if I had a question Harvest would have, if not the answer, a guide that held it.
It was mid evening when, once more, there was a knock at the door.
I gently shifted Harvest to the larger of the couches occupying the room, and shuffled down the hall to the front door.
I opened the door, ready to give the guard knocking a dressing down, when I came face to face with an alabaster face, framing a pair of magenta eyes, all contorted in a serious frown.
The mare, for this must be Princess Celestia, spoke, her voice grave and smooth, “Rogue construct, you are holding hostage one of my citizens, and have the temerity to demand my presence.
“Well, here I am, what do you want?”
Had I the ability, I would have grinned, instead I spoke with a genial tone, “Greetings, your Highness, I am Szarekh, it is a pleasure to meet you. Please come inside, though I will ask that you alone join me. Would you like some tea perhaps? I know several tricks that you may well enjoy.”
POV: Princess Celestia
It took a large amount of will to keep the surprise off my muzzle, as I had not expected so cordial a response.
Even more surprising was the size of this ‘Szarekh’, even hunched as it was it very nearly filled the doorframe, and its glowing eyes were levels with my own.
What unsettled me most, however, was the fact its face did not move, set as it was in a permanent scowl.
It turned and used a strange combination of its front and back limbs to make its way back into the house.
I hesitated for a moment before following and, as I set hoof inside I heard it call back to me without turning, “Do close the door behind you, quietly if at all possible, I do not wish to wake Harvest. Now come into the kitchen, that we may talk without disturbing her sleep.”
I followed once more into a small kitchen and watched as this strange construct went about the process of making tea.
“I am not a golem, for future reference,” the sudden statement making me jump, “I am what is called a Necron, a being of living metal.”
It set out a single cup at the table before pouring tea into it.
“Milk and sugar?”
I blinked, “Excuse me?”
It proffered a small pitcher of milk and a saucer of sugar cubes, “Would you like milk or sugar in your tea?”
“Oh, milk and two sugars, please.”
It dropped two cubes of sugar, stirring them in before pouring the milk into the still swirling tea.
It placed the tea in front of me and settled on the other side of the table, waiting silently as I sipped the tea.
My protective wards detected no poisons or toxins and the tea itself was rather pleasant, despite being an off-the-shelf blend.
I placed the cup back in its saucer and addressed the ‘Necron’, “You demanded my presence to negotiate the release of your hostage.”
“Hmm?” it cocked its head, “Oh that. Harvest has been free to leave my presence since I returned her to the town.
“I simply found that the town guard was beyond reason in this matter and ignored my side of the story, listening only to the narrative woven by a deranged mare who is by all accounts a violent xenophobe.”
“That is a very serious accusation. Rainbow Dash has been an integral part of this town for almost three years and has shown herself to be reliable and steadfast in her duties.”
It shrugged its shoulders, “She also attacked me unprovoked, twice. The first time I humored her and cushioned the impact when she struck me.
“The second time she tried the same maneuver, Harvest was in the midst of a severe panic attack. As such I was in no position, nor did I feel inclined to spare miss Dash the price of her own arrogance. As a mentor of mine once said; ‘stupid should hurt,’ in essence, those that do not think should suffer for it. A harsh sentiment, I know, but one I agree with.
“As Rainbow Dash learned, while I may look brittle, I assure you, there is very little on this world that could even give me pause.
“Of course, I understand if you doubt my word, but what reason do I have to be anything but truthful?”
My brow creased, irritation coursing through my veins, “I will have this conversation put to record and Rainbow Dash shall be interrogated again to find the truth. But, I must ask for the sake of my little ponies, what are your intentions here? What do you want?”
It chuckled, “You make me sound so very sinister. My intention for the foreseeable future is to watch over young Harvest Moon, as such my actions will always be in her best interests.”
It looked at its hands before turning its gaze back to me.
“She has already lost her family once, do not take what little hope she may have of building a new one.”
It's tone was pleading and I began to realize that this was no simple golem or automaton, it was a living mind housed in a massive metal frame.
POV: Szarekh
I watched the princess yawn slightly, noting the clock above the fridge indicating that we were well into the evening, “Your Highness?” I prompted.
“Yes?”
“Would you like to stay the night? I know it is not to the royal standards, but Harvest would love to meet you,” I offered. “Besides that, the hour grows late, and you traveled a long way to be here, the least I can do to make up for the inconvenience is to offer some small hospitality.
I imagine your guards will have little trouble resting in the local barracks and I swear upon my ancestors, no harm will come to you in my presence.”
She fell into a thoughtful silence for a moment, before a gentle smile graced her features, “I would be remiss to turn down one who has so graciously opened their home to me. Allow me a moment to inform my guards of the situation and to interrogate Rainbow Dash in the morning.”
“By all means, do what you must. In the meantime, I shall prepare the guest room for you. If I have not finished by the time you are done with your guards please wait for me in the living room, from the door it is the first door to the left. Thank you for agreeing to this, I am certain Harvest will be elated to meet you.”
With that I made my way through the house, leaving the princess to relay the news to her guards.
Author's Note
Here's another one for you!
As always, tell me what you think of this one, if there's anything you feel I could do better, or if you have an idea for something I could do in the future or to improve what I've already published.
Also, thank you to all of you for the incredible feedback I've gotten from you so far, it's more that I ever expected.
POV: Cpt. Shining Armor
I sat at my desk, nursing a vicious headache, sipping a cup of ‘Pitch Black Death’ coffee, and reading reports from various stations and outposts across Equestria.
I paged absently through reports, noting nothing out of the ordinary, at least until the report from a small town called Ponyville.
I almost choked on my coffee when I read that princess Celestia abandoned her court and traveled to Ponyville to address an unusual situation, walked into the house with a potentially rogue construct, only to walk out nearly an hour later announcing that the situation had been resolved and that she would be staying in the house for the night with only a single guard.
She also instructed the guards to re-interrogate the victim of the supposedly violent construct, one Rainbow Dash, who claimed that it attacked her whilst abducting a foal, though there was no evidence of this.
I sighed, lifting my quill in my magic, and signed the report. I then wrote out an order for the guards stationed in the throne room to inform me of the princess’ return before preparing my notes for the morning briefing.
POV: Harvest Moon
I woke up to the smell of cooking hay bacon. I climbed out of bed and walked down the stairs to the kitchen.
“Ah, Harvest!” called the metallic voice of Szarekh, “good morning, we have guests.”
I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and looked around the room, identifying the ponies sitting at the table, “Good morning mister guard. Good morning Princess Celestia,” I muttered still half asleep.
Szarekh chuckled softly, and the princess tittered, “Breakfast will be ready in a little bit, why don't you get some juice and glasses for our guests, hmm?” he asked.
“M'kay,” I responded, shuffling to the fridge and using my magic to pull out the juice and set it on the table. I then reached my magical grasp out to fetch some cups from a cabinet.
Yawning heavily, I sat down at the table and poured some juice for myself.
POV: Szarekh
I watched with amusement as Harvest stumbled sleepily through kitchen, greeting our house guests, too groggy to actually think about about who they were.
I turned back to the stove top, checking that the strange grass based bacon had not burned.
I let the bacon finish cooking, putting it on a plate, before scrambling a few eggs.
Once the eggs were done, I plated up the food, and laid it out in front the ponies at the table, sitting down next to Harvest, “Well, dig in, though I may not be able to eat now, I once could, and I am sure I have not lost my touch.”
Celestia sent me an odd look, “What do you mean? You are made of a living metal, are you not?”
“Necrodermis, yes, but I was not always. Once I was flesh and blood like yourselves, but I underwent a process called biotransferrance, which made me into the Necron you see before you.”
Celestia looked disturbed, “Why? Why would you give up so much of yourself, throw away who you are and become… This?” she gestured at my body with a hoof.
I shook my head, “I gave up very little, my organic body and those of all Necrontyr were plagued by an incurable sickness that made life short and painful, to us at the time death was something to celebrate, we were free of the suffering and hardship of life. But then we discovered the C'tan, a race of beings made of energy, and they gave us the technology to perform the biotransferrance, allowing my people to become the Necron, a race of immortal, unkillable machine beings.”
The princess nodded, “The way you speak of it, it sounds like you were there. Where did you find these C'ta?, I would be interested to speak with them to learn from their technologies.”
“My people found them during our exploration of the galaxy, they were drawing energy from the stars to feed themselves. When we encountered them, they learned of a new, better energy source: life force, souls.”
I nodded along with Celestia's horrified expression.
“They did not feed on the Necrontyr at first, instead, while we were at war with a race who, in their arrogance and hypocrisy, refused to help us, they gave us new technology to defeat our foes, then fed from those we slew. We fought them for generations, but it was not a war we would win, it was the Necrontyr lashing out at the universe one last time.”
Everyone at the table looked at me with a strange mixture of horror and pity.
“Then as our enemy's victory was close at hand, they gave us a gift , the biotransferrance, a means of immortality, not even the destruction of our bodies could truly kill us, we would simply phase out, teleport to a Necron tomb or monolith, and minutes later return to battle! We were unstoppable! We went from losing the war to winning in less than a century!”
I barked a dry laugh, “But our new power, our new bodies, they came with a cost. In giving up our organic forms through the biotransferrance, we gave up our souls to the C'tan, their last feast, because when I learned of their betrayal they were hunted, and I fractured each and every one of them and trapped the shards in prisons that fed off their own power to keep them contained. They no longer exist outside of the tesseract mazes in which their shards reside.”
Celestia sighed, “I see, you said you destroyed the C'tan, were you a soldier in the Necron army?”
I shook my head, with a short laugh, “I was no soldier, I was the Silent King, ruler of all Necron.”
That surprised the table, all of them stared at me for a minute or so, before I shook them from their stupor, “Eat your food before it gets cold. I do not tolerate wasted food,” I reprimanded.
Everyone jumped, and set upon their meals in short order.
A short time later, everyone had cleaned their plates, and I had cleared them away.
“I'm afraid it's time I bid you farewell, Harvest it was a pleasure to meet you, and I hope to see you in the Canterlot magic university when you finish your schooling. Szarekh, I must thank you for your hospitality, and my compliments on your culinary skills, they certainly haven't dulled since your transformation. I hope the issue with Rainbow Dash resolves itself with little fuss.”
She smiled and bowed her head, and I did the same.
“Prince-”
“Celestia,” she interrupted, “just Celestia, please.”
I dipped my head, “Celestia then, you are welcome to come by at any time. I know how opulence can make you crave the simpler things, like a hearty meal, none of those ‘high-class’ art projects . Feel free to seek me out if you find yourself needing an understanding audio receptor.”
Author's Note
I hope I'm improving, even if only a little.
As always, let me know what you think, if there's something you want to see, or think I can do better.
POV :Harvest Moon
I waved to the princess as her carriage disappeared toward Canterlot.
I walked back inside, where Szarekh was doing the dishes. He felt different from yesterday, like he was lost.
“Mister Szarekh?” I ventured, “Are you okay?”
“Hmm?”
He turned to me, looking almost surprised, “Oh, Harvest, yes I am fine, just thinking.”
He paused for a moment, looking down at the basin, “Say, why don't we take a trip to the library? Then perhaps a walk in the park this afternoon?”
“Sure!” I replied, excited to read some of the more advanced manuals that were in the library's collection.
“Excellent,” he said, though he still sounded strange, “now, how about you go get cleaned up and pack some things to take with you while I finish here?”
I bolted up to my room to gather a few studying supplies into my saddlebags before dashing to the bathroom to wash.
POV: Szarekh
I stared at the dishes in front of me, the hands that held them, and the terrifying, alien memories that came with them.
I still had my humanity, for now, but I worried that it would be superseded by the knowledge and experiences of my Necron form.
I needed time to think, to sort through the flood of memories, organize it, so that I would not lose myself to the real Szarekh.
My original plan had been to send Harvest to play with her friend Dinky, but that would mean her separating from me, and for the moment that was untenable.
So I decided to try the library, where I would be on hand if Harvest had another episode, while also having space to focus on somehow retaining my humanity, and what scraps of my soul I still had.
The library fascinated me, it was housed in a living tree! Its interior was open and welcoming with a ceiling high enough for me to partly stand up.
Around the outer wall were floor-to-ceiling shelves interspersed with doors and a staircase that lead up to a small nook with a view of the main area and another door.
The moment we arrived, Harvest made a beeline for the magic shelves before retreating into the nook and making herself comfortable.
I positioned myself against the span of wall below the interior balcony and turned my focus inward, deactivating my optics.
It is an odd experience, walking through a construct that represents one's own mind, stranger still to see one that was as dichotomous as my own.
My mindscape was the Slaaneshi bastard child of my human apartment, and the interior of a Necron tomb.
As I explored my inner world I began to understand what was happening to me.
My human life was not being overwritten, so much as it was being swept up like a drop of water in an ocean.
My near thirty years of human experience was nothing to the millions of Szarekh's memories.
I wandered for what felt like hours, finding tidbits of useful information, both human and Necron.
Eventually I decided to try and change this world.
I focused on my apartment, its color, its layout, where each piece of furniture was, what paintings adorned the walls.
Slowly, so very slowly, but surely, it began to come together.
Each wall, piece by scattered piece, they knitted together.
Board by board, the necrodermis of the floor gave way to the old, stained floorboards of the home I remembered.
Slowly, painfully slowly, I separated the human from the Necron.
It felt like days, weeks, of pure concentration, that left me exhausted in a way I have never known.
I pushed further, set the world outside my front door to order, and reformed it into a great library, structured it that I could never lose myself in it, no matter how far I wandered, and made its contents mine to command.
But even this was not enough, for as I released my focus, I felt it shift from the order I had instilled.
I allowed it for a time, watching carefully, ready to reign it in.
The changes were gradual, related memories grouping together, knowledge finding its context.
Drained as I felt, I decided a new, more flexible approach was called for.
Instead of fighting the currents and swirls of the memories to maintain a rigid, unchanging order, I began to direct the flow, allowing the memories to move, interact and self-align.
There was no effort this time, but the process would be a long one.
Even skewed as my perception was, I could tell a significant amount of real-time had passed.
I resolved to work on this place at night, treat these memories as the sleeping brain would.
Dreaming. Something I had thought lost to me.
Not lost, as I first thought, merely changed, like switching for an automatic to a stick-shift, the process of organizing memory was now a manual task.
POV:Harvest Moon
I'm not sure how long I spent reading, but the sun was high when my hunger made itself known.
I yelped at the growl my stomach let out.
Marking the title and page number in my notebook before closing the book and getting up.
I stretched languidly, working out the slight stiffness of a good study session.
I made my way downstairs to let Szarekh know it was lunchtime.
He sat against the wall, his eyes dark, head leaning on his shoulder, looking to all the world to be asleep.
I walked closer, before clearing my throat.
His eyes flared as he snapped alert, “Oh, hello Harvest, do you need some help?”
“Nah, I think I'm finished with reading for now, besides, it's time for lunch!”
He looked at the clock on the far wall, “So it is. Well then, I suppose we should see about getting some food in you then, should we not?”
“Yup! Can we get Hay-Burger?”
“Do you know where your parents kept their money? I am afraid I have none for the moment, though perhaps a visit to town hall will provide a solution.”
I felt an ache in my chest when I thought about mommy and daddy, but I nodded, “They keep our bits in a big safe in their closet.”
Szarekh hummed, rubbing his with one of his claws, “I see. Let us retrieve some bits from home and drop off your bags, head to town square for lunch, then stop by town hall, before finishing the day off with an evening picnic in the park? I will make a light dinner for us while you put your things away.”
It sounded like a nice way to spend the day, and a good distraction from the bad thought that popped into my head, “Sure! I can show you where the safe is too.”
“Excellent, let us be on our way, then.”
He rose to his feet, gesturing to the door.
I exited the library with him close behind and we headed back home.
POV: Szarekh
I felt better than I had since my arrival, my mind was clearer and my emotions less wild.
It would seem as though my meditation had set my human memory apart from the Necron, I could more distinctly tell what was human and what was alien.
It would be a constant balancing act, but one that I would gladly undertake, for it meant I could remain me .
I looked at Harvest, her happy smile, the buried hurt in her eyes, and I knew that I would never be able to leave her alone.
Something Necron had formed a bond with her, one that affected me even now.
It took me most of the walk home to understand what it was.
The vow, the promise I had made to her, had become a part of me.
I could no more leave her than I could die.
For a time, I could think of little else but what would become of me when Harvest's mortality took her.
I was lost in a subtle creeping fear, one that the Necron part of me could not seem to suppress.
I was pulled from the rising tide by Harvest's voice, light and free despite the tragedy that befell her.
I knew then that I would find a way when the time came, perhaps a new vow in her honor.
For now though, I put those thoughts out of my mind, focusing on the present.
We arrived at the house a short time after my revelation.
I began preparing our picnic dinner, whilst Harvest put away her belongings.
She made her way to the kitchen after she had finished and watched quietly as I shuffled about, mixing, cutting, peeling, piece by piece assembling her meal.
It had taken only a half hour to finish my preparations.
Once complete, I packed the meal into a basket I had retrieved from a small closet in the hall.
“Harvest,” I turned to my ward, “I think it is time you showed me to your parents’ safe. I know it hurts to think about them, but I know that even now they are watching over you,and that they love you so very much. I know it may not feel like it right now, but it does get better, it will get better. The pain will never truly disappear, but that is not a bad thing, it means that you remember them, and hold them in your heart.”
I had not meant to say all that, but Harvest's teary smile told me it bore saying.
I lowered myself down to embrace her, hoping to ease her burden, take away even the tiniest fraction of the pain I knew she felt.
Author's Note
Here we go!
Another chapter for you all.
As always let me know if you have any questions, any suggestions for things I might improve.
Enjoy.
