A sparkby Ninjachris01ChaptersThe time approachesLost in the crowdWaking upOne more timeMidnight strollChapter 1/2 smile for me.Chapter one miscalculationThe upper handThe time approachesI wait in this endless void, yet I have no patience to test. I look over the light eating darkness but with no eyes to see. I drift around this endless expanse but still I am nothing. In here, there is no such thing as time, life, sound, light, or matter. But here I stand in this abyss. I'm not sentient but yet I think. But this void can show things too. But they're never really there, are they? I fear my mind is slipping into insanity, yet I have no mind. The whisper's teach me what the void can see. The land of happiness and sunshine is on the other side and that's sickening to me. There is life that grows stagnant over time. The place is brimming with light and hope. I feel nauseous yet I have no stomach. The evil and insane are so tame on the outside yet they are all so scared. They deserve to have the nothingness claim them all. Maybe then they'll have the right of sentients. Ever since I came into existence here I never questioned any of this. The nothingness was what I am used to but there is an ever burning hatred building up. I could do nothing but let that hatred grow. As the whispering spoke to me I found a focus for my hatred. I am nothing, yet I have thoughts and feelings. They are light that should have never been left to fester. I've learned everything about this world. The sentient beings and their desperate bid for control. I'm aware of them yet I can do nothing. Because in the end, I am and always will be nothing. But then the oddest thought occured to me. "What if I could?" A simple question. Not once have I ever thought a question and yet that simple question led to more."What if I exist?" " What if I was sentient". "What if I could leave?" And finally, "where would I fit in this world?". The questions seem never ending, but not a single answer in sight. Once again I think of things I never have before. I imagine what I would do out there and what it would be like. Walking into the light and letting my hatred out. Then came a wish from my thoughts. That wasn't new, but the wish itself is what was intriguing. I want to leave the darkness and really exist. The visions came back to me. Before the only words to describe them would be true madness. But this time was different. There were three images that could be described as orbs. Each orb contained something different. The whispers grew louder as I gazed at the orbs. The first had an hourglass inside. One of the whispers grew louder then the others. "A long time ago, imprisoned for their crimes, wake one up and live their life". Looking away the whisper molded back into the others. The second orb had a picture of a gift in it. The whispers again grew quiet and one rose above them. "You are there, just another face in the crowd, but with the power to change everything". The last orb contained a futuristic looking chip. The whispering completely silenced and a voice spoke. "You are always ahead, you know what effects you'll have, you will be created". Then there was only silence. Not a single whisper can be heard. The only thing that stayed were the orbs just flouting there unmoving. Choices to be made, all because I started to change. Changes got me this far, let's see how far I can go. I instinctively know the meaning of the orbs. The first means that upon my release I will be very well known so there is no chance of surprise, but I will have a good grasp on what is going on in this land. The whispers lead me to believe that I will be powerful, but my weakness will be well known across the lands. The second orb will allow me knowledge of the world but yet let me have the element of surprise. I will not stand out as much. I will have to use persuasion instead of force. That could be risky in its own right. The third orb it will give me the element of surprise but not a good handle on what is going on in this land. I will know what my actions cause by looking into the future. There is also reason to believe that I will have more advanced technology. But I may stand out because the whisper said "created" which means I might not be fully human. But still my question is unanswered. What orb would be the most useful. The whispers haven't come back yet so I guess it's up to me. But I've never had to make a decision let alone question my existence. I have no idea what to do. The only thing I can do is what I have slowly been developing over the years. My only option is to think and hope that my choice is the right one. Besides this looks like the first question of many to come so every single answer I give will be important in the long run. Hahahaha It's kind of funny when you think about it. My entire existence was literally nothing, but the moment I change, I have the power to change everything. This will be fun. I can tell already. I've never experienced fun before. I have this feeling of jitteriness and anticipation. I think this emotion is called excitement. From what I've heard excitement often results in fun. I smile and yet I have no lips to smile with. I fidget and yet I have nothing I can move. For once in my existence I do not feel alone. I feel watched and I feel the weight of my decision. There are eyes watching me in this empty void waiting with anticipation for my choices, for my next move. The pressure is unbearable. I feel the weight push down on me the more I think. All of these new experiences are starting to get to me now. I must let it go. My thoughts slowly stop as my sentience falls away so I can rest my tired mind. The best choice must be made because I do not believe I can go back and change my answers. Author's Note Your opinions will be noticed through this story and might effect the outcomes so remember to comment. See you soon (✷‿✷) Lost in the crowdThe only real choice I can make is the present. Maybe in another time I would have picked the other two. But for now I can only look ahead. The two other orbs fade away as the middle orb rose up. The orb just floats there above me. The whispering comes back to me as more images start to appear. They look like the ponies the voices talk about. The first looks to be a male unicorn. The unicorn is rather slim and looks starved. Looking closer you can see his ribs through his shirt. There are tear marks on his face and just looking at him makes you sympathize with him. He has pink hair with a coat of blue. Looking at him you can just tell that he used to be a model citizen. The whispering quits and a male voice filled with sorrow speaks up. "They took her. I did everything they wanted from me. I accepted their changes and zealously protected their name. But the moment my daughter was found they took her away from me. My little Cadence was stolen and she doesn't even know. I've tried to get her back but the princess's won't let me anywhere near her. I tried to plead and beg but they wouldn't listen. Then I realized. This nation is corrupted by all of those nobleman and these two bitches. But there is nothing I can do because I am astallion who's wife committed suicide. I won't be long to follow The voice stopped and the whispering came back. The picture blurred into the background. A picture seems to be erasing itself and then fixing itself over and over again. Looking a little to the right I see the next one. It appears to be a teenager wearing a hoody. He seems rather perky compared to the last one. He is a little dragon with green and purple spikes. The young man's voice filled the void. "I am everyone's number one assistant. They are all using me for there own wants. I was born into slavery locked in my golden chains. This is all I know and love so I don't know what to do. But this is what I've always done so why resist now? The silence is deafening. It just drills into me. The teenager fades into the background like the last one. Many things are changing. I am changing and I'm starting to realize that this won't be painless. I must continue forward. I cannot stop now. I am so close to the promised land. Looking at the very last person, it appears to be female. She is wearing a mailman uniform. She is grey with straw colored hair. Her eyes go in two different directions. She looks rather innocent and cute, but a little dumb. There appears to be wings attached to this one. " I've lived a horrible life, but I always try to look at the good. This world is corrupted and I must protect my little muffin. She is too innocent for this world. I've got ties with the mobsters and the mafia. All of the citizens know me. I'm as innocent as they come, but maybe a little clumsy though. Then she fades into the background like all the others. My head is pounding like a drum. This is a hard choice to make, even harder then before. This might be my last question or maybe there's more to come. Waking up"This is on the house. How are you doing nowadays?" Pity. That's all I get anymore. No matter what there's that pity. They treat me like a kicked puppy and not a sentient pony. There's anger behind that mask of concern though. When the incident occurred, I denounced her which would never go well. Every single citizen in this town acts like this except for the guards. They skipped the pity and went straight to anger. Needless to say, I sometimes end up in bad shape. "No, that will be all." Purposefully dodging interactions, I walk briskly out of the store. There was some sort of parade going on so the streets were flooded with people. But when I walk they all part ways for me and leave a clear path. I've gotten used to the stares and whispering long ago, so this was just the usual. Sometimes I wonder if their yelling in a whispering tone since everyone of them was audible. Ten minutes of this and I'm finally home. Climbing the stairs to my old house I gaze up at it. This used to be filled with so many good memories. When I first moved in, when she moved in with me, all the games, and her . . . But now it is filled with nothing but sorrow. My house looks like it will fall apart at any moment, but it's still sturdy enough to stand. Unlocking my door I quickly shut it behind me breathing a sigh of relief. I decide not to look around one last time because it was unnecessary. I knew it all by heart. Looking down at the back of my hand, I scowl at the film that's been there ever since I was a child. This Mark of mine was a blessing in my younger years but a curse as time went on. The main side effect was perfect memories from birth to now. Dropping off my keys I head upstairs with a sharp pain in my gut. Walking past the bedroom I can't help but look at the box. This time I just had to look at it. Looking at the cardboard box with her name across it, I begin to cry. "Angel Ardor". That is the name of the prettiest Pegasus in the world. When we were in high school she was one of the cool kids and I was just the loner. She never told me why she came to talk to me or even allowed me to take her out on dates. I open the box and see exactly what I expected. There were many pictures of us throughout the years. I couldn't bare to look at them. Then there was her flying goggles that she used to wear all the time. Having to wipe my eyes of the tears to see the next item of hers. There was a box that was filled with clothes but her favorite scarf laid on top. To the right of it was the fedora that I wore on our first date. Closing the box in a hurry I had to turn around to gather myself. When I got myself together I looked up to see a full-body mirror. Once she left I just became worse and worse and now I look like the definition of sorrow. My eyes have bags under them along with permanent tear marks. The black hoodie I was wearing didn't hide my ribs well or my disheveled hair. Taking a step forward it I punch the mirror with all my might over and over again. When I stop I can't see my reflection in any of the shards. The next room is the trophy room. She was very competitive when challenged and mostly won too. "Best Haunted House." "# 1 Best Flyer Competition." "The Key to the City" Angel was always doing whatever she could to help. That's one of the reasons we bonded so well. Angel and I were trying to make the world a better place, but she had done so much better then me. Both of us believing it was the least we could do for our princess. Back then we could have been considered zealots to her. Walking into the next room the bad memories came at me hard. This was our child's room. We had left it untouched. Nine years ago when I was twenty-five, we had our beautiful daughter. When she came into the world she didn't scream or cry she just looked at me and smiled. This blessing of ours was with us for six years and we just adored her, but she was different. When she was born we were expecting a unicorn or a pegasus but out came out our sweet pink alicorn. Cadence was are most treasured possession, but then word reached Celestia's ears. Before we knew it the guards burst into our house and Celestia personally took our daughter telling us it was for the best. How dare she tell us what's best with are daughter!! But there was nothing we could do. No matter what we said or did she didn't budge and took her from us. Six years and we weren't any better. The town was concerned about us. They new Celestia came, but nothing more. The world could fuck off for all we cared but Celestia place in our hearts shifted. That is what caused them to silently despise us but they didn't know what happened so they couldn't act out on us. But that didn't help in the slightest for either of us. Angel took it the hardest though. Sadly, as much as I tried to keep her from doing anything she'd regret I was also grieving. I came home from shopping one day and she didn'tn't answer my calls. When I walked into the child's room I found her . . . hung. When I cut her down I buried her in the backyard. I wouldn't let Celestia's guards touch her. But I did have to tell them refusing to let them see her. The fan she hung herself with broke but I haven't moved it off the floor. There was only a hook holding up shiny things that twirled. Reaching into the bag I tie the rope I bought to the hook. As I tried the hangman's knot I felt oddly calm. Using a step stool I put my head through the rope. "I love you both and I'm so sorry." Knocking the stool over things didn't go as planned. Instead of blissful darkness, the roof caved a and I fell to the floor. Looking up at the hole with a scowl I notice what looked to be an attic. That was strange. I never knew we had an attic. Getting a ladder and a flashlight I crawled through the hole and I see something weird. Walking up to it it appears to be some sort of shrine and at the center of it was a ring I had a tremendous urge to pick it up. Looking closer I see there are three words enscribed into the ring....."less is more". Looking back to the altar my head was filled with images. There was only one word to describe them and it was true madness. They caught me off-guard but they were just so beautiful. Then I felt it. The room spun as I felt another mind join my own consciousness. Fear was the last emotion I felt at the time. I just knew that I would see my daughter again with its help. Putting on the ring gave me a cold chill. Feeling so much power coming from this object was invigorating. But the new guy whispered something important and exciting. He said there is more to get and even more to do. Cadence, I will see you soon. Just hold on a bit longer. One more timeBlinking I realize I was just dreaming, but why am I in the bathroom? Looking around I see the bathroom has been completely flooded. Turning off the sink and the shower I realize I must have been black out drunk. Oh God, the water damage will be a nightmare. Wait. Why don't I have any memories of drinking? Did I faint because of lack of air flow? Hell wasn't I dead? Calm down. There has to be a reasonable answer for all of this. Nope "Who said that!!" Looking around frantically I can't find were the voice came from. Exiting the bathroom I go to my room to see if anything happened. Yup. There it was. The fallen ceiling. But looking through the hole I see starlight. But when I look to my right hand there was the same ring. When I try to take it off it seemed like it was a part of me. It would not move a centimeter. Okay, okay, okay, okay, so I try to hang myself and fail. Then the dream started. But then I went to the bathroom flooded it and put on a ring. This makes a lot less sense, but it's something at least. Looking at the wreckage I seem to have crawled out of leaving a trail to the door. Concussion! That's probably what all of this is. When the ceiling hit me I got a concussion and had a blackout. That would also explain why I feel so weird. This isn't that bad. I just need to visit the hospital. What am I saying. I literally just tried to kill myself. What changed? Why am I not . . . Oh God my head hurts. Going back in the bathroom I look in the mirror to find my injuries but I look fine. Nope Again with that voice! Where the hell is he!?!? Looking around once again I notice where it's coming from. With a greater amount of concern I look at my reflection that seems to be . . . independent? But everything was wrong. The thing had my color inverted and those eyes. Shiver. The only words I can use to describe them are blacker than black. Reflection me seems to be standing there motionless. "What the fuck!?!?" Trying to back away I slip on the water on the floor. When I look back up the thing seems to lean out of the mirror and look down at me. This can mean three things. 1) I killed myself, 2) I went insane, or 3) I'm still knocked out. At this point I don't know which one of them I should believe. What When he asked me that his mouth moved like it was trying to imitate what I said and it did flawlessly. This thing gave off an aura as if it was there before time was. No matter how hard I try I'll never understand why I decided to talk to it. Curiosity killed the cat and I'm guessing I'm going to be next but wasn't that what I wanted? Why don't I feel the helplessness I felt when they were both taken from me? I must have gone completely insane. Hell it was only a matter of time and everyone knew it. "What are you?" you? When it was said it sounded more like a question than an answer. That got me thinking. We're both in the same boat here. But the way he looked at me and just the way he spoke was wrong. There was no emotion to be seen or heard from him. Plus any speaking it did do it looked like it was imitating me, though it wasn't my voice that came out of it. This was more like a stray thought but hearing it instead of thinking it. "You don't know then" nope "What can you tell me?" what said can tell you "What is that supposed to mean?" It's supposed to mean you tell me With this conversation not going anywhere I ponder to myself once again. This thing copies me but it doesn't know anything else unless it sees it. Maybe if I keep talking it can have an actual discussion with me over time. Whether he said it or not it seemed like he knew something I did not. Leaving the restroom I head down to the kitchen since I'll probably need water after a while. When I left the bathroom I expected it would stay there but there it was reflecting off the metal. Seems like I lost my right to privacy but who needs that nowadays anyway. what? Once I got a big cup of water I head to living room. Sitting down on my recliner I levitate a few books to me. This conversation was interesting and all but if it could make a full sentence that would be nice. There I went with the goal of reading book after book that I have already read. But this time I felt like I was preparing to teach someone else rather then learning it just for myself. Must be my fatherly instincts kicking back in. . . .fuck I miss them. When I felt tears come to my eyes I felt warmth spread all over me. There was a tightening of my chest and a soothing sound ringing throughout my head. It took me a little bit to realize, but the thing was hugging me from the inside. Midnight strollBeing a night owl is a rather old habit of mine. Forsaking the sun or more specifically the mare who controls it is the only way I could. Once my wife passed I started taking walks at night constantly, which is surprisingly calming. But tonight does not hold any sense of relaxation for me. Tonight is about wrapping my mind around the situation and stretching my sore limbs. Two days of reading in a cramped house will do that to you. Checking my surroundings to make sure no one was around, I try to start up a conversation. Whatever is in my head hasn't talked to me in awhile so who knows if reading to it worked. "Hello. My name is Psyche but my friends call me Recall." Do all ponies have weird names?Can't you tell who's who by there forms? "By that reasoning, I assume you were alone somewhere. Am I right?" Yes why? "I'm just trying to understand you. Therapy is my job. I don't want to brag but I was the best therapist there ever was." But you did brag about it. "It's an expression. Anyways, we're getting off topic. What are you?" Less then nothing. Don't have the right words. "Fair enough. Next question then. What do you know?" What you taught me. A little about the rock you live on. And a few other things. "Alright. So what are you going to do Mr. Void?" Saying this in a joking manner, I hope that any emotion will bleed through his words. Yes. I am void and I want to live. But we share everything but minds so I can only mimick you. Wait a minute I really sound like that? No wonder people avoid me. *shiver* "The way you said that implies that this goes both ways. Is that right?Also what do you want from this?" We mimic each other and yes I want to be happy. So I will help you any way I can. This is getting very weird but I can't help but look forward to what might come next. I wasn't expecting the next thing to happen. Gathering my wits I look around and realize I'm surrounded. The guard that pushed me on the ground was glaring at me along with the rest. Standing back up I look around to try to escape this but by the looks of it there is no way out. Looking back at the guard I feel someone punching the back of my head. Stumbling forward they then push me into the alleyway. While I was getting ready for another beatdown from the guards Void says something that catches my interest. Open your palm towards them. With practice you can do much with the ring but for now this will have to do. Listening to the voice I aim my palm at them and nothing seems to happen. The guards start laughing at me and take a couple more steps forward. But with every step that they take it's clear that they're getting wobblier. A couple more seconds and they're all on the floor groaning in pain. Keeping my palm facing towards them I feel a rush of power. When the power slows down I realize I closed my eyes at some point during this. But when I open them I did not expect to see what has happened. There were three unicorns, one earth pony and two Pegasi all on the ground. Their fur turned gray and there cutie marks nowhere to be found. Quickly checking for a pulse on the nearest guard I see that they are alive but barely. Firing up my magic I quickly suppress their memories of the last ten minutes. It won't be exactly ten minutes but it should be long enough for them to forget about this. Looking at my cutie mark I smiled and remember everything I can do with it. Suppressing memories is just the tip of the iceberg. I've practiced mind magic all my life. That's why I became a therapist to help people face all their bad memories. When I had any sort of free time I practiced other mind spells. That being said, my suppression magic was abused when I was at school. Like I said, I was a loner and I barely showed up to classes but nobody remembers the last part. Quickly and quietly leaving the crime scene I think on what just happened. He said that with practice I can do other things with the ring and this was the easiest one to use. What can get better than stealing magic from others? I can just feel their magic next to my mana pool, not growing but not shrinking either. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I can't let this go to waste. Walking back to my house, I question what else this ring can possibly do. But for now it does not matter and for the first time in awhile I smile. This will help me and it feels like I am really going to see Cadence again. Don't you worry baby. Daddy's coming to get you. Chapter 1/2 smile for me.Walking back home I processed what happened. Their magic was now my magic and this was the weakest thing I could do? What did I get myself into exactly? Stop it. Just think it through. There has to be a reasonable explanation. . . Or maybe there isn't..... Walking through my front door I make my way to the kitchen. Taking out the vodka I save for rainy days I take a swig. The taste almost made me choke. The fire going down my throat was different. It's like I'm drinking it for the first time! With the amount of times I've drunk this that's not what's supposed to happen. Unless . . It is his first time so I guess he wasn't lying. There's no way to tell if he's lying to me or not without practice. Besides he may be another one of her tricks. Once we denounced Celestia she tried to pull several different tricks to get us jailed. We both hated that with every fiber of our beings. Even as divine as everyone saw her two loyal zealots suddenly turning on their beloved princess does not look good. Celestia managed to keep the reporters away so no one knew what happened and everyone was curious. Stuff like that doesn't go unnoticed much to her chagrin. That's what drove us to insanity. She never left us alone. She opened the wound every chance she got. Right now we're at a stalemate. Even though I can't work my house is being paid for. But if I slip up the house is scheduled to be knocked down. That's not an option I'm willing to consider. Going to the upstairs, I sit on the lip of the tub and stare at the mirror. "Why me?" Simple question with thousands of answers. " Out of everyone in the world why did you choose me?" "That's an easy one." What? "I had a good feeling about you." Really?! That's it?! "No! I won't accept that answer! There has to be a reason!" "Tell me. If you had to choose with little information what would you rely on?" Hmmm.... He got me there. You would just have to choose who you thought would be good. In other words, guess. "What do you really want." "To help." "Haha, you have too much anger for that. Don't you remember we're linked." It was true. I felt like there was an inferno in the back of my mind. ". . . Kill them all." "What!?!" How in Tartarus was I supposed to respond to that! "These ponys are so stagnant and so soft they don't deserve to live." Wow! That's a big pill to swallow. Not only do I have someone in my head but said person wants to kill everyone. Why don't I feel more horrified at this?!? Getting up, I walk into my bedroom and sprawl across my bed. What would she do? "Smile for me." Whipping my head around I see her standing there. "You already know the rest." Rushing over to her I try to touch her but she fades away. Where she once was now sits that box waiting patiently. Lifting up the box I put it on the bed and look what I kept behind it. Out of context it would seem like any old junk mail but no. It caused me so much pain and heartache just looking at it. To me this holds my fate in it. The question is would you read your lovers suicide letter? The last letter she will ever write. Or would you hide from the truth? Bury that letter to hide from the pain and not face reality. If it wasn't clear, I chose the second option. But I need to know now more then ever. Shutting my eyes as tight as I could and with one fluid motion I open it and took out the parchment. Holding it at arms length I slowly open my eyes and read. "My love, I feel certain that I am going mad again. I feel we can't go through another of those terrible times. And I can't recover this time. I have begun to hear voices, and I can't concentrate. So I am doing what seems the best thing to do. You have given me the greatest possible happiness. You have been in every way all that anyone could be. I don't think two people could have been happier 'til this terrible disease came. I can't fight any longer. I know that I am spoiling your life. That without me you could work. And you will I know. You see I can't even write this properly. I can't read. What I want to say is I owe all the happiness in my life to you. You have been entirely patient with me and incredibly good. If anybody could have saved me, it would have been you. Everything has gone from me but the certainty of our daughters return. I can't go on spoiling your life any longer. I don't think two people could have been happier than we have been. I've always loved you." Reading this my eyes well up. I look at the box with determination. I know what to do and as hard as this path will be I have to go through with it. For Cadence, for Angel, and for me. Opening the box I put on her goggles and scarf to hide my face. Then I put on my fedora all to remind myself that she's always with me and I have to pull through no matter the consequences for us, for Cadence Going to the mirror I tell the void something that makes him smile ear-to-ear. "Well let's start this massacre." Walking outside I look around trying to decide what my next move should be. Then I see a paper flying in the wind. Catching it I read the headline and feel giddiness at what's to come. "Manhattan museum grand opening." Author's Note Almost there!😋 Chapter one miscalculationAfter a long train ride I can't help but feel excited. With another bump of the train my head meets the metal once again. Getting into the luggage cart seemed like a good idea at the time. Can't have any record of me being there after all. To think I would have so much power. Feeling my left pocket the smoke bombs were still there. With a sudden stop, I see stars for a minute. Once I recover I quickly go to the car with the crowd to blend in. With that mess over with I head to the area the bank should be around. But with the people moving like streams it was harder then anticipated. Another hour wasted, but that doesn't matter. Taking a deep breath I make my way in. Security was pretty tight considering what "security" passes for now a days. I've read that there used to be guards along with the safe! Can you believe that!? ". . . Are you serious? Yes? Is there any other security? More!? " I'm starting to regret this." WHAT?! WHY?!? " Forget it. Let's get to the killing. Just know you dampened the mood." Ok? Getting in the line I wait for my opportunity. Can't seem too suspicious yet. Another hour later and I'm next so I pull the pins. This will be so much fun! Ok then tell me void. What can I do! I don't know . . . What? You heard me BUT YOU SAID TO DO THAT THING! Lucky guess BUT YOU SAID I COULD DO STRONG STUFF!! Optimism? YOU COULD HAVE SAID THAT BEFORE I PULLED THE PINS YOU BASTARD!! Too late now I KNOW THAT! OK OK OK I CAN SALVAGE THIS. JUST THINK! Good luck Deep breaths. Just think your way out of this. Ok so there's about two point five seconds before the smoke bombs go off. During that commotion I have to secure my disguise before anyone can catch a glance. But if someone does get a good look not even my magic would be of much use so I'll have to get rid of the witnesses. Since I used all of my smoke bombs there's no way to hide. My ring is apparently useless at the moment. In my right pocket there's a two inch knife and in my left pocket there's a granola bar. Along with my backpack for carrying the loot. There seems to be four bank tellers, twelve customers, and two children. The children are in line four which means I can't use them as leverage. There are one Pegasus, five unicorns, and six earth ponies. The four bank tellers are unicorns. With the Pegasus here the smoke won't last longer than a few minutes. To get to the money I have to get behind the desk and bust down/unlock the door and figure out what the combination to the safe is. With all of the problems spotted I need to find a way around them. Ready . . . Set . . . GO! With that the smoke bombs go off. I drop all but one. With everyone blinded I jump the counter and tackle the bank teller. Hearing the panic starting to rise I muffle his screams and drag him into the back. Closing and locking the door behind us I pull out my knife and try to subdue him but it is too late. The stallion got his wits back and is backing away from me. When his horn lit I panicked and threw what was in my hand. Feeling myself rise and then fall to the ground I knew which side of the blade had hit. Not looking at what I'd done I check out the many safes. But they all were locked and needed keys to open them. But what had my attention was the medium sized safe near the back. Looking around the room I see a key in the desk that might help me but looking at the bank teller's body I spot a few more. Realizing there must be guards heading my way I had to get what I came for. Taking the keys I drag the body near the safe and test the keys. None of the teller's keys worked but the desk key did. When opened there was only a few bags of bits which is ok I guess. Once everything was in my bag I smile at my first heist. Hey genius what's the plan on leaving? ". . ." . . . Ok so there's one smoke bomb in here completely blanketing the room so vision should be impaired. There's a suspicious desk in the middle of the room so they'll probably suspect that I'm there. If they see the body they'll call back up and if I try to leave it would cause a commotion. So while they are distracted with a suspicious desk I have to get out while bringing no attention to myself. Realizing what I have to do I try to undress him. Once he's naked I shove the body into the safe and lock it. Getting undressed I put my clothes into my bag. But the tricky part was squeezing myself into clothes that are a few sizes too small. Under close examination it would be obvious that I didn't work here but it could pass from a quick glance. With all that done I sit next to the door and wait for the Calvary to arrive. While we wait let's have a chat. Really? . . . Now? Yes now! What the fuck was that!?! Please be more specific YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN!! They're here FINE! BUT YOUR NOT OFF THE HOOK! Getting ready I back away from the door. . . . . . . . . . Are you sure they're coming? BAM With that a few figures run into the room and spread out. As expected they were all focused on the desk so I dip. Walking away casually plus the smoke seem to do the trick. Making my way outside I speed walk to the alley. Once I make my way down the alley I get changed and throw the clothes into the dumpster. This trip may have had some hiccups but in the end I think I did well. The upper handThe father is drawing no eyes of importance to him. His orb floats right next to the others. Slowly the other two orbs move further back. These people who inhibit the orbd must be alive out there and I might be able to light there sparks. But all that must wait until I have a good foot hold. Until I know how to proceed. Suddenly there was a lot of images circling around me. There are more then last time for sure. When all the lights calm down and the images are still there are three in front of me and three on the opposite side of them. They all look so graceful and yet maddeningly simple. The three in front of me on the surface appear to be pictures but yet their bigger meaning is apparent. The first one was a film with a different picture in each square. Next there is a broken heart with band-aids trying to keep it from splitting in two. Lastly there is a heart with a devil inside. The pictures all seem to start screaming and I can't discern what they're saying. As quickly as the yelling started it suddenly just stopped. There were only three words I was able to catch. The words were Cupid's repair, lust, and memories. They are out of order, or at least that's what I believe. With all of the information that was given to me before, I was expecting more. Turning around I prepare myself for the onslaught of voices, but that didn't happen. There was just three pictures and nothing more. They were just ordinary with nothing special about them. The first picture was a ring and a voice whispered "more power" and nothing else. Next I heard the whisper "every key" as I examined the next picture of a key with a skull. The last picture was of what looked like a pony crossed with a black bug. The voice whispered "spy friend". The strange creature in the picture reminds me of a changeling. I believe I can only pick one of each, but what pairs are right. They combinations may be helpful but they might conflict with each other. What to do, what to do?
The time approachesI wait in this endless void, yet I have no patience to test. I look over the light eating darkness but with no eyes to see. I drift around this endless expanse but still I am nothing. In here, there is no such thing as time, life, sound, light, or matter. But here I stand in this abyss. I'm not sentient but yet I think. But this void can show things too. But they're never really there, are they? I fear my mind is slipping into insanity, yet I have no mind. The whisper's teach me what the void can see. The land of happiness and sunshine is on the other side and that's sickening to me. There is life that grows stagnant over time. The place is brimming with light and hope. I feel nauseous yet I have no stomach. The evil and insane are so tame on the outside yet they are all so scared. They deserve to have the nothingness claim them all. Maybe then they'll have the right of sentients. Ever since I came into existence here I never questioned any of this. The nothingness was what I am used to but there is an ever burning hatred building up. I could do nothing but let that hatred grow. As the whispering spoke to me I found a focus for my hatred. I am nothing, yet I have thoughts and feelings. They are light that should have never been left to fester. I've learned everything about this world. The sentient beings and their desperate bid for control. I'm aware of them yet I can do nothing. Because in the end, I am and always will be nothing. But then the oddest thought occured to me. "What if I could?" A simple question. Not once have I ever thought a question and yet that simple question led to more."What if I exist?" " What if I was sentient". "What if I could leave?" And finally, "where would I fit in this world?". The questions seem never ending, but not a single answer in sight. Once again I think of things I never have before. I imagine what I would do out there and what it would be like. Walking into the light and letting my hatred out. Then came a wish from my thoughts. That wasn't new, but the wish itself is what was intriguing. I want to leave the darkness and really exist. The visions came back to me. Before the only words to describe them would be true madness. But this time was different. There were three images that could be described as orbs. Each orb contained something different. The whispers grew louder as I gazed at the orbs. The first had an hourglass inside. One of the whispers grew louder then the others. "A long time ago, imprisoned for their crimes, wake one up and live their life". Looking away the whisper molded back into the others. The second orb had a picture of a gift in it. The whispers again grew quiet and one rose above them. "You are there, just another face in the crowd, but with the power to change everything". The last orb contained a futuristic looking chip. The whispering completely silenced and a voice spoke. "You are always ahead, you know what effects you'll have, you will be created". Then there was only silence. Not a single whisper can be heard. The only thing that stayed were the orbs just flouting there unmoving. Choices to be made, all because I started to change. Changes got me this far, let's see how far I can go. I instinctively know the meaning of the orbs. The first means that upon my release I will be very well known so there is no chance of surprise, but I will have a good grasp on what is going on in this land. The whispers lead me to believe that I will be powerful, but my weakness will be well known across the lands. The second orb will allow me knowledge of the world but yet let me have the element of surprise. I will not stand out as much. I will have to use persuasion instead of force. That could be risky in its own right. The third orb it will give me the element of surprise but not a good handle on what is going on in this land. I will know what my actions cause by looking into the future. There is also reason to believe that I will have more advanced technology. But I may stand out because the whisper said "created" which means I might not be fully human. But still my question is unanswered. What orb would be the most useful. The whispers haven't come back yet so I guess it's up to me. But I've never had to make a decision let alone question my existence. I have no idea what to do. The only thing I can do is what I have slowly been developing over the years. My only option is to think and hope that my choice is the right one. Besides this looks like the first question of many to come so every single answer I give will be important in the long run. Hahahaha It's kind of funny when you think about it. My entire existence was literally nothing, but the moment I change, I have the power to change everything. This will be fun. I can tell already. I've never experienced fun before. I have this feeling of jitteriness and anticipation. I think this emotion is called excitement. From what I've heard excitement often results in fun. I smile and yet I have no lips to smile with. I fidget and yet I have nothing I can move. For once in my existence I do not feel alone. I feel watched and I feel the weight of my decision. There are eyes watching me in this empty void waiting with anticipation for my choices, for my next move. The pressure is unbearable. I feel the weight push down on me the more I think. All of these new experiences are starting to get to me now. I must let it go. My thoughts slowly stop as my sentience falls away so I can rest my tired mind. The best choice must be made because I do not believe I can go back and change my answers. Author's Note Your opinions will be noticed through this story and might effect the outcomes so remember to comment. See you soon (✷‿✷)
Lost in the crowdThe only real choice I can make is the present. Maybe in another time I would have picked the other two. But for now I can only look ahead. The two other orbs fade away as the middle orb rose up. The orb just floats there above me. The whispering comes back to me as more images start to appear. They look like the ponies the voices talk about. The first looks to be a male unicorn. The unicorn is rather slim and looks starved. Looking closer you can see his ribs through his shirt. There are tear marks on his face and just looking at him makes you sympathize with him. He has pink hair with a coat of blue. Looking at him you can just tell that he used to be a model citizen. The whispering quits and a male voice filled with sorrow speaks up. "They took her. I did everything they wanted from me. I accepted their changes and zealously protected their name. But the moment my daughter was found they took her away from me. My little Cadence was stolen and she doesn't even know. I've tried to get her back but the princess's won't let me anywhere near her. I tried to plead and beg but they wouldn't listen. Then I realized. This nation is corrupted by all of those nobleman and these two bitches. But there is nothing I can do because I am astallion who's wife committed suicide. I won't be long to follow The voice stopped and the whispering came back. The picture blurred into the background. A picture seems to be erasing itself and then fixing itself over and over again. Looking a little to the right I see the next one. It appears to be a teenager wearing a hoody. He seems rather perky compared to the last one. He is a little dragon with green and purple spikes. The young man's voice filled the void. "I am everyone's number one assistant. They are all using me for there own wants. I was born into slavery locked in my golden chains. This is all I know and love so I don't know what to do. But this is what I've always done so why resist now? The silence is deafening. It just drills into me. The teenager fades into the background like the last one. Many things are changing. I am changing and I'm starting to realize that this won't be painless. I must continue forward. I cannot stop now. I am so close to the promised land. Looking at the very last person, it appears to be female. She is wearing a mailman uniform. She is grey with straw colored hair. Her eyes go in two different directions. She looks rather innocent and cute, but a little dumb. There appears to be wings attached to this one. " I've lived a horrible life, but I always try to look at the good. This world is corrupted and I must protect my little muffin. She is too innocent for this world. I've got ties with the mobsters and the mafia. All of the citizens know me. I'm as innocent as they come, but maybe a little clumsy though. Then she fades into the background like all the others. My head is pounding like a drum. This is a hard choice to make, even harder then before. This might be my last question or maybe there's more to come.
Waking up"This is on the house. How are you doing nowadays?" Pity. That's all I get anymore. No matter what there's that pity. They treat me like a kicked puppy and not a sentient pony. There's anger behind that mask of concern though. When the incident occurred, I denounced her which would never go well. Every single citizen in this town acts like this except for the guards. They skipped the pity and went straight to anger. Needless to say, I sometimes end up in bad shape. "No, that will be all." Purposefully dodging interactions, I walk briskly out of the store. There was some sort of parade going on so the streets were flooded with people. But when I walk they all part ways for me and leave a clear path. I've gotten used to the stares and whispering long ago, so this was just the usual. Sometimes I wonder if their yelling in a whispering tone since everyone of them was audible. Ten minutes of this and I'm finally home. Climbing the stairs to my old house I gaze up at it. This used to be filled with so many good memories. When I first moved in, when she moved in with me, all the games, and her . . . But now it is filled with nothing but sorrow. My house looks like it will fall apart at any moment, but it's still sturdy enough to stand. Unlocking my door I quickly shut it behind me breathing a sigh of relief. I decide not to look around one last time because it was unnecessary. I knew it all by heart. Looking down at the back of my hand, I scowl at the film that's been there ever since I was a child. This Mark of mine was a blessing in my younger years but a curse as time went on. The main side effect was perfect memories from birth to now. Dropping off my keys I head upstairs with a sharp pain in my gut. Walking past the bedroom I can't help but look at the box. This time I just had to look at it. Looking at the cardboard box with her name across it, I begin to cry. "Angel Ardor". That is the name of the prettiest Pegasus in the world. When we were in high school she was one of the cool kids and I was just the loner. She never told me why she came to talk to me or even allowed me to take her out on dates. I open the box and see exactly what I expected. There were many pictures of us throughout the years. I couldn't bare to look at them. Then there was her flying goggles that she used to wear all the time. Having to wipe my eyes of the tears to see the next item of hers. There was a box that was filled with clothes but her favorite scarf laid on top. To the right of it was the fedora that I wore on our first date. Closing the box in a hurry I had to turn around to gather myself. When I got myself together I looked up to see a full-body mirror. Once she left I just became worse and worse and now I look like the definition of sorrow. My eyes have bags under them along with permanent tear marks. The black hoodie I was wearing didn't hide my ribs well or my disheveled hair. Taking a step forward it I punch the mirror with all my might over and over again. When I stop I can't see my reflection in any of the shards. The next room is the trophy room. She was very competitive when challenged and mostly won too. "Best Haunted House." "# 1 Best Flyer Competition." "The Key to the City" Angel was always doing whatever she could to help. That's one of the reasons we bonded so well. Angel and I were trying to make the world a better place, but she had done so much better then me. Both of us believing it was the least we could do for our princess. Back then we could have been considered zealots to her. Walking into the next room the bad memories came at me hard. This was our child's room. We had left it untouched. Nine years ago when I was twenty-five, we had our beautiful daughter. When she came into the world she didn't scream or cry she just looked at me and smiled. This blessing of ours was with us for six years and we just adored her, but she was different. When she was born we were expecting a unicorn or a pegasus but out came out our sweet pink alicorn. Cadence was are most treasured possession, but then word reached Celestia's ears. Before we knew it the guards burst into our house and Celestia personally took our daughter telling us it was for the best. How dare she tell us what's best with are daughter!! But there was nothing we could do. No matter what we said or did she didn't budge and took her from us. Six years and we weren't any better. The town was concerned about us. They new Celestia came, but nothing more. The world could fuck off for all we cared but Celestia place in our hearts shifted. That is what caused them to silently despise us but they didn't know what happened so they couldn't act out on us. But that didn't help in the slightest for either of us. Angel took it the hardest though. Sadly, as much as I tried to keep her from doing anything she'd regret I was also grieving. I came home from shopping one day and she didn'tn't answer my calls. When I walked into the child's room I found her . . . hung. When I cut her down I buried her in the backyard. I wouldn't let Celestia's guards touch her. But I did have to tell them refusing to let them see her. The fan she hung herself with broke but I haven't moved it off the floor. There was only a hook holding up shiny things that twirled. Reaching into the bag I tie the rope I bought to the hook. As I tried the hangman's knot I felt oddly calm. Using a step stool I put my head through the rope. "I love you both and I'm so sorry." Knocking the stool over things didn't go as planned. Instead of blissful darkness, the roof caved a and I fell to the floor. Looking up at the hole with a scowl I notice what looked to be an attic. That was strange. I never knew we had an attic. Getting a ladder and a flashlight I crawled through the hole and I see something weird. Walking up to it it appears to be some sort of shrine and at the center of it was a ring I had a tremendous urge to pick it up. Looking closer I see there are three words enscribed into the ring....."less is more". Looking back to the altar my head was filled with images. There was only one word to describe them and it was true madness. They caught me off-guard but they were just so beautiful. Then I felt it. The room spun as I felt another mind join my own consciousness. Fear was the last emotion I felt at the time. I just knew that I would see my daughter again with its help. Putting on the ring gave me a cold chill. Feeling so much power coming from this object was invigorating. But the new guy whispered something important and exciting. He said there is more to get and even more to do. Cadence, I will see you soon. Just hold on a bit longer.
One more timeBlinking I realize I was just dreaming, but why am I in the bathroom? Looking around I see the bathroom has been completely flooded. Turning off the sink and the shower I realize I must have been black out drunk. Oh God, the water damage will be a nightmare. Wait. Why don't I have any memories of drinking? Did I faint because of lack of air flow? Hell wasn't I dead? Calm down. There has to be a reasonable answer for all of this. Nope "Who said that!!" Looking around frantically I can't find were the voice came from. Exiting the bathroom I go to my room to see if anything happened. Yup. There it was. The fallen ceiling. But looking through the hole I see starlight. But when I look to my right hand there was the same ring. When I try to take it off it seemed like it was a part of me. It would not move a centimeter. Okay, okay, okay, okay, so I try to hang myself and fail. Then the dream started. But then I went to the bathroom flooded it and put on a ring. This makes a lot less sense, but it's something at least. Looking at the wreckage I seem to have crawled out of leaving a trail to the door. Concussion! That's probably what all of this is. When the ceiling hit me I got a concussion and had a blackout. That would also explain why I feel so weird. This isn't that bad. I just need to visit the hospital. What am I saying. I literally just tried to kill myself. What changed? Why am I not . . . Oh God my head hurts. Going back in the bathroom I look in the mirror to find my injuries but I look fine. Nope Again with that voice! Where the hell is he!?!? Looking around once again I notice where it's coming from. With a greater amount of concern I look at my reflection that seems to be . . . independent? But everything was wrong. The thing had my color inverted and those eyes. Shiver. The only words I can use to describe them are blacker than black. Reflection me seems to be standing there motionless. "What the fuck!?!?" Trying to back away I slip on the water on the floor. When I look back up the thing seems to lean out of the mirror and look down at me. This can mean three things. 1) I killed myself, 2) I went insane, or 3) I'm still knocked out. At this point I don't know which one of them I should believe. What When he asked me that his mouth moved like it was trying to imitate what I said and it did flawlessly. This thing gave off an aura as if it was there before time was. No matter how hard I try I'll never understand why I decided to talk to it. Curiosity killed the cat and I'm guessing I'm going to be next but wasn't that what I wanted? Why don't I feel the helplessness I felt when they were both taken from me? I must have gone completely insane. Hell it was only a matter of time and everyone knew it. "What are you?" you? When it was said it sounded more like a question than an answer. That got me thinking. We're both in the same boat here. But the way he looked at me and just the way he spoke was wrong. There was no emotion to be seen or heard from him. Plus any speaking it did do it looked like it was imitating me, though it wasn't my voice that came out of it. This was more like a stray thought but hearing it instead of thinking it. "You don't know then" nope "What can you tell me?" what said can tell you "What is that supposed to mean?" It's supposed to mean you tell me With this conversation not going anywhere I ponder to myself once again. This thing copies me but it doesn't know anything else unless it sees it. Maybe if I keep talking it can have an actual discussion with me over time. Whether he said it or not it seemed like he knew something I did not. Leaving the restroom I head down to the kitchen since I'll probably need water after a while. When I left the bathroom I expected it would stay there but there it was reflecting off the metal. Seems like I lost my right to privacy but who needs that nowadays anyway. what? Once I got a big cup of water I head to living room. Sitting down on my recliner I levitate a few books to me. This conversation was interesting and all but if it could make a full sentence that would be nice. There I went with the goal of reading book after book that I have already read. But this time I felt like I was preparing to teach someone else rather then learning it just for myself. Must be my fatherly instincts kicking back in. . . .fuck I miss them. When I felt tears come to my eyes I felt warmth spread all over me. There was a tightening of my chest and a soothing sound ringing throughout my head. It took me a little bit to realize, but the thing was hugging me from the inside.
Midnight strollBeing a night owl is a rather old habit of mine. Forsaking the sun or more specifically the mare who controls it is the only way I could. Once my wife passed I started taking walks at night constantly, which is surprisingly calming. But tonight does not hold any sense of relaxation for me. Tonight is about wrapping my mind around the situation and stretching my sore limbs. Two days of reading in a cramped house will do that to you. Checking my surroundings to make sure no one was around, I try to start up a conversation. Whatever is in my head hasn't talked to me in awhile so who knows if reading to it worked. "Hello. My name is Psyche but my friends call me Recall." Do all ponies have weird names?Can't you tell who's who by there forms? "By that reasoning, I assume you were alone somewhere. Am I right?" Yes why? "I'm just trying to understand you. Therapy is my job. I don't want to brag but I was the best therapist there ever was." But you did brag about it. "It's an expression. Anyways, we're getting off topic. What are you?" Less then nothing. Don't have the right words. "Fair enough. Next question then. What do you know?" What you taught me. A little about the rock you live on. And a few other things. "Alright. So what are you going to do Mr. Void?" Saying this in a joking manner, I hope that any emotion will bleed through his words. Yes. I am void and I want to live. But we share everything but minds so I can only mimick you. Wait a minute I really sound like that? No wonder people avoid me. *shiver* "The way you said that implies that this goes both ways. Is that right?Also what do you want from this?" We mimic each other and yes I want to be happy. So I will help you any way I can. This is getting very weird but I can't help but look forward to what might come next. I wasn't expecting the next thing to happen. Gathering my wits I look around and realize I'm surrounded. The guard that pushed me on the ground was glaring at me along with the rest. Standing back up I look around to try to escape this but by the looks of it there is no way out. Looking back at the guard I feel someone punching the back of my head. Stumbling forward they then push me into the alleyway. While I was getting ready for another beatdown from the guards Void says something that catches my interest. Open your palm towards them. With practice you can do much with the ring but for now this will have to do. Listening to the voice I aim my palm at them and nothing seems to happen. The guards start laughing at me and take a couple more steps forward. But with every step that they take it's clear that they're getting wobblier. A couple more seconds and they're all on the floor groaning in pain. Keeping my palm facing towards them I feel a rush of power. When the power slows down I realize I closed my eyes at some point during this. But when I open them I did not expect to see what has happened. There were three unicorns, one earth pony and two Pegasi all on the ground. Their fur turned gray and there cutie marks nowhere to be found. Quickly checking for a pulse on the nearest guard I see that they are alive but barely. Firing up my magic I quickly suppress their memories of the last ten minutes. It won't be exactly ten minutes but it should be long enough for them to forget about this. Looking at my cutie mark I smiled and remember everything I can do with it. Suppressing memories is just the tip of the iceberg. I've practiced mind magic all my life. That's why I became a therapist to help people face all their bad memories. When I had any sort of free time I practiced other mind spells. That being said, my suppression magic was abused when I was at school. Like I said, I was a loner and I barely showed up to classes but nobody remembers the last part. Quickly and quietly leaving the crime scene I think on what just happened. He said that with practice I can do other things with the ring and this was the easiest one to use. What can get better than stealing magic from others? I can just feel their magic next to my mana pool, not growing but not shrinking either. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I can't let this go to waste. Walking back to my house, I question what else this ring can possibly do. But for now it does not matter and for the first time in awhile I smile. This will help me and it feels like I am really going to see Cadence again. Don't you worry baby. Daddy's coming to get you.
Chapter 1/2 smile for me.Walking back home I processed what happened. Their magic was now my magic and this was the weakest thing I could do? What did I get myself into exactly? Stop it. Just think it through. There has to be a reasonable explanation. . . Or maybe there isn't..... Walking through my front door I make my way to the kitchen. Taking out the vodka I save for rainy days I take a swig. The taste almost made me choke. The fire going down my throat was different. It's like I'm drinking it for the first time! With the amount of times I've drunk this that's not what's supposed to happen. Unless . . It is his first time so I guess he wasn't lying. There's no way to tell if he's lying to me or not without practice. Besides he may be another one of her tricks. Once we denounced Celestia she tried to pull several different tricks to get us jailed. We both hated that with every fiber of our beings. Even as divine as everyone saw her two loyal zealots suddenly turning on their beloved princess does not look good. Celestia managed to keep the reporters away so no one knew what happened and everyone was curious. Stuff like that doesn't go unnoticed much to her chagrin. That's what drove us to insanity. She never left us alone. She opened the wound every chance she got. Right now we're at a stalemate. Even though I can't work my house is being paid for. But if I slip up the house is scheduled to be knocked down. That's not an option I'm willing to consider. Going to the upstairs, I sit on the lip of the tub and stare at the mirror. "Why me?" Simple question with thousands of answers. " Out of everyone in the world why did you choose me?" "That's an easy one." What? "I had a good feeling about you." Really?! That's it?! "No! I won't accept that answer! There has to be a reason!" "Tell me. If you had to choose with little information what would you rely on?" Hmmm.... He got me there. You would just have to choose who you thought would be good. In other words, guess. "What do you really want." "To help." "Haha, you have too much anger for that. Don't you remember we're linked." It was true. I felt like there was an inferno in the back of my mind. ". . . Kill them all." "What!?!" How in Tartarus was I supposed to respond to that! "These ponys are so stagnant and so soft they don't deserve to live." Wow! That's a big pill to swallow. Not only do I have someone in my head but said person wants to kill everyone. Why don't I feel more horrified at this?!? Getting up, I walk into my bedroom and sprawl across my bed. What would she do? "Smile for me." Whipping my head around I see her standing there. "You already know the rest." Rushing over to her I try to touch her but she fades away. Where she once was now sits that box waiting patiently. Lifting up the box I put it on the bed and look what I kept behind it. Out of context it would seem like any old junk mail but no. It caused me so much pain and heartache just looking at it. To me this holds my fate in it. The question is would you read your lovers suicide letter? The last letter she will ever write. Or would you hide from the truth? Bury that letter to hide from the pain and not face reality. If it wasn't clear, I chose the second option. But I need to know now more then ever. Shutting my eyes as tight as I could and with one fluid motion I open it and took out the parchment. Holding it at arms length I slowly open my eyes and read. "My love, I feel certain that I am going mad again. I feel we can't go through another of those terrible times. And I can't recover this time. I have begun to hear voices, and I can't concentrate. So I am doing what seems the best thing to do. You have given me the greatest possible happiness. You have been in every way all that anyone could be. I don't think two people could have been happier 'til this terrible disease came. I can't fight any longer. I know that I am spoiling your life. That without me you could work. And you will I know. You see I can't even write this properly. I can't read. What I want to say is I owe all the happiness in my life to you. You have been entirely patient with me and incredibly good. If anybody could have saved me, it would have been you. Everything has gone from me but the certainty of our daughters return. I can't go on spoiling your life any longer. I don't think two people could have been happier than we have been. I've always loved you." Reading this my eyes well up. I look at the box with determination. I know what to do and as hard as this path will be I have to go through with it. For Cadence, for Angel, and for me. Opening the box I put on her goggles and scarf to hide my face. Then I put on my fedora all to remind myself that she's always with me and I have to pull through no matter the consequences for us, for Cadence Going to the mirror I tell the void something that makes him smile ear-to-ear. "Well let's start this massacre." Walking outside I look around trying to decide what my next move should be. Then I see a paper flying in the wind. Catching it I read the headline and feel giddiness at what's to come. "Manhattan museum grand opening." Author's Note Almost there!😋
Chapter one miscalculationAfter a long train ride I can't help but feel excited. With another bump of the train my head meets the metal once again. Getting into the luggage cart seemed like a good idea at the time. Can't have any record of me being there after all. To think I would have so much power. Feeling my left pocket the smoke bombs were still there. With a sudden stop, I see stars for a minute. Once I recover I quickly go to the car with the crowd to blend in. With that mess over with I head to the area the bank should be around. But with the people moving like streams it was harder then anticipated. Another hour wasted, but that doesn't matter. Taking a deep breath I make my way in. Security was pretty tight considering what "security" passes for now a days. I've read that there used to be guards along with the safe! Can you believe that!? ". . . Are you serious? Yes? Is there any other security? More!? " I'm starting to regret this." WHAT?! WHY?!? " Forget it. Let's get to the killing. Just know you dampened the mood." Ok? Getting in the line I wait for my opportunity. Can't seem too suspicious yet. Another hour later and I'm next so I pull the pins. This will be so much fun! Ok then tell me void. What can I do! I don't know . . . What? You heard me BUT YOU SAID TO DO THAT THING! Lucky guess BUT YOU SAID I COULD DO STRONG STUFF!! Optimism? YOU COULD HAVE SAID THAT BEFORE I PULLED THE PINS YOU BASTARD!! Too late now I KNOW THAT! OK OK OK I CAN SALVAGE THIS. JUST THINK! Good luck Deep breaths. Just think your way out of this. Ok so there's about two point five seconds before the smoke bombs go off. During that commotion I have to secure my disguise before anyone can catch a glance. But if someone does get a good look not even my magic would be of much use so I'll have to get rid of the witnesses. Since I used all of my smoke bombs there's no way to hide. My ring is apparently useless at the moment. In my right pocket there's a two inch knife and in my left pocket there's a granola bar. Along with my backpack for carrying the loot. There seems to be four bank tellers, twelve customers, and two children. The children are in line four which means I can't use them as leverage. There are one Pegasus, five unicorns, and six earth ponies. The four bank tellers are unicorns. With the Pegasus here the smoke won't last longer than a few minutes. To get to the money I have to get behind the desk and bust down/unlock the door and figure out what the combination to the safe is. With all of the problems spotted I need to find a way around them. Ready . . . Set . . . GO! With that the smoke bombs go off. I drop all but one. With everyone blinded I jump the counter and tackle the bank teller. Hearing the panic starting to rise I muffle his screams and drag him into the back. Closing and locking the door behind us I pull out my knife and try to subdue him but it is too late. The stallion got his wits back and is backing away from me. When his horn lit I panicked and threw what was in my hand. Feeling myself rise and then fall to the ground I knew which side of the blade had hit. Not looking at what I'd done I check out the many safes. But they all were locked and needed keys to open them. But what had my attention was the medium sized safe near the back. Looking around the room I see a key in the desk that might help me but looking at the bank teller's body I spot a few more. Realizing there must be guards heading my way I had to get what I came for. Taking the keys I drag the body near the safe and test the keys. None of the teller's keys worked but the desk key did. When opened there was only a few bags of bits which is ok I guess. Once everything was in my bag I smile at my first heist. Hey genius what's the plan on leaving? ". . ." . . . Ok so there's one smoke bomb in here completely blanketing the room so vision should be impaired. There's a suspicious desk in the middle of the room so they'll probably suspect that I'm there. If they see the body they'll call back up and if I try to leave it would cause a commotion. So while they are distracted with a suspicious desk I have to get out while bringing no attention to myself. Realizing what I have to do I try to undress him. Once he's naked I shove the body into the safe and lock it. Getting undressed I put my clothes into my bag. But the tricky part was squeezing myself into clothes that are a few sizes too small. Under close examination it would be obvious that I didn't work here but it could pass from a quick glance. With all that done I sit next to the door and wait for the Calvary to arrive. While we wait let's have a chat. Really? . . . Now? Yes now! What the fuck was that!?! Please be more specific YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN!! They're here FINE! BUT YOUR NOT OFF THE HOOK! Getting ready I back away from the door. . . . . . . . . . Are you sure they're coming? BAM With that a few figures run into the room and spread out. As expected they were all focused on the desk so I dip. Walking away casually plus the smoke seem to do the trick. Making my way outside I speed walk to the alley. Once I make my way down the alley I get changed and throw the clothes into the dumpster. This trip may have had some hiccups but in the end I think I did well.
The upper handThe father is drawing no eyes of importance to him. His orb floats right next to the others. Slowly the other two orbs move further back. These people who inhibit the orbd must be alive out there and I might be able to light there sparks. But all that must wait until I have a good foot hold. Until I know how to proceed. Suddenly there was a lot of images circling around me. There are more then last time for sure. When all the lights calm down and the images are still there are three in front of me and three on the opposite side of them. They all look so graceful and yet maddeningly simple. The three in front of me on the surface appear to be pictures but yet their bigger meaning is apparent. The first one was a film with a different picture in each square. Next there is a broken heart with band-aids trying to keep it from splitting in two. Lastly there is a heart with a devil inside. The pictures all seem to start screaming and I can't discern what they're saying. As quickly as the yelling started it suddenly just stopped. There were only three words I was able to catch. The words were Cupid's repair, lust, and memories. They are out of order, or at least that's what I believe. With all of the information that was given to me before, I was expecting more. Turning around I prepare myself for the onslaught of voices, but that didn't happen. There was just three pictures and nothing more. They were just ordinary with nothing special about them. The first picture was a ring and a voice whispered "more power" and nothing else. Next I heard the whisper "every key" as I examined the next picture of a key with a skull. The last picture was of what looked like a pony crossed with a black bug. The voice whispered "spy friend". The strange creature in the picture reminds me of a changeling. I believe I can only pick one of each, but what pairs are right. They combinations may be helpful but they might conflict with each other. What to do, what to do?
