Chapter 16

My eyes open slowly and I feel a sense of bliss as I awake. I then feel something laying on top of me and I look down to see my lover sleeping soundly with a smile as she instinctively nuzzles into my chest with her arms wrapped around me. The events that happened last night between me and Twilight came back to me which made me smile more and plant a light kiss on her forehead. True, I was surprised when she told me she wanted to mate with me but I couldn’t be happier when she told me how much she wanted to because of how much she loves me. I didn’t really expect to find love when I came to this world, especially considering what I am. But this mare, this wonderful and beautiful mare, accepted me for who and what I am with open arms and gave me her heart. I then reminded myself of my oath to Shining and the promise I made him to myself the day Twilight confessed to me which made me gently wrap my arms around her. Twilight means the world to me now and I’ll do whatever’s necessary to keep her safe, I’ll tear anyone apart who dares try to lay a hand on her. I’m brought out of my dark thoughts when I feel Twilight stir in my embrace and yawn cutely as she opens her eyes. She looks up at me with those beautiful purple eyes of hers and I smile lovingly at her and she smiles back. She glances down at our naked bodies and blushes but continues to smile and buries her face into the crook of my neck.

“It wasn’t a dream, was it?” Twilight whispers.

“No, my dear, it wasn’t.” I said, still hugging her.

“Oh Lock, last night was so…magical.” Twilight sighs. “We actually…did it.”

“That we did.” I chuckled. “And it was probably the best night of my life.”

Twilight smiles up at me and leans up to kiss me on the lips. I got a little playful and snaked my hands down to her flanks and gave her cheeks a light squeeze which made her moan in my mouth and look down at me with a coy smirk.

“You seem to be enjoying yourself, mister.” Twilight said.

“You complaining?” I ask.

“Mmm, not really, since it’s my mate who’s touching me, why should I?” Twilight said.

“I’m glad you think so.” I said as I leaned up to her ear. “Cause your flank is quite squeezable, my lovely little lavender mare,” I whispered, making her shutter.

“You’re very bold for saying such things to me, Lock.” Twilight said as she leaned in close, pressing her breasts on my chest more. “I might have to give you a lesson in humility.”

“You gonna wear a sexy professor outfit and give me a lecture?” I tease, squeezing her flanks more.

“Maybe, I do like giving lectures after all.” Twilight said. “Now come, we must get ready for the day so we’ll be bathing together again,” she said as she released herself from my grasp and sat on the edge of the bed.

“Aw, can’t we stay in bed just a little longer?” I ask while leaning on my side and resting my head on my hand.

“We both know that’s not an option, Dimitri.” Twilight said, looking over her shoulder. “Unless you don’t wish to bathe with me?”

I chuckled as I jumped out of bed and scooped her up bridal style earning a surprised squee and giggle from Twilight. “Now what gave you the impression I wouldn’t want to bathe with my marefriend?” I accuse. She giggles again as she wraps her arms around my neck and nuzzles into me as we make our way to the bathroom.

After a much needed bath and cleaning the room and bedsheets from our activities, Twilight and I made our way to the dining room and Twilight was leaning on my shoulder with a happy smile as we walked hand in hand. We then make it to the dining room where we everyone, even Fluttershy this time, and they all see us and smile.

“Good morning you two.” Cadence said, feeding Flurry with a bottle.

“Morning, Pinkie make her famous pancakes?” I ask.

“Yepperoonie!” Pinkie chirped waking in with two huge stacks of pancakes.

“Great, cause I’m a little starved.” I said as I sat down with Twilight.

However instead of her sitting in the chair beside me, she sat on my lap and leaned into me still smiling. The others noticed this and she even had me feed her which the others found adorable.

“Geez Twilight, get any more affectionate with Lock?” Applejack said.

“A mare must always stay close to her stallion and make sure he treats her like a princess.” Twilight states as she nuzzles into my neck. “And I’m the luckiest mare in the world to have a stallion like Lock.”

“I assume he’s more to you than just your coltfriend?” Rarity asks with a knowing smirk.

Twilight blushes but smiles and nods slightly earning a squee from her and a giddy smile from Cadence. The rest of the mares look at Twilight, then to me, and to Twilight again and all go wide eyed and slack jawed.

“Hold on, don’t tell me, did you two…?” Rainbow asked.

“It’s sorta obvious if you think about it.” I said as I ate and fed Twilight.

“Holy horseshoes! Y’all actually mated?!” Applejack said.

“Yes, as of today we’re officially mates.” Twilight said with a happy blush.

“Oh my, I’m so happy for you Twilight.” Fluttershy whispered with a faint blush.

“Well I’ll be, Captain, didn’t think you would take your relationship with Twilight to that level.” Rainbow teased. “So Twilight, how was he? Did it feel good? Did he-”

“Keep it up and you’re getting triple the exercise routine,” I warn, making her shut up immediately. “So Flash, anything new from your recon at Las Pegasus? Any faults in their defenses?”

“Sadly no.” Flash sighed. “Whole place is well guarded and very populated. Not to mention the Unicorn Dust is being used by almost everypony there. I heard the only way you can get in is if you have an invitation and are a slave owner like most of the stallions and Caribou are.”

“Tch, figures they’d be keeping that city under tight watch.” I grumble.

“Any ideas how to infiltrate without any unnecessary casualties?” Flash asks.

“I have a couple ideas but neither of them are good ones.” I said as I took a bite from my breakfast. “Just keep on the lookout and let me know if you learn anything new.” I then noticed he looked a bit nervous which he thought I didn’t notice. “Was there something you actually wanted to tell me?” I ask.

“Well…I did find out something about the ones running the city.” Flash said. “One of the leaders is a Caribou who goes by the name of Boe Ivarsson Stonehoof, a relative of Dainn’s.”

“So one of Dainn’s blood resides there.” I growl. “That’s good to know, anything else?”

“Yeah, he also runs the city with a few traitor stallions. The Flim Flam brothers and Gladmane.” Flash said, making Applejack narrow her eyes.

“Ah always new them Flim Flam brothers were nothin’ but trouble, Ah guess Ah shouldn’t be surprised they turned on Equestria.” Applejack sneered.

“Agreed, same goes for Gladmane, the fat bastard.” I said, remembering the episode and what he did.

“That’s not all.” Flash said. “I heard a few celebrity mares are being kept as their personal slaves. They were Sapphire Shores, Countess Coloratura, and Songbird Serenade.”

“WHAT?!?” Everyone shouted.

“They have Miss Shores?! Those heathens!” Rarity yelped.

“Rara too?!” Applejack banged her hand on the table.

“Even Songbird Serenade.” Pinkie gasped.

My fist clenched and small embers flickered off my hand at the mention of those names. Each of those mares were well known in their own right and there was no doubt they were being kept as trophies for those damn bastards. I wanted nothing more than to storm the city and unleash my rage but I had to be smart about this, even if I was now so pissed.

“Nothing we can do about that for now, I’m afraid.” I said.

“But Lock, didn’t you hear Flash?” Rainbow asked.

“Loud and clear, Rainbow, but we can’t just storm the place without a plan. This is Las Pegasus, it was popular and heavily populated before and it still is now, despite the circumstances. Liberating towns and small cities like we’ve done are one thing but this is somewhere that’s more of a risk since it’s also a place where they’re supplying Unicorn Dust and transporting many slaves. It’s also a place where the King Pony gets most of his income and merchandise, right Flash?” I said.

“I interrogated a few Caribou, they confirmed that Las Pegasus is in the King Pony’s pocket, along with the other major cities of Equestria.” Flash said.

“As expected of a crime lord and Lust’s second in command, whoever he is.” I said. “As much as it pains me to admit it, we need more time and information before we can make our move on Las Pegasus.”

“What of those two ideas you said you had?” Rarity wonders.

“Again, they’re bad ideas and are quite risky, but just might work if done properly.” I said. “One of them being I pose as a slaver.”

“HUH?!” Everyone gasps.

“You’ve seen me transform into a Caribou, right?” I ask and they all nod hesitantly. “I would use that appearance to infiltrate Las Pegasus and be able to gain more intel on how to bring down their operations, subdue the brainwashed, free the slaves, and the celebrity mares, and take down the enemy including the ones in charge. However, there’s a catch.”

“What’s the catch?” Applejack asks.

“I…probably need to bring a mare or two that’s recognized as worthy slaves to be allowed entry.” I admit, earning gasps from all around.

“Lock, now could you even think of such a horrible plan?” Cadence asks, mortified at the very idea.

“My thoughts exactly, which is why I want to avoid doing it, let alone ever bringing it up again.” I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Flash still has to do some more recon before we decide on anything but hopefully it won’t come to that, I hate the idea of involving mares and anyone else for that matter.”

“And…what was the other idea you had?” Twilight asks.

“A coordinated assault on Las Pegasus.” I said. “The Prometheus would bombard the city in specific areas where there wouldn’t be any unnecessary casualties so Flash and I, along with a large platoon of my crew, would ransack the place and rip the place up. But doing so there’s higher risks.” I explain. “The slavers and traitors would get desperate of losing their merchandise and would resort in doing whatever they can to keep their property from being taken, such as killing slaves rather than let them have their freedom back or trying to escape with what little they have. I want to make sure that the siege on Las People goes without a hitch, meaning everyone there comes back home, no one we save or who joins the attack dies, and their merchandise such as the weapons or drugs gets destroyed. There’s always a few ways to win a battle and that’s being loud and stupid or being smart and quiet and I’d rather choose the latter, we just need to think of a different way.”

“I’m sure you’ll come up with something else, Lock.” Flash said. “You always know what to do in difficult situations, like how you handled that situation in Detrot.” Flash reminds me.

In Detrot there was an auction for a few mares who were obviously abused to the point of them turning into purple collared slaves and the look on every Caribou and Stallion’s face said they wanted nothing more than to toss them around like rag dolls. I thought I’d try and be more discrete and bid in them due to the large sum funds we found on The Prometheus, no doubt acquired from Wind Riders’ little escapades. Little by little we managed to outbid all the slaves in town and none of the males were happy with me but I didn’t care. The next night, I poisoned the water and all the Caribou died in their sleep and we finished off the rest of the traitors but subdued the brainwashed. I purposefully left the stallion in charge of Detrot for last and he was met with a gruesome sight the next morning. Bodies of his men all strung up in front of his manor, all twisted and ripped apart to spell the word Devil. I tore out his heart and let the buzzards feed on his corpse before I left and healed the slaves and brainwashed.

“I appreciate the enthusiasm, Flash, but this is Las Pegasus. Which means bigger city, bigger population, bigger risks.“ I said. “This is one mission we can’t fuck up on, not in the slightest.” Twilight cups my cheek and makes me look down to her with a reassuring smile.

“We know how much you wish to free everypony, Lock. We just don’t want you to do anything unnecessary.” Twilight said.

“I know.” I said as I placed my hand on top of hers. “I just have to remember there’ll always be high risk when at war. I’m just trying to keep too many ponies who don’t deserve it from dying.”

“You aren’t alone in this war, Dimitri, remember that.” Cadence reassures.

“Yeah! Plus you’ve got the fastest flyer in Equestria to back you up!” Rainbow said, pumping her fist.

“Y’all just need ta learn ta lean on somepony once in a while.” Applejack said.

“Indeed, though there are some of us who do not fight with you by your side, you’ll always have support when you need it.” Rarity said.

“Heh, such good friends I have,” I chuckled. “I think it’s about time we head to the ship and resume training.”

“What?” Rainbow complained. “My winds are still sore from yesterday.”

“And they’ll continue to get more sore if you keep up that attitude.” I snorted as I stood up and Twilight got off me. She gives me a kiss on the lips, to which I return, as Flash, Rainbow, and I exit the castle. As we head up the gangplank of the ship, my senses spike a little making me pause and turn my head. I end up looking in the direction of the Everfree Forest which makes me arch a brow as to why I’m sensing something from there.

“Something wrong, Captain?” Flash wonders.

“…It’s nothing,” I respond as we continue our walk up. Hopefully, I think.

1 Week Later

“Alright, next,” I said.

The next group of 5 ponies line up as the last group pick themselves up and hobble out of the way. I cross my arms as I stand in front of the bell and they all begin to charge. One pegasus colt flies high while another pegasus stallion tries to go low and fake me out. I spread my wings as the other three hang back and the two pegasi dive in for the attack. I raise my arms and block their strikes and begin to take turns trying to hit me. This group of ponies have been working well as a group the past few weeks ever since we began this weekly test. Cloud Skipper and Wild Ace were in sync with their attacks and have progressed nicely in increasing their wing power since I can feel myself be pushed back a little. I look past the attacking duo and see Shadow Star power her horn and begin blasting me with spells to which I flap my wings to dodge and the pegasi duo follow me. Shadow Star too has improved since she’s been diligently powering up her spells and can hold a beam for more than two minutes which was impressive. Swift Snow, one of the earth pony stallions, takes aim with his practice bow and tries to shoot me down by aiming for my wings, as I taught him to against the enemy. I backflip in the air and dodge the stubbed arrows which gives my attackers a chance and deliver a double roundhouse kick to my chest. I grunt as I stagger in the air until I feel something wrap around my wings making me start to fall to the ground. I look over my shoulder and see the stallion who I met when he was wearing nothing and introduced himself as Berry Mustang, or Big B to his friends. He was a much more taller and muscular stallion who had my wings in a death grip and I struggled to set them free. I was about to reach around and get him to release me until I briefly forgot about Cloud and Ace following close in front of me. I crossed my arms to block them but we soon landed on the ground with a loud thud, causing me to break my guard a bit. Using this opportunity, Cloud and Ace slammed their fists in my chest and gut, knocking the wind out of me and Swift Snow ran up and slid into my legs to grapple them in a tight hold. I was now completely immobilized as Shadow Star took this opportunity to run up to the bell as I struggled to free myself but it was too late.

DING

Everyone was silent, completely speechless and in awe at what just happened. For over a month, everyone had been through the most grueling training of their lives and had to face a seemingly impossible challenge that ended up with them having huge bruises or cracked bones. Yet this day, this momentous day, this group of ponies managed to do the impossible. I smiled wide with my heart beating with pride as my graduates let me go and I stood up. The ones holding me down slowly rose to their hooves as all five soon walked in front of me still in disbelief that they were the first ones to pass. I smiled down at them as I then looked to the crowd of the other crew members.

“Ladies and gentlemen.” I said as I turned the group of five to face the crew. “Meet Team Alpha.”

The crew all burst into cheers and applause for the newly appointed Team Alpha and swarmed them with words of praise. Cloud and Ace bro hugged each other and were smiling ear to ear, Swift Snow and Big B fist bumped, and Shadow Star had tears in her eyes since she was so happy and I walked up and placed a hand on her shoulder. She turned around and wrapped me in a hug and cried into my chest and I just held her in an embrace. She was probably more insistent on improving herself and training to her absolute limit since she wanted to pass so bad. That and I had heard from Swift Snow that her parents were still missing which is why she wanted to join my crew so she could find them.

“Captain Lock…thank you.” Shadow said happily through her tears.

“Congrats, Shadow.” I said as I pat her head.

“So what happens now, Captain?” Ace asks as I release Shadow.

“Now you lot get to be trained directly under me.” I said, earning surprised looks. “From here on out I’m gonna teach you how to fight and survive on the front lines. You’ll be accompanying Flash and I on missions and battling alongside us against the Caribou using the new weapons I told you about. Your Team Alpha and you’ll be acting as such, understood?”

“Yes, Captain Lock!” They all salute.

“And as for the rest of you.” I said retaking my position in the middle of the room and in front of the bell. “Next group line up.”

Team Alpha sat on the sidelines as the next group lined up. This group had Rainbow Dash and she looked at me with an obvious overconfident smirk.

Oh this will be fun, as usual. I think.

I was standing now standing on the deck of The Prometheus and leaning over the railing looking over Ponyville as the late afternoon breeze blew in my face. With more ponies now residing here, the town has expanded with more buildings to house the refugees from the ones we liberated. I’ve had to extend my barrier a bit so they could be within its vicinity and I was in a pretty happy mood since the first group of my crew managed to pass the bell test. I was brought out of my thoughts when I heard hoofsteps walk behind me and a pair of arms wrap around my torso, making me smile and place a hand on my marefriends arms.

“Afternoon, my lovely little lavender mare.” I said as I turned to see Twilight smile up at me. She leans up and kisses me on the lips and hugs me close as I hug and kiss her back.

“And how’s my favorite stallion today?” Twilight asks sweetly as we both lean over the railing and she rests her head on my shoulder.

“Enjoying the moment.” I said. “A group from my crew just passed the bell test.” I said, earning an excited gasp from Twilight.

“I’m so happy for you!” Twilight said, hugging my arm. “Does this mean they’ll join you in your missions like you said?”

“Yup, I just hope they’re up to the task. From this point on it’ll get even tougher for them.” I said. I watched with Twilight as the ponies continued to work on the new houses and I sighed, wondering if there was even a war to fight since things seem so peaceful at the moment.

“Something on your mind?” Twilight asks.

“It’s just it’s hard to believe that the world is as it is now when looking at how the ponies are trying to cope.” I said. “It’s a big world and I’m only just getting started in this rebellion.”

“Well if there’s anypony who can do the impossible it’s you Lock.” Twilight said, nuzzling my arm. “At least your world isn’t like this one is now, right?”

“Hate to break it to you, sweetie, but there was a point in my world's history when we humans used to enslave each other.” I admit making Twilight shocked.

“For real?” Twilight gasps. “That’s both interesting and horrifying.”

“Yeah, humanity has a lot of dark chapters in its history. Slavery being the darkest, in my opinion. Truth be told there’s still some sick bastards who practice slavery despite it being abolished hundreds of years ago.”

“How awful…” Twilight said.

“Yup, though I tend not to dwell on stuff like that. Sometimes I like to think about a few stories from my youth whenever I feel the need.” I said.

“What kind of stories?” Twilight asked.

“Well let’s see.” I hummed, turning around and leaning back on my elbows on the railing and looking up to the sky. “I remember when I was about 12, or so, my family took a vacation to a wooded town to enjoy the scenery. It was my uncle’s place and I always loved to hike there every so often with my old man. One day he offered to take me hunting but I refused since I didn’t like the idea of killing animals.”

“Humans hunt animals?” Twilight asked.

“We do, some for sport and others for food. Some humans kill just to kill, just don’t tell Fluttershy that.” I said. “Anyway my old man accepted my wishes and we just continued our vacation. During the last days there was this local hunter everyone in town knew who was gonna go for a hunt for his family. Only he came back empty handed, scared out of his wits, threw away all his hunting gear, and swore never to hunt again.”

“Just like that?” Twilight wondered. “How come?”

“According to him he encountered a family of wolves, two adults and five pups, and killed them all.” I explained earning a small gasp. “Don’t know if it was either on accident or on purpose but he came back with a wound on his head, a small cut on his neck, and eyes filled with fear. And get this, he said a young boy did it to him.”

“A human boy?” Twilight repeats and I nod.

“Guy said he looked like he was about ready to end his life right then and there but spared him and warned him never to return. When the rangers went to investigate they didn’t find the boy. All they found was a cave and some graves inside. The wolves must’ve meant something to him if he buried them like that.” I said.

“How sad.” Twilight said. “Did they ever find the boy?”

“Nope, kid must’ve either wandered off deeper into the woods or gotten killed by the elements.” I guessed. “It’s unfortunate about the wolves though. If I’m being honest, if I was the kid, I’d slice the bastards neck without hesitation.”

“But why?” Twilight wondered in slight shock.

“Well considering how whoever the kid was went as far as to bury the wolves in graves says a lot, like maybe they meant the world to him and they were taken away without warning. I don’t think I would’ve had the will to spare the hunter after losing something as precious to him as that. I just hope the kid is still alive and doing well.“ I said.

“Me too.” Twilight agreed. “Are there any other stories?“

“Yeah, there is one that tends to work its way through my memories, despite the fact I’d rather forget about it.” I said solemnly. “Some years later when I was about 17, I was walking through the town I lived in with my mother. All of a sudden there were these fire trucks, they’re large vehicles that are used to put out fires, racing down the street. Curious, we followed the trucks and were met with a horrendous sight. The local supermarket was in flames and the firefighters were trying their best to put it out. I had heard from the group of people witnessing the spectacle that some crazy kid had jumped in the inferno to save another kid who was trapped inside. I remember seeing a firefighter being pushed back from a window and a huge explosion erupting from inside. Next thing I knew I could hear screams of pain from inside which made me and my mother turn and walk away, unable to bear the sound of someone dying.”

“He…died?” Twilight said on the verge of tears.

“I assumed that he did.” I sighed. “A life for a life, such is an equal trade.”

“I can’t imagine the pain he went through, burning to death, such an awful way to go.” Twilight whimpered.

“And another one young too.” I said, holding her close. “I heard that he was no older than 12 or 13. However there was one other story that I will never forget. Many years later I was living in a new home after moving out and I was still on active duty and was visiting some friends. We were all watching a show and the news had interrupted it to report something. In another city the authorities had busted a major slave ring on the outskirts of town in some abandoned scrap yard, clever to hide in plain sight.“

“Slave ring?” Twilight repeats.

“Basically a place where people force slaves to fight against each other and other wild beasts for entertainment, much like the Romans did centuries ago.” I explained.

“How barbaric!” Twilight gasped. “They really forced others to fight just for entertainment?”

“Humans can sometimes be a cruel bunch.” I sighed. “They said a lot of the people from the slave ring were wanted criminals and slavers who they arrested and most of the other people were former slaves. I don’t really remember the name of the one who they said was running the whole shit show but I think it was…something Viper?” I said. “Anyway, as a military man I thought of nothing but to beg my superiors to send my team after him and hunt the sick bastard down but he had already become a ghost after he slithered away from the scene. However despite all the drama we were witnessing, there was one image that stuck with me. A young man, looking no older than his late teens, was being pestered by the media. It wasn’t the fact that his clothes were covered in blood, nor did he look injured here and there due to the scars I could notice, but the very look in his eyes. I’ve seen eyes like that many times, eyes that are filled with anger, sadness, pain, and most of all loss.”

“What do you think happened to him?” Twilight wondered.

“My guess, someone died whom he cared for with all his heart.” I said. “Whatever happened in that slave ring probably had broken him beyond repair since he disappeared from the whole fiasco. I’ve witnessed and experienced some terrible shit during my service in the military, but seeing how soulless that kid’s eyes were made me hate the bastard who did it to him all the more.” I said with a voice filled with hate.

“Did they ever catch the one responsible?” Twilight wondered.

“Better, I had heard from a buddy of mine that someone had managed to find and off him.” I said, smiling a little. “Don’t know the full details since there were always different speculations as to who did the deed, but the authorities did confirm his body which was enough for me. The point is the look on that kid’s face, not to mention the other stories I heard about from those other kids, pushed me to become who I am now. The fact that there’s a bastard like Dainn living like he is, all high and mighty on his throne of skulls, only makes me want to end all this as soon as possible. But I can’t be too brash, war isn’t won overnight after all.”

“You seem to hold these stories close to you.” Twilight said.

“Would you believe me if I told you they help me sleep at night?” I ask.

“I suppose I could, after all you can be a strange one sometimes.” Twilight giggles.

“And you love me for it.” I tease, nuzzling her nose with mine. “You know, I used to often wonder whatever happened to those people.” I said looking back to Ponyville. “The boy from the woods, the kid who sacrificed himself, the other who was rescued, and the person who delivered justice to the slaver. I like to imagine the boy from the woods found a new family and is living happily, the kid who sacrificed himself is resting peacefully without pain, the one who was rescued was able to move past his anguish and dark experience, and the one who got the slaver is continuing to deliver proper justice to those who deserve it. I sometimes told myself if I ever on the off chance met one of those people, I’d shake their hand.”

“They all sound like very inspiring individuals.” Twilight said. “Do you often miss your home world?”

“Sometimes.” I admit. “But I wasn’t really doing much after I was discharged. Besides if I didn’t come here I wouldn’t have met and fallen in love with you.” Twilight smiles and kisses me on the cheek and nuzzles into my arm. We were just enjoying each other’s company when we heard someone running up from behind us. I turned around and saw it was one of the pegasus recruits, Jade Trail, and he looked panicked in out of breath. “Private Jade Trail, what’s the matter?” I question.

“C-Captain Lock!” He salutes. “Scouts report…in the Everfree Forest…Caribou!” He said between breaths.

“Caribou?!” Twilight yelped in fear. “Why are they in Everfree Forest?!”

“I don’t know, but I’m gonna find out.” I said as I stepped away and unfurled my wings. “Private, inform Flash Sentry to put the crew on high alert. No one steps in or out of this town under any circumstances, am I clear?”

“Yes sir!” Jade said and flew off to inform Flash.

“Please be safe.” Twilight said, hugging me once more.

“Always.” I said. She stepped back and I jumped in the air and flew towards the Everfree Forest. I reached down and grasped Surtr’s grip and clenched my hand around it as my gaze narrowed upon the dark forest.

Just what the hell are you lot planning? I think.

I touch down in the middle of the woods and look around. The Forest is just as creepy as I remember and there is no doubt a pack of Timberwolves or Manticore stalking around so I kept my hand on Surtr’s grip as I walked and pulled my hood over my head. Every so often I’d see a pair of predator eyes or her growling in the distance but I kept my senses sharp and glared in the direction of the predators stalking me making them cower away in fear. As I made my way through the forest I remembered about a certain zebra shaman who’s hut should be nearby. I quickly made my way through the forest and managed to find the hut but was met with an unfortunate sight. Zecora’s hut looked abandoned and the decorations that adorned the tree were either ripped off or covered in webs. The huts door was kicked in and busted off its hinges and when I looked inside the whole place looked to be turned upside down. I tried to find any traces of where she might be but whoever kidnapped her must’ve wanted her bad enough to destroy her home. I scowled at the thought and made a mental note to try to find who took her and to keep a look out for her the next time we liberated a town. It’s unfortunate too since Zecora was one of my favorite characters. With no other choice I reluctantly stepped back out of the hut to continue my mission, but not before placing a small barrier around the hut so that it wouldn’t be ransacked anymore.

“Damn, I hate this place.” I muttered as I continued on. “Why they chose to set up camp here is beyond me.”

“Indeed.” I turned to see Lucifer, who I haven’t seen a while, appear next to me in a puff of flames. “Bold of them to hide here, yet also quite foolish.”

“You mind telling me where you’ve been?” I ask.

“Tending to some personal business.” Lucifer responded. There was a long pause between the two of us which was unlike Lucifer since he’s the type who usually likes to hear himself speak.

“Lucifer, you’re being uncharacteristically non-hyperverbal.” I inquired.

“Hmph, you seem to know me so well.” Lucifer scoffed. “If you must know, there’s been an attack on the city of Seaddle and other nearby towns.”

“Excuse me? We haven’t attacked Seaddle yet.” I said, surprised to hear what I was just told.

“I thought not, I went to investigate and was met with a rather infuriating sight. The whole city looked like quite a large battle had taken place there. Yet all that remained were abandoned buildings and dead Caribou corpses.” Lucifer explains.

“Wait, just Caribou?” I asked.

“Indeed, though I’m also willing to suspect that not all of them were even killed and all the ponies were taken. Traitor, brainwashed, and slaves alike. But that wasn’t the infuriating part. What was most troublesome is the barrier that surrounds the city.” Lucifer growled as his flames flickered a little off his shoulders.

“What kind of barrier?” I wonder. He looks to me as we stop walking and he reaches up to pinch his nose under his hood.

“A holy barrier.” He answered, shocking me.

“Holy? You mean…” I said.

“It is as you guess, those meddlesome fools from that blasted City of Silver have come to foil our efforts.” Lucifer said.

“Angels.” I said aloud. “But how’s that possible?”

“It would appear they have done the same thing as I, seek a human from your world and make them their champion.” Lucifer explains as he turns away. “This is not the first time they have done this, yet of all times, of all places, they had to send their champion here and meddle. That pompous Michael was always too proud, now he does something like this yet again?”

“What do you mean they’ve done this before?” I ask.

“You remember what I told you about how the Sins caused the World Wars, don’t you?” Lucifer asks and I nod. “Well you’ll be interested to know that you are not my first Hand.”

“I’m not?” I asked, a bit surprised.

“No, in fact there have been many humans who I’ve made similar deals with back on Earth and some of them being my Hand. How else would I have hunted down the Sins during the Wars? I sought someone out who would help aid me send them back to Hell.”

“Who was the previous Hand?” I wonder.

“Someone who I enjoyed seeing work, much like you.” Lucifer answered vaguely. “Anyway this champion seems to be liberating towns and cities just as you are. Yet instead of going on a massive killing spree he’s sparring as many lives as possible, Caribou and traitors included.”

“Why the hell would he do that?” I ask. “The brainwashed and slaves I can understand, but the traitors and even the Caribou? I thought even the Angel’s would know better than that.”

“I couldn't agree more, Michael was always the annoyingly righteous one. Always believed in second chances even though there are those who don’t deserve it. Now he and the rest of those pompous fools have gone and dragged someone here to try and show these fools the error of their ways.” Lucifer sighs.

“Who even is he?” I ask.

“I am unsure.” Lucifer said. “Just be on the lookout from here on, Dimitri. You can expect a very untimely visit from The Angel’s Saint sooner than you think.” He warns. “Oh and after you are finished with your business here, I took the liberty to leave you a little something on your ship. I’m sure you will be pleased with what I have procured for you.” Lucifer said and disappears in a puff of flames. I look up to the sky and narrow my eyes.

“I don’t know why you sent someone here, but whoever he is you can bet your ass he’s not gonna get in my way. I made an oath and I intend to keep it.” I sneered as I continued my trek, leaving burned footprints behind me.

2 Hours Later

It was now night time as the moon had just risen as I kept my trek through the forest, looking for where the Caribou were hiding until I came across a strangely familiar area. I followed the path until I came across a sight I half expected to see. The ruins of the castle of the two sisters, sitting there across the gorge between the rickety bridge. I smiled a little at the memory of the first couple of episodes I watched from the show since this is where it all began for my admiration of the wonderful program I enjoyed. I flew across the gorge and noticed a faint light from within the ruins that looked like a campfire. I sunk low and crept up to the ruins and peered inside a window. Sure enough, a large group of Caribou and traitors were all huddled together and some had slaves next to them. I saw the black collared mares were being forced to service them while a few with red collars did so willingly which made my blood boil but I stuck to the shadows.

“Boss, when are we gonna go and take back Ponyville?” One traitor asked.

I looked to see a rather well armored stag who was sitting on a stool, armed with a sword and a rifle on his back. Next to him was a Pegasus mare who was on her knees with her wings in boxes and had her head hung low. At first I didn’t recognize her but when she raised her head a bit my eyes widened and I grit my teeth. It was Daring Doo, the famous author/adventurer all tied up and stark naked looking as miserable as possible. My flames flickered along my fist and I tried my damndest to calm myself down at the state Doo was in. I wanted to rush in and save her but I had to be smart so I kept my hand.

“Soon.” The leader said. “Once the sun sets we’ll sneak in at the dead of night and take all the sluts there and slit the throats of anyone who gets in our way.”

“But sir, what about The Devil’s Hand?”

“Bring that up again, and I put one in between your eyes.” The leader hissed, making the other stag cower. “Listen up! There is no Hand of the Devil in Ponyville! Just some crazy rebel stallion who dabbled in black magic and dares to defy what our glorious Lord Dainn has given us! This world is ours and we have cleansed this kingdom from the tyrannical rule of the whore Princesses. Just because we have yet to take them as well does not mean we won’t one day soon! It is as Lord Lust said, we can do as we please and we needn’t worry about some overzealous stallion who’s only taken back a few towns here and there.”

“But what about Seaddle?” A stag questioned. “The King Pony was pissed when he heard it was taken, along with our brothers and most of the city’s population.”

“Yet another overconfident fool, it matters little! For now we rest, for tonight we take back what is ours. So buck these bitches to your heart's content! Get one off so you can enjoy more of them tomorrow!” The leader said as the stags and stallions were about to have their way with the slaves, Doo included since the leader started to pull down his pants and even take out a small baggie of Unicorn Dust and snort it. I growled and looked to the campfire and got an idea. I flew quietly up on a pillar overlooking the group and flapped my wings sharply, snuffing out the campfire with the gust of wind causing everyone to pause.

“What the hay? What happened to the fire?”

“Who cares, someone light it again. I can’t see my bitch suck me off.”

I stood up straight and spread my wings wide, causing my shadow to loom over the whole group in the moonlight, making them turn up to look at me. I glared down at them with as much malice as I could muster under my hood as my flames flickered along my body.

“So…” I hissed, causing some to already start trembling. “You’re going to take back what was never yours, hmm? A bold claim, considering you seem to have forgotten what I am capable of.”

“Who the buck are you?!” The leader barked. “Do you have any idea who you’re messing with?! You’re nothing but a-”

BANG

I didn’t let him finish his sentence as I drew my six-shooter and shot him in the head, right between the eyes. His eye twitched a little as he fell on his back dead and the rest of the group looked up to me in fear after my merciless kill.

“Couldn’t stand another goddamn word out of that annoying prick.“ I scoffed as I holster my gun. “To be honest he got off easy, but the same could not be said for the rest of you if you continue to remain here. Only warning to the lot of you, begone and never come back, leave the mares behind since they’re no longer your property to do as you please.”

Some of the younger stags and stallions dropped their weapons and ran out of the castle with their tails between their legs. The rest still had some backbone in them and brandished their weapons and aimed their rifles at me. I rolled my eyes under the shadow of my hood as I lept in the air as they opened fire. I swerved and twirled around in the air, avoiding any bullets fired at me as I morphed some of my feathers into blades. I skillfully flicked my wings while in mid air and the feather blades came hurtling down at them as they tried to take cover. The mares were all in a panic as my enemies still tried to shoot me down but I kept on evading them and firing my feather blades. I managed to hit my marks by hitting the snipers in the head or chest causing them to fall back dead and the group began to lose its edge. I smirked and descended to the ground on top of a stag, crushing him as the sickening crunch of his spine could be heard and he vomited blood and died. I raised my fists and my hands became cold as ice ran along my arms. A few Caribou charged at me and I readied myself for their assault. One Caribou came at me and I stabbed him in his chest with my hand and crushed his organ. I pulled my hand out, using the blood and freezing it to make a spear of blood ice, and thrusted it in his eye as he flew backwards and fell. Another tried to swing at me with his sword but I swayed my body to the right and roundhouse kicked him in his chest. He cried out as he stumbled back and his comrade tried to thrust his spear at me, trying to catch me off guard. I grabbed his spear as the point was an inch from impaling me and I twisted it out of his grip and lunged forward and struck his chest with my palm. He cried out as a layer of ice grew in his chest and I reeled back and slammed my fist into his chest, causing frozen chunks of flesh to be blasted away leaving his spine for all to see. I reached in and grabbed his spine, split it in two, and lifted my prey in the air and tore him apart. The stag who I kicked looked at me in horror and tried to pick up his weapon but I slammed my foot in the ground making a bed if spiked ice shards form in the ground behind him. I kicked him on the spiked bed and jumped on top of him, causing the shards to pierce his body and windpipe as he gurgled on his own blood. I then pressed my weight onto him more and his eye ripped out of his socket and he died with his body still twitching every so often. A stallion traitor came up from behind me and tried to cut me down and I quickly reached behind me and grabbed his throat. I slowly looked over to him as he gasped for air and I could now see the fear in his eyes.

“Pay for your traitorous deeds in blood.” I said as I snapped his neck. His body went limp as I dropped him to the ground and I looked back up to the now terrified remaining Caribou and stallions. “Who’s next?”

“YOU KILLED MY BROTHERS, YOU DEMON!” One stag roared as he picked up a rifle and aimed it at me and fired. I drew Ymir and flapped my wings and tackled him across the room as I stabbed him in the shoulder, making him scream out in pain as I pinned him to the wall.

“I may be a demon, but it is you Caribou who are the monsters.” I hissed as the ice from my sword started to spread along his body.

The stag’s eyes widened as the ice spread throughout the rest of his body and was soon encased in ice, leaving him as a frozen corpse embedded in the wall. I pulled Ymir out of his shoulder and looked over my shoulder to see the rest of the group had fled the area leaving just me and the mares. I sheathe Ymir back in its scabbard and walk over to the group of mares who were all cowering together. Doo was in front of the mares and had her arms out as if she was trying to protect them, glaring at me with a defiant look. I slowly rose my hands, making her flinch, and reached up to take my hood off as the ice melted off my arms. Once they all saw my face their expressions softened a little but were still fearful of me.

“I apologize for the brutal display, and you needn’t be so cautious of me.” I tried to reassure them. “I won’t harm any of you.”

“Yeah? Tell that to the Caribou you literally tore in half.” Doo accused, giving me a defiant glare.

“Fair enough, but ask yourself this Miss Doo.” I inquired. “If I were an enemy or one of them, would we be having this conversation?” Doo was about to speak but couldn’t find the words. She looked around at the corpses surrounding us and then back at me looking still unconvinced. “Very well, how’s this then.” I said as I walked behind her. I placed my hands in the boxes and crushed them enough for them to fall on the floor. Doo flinched and sighed as she spread her wings and gave them a few test flaps and turned to look up at me. “Would I do something like this if I were your enemy?”

“Ok, you made your point.” Doo said. “But that still doesn’t excuse the whole display. Damn near came close to losing my lunch.”

“Eh, call me theatrical.” I shrugged. “Also you might wanna cover yourself.” I said as I walked away. I heard her gasp and cover herself which made me chuckle as I slowly but surely began to heal the mares. As I did I felt another twitch in my senses making me look around the opened room but saw nothing. I paid it no mind again as I reached in my pocket and pulled out an ear piece and put it in my ear and pressed the button.

“Captain Lock to The Prometheus, over.” I said.

“This is Flash Sentry, over.” I heard Flash answer. “Everything alright Captain? I heard from Jade that there are Caribou in Everfree, over.”

“Was Caribou in Everfree. I dispatched the lot and now I’ve got a group of former slaves with me and are in need of immediate escort back to Ponyville, over.” I order.

“Roger that, I’ll be there real soon, over and out.” Flash said then hung up.

I took the earpiece out of my ear and in my pocket as I continued to cleanse and heal the mares. In the corner of my eye I caught a glimpse of a pair of eyes in the shadow on the far side of the room before it retreated back into the darkness. I couldn’t help but smirk since I recognized those eyes anywhere and waited until I was alone with my little stalker.

This night just keeps getting more interesting. I think.

Flash later showed up as quick as he said, startling the group of now healed and cleansed mares. He even took the liberty of bringing a large bag of cloaks so that the mares could cover themselves as Flash led them out of the ruined castle. Flash asked if I wanted to come along but I told him I had some more last minute business to take care of. He was curious at first but decided not to pry since getting the mares back to Ponyville was the main priority at the moment. Once I made sure the group was out of sight, I took the liberty to clean the mess I made up and waited for my stalker to show herself. As I cleaned the corpses I could feel her eyes on me but she did not show herself which made me smirk since I imagined she was still wary of me after tonight's little display of brutality. I then burned away the last corpse and turned around to face where I last felt the eyes coming from.

“You know, call me old fashioned, but I believe it’s a little rude to stare and not introduce yourself.” I said, crossing my arms.

There was silence at first but I soon heard hoofsteps slowly walk forward and reveal the mare who I kinda figured would be here. Counterpart of Princess Luna, who once attempted to usurp the Equestrian throne, Nightmare Moon herself in all her midnight glory. Her jet black coat of fur, wild billowing mane and tail that looked like a cold winter night sky, and eyes that were admittedly an alluring cyan color with black reptilian pupils that made them even more alluring and gave a mysterious feel to it was all in front of me as the moon shined down on her. She was also decked out from head to hoof in light blue armour and her muzzle was filled with sharp teeth. If I was honest with myself, Nightmare looked almost as gorgeous as Luna or even Celestia combined since she had the body that all men would crave. Bust, hips, and rear alike but I’ll keep that to myself.

“Well I’ll be damned again.” I smirked. “Nightmare Moon herself graces me with her presence.”

“You know of me?” Nightmare asked in a curious yet cautious tone. “Yet I know not of you. Who or what exactly are you?”

“Dimitri Lockdrom.” I answer with a curt nod. “I’m a human and The Devil’s Hand.” I said making her gasp.

“The Devil’s Hand?” She repeats, starting to back away. “Yet…you saved my subjects.”

“And?” I ask. “Just because I work for the Devil doesn’t mean I’m not heartless. I’m trying to liberate all of Equestria after all.”

“How…unexpected.” Nightmare said. “But why should I believe you since you have such a dark power and even more gruesome styles of conflict.”

“You mean when I literally ripped that Caribou in two?” I asked, making her nod and seemed unfazed by what she had just witnessed. “To put it bluntly, fucker deserved it. He and the rest of his ilk.”

“You would have them share the same fate?” Nightmare asked.

“Them and the traitors included. They brought their sick and twisted ideals to these lands and now the world is suffering because of it. I don’t give two shits what anyone says about how I operate. If anyone, they should blame their so-called King for making them meet such a painful end. You can judge me all you wish, Nightmare, but my ideals are my own.” I said coldly. Nightmare was silent from my words and actually smiles so I can see her fanged teeth.

“On the contrary, while your words are cold, yet they also ring true.” Nightmare said.

“This is war, Nightmare, war makes people cold since war never changes.” I said.

“To be quite honest I’m surprised you allowed the others to escape with their lives.” Nightmare said, looking in the direction where they fled.

“Let them keep their lives.” I scoffed. “Or what’s left of them. Dumb bastards ran straight in the Forest with nothing to protect themselves so I doubt they’d get far.”

“You’re quite the ruthless one.” Nightmare said.

“Perhaps, but what about you?” I ask.

“What about me?” Nightmare wonders.

“I know what you did to Luna and Celestia.” I accuse, making her wince. “It was because of you, Luna fought Celestia and was sent to the moon. Not to mention you came back and attempted to take the throne a second time despite it being a thousand years later. Which begs the question whether or not you still wish to engulf the world in eternal night. And just so you know, depending on your answer.” I said as I rested my hand on Surtr’s grip. “I’d advise you choose your words wisely.”

“Are you threatening me?” Nightmare asks as her horn lit up a bit.

“Maybe.” I said, starting to grip my sword’s handle. “Maybe not.” I said as I loosened my grip.

“Well I admit, I did indeed wish to take the throne and send Celestia to the moon as she did me, even after I attempted it a second time.” She confessed as she powered down her horn. “But now that the world is in utter turmoil, I do not see a reason to do so. But I still wish for revenge against Celestia for banishing me.” Nightmare hissed. “After all it was her fault that the ponies prefer the day than the night.” I frowned and walked over to Nightmare and stood over her, seeing that I was half a head taller than her, excluding her horn.

“Are you still so ignorant that you fail to realize that the ponies actually did and still do appreciate the night just as much as they do the day?” I snap, pointing in her face.

“Excuse me?!” Nightmare shot back. “Of course they prefer the day over the night! No pony is even awake to admire the stars that Luna and I worked so tirelessly to create!”

“Wrong again, Nightmare.” I said, shaking my head. “There are many ponies who enjoy the night sky, you and Luna just didn’t see it because you were so caught up in usurping Celestia.”

“That…that has to be a lie!” Nightmare said, pointing back at me.

“Like the Devil, I also make it an obligation to not lie.” I said. “I can name plenty of ponies who prefer the night over the day. True, they’re more active during the day but at night they get to relax and admire the stars. Not only that, they also are appreciative of the fact that they can sleep soundly without any nightmares to plague them since Luna always walked the dream realm and watched over her subjects. I can understand why you’re skeptical, considering the circumstances, but I swear that it’s the honest to good truth. The ponies appreciated you and Luna just as much as they appreciated Celestia.” Nightmare was taken back by my words as she looked down to stare at her hands.

“If what you say is true, then did I make a mistake corrupting Luna?” Nightmare asked.

“It’s not the fact that you made a mistake, just that you made poor judgment.” I reassured Nightmare as she looked back up at me. “Even now, Luna is respected by her subjects and they all still thank her for all she’s done for the night sky and dream realm.“ Again Nightmare was silent as she contemplated my words. She then looked up at the night sky and she closed her eyes as I noticed a single tear escape her right eye.

“It seems…I have misled myself longer than I care to admit.” Nightmare sighed with a frown and her ears folded on her head.

“It’s like I said, you made a misjudgment and you now see the error of your ways, correct?” I ask.

“I suppose but I doubt I would be accepted due to the amount of trouble I caused for everypony, Celestia and Luna included.” Nightmare said, rubbing her arm.

“Well I’m sure if you explained they’d understand, or maybe not.” I shrugged. “Besides, I doubt Celestia is the type to hold a grudge. Luna I’m not quite sure.”

“I suppose you’re right.” Nightmare said, smiling a little.

“You know if you want.” I said, gaining an idea. “There’s plenty of room on my ship, perhaps you’d like to bunk there instead of being stuck here?”

“That’s quite kind of you to offer, however I believe I should stay here. This was my home after all.” Nightmare said as she backed away.

“Fair enough.” I shrugged. “But at least take this with you.” I said handing her my extra earpiece.

“What is this?” Nightmare wondered, examining the device.

“It’s a type of communication device.” I explain. “You just put it in your ear and press the little button so I can contact you whenever I please and you the same. There are still Caribou lurking around where you least expect it and before you say you can handle yourself I’ll remind you what they did to those mares, more specifically what most of the Caribou have on them at all times.” I said as I pulled out a ring from my jacket pocket.

“What is that?” Nightmare asks, eyeing the ring.

“Magic suppressor ring.” I said, shocking her. “And a very powerful one at that, so powerful it was designed to prevent any spell from ever being cast regardless if it’s a unicorn or alicorn.” I explained as I stuffed the ring back in my pocket. “So take this device and keep it close. If you see any more Caribou coming your way, don’t hesitate to call me.”

“Very well.” Nightmare said as she held the earpiece close to her. “But you will come should I contact you, correct?”

“That’s the idea.” I said, smiling a little. “And just as a precaution.” I said as I clicked my heel in the ground. Tribal markings appeared and circled around the area and glowed slightly before dimming. “I placed my barrier around this place to keep you more safe. You may stick to the shadows but there’s only so much that can do and I’d rather not risk it.”

“I see, well then I thank you for the gesture.” Nightmare said with a curt nod.

“But now it’s getting late and I must return to Ponyville so take care of yourself.” I said as I turned to walk away.

“Farewell, Sir Dimitri, until we meet again.” Nightmare called out.

I waved my hand over my shoulder and spread my wings out to take off. I glanced once more over my shoulder and saw a blush spread across Nightmare’s muzzle but she quickly looked away, trying to look unimpressed at my wings which made me chuckle since she was doing such a poor job at it as I took to the skies.

Just how am I gonna explain this one to the others? I think. Celestia and Luna especially.

Author's Note

Many things have happened. A plan must be made, a new team of soldiers is formed, stories were told, The Angel’s Saint makes himself known, and an unexpected individual reveals herself. What’s next for The Devil’s Hand, only time will tell.

Hope you enjoyed!

~WurkyWilk has left the building…