Chapter 24

My crew, apprentices, and I were all on edge as we neared the great city of Manehattan as I was now dressed in my armor. I had waited to liberate this city for a reason but as I traveled to the large city, I had heard reports of the monster attacking it and going on a massive killing spree over the radio from the other ship. I worried about the residents of the city, mostly the brainwashed stallions and slaves since there was no doubt, they’d probably be victims of circumstance. But most of all I was worried about whether Big Mac was safe or not. When Applejack told me he had gone to Manehatten before the Fall to visit their little cousin Babs Seed, it worried me that he either was brainwashed, being held prisoner if he was unaffected by the Caribou magic like Bow and his group, or…

I shook my head at the last thought since someone like Big Mac would never stoop to such a low level. As soon as we secure this city, we can finally make our move to take back the Crystal Empire and put Lust in his place.

“Hey boss?” I looked over to Zephyr to see he’s got an uneasy expression. “Them reports we’ve been hearing from the scouts; you don’t think they’re true, do you?”

“We’ll find out soon enough.” I said as the city came into view. Sure enough the city already had many smoke trails come from around the area, which made me narrow my eyes. I raised my hand to signal Soarin to stop the ship and the crew to furl the sails so that me, Flash, and Zephyr could go on ahead. “Keep the engines warm, Soarin, I wanna be in and out of here as soon as possible.” I said as I reached back and pulled out Skadi from my holster.

“Yes Captain!” Soarin said.

“You lot be careful, you hear?” Spitfire said as she hugged Flash.

“We’ll be fine, Spitz, don’t you worry.” Flash said hugging Spitfire back.

“When it comes to you, babe, I always worry.” She snickered as she pecked him on the lips. Flash smiled as the three of us took to the skies and flew towards the city.

“I know I said if before, I’m glad you and Spitfire are going steady, Flash.” I said, smirking at my apprentice.

“Yeah, you and Spitfire make a nice couple, dude.” Zephyr agreed.

“Still can’t believe I was the lucky one to even get with Captain Spitfire, but I too am glad and wouldn’t have it any other way.” Flash said.

We eventually touched down on the outskirts of the city as I drew Surtr and pulled out one of my pistols and were met with a grim sight. Bodies, or parts of bodies, everywhere and a whole lot of blood and guts spattering the walls and ground. I saw both Caribou and stallions dead as we walked through the streets but no signs of life. What was more unsettling is the huge claw marks along the walls and large bloody reptile-like footprints that went everywhere I looked. There were also crushed cannons, broken swords and blades, even some bullet holes and cartridge shells on the ground. The strangest thing was the footprints and claw marks all ranged in different sizes and shapes as we continued our trek which didn’t make much sense since the reports said it was just one monster instead of many.

“Sweet Celestia…” Flash said. “What in the Tartarus happened here? These guys look like they barely stood a chance.”

“Well whatever it was, it sure was hungry…” Zephyr said, trying not to puke as we passed by half a Caribou missing its upper torso.

“Keep those nerves of yours steady boys.” I said, keeping a firm grip on Surtr and my finger on the trigger. I reached into my coat and pulled out my mask and put it on then pulled my hood over my head. As we continued our way into the city the sounds of a trash can slamming to the ground came from a nearby alleyway.

I immediately pointed my pistol in the alleyway as Flash had sparks fly off his shoulders and Zephyr made whipped up gusts of wind. I signaled them to take point as we both slowly walked down the alleyway. We slowly made our way inside and the sound of something kicking around a bottle could be heard behind a trash can.

“Alright, whoever’s back there comes out slow and steady.” I ordered, pulling back the hammer of my pistol as I aimed.

The sound of some rustling became louder and louder until something left from behind the trash can and landed on the lid. No bigger than a chicken was a lizard that stood on its hind legs and had a long tail. It let out a high pitch squeaky noise.

“What the…?” I muttered, lowering my pistol a bit.

“Well, this is unexpected.” Flash said.

“Aw you don’t wanna hurt us, do ya little guy?” Zephyr teased. The little lizard shook its head before turning around in a circle before letting out another squeak. “Oh, you’re so cute like a little dog~.” Zephyr cooed, making me roll my eyes.

“Come on, let’s keep searching the city for survivors.” I said, turning away.

“But Boss, look at him. Hey, do you do tricks little guy?” Zephyr said squatting down in front of the strange lizard. The lizard squealed again as it nodded its head.

“Alright, sit!” Zephyr commands. The little lizard did so rather quickly.

“Good boy!” Zephyr praised. “Roll over!” He said, spinning his finger. The lizard laid in its side before twirling around to land on the other side before standing back up.

“Now speak!” Zephyr commanded. The little lizard let out a few squeak-like roars.

“Zephyr!” I snapped after getting annoyed by his antics. “We do not have time for this! Say goodbye to your little friend and let’s go! We still need to search the city for survivors.”

“I’m afraid Lock’s right, Zephyr.” Flash said. “We still have a mission to complete.”

“Aw just one more?” Zephyr pleaded. “Ok little guy, now play dead!”

The little reptile looked around the alley before moving to a small rock that it took into its mouth. He hopped back on the trash can before tossing the rock up into the air. The little rock came down and tapped the green lizard on the head and it let off a fake gasp clutching its chest before falling to the ground with its tongue out.

“Hahahaha!” Zephyr laughed. “Man, this little guy is great! Can we keep him, boss?”

“Oh for fuck’s sake, Zephyr, get your ass over here right now! That’s an order!” I snapped harshly.

The little lizard hopped onto Zephyr’s shoulder before getting into a sitting position like a bird.

“Hey what do ya know, he likes me!” Zephyr chuckled as he scratched the little lizards chin.

“Oh joy, another stray…” I grumbled. The reptile let out a few squeaks in response to my comments. “Yeah well screw you too, you little shit.” I grumbled walking out of the alleyway.

“So what will you call him, Zephyr?” Flash said as the two of them followed behind me.

“Hmm, I dunno, maybe Greenie?” Zephyr said. A few squeaks came out of the little lizard as its tail wagged side to side. “Then Greenie it is!” Zephyr said, scratching Greenie’s chin.

Ignoring the fact that Zephyr made a new strange friend, we continued our trek through the ruined city as we saw more carnage before us. What started to worry me more was that we had yet to see any form of life and it was all still very quiet except for our footsteps.

“Do you think whatever did this wiped everypony out?” Flash asks.

“I sure hope not, but let’s not give up hope.” I said, still keeping my guard up. We then heard another noise coming from a pile of rubble making us stop in our tracks. I gestured for Zephyr to follow me as we rounded the pile. Sitting against the pile was a Caribou trembling up a storm and he was in a mess of his own shit and pissed filled pants. The look on his face told me he was terrified with everything around him and when he saw me he barely said anything and just kept trembling. I walked up to him and pointed my pistol while keeping a finger in the trigger.

“What happened here?” I ask.

“…big…sharp…teeth…” He said while looking around flinching from the slightest sound. “…s-so many…came out of n-nowhere.” He was holding himself as he rocked back and forth.

“Big sharp teeth?” Zephyr repeats.

“The survivors.” I questioned sternly. “Where are they?”

The Caribou was still shaking like a leaf, but he slowly crawled on the ground looking around the pile of rubble for this mysterious creature before pointing off in one direction.

“Get out of this city and do not return…” I said coldly.

The Caribou rapidly nodded his head as he tried to scurry away tripping over himself as he tried his best to run away from the city.

“Jeez, whatever’s got to him must be scarier than your boss.” Zephyr said.

“Doubt it.” I said dismissively. “Let’s just get to where the survivors are and get the hell out of here.”

We continued to walk through the streets in the direction where the Caribou pointed and noticed we were headed more into downtown. We eventually would make it to the town hall, so that’s probably where the survivors are being kept. As we rounded the corner, I heard a noise that sounded like footsteps making me stop in our tracks.

“What’s wrong, Lock?” Flash asks.

“Get ready, we got company.” I said.

Very soon a group of over a dozen Caribou emerged from the alleyways and piles of rubble, some covered in bandages and others with weapons consisting of blades and various firearms. But what really made my blood begin to boil was the fact that they each had a mare in front of them as if they were using them as shields.

“Well looky here boys, the mighty Devil’s Hand and his apprentices come all the way here to finish the job their pet monster did.” One of the Caribou mocks.

“Pet monster?” Zephyr repeats. “You think we’re the ones who sent whatever did this?”

“Don’t play dumb!” One of them snaps. “Look around, that monster tore everything and everyone limb from limb! Nothing we threw at it did anything, so we were helpless in its rampage. Even our leaders didn’t know what to do!”

“It doesn’t matter!” Another said. “What matters now is that we got you all surrounded, and we know about your little abilities so if we even see a little twitch of flames, sparks, or even a little wind blow abnormally, we’ll slice these sluts’ throats.” He threatened, holding a blade to the whimpering mare’s neck.

I didn’t want to admit it, but it seemed we were backed into a bit of a corner. On the one hand we could bank on Flash's speed to disarm them enough for me to take them out, but these fuckers were already spooked that if any if moved they would start killing the mares.

"AAAHHH what the buck?!” A Caribou screamed. Looking over to him I saw that he was the only one without a hostage. At his hoof was the little green lizard creature that Zephyr brought with us. It had just pissed on the Caribou’s legs and gave it a bite before scurrying away making hissing noise at him.

“You little shit!” He shouted and fired a crossbow bolt at him.

“Greenie!” Zephyr cried.

The little reptile managed to dodge the arrow and ran around the corner of one of the buildings. “Get back here you little shit!” The Caribou screamed in rage as he gave chance after the little lizard, rounding the same corner as it.

“AAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!” We heard the Caribou scream for a second before falling silent followed by a sickening crunching sound.

For a few moments no one made a sound, not the Caribou and the mares, nor myself and my apprentices. Suddenly, something was sent flying through the air slamming into a building wall with a splat. It was the lower body of the Caribou. Then the ground started to vibrate as we heard what sounded like heavy footsteps. As they got louder, the ground would vibrate harder. As the heavy footsteps grew closer, I noticed the Caribou started to tremble in fear, as did the mares. Soon from the alleyway walked out a creature I never expected to see in real life, a living breathing Tyrannosaurus Rex.

The thing was massive as it towered over us and I could see in its sharp jaws was the upper half of the caribou. It looked down at us and growled in a low bone chilling tone. It opened and closed its jaws as it chewed on the upper half of the caribou, making a loud crunching noise before tilting its head back to swallow it.

“What in the holy fuck…?” I muttered in disbelief.

It opened its massive jaws and roared, making the glass in the nearby building shatter. The sound was ear piercing like a cry from some other forgotten world. The Caribou saw the massive creature and were visibly shaken. I’ve never seen them look this scared before, even during the times I thought I was at my most threatening.

“THE MONSTER IS BACK!” One of the Caribou cries as he releases the mare he was holding and runs off.

“I DON’T WANNA DIE!” Another sprints off.

“YOU COWARDS! SOMEONE SHOOT THIS BUCKING THING!” One shouted as he and the others shove the slaves they held and aimed their weapons at the towering prehistoric king of predators.

The Tyrannosaur charged forward making the ground shake beneath its claws as it took the shots from the Caribou's weapons like they were nothing. The Rex lunged forward towards the nearest Caribou who screamed bloody murder as he was picked up in the Rex’s jaws and tossed into the air. His body came down and the dinosaur snapped its jaws on his body causing blood to gush out everywhere as we heard his bones crunching.

“Zephyr, Flash! Get the mares out of here and back to the ship, PRONTO!” I ordered. Both of them snap out of their trance and nod as Flash picks up a few of the mares and runs off while Zephyr uses his winds to carry the other mares and fly away. Meanwhile I flapped my wings and hovered in the air while aiming my pistol at the beast as it continued its rampage at the remaining Caribou.

As I took aim at the beast, I saw that a mare was down between its legs. I couldn’t fire my weapon without risking the chance that I might hit her. I was about to go in and take on the beast by hand, when I saw something that made my body freeze. The T-rex lowered its head to the mare and with great care gently nudged the mare away. Said mare ran screaming into a nearby building, but the beast didn’t give chase. Instead it turned its sights on a small group of caribou who continued to unleash a barge of gunshots.

“Is…this thing intelligent or something?” I wondered.

“YOU MONSTER!” A brave yet foolish Caribou screamed. “I’LL KILL YOU!”

The remaining Caribou all followed behind with their weapons and rifles raised and the Rex just spun around and swung its tail, either crushing or flinging the lead Caribou’s followers leaving only him.

“Y-Y-Y-You…” He stuttered in absolute fear.

Before soon the Rex’s body slowly shifted in size and form. Standing at half its original high was a dinosaur with two protruding horns at its head. A Carnotaurus, if I remember correctly.

To say I was surprised to see it transform into a different dinosaur would be the bloody understatement of the year. I wasn’t sure how it managed to change its shape or why, but it slowly stalked its way to the last Caribou.

“WAIT!” I shouted, testing my theory if it was intelligent. To my surprise it turned around to look at me. “Do not kill him, I need him alive to extract intel.”

For a moment I watched as the massive carnivore stared at me. Even I found this creature a bit frightening, despite my powers. And my theory was proven true as the massive beast bowed its head and took some steps back away from the Caribou. I descended to the ground and furled my wings as I slowly walked past the beast. It just stood there, staring at me as I passed by it as I glanced up at it. “I…don’t know what you are, or where you came from. But after I’m done with him you can do as you please.” I tell it.

It nodded its head and moved away. I watched it for a moment to make sure it wasn’t going to try anything before I turned my back to it. I watched as it moved its head down to a dead Caribou corpse. It pressed its right leg on the upper body while it moved its jaws to grip the legs and ripped them off. I could hear the loud crunch of bones as it ate the leg.

“Ugh.” I retched. “Well…it is a carnivore, from what I remember reading back home.” I approached the terrified Caribou as he was frozen in fear. I glared at him and he flinched at my gaze.

“You know who I am?” I questioned and he nodded. “You have information I want. Tell me, where is the King Pony?” He was about to speak but no words came out. It’s as if the last shred of his will was trying to keep himself from telling me anything which I found somewhat admirable, but quite foolish. “I’d start talking if I were you.” I said, crossing my arms. “He seems to be almost done with his meal, and you look like a nice little appetizer to him.”

The Carnotaurus must’ve heard me as it turned its head around with the head of a dead caribou in its jaws. To emphasize my point, he crushed the head by snapping its jaws, one of its razor sharp fangs pierced an eyeball in its socket, while some of its brain trickled from between its teeth.

“He…” the Caribou gulped. “He…is in…his manner. I-in the…R-Rich District of town.”

“And you’re positive he’s still there?” I question.

“Y-yes…” He whispered. “He retreated back…t-to his manner…and is still there.”

I lean in and glare into his soul. “If he’s not there, I’m letting the creature tear your limb from limb. Just like he did your comrades.” I warn with malice. “And to prove my point.” I said taking a step back and glancing over my shoulder. “I’ll let you do the honors.” Taking that as its que, the mighty beast stomped its way towards us. Its head lowered as it snarled a menacing growl.

“I-I swear! I swear he’s still there!” I pleaded.

“Good, now fuck off.” I said. The Caribou sprinted off and didn’t bother to look back, making me chuckle.

“Now then.” I said turning to look up at the Carnotaurus. I sheathed Surtr and holstered my pistol so I could speak to the beast properly. “You’re obviously intelligent enough to understand me, but I get the feeling there’s more to you than meets the eye. So tell me, what or who are you?”

The beast stared at me for a few moments, it was a bit unnerving as it stared at me. Then abruptly, its body slowly began to shrink down. The skin turned a light shade of green and it was no bigger than a chicken.

“Well that’s…something.” I said as I kneeled down at the familiar lizard creature from before. “How’s this evening possible?” I then noticed a tiny gem-like object in its chest which made me quirk a brow that I hadn’t noticed before. “What’s that gem?” I ask, pointing at the strange object. The little green dinosaur squeaked a bit before suddenly growing again. Except this was different, for as it grew its claws grew into fingers and its tail slowly shrunk away. The body stood in an upright position until it took the form of a young human with short black hair, and lightly tan skin.

“What the…” I said as I gazed at the young boy before me. The kid was only a foot shorter than me as he looked up at me with a grin. “How the hell did a little kid like you turn from a creature like that?”

Before I knew it, his hands gripped the collar of my coat as he pushed his legs up against my chest and slammed his head into my own. “Who are you calling a little micro shrimp!?”

“Uh…I didn’t say micro shrimp.” I deadpanned.

The kid growled for a few seconds before pushing off my body in a backflip. He landed gracefully on the ground and slipped his hands into his pockets. He wore a plain red T-shirt, black cargo shorts, and black tennis shoes. “Well don’t, less you plan to forfeit your life.”

“Sure.” I said, rolling my eyes behind my mask. “So, got a name?”

“Isn’t it considered rude to ask for someone’s name before giving your own? I get you work for the Devil, but I didn't realize that meant your manners as a human had disappeared.” He snorts.

“Well for your information I-” I stop mid speech after realizing what was just said. “Hold on, how did you know I work for the Devil?”

“Because Discord told me before I came here.” He stated in a matter of fact tone.

“What?! Discord?!” I gasped as I frantically grabbed his arms. “I’ve been searching all of Equestria for Discord! Where is he?! What happened to him?! Please tell me!” I begged.

He stared at me for a few moments. I didn’t care if I was showing weakness by begging, I just had to know. He sighed and swiped my hands off him. “He’s in the Crystal Empire, but he’s a statue and used the last of his magic to both bring me here, and to give me the powers you just saw.”

“The Crystal Empire?” I repeat. “Shit, of course he’d be there. Damn you Lust, using him as a trophy? I’ll make you suffer.” I hissed but soon calmed myself down. “A friend of mine has been worried sick about him. He’s been on my search list for quite some time now and I’ve yet to find out where he was. But knowing he’s in the Empire sets me at ease a little, but that still doesn’t explain why Discord sent you.” I questioned.

“Well to answer your question, he sent me here to help you clear out these vermin.” He kicked a Caribou corpse to make his point. “He felt guilty he couldn’t put a stop to their plans when he had the chance. With what little strength he had left he made this for me.” He pulled the collar of his shirt down to show an amber colored gem embedded into his chest.

“Is he…still alive?” I asked hesitantly.

“In a sense, yes, but by using the last of his strength he can only watch what happens in his petrified body. I’m sorry. I’m sure Fluttershy must be worried sick about him.” He said sympathetically.

“I see.” I sighed. I reached up and pulled off my hood and took off my mask and smiled at the boy. “Well thanks for telling me, name’s Dimitri Lockdrom but something tells me you already knew that.” I said, reaching out for a shake.

He stared at my hand for a few seconds with a look of indifference. He moved his hand out to firmly grip my own. “Draco. Draco Saurian.”

“Captain!”

I turned around and saw Flash and Zephyr fly up to me. “We got all the mares back on board The Prometheus and…” Flash trailed off when he saw the kid in front of me. “Who’s this? Another human?”

“Wait a sec, where’s Greenie?!” Zephyr asks looking around.

“I’d prefer you’d call me by my actual name. I only let you call me Greenie since I couldn’t speak in that form.” Draco said while glancing over to them. “Hmm, so both Zephyr Breeze and Flash Sentry have Devil powers too huh?”

“I just realized.” I said. “Discord, Fluttershy, Flash, and Zephyr. You already knew those names as if you know them already. How’s that possible? Unless…”

“Yeah, I used to watch the show before I came here.” Draco finished my thought. “Keep it on the DL, okay dude?”

“Jeezus.” I said under my breath so the other two couldn’t hear. “And here I thought I was the only one. I’m assuming you know everything there is to know about this world and its characters?” I whisper.

He nodded and kept his voice low. “Yeah, Discord showed me everything. From the Fall of Equestria to your work in liberating. I’ve seen it all.”

“Wha? You? You’re Greenie?” Zephyr questioned.

“I find that hard to believe, considering you’re just a little human.” Flash said.

“Oh boy…” I said. I watched a visible vein pop on Draco’s head as he slowly turned to face Flash with a manic smile. Before I had a chance to apologize for his actions, Draco’s body was already growing and morphing. Towering over Flash was Draco in his T-Rex form, glaring down at the speed Pegasus while snarling at him.

“Uh…” Flash gawked.

“Holy buck…” Zephyr gasped.

“Draco, calm down. He didn’t mean it so please don’t eat him.” I said.

The massive dinosaur’s head slowly moved down towards Flash, until his muzzle was barely an inch away from the stunned stallion’s body. It’s snorting breath blew against the pegasi’s feathers. “Uh…I’m sorry?” Flash said fearfully with a very sheepish smile.

Draco snorted through his nose blowing some wind against Flash’s face once more. He glared at him for a few more seconds before returning back to normal.

“Holy buck!” Zephyr yelped as Draco turned back.

“How is this possible?” Flash said, also shocked. “Who or what are you?”

“I'm your worst nightmare if you ever call me a little midget again.” Draco said threateningly.

But he/I didn’t say midget. We all thought in unison.

“Back to the matter at hand, what exactly is that gem?” I ask while pointing to Draco’s chest.

“Is that…melded in your chest?” Flash asked, looking weary.

“Oh man I’m gonna be sick…” Zephyr groans.

“This gem was given to me by Discord. With it, I’m able to transform into any prehistoric creature that existed on Earth.” He said while tapping on the amber colored gem.

“Well you sure have a hell of a way of taking care of things.” I said looking around us.

“I’ll say.” Zephyr said. “This whole place looks like it was thrown into Tartarus and back.”

“Did you at least spare any survivors? Like enslaved mares and brainwashed stallions?” Flash asked.

“Of course I did, I’m not a total monster you know.” He said while folding his arms across his chest. “When I could, I locked up the brainwash stallions. The mares I let go and told them to find someplace safe till all the Caribou were gone.”

“Could’ve fooled me.” Zephyr said under his breath.

“Well regardless I’m surprised Discord managed to pull something like this off.” I said, placing a hand on my hip. “First me and Lucifer, then Phill and Michael, now you and Discord? Does every deity want a piece of Dainn and his Overlords? What’s next, someone from both Heaven and Hell shows up?”

“I could care less; all I want is to rid Equestria of those filthy Caribou.” Draco snarled while cracking his knuckles. “I'll eat every last one of them.”

“Eat?” Flash repeats.

“You eat them?” Zephyr asks, looking nauseous.

“Yeah well despite being a bunch of filthy perverted wastes of life, they taste fairly good.” I could see Draco moving his hand to his mouth picking at his teeth, before spitting out something white. “Eh, but their bones get stuck between my teeth sometimes.”

Zephyr then took this opportunity to run towards a nearby trash can and vomit out his lunch making me chuckle and Flash facepalm. “Did you have to show that to us?” Flash groaned, rubbing his hand down his face.

“Pfft like I care.” He deadpanned while scratching the inside of his ear. “If you guys are this squeamish over something like that, then maybe you should stay out of my way.” He pulled his finger out of his ear and blew off a speck of dust that was on it.

"What’s the matter Flash, can’t handle a bit of gore?” I teased. "I mean after all the bloody shit you have seen I can do, right?"

“That’s diff-”

“BLLLLAAARRRGGHHH!!”

Draco couldn’t help but laugh a bit as he watched the teal colored Pegasus vomit. “What a lightweight. Glad he didn’t see me bite the head of that Caribou earlier…you know maybe that bone was part of his skull?” He said while looking at the white curved piece of bone on the floor.

“At least…hermpf!” Zephyr hiccupped as he wiped his mouth and walked back over to us. “At least Lock…doesn’t buckin’ eat Caribou…”

"Well he should. If you boil them long enough and then grill them up, the meat just slides off the bone with ease." Draco compliments.

“Huh, that does actually sound tasty.” I thought, rubbing my chin.

“Please don’t!” Both Flash and Zephyr snap. I chuckled with delight but then remembered our other mission making me go back into serious mode.

“Draco, as much as I’d like to continue this conversation, my apprentices and I still have an urgent mission to finish. You seem to have already done the hard part by clearing out the city, by any chance did you happen to see a stallion named Big Mac?” I questioned. “And did you also hear anything about a crime lord who goes by the alias The King Pony? He’s Lust’s second in command and was in charge of the Unicorn Dust, weapons, and slave trades in the major cities like this one.”

“Big Mac?” He asked, sounding confused even though I knew he knows who I’m talking about. But for my apprentice’s sake, he acted like he didn't. “Unfortunately I haven’t, but I have heard some rumors about this King guy. I would hear his name brought up on rare occasions while I snuck into the Caribou’s camps. But nothing much that is important. Sorry man.”

“So, what’s the play boss?” Zephyr asked.

“First thing’s first.” I said. “Where are the mares and brainwashed stallions?”

“I told the mares to hide out in a hotel near an area I cleared out. The brainwashed stallions can be found in some of the police stations near the East side of town.” Draco explained.

“Ok here’s what we’ll do.” I said as I reached into my jacket pocket and pulled out a map of Manehattan and a pen. “Mark the locations of the police stations and the hotel. Flash, as soon as Draco is done, radio The Prometheus and tell them to fly over and extract the survivors. Zephyr, I need you to do one more sweep of the city to find any more signs of life. Once all is said and done, we’ll meet in the Rich District and end that bastard King Pony once and for all, am I clear?”

“Yes sir!” Flash salutes.

“You got it boss.” Zephyr nods.

Draco shrugged his shoulders and took the pen in his hand and got to work marking the map. He looked to Zephyr. “Fair warning, I left a bit of a mess around the hotel to ward off any Caribou from going near it.”

“Gee thanks.” Zephyr groaned and flew off.

As planned, all the mares and brainwashed stallions were loaded onto The Prometheus with ease, despite Zephyr emptying his guts again after the gruesome display Draco warned him about. We all met up in the rich district and made our way down the street past abandoned mansions. As we walked, I couldn’t help get this unexplainable feeling of dread out of my head. What was I expecting to find? Big Mac not brainwashed like the others but kept as a prisoner? Or was he brainwashed, and I’d just cleanse his mind? Or…would I find something I’d soon wish I never would even want to imagine. I once interrogated a stag for more information about the King Pony to see if I could get his name. The stag said The King Pony left his building only a few times a day to buck slaves or purchase Unicorn Dust and weapons. Does that mean I was too late? Did Big Mac fall as the others and is another traitor? All these questions made me quicken my pace and the others seemed to notice my unease.

“I hope we find Big Mac.” Flash said. “All this speculation on the mysterious King Pony we’ve heard about running things in Manehattan has me very worried.”

“I know what you mean, man.” Zephyr said. “You don’t think…the King Pony is Mac himself, do you?”

“Annnnnd you might have just jinxed it.” Draco said, sounding a little peeved. “Why would you fucking tempt the universe like that?”

“Zephyr, for your own sake, keep that muzzle zipped and don’t ever say shit like that again.” I hissed with malice.

“What? There’s honestly no way, right?” Zephyr said.

We eventually walked up to a house that’s easily larger than the rest. It was three stories and the whole place looked like where a crime lord would live. I nod to my group and we walk across the large patio and make our way to the double doors of the house. Not wasting time, I kicked the door open off its hinges and raised my pistols as the others also got combat ready, only we were met with no resistance. The inside was completely empty and turned upside down. Seems like whoever was here left in a hurry, but I had a feeling the King Pony was still here.

“Stick close, sharp eyes everyone.” I said.

As we walked inside, I noticed that Draco was sniffing the air and quickly moved down one hall that we had almost pasted. He crouched down low to the ground and sniffed the carpet moving in a S shaped pattern.

“You smell anything?” I ask.

Draco nodded his head and made his way over to a thick metal door.

“Ooh, I got a bad feeling about this.” Zephyr said.

I grabbed the handle and pulled with all my might and ripped off the lock. When we opened the door, we all gasped, and flames instinctively flickered off my wings. The one mare I didn’t expect to see, Zecora, all chained up on a table, completely naked, with a ball gag in her mouth lay before us. What’s worse…is that she had a purple collar around her neck.

“Zecora…” I whispered.

“Sweet Celestia!” Flash cried.

“Get her out of the restraints, now!” I ordered.

Draco growled and morphed his hands into claws and ripped off the chains. Zecora fell off the table but Draco caught her just in time as he also took off the ball gag. I grabbed a large blanket and covered her, but I knew, due to the collar, her mind was broken.

“She has a purple collar…” I said aloud, making Draco look up at me confused and enraged.

“Isn’t there anything you can do for her?” Draco asked, trying what I imagine was his hardest to suppress his rage.

“Yes, I can heal her mind and body with my Hellfire but…” I said looking away. “The scars in her mind will remain, purple collard mares always have lingering memories of their torture. She’ll be sane again, but not the same.”

“The King Pony did this…” Flash hissed, sparks crackling off his shoulders.

“Bastard’s here somewhere.” Zephyr growled as he clenched his fists.

“Draco.” I said but he was staring at Zecora with a frown. “Draco, I know it’s not fair, but we need to get Zecora out of here. More than that, we need to find the King Pony and make him answer for his crimes.” I leaned down and placed a hand on Zecora’s head, and I engulfed my hand in Hellfire. I grunted a bit since her corruption was more prominent than others, but her expression soon relaxed and so did her body. “That should do it. Draco?” He still didn’t look at me as he stared at Zecora. “Can you carry her at least?” Without a word he stood straight up and made no indication that he was struggling at all to carry her. He was definitely strong even in his human form.

“Draco…” he looked at me with a blank expression, but I could tell he had an unbridled rage in his eye. “I’m…sorry you had to see this.” I said as I reached for my earpiece to radio The Prometheus.

He stood there looking at the zebra mare in his arms and gently moved a hand to move some hair out of her face. “I’m going to make them all pay.” He growled.

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

“This is Soarin, everything alright Captain? Over.” Soarin asked.

“We got another one here in the Rich District. Send one of the smaller boats to my location for pickup, over.” I said.

“Roger that, we’ll send one now, over and out.” Soarin said as he hung up.

“Draco, just wait outside with Zecora. My crew will take it from there.” I said. He nodded and exited the building as the rest of us searched the house. We searched all the floors and rooms but found nothing except the drugs and bits The King Pony had hoarded which made me sick to my stomach. Draco soon returned with the same blank expression and I walked up to him, but he didn’t look at me as he hung his head low.

“We still have the basement to search. We think there’s a bunker down there.” I tell him.

“They will not be able to hide.” Draco's eyes changed and were slitted as he fell to the ground screaming in what I imagine to be pain. At first, I was worried that something was very wrong until I saw his skin start to be covered in black thick scales. His neck grew and sharp fangs grew out of his mouth. His screams took on a more feral tone as his body continued to morph. Soon he grew a tail and his hands turned into long black claws. His roar was ear piercing and hard to listen to. Eventually his transformation was over and standing two feet taller than me and my crew. His scales were black with a yellow streak going along his body from head to tail.

“Draco?” I asked hesitantly.

“Holy shit…” Zephyr gasped.

He ignored us as he moved his head down to the ground and started to sniff the ground, his toe claws would tap and click across the floor. His head perked up and he roared before bolting down the halls. We quickly followed him, and I holstered my guns and drew Surtr from its scabbard. He made a sharp turn and down a flight of stairs that led to a hallway. We all ran to the end of the hallway and were met with another metal door but this one seemed to have more locks on it. There was silence at first, until we heard a high pitched scream making us all tense up. Not wanting to wait I pull over my hood, hiding my face in shadow, and step in front of the door.

“Help me knock it down!” I shouted as I raised my boot. I slammed my boot into the door and the metal dented and waned from my kick. Draco roared as he slammed his whole body into the door, knocking the whole thing over. We walked in…to find the most unexpected and gut-wrenching sight, making us all gasp.

There, standing over a filly pony who I recognized as Babs Seed, was Big Macintosh himself. He stared at us in shock and my eyes trailed down to his hands making my very being shutter in utter rage. He had his belt off and was about to whip Babs since her shirt was torn off and she was only wearing her pants. What’s worse…is that it looked like he was about to defile her, making flames burst from my body as I breathed heavily at the disgusting sight. But what most heartbreaking about this whole thing, was that his eyes showed no signs of brainwashing since they didn’t glow a sickly green which could only mean one thing. Big Macintosh…was a traitor.

“No…sweet Celestia no…” Flash muttered.

“Big…Mac?” Zephyr whispered.

What happened next was a blur as I saw something black rush forward and tackled Big Mac and pushed him down to the ground. With a blink of an eye, I saw that Draco had the large stallion with his back pressed against the wall while flat on his flank. His jaws started to open as one of his toe claws came down and stabbed Big Mac’s leg, causing him to scream out in pain. I stomped over to Mac as Babs Seed ran past me and into Zephyr’s arms and cried her eyes out. I raised my sword and jammed it in his shoulder, making him scream louder in pain as Draco stopped tearing more into his leg with his tow claw.

“You…?” I hissed. “YOU?!” I repeated as I twisted the blade. “YOU ARE THE KING PONY?!?” I screamed as flames flicker violently off my body.

“Argh!” He grunts in pain and glares at me. “The buck do you think?”

“WHY THE FUCK ARE YOU NOT BRAINWASHED?! WHAT WERE YOU ABOUT TO DO TO BABS?! HOW COULD YOU TURN YOUR BACK ON EVERYTHING YOU’VE EVER KNOWN AND DARE TRY TO RAISE A HAND ON YOUR OWN COUSIN?!”

Draco growled and dug his claw into Mac again as blood started to pool out. “Answer me…” I sneered with enough venom to poison the very air. “Why are you a traitor?” I demanded slowly. He grunts and looks away, but I grab his skull and force him to look at me.

“FUCKING ANSWER ME YOU SON OF A BITCH!!!”

“Ngh! Ya wanna know buckn’ why?!” He snaps. “Cause Ah’ve been on tha sidelines fer years, livin’ in Applejack’s shadow while she got all the glory! Ah worked mah flank of, day and night, and what do Ah get? Nothin’ but a sore back and ungrateful buckers who gave me nothin’ but a sideways glance! Ah always wanted ta show them just how much Ah wanted to help than just tha farm but they didn’t do jack! But then tha Caribou took over and things got A LOT better! Boss Lust saw somethin’ in me that made me feel important, so he made me his second boss! Ah lived the life Ah was meant to and y’all buckers ruined it!”

“So you let your jealousy cloud your judgement and betray us?!” Flash accused. “YOU KILLED SO MANY OF US AND RUINED SO MANY LIVES!! ALL FOR YOUR OWN DESIRES!!”

“What about your family, Mac?!” Zephyr said angrily as he held Babs close. “Do you have any idea how AJ is gonna react when she sees you like this?! Especially the rest of your family!”

“BUCK THAT STUPID CUNT!!!”

That was the straw that broke the camel’s back, because before I knew it Draco snapped his jaws down on Big Mac’s right arm. The stallion screamed in pain as Draco dragged his head up lifting the traitor off the ground, making me pull my sword back. Big Mac’s legs flailed around as he screamed until Draco grabbed both legs in his clawed hands. His jaws snapped completely shut, severing the appendage off the stallion’s body causing him to fall to the ground.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!”

He bellowed in pain as blood sprayed from his open wound. I acted quickly and placed an inflamed hand on the wound and cauterized it, making him scream more.

“That was a warning, motherfucker.” I growled. “You had two loving sisters and a grandmother.” I said darkly. “You had the respect of almost every pony in Ponyville, you were well known for your kind yet quiet nature, yet you threw it all away.” I said as I held up Surtr and engulfed it in Hellfire. “I’d rather put you down and spare Applejack the sight of what you’ve become.” I said as I raised my sword. “Hold him steady, Draco, his execution happens today.” Draco, who still had Big Mac's arm hanging from his jaws, threw his head back and swallowed the whole thing in one gulp. He slammed his foot against the filthy traitor’s chest pinning him to the wall.

“WAIT, DON’T KILL ME!! AH DON’T DESERVE TA DIE NOW!!” Mac pleaded.

“LOCK STOP!!!”

Just as I was about to bring my sword down, a bright light appears behind us, making me turn my head. Of all the people to show up, The Angel’s Saint walks in with his sword drawn and his wings spread and gives me a harsh glare.

“Don’t fucking bother stopping me Phill, this bastard deserves it.” I said.

“If ya kill that colt, ya’ll be making a huge mistake!” Phill warns. “And who or what the hell is that thing next to ya?!” Draco snarled at Phill’s presence; he turned his attention to the man. “I know this is not your true form, beast. Reveal yourself!” He demands, pointing his sword at Draco.

Draco snarled for a moment before slowly changing back into his human form. He glared at Phill in what I can only imagine as pure hate. “And why the hell should we spare this shit stain?”

“Because he deserves proper judgement.” Phill answered.

“You see what he was about to do Phill?” I said gesturing to Babs as she was still crying in Zephyr’s chest. “You see what he has become?! DO YOU SEE WHAT HE HAS DONE TO THIS CITY?!” I screamed. “WHY SHOULD THIS PIECE OF TRAITOR SHIT BE ALLOWED TO LIVE AFTER ALL HE’S DONE?!? YET YOU SAY HE DESERVES JUDGEMENT?!?”

“Ya may be right, Lock.” Phill said. “I won’t deny that he has sinned. But that does not give ya, nor that boy, the right to take his life. He deserves proper punishment but killing him will just make things worse.”

“Spare me the fucking lecture, Phill!” I spat. “If anything, I have the only right to claim his life. You know what he did to this city and the rest of Equestria, he let these scumbags run wild and abuse any mare they saw no matter what age they were, especially with the drug manufacturers and weapon running! I can only imagine how many poor souls he already defiled here before we or even Draco showed up. Michael is too soft, Phill, but Satanael knows how to properly punish the sinners!”

“What’s he worth to you?” Draco asked out of nowhere, in an almost shockingly calm tone and stepped towards Phill. A moment ago, he was like something that crawled out of the deepest part of Hell. But now his expression is cool and collected.

“He’s worth every soul he’s taken.” Phill said. “Look at him, he’s been maimed, is scared out of his wits, and is staring death in the bloody face. Is this not enough of a judgement for his sins? What else can ya do to him before the both of ya are satisfied? What more do ya want?”

“Make us an offer.” Draco said with a smile which got both Phill’s attention and my own. “As it stands, he is our prey. We found him first, so we have a claim on his tainted soul.” He turned around and walked back to me as his fingers turned it long black claws. “But we aren’t without some sense of reason.” He placed a clawed hand on what was left of Big Mac’s right shoulder. “Make us an offer to save this poor soul, and if we like it, we'll let him live.”

“Draco, the hell are you doing?” I demand. “You saw what he did to Zecora, right? And now you’re bargaining for this sorry bastard’s life?”

Draco glanced at me for a moment before turning back to Phill. “Like, what will you give us in order to spare his life?”

Phill glared at Draco like he had insulted him and gripped the hilt of his sword. “Ya think ya can just demand something of me and expect to just walk away with his life?” Phill demands.

Draco just smiled as he moved his hand to Big Mac’s throat. “Ah ah Phill, wouldn’t want my hand to slip, now would you?” I saw his claw lightly crazy the stallion’s throat getting a small amount of blood to trickle down.

“ENOUGH!!” Phill snapped. “Ya’re a conniving boy, ya know that? Just spare the lad’s life and I’ll offer ya my services whenever ya please! Happy?!”

With his free hand Draco tapped his chin. “Mmm well that is a fair deal. But before I agree I'm sure there are limits on your offer?”

“Careful boy…” Phill hissed, pointing his sword at Draco again. “If ya want me to do anything that goes against my vows, ya’re sorely mistaken.”

“Hmmm I see.” Draco tapped his fingers against his chin for a bit more. “Alright we will let him live, however we will still be taking him to Canterlot to face judgment.” He glanced at me for a moment before looking back to Phill. “That seems fair right?”

“You both are fucking delusional.” I growled, making them turn to me. I stomped on Mac’s leg, causing him to cry out in pain. “It’s pieces of shit like him that deserve to fucking burn for all he’s done! LOOK AT ALL THAT HE’S WROUGHT!!” I roared with pain in my voice. “THIS WAS ONCE A PLACE OF BEAUTY AND PEACE, AND NOW IT’S ALL ONE BIG DUMPSTER FIRE OF A MESS!!! WHY SPARE SOMEONE WHO TURNED AGAINST EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE HE STOOD FOR?!?”

Phill was about to move in, but Draco quickly held his hand out to stop him. He turned to be with a stern look. “Look anyway you shake a stick at it, he’s going to go to Hell. No amount of repenting is gonna save him from that.” His eyes glance down at the stallion for a few seconds. “And he knows it. So I think letting him live with that knowledge for the rest of his life, is a fitting bonus.” Draco looked back to me and moved his hand onto my shoulder. “Killing him now isn’t gonna change anything that he has done. Let him rot away in the castle dungeon knowing that when he dies, he will suffer for all eternity.”

“Lock.” Zephyr said, making me glance at him. “Maybe…we should at least do as Phill and Draco says.”

“Are you bucking kidding me, Zephyr?!” Flash snaps. “Look at what he’s become! Look at what he’s done and was even about to do!” He said pointing at Babs. “This bastard deserves to burn for all he’s done!”

“Ya’ve seen too much violence in one lifetime, young Flash.” Phill said. “I too fight for the sake of Equestria, but I do not just kill anyone out of spite. I only take the lives of those who’re beyond redemption. And I can tell ya, all of ya, that this stallion is not one of those lives.” He then looks to Draco. “As for ya, as I’ve said…I offer ya my services. Should ya need them, I shall do anything you ask of me.”

Draco nodded his head and moved his claw away from Mac’s throat. “Lock, I get you’re angry, trust me, there’s nothing that would make me happier than to slit this fucker’s throat right now. But think about Applejack and Apple Bloom. Do you really want to be the one who tells them that not only did he betray then, but you killed him too?”

“You’re just a dumb kid.” I spat and shoved Draco aside. I grabbed Mac and held him close as I pressed Surtr’s blade into his neck drawing blood. “I’ve seen war back on Earth. I’ve encountered his kind before, the kind that only deserves death for his crimes. I’ve seen war criminals treat human beings like dirt and torture the weak for their own sick pleasures! This fucker’s no different!”

“Are ya saying that because ya truly believe he deserves to die? Or are ya just lashing out because of the anger ya feel towards him?!” Phill demands. “Lock please, as your friend, I beseech ya to spare his life. I know ya’ve been through hell before, what you went through with that old lad of yours, Joshua. But it doesn’t have to be like that again. Ya’re a good man, Lock, better than any man I’ve known back on Earth. Please…spare him.”

“Don’t listen to him, Lock!” Flash said. “It’s bastards like him that are the reason Shining lost his life!”

“Lock, he should be tried and thrown in prison, not killed.” Zephyr pleads. “And it’s like Draco said, if you kill him, what are you gonna say to AJ and her family?”

Draco moved back into my field of vision. “Killing him won’t bring back anyone, or undo what has been done. You are a better person than him.” He moved his hand to gently grab my blade; I saw a small trickle of blood trip from his hand. “Kill him now and he won’t be able to regret what he has done. Once in Hell he won’t be able to weasel his way out.”

I was silent the entire time, not knowing what to do. I held on to Surtr and gripped the handle as the flames continued to flicker along the blade. Mac stared at me in fear as I glared at him with a soulless gaze. I had killed plenty of traitors before him, some more deserving than others. But then I thought about AJ and her family, how they would feel if I killed him without hearing it from him in person. Do I spare him and let him live the rest of his days in solitude? Or do I just cast aside what humanity I have left and end his miserable existence?

Author's Note

Judgement. Death…or Life?

Hope you enjoyed.

~WurkyWilk has left the building…