Chapters Chaos Meet Responsibility
“Okay Charon, one more time and this time show me the stretches of your imagination.” Geria my teacher said as he was standing on a high balcony. Hi there everyone who stole this journal and are now reading it. First of, you are an awful person and second of all, hi my name is Charon. I am a twenty-year-old student of magic and have just a few days prior made my original spell.
“I’m doing the best I can Geria. It is still a very hard spell to really stretch to its limits.” I tell him as I was standing in the gymnasium and was currently trying to formulate a beast of which not even the darkness could create. The place was your standard brick construction with wooden pillars supporting the roof. It was honestly the only place where I could test the limits of my spell without causing unneeded panic or break anything.
“Just give anything a shot. Wouldn’t you want to impress everyone on your ceremony.” My teacher yelled as I looked up at him. He was a pale-skinned man with a black tattoo, which represented chaos itself, emblazoned on the right side of his face. He was skinny and lanky and always wore a dark purple robe with the chaos mark imprinted all over it.
I sighed. “Yes, I do.” And then I concentrated and soon my body started to morph and change shape as I first turned from my slightly tanned body to an amorphous black blob which grows to the size of about five meters tall. After that, my body changed to a humanoid shape but with four faces each one displaying a different face. Anger, sadness, joy and blank. And after that, the body gained some black armour and soon my transformation was complete and I stood there as the same God that I worshipped for so many years. “How is this Geria?” The four faces spoke in unison.
“That. Is. Awesome.” Geria said as he floated up and took a full look around my armoured visage. “And with a sample of his magic, you could theoretically become him?” He said as he then landed on the ground and I turned back to normal.
“Yes yes but still it is nice to see a representation of our God that isn’t an angled drawing. It was an honestly awesome representation and I can’t wait for you to finally receive your mark. I am proud of you Charon.” He said taping my shoulder and then floating up again. “Now feel free to take a well-deserved break while I go and do some Master stuff that will surely once again bore me to tears.” He shuddered at the end and then disappeared.
+++++
There I turned to normal and proceded to get a good look in the mirror. And inside I saw a middle-sized man wearing jeans, a nice black t-shirt with the mark of chaos on it in white and a nice deep purple jacket which simply represented who was teaching me. But the main part was my round face. Which sported two bright yellow eyes, which I was told on many occasions were frightening as many people felt like I was staring at their very soul.
And I just realized that I have described my look in this and seeing as I was the only one reading this I felt rather stupid… Anywho I looked good and was dressed well so that is the end of that.
After that brainfart I instead decide to pick up a book of our history to maybe gain some more inspiration for the next training session but right as I lay down on the bed I was proven that today was gonna be an annoying one as a guard barged in and slung a huge hammer at me making me fly out the window and down on the courtyard. “Oh, Sargent Charles, seeing you chose me as your sparring partner today.”
“I WILL END YOU MISERABLE EXISTENCE!” He simply yells and launches after me hammer ready to crush me. But instinct and training kicks in and I put up a rubber-like shield which when impacted launches the hammer into his face and he gets blown back hard.
“Yes yes, Charles I get it. Now, let us end this with hopefully not too much more bloodshed afterwards.” I say as I stand up calmly and charge up some raw magic in his hands and looks at him with what to a normal person would be a terrifying sight… Sadly for him, Charles wasn’t normal.
“YOUR BLOOD WILL BECOME MY LOTION AND I WILL IMANCIPATE YOUR ASSHOLE THROUGH YOUR BRAIN!” The big armoured though says as he charges at me hammer swinging wildly. His swings while erratic were predictable as he always started with a high downswing which he always embedded his hammer and created a perfect opening to launch a blast of pure magic energy sending the lug flying far far away concluding the fight with. “YOUR ASS WILL BE SERVED TO YOU YEEEEET!” And I just shake my head.
“Maybe you will when you stop being insane.” I simply say as I relax and just leisurely walk around campus no one paying that little skirmish any attention as it was a normal assurance at the school and in the alliance in general.
The cafeteria was a big place with three vertical layers of tables and chairs that seated all different manner of students from many different professors. But that is just a simple observation of a usually analytical mind but enough about that let me tell… myself about my talk with the head chef… I also promise that this is the last time I’ll break the fourth wall with myself. Anyway being hungry and in need of sustenance, I pick up a plater and walk to honestly my favourite person in the building.
He was quite simply a dragon and a quite nice one at that. He had red scales on his back and orange on his underbelly with one wing remaining on his back. He also wore a simple chefs outfit. “Charon! How are you lad and what can I whip up for you?” He asks as he leans on the counter with a happy and toothy smile as he was always happy to cook for the students of this school and of course collect their money.
“Oh yeah, you finally developed your spell, haven’t you. Heh, I can’t wait to see what you are going to show us.” He says and then goes to prepare my usual order of a nice medium cooked beef steak, some fries and a nice tomato salad. I paid the dragon for his work and happily go to an empty table and start to eat.
The food was, as always, excellent and made him glad that he befriended the chef when he did as he sometimes when he gets in a bad mood he simply makes some sloop and jacks up his prices so being his friend he always got a bit of special treatment but he was certain that he still jacked up his prices seeing an easy target.
But that is not here nor there as he didn’t mind as yet again the food was delicious. After finishing my food I clean up and go back to my room to hopefully get some reading done before konking out and getting some sleep.
+++++
And the next morning, as soon as I became a bit aware knew that it was going to be interesting, for as soon as I opened my eyes I heard a cacophony of voices scream out surprise and I realized that I was in the gym again but this time it was fully decorated with all of the important people that helped me through this school year. And of course one of them screamed out fuck you and I’ll leave this cookie in the journal for anyone to eat that figures out who that was.
“Uhm guys what is the meaning of this?” I asked surprised as I looked at them all with a happy smile. I had a suspicion that this was probably my ceremony.
“And it sure is,” Geria said as he read my mind. “And we all came to see you demonstrate your spell and then finally brand you as a fully graduated sorcerer.” He says with a smile before popping out of existence and appearing next to the other teachers and the chef. “But first let us feast and have fun!” He said before some music started playing and I having nothing better to do got and joined the big feast.
It lasted a few days and many more students joined in the merriment until finally, the time came to present my spell to the teachers and students. “Okay okay everyone settles down and let me concentrate,” I said as everything settled down before I did as I have done many times before and I once again turned into the shape of the god of chaos. “And here I am as I stand before you as an actual representation of our god. The chorus of four voices said as they look down at all of the people currently attending.
“My my that is quite the spell,” Eris said as he quite approved. Along with most of the teachers and students but some of them were quite appalled of a mear student taking up the form of their revered god. But even though they didn’t approve they all saw the usefulness of the spell and whilst turning back I explained how it worked while the scribes added it to the book.
“So the spell works by sucking up the areas magical energy and then collecting it and moulding it inside which is the first stage of the spell. If done right you should turn into a blob or sphere and once there the second phase begins which allows for finally shaping your body to the new form. But you are to be warned that the new body will not gain any effects of the specified species unless the user gets a sample of their magic which will afterwards allow the new body to function with all the pros and cons of the new body.” I explained. “Hope it is a good enough explanation.”
The scribe nodded and the book was updated and a copy given to me to study at my own pace. “And now all who have gathered it is time for our student to be branded and finally be accepted among the accomplished wizards of chaos,” Geria says as
he stands next to the seat holding the ceremonial branding iron. “Come Charon and receive your brand with pride.” He says to which I excitedly sit in the chair and there Geria instructed me to remove my shirt after which he ignited the brand and imprinted the chaos mark in the middle of my chest. It hurt like all hell and after it was done I was a bit teary but after looking at the mark I was glad it was done.
“And that was the last thing I remember before my life got screwed in several different ways,” I conclude as I write down this in a new journal I just found in a new land unfamiliar to me.
Author's Note
My first real attempt at a story like this but I hope it turns out good and any problems should be sent to me in the comments especially if you disliked the story.
Chaos Meet Responsibility
2. Ponies Don’t Make For Good Friends
Well here is the next chapter and as you see from the title this one will talk about my first contact with the natives of this land which were brightly coloured equine creatures called ponies. From my observations from afar, I managed to see that they act in much the same way as humans. They talk to each other, have a functioning economy and they even have a dyarchy which I guessed from them bowing to two bigger ponies which both sported wings and a horn. I guess that they were some sort of mix breed between unicorns and pegasi.
And yes there were unicorns and pegasi in this pony society along with regular earth ponies. Each species held a different job by the looks of it. Pegasi served as weather control units and were responsible for any and all usually naturally occurring weather phenomena.
Then there were the earth ponies who by the looks of things were always involved with plants or heavy lifting. I even saw one buck a tree and manage to snap it in half without even trying. Afterwards, he got scolded by a mare also telling me that mares hold a higher social status than the males.
And finally, there were the unicorns that were in charge of… well, organization and spellcraft. As far as I am aware they were the only species capable of actively using the magic in the air and were by proxy the ones who could in concept take away the other subspecies jobs without even batting an eye and if they revolted they could crush them quite easily and yet they all live in harmony. It looked very much like what I had back home with each of the alliances.
But enough about my idle musings lets get to the part where everything went sideways. That is after all why I wrote that title.
Well after suddenly appearing in this forest and finding this village I knew better than to just head on in there and decided to just stay back and watch for a week. During that time I made all of those observations and have discerned that they wouldn’t harm me. So with that done I got up and walked into town to see a complete ghost town.
“The fuck? Where did everybody go? I was certain that at this time they were all bustling around the market at the very least.” I say out loud as I start to walk through time to find any soul that was out and about.
But after a solid hour of searching through the village, I came out with a bit of food which I paid for with a ruby that came from my money stash and nothing else. “Well if I just wait at the centre here I am sure that eventually one of them will come out,” I said while also adding to my findings that this species was very very skittish.
And so I waited and waited night and day until three days passed and again no one showed themselves. I got thirsty and to my luck, there was a well nearby so I went to get a drink and once there I felt a sudden force behind me and it pushed me down the rather deep well and I reacted in the only way that was appropriate of a man of my stature. “What the holy edge of Entropy!!” And I fell into the water. Thankfully it was deep enough to not let me crack my neck.
“Twilight I got it.” A raspy female voice said while I was swimming down at the bottom of the well. I Instantly disliked the person and didn’t intend to give her any more satisfaction then what she is already feeling. I focused on my spell and formed the familiar claws of the Argonian bat and I climbed out with no more fuss but also making sure to keep quiet.
“Good job Rainbow. Finally, we captured the beast and are finally free to roam again.” Another more intellectual voice said. But I could hear a bit of madness behind it.
“And what do we intend to do with this brutish beast.” A more sophisticated high society voice added as I was now located just under the lip of the well.
“I will inform the princesses and they will know what to do I’m sure. Please watch the well and do not let it escape.” And then I heard her gallop away while the other two took positions at either side of the well. After hearing being referred to as an it, I could see that I had two choices. Eather stay put and play nice or try to escape and prove them wrong now.
I chose the latter and I climbed out scaring the two that were guarding me and the many other ponies. “Why hello there citizens. My name is Charon and I am here to say that I am more than a meagre beast of the lands.” They were all petrified after they heard me speak. “Good now that I have your attention. I just wanna ask where I am and...” I was then tackled from behind and a mass panic broke out.
“Rarity restrain him!” The now named Rainbow Dash yelled at a white unicorn whose magic bound to my wrists and ankles.
“Hey, what's the big idea. Let go of me!” I scream out as I felt a bit of a power boost from the disorder and chaos that was happening around us. I was eventually lifted into the air by the magic binds and was now suspended there.
“Rarity you got a good hold?” The stuffy white unicorn nodded. “Good I’ll go get Applejack and Flutters you just keep him up there.” And with that, the light blue pegasus with a rainbow mane and tail dashed off to who knows where and I was left alone with a prissy looking mare. Once I was sure the blue demon was far enough away I simply let my raw magic massacre the bonds and making the mare squeak.
“Okay then miss Rarity. You seem to have a bit more manners than the rest so would you be so kind as to tell me where I am?” I asked her nicely while I unmade one of my claws keeping on just in case. All she managed to say in return was squeak and I didn’t look pleased. She was about to make a dash for it before I plunged my hand into the earth and wrapped her up in some proper magical restraints which were, in fact, Cthulhus tendrils. “I will not ask again, now speak!” I demand no longer having any patience for these ponies.
“P-ponyville. S-s-south of Canterlot and in the c-c-country of Equestria.” She squeaked out after struggling for a bit.
“There was that so hard,” I said still holding her up there while I gave myself some time to think. Seems like whatever happened after a blackout sent me to another dimension and if that is the case… I’ll either need to find who did this or a powerful magical MacGuffin that will send me back. “Hmm and par chance what is this planet called?” I ask her after a minute of thought.
“Equis.” She said seeming to calm down a bit and in turn also proving my idea right. Either that or I was transported to another planet with a way to similar of a magic plane for this to make any sense. Anywho with my questions answered or at least those that I wanted to answer done and over with I launched this Rarity at the blue demon and two more of her friends.
“You best leave me alone you sorry excuses for work animals. I have no patience left for you and if you value your lives I suggest you leave now.” I said as I got into a battle stance my claws sparking a bit as I added a thin overlay of magic over them that would cut anything to shreds.
“No, we won't cause you’re clearly dangerous.” The blue speedster said before launching at me which proved to be dangerous as I dodged and hacked away half of her feathers along with half of her wing making her crash behind me. Her friends all screamed for her but the look of the yellow pegasus was a familiar one. One that promised great harm but I have felt like this before so I stared right back not phased.
“Step aside, you horses.” I spat out as I looked at all of them with disdain. “I saw what I had to and I experienced your hospitality now allow me to leave or I will not hesitate to butcher you to pieces!” I yelled as they all stepped back in fear.
I walked towards them slowly but saw a glint approach me and a bright one at that so I countered and prepared to take a sample as well. It was clear that this form if I were to take it on, was a strong one. “YOU SHALL NOT HARM OUR SUBJECTS ANY LONGER FOUL BEAST!” A booming voice yelled as I managed to deflect the blast and obtain the sample that I needed. The ponies seemed happy to hear her voice and once the spots left my eyes I saw that it was one of their rulers a tall pony with pure white fur and mane that moved in an unexistent wind which held three pastel colours in it. She did not look pleased.
“I do not intend to your majesty but you keep foiling my progress to escape so you are prolonging the suffering of your subjects.” I simply replied and I looked at her in those dark pink eyes that held many a millennia worth of wisdom. “Let me pass and I shall do my best to not harm any more of your precious subjects.” But with that, she flared her wings and took a battle stance.
“And let you cause problems for the other empires? I think not. I shall dispose of you right here and now.” She said making me sigh.
“Then let Entropy guide me through this battle,” I say to myself and calm my mind and focus on the inherent magic that I received at birth. I focused it in my hands and eyes and then opened said eyes to see the world only in colours. The white horse attacked but her flow of magic was obvious to read and I dodged appropriately but it was clear she was a fire magic user so I could feel the heat from her blast and it still singed my clothes.
That said I knew to take bigger strides from her attacks but with that said I dodged another blast which was soon followed by a buck from the orange mare. The kick would have kicked my skull in but I then grabbed her by said leg and did a twisting motion with my entire body picking the relatively heavy pony and launching her at the bigger one. That gave me an opening to come close and send the raw chaotic energy into her abdomen sending her flying high into the sky.
Her instincts seemingly took over for her now as she started to fly and made swipes at me when she could. The wind howled as it broke before her and I knew where to dodge to not get knicked but even those feathers were sharp and did a bit of damage a few cuts here and there but I’ll manage.
Seeing this will take some time I focus my energies again but this time not to attack directly but to instead force open many many pockets with no air inside that would force her to either land or crash. Once spotted I charged at her bat claw formed and I swiped at her chest leaving her golden armour in pieces and her chest lightly scratched. She managed to put up a shield but sad for her it still sent her reeling back in pain and I followed up with a fury of swipes but after the third scratch, she grabbed my claws and launched me high into the sky and flew after me horn charging with an ungodly amount of fire magic.
She was really planning on finishing me off. But what she didn’t expect was my shapeshifting could go full body and I did so turning fully into the ghastly dark beast and charging at her with a sonic screech which disrupted her spell long enough for me to turn into her species but instead with dark purple fur and with a completely black mane. I bucked her hard sending her careening down into the town circle and creating quite the crater. I landed and turned to normal and saw that she was knocked out cold.
“See what happens when you don’t play nice!” I jelled to all as I looked at the ponies who were looking at the crater with faces of fright. “Your ruler has fallen and to a creature that at the start meant to harm! Now she writhes there in pain and I stand victorious! You all are free from my tyranny but should you search for me, I will promise that I Charon will kill you!” And after that, I grew my bat wings and flew off in the direction of the forest where I first awoke.
Author's Note
And here we have a chapter where the ponies realize just how dangerous this character named Charon is.
Chaos Meet Responsibility
“Well now after that rather horrid experience I have concluded that the ponies all though skittish still knew how to pack a punch.” I thought out loud as I was currently at a river a bit away in this rather eerie looking forest.
It was dark even when daylight could pierce through it. Like if the very forest swallowed all of the light and life that it could. And the forest was more so a jungle/swamp mixture as it was also very humid and I saw many many dangerous plants and beasts that I made my best attempt at avoiding as I did not want to let those ponies know where I am.
With that said I was now cleaning and mending my clothes whilst making sure that no predator snuck up on me. This proved a good idea as several wolves made of wood approached slowly but a quick spark of fire and they were running. “Well even if I caused a fuss in here I am certain that the ponies would be hesitant to enter. After all, they were the prey and this forest was teaming with predators.” Then I finally got dressed and was happier for it. “But I think it’s time that I claim a part of this world for myself and assert my dominance in this forest,” I say and then proceed to pick a random direction that would lead me deeper into the woods.
After wondering for a bit I spotted something rather fascinating a full ruin of a long-forgotten castle. It was formed from a dark stone and had some wooden construction still standing proving that these ponies knew how to build stuff to last. But on further investigation, I also saw that the place was fully furnished meaning that whoever lived here had to leave in a hurry. This gave me hope that I would maybe find a library or any document that might help me get out of this crazy dimension and get me back home. After all, if the most benevolent creatures of this world attacked me on sight then the rest won't be any different. With that, I walked in and started searching through the entire palace to find that most of the things inside looked like they were lost to time but after finding a room that looked like the kitchen I smiled. The room was in ruins don’t get me wrong but what I saw in it filled me with happiness. Several peaceful animals were clawing and scraping at a door that indicated to me that there was some food behind it. In what state it might be in I didn’t know but maybe I could pack up some supplies to at least last me on a journey to a different part of this Equestria.
With that, I approached and the animals fled at my presence and those who dared stay in my way I simply scared by way of forming my claws and pretending to slash at them. After that, I busted through and luckily enough found several preserved cans of food. “Jackpot,” I said as I went to look through what they had.
Their food preservation techniques were amazing as all the spells dated back to at least one thousand years and what I found you may or may not be asking. Well, Two big cheese wheels some stale but not moldy bread. Some now very aged wine and some vegetables and fruit. Along with the canned stuff which mostly contained beans I was all good and settled for at least three months if I was conservative with my meals.
I then grabbed an old cloth and stored all of this inside along with my book of spells, some canteens that looked usable. After slinging the thing over my shoulder I went to continue my search for any more useful trinkets.
An hour or so of searching the bottom floor led me to find the next real point of interest which was the armoury and the treasury.
In the armoury, I managed to find several rusty armour sets and some rusty tools which were of little use to me. I would have left immediately would it have not been for a rather interesting dagger. It was in a black leather scabbard which was decorated with several silver trimmings that brought to my mind the night sky and the moon. And once I gripped the mahogany grip and pulled out the blade I was surprised to find that what I have just pulled out was an honest to goodness broad sword made from solid obsidian and once more adorned with silver moons. It weighed next to nothing in my hand and once I inspected it more I was proven true that this blade was also enchanted with all manner of things.
For one it could create a fire so cold that it would freeze a person in place for all eternity. It also had several preservation charms on it which prevented the sword from dulling or rusting. “This is quite the blade and looks to be a rather useful tool if nothing else,” I said to myself before I sheathed the blade compressing it back to the scabbard of the dagger and then adding this blade to my belt.
After I finished looting the armoury and treasury, from the latter I found a decent amount of what I believe to be this worlds currency, I made my way to the upper floors where eventually I stumbled upon a library.
I smiled on the inside at what luck I had and thanked Entropy for guiding me here before finding a comfy place to sit and I started to research trans dimensional travel.
+++++
Two days later I was no closer to finding any singular hint on how to open even the simplest of portals. “AHHGGHGGAR!” I screamed out in frustration as I threw away another document from this StarSwirl the Bearded. “Two days of constant reading of this guy's sloppy hoof writing and all that he ever did was open two portals through mirrors and both times it happened by accident. The rest of these bloody documents talk about this Luna and her turn to the dark side.” I lay back defeated and I look up at the ceiling of this atrocious place and I do something I rather hate. Thinking about how helpless I was in all of this. I didn’t remember how I got here nor do I know anything about this place except for som rare trivia and some accidental experiments. I didn’t even know when I began to cry but I did especially as I remembered all of my professors and friends and what they are doing now. “It just isn’t FAIR!”
I screamed and let out with it a charge of my magic which made all the pages in this library fly up and then slowly back down where the pages then settled. One of them even settled on my face and after seeing the depiction of my good Entropy on it I immediately got up and looked at the document more up close.
On it was written:
“Princess when it comes to these runes that were discovered near the village of Manehattan I am here to tell you that we have not managed to discern what they are telling but we have found a powerful and yet broken artefact.
We attempted on numerous times to put it together and yet it seems to break apart all over again it is like the artefact is fighting itself constantly and any manner of using magic to persuade it otherwise.
Upon further research, we have found out that the runes are talking about a great battle between an embodiment of chaos and order. I have suspicions to believe that these were worshipped by a primitive tribe that have not yet seen the light of your magic. Anywho the mask is certainly in the shape of one of the many faces of this creature of chaos.
Once that was clear we knew why the mask was refusing to stick together it was the harmonic energies that we forced upon it and after exchanging that for chaotic it stuck together.
What a mistake that was. A creature became visible as we finished the mask a tall and dark creature that was reaching for this mask. We quickly broke it again and we implore you to hide them across Equestria so that they may never be put together again.
I fear that if this creature should come to collect it, it will with its power break the very planet that we are standing on.
Sincerely
Clower the Clever.”
At that, I was left speechless. The mask of Entropy one of its faces is here and when put together it summons him… “I need to find more information concerning this,” I say as I then start combing through the papers for any other clues or a continuation from this Princess.
And so again I began to dig and in almost no time I found what I was looking for:
“Clower the Clever. I thank you of informing me about this and I urge you to bring those mask fragments to me for analysis and afterwards, I shall divide the shards among the other nations. Each will receive one along with a warning that they need to protect it at all costs.
Your loving ruler
Princess Celestia.”
After that, there were some more documents which talked about several experiments that they proceded to do and all turned to be great disasters to this nation and were kept a secret from the general populace.
They forced the mask on some poor stallion and when it made contact he went mad and turned into a draconeques by the name of Discord. It was he who created the blight known as the Everfree forest Which by deduction means that I was in said forest if the description is anything to go at.
He also spawned the creation of all of the monsters of the land and broke the entire weather system along with the rotation of the sun and the moon spurring the capital to make a spell to move it themselves before the princesses took over after several Unicorns permanently lost their magic when performing the spell.
“If you stare into madness itself and are not prepared to meet it then one surely turns insane.” I quoted my teacher which was the motto of all highly ranked wizards. For we craft from madness itself and from that chaos, we gather our power so if one is not ready they turn mad as Charles did. But even he is but a mild case.
Anywho the documents then simply talk of the reign of this Discord fellow but that did not matter. I knew what I had to do now. I needed to find more information. More up to date information and I had an idea just where to start. First I shall travell to this Manehattan and see what I can find. I am sure if nothing else they put those artefacts in a museum and if I am, really really lucky I can find a piece of Entropies mask.
“Alrighty then. Onwards to the start of my long and tedious quest!” I say out loud before I simply face plant as my body just realized that it hadn’t had any sleep for the past week.
And in my dream, I am now haunted with a dark figure which chases me throughout the land promising to do my body harm and that it shall get its vengeance for what I have done to the people of this land. It scared me at first but after tuning out the darkness which made the abortion scream I relax and focus on the chaos in this land creating a shield of insanity that even her nightmares could not pass through.
Chaos Meet Responsibility
With supplies in hand and a course of action chosen. I turn back to that new form that I have gotten in this land. “Okay let’s see what I can modify to better blend in,” I say as I briefly stop in front of a full-body mirror. Yes, I was still at the castle since by the looks of it I passed out here for two days probably.
But enough of that let's describe this new form. The base of it was a tall dark purple pony with wings and a sharp horn. I possessed a black mane and tail but the main worrisome feature was that my chaos mark covered my entire body with a pseudo zebra print all originating from the middle of my chest. And trying to disguise it was ineffective as it reappeared no matter how hard I tried.
Changing into my Argonian Bat form proved a similar result as it was also covered with my mark. “Well, crap.” I simply said once again changing to the pony form. Since I couldn’t change the markings I instead changed my form to remove the wings as I would much prefer the use of active magic should I need it. I also shrunk my form down to the appropriate size so I didn’t tower over them, unlike the princess does. After turning around twice I focused on my flanks and remembered that every adult also possessed a mark there.
I then proceeded to have a genius moment. Since I couldn’t remove the marks I instead moulded and shifted them so that the markings spread from both of my flanks. Was I still going to stand out like a sore thumb? Most definitely but that way I could simply explain to them that it is merely my mark.
A potential crisis averted and me looking far more presentable to those savages I decide to find a road that didn’t lead from where I have fled to.
With that, I again oriented myself from the castle and started exploring the Everfree to search for this supposed second road. The trip was a bit more uncomfortable then I would like to admit as walking through the forest proved rather difficult. I stumbled a great many times since walking on four legs wasn’t a thing I needed to learn before now and it was certainly a learning experience. But eventually, I managed to brave the forest with not a creature blocking my path.
Maybe those animals that I scared off told of a new creature and the few that I saw along my travels were only observing. None dared approach me. Anyway, when I came out of that forest it was night time and the road before me was one that led to that town. I thought about maybe just letting it pass and going the other way but in the end, I choose against that as I needed some more supplies unless I wish to merely subsist on old bread, cheese and beans.
The fresh fruit and vegetables have long since been eaten since I didn’t find that many to begin with. So with that, I walked in the direction of town with the sack on my back and planing my reactions for all the damage and talk about this new creature.
I took the walk slowly as daybreak was sure to arrive soon and when it did so will the ponies slowly wake up and open up shop. I arrived when the sun was a good way up in the sky and I entered the town to find that yes everyone was up and that they were still talking about me.
“I heard that Charon eats ponies by the dozens.” One said. “I heard that he could stare down a dragon and get all of its hordes.” Another said. And so the rumour mill continued to unwind as I walked by trying to act as neutral as possible. But when ponies started to spot me they stopped all talk and were silently looking at me.
I simply looked back for a bit before giving them a small smile and a wave hoping it would calm them and surprisingly it did. They soon paid me no mind and I was free to walk around town with no scared ponies no one attacking me and some even saying hello. At that point, I realized what the problem was.
These ponies have never experienced another species walking through town. Even one of their own that they do not recognize causes them a fright. Maybe if I would have behaved things would have gone smoother but alas that is not my way. I don’t like being demeaned and insulted as a foul beast.
I quickly squashed that thought down as I didn’t need for this form to get wanted like my…. I take a few steps back and see a wanted poster with my face on it. On it, it said:
Dangerous creature by the name of Charon is wanted dead or alive. And under it, it stated a reward for 100000 bits. I wasn’t here more than a month and I am already a wanted fugitive. This now for sure cemented my outlook that these ponies are racist and don’t actually care for anyone but themselves.
Again I had to calm down as my mind was getting filled with anger that even in other dimensions it is okay to be racist and is inforced as it seems by the very princesses themselves. “I need to get a map, some food and then I need to skip town and fast. No the entire country.” I said under my breath and fast-walked over to the small market that they had and I went on to search for what I needed. “Map map where can I find a good map in this Entropy forsaken place,” I say to myself as I look at stall after stall to see nothing but produce and wood carvings. The carvings looked rather nice but I didn’t need a souvenir from the place that nearly killed me.
But I shall still describe them to remember them fondly and maybe recreate them when I have some free time.
The next carving that got a look from me was an intricately decorated whistle which looked to be inspired by the fire alliance with the vibrant green and red that it sported along with that nice glazed wood colour.
With all of them marked down, I proceed to walk into town and find that there was still no place that sold camping supplies more maps and I was getting a bit frustrated. That was amped up tenfold when I got ambushed by a pink blur that tackled me on the ground and proceeded to blab at speeds I could not follow.
Having been frustrated and assaulted I did the most appropriate thing that I could at that time. “Are you insane, pink horse!” I yelled out loud and picked her up in my magical grip. “Is this how you grat new people. Assaulting them physically before barraging them with words that no one can comprehend?” I said as I got up. “I have had a very tiresome day and am just looking for supplies and a map,” I say deciding to slip into a more African dialect with weird pronunciations to disguise myself as a foreigner. “So apologize and introduce yourself properly and I shall consider giving you some more of my time.” I then say with finality before unceremoniously dropping her and I go to pick up my things.
“O-oh I’m sorry mister. It’s just that I love meeting new people and that my excitement got the better of me.” She said sounding rather hurt and honest.
“All is forgiven then pink horse. To that could you perhaps help me to gather my supplies? By chance in a manner that will not cause further unrest in my hand and body.” Holy Entropy I was milking that dialect to its limits.
“Sure thing mister and my name is Pinkie, not pink horse.” She says her mood turning a lot more hyper and I sighed in resignation to being led by the most energetic pony in town.
“And my name is… Geria it is nice to meet you.” I said as I have only then realized that I didn’t think of what name to present myself with so to that end I simply choose my teachers name. I’m sure he won't mind.
“Geria? That’s a weird name. You are definitely not from around here.” She says as she starts hopping in place and giggling. “But all the same I warmly welcome you to Ponywille.” She says as I smile at the first show of kindness from this village.
“Thank you, Pinkie. Now could you direct us to the map shop? It is the first thing that I truly require?” I ask as she nods making a cowbell sound for some odd reason and then she bounces off with me following behind.
“Okay, Geria. So tell me are you another zebra. You certainly look like one. Though in that case why are you purple and black and not white and black?” She asked curiously as I fell in step with her.
“Well, I am not a zebra it is just my mark that makes me look as such.” I simply explain.
“And your marks cover your entire body? That is certainly weird but what does yours mean then.” Another thing that I did not realize but a quick thought and I had a story to tell her.
“Well, it is eight arrows which travel all over my body which represents my want for discovery and adventure.” I lied outright. “It is an honourable mark in my tribe as many who have it are revealed as great prophets who are sent on a quest to gather knowledge and eventually bring it back to our clan so that we can grow.”
“Wowie zowie. That is an important mark. And how long do these quests last for?” She asked now having calmed down a bit and is walking beside me like a normal pony.
“It depends on what all we discover. To that end, I am buying a map which will hopefully let me figure out a proper path from which I will gather as much information as possible.” It was interesting how easy I could lie to her and yet at the same time I didn’t. Eather these ponies were extremely trustful to their own kind or they were very very naive.
“Well if that is true then you will be very happy to find that we have arrived at saddles and maps.” She proclaims happily as we stop before a shop which was quite aways away from the market. Figures as much.
“Thank you, Pinkie. Mind waiting for me here while I go and gather what I need. I would really appreciate it if you remained my guide until I finish my shopping?” I ask her at the end at which she again nods and then plonks her rear down.
He was a very old stallion with overly big glasses and quite loose and wrinkly skin. He had a silver-white coat and a black tail but his mane was gone. The only other thing to distinguish on him was the small black jacket and tie that he wore. “Will this be all?” He asked as he rang me up with five bits as my bill.
“Yes kind sir, though I have to ask if any of these saddlebags that you have here that has a sort of pocket space inside. I will require one with quite a bit of space for my travels?” I asked as I saw that indeed some were enchanted.
“Hmm yes we do and how much would you be willing to pay for a saddlebag. The price will determine the space you have to play with.” The old pony asked me while I counted how much money I had and after a bit of counting, I plop 105 bits on the table.
“What can 100 bits net me?” And the old pony smiled walking to a back room and coming out with a dark purple saddlebag matching my fur colour.
“This bag will suit you just fine then sunny. It contains three separate pocket spaces each of a volume of about 20 cubic meters. One can hold normal stuff one can hold stuff that needs to stay warm and the last stuff that needs to be cold.” He explained while showing me this. “And the best part is that I’ll give it to you for eighty. I am sure you’ll use it enough so take it.” The nice old pony said and I smiled and let him keep the bits. “Then keep the rest as a tip. I will gladly spread the word of this place on my travels.” I start putting stuff away and find that if I need something I simply need to think of it to pull it out.
“Thank you sunny.” He said being very grateful.
I smiled at him and as I walked out I said. “No problem stallion and may Entropy show you to glory.” And after that, I came outside to a rather sad looking Pinkie. “Is there something the mater Pinkie?” I asked as I stepped up to her.
She jumped a bit as she heard me and tried to hide her sadness. “Oh, it’s nothing Geria.” She lied. “It’s just allergies.
I simply raised an eyebrow. “You needn’t lie to spare my emotions if there is something the matter I am here to listen,” I said as I tried to pat her back to comfort her.
“W-well alright… one of my close friends Rainbow Dash… Lost her wing when fighting a dangerous creature by the name of Charon.” She spat that name out like it was the worst venom and I feared for my life when I saw her face contort to anger. “I mean why did he have to do that. She was simply defending this town?” She said as she then broke out into full-on crying and clung to me for support.
I wisely decided to stay quiet but I didn’t shed a tear. After a bit, I pulled her away from me. “Do not cry pink one. It is natural selection at play. She saw the danger and dashed in without thinking, giving the beast a chance to strike. Why yes losing a wing is bad but trust me when I say. If she is a warrior worth her salt she will climb on top of this stronger then before. You will see.” I gave her a hopefully comforting smile.
“But but her dream is ruined Geria. All she ever wished for was to fly with the Wonderbolts and without her wing that will be impossible.” She says again looking like she was going to cry.
“I do not know who these Wonderbolts are but surely she could fulfil her dream in another way. Maybe to help them train. Teach them from her experience so they are better and don’t fall into the same camp as her.” I wipe her tears away. “You just be there for her when she needs to and share with her these words. It may help at least a little.”
And after that, she was calm enough to give me a proper smile. “O-okay Geria and thank you for helping me cheer up.” She was grateful and I was happy that she was.
“No problem it is after all what friends are for,” I say without thinking only to receive a bone-crushing hug. “Though I am strongly reconsidering if this is the thanks.” I choke out before she lets go and has a small ashamed blush on her face.
“Some camping supplies and some fresh and preserved food. For I do not know how long I have before I will be able to stop for more.” I simply say and she walks me to another shop wherein I bought a tent, A portable fire pit and a sleeping bag. All of them were of decent quality and the pony running the shop said that the fire pit only needed a tiny bit of magic to run all night.
With a thanks and a promise to advertise her on my journey Pinkie led me to the market again to, first talk to what she told me was her good friend Carrot Top. “Trust me she has the best veggies in town and they are always fresh no matter what day you come to her.” She explained and has not let me astray yet I believed her.
“Hello, good sir. What can I get you today?” She asked politely and I smiled at her.
“Well I would ask for specifics but instead I’ll give you twenty bits and you prepare me a random assortment for my journey. Pinkie speaks of your wares quite highly so I will let the farmer choose.” I say as I gave her the money and she went to work to pick out some veggies.
To my surprise, this farmer was a unicorn proving to me that yes they, in fact, could take over all duties but that is a thought I might use at a different time but now I had an absolutely enormous pile of vegies before me. “Okay, sir here is twenty bits worth of vegetables for your enjoyment and don’t worry about them rotting I put a harmless spell on them to keep them fresh.” She said sounding happy. I didn’t complain and happily stuffed it into my saddlebag.
“Thank you very much. Miss and may Entropy guide you to prosperity.” I say and finally walk away with pinkie looking confused.
“Who is Entropy?” She asks me and I look at her a bit worried.
“I do not think I am allowed to say. For I do not want to be massacred for telling you our beliefs. It has never been good to do so.” I lie trying to keep that part of my backstory a secret. I did not want to have a witch hunt on my back as well.
“Why would we massacre you for your beliefs. This is Equestria where everypony is allowed to be who they want to be.” She says as she giggles. “Now please tell me I am really curious now.” And there came that racist word everypony and I’m sure it meant exactly what it intended. Again choking down my rage I smiled.
“Well alright. Entropy is our god. He is the one we worship and pray to and in turn, he guides us on this planet.” I explain and to my surprise Pinkie didn’t look mad or like she was about to burst out laughing. She was only intrigued and motioned for me to continue. So I did. “And that is mostly it. Besides the many stories that exist about him. But seeing as I have you enthralled I shall tell you more. Entropy was one of the gods to ever exist before even the planet was born.
It was said that he possessed four different faces one for each core emotion and one which was devoid of them. They were constantly fighting with each other and always causing trouble but one day the blank face spoke up and united them making them finally able to create something good which was the very planet we stand on.” I miffed that last part but you understand why. “And when he did his sister got jealous and decided to outdo him by creating the many stars but he didn’t care for on this planet he developed life which was precious to him. While yes he did cause some mayhem on said planet but all of that was made in hopes of making us better and stronger. As his sister saw that she sent a meteorite crashing into the planet, killing all life and forming the moon from the earth crust. This made Entropy very mad and he turned on his sister and they battled. In the end, they both died and so the universe and all the life in it was born.” I concluded after which Pinkie was completely amazed.
“Wow… Your people do have a rather chaotic and yet interesting god.” She said. “I rather like that story so thank you for sharing.” And then she pulled out a tray full of pastries from inside her mane. “So in return have these.”
My mouth was watering at what I saw and I accepted the gift gratefully. It was a combination of many a delicious and pretty looking pastries which I would surely enjoy. “Thank you, Pinkie. I will gladly eat these when the time is right. But with this given, I think I am ready to head out. Your company has been nice and I appreciated every second of it. But now is the time for goodbyes.” I say to her and as I did she gave me a sad smile and a hug.
“Yeah, it seems so. Don’t you forget about me now.” She says as she makes to leave.
“I will not and let Entropy guide your way to ultimate happiness.” And with that and a wave, I walk off out of town and into the direction of Manehattan.
Chaos Meet Responsibility
As it turns out the journey there would take a bit longer than expected. It was quickly made aware to me that on foot, or hoof, in this case, this little walk of mine is going to take at least two weeks.
And yes I did the math and put into those calculations all of the little nuances from toilet breaks to food stops and even some rare instances of sleep. That basically just meant that I would walk until I pass out. Yeah, it’s not the best fucking plan in the world but it sure beats having to waste more time to sleep.
Besides… I still have that same nightmare with that dark creature… It seems I am being stalked, or at least tormented by the supposed other sister of Celestia. Luna if I remember some of the documents right. They did mention something about her developing this dream walking ability of hers and clearly she doesn’t understand boundaries along with them.
So with that said, my dreams were currently a mishmash of monsters made to scare the daylights out of me but after the third time which took six days, I put my foot down and broke this mares' silly illusion and exposed her. “Will you give it a bloody rest!!” I yelled at her making her actually recoil in fear as she saw my furious yellow eyes. “I hadn’t had a proper rest in a week and I am sick of your constant jumpscares that startle me!” I then started to grow bigger and higher over her as I also grew those three other faces around my hand taking the form of my dark god. I even added some reverb to my voice.”YOU WANT TO SEE FEAR. THEN I’LL SHOW YOU TRUE TERROR!” I scream as I then break the black stary void to reveal a hellish place filled with molten lava rock.
It was filled to the brim with various beasts that were so grotesque and misshapen that even the strongest willed warrior would flee in pure terror and she screamed as she then ran for her life. Granted I couldn’t harm her from this but I will make sure she never does this again. With that said I pointed at her and my abominations chased after her while I sat in a throne made of obsidian and watched with glee as the princess runs away and at one point she even pissed herself from fear.
Eventually, she got caught and was brought before my enormous form my head speaning over to the smiling face. “Now then little one. Let's make ourselves a deal.” I said with almost a purr behind it. She was too terrified to object so I simply continued my head turning to the blank face. “I am sick and tired of your useless attempts at scaring me so I will say this once and only once.” I then took a deep breath. “LEAVE MY MIND ALONE!!” I yelled sending her into a coconut cream pie behind her. “And in return, I shan't scare you anymore… Okay?”
I then add sweetly as everything turned back to the way it was before I broke her illusion. I swear she poofed out quicker than a flame rabbit out of a stew pot. I probably haven’t laughed like that in a really, really long time.
+++++
After that, I was free to rest peacefully with no more annoying interruptions of headless ponies and stuff of the sort.
But that is not why I wrote that title for as it turned out I arrived at a town but it most certainly wasn’t Manehattan. The city was dark. And I don’t just mean like dark bricks but the entire sky over it was completely cowered by a dark cloud. Not unlike a storm that always looked ready to begin.
The buildings were all very organic looking and had many many holes inside them from which, an eerie green light was always radiating from. The entire town put off a feeling of unease into me and to be completely honest I rather liked it. So after making my observation I simply walked on in with no real hesitation.
Sadly for me, I missed the sign that clearly stated that this was Canopia the changeling capital of Equestria.
Once I entered the town I quite quickly found out that this town was more of a city and that it was filled with many pony like creatures but these were quite different from all of the ones that I have seen this far.
They all had black coats which upon closer inspection was a glossy carapace instead. And they all had fangs telling me that this subspecies was instead a predator, unlike the others. They all also sported those compact eyes that I saw on many bugs from my world which also complimented those bug-like and lightly translucent wings. But the main thing that stood out about them was their mid drifts, manes and those eyes. They each sported a different colour and hairstyle. It made them look a bit cuter then they ought to but they were still eyeing me like I was going to end up their next meal.
“Uhm hello?” I tried as I gave them away and a disarming smile. I did not like how they still looked at me.
But eventually, one stepped forward and looked at me more up close. It was a purple changeling with a hair styled over one of its eyes and after looking me over for what felt like an hour it turned to the others and called out in a buzzy voice… It was the only way I could describe it. “It’s okay everyone he is not a pony!” It sounded a bit more like a female voice but honestly, I couldn’t tell the difference.
With her call out everything returned to normal and I was left at the end very confused. “What the fuck just happened?” It was an appropriate response after seeing that just happen before me. “And where the fuck am I… and furthermore who the fuck are you and what is this fucking species problem with staring at newcomers!?” I may have yelled that last part but that was more out of just trying to move on from that awkward and slightly terrifying experience. ~~I can best a strong princess but even I struggle against large groups of enemies~~… Gonna have to erase this last part out later.
The purple changeling turned around and ten first extended her hoof. “First we exchange pleasantries and then I shall answer your… rather crudely formed questions. My name is Odonata and you par chance are?” She asked me with what a voice that had little to no emotion behind it.
“Uhm my name is Geria miss Odonata,” I replied to which she raised her eyebrow at.
“I meant your real name.” She insists seemingly able to tell when I was lying. I squinted my eyes and let my magic enhance my vision only to find that this creature was radiating a magic tendril that was sucking something from me.
“I shall strongly consider it after you stop leaching off of me like the common mosquito,” I said with a bit of an edge to my words which after hearing it immediately cut her connection. She also seemed to have been a tad insulted.
“Do not compare me to a mosquito you roughing. What gives you the right to walk into our town and dictate what we can and can not do. After all, you are still not one of us.” Thankful that she forgot to ask for my name again I simply walked further along into town. After realizing this she buzzed her wings in annoyance and followed.
“While I will admit that I am not of your species than that leaves the opportunity that I am something much more dangerous.” I looked at her and gave her an eerie glare. “After all your analytical mind was still aware enough to not let me notice your magic right off the bat.” I do believe she shuddered a bit but quickly recomposed herself. “Now tell me about this place before I consider demolishing it to the ground.”
“You would destroy our city just for the action of one of us? That is rather unfounded and a rather huge waste of time.” She started but I cut in.
“I have given a chance to the pony creatures before and got kicked down a well for it. Now would you consider giving me a tour to change my mind instead of wasting my time further then.” I said as I walked to what looked like to be the centre of this city.
There was a huge fountain in the middle of this big… town square I guess and in the middle of that, there was a huge carving made from a currently unknown material that represented six majestic insectoid ponies all protectively holding a solid gold looking star.
I was honestly impressed and after noticing my fascination Odonata smiled and stepped before the fountain. “I see that you are quite fascinated with this statue.” She said simply as I sat my rear down to start listening to a lecture from this rather odd creature. “Well, I guess I should first answer what we are. We are a species known as changelings. We are a subspecies from the Ponies, that you said pushed you down a well.” I nodded a bit to tell her that I was listening. “Well anywho. We, changelings, are a feared race amongst them only for the simple fact that they are our only food source. Why we do not feed on their flesh like you would expect we instead feed on their emotions. It was what I did to you but expect no bad side effects as the spell is harmless when one is in not feral. But should one succumb to their hunger they can, in essence, drain a pony to death.” She finished that last part off with a shudder.
“It is a ghastly sight to see a pony devoid of all emotion. But alas it happened and after a couple, the ponies feared us more and started casting us out. At one point we were on the brink of starvation but alas these six ladies behind me came to rise up and gave us all a special gift. The gift of illusion.” She demonstrated that by changing into a full-blown copy of my current form. “And it is with this magic that we managed to sneak in and collect the food we so desperately needed.” She said and then dispelled her illusion.
“After satiating our hunger the six queens decided to split up all of the changelings and take them to remote and rarely travelled parts of Equestria where they then founded the six capital cities of our great empire. Currently, you reside at the green city Canopia which is under the watch of our queen Chrysalis.” She explains further but says that name with a bit of… Fear.
“And why the sudden change of mood when talking about your queen?” I ask making her jump back from her little train of thought.
“O-oh… I really shouldn’t tell… but rest assured everything is alright.” She then coughed into her hoof and continued. “And after this city was fully built we erected this statue as a reminder of just how far we have come and that we still plan on staying here for thousands of years yet.” She concludes and I smile.
“Hmm… Sounds very nice but what would happen to me if I turned back to normal here? Would I be chased out or possibly attacked?” I asked as I looked around the place and then back at her.
“Well, nothing of the sort will happen as long as you respect us and do not provoke us.” She says curtly and seeing as they didn’t really do anything to me, I did indeed turn back and once I again opened my eyes I found her staring in awe at me. “What kind of illusion was that?”
I looked at her for a bit as I unclipped the saddle from my stomach and slung it over my shoulder. “Oh, that was no illusion, my friend. I did indeed turn into a pony but I have to ask how did you see through my disguise?” I asked being rather happy that I was once again in my skin.
“W-well to answer your question I saw in your eyes a mixture of all manner of emotion typical for every other creature other than a pony who usually radiates happiness and love by the bucket fulls while the other emotions are buried.” She explained and then stepped up to me. “But you have to teach me how you did that.” She said as she placed a hoof on my leg and looked up at me with those beady eyes that evoked in me, pity for this Changeling.
“Sorry, Odonata but I fear you do not possess the right magic to do so,” I said simply which made her wings fall and for her to take a sniff. I even saw some tears forming in the corners of her eyes.
“Please teach me anyway. I wanna understand your thought process and maybe even adapt it to our own skills.” She begged as she cried at my feet. “I’ll do anything. Plea-ea-ease.” She said now really putting on a show. I first scanned for any manipulations to my head or heart and instead found her snacking on me. I sighed and picked her up like I would a big dog.
I then wiped away her tears and I smiled at her. “Okay, I shall teach you the best I can but realize we shall go over the very basics for my magic is derived from a place that no one should dare explore. In return, I wish for you to provide me with a simple room and some extra food… And maybe some directions afterwards cause I clearly got turned around.” I said as I petted her belly which made her purr for some odd reason and afterwards she was so happy that I thought that I would develop cavities.
“Oh thank you oh so much mister… Uhm what was your name again?” She asked as she buzzed out from my grasp and onto the hard floor.
I simply smiled and patted her head. “Charon and it’s nice to meet you.”
Author's Note
Thank you for all of the support and comments. I hope that this story brings you much joy yet.
