Chapter 2: Slaves no longer bound by chain.

We continued to head to the mines where Apples’ mother was being held captive and forced to work.

I had found a piece of fabric that covered most of my features, save my face and a bit of my lower body.

“How much farther is this town?” I asked getting tired from lack of blood.

“About 3 hours…I’m surprised your sanctuary was so close.”

“Well being a ruler you have to have places to hide or move to in case of emergency…that place is the center of the great nations.”

Apple seem lost by words, so I clarified.

“When I was in rule, I had many enemies along with allies, the largest nations at the time had control over territory, vastly in that region my sanctuary is or was in the center of all of them.”

“But why put it there?”

“Keep your friends close but keep your enemies even closer.”

Apple stared at me before asking.

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“If your enemy doesn’t know where you are, they least expect you to so close.”

Apple raised a brow at my notion.

“So…are…you doing ok?” he asked cautiously.

“Parched…but ok none the less.”

“So you need blood…to stay ‘ok’”

I get what he’s talking about.

“Relax…I won’t attack you at random.”

Apple huffed. “Didn’t stop you earlier.”

“That was to throw off our stalker they don’t know what we’re after so throwing them off is the safest bet we can afford.”

Apple froze up at me responding…probably thought I couldn’t her his mumble.

“Anyway, it’s time to speed up we don’t need to spend more time than needed.”

Sighing Apple started to speed up with me close behind.

3 Hours later we reach the new town of Whooversvile, and the life of it seemed…worn.

The recent kidnappings seem to have effect the economy of the town, since the rebels were taking the strongest for work.

Apple notice with a tinge of familiarity of the place.

We saw colts staying by the doors with older looking mares or stallions, markets seemed to be empty and closed off despite it only being dusk, a few passers noticed us and walked faster or in another direction.

Fear was the main emotion here…they see us and try to avoid us the best they can.

Apple bows is head…Anger was boiling inside him.

I place a hand on his shoulder giving him pause.

“Relax…Anger is useful…only if you can control it.”

His fist clenched hard, but he slumped a bit.

A sudden ball hits my right ankle and gains my attention.

A little girl was running after the ball only to freeze in fear at seeing me.

I stare at the girl with no emotion, crouching down I grab the ball and decided to do something.

Using my power, I levitate the ball and spin it in the air then all around me like an orbit, then slowly move the ball to her and make it do the same…then dropped it in front of her.

She then smiled at me and picked the ball up and went back to wherever she came from and did what she was doing.

I gave a light smile but returned to the stoic expression to keep myself from inviting anyone in.

To put it simply, trying to get close with anyone and they find out you’re a vampire really doesn’t bode well for you, doesn’t mean I haven’t…just means I don’t actively do it.

Noticing the expression of the other town members, they seemingly relax a little but still weary of us.

“Let’s continue.” I motion for Apple to move and we start walking again.

<________________________________________________________>

The cool brisk of night came quick as we walked the path to the mines long leaving the town.

Apple was nervous the idea of attacking the mine filled with diamond dogs made him fear for his and his mother’s safety…but it was still not as bad if he was alone…

The figure beside him made him nervous, the air around him was heavy and demanding of respect and worship…the power he holds makes any Unicorn quiver in terror, his speed makes Pegasi envious, and Earth ponies tremble with his strength.

As much as he fears him…He feels safer with him.

“Hey…I forgot to ask…What is your name?” he cautiously asked him.

“…”

He was silent for a moment before responding.

“Tallon…”

“Huh?”

“Tallon…its odd I know.”

“So, I should call you?”

“Lord Raven…when in public, but in private I don’t mind.”

“Oh…So…I’m wondering…How did you know my grandfather?”

He gave a warm smile despite his cold complexion.

“I met him at a bar…drinking his sorrows of a recent brake up because of cheating.”

“He was in a bad state of mind, knowing his problem I spoke to him and tried my best to assist his ache, after that we helped each other for a long time, he was my main trading merchant, he knew a lot of places and knew how to deal with money and wares…so I entrusted him with selling the things coming from my kingdom, along with buying things from others.”

“In fact, his full entitlement is “Blackberry “THE Barron” Berry.””

“So, Barron is something else, not his full name?”

“No, Barron was given to him because of his flight skills, he was very agile when it came to flight, and he even help develop a guide for new and advanced flyers.”

Apple knew of a few guides for Pegasi but never knew his grandfather was an idol for one.

“Do you know which one?”

Tallon seemed to think for a moment…

“I think he ended up calling it…The aviation guide of flight, and maneuverability.”

Apple was stunned…THAT was THE GUIDE that the wonderbolts use and train in.

Tallon seemed to chuckle at his shock.

“Yes, quite a big one from what I seen and heard from him.”

Apple smiled in giddiness he never thought that his grandfather would ever be a part of something that is so known.

“We’re here.” Apple looks ahead from speaking to the entrance to the cave.

Apple took a deep breath he was sooooo Not ready.

“Calm your nerves…You can fight them…and in any way you choose.”

That only half reassured him, but he has to do this.

They enter the cave ready for a fight.

<________________________________________________________>

The smell of dew and sulfur was strong making the both of them cover their noses due to the smell.

“So…what’s the plan?”

“We enter the main dig site and take care of the few that guard them…and free the workers.”

That Gave Apple pause.

“I thought you didn’t-”

“I was testing where your heart was at…and so far, it sets in the right place.”

Apple was confused…he was testing him? Why?

He didn’t have time to ask since voices were heard up ahead.

Both slow their advance to a snail pace and enter a larger room of the cave.

“Put your backs into you weaklings.” A gruff voice ordered.

The sounds of pickaxes hitting rock vibrated the air.

“You ready?” The vampire asked.

Giving a sigh Apple nodded.

Both ready their swords and walk into the room.

<________________________________________________________>

I raise my hand and use the power of hypnosis to get one of the guards to the left and Apple knocks out the one on the right.

‘You take the ones closest to the workers.’

He nodded.

‘And don’t be afraid to at least wound them.’

<________________________________________________________>

I rush to the top of the ridge where the one Diamond Dog who shouted orders, he noticed me quickly.

“Who are you?” he asked annoyed.

“…”

“Another Pony or whatever you are trying to be a hero?”

“Oh…I’m no Hero…”

I form into a mist and grab him by the throat.

“I’m a bad guy who does good things…at the expense of the other bad guys; that is.”

I bare my fangs, but he wasn’t going to let me do anything…not without a fight.

Punching me in the face and breaking my nose caused some blood to seep down my face.

Instead of getting angry at my broken nose I smiled which unsettled the DD.

“I Enjoy a good fight…and when my food struggles.” Ok last part was a bit exaggerated, but it makes this more fun.

Snapping my nose back into place I stare at him with a devilish grin.

“Let’s have some fun…Shall We?” I asked him…and he replied with a growl.

Raising my claws, I motioned for him to attack me.

“RAAAH!” I move out of the way of the DD’s attack; he tries again and throws a punch at my face with me only moving my head slightly.

If it Ain’t obvious I have better reflexes than any mortal.

Not wanting to drag this out I grab his fist and with strength that surprised him I toss him to the ground.

“Give up you won’t win.”

He stayed still for a moment before he attacked again this time, I just clawed him in the chest; blood seeped from the new wound.

“AHCK!” he fell flat on his ass while gripping his chest.

Using my magic, I levitate him up and bring him into my grasp.

With a quick jerk I lean his neck and bite into it draining the blood from him.

His breathes were fast and sharp at first…then slowed as his life drained away…then stopped altogether going limp.

With my hunger satisfied I stop biting his neck and see his lifeless eyes.

Using a power that had been long since been fed I take his soul and rejuvenate the ‘Other’ hunger of my weapon.

Dropping the corpse, I watch it fall and gain everyone’s attention including Apples.

<________________________________________________________>

Apple ran to the DD’s with his sword in hand.

“Were saved!” Shouted one of the ponies.

The two DD’s noticed him and raised their fists to punch him as he got close.

Apple raised the sword just in time to block one punch, the impact sent him sliding back…

“Crap…I REALLY don’t want to hurt them.”

But knowing the situation Apple had to do what he had to do.

One very skinny DD ran at him with anger in its eyes.

Apple jumped to the side as the DD nearly tackled him.

The other DD which was larger in comparison nearly grabbed Apple.

Apple took a deep breath.

‘I Have to…I Have to…I Must save her…at any cost.’

Apple remembered what Tallon told him…

‘Anger is useful…only if you can control it.’

‘But how…’

‘How?’

Apple didn’t know what to think…

‘How am I supposed to use it?’

Thinking back on what happened in his life to this moment…from getting foalnapped by this guy…to him being hired to help dig him up…to the life he lived on his own…to the foalnapping of his friends mother-’

He paused.

‘My mother…’

He found himself remembering what happened to his mother and to his friends.

‘They took her…they took her from me…THEY TOOK EVERYONE FROM ME!’

He found himself with boiling rage.

“THEY…THEY…THEY!’

A loud thump came from over where Tallon was…which made him look.

Seeing a lifeless corpse of the lead DD of this area he knew what happened.

But he even surprised himself as he shook off the fear and focused on the fight he was in.

“H-He-K-Killed him…” one of the ponies shook with fear.

“Is-Is he gonna-” A mare stuttered

“Hey.” Apple got their attention.

“He Won’t hurt you…not without a good reason.”

They didn’t seem to trust him but nodded anyway.

Apple charged the unexpected DD’s and managed to land a good blow on the large one; slashing his back...not enough to cause a fatal wound.

The other DD reacted quickly and landed a punch to Apples face causing him to grab his nose and stop whatever blood that started to flow.

‘Ow…’

Somehow…this only made him angrier.

Charging back at the DD he readied his sword and went for a downward slash.

The large DD somehow got back up and tackled him to the ground and pinned him.

Apple was in a compromised position he was stuck under the weight of the hulking DD.

Tallon was nowhere to be seen as the DD held him.

‘Got to think fast…How do I get myself out of this?’

Thinking hard he got an idea…one he might regret after.

He suddenly lurched his head forward into the DD’s face and forced him to get off grabbing his head in pain.

‘Ugh that’s going to leave a headache.’

The other DD wasn’t going to give him a break; he nearly hits his face again, only for his fist to be caught by another figure.

Tallon squeezed his hand and started to crush the DD’s arm making him drop to his knees and cry in anguish.

With the other hand Tallon punched the DD in the head knocking him out.

The other DD charged at him…Apple did a kick to his face KO’ing him.

“Good one.” The vampire commented.

The said Vampire waved his hand as the chains that bind the ponies were released.

“Exit is right over there.” He points to the entrance.

“Careful though, its night and some creatures will be around.”

The ponies stared for a moment before running for their lives.

“Let’s Go.” Tallon walked further into the cave.

Apple nodded and grabbed his sword and followed him.

<________________________________________________________>

We reach a split in direction two paths.

“What do we do?” Apple asked in concern.

Closing my eyes, I sense the remaining ponies…and one special one.

We must take each path other wise they may run with the remaining ponies.

An idea came to mind to help with Apple’s lack of experience.

Thinking back to when I first obtained this power and reach my hand to Apple.

<________________________________________________________>

“Let’s hope this works…” I say with worry as I practice this new spell.

“Just do It.” An amber mare with grey mane and yellow eyes said with annoyance and a hint of tease.

“You Do realize if I mess this up you may die?”

“I’ll be fine just try it.”

Sighing I raise my hand and focused hard on it.

A sudden gasp caused me to flinch but continue.

The mare starts to giggle slightly.

“It tickles.” She started to laugh more.

“See told you it be fine.”

Smiling I lower my hand and the spell stayed on her.

“So…what does it do?”

“In theory it’s like a charm…yet a shield…it stops Most magic and magical items from effecting you and helps with normal weapons as well.”

“Ohh~ that’s quite a useful spell.”

“Yea but its still a work in progress.”

“Well you’ll learn to make it better.”

I smile at the praise.

<________________________________________________________>

“Hmph…” I had a wide smile as the spell finished.

Apple stared at me with confusion.

“What did you Do?”

“Gave you protection, we’re splitting up…you take right, and I’ll take left.”

I mistify and head left leaving Apple.

<________________________________________________________>

“Hey!” Tallon went off to the left and Apple stayed there.

Sighing Apple took off right…hating that he is to fight alone.

“This is gonna suck.”

<________________________________________________________>

Apple reached a large room with a few dozen ponies working to the bone mining whatever the DD’s thought were valuable.

‘Woah…they got this many.’

Hearing the DD’s shout orders at the ponies he decided to hide behind a cart and assess the entire thing.

Ponies of all shapes and sizes were hard a labor and were forced to keep quiet as they did.

A sudden eep as a Pegasus mare hit the rock to hard and fell on her butt and injure her hand.

“HEY WHO SAID YOU COULD SLACK OFF!” a DD shouted at the jade colored mare.

She quickly jumped and stared in fear of the DD who towered over her.

“u-Um…I”

“NO EXCUESES GET BACK TO WORK!” The DD shouted; spit flying out of his mouth.

“Hey, can’t you see she’s hurt!” an all too familiar voice shouted back at the DD.

Apple stared at the mare that was trotting to the hurt mare and block her from the DD.

“And what are you gonna do shorty?” he said with evil glee.

“Leave her alone.” The mare just stared at him.

The DD reached for her mane.

Just as he was about to grab her and pull her to his level an arrow zoomed by his face nicking his nose and causing blood.

“What the?!” he looked for the one who dared to draw blood form him.

Spying the green stallion in some armor and a bow with no quiver.

“Who are you?” he asked really annoyed.

“Stay Away From Her.” Apple said with some venom.

The DD was slightly confused at this pony’s bravado.

“Your gonna fight me?” he asked like it was an impossible feat.

The mare stared at the newcomer…only to realize who it was.

“Apple?” she noticed him stare at her…tears formed in her eyes.

Putting the bow away he readied his sword.

“Ha! That little stick won’t hurt me.”

Apple didn’t listen.

The DD smiled then charged at Apple who was still like a statue.

“Apple Move!” his mother shouted.

But he didn’t

“Apple Sweetie WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!”

Apple stared at the charging DD.

‘Almost.’

The DD was only a few steps away.

‘NOW.’

Remembering what Tallon did with Sarthas guard he lept to the side and slashed downward on the DD’s side causing him to roar in pain and slide on the ground.

Apples mother stared in awe and shock that her son just drew blood.

“WHY YOU LITTLE!” The DD charged again, Apple ducked under his legs and slashed them causing him to fall to a knee.

The DD this time punched him in the gut sending him flying to the ground.

Getting back up in slight pain he grabbed a rock and threw it at the DD’s face giving him enough time to charge at him and strike.

A nice clean cut was on the DD’s back, the DD roared in pain as he grabbed Apple by the foot and slammed him on the ground.

Apple knew that this guy would wise up and definitely kill him if he didn’t end this quick.

Apple kicked the DD in the ‘No-No spot’ causing him to whimper in and clutch his groin in pain.

‘I remembered that a mare did that once to me…when I-Never mind that now I have to end this!’

Rising to a knee he was panting and in a sweat…then he noticed something…a puddle and in that puddle a reflection, not just his…something above him.

Looking up he saw a pile of gems held up by rope and a pully…another idea came to mind…and this one won’t hurt as much.

Rising to his hoofs he decided to do something that most would think stupid.

“Hey, You Big Dumb Ugly Dog, Come get me!” he taunted the DD which angered him and he charged again, this time Apple tried something daring.

He gathers what strength he had left and jumped over the hulk of the DD, sprinting after he landed, he turns on the back of his hoofs and grabs his bow.

‘Only got one shot.’

He pulls the string as an ethereal blue arrow formed in his hand.

Letting the arrow lose it nicks the rope but didn’t cut it…he missed.

“You…Your gonna regret hurting…and insulting me…” The DD slowly stomped over.

Apple stared at the DD fear started to set in.

“I’m gonna break every bone in your body you little runt.”

Apple gulped his body was exhausted he couldn’t run without collapsing.

“Now…”

Apple closed his eyes.

“…YOUR THROUGH! RAAH-”

*Snap*, *THWOSH* *CRASH! *

There was a silence after the loud noise.

Apple slowly opens his eyes and sees the blessing of a lifetime.

The rope snapped and the gems pinned the now unconscious DD from the waist down.

All the other DD’s who were watching just stared in awe and fear…they didn’t stick around and dug their escape.

Giving a sigh of relief he dropped to his knees in a pant.

“Apple!” His mother’s voice called.

He looked up to see his mother staring at him with worry.

He gave a half-lidded smile and a thumbs up.

She gave a sigh of relief as he got back up and trotted to her.

Both had tears in their eyes as they hugged each other.

“Its good to see you again.” She started to sob.

“You too.” He said with a soft tone.

“I…I’m Sorry.” She choked out in her sobs.

“For what?” Apple stared at her with happiness.

“For not being there for the most of your life.”

“It wasn’t your fault mom…”

“I know…its just…if I had-”

“Hey.” Apple stopped her.

“I’m here to save you and everypony here…that’s what matters now.”

Apple broke the hug and looked for the keys to the chains that bound everypony.

“Where is…”

Then it struck him…the keys were…

“Oh…*Sigh*”

Looking to the DD he saw the keys were right under the large gem that held his stomach.

Reaching carefully, he grabbed the keys and walked to his mom and undid her chain, then did with the rest.

Once every pony was free, he started to speak.

“Alright I want all of you to stick with me and don’t fall behind OK?.”

Everypony nodded.

“Good Now-”

A sudden burst of gems shattering cut him off.

‘What is going on?’ he covered his face as they flew past him.

Once they stopped, he stared at what caused the mess…and it made his blood run cold.

The DD who was pinned wasn’t pinned no more…and he looked different.

His fur wasn’t its vibrant red color anymore…it had dulled so close to a grey, his body was bigger than normal his muscles pulsed with some new found strength…and his eyes weren’t yellow…or even had pupils or irises…instead it was one solid Deep red glow.

And to top it all off…he was radiating some black aura.

Apple stared in shock…this isn’t the DD he just fought…he could tell by the atmosphere it had around it.

“What in the name of Celestia is happening?” he questioned no one.

The large DD then charged at Apple with breakneck speeds.

“MOVE!” he shoves his mother out of the way as he his shoulder rushed into the cave wall.

“APPLE!” his mother shouted in fear that he may…

“JUST GO!” he yelled.

“B-But…”

“FIND TALLON HE’LL HELP YOU OUT OF HERE!”

“I JUST CAN’T LEAVE YOU-”

“GO!”

Apples mom didn’t want to leave but she was grabbed by stallions and dragged out of the cave room with the others.

Apple stabbed the DD in the arm, and it reeled back in pain before stepping back.

He slid down the wall and was in some real pain…but not as much as he would expect.

“I’ll have to question Tallon about this…if I’m still alive by then.”

He rose to his feet and faced the DD…it just stared at him with no emotion.

‘He looks different…and acts different…like he’s not himself…like he’s being controlled.’

He sighed as he stared at the large DD, it charged again.

Apple ran right for it he raised his sword and yelled a war cry he has never used before.

<_________________During Apple’s first battle__________________>

I managed to reach the holding cells that held the remaining ponies.

There was a lot of DD’s that guarded the cells…no problem.

Walking causally into the holding area I am confronted by four of the DD’s

“What are you Doing here Big guy?” one asked with a serious tone.

“Trying to save the ponies?” another guessed why I was here…so far, he’s correct.

“Why yes...Yes I am.” I gave a cheeky smile.

I raise my clawed hand and motion for them to put the keys in.

“Let them out…And I’ll let you live.”

My threat made them nervous, but they stand their ground and ready to fight.

“Well then…Let’s Play.”

They all charge me; I jumped and landed a few feet away from them.

“Too Slow.” I taunt which seems to annoy them.

They try again and again I move too quickly for them.

I then let loose a little and start attacking, clawing punching and kicking them all around.

Using the fabric, I blind one of the DD’s and then jump over him making his friend hit him instead of me.

The more I did this, the more they got pissed…and the ponies started to cheer me on despite the violence.

“Get em Big fella!”

“Show them who’s boss!”

I start using my powers; Telekinesis, Pyrokinesis, and Cryokinesis.

I froze one DD and slightly burned another, while tossing one to the wall.

Most of the DD’s were dealt with; with only three left.

“Give up.”

They seemed to want too but stayed true to their assignment.

I gave a sigh.

“Don’t make me do this.”

One just snicker.

“Sorry we got our orders.”

“Yea and we stick to them.”

Loyalty to death huh…admirable but unfortunate.

“Let’s-” The DD was suddenly cut off as he tensed up then started to convulse.

I got a bad feeling just now.

The other DD’s stared in confusion and fear as the DD started to look different.

I get goosebumps as the air started to change.

Then the DD reeled back his head and a growl escaped his throat…a primal growl that sound like a demon.

Leaning forward again he slowly looked up to me his fur was just shy of being grey and his eyes were replaced with nothing but red.

A black aura leaked from him.

I pull my sword from my back and ready for a Real fight…he isn’t a DD anymore…he’s different.

‘This doesn’t look good.’

The DD charged at me with speed that I wasn’t expecting and nearly got me.

Jumping back, I ready my blade in both hands.

The DD charged again and this time I was ready, I slash his chest and drew blood from him the Reaver consuming it.

‘It’ roared in pain but didn’t stop its advance and tried to attack me.

I kept slashing at it and did more damage…but it kept pushing.

“This is bad.”

I push the DD away and it just lands and stares.

I stay silent.

Then I hear two pairs of feet or paws charge me from behind.

Turning on my heel I do a horizontal slash and hit two new targets.

The other remaining DD’s had turned into these things.

That’s when I notice a black mist seeping from cracks and running to the DD’s…even the unconscious one’s.

‘Their changing…something is taking their bodies and making them stronger…like they are being…’

“Corrupted.”

Knowing that this just got tougher I had to be careful.

They all charge me with roars that didn’t fit them I start hacking and slashing.

I was being overrun by the corrupted DD’s and a few manage to hit me.

*Thwack*

A DD slammed me into the wall and broke my arm causing me to curse.

Using pyrokinesis I fry the DD to ashes.

Popping my arm, it instantly healed but it was sore after the recent break.

‘There’s too many to face head on without harming the ponies.’

I remembered that I had a guard under my control.

Signaling for him to bolt here I decided to buy time for him to reach us.

My lack of blood made it hard to stay focused, but I can manage for now.

“Fuck me man…” I say panting as I think of a plan.

“I got it.” I know what I must do I must feed the Reaver blood and then dispose all of them in one attack.

And right on cue the controlled DD rushes in and waits for me.

I rush the DD with the keys and toss them to him as I stab the Reaver into the DD’s body draining the blood.

Giving the mental command the DD rushes with the keys to the cells and opens them the ponies were confused that a DD was letting them out.

“He’s under my control so go with him to the exit ok.”

“What about you?” a mare asks.

“I got a plan, but you have to leave…I’ll catch up once I’m done.”

“Ok.” One pony responds and they follow the DD.

I yank the Reaver out of the now dead Corrupted I attack another while blocking some attacks.

“One more should do it.”

I stab one in the back and the Reaver suddenly starts to glow blue.

“Ok…” Yanking the blade I dash away from the major group and take count.

‘Eight…alright.”

Taking a breath, I change the power from time to dimension and the glow turns green.

Then I suddenly vanish in front of their eyes…then in front of them and slashing them.

I aim for their heads and kill them quickly.

Once all the Corrupted are dead I sigh in relief.

Then a sudden worry came to me.

“Apple.” I take off in a sprint.

<________________________________________________________>

Apple was panting, he was banged up badly…blood dripped from his head and he was on the verge of passing out…he might even die.

The DD was in no better condition…stabs wounds, cuts, slashed flesh it was still fighting and barely showing fatigue.

Apple didn’t like this at all.

‘Am I going to die here?’ he asked himself…

“I-I can’t win…” He doubted himself.

‘YES, YOU CAN!’ a voice rang through his head.

“Wh-What?”

‘YOU CAN BEAT ME…BUT YOU HAVE TO DO IT…’

It was the DD it was speaking into his head somehow.

“How, do what?”

‘I CAN’T EXPLAIN YOU HAVE TO KILL ME! THERE IS NO OTHER WAY…I’M GIVING YOU ONE SHOT SO DO IT!’

Apple just stayed still.

‘COME ON!’

“But I-”

‘SET ME FREE…’

“…”

‘Please…I can’t take it anymore.’

The DD charged at Apple.

Apple gulped and swallowed his fear…his doubt…

‘He wants this…’

Apple waited for thee DD to get close…then ran the blade right through it.

It grabbed him by the throat and started to lift him up, growling in anger.

Apple with the blade in hand he did what he thought no one could do.

(possible fan art.)

A slash to the neck.

The large DD let Apple go as he gasped for breath, the DD grabbed its throat and dropped to its knees then fell to the ground lifeless.

Apple stared in horror at what he had done…he took a life…he…killed somepony…

A pair of hooves (feet actually) came close to him.

“Apple?” a voice called to him…but he was lost in his act.

“APPLE!” it tried again.

<________________________________________________________>

I ran to the direction that Apple was in, I passed the other ponies on the way and told them to keep going and reassured that I would get Apple.

The moment I ran into the room Apple was being held by the throat and I rushed to help…but he did something that made me pause…he slit the Corrupted DD’s throat…killing him.

After he got back up to his knees, he stared at the corpse.

Running to him I call his name.

“Apple?”

No response.

“APPLE!”

Again.

I walk in front of him and grab him by the soulders.

“APPLE LOOK AT ME!” not getting a reaction I did something to get one.

*SLAP*

That snapped him back.

“Hey…you ok?”

Apple stared at me with horror.

“I-I-I…”

“I know…I saw…”

“I-He…ask me to…why?”

“…”

“TELL ME WHY?!”

“…”

Apple lowered his head in sadness.

“He was suffering.”

Apple didn’t move.

“Who or Whatever that took control of them was torturing them while using their bodies.”

Apple looked into my eyes and he knew.

“You fought them too?”

“Yes…they were corrupted by some magic or power that I have never seen before…and it made them harder to kill.”

Apple just stayed silent.

“Hey now I know its hard…but you did the right thing…you’re not a murderer, you helped him…You HAD no other choice…if you had left him…he would’ve suffered…and hurt more innocents.”

Apple lowered his head…he was shocked…but I was right he didn’t have a choice…he did what; what he had to do.

“Come…let’s leave…I plan to destroy the entrance…if this magic leaks to the outside we have no idea what could happen.”

I stand and offer my hand for him.

He takes it and I pull him to his feet.

<________________________________________________________>

We exit the cave and the night was turning to day…thank god I managed to get the immunity to the sun.

Apple slowly walked behind me, and I turn to the cave entrance.

Using my power, I blast the top of the cave and cause it to collapse.

Looking back, I notice the three DD’s that weren’t killed were alive but were chained up.

The ponies we saved all smiled when we showed up.

“APPLE!” a voice came from the crowd and a blue pony came from them.

“Mom!” Apple shouted as he ran to her.

“Thank the stars your alright.” She hugged him despite him being covered in blood.

I smiled at the reunion…but a pang of sorrow for my own…before and after my Displacement.

Apple breaks the hug and notices that his mothers blue coat was now stained with red.

“Uhh mom?”

“Yes Sweetie?”

“Your coat.” He points to the blood.

She looks down and notices it then looks to him and she realizes that he was covered in it.

“OH MY GOODNESS WHAT HAPPENED?!” She was concerned.

“Well I-I…”

Sighing I speak for him.

“He killed the Diamond Dog.”

Everypony was shocked and stared at Apple.

Apple lowered his head in shame for what he had done.

“BUT before you start judging him tell me this…What would’ve you done if you in his position, how would you react to such a powerful foe…especially if it wanted to kill you.”

All the ponies shifted in their spots and/or whispered amongst themselves.

“Apple, tell him what he asked.”

Apple looked at everyone before sighing.

“He Asked me to kill him…to set him free…”

All the ponies gasped in shock…even the DD’s were flabbergasted.

“You See…They were corrupted by some dark power and made them not just more violent but more powerful and fast.”

“Yea, ah Saw that first hoof, The Diamond Dog started to change, and it sounded like it was ready to hurt this fella.” The yellow stallion with the southern accent points to me.

“It charged at em madder than a bull seeing red.”

All the ponies just stayed silent.

“Its best we keep this a secret no one outside of this group is allowed to speak of this are we clear.”

All members nodded.

“Good.”

We head back into town.

<________________________________________________________>

Once we arrive the reaction was instant all the ponies that were missing were welcomed back with smiles and open arms from family and friends.

Apple couldn’t help but smile at the sudden change of mood of the town.

The town celebrated the event and we were welcome to attend…and not wanting to push Apple I opted to stay for him to rest.

We were at the pub and Apple was drinking a bit.

“Tal-I mean Lord Raven.”

“Hmm?”

“I’ve a question…”

“And I may have an answer.”

“Was that a…spell you casted on me back in the cave?”

“Yes…a protective nullify spell of sorts.”

“So…I’m alive because of you?”

“More or less…still took a beating though so you’ll be feeling sore for a bit.”

Apple just chuckled at that.

“Yea…I think I will after that ordeal.”

“Despite that you did well Apple.”

Apple stared in confusion.

“Not many can do what you did…and still be sane.”

“I don’t know about sane…”

I pat him on the shoulder.

“You did your best…now you need only to get better.”

“How?”

“Training.”

“Training?”

“Yes…it will help with our future conflicts.”

“And who will train me?”

I smile.

“Who do you think?”

Apple stared for a moment before it hit him.

“You mean you…”

“Yes…if you’re going to be with me…I need you at your best.”

Apple took a chug of his alcohol.

“Don’t know whether I should be delighted or worried.”

“Why not both?” I tease.

Apple sighed.

“Hey.” A voice calls to me.

“You helped my son?”

“Yes, I found him in my tomb.”

Apples’ mom stared at him, gaining a neck rub and a nervous chuckle.

“Well…I’m Berry Blast.” She sticks her hand out.

“Tallon…but Lord Raven in public.”

She smiled at my name.

“Quite a unique name.”

“Thank you.”

“Hey…”

She started to rub her arm…she wants to ask something.

“Yes?”

“I was wondering…What do you plan to do…with Apple?”

“Add him to my ranks.”

Both stared at me.

“I plan to rebuild my nation and I need to find good candidates…your son being one of them.”

Berry seemed upset that her son was going to be in an army.

“Besides he can learn a thing or two from me…I know your family after all.”

That confused her.

Apple knew what I meant and explained.

“Mom…he knew our grandfather, Black Berry.”

Her jaw dropped comically so I continued.

“Yes, he was a good friend of mine and was my personal trade merchant…and I met him in a place like this.” I gesture to the pub.

“So…your…”

“Old…maybe…”

Berry just stared at me in disbelief.

“E-Excuse me sir?” A timid voice broke the silence and we all looked.

A jade colored mare with sapphire eyes and red mane.

Apple knew who it was.

“Yes?” I respond.

“U-Um I was talking to him.” She gestures to Apple.

Grinning at him devilishly which turned him pale I get up.

“Oh, my apologies we’ll leave you two be.”

Berry saw my grin and gained one of her own.

“Yes, we shall.”

She leaned to the mare and whispered into her ear.

“Be considerate he’s quite shy around girls.”

That caused her to blush like crazy.

We left the pub and looked to the morning light.

“Everypony can’t thank you two enough.”

“Well Apple was coming because of you.”

“I know Apple told me everything.”

“…Including?”

“Yes…and it makes me nervous.”

“Relax it won’t hurt unless I make it that and I can take small amounts so you would only feel slightly fatigued.”

“Ok…but only a little you hear?”

I smile and give a fake surrender.

“Yes ma’am”

I grab her head and gently tilt it, sinking my teeth into her neck slowly drinking her life force.

After a few seconds I release her and she sighs.

“You know call me crazy…but that actually felt relaxing.”

“Hehe yea that’s pretty crazy.”

She stared at me with an annoyed look.

I just grin at her.

She shakes her head.

“Well we’re leaving soon, so its best for everyone to get some rest.”

“We’re?”

“Yes; You, me, and your son…and his fillyfriend if she wants to.”

Berry smiled.

Well I’m off to rest.

I head to the room that I was given and take off my armor and ready to sleep.

Resting my head, I fall into a deep sleep…

<________________________________________________________>

…

…

…

‘MaStEr’

‘mAsTeR’

‘MASTER’

Voices called to me…voices that I know from long since my imprisonment.

‘WhErE ArE YoU?’

‘wHeRe aRe yOu?’

‘WHERE ARE YOU?’

‘…’

‘I Am coming…my children…I will find all and bring you home.’

Author's Note

Hello new chapter done.
And yes i am looking for fan art of the Corrupted DD's and the Scene with Apple and the DD ending.
I'm excited to see what you all come up with