Chapter 11

The train neared the platform at the train station and soon came to a full stop. As I watched the people leave and enter the train, I spied Moon and the others who were all looking for me. All the while, I noticed people looking at Moon in shock and confusion and kept watch to make sure no one did anything to cause any drama. I scanned the platform to see if I could spy anyone wearing guard uniforms or something. I soon saw a few men wearing a sort of armor and armed with weapons which meant those were the people to talk to. I stood up from sitting and cracked my neck and glanced down at Opal.

“I’ll be right back, so don’t go anywhere.” I said with a mocking wink.

Opal clicked her tongue at me as I walked to the edge of the caboose and jumped down on the platform. I winced a little since my injuries were still taking their time to heal and walked over to the guards. One noticed me walk up to them but he saw my bloody chest which made him frown at me with a worried look.

“Hey kid, are you alright? Those injuries look bad.” The guard said.

“Oh yeah, I’m totally fine.” I said as I waved my hand. “I actually need your help with something. Do any of you by chance know of a group called the Opal Bandits?”

“Opal Bandits? The train thieves? They’ve been a real nuisance and we haven’t been able to catch them for months. Why?” The other guard asked.

“Well I actually managed to catch them.” I said. The guards looked at me quizzically but then they all just smirked.

“Yeah right kid, go bother someone else.” The guard said.

“No, I’m serious.” I said, pointing at the caboose with my thumb. “In fact, you can see Opal herself from here.”

The guards then did a double take at the caboose and sure enough, they saw Opal and her gang all subdued on the roof. The guards looked back at me in shock but I just shrugged with a confident smirk. One of them then reached to the side of his belt and picked up a walkie-talkie radio.

“Uh…this is officer Baton Pass requesting a transport carriage to the train station, over.” The guard said.

“This is dispatch, did you say you needed a patrol carriage? What for? Over.” The voice on the radio said.

“The Opal Bandits are sitting on top of the caboose of the train, all tied up and subdued by this kid who claimed to have caught them all, that’s why. Over.”

“Seriously? They’ve been caught? Okay, we’ll send a transport carriage over right away. Over.”

The guards walked with me to the caboose where there was a bit of a crowd staring up at the bandits who continued to struggle out of their restraints. Opal peered over the edge of the car and saw me with the guards and scowled at me.

“Holy crap, you weren’t kidding, it really is Opal and her gang.” The guard said.

“Told you, so how long until that transport carriage gets here?” I asked.

“It should be here in about ten minutes. What’s with those strange lights and swords?” He wondered.

“Oh that’s because of me, is there a way to restrain them yourselves if I cancel their binds? Some of them can use magic.”

“I can use magic.” One of the guards said. “I’ll just cast a binding spell that will keep them tied up and won’t be able to use magic.”

“Fair enough.” I shrugged as we climbed up the latter and stood on the roof.

“Opal Snatch, you are hereby under arrest. You and your gang will be coming with us in shackles.” The lead guard said as he stared Opal down.

“I don’t suppose I can convince you boys to let me go? I’ll make it worth your while~.” Opal cooed as she batted her eyelashes.

“Nice try, but you’re going to prison no matter what.” The guard snapped.

“Damnit…” Opal pouted.

I then noticed that us being on the roof of the caboose had drawn in a crowd. From the crowd came Moon and the others and Moon looked the most worried, despite the few shocked faces who saw her.

“Hang on a minute, that woman looks familiar.” One of the guards said when he saw Moon.

“That’s Nightmare Moon.” I said bluntly, making the guards and even Opal snap their heads to me. “It’s a long story, but Princess Celestia and Princess Luna gave her a pradon to live here in Ponyville.”

“But…if she’s the Nightmare Moon, shouldn’t she be trying to plunge the world in eternal night like she did before?” Baton Pass asked hesitantly.

“She and I explained to the princesses that she no longer wishes to do any of that anymore. I understand her being here may cause some concerns but I assure you she means no harm.” I tried to say.

“So you say, but who’s to say she’s not trying to deceive everyone?” One of the guards questioned.

“You’re all entitled to be as opinionated as you want.” I shrugged as I walked to the edge of the caboose. “All I ask is that you give her a chance, and maybe try and spread the word that she’s here to make amends.”

“I can’t make any promises when I say that the people will just change their minds overnight.” Baton Pass added.

“That’s fine, I’ll be back up here once that carriage arrives.” I said before I hopped down to meet the girls. Moon and the others approached me but Moon gasped when she saw the blood on my shirt.

“Ax?! What happened to you?! Why are you bleeding?!” Moon asked frantically as she started to poke at my body to make sure I wasn’t hurt anywhere else.

“I’m fine, those bandits up there just gave me a bit more trouble than expected.” I said, pointing up to the roof of the caboose.

“Bandits?” Applejack repeated.

“You fought bandits when you stepped out?” Rarity asked.

“But I thought you just wanted to clear your thoughts.” Twilight said.

“Well I was, that is until Opal Snatch and her gang up there ruined my zen.” I shrugged.

“Wait a minute, Opal Snatch? As in Opal Snatch of the Opal Bandits? The same gang that’s been causing trouble for months, Opal Snatch?” Rainbow questioned as she walked right up to me.

“The very same, she and her gang gave me a run for my money but I managed to subdue them all. Damn swords hurt like a bitch though, almost as much as getting shot by a crossbow bolt.” I said, rubbing my chest. Rainbow was silent for a moment until a wide smile stretched across her face.

“You are so cool!” She cried as she flapped her wings a bit. “You have these awesome powers and you battled a gang of bandits on top of a moving train? Is there anything you can’t do?”

“Well I can’t sing for shit.” I joked with a shit eating grin, making her chuckle and slug my arm playfully. Soon there were sirens in the distance as a couple large carriages pulled up. Like the ones I saw in Canterlot, each one had a guy driving it and he was steering it with a wheel. The engine was also visible in the back and there were parts of it that were glowing a little like when someone uses magic.

Guess their tech is as modern as they say, but powered by magic. Who knew?

From one of the carriages, a serious looking woman wearing sunglasses steps out along with a small group of guards. She had long braided steel grey hair that went down to the middle of her back and a pair of fairly large wings. She wore what looked like your typical police hat and it had the symbol of the sun and moon on it. She and her guards walked up to the train and towards me as the girls moved out of the way. When she stood before me, I noticed that she was a few inches taller than me, which was a little vexing since I’m used to being the tallest one of those around me. The lady looked me over and arched a brow as she took off her sunglasses, her eyes were a piercing blue.

“You, what’s this I hear about the Opal Bandits being captured on top of a train?” The lady demanded.

“You’d have heard right…uh, ma’am.” I said, trying to sound polite.

“First off, don’t call me ma’am. Do I look like a ma’am?” She asked one of the guards to which he just shook his head. “Second, my name is Captain Lapis Law and I expect you to tell me the truth for my next question.” I could only nod in response since I got the feeling this is someone I shouldn’t fuck with. “Third, I heard that a kid managed to capture the whole lot of Opal’s gang. I was enjoying a nice cup of coffee back at the office, but then I got that call which managed to sour my whole morning. Next thing I know, I’m in a carriage, here at the train station, there’s an annoying crowd of people, and…” She trailed off when her eyes noticed Moon and they narrowed as she looked back at me. “Of all people to see, Nightmare Moon herself. So since you seem to be the kid in question, you had better start explaining yourself before I slap a pair of cuffs on Opal, Nightmare Moon, and you.”

This bitch sure is annoying with all the badgering she’s giving you. Dante snarled. Maybe show her that it’s us she shouldn’t fuck with.

I don’t think that’s necessary, Dante. She’s just doing her job. I protested.

But you were the one who did all the hard work, who is she to bitch at you for doing their job?

I understand, but I’m more worried about Moon.

Then tell her off! Don’t let her intimidate you just cause she’s got a badge! Stand up for yourself! Slap the shit out her!

…

“You’re really rude, you know that?” I spat as I crossed my arms.

“Excuse me?” Lapis sneered.

“Nah, I don’t think I will.” I said, making the girls and anyone who heard look at me like I had grown a third head. “In fact, I think it’s you who should excuse me.”

“You little punk…” Lapis said as her wings twitched angrily. “You must be pretty damn stupid to mouth off to me.”

“Who are you, the bitch of bitches?” I huffed. Lapis’ eyes widened and was about to punch me. My eyes narrowed as I activated Electricity and sparks flew off my body. Lapis flinched and jumped back a little as she and all the others stared at me in shock. In the corner of my eye I thought I saw some of the bolts were red instead of blue but I chose to ignore that. “Here’s the deal, Captain, I’m new to town and as you can see, I can handle myself just fine. You are an officer of the law and I will respect your rules and whatever else this little humble abode has to offer. As for Opal, I’m the one who took them all on and subdued them. Which means I did you a big favor, I have successfully closed a case that was probably a pretty hefty file on your desk, so you’re welcome. As for Nightmare Moon, she and I just had a talk with the Princesses and they gave her a small pardon so she can roam free and see the world. She no longer wants to cover the land in eternal night because she was able to see there were more cons than pros in her plan, no offence.” I glanced to Moon who smiled a little. “Point is, she’s not a threat and I and those girls who’re standing beside her can vouch for her. I’m not telling you or anyone else around here to believe me right off the bat since she’s got a bit of a notoriety. Just to stand by and observe her for the new woman she is.”

Lapis blinked and glanced at Moon, then to her guards, and back to me. “You’ve got serious guts, no one’s ever talked to me like that.”

“Then allow me to one up myself.” I said as the bolts cracked a bit more around me, along with the red bolts every now and then. “Threaten me or Moon like that again, and I’ll show you what I’m really capable of.”

“Threatening a guard, a captain no less, is a punishable offence.” Lapis said.

“I don’t give a shit, just know that I’m not the bad guy.” I countered.

Lapis and I stared at each other for a moment until she smirked a little and nodded her head. “You are a strange kid, but you seem to have a sense of duty and morality, I respect that. I’ll choose to believe you, both about you nabbing Opal and your claim on Nightmare Moon. However I will still be keeping my eye on you and her.”

“Fair enough.” I said as I deactivated my power and stepped to the side. “They’re all yours.”

Lapis nodded and gestured to her guards to climb the caboose. Once they were in position, I snapped my fingers and my Neon and Video bindings disappeared so they could restrain Opal and her gang themselves. While Lapis was doing her own thing, I turned back to the group of girls who were all staring at me completely slack jawed.

“Sorry about the little rant, I didn’t want to be talked down like that.” I said, scratching my chin.

“Axel, you shouldn’t have talked to Captain Lapis like that.” Twilight said disapprovingly. “She was just doing her job.”

“And what? You expect me to bow my head and be a doormat? That’s not how I operate Twilight.” I dismissed.

“You could’ve been arrested!” Rarity added with a huff.

“For speaking my mind? Talk about a dumb reason for being cuffed.” I rolled my eyes.

“But if you were taken away, how else would you come to the party?” Pinkie asked.

“Party? What party?”

“GASP! OH NO! I GOTTA GET READY!” Pinkie yelped and sped off, leaving a pink cloud of dust in her wake where she stood.

“That…was weird.” I sighed. “Anyway, you all have nothing to worry about. If it makes you feel better, I’ll try not to act out anymore.”

“We’ll be holdin’ ya to that, partner.” Applejack said.

“Come, it’s time to introduce you to Ponyville.” Twilight said.

As we exited the station, Moon took off her tiara and made it disappear with her magic. She then made her hands glow and she made her dress transform into more casual looking attire. She was now wearing a simple dark blue t-shirt, black skinny jeans, and grey heeled shoes with laces. She then snapped her fingers and tied her hair up in a ponytail, which made her look like a completely different person. When she looked up at me, she giggled sue to the fact that my mouth hung open a little because of her sudden wardrobe change.

“Careful, Ax, you will catch flies if you keep your mouth open.” Moon said.

“I…how did you do that?” I wondered.

“I’m still wearing my dress, I just changed them to fit in until I acquire proper clothes.” Moon said. “Do you like it?”

“Yeah, it looks great.” I said.

Moon giggled again as she walked alongside me as we neared towards town. I was looking forward to seeing what this town was all about. Little did I know, I was about to face something that would mean a drastic standpoint from everyone.

The town itself was a cozy looking place and looked like something out of a children’s story book. The people were smiling and waving to each other and some even waved our way to greet the girls. Some people who saw Moon looked to her in surprise and others backed away or didn’t look at her. I noticed Moon seemed a little sad that people were so untrusting of her, but I reminded myself that this is only the first step for gaining their trust.

“Relax Moon, I’m sure they’ll come around eventually.” I said, placing a hand on her shoulder.

“I feel as though I made more of a bad name for myself than I presumed.” Moon sighed.

“Well you can’t exactly blame us.” Rainbow commented, glancing over her shoulder.

“Rainbow Dash!” Rarity snapped.

“What? I’m just being honest.” Rainbow shrugged.

“No, the Element of Loyalty is right.” Moon said. “Everyone knows of my transgressions from the past and weeks ago. To be honest I am still puzzled as to why Celestia and Luna bothered to forgive me after what I had done.”

“Celestia has always been a kind woman and a benevolent ruler, she always tries to see the good in those when others don’t.” Twilight said.

“And what of Luna, Twilight Sparkle?”

“Well…she seemed to be forgiving, right?” Twilight said sheepishly.

“She and I were once of the same mind, I could tell all she had done and said was because her sister told her to.”

“Come now, Nightmare, Princess Luna wouldn’t say all of that and lift the tracking spell if she was not forgiving.” Rarity tried to say.

“Then why didn’t any of you bother to speak to me when Axel had left us?” Moon accused.

“Hold up.” I said, halting our walk. “You all ignored her?” The girls all looked at each other nervously which only made me more ticked off. “What the hell, why are you all acting like this? Did you lie when you all said you’d give her a chance?”

“No! Of course not!” Twilight pleaded. “It’s just…well.”

“We didn’t mean to make you mad, Axel.” Fluttershy muttered as she hid behind her mane.

“Then why ignore her?” I demanded. “She’s not a villain anymore and she just wants a second chance. So what, when either me or Celeista aren’t around, you give Moon the cold shoulder?”

“It ain’t as simple to forget what happened, Ax.” Applejack said.

“I know that, but that doesn’t mean you need to lie.” I accused.

“We didn’t lie, we just need more time.” She argued.

“Yeah? Well I hope you’re right, because this isn’t just about Moon. This is about you all as well.” I said.

“Why us?” Rainbow wondered.

“I haven’t been here long, but I can tell that this town holds the lot of you in high regard since I’ve seen almost every person wave at you with welcoming smiles. Excluding the fact that you’re all bearers of those element things, you’ve all gained the respect and recognition in your own way. If they see that you lot don’t see eye-to-eye with Moon, they’ll also distance themselves. I’m not trying to make you do anything you don’t want to, but at least try to make an effort.” I said.

All the girls then hung their heads and frowned since they knew I was right. Fluttershy then stepped forward towards Moon and held her hands close to her chest as she raised her head her face wouldn’t cover her face anymore.

“Um…I’m sorry.” She whispered.

Moon smiled and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. “No need for apologies, Element of Kindness, I forgive you.”

“Ah guess Ah should apologize as well.” Applejack said as she took off her hat. “You were tellin’ the truth when ya said you weren’t wanting to hurt no one and Ah let mah paranoia get the best of me.”

“I am as well.” Rarity said after clearing her throat. “One must always try to look past the bad to see the good.”

“We will surely try to be better in trying to make a connection with you, Nightmare.” Twilight said.

“Well, I may be sorry, but I still don’t really trust you.” Rainbow stated sternly.

“Rainbow?!” Twilight snapped.

“The same kinda applies to me.” Applejack added as she put her hat back on.

“You too Applejack?!” Twilight said.

“You can complain all you want, Twilight, forgiving is one thing but trusting is on a whole other level. I just want to make sure she doesn’t pull anything like she sis before again.”

“Eeyup.” Applejack agreed.

Twilight was about to protest again but I raised my hand to stop her. “Fair enough.” I nodded.

“Are you sure Ax?”

“She’s right, trust is a two way streak. As a wise man from my world once said: trust, but verify.”

“Wise words.” Moon said. “And I too am content with your feelings, Element of Loyalty and Element of Honesty. I will surely try and not disappoint you.”

Suddenly, a cry for help filled the air and we all snapped our attention to see a few women surrounded by a group of men. My emotions skyrocketed into anger as I recognized the clothing they wore; they were the same as the men we encountered back in Canterlot who threatened to take Moon. Each one had a thick beard and they all had a disgusting look in their eyes. The women they were surrounding held each other nervously. One of them had long ash colored hair that looked like something I’ve seen those fancy cellist people wear with the slacks, vest, dress shirt, and pink bowtie. The other woman had short electric blue hair and wore an outfit like she was some kind of DJ. She wore jeans that were torn at the knees, a white loose tank top with a music note on the front, high top shoes, a pair of snazzy looking violet sunglasses, and headphones over her head.

“Oh no…” Fluttershy whimpered.

“It’s those bastards again.” Rainbow sneered.

“You all know them?” I questioned.

“They’re supposed to be visitors from another country but all they’ve done is give Ponyville a hard time.” Twilight said, also a little agitated. “They’ve been harassing everyone ever since they arrived, but mostly the women.”

“Guards always manage to stop them before they take things too far, but can’t do much since they’re apparently on official business.” Applejack said.

“They’re very mean and always try to take girls with them to…do things.” Fluttershy said.

So the bearded fuckers are even here. Dante hissed. Axel, let me take over.

What?! Are you crazy?!

Look at them, Axel! The bastards are about to abuse those girls and do who knows what to them!

But the guards will be here to diffuse the situation, right?

Oh sure, or maybe they’ll arrive too late! We talked about this Axel, and this is a prime example! Dante argued. I let you off with Opal, but this is something I know even you can’t ignore! It’s something I can’t ignore! You know as well as I that these guys are nothing but scum and will wreak havoc on these people if we don’t run them out! Better yet, I believe they’d get the message if we scare them straight by beating the shit out of them within an inch of their lives!

And Risk becoming a pariah?

Who the fuck cares?! If they didn’t get the memo, that not everything is as harmonious as they make it to be, then we- no, I will show them! Let me out, Axel, and I’ll show you just what I mean!

I was extremely hesitant to let Dante take control because I was anxious about what he would do. I was about to argue with him again, until one of the men grabbed the blue haired woman and slapped her across her face.

“How dare that brute do that to Vinyl!” Rarity cried in anger.

“That’s it, I’m gonna beat the shit out of them!” Rainbow said as she unfurled her wings.

“Wait Rainbow! The guards will be here soon!” Twilight protested.

What the fuck are you waiting for?! What more proof do you need?!

…

Dante…make them fucking scream. I thought darkly.

Oh trust me, it’ll be my pleasure. Dante hummed with malicious delight.

“Moon.” I said, making her look to me. “No matter what happens, just know that this is for the greater good.”

“What?”

“You’ll all thank me one day.” I said as I closed my eyes and lowered my head. I could feel Dante waste no time to pull me from reality as I felt him replace me. I was back in the void, with a front row seat of what Dante was about to do.

Dante 1st POV

The moment I replaced Axel, I took in a deep inhale of fresh air and moved my fingers a bit. The feeling of using actual lungs was…a bit surreal as I slowly raised my head. I then opened my eyes to see the images I only saw through Axel’s mind, all colorful and full of life. When Nightmare and the others looked at me, they all gasped and stepped back a bit.

“A-Axel?” Twilight stutterd. “Why are your eyes red?”

“Aren’t they supposed to be green?” Rainbow asked, a little uneasy.

I slowly raised a hand to look at it, I was in control so I should say it was my hand. After opening and closing it a few times, I smiled widely and began to chuckle a little. My chuckled soon turned into a low laugh, then it grew louder as I activated Electricity. The way the red bolts sparked violently across my arm made me laugh even more as I now looked at both of my hands.

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!!” I laughed like a mad man, making the group back away from me more and those around to stare at me. “OH, WHAT A FEELING! TO MOVE AND BE FREE INSTEAD OF BEING JUST A DAMN OBSERVER! THE POWER FEELS SO MUCH FUCKING BETTER THAN BEFORE!”

Nightmare gasped as her eyes widened in disbelief. “No…Dante?”

“Dante? Who’s Dante?” Applejack asked, only to glance at Nightmare.

“You catch on quickly, Nightmare Moon.” I scoffed with an evil smirk. “Don’t you worry your pretty little head, Axel will be back shortly. For now, I have some bastards to put in their place.”

I pushed the group away as I made my way over to the group of bearded fuckers who were still hassling the two women. None of them seemed to notice me which was perfect since I wanted to catch them all by surprise. I unraveled the chain and started spinning it around to gain momentum. Red bolts began flying everywhere as I neared my prey and my anger was only growing at the mere sight of these scumbags. Once I was close enough, I swung my hain around and whipped it forward to wrap around one of their necks. The chain flew around the one closest to me and I pulled, making the chain snap around him and electrocute him. I made sure not to put too much juice into the chain so as to not kill him, yet, but he sure did scream like a bitch. His wailing made his companions snap their heads to me as I canceled the Electricity and pulled my chain back. My victim was stiff, occasionally twitching, until he fell backwards and on his back.

“Pfft, what a fucking pussy.” I said as I wrapped the chain around my wrist.

“You dare attack us?!” One of them roared as he came at me with his axe drawn. I smiled devilishly as I activated Video and held my hand up. Red digital claws grew from my hand as I grabbed his axe, shocking both him and his companions.

“So noisy.” I hissed. I made my other hand grow claws and swiped my hand to the side. There was a brief silence until three large gashes appeared on his chest and blood leaked out. The man grunted and staggered back as he fell to his knees and clutched his chest.

“Who the fuck are you to do this?! Do you know who we are?!” Another said.

“Nope.” I said as I made my claws disappear and snapped my fingers. “But you’ll soon know who I am.” A red digital ring appeared around me, making the area glow red. There was then a low growl from the digital strands coming together as they formed a demon. It was taller than me and looked just like the ones from those games Axel played. It snarled at the men who all began to cower as I looked over its shoulder to me. It then turned around and bowed to me by bending his knee.

“Master…” It hissed. “What is your bidding?”

“Help me plant the seed of fear in their hearts.” I said with a wicked smile.

“Yes, Master.” The demon said as he rose to his feet and growled again at the men. They were all staring at me in absolute fear, the two women and the people around me as well, as I chuckled darkly at them all.

“You lot are so cowardly when it comes down to it.” I mocked. “It would be so damn easy to have my little servant here tear you all limb from limb, but I won’t. No, because since this is the first time I’m experiencing the outside, I’ll let you live while you scamper off with your tails between your legs. But I can’t send you off without a parting gift.” I snapped my fingers again and the demon paced over to two of the shivering men. It then raised its claws and swiped it across their chests, leaving the same bloody gashes I did as they cried out in pain and fell to the ground. “None of their injuries are life threatening, not yet at least. This is all only a taste of my power, and warning to you should you be more fucking stupid than you already are. Leave this town, never come back. If your boss, whoever he is, has a problem with me, then he can tell me my damn self. So do us, and most importantly me, a favor…AND GET THE FUCK OUT BEFORE I SLAUGHTER YOU ALL LIKE THE SWINE YOU ARE!!”

The men wasted no time and picked up their fallen friends and ran for it. I glared at them as some more came out from some of the buildings and joined their escape. The demon turned to me and kneeled again.

“Until my next summons, Master.” The demon hissed as it faded away.

“Heh, not a bad entrance for The Demon of Ponyville.” I said aloud as Axel moved in to push me back into his mind.

Author's Note

Dante’s demonic appearance rattles the residence. What new obstacles will Axel face now that he let his darker half run amok?

Hope you enjoyed.

Also, let me know if the background music was acceptable. If not, I'll change it. 😅

~WurkyWilk has left the building…