Chapter 6

“So what do you think those girls will ask you?” Moon wonders.

“Hmm, not sure.” I shrug. “Probably questions about my world, my powers, and the history of Conduits.”

Moon and I were having breakfast in our room and we were enjoying each other’s company. Ever since the trial I had received many words of respect from some of the nobles, to my surprise, how I handled the situation. Especially after how I took down Shatter Star after he tried attacking me who has now been imprisoned. To my delight, I even was able to make friends with Captain Shining Armor who approached me and asked if I would be willing to visit his training grounds sometime. I accepted his offer and told him I’d stop by one day and even offered if he’d like to just hang like buds to which he accepted as well. As Celestia scheduled, those girls I met back at old castle were on their way to Canterlot to officially meet me. To be honest I was kinda looking forward to seeing some new faces since the only people I’ve ever really interacted with since I came here are Moon and the other Princesses. Not that I’m really complaining since I always enjoy my time with Moon and Celestia and Luna have been good company whenever I see them.

“How exactly does the power of a Conduit work?” Moon wonders as she takes a bite of her toast.

“Well Conduits are the result of a rare genetic mutation within some humans and animals. The gene is for the most part dormant within their hosts bodies with carriers of the conduit gene normally displaying no powers at birth and could potentially live their whole lives without realizing what their naturally inherent abilities are, with a few ways of identifying Conduit potential.” I explain as I bite into my waffle.

“Even animals can have this gene?” Moon asks, fascinated at my words.

“Yup, according to the several audio surveillance tapes of Kessler that Cole gathered during his quest, several animals such as rats can also hold the Conduit gene. Animals were used as test subjects for the Ray Sphere, which resulted in very unstable results, or worse, the death of the subject.” I explain.

“This gene sounds both interesting and terrifying.” Moon shuttered slightly. “I suppose you are one of the few humans blessed with the gene and those powers.”

“Blessed or cursed.” I said, confusing her. “Conduits are still humans, Moon. And there are many humans from my world who aren’t what you would call friendly. There are those who would use these powers, if they had them, for evil and selfish purposes. Like how Sasha used her tar manipulation to create the Reapers and try and corrupt Cole and Alden Tate who used his powers solely for revenge against Kessler with his army of Dust Men, not caring who he hurt along the way. Especially Augustine and her D.U.P. who tried to make Delsin look like the villain and Conduits always being labeled as criminals. Plus Conduits are frowned upon by those who do not possess the gene. Normal humans, either out of fear, jealousy, or prejudice often detest and reject Conduits, calling them freaks, deviants, or bioterrorists and, on many accounts, physically abusing them or those suspected to be one.

“I see, but you aren’t like that.” Moon said as she placed her hand on mine. “You’re a kind man who I’m very glad I met. If it wasn’t for you I would still be stuck in that castle all by myself.”

“I guess.” I shrugged.

“You guess?” Moon questions.

“I’ll be honest with you Moon, I’m not exactly good natured as I seem.” I said. “There have been times in my life where I had a choice to do right or wrong and I did a little bit of both. Even here I had an opportunity to do something very bad but decided to do the right thing, only because I didn’t want to scare you.”

“Scare me? How could you scare me?” Moon asks.

“I could’ve, no, I wanted to hurt Blueblood.” I said darkly. “More than that, I wanted to maim him for what he pulled that day.” I said, making Moon’s eyes widen. “And those guards from the trial? I could’ve put them to death instead of sending them to prison. And that Shatter Star asshole? I wanted to kill him, wrap my chain around his neck and tear it off.”

“Ax, do you really mean that…?” Moon asked, now a little scared and I nod slightly. “But why?”

“Because I’m a Conduit, more than that, I’m human. I come from a world filled with humans with even darker thoughts than mine. But again, I didn’t want to make you avoid me or anything like that when I had those choices. Although now that I just told you what I really felt you probably already want to steer clear of me. Not that I blame you, after all who’d want to stay friends with a freak like me?” I ask.

Moon stood up from her seat and walked around the table and took beside me. I closed my eyes, expecting her to slap me and leave, but instead she gently wrapped her arms around me and hugged me close.

“You’re still my friend, Ax.” Moon said. “You will always be my friend.”

“Even if I make the wrong decisions?” I ask.

“To others they may seem wrong, but you must believe that they are right even if they are bad. Just because you might make bad decisions doesn’t make you a bad person, Ax, please and always remember that.” Moon said. I smiled and nodded as I hugged her back. She was right, I’ll always have a choice how and when I use my powers. Cole and Delsin had plenty of opportunities to turn their backs but didn’t, they had others to help them through their quests and I have Moon. I looked at Moon and stared into her cyan cat-like eyes and she into mine. As usual she looks so beautiful, even if she didn’t have any makeup on. I couldn’t help but lean in and she did the same and our lips were but a mere inch apart.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

“Sir Rickert? Nightmare Moon? Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have requested your presence.”

We both blink and I mentally curse whatever deity caused this interruption and sighed as we both broke our hug since the moment was officially ruined.

“Yes, thank you Feather Duster, we’ll be out in a moment.” I sighed, rubbing my temples. I glanced at Moon and she was blushing quite a lot and rubbing her arm. I stood up and gave her a comforting pat on her shoulder.

“Come on, let’s see what those two meddlesome sisters want with us.” I said, making her feel a little better and giggle a little.

Moon and I made our way down the halls, me dressed in my normal clothes with the exception of a different shirt and jeans with my sling pack and Amp on my back and Moon dressed in a pretty sky blue dress, but I was in a bit of a foul mood due to this morning’s interruption. Moon and I were having a special moment and were interrupted like a bad joke. Hell we were this close to…My face began to heat up since I had just realized what we were about to do, we were about to kiss. I mean her kissing me on the cheek is one thing, but this is an actual kiss on the freaking lips. More importantly, why am I so flustered about it? I may still be a virgin, but this certainly isn’t the first time I’ve kissed a girl due to my former relationships back home. Yet when I almost kissed Moon, I felt a little spark in my heart and not the kind from my Electricity. I’ve been in this world for over a week and it feels like I’ve known Moon for longer than that. She’s so kind, fun to be around, has a warm atmosphere, and her smile does something to me that makes me smile back.

This…can’t be what I think it is, can it? I think.

“Ax?”

“Uh, y-yeah Moon?” I stutter like a fool.

“You seem a little flustered, are you alright?” Moon wonders.

“Oh yeah, totally fine, best as can be!” I said, smiling sheepishly.

Smooth genius… I grumble in my head.

We approached the throne room doors and the guards were about to open them when we heard something that sounded like an argument.

“It matters not how many times he sends however many of you to our kingdom, my answer shall be the same regardless.” I hear Celestia say in a cold tone.

“Come now Princess, my King simply wishes for the best of both our kingdoms.” I heard a rough voice say that made me furrow my brows.

“False words such as that are exactly the reason why we want nothing to do with you.” I heard Luna snap.

“True, our ways may differ in some aspects but it is simply how we operate. Would you have us act any differently?” The rough voice questions.

“I shall not repeat myself again, my sister and I want nothing to do with you or your so-called King and his totalitarian rule. Not now, not ever.” Celestia stated.

“Hmph, you may soon come to regret those words, Princess.”

That was my cue to enter the room. I didn’t wait for the guards as I pushed the doors open with Moon following me. Celestia and Luna were both sitting on their thrones and at the bottom of the small staircase were a few large men wearing what looked like plated armor adorned with a variety of furs of different animals. When the men turned around they all had bushy beards and if their voices weren’t enough, their eyes told me that they were nothing but trouble. Moon stayed behind me as I instinctively had my hand ready to use my chain and I subtly activated Smoke as small black trails of smoke danced around my fingers.

“Sir Axel, we were not expecting you here so soon.” Celestia said.

“Well I figured since this is where I’d have my little questionnaire with those girls when they arrive I’d wait here with you and Princess Luna.” I shrugged. “Although I wasn’t aware you were in the middle of a meaning, my bad.”

“Hmph, and just who is this rude little runt?” The man on the right scoffed. “Judging by his attire I’d say he’s nothing more than a peasant.”

“Watch your tongue, sir, you just might lose it.” I hissed.

“Sir Axel please.” Celestia pleaded.

“You have spirit, boy, just be careful it doesn’t get you killed.” The man in the middle smirked. His gaze then fell on Moon and his expression went from neutral to a hungry look which made me grit my teeth. “And who’s this little minx?”

“She is Nightmare Moon, like Sir Axel she is a guest staying here in the castle.” Celestia said.

“A guest, you say?” The man repeats. “Well if she is a guest then perhaps she would like to accompany me and my men back to our homeland so she can be our guest?”

Moon steps behind me and I clench my fist as the smoke from my hand swirls around a bit more violently. I glare at the man and raise my hand in front of Moon, stopping his advance.

“Move aside, boy.” One of the other men orders. “This does not concern you.”

“Like hell it doesn’t.” I spat. “You stay the hell away from her.”

“Oh? And what can a little runt like you do?” The man mocks as he rests his hand on his sword’s handle. “You’re nothing but a little mutt that’s all bark and no bite. That woman you’re trying to protect is very much out of your league, she deserves a proper man to satisfy her needs.” He said and the others also eye Moon with the same sick gazes making Moon hide behind me.

“General Regin, you shall cease this immediately!” Celestia orders, standing from her throne.

“Give her to me, boy, or I will take her.” The man named Regin warns.

“Sir Axel please do not do anything, the guards will be here to escort these heathens out of the castle at once.” Luna informs me.

“Oh come now, Princess Luna, why must I leave without an exotic creature such as her?” Regin questioned as he took another step. “I’m sure my King will reward me handsomely and even offer your kingdom an even better offer for the alliance.”

“You shall do no such thing!” Celestia barks.

“Axel?” Moon whimpered fearfully.

As all this was happening, I was absolutely seething. Both my fists clenched and smoke was now trailing up and down my hands which everyone seemed to notice. Small cinders also flickered off my hands as my anger and hatred for this fucking bastard grew.

“Ho? That’s some interesting magic boy.” Regin mocks as he draws his sword, and the others follow suit. “But what can mere smoke do?

“Sir Axel!” Luna said, standing from her throne. “Stand down, please! And Regin, you are out of line! Leave the castle at once or we shall have you thrown out!”

I was trembling, my whole body shaking in utter rage and the voices around me became deaf. This asshole and his shit-for-brain companions took another step forward as smoke and cinders danced violently along my arms and body. I lowered my body and widened my legs ready for any of them to make a move as I continued to glare daggers at them. But then I was reminded of Luna’s protests to have me stand down despite my anger, but they wanted to take Moon. Celestia was also trying to quell the situation since the guards were on their way, but I wanted to hurt him…no…I wanted to kill him.

…

“You know, you’re a new kind of asshole I’ve had the displeasure of meeting this day.” I said darkly.

“What did you say you lit-GAK!”

I cut the fuckers words off when I quickly unraveled my chain and whipped it forward and wrapped it around his neck, all the while having an enraged grin plastered on my face.

“You wanna know what I can do with this mere smoke as you called it?” I ask.

“SIR AXEL, STOP!” Celestia cried, but it was too late.

My chain glowed and started to heat up as Regin screamed in pain as the metal burned his flesh. With a strong pull of my chain I tore his head clean off, leaving a bloody stump as blood sprayed from his open wound. The head of the former general fell at his soldiers feet as they began to panic at the sudden brutal display. I didn’t give them time to react and with my rage still at its peak, I activated Video to summon my sword. Only instead of my sword, red digital demonic claws grew from my hands as I lunged forward. One of the men tried to run away but I skewered him from behind and tore out his spine with his skull still being attached. The other soldier stood frozen in fear as I slowly walked to him as I dropped my second prey’s spine and my claws were still dripping with blood. He fell to his knees as I gazed down at him with a soulless stare.

“P-p-please…” he whispered as he pissed himself. “Mercy…”

“Mercy?” I repeated as I raised my hand. “What’s that?”

“Axel?”

I blinked and shook my head slightly. I was brought back to reality after being completely lost in my own imagination when Moon called out to me. Regin and his men were still alive, Celestia and Luna were still protesting, and I still had Smoke activated and I was still pissed beyond belief. I was lucky that Moon had brought me back because I was mere seconds away from acting out what had transpired in my head. Regin, the smug fucker, was still trying to advance but I kept standing in between him and Moon. Though I really didn’t want to fucking admit it, hurting, let alone killing, this bastard would only escalate the situation in the worst way possible. I then took a deep breath, deeper than I usually do, and exhaled all the oxygen in my lungs as my smoke started to dissipate.

“Is this really how an representative of another country is supposed to act?” I question.

“What are you on about?” Regin wonders.

“You’re supposed to be representing your King yet you act out and insult me, even though you don’t know me, and threaten to take someone with you who clearly doesn’t want to go anywhere with you. Not to mention you even went as far as to draw your weapons when all I did was give a little smoke show. Now, I may not know who your King is, but something tells me he wouldn’t be impressed with your diplomacy skills.” I said.

Regis was silent as his men were about to advance again but he raised his hand. He smirked as he reluctantly sheathed his sword and the others followed suit.

“You may be a mutt, but I suppose you have more guts than I gave you credit for.” Regin chuckled. Just then the door burst open and multiple guard, Shining Armor included, ran in and surrounded the three men.

“Princess Celestia, you ordered for us to escort these men out of the castle?” Shining stated.

“No need, we were just leaving ourselves.” Regin said as he walked past Moon and I. “Heed my words, Princess Celestia, my King is a patient man, but not as patient as you think.” He said as he and his men exited the throne room.

“Ax?” Shining said.

“Sup Shining, thanks for the assist. Damn near came close to ripping his head off.” I said as he approached me and we fist bumped.

“Don’t sweat it, we’re still on for Friday night?” Shining asked.

“Of course dude, I’ll see you later.” I said, waving him goodbye and he left with his men. Celestia and Luna stepped down from their thrones and approached me with looks of concern.

“Are you ok, Sir Axel?” Luna asks.

“I don’t know…” I said looking away. Moon comes up from behind me and hugs me.

“You protected me again.” Moon said.

“Of course, I always will.” I said as I placed a hand on her arm.

“I apologize for those men, Axel, they hail from a kingdom that lies across the North Sea. They have been sending representatives, such as those men, to try and negotiate with us but their offers have been more ridiculous than the last.” Celestia explains.

“What exactly did he want?” I wonder.

“You see, Axel, he-”

“Aunty! I must please beg you to reconsider cutting me off the royal funds!”

My anger spiked up once again as I snapped my head to the doors to see the arrogant piece of shit strut in. I growled and activated my Electricity and thrusted my arms downwards creating Gigawatt Blades in both my hands. I sprinted forward, despite the Princesses protests, and kicked him in his chest making him fall on his back. I then raised my electric blades and slammed them on the marble floor mere inches away from his head as I seethed at the little bastard.

“SHUT THE FUCK UP, YOU ANNOYING LITTLE BITCH OF A CUNT BEFORE I SHOVE MY FOOT UP YOUR ASS AND FRY YOU FROM THE INSIDE FUCKING OUT!!!”
I roared in his face.

Blueballs took this opportunity to completely pass the funk out as foam bubbled out of his mouth and his eyes rolled back in his head. I scoffed as I slowly rose back up to my full height and canceled my Electricity and turned to the Princesses, only I wish I hadn’t. Celestia looked like she wanted to scold me, Luna looked somewhat satisfied for my outburst at Blueballs but looked at me like I was a thug, and Moon had her ears covered because of my gutter mouth. I frowned while turning and walked away leaving them to themselves.

I felt so ashamed of myself, I let my anger lash out again and I said such obscene things in front of the Princesses, in front of Moon. I walked through the halls with my head hung low until and didn’t bother looking at anyone who tried to wave at me. Blueballs was an irritating prick but because of those assholes saying such things to me and eyeing Moon the way they were just sent me over the edge. Blueballs was just the trigger but that still doesn’t excuse my behavior in front of the freaking Princesses of Equestria. I didn’t see where I was walking when I bumped into someone making them fall to the floor with a yelp which snapped me out of my depressed mood. I looked up and saw a maid on the floor rubbing her head with books scattered around her. She had clean white skin and her hair was a bright blond with pink streaks in it and tied up in a bun.

“Aw jeez, I’m sorry about that ma’am.” I apologized with a sigh, offering her my hand.

“Oh please it is my fault.” The maid said as she reached up to take my hand. “I was always the clumsy one of my family.” She then looked at me with a smile and her eyes were a pretty deep purple. If I was honest with myself, she was actually pretty cute.

“Please allow me to at least help you pick these up.” I said.

“Oh you don’t have to, it’s my-”

I activate Smoke and snap my fingers as trails of smoke rise over the books and lift them in the air. One by one they all fall in my hands and are stacked neatly leaving the maid dumbfounded.

“Oh my, that’s quite the impressive magic you wield.” The maid said, fascinated in my little display.

“Hate to break it to you but it’s not magic.” I chuckled as I handed her the books. “So where are you headed Miss…”

“Oh whoops! My name is Cherry Drop, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Cherry said with a polite bow.

“Axel Rickert.” I said with a curt nod.

“Axel Rickert? As in the visitor from another world, Axel Rickert?” Cherry said.

“I guess word gets around.” I chuckled. “But yeah, I am indeed from another world.”

“Wow, no wonder you use abilities that seem so foreign.” Cherry said in awe. “But I’ve heard from the other maids you are always with Nightmare Moon, how come you’re by yourself?”

“I…lost my temper and said some pretty nasty things to Blueblood in front of the Princesses.” I admit, hanging my head again. “I felt like I needed some time to myself so I left the throne room not to mention I had to deal with those pricks who came here as representatives from that other country I heard about.”

“What did you say?” Cherry wonders.

“You don’t wanna know.” I said.

“Come on, I can handle it.” Cherry insists.

“Doubt it.” I counter.

“Sure about that?” Cherry smirks.

“Positive.” I said.

“Well what if we make things interesting?” Cherry offers.

“Meaning?” I ask.

“If I can handle whatever you said, then you have to accompany me to the library to drop these books off. If I can’t, I’ll leave you to your thoughts and we’ll meet again another day.” Cherry said.

“Hmm…ok.” I shrugged. “Fair warning, you asked for it.” Cherry nods and I lean in and whisper what I said in her ear word for word. When I lean back her eyes were the size of dinner plates which made me sigh.

“Told you, guess you cou-“

“Hahahahahaha!.” Cherry laughed, surprising me. “Oh Celestia! You really said that?! I can only imagine the Prince’s face!”

“Heh, well actually the little shit passed out with his eyes rolling in the back of his head.” I said, making Cherry laugh more. I also chuckled along with her and I suddenly felt a lot better from my sour mood.

“Hehehe, so now that I successfully handled your little outburst so well, you have to come with me to the library.” Cherry said.

“A deal’s a deal, I suppose.” I shrugged. Cherry nodded as we both made our way to the library. “I’m surprised you were able to take what I said so well.“

“Well I may not look it, but I grew up in a family with three brothers so you can imagine the kind of things they say to each other all the time.” Cherry said.

“Interesting, how long have you been a maid?” I ask.

“Only a year, I always wanted to be a maid and work in the presence of the Princesses so I polished my skills for as long as I could remember. I was a little clumsy, as you just saw, but in the end I was able to get the job.” Cherry said.

“Well you certainly have your work cut out for you.” I tease. We both laugh and make more small talk on the way to the library. I always let her tell me about her family to which I was happy to listen. I would only chime in a few times mentioning some of the good memories from my world and a few little funny moments about Delsin which made her laugh. We eventually made it to our destination and Cherry dropped off the books as I waited for her.

“Well that takes care of that chore.” Cherry said happily.

“Glad I could help Cherry.” I smiled. “I’ll see you later.” I said as I waved goodbye.

“Where are you going, Axel?” Cherry asked. “The throne room is the other way.”

“I don’t think they want to see me after my outburst.” I said glumly.

“I don’t know about that.” Cherry argues. “I mean yeah, what you said was pretty bad and would probably poison the minds of children for years to come but I doubt it’s anything they’d hold against you.”

“Maybe but that doesn’t change the fact that I said, no screamed those things for all to hear. So much for my good reputation, if I had one.” I said. Cherry walks up to me and flicks my forehead making me wince.

“Did that snap you out of your silly depression?” Cherry huffs.

“Uh…what?” I ask, rubbing my head.

“Axel, we’ve only known each other for about five minutes and you have not said a single rude thing to me. More than that, you even helped me and gave me company all the way to the library when you could’ve easily just left me to my business. You’re a kind soul who I don’t think would intentionally hurt someone, even if it’s someone like that arrogant Prince. Do you honestly think that a few harsh words here and there would be enough to make someone like Princess Celestia hate you? Scold you, yes. But honestly hate you?” Cherry questioned.

“I…” I said looking at her dead in the eye. “No, no she wouldn’t, none of them would.” I sighed.

“Then that’s all you need to know.” Cherry smiled as she stepped forward and hugged me. “Never doubt yourself, ok? And let’s hang out again sometime.”

I smiled as I gave her a small hug back before she stepped away and left me with a skip in her step. I was about to make my leave as well but then pondered on Cherry’s words. I still felt shitty for my immature outburst in front of Moon and the others but maybe Cherry was right, something like this probably wouldn’t be enough to make them hate me and even though I went a little too far on Blueballs maybe they still wouldn’t hold it against me. I rolled my eyes and threw my hands up in defeat as I made my way back to the throne room. I could only imagine what I would be told by them but whatever needed to be said I needed to take it like a man. I rounded the corner and approached the double doors that led to the throne room. My thoughts then brought me back to those assholes who visited with the Princesses. Who were they? What did they want? What did they offer to the Princesses that was so bad that it was denied multiple times? Whoever they were and whatever they were after did not sound good to me and I had a gut feeling that this wouldn’t be the last time I see them or any others like them. I then stood in front of the doors and the guards were about to open them for me but I raised my hand.

“I got it, thanks.” I said.

They nodded and with a deep breath I pushed open the doors and re-entered the throne room. Inside were Celesita, Luna, and Moon and with them were the girls I saw the night of my arrival. They were all sitting at a table talking amongst themselves until they all started to notice me. Moon quickly stood up and walked up to me and I looked away as she approached me.

“Ax.” She said. I didn’t answer.

“Ax please look at me.” Moon said. I slowly turned to her and she was right in front of me with her face mere inches from mine despite me being a few inches taller than her.

“Why did you leave?” Moon asked.

“Because…I said such obscene things in front of you.” I said.

“And?” Moon questions.

“I’m so sorry.” I said sadly.

Moon smiles and brings me in for a hug to which I return and she even wraps her wings around me.

“I forgive you.” She said, holding me close. “We all get mad sometimes, he just came in at the wrong time.”

“Thanks Moon, I appreciate it.” I said. We separate and make our way to the table where everyone is waiting for us. I sit down as I take my sling pack off and set it to the side and look around as the girls all wait for me to speak.

“So, we meet again.” I said, earning nods all around. “I assume you all have some questions for me?” I ask and they all nod again. “So who’d like to go first?” As soon as I asked that, my vision was clouded in pink as a pair of baby blue eyes stared at me along with a wide smile plastered across a face.

“HI! I’M PINKIE PIE! DO YOU LIKE PARTIES?!”

Author's Note

It is as Cherry said, we all get angry and say unnecessary things sometimes. So long as we learn from them then no harm no foul. Just who were the strange individuals who made themselves known? Axel better keep an open mind when it comes to these strange people, for his sake and those whom he is close to.

Hope you all enjoyed it!

~WurkyWilk has left the building…