Chapters Look Inside Your Heart Part One.
Prologue: Will Is Never Free
Prologue: Will Is Never Free.
We are given the illusion of free will not knowing it could be taken without a moments notice, that is the life of a changeling. The first Queen gave us complete control, and gave no consenquence for our judgement. Her rule was overthrown and she was murdered soon after.
The second took away our ability to govern right and wrong, and replaced our sense of justice with her own twisted ideals, but still let us retain our ability to choose how to live our lives.
The third took our will away completely leaving us hollow husks of who we were. As our bodies did her bidding, our minds laid dorment in our own personal hells.
The fourth returned our bodies and will, but set forth laws to encourage peace and prosperity. She knew however there would still be those who would side with darkness and she vowed to use her control only as a last resort. Queens five through twentyfour respected the fourth's wishes and enforced equality rather than total control.
With the twentyfourth's passing it was time for the next in line to step to the throne. I was ecstatic I was going to be the first King in changeling history, but my sister Chrysalis wanted the power instead. My back was turned only for a second, and a second was all she needed. My vision grew black and legs buckled. Days later I awoke in a dark room handcuffed to a chair. What the hell is this place? Why am I here? What the fuck is going on? I heard hoofsteps outside, and the door began to click and I heard tumblers. Why am I here? The door slowly creaked open, revealing two creatures similiar to me, but something was off. I was always under the impression that changelings were the only creatures that stood on two hooves, these things definately weren't changelings. The two creatures walked toward me.
"Yer fin'ly awake huh?" One said as he sat down on the other side of the table. "You aint' like us, you aint' a pony." What is a pony?
"We know you can speak our language so quit playin' dumb." The other leaned on the table looking into my eyes. Why am I being questioned like this?
"I aint' playin' dumb." I replied in a voice similiar to the second's. I could tell they were suprised. It's like they never heard of a changeling before. Wait if I've never heard of a pony maybe they've never heard of a changeling. "Why am I here?" I asked leaning back in my chair. If I can just pick the lock with my finger. If I can just turn my hand. Even the slightest change could let me loose. Despiration took over my brain but my expression never changed, it remanied calm and collected. Ah there we go I'm out, but I can't let them know. "I'll ask again, why am I here?"
"You must've hit your head hard. Do any of these ponies look familiar to you?" The second said in a sarcastic tone slapping pictures, one by one onto the table. Why does he think they would be familiar to me?
Without thinking I raised my hands and set them on the table to get a closer look. They jumped back and drew their weapons. Their weapons seem strange they aren't swords or knives. "Never cuff someone in a seated position, with their hands behind their back. Makes it impossible to see what they're doing." I said smugly returning my attention to the photographs. These ponies what are they, why do they look so terrified?
"Why didn't you try to escape?" The second asked trembling, still holding his weapon.
"What is that thing you're holding?" I asked without looking up.
"It's a gun." The second stuttered. A gun huh, I may have to learn more about these strange weapons.
"Why didn't you kill us, you had the means." The first asked, his gun thing still pointed at me.
"Killing you would be pointless, if I killed you I wouldn't know anything about why I'm here, Detective Skies." I looked cockily at him.
"How do you kow my name?" Skies asked confused.
"Your badge is like the ones our police use, name and rank printed on each one. Giving special treatment to those who have special talents." He lowered his weapon and holstered it.
"Why are'ya doin' that?" The second was trembling out of control.
"Lower your weapon, Thunderstorm. If he wanted to kill us we'd be dead I'm sure of it."
"Okay Skies but if he so much as twitches I'm puttin' a bullet through em'." Thunderstorm holstered his weapon but kept his hand near it. Why was Skies so trusting, when Thunderstorm was so suspicious?
"Who are these ponies, they don't look familiar. Why do they look so scared?" I shuffle through the photographs again, and something seemed off. "They're dead aren't they?" My heart grew heavy. "And you think I killed them, don't you?" Did I? Why don't I remember anything after the celebration?
"You mentioned your police, where are you from, what are you if you don't mind me asking." Skies leaned foward and took his seat again.
"Well, if I tell you it can't leave this room, I don't know how anyone would react, promise?" I begged them to keep my secret.
"I promise." Skies held up his hand to swear it.
"I won't tell unless it's nessesary." Thunderstorm sat in another chair across the room.
"Thank you, for your cooperation. Deep under ground there is a species that thrives. Changelings are what we call ourselves, legend states that the first changelings were created by Hephaestus the Blacksmith God. Each was given the ability to create, the ability to change the world." Myth started to overrun my thought process. "We were given the Flame of Hephaestus the source of all creation, to protect it, to use it to make the world a better place."
"The Flame Of Hephaestus, that's a myth." Thunderstorm laughed. "You 'spect me to believe that load o' bullshit?"
"Let him finish, Thunder." Skies glared at his partner.
"I can prove it, look." I took out the handcuffs and set them on the table. "See the cuffs?" I picked them back up and they caught fire. Thunderstorm jumped back and fell backward. "If I concentrate I can use the Kindling Of Hephaestus inside my heart to reshape any object living or not, myself included." I close my hands to put out the fire and I open them to find a small steel chickadee. "See the cuffs now Thunder?"
"That's amazing, can all of your kind do that?" Skies seemed impressed with my most simple trick. Why does he seem so dumbfounded? Why hasn't Thunderstorm put a bullet though me, whatever that is.
"Yes but some aren't as good at it as I am, but that's expected. Our concept of free will is just that, a concept. There is no free will, nothing is free. Legend also states that the first changelings had free will and no laws. They could do whatever they pleased with no punishment. The second attempt took our sense of justice and replaced it with the twisted ideals of the Queen. The third stole our bodies and locked our minds inside our own personal hell. The fourth took aspects from each failed attempt. We were given free reign over our lives, laws to govern right and wrong, but she kept her our minds linked to hers discretely."
"That's terrible, but what does that have to do with you?" Skies pointed out.
"I was the next in line for the throne, but my sister knocked me out, and I woke up here, I'm not sure what happened between now and then."
"It's not like I don't believe you, but any unicorn can do that trick." Thunderstorm seemed unconvinced.
"Well, can a unicorn do this?" I raised the chickadee to my mouth and blew on it. It started to tremble and it jumped onto the table. The bird seemed scared and confused, but just being born is quite the shock. It quickly hopped back into my hand and chirped, it's chirp was full of confusion. "It's okay little guy, I got you." I raised the small creature and placed him next to my heart. My heart lifted and I couldn't help but smile.
"That's incredible, no unicorn can do that," Thunderstorm was slack jawed
"Speaking of which what's a unicorn?" I interjected.
"You must live underground, in our society there are three species of ponies. The ponies of the earth are normal nothing special about their appearance but I've come to realize that they are by no means ordinary. They are incredibly reliable and strong allies. The pegasus ponies of the sky, what Thunder and myself are. We prize speed and adaptibility over all else, we're the only ones able to walk on clouds, and as such we are tasked with controlling the weather. Unicorns are probably the closest thing we have to you, unicorns are able to channel the raw power of magic to acomplish the most difficult tasks." I look down at the bird curled up asleep in the palm of my hand. My eyes filled with tears.
"I did not kill them, but these reports say that someone looking like me murdered them without remorse." My heart sank again. "Did anyone actually get a good look at who did this"
"Well we do have a rough sketch of the culprit, and he does look alot like you, take a look." Skies set down a sketch of a changeling on the table. He does look like me, but something looks off.
"Did this creature have an amulet like this one?" I reached into my pocket, pulled out my royal seal, and placed it on the table. Their eyes widened I could tell that was a yes. "So, that rules out anyone other than our royalty, that leaves two solutions, it's either me or my sister." It couldn't have been me could it?
Look Inside Your Heart Part One.
Chapter 1: When Ones Life Is In Question
Chapter 1: When Ones Life Is In Question.
I looked at the bird in my hand. "This little creature may be made of metal, but it is very much alive." The bird slowly opened it's eyes and unfurled its wings. "Looks like he wants to fly."
"But he's too heavy to fly." Thunderstorm pulled his chair closer
"If you show the will to defy, you can defy, take the bumblebee for example physics says that it cannot fly, yet it does." My gaze was glued to the bird as it slowly flapped its wings. as it slowly left my hand it began to flap faster, and soon it was airborne zipping across the room. I felt joy for my creation, I was proud that he had overcome what held him down. Why couldn't I do the same? "This sketch it does resemble me, but no changeliing can perfectly copy an appearance. If you look closely at the eyes you see malous intent. If there is one thing we can't copy it's the soul of the individual. Do you see this malous intent when you look into mine?" I sit back and stare at Skies.
"No I don't, but the public won't believe a shapeshifter went on a killing spree in your stead." Skies leaned back and watched the bird flying overhead. "I can't believe that yesterday that was a pair of handcuffs." Skies chuckled and shut his eyes.
"Well what would happen if I could prove my innocence and bring the real killer to justice?" I sank back in my chair and folded my hands. Skies' ears perked up and he sat straight up.
"That could work but how will you escape custody?" He asked in a sarcastic tone of voice.
"Well the rule of Double Jeopardy should apply here, if I do the time without doing the crime, I can perform the crime without persecution."
"That's genious, since we don't have the death penalty if you can survive your sentence you can get your revenge and we'll gladly help you, but you have to prove your case before you kill whoever did this." Thunderstorm was excited.
"What's with the sudden change of mind Thunderstorm?" I asked confused.
"Well I just love this secret agent stuff and I very seldom see a cause worthy of my full attention, I promise to do my best to get you a reduced sentence so we can take that bastard down."
"Well we will see how you fare in court we hope for the best." Skies stood up and shook my hand. I was then cuffed again and led down a dark hallway. I was beaming with pride and hope, hope that what they said was true.
I was bound in chains and thrown into another room, this one was smaller than the other one and had a window. I scrambled to my hooves and made my way to the window. I stared out at the moon and saw four stars moving toward it. What was this strange phenomenon, and what was that silhouette on the moon? Whatever it was it didn't concern me. I heard a metal scrape behind me and turned. A tall pony dropped a tray of food on the floor and walked off. "Thank you." I shouted, the pony stopped and turned his head. "Something wrong sir?"
"No, nopony has ever said that to me, not for a long time." He walked back to my cell door as he came closer his features were illuminated by the moonlight from my window. He stood roughly six feet tall and had a white furtone, there was a horn on his forehead about a foot long. His dark red coat parted around a mark on his back. "What's your name?"
"I am Cressendo Allegro, and you?" I stand and hold the stale bread out to him.
"Shining Armour, Captain of the Solar Guard it's a pleasure to meet somepony who notices me, even if they're a criminal." He took the bread and nibbled on it between words. "What are you in here for Cressendo?"
"Well, I was framed." I picked up a glass of water and sipped.
"Everypony says that but can you prove it?" He took out a flask from his coat pocket and threw it back.
"If I may ask what is that thing on your back? It's quite peculiar." He looked puzzled.
"You mean this mark?" I nodded at him. "It's a cutie mark or that's what fillies and mares call it. It shows others what your special talent is. Don't you have one?" He squinted trying to get a better look at me.
"I don't have one I'm sure." I stood and walked over to the door, watching his face turn from confusion to terror. "I'm not even a pony."
"What are you?" He scrambled toward the wall.
"I am a changeling." He seemed to calm down after I said this. He let out a sigh of relief and smiled. "Do you know what I am?"
"Yeah I do, all those books my sister told me to read had valuable information on all kinds of creatures capable of waging war. Changelings were on the list of the ones to avoid."
"Given our deceptive nature." I sighed and turned my head.
"No, not that it said to avoid them because they are the only ones that can control their emotions. Making them extraordinary assassins, but that can also make them the greatest allies."
"That book could you bring it to me I want to see how much else they got wrong. Did it mention about our lack of free will or our natural blood lust? Or the fact that we can do this?" I whistled and my metal bird friend flew in through the window and perched on my hand. "Hello Steele you have trouble finding me?" It hopped around chirping its head off. "Uh-huh, okay, that's good."
"You can understand that bird?" Armour was amazed.
"Of course I can, I made him." I raised a finger and pet Steele on his head.
"What is he, what do you mean you made him?" Armour was completely confused.
"A construct created by myself out of a pair of handcuffs. If I concentrate hard on one thing I can turn it into another."
"Yourself included, but how is it alive?" Armour seemed engrossed in my little pet.
"I am changeling royalty, our royalty is given the Flame Of Hephaestus, and the ability to share life." I lowered my hand and Steele began to hop around the cell floor.
"What did it say?" Armour sat down in front of the door.
"His name is Steele, and he said Detective Skies and Liutenant Thunderstorm have succeeded in convincing the Princess to have an audience with me, after she takes me to this Summer Sun Celebration, in Ponyville, whatever the Summer Sun Celebration is." I shifted my weight and laid down. "It's getting late you should leave, Twilight is probably waiting for you"
"You're right, have a good night Cressendo I'll bring you breakfast tomorow morning." Armour walked off and up the stairs.
"Looking forward to it Armour." I looked over to the tray and reached for it. "Time to create." I grasp the tray and pull it toward me. I concentrated on an animal I haven't seen in a while a cat, but I soon realized that this tray wouldn't be enough material. I look around and find a blanket, and a pillow and set them on fire. I crushed them together between my hands sculpting it into the shape I desired. I set the sculpture in front of me. I leaned down and breathed on its face. It stretched and yawned widely as if she just woke up from a nap, she crawled onto my lap, curled up, and began to pur loudly. "If only you could teach my sister how to love something other than power." I sighed looking out the window the stars a little closer to the moon. What was going on with those stars and what was that thing on the moon?
Look Inside Your Heart Part One.
Chapter 3: If The Horseshoe Fits Wear It.
Chapter 3: If The Horseshoe Fits Wear It.
I woke up in a dark room again, but this one felt different it felt cold. I could see my breath. Where am I, why is it so cold? I tried to sit up but I was strapped to a table. What the hell is happening? "Good you're awake, I was hoping to make this as painful as possible." A somewhat familiar voice cackled.
"Who are you, what do you want?" Terified ,I struggled to get loose.
"I want what you want, to rid the world of inferior beings." The voice grew louder.
"That's not true, I'd never take an inocent's life. Who are you, why are you doing this?" Still struggling to free myself I grew more confused. What does he mean, who is he?
"Oh really, then why did you take these?" The pictures of the ponies floated over my head. "They were inocent, yet you tossed them aside like yesterdays garbage."
"No I didn't you're lying." My eyes filled with tears. "No these ponies were murdered by someone else."
"I beg to differ Cressendo." I began to hear screams of terror all around me. "I was there, I saw everything, you killed everyone of them. You don't think Armour really left your cell door unlocked that night do you?"
"No no no, I wouldn't, I couldn't, I'd never." My eyes were overflowing. "You're a monster!" My sadness turned to rage. "Show yourself so I can KILL you."
"Now now, settle down we wouldn't want you to hurt yourself."
"I don't care about myself, I just wanna KILL whoever pisses me off." I could feel the Flame Of Hephaestus burning hotter in my chest.
"Control our emotions my thorax, they control us. And you just proved it." The voice trailed off into silence.
"Where the hell are you, What do you want from me?" The Flame grew hotter and the straps began to melt. "Show yourself, answer me!" My rage took over my thought process, and I burst out of my shackles. "Where are you, come here so I can squash you." My gaze shifted around the room until I saw a pony, I charged at him. "Leave me alone!" His expression of sheer terror only stoked the already burning rage inside my heart. My hand pierced his chest and followed through out his back, his dark red blood oozed out both sides drenching my arm.
"Ooh so close, but close only works with horseshoes and hand grenades." The voice was taunting me. "Try again." He laughed. I ripped my arm out from the lifeless pony and looked again. I found another pony, this time I grabbed her head and crushed it between my fingers, it exploded covering my face in brain matter. "Wrong again Cressendo, better luck next time." The voice cackled, and I grew even more angry. Another pony caught my eye and soon my foot fell through his stomach, the acid burned but I didn't care. "Horseshoes and hand grenades." This thing is starting to get on my nerves. A fourth pony appeared and I sent her flying into the wall shattering it and her bones on contact. "You're getting warmer." The tears in my eyes were replaced with green fire, and my fingers sharpened to a point. Over the next hour I killed twenty more ponies, each one's screams and warm blood softened my pain.
"Come out now!" I screamed in a voice that was not my own.
"You never questioned how those of royal blood have an actual personality? It's those stupid amulets the longer you wear it the more of its personality you absorb. That amulet that was left behind, was your Fathers, but wait he's dead. He gave it to you and you wore it every day since. The reason why he was never King is because he would've killed every single one of his subjects. Because you wear two his amulet was forced to maniphest in the back of your mind, watching, waiting for the right moment." The voice sounded from behind me, I quickly turned and found my father standing there.
Due to this sudden realization my rage subsided. "But why?"
"Because I felt like it, you are my son yet you don't hold my ideals, all inferior beings must be destroyed, that is the reason we were given th Flame, to destroy and recreate the world into one of peace."
"No the world is fine the way it is," I began to hear his voice inside my head.
"Is it, you tell me if this world is fine." He slowly faded back into shadow and my vision grew dark. It was me, I did it, it's all my...
Look Inside Your Heart Part One.
Chapter 4: When You Realize The Truth Hurts
Chapter 4: When You Realize The Truth Hurts.
I quickly sat up and fell through the cloud I had been sleeping on. I spread my large transparent wings and caught myself. It was me I killed them. You finally remember what happened. Of course I do it's all your fault you made me do it. I Didn't do anything I just gave you the idea . I would never hurt an innocent. Those ponies would beg to differ. That wasn't me it was you. Well well well look at who's full of himself. "Shut up leave me alone, get outta my head." I covered my ears and trembled violently.
"Hey are you okay Cress?" Skies stopped and hovered beside me.
"Go away I don't want to hurt you." My voice faded between mine and my father's. "Leave me alone." My wings started to vibrate faster and I shot straight up.
"Hey don't leave me here." Skies shouted and gave pursuit. "You're still under arrest." I could hear his wings flapping and I knew he was gaining. "I don't wanna do this, but it seems I have to." I heard a loud bang and felt a sharp pain through my top left wing. I spiraled out of control crashing into a giant tree. The giant veins throughout my wing were spraying blood through the hole. I opened my eyes and saw Skies walking toward me. "What was that for?"
"I was gonna ask you the same thing Skies." I struggled to sit up but my wing hurt too much.
"You're still in my custody, and you ran away I had to stop you somehow, and judging by how fast your other injuries healed you'll be flyin' high in no time." He held out his hand and shouldered me. "You're pretty fast, once your wing is healed up why don't you have a race with my niece Rainbow Dash, She's the fastest flyer to come outta Cloudsdale. You'll give her a run for her money."
"Why not, I already have enough friends what harm could one more do?" I said sarcasticly. This was my first long look at Detective Skies. His dark blue coat felt like silk and glistened in the moonlight. I look up at the moon and find the stars were almost touching it. Skies wouldn't know but Twilight might. "Where is Twilight Sparkle?" I asked yearning for an answer I could use.
"Well she should be in Ponyville now, don't worry about it we're almost there. It's a small town it'll be easy as long as we don't run into her." Skies shuddered at the thought of her. "Pinkie Pie Party Queen she knows everypony in Ponyville and if she so much as sees somepony she doesn't know, Parties instant Parties." He laughed. "If you meet her you'll meet everypony else in five seconds."
"That's a bit exagerated isn't it?"
"No it's one-hundred percent true."
"Well is there any way to avoid her?" I joked.
"No there isn't." A shrill voice sounded behind us. Startled I fell off Skies' shoulder. A pink pony whose darker pink mane resembled cotton candy was staring into my eyes. "Are you okay, why do you look so weird, what's your name, why are you here, hey Starry Skies, I know what to do there's a party at twilight's house wanna come?" Each question was fired in rapid succession without a single breath.
"Yes, what do you mean weird, Cressendo my friends call me Cress, I'm meeting with the Princess, Your name is Starry Skies, and why not I'm sure Twilight would like to see me." I answered in the same way I was asked. "How did I do that?"
"I dunno not sure how I do it either, you know Twilight, she needs an old friend she seems distant." Her sunny disposition changed to overcast mid-sentance.
"Lead the way Pinkie." Skies and Pinkie picked me up and walked me toward another tree. "So she's staying at the old library, that figures. How's your wing Cress?"
"All better I guess." I unfurl it and it began to vibrate. "You can let me go now."
"It's so pretty looks like a dragonflies' wing." Pinkie complemented and I felt happy that my first encounter in this place was a success. "Well we're here feel free to mingle and don't drink my hot sauce, Twilight did that and she hasn't come down since."
"She drank hot sauce, why is it even at a party?" I asked chuckling.
"I put it on cupcakes." She pushed the door open and led me inside.
"You too?" I laughed.
Everypony looked at me with mixed emotions but shrugged them off rather quickly and began to speak with me as if we'd been friends forever. I kept my wings tucked away and refrained from divulging any of my past. There were four ponies that stood together laughing. I walked over to them and asked their names. "Mah name's Applejack pleasure ta meet y'all" An orange coloured pony with a blonde mane said shaking my hand.
"Rarity darling, and I must compliment your outfit wherever did you find such remarkable stitching?" A pale blue almost white unicorn with a purple mane asked
"I made it yesterday I thought I should dress up for when I meet with the Princess tomorrow."
"C'est Magnifique." She replied. For some strange reason I knew what she ment and smiled.
"Name's Rainbow Dash, fastest flier in all of Equestria." Her light blue coat glistened and she wore herr mane in a rainbow mullet.
"My my what an ego Rainbow." Skies poured himself a drink. "Looks like the Wonderbolts still haven't called."
"Uncle Skies!" She darted at him and gave a big hug. "It's been awhile."
"And your name?" The pale yellow pony seemed terrified and hid under a table. "You're shy aren't you, I know have this." I reached into my coat and pulled out Steele and showed it to her. "This is my friend Steele he's shy like you." Steele opened his eyes and jumped onto the floor. She seemed suprised and curious. "He's yours if you tell me your name."
"I'm Fluttershy, can I really keep him? She said in a barely audible tone.
"If you take good care of him, now come out and play with him." She crawled out from under the table and dusted herself off. Steele flew up to greet her and her face lit up behind her long pink mane.
"That was nice of you giving your pet to Fluttershy." Rarity smiled. "I can tell we're going to be the best of friends." She walked over and gave me a hug, her soft breasts pushed against my chest.
"I'm gonna have'ta agree, I can tell your somethin' special." Applejack patted my shoulder.
"And I can't wait ta race you tomorrow." Rainbow held up her hand for a high five. We began a complicated secret handshake and quickly finished. "How'd you know the Cloudsdale Flight School Handshake?" Rainbow was puzzled.
"I don't know the same thing happened with Pinkie earlier. Not to mention I completely understood Rarity's french without hearing one word before today. Well now, I think I need some fresh air so I'll be outside if you need me." I slowly manuevered through the party ponies and walked out the door. I saw Fluttershy and Steele flying around, behind them I saw something strange the four stars went behind the moon and the silhouette dissappeared. All the ponies began leaving for what I thought was the Celebration so I followed.
Look Inside Your Heart Part One.
Chapter 5: Dreams Become Nightmares
Chapter 5: Dreams Become Nightmares.
What had happened to the moon? Was Armour right about that evil spirit? I caught up to Twilight but she didn't notice me even after I stepped right in front of her. Pinkie was right she is distant, she must know something I don't, but what? "Twilight what's wrong?" I shouted in her ear, still nothing. Leone shuffled inside my pocket and poked her head out. "Have a nice nap?" Leone meowed and began to pur loudly, Twilight's ears perked up and she stopped. "Hey Twilight what's going on" She turned and when she saw me her face lit up and she hugged me. "What's with the love Twilight?"
"All these ponies are crazy talking about friendship and crap like that." She let go, stepped back, and parted her hair.
"What's wrong with friendship and crap like that?" I argued as we started to walk again. "And the moon?"
"You saw it too?" She replied suprised.
"I don't know what I saw, I was hopin' you'd tell me." My voice gained a southern accent, suprised I covered my mouth.
"Well the legend of the Mare In The Moon, states that the royal pony sisters each took responsibility for raising the sun and the moon each day, the youngest grew jealous of her sister because the ponies relished and played in her sister's day, And slept through the beautiful night she brought forth. One day she refused to lower the moon and the eldest was forced to seal her sister inside the moon, and on the longest day of the thousandth year the stars will aid in her escape..."
"And bring nighttime eternal." I interrupted, and quickly covered my mouth again.
"How did you know that, you barely knew about our culture yesterday?"
"I don't know," I look down at my amulet. "My amulet looks different." I grab my amulet and look closely. The sun with the mare in the moon on top. "How strange, I might have to ask the Princess about this." I look around and find ponies gathering inside a large building. "The longest day of the thousandth year falls on today I must be prepared for the worst." Why do I suddenly know what to do?
After a short introduction from who I assumed was the mayor, Celestia was nowhere to be found. Where is the Princess, what's going on? Smoke wafted in from the balcony giving a dramatic entrance to Nightmare Moon. "Twilight get back to the library now, find a way to stop her.."
"But what about?"
"Just go I'll keep her occupied." Twilight Ran toward the library while the rest of the townsponies scrambled. Fluttershy was chasing her bird choir trying to calm them down. Applejack was herding ponies outside with Skies and Rainbow, Rarity was trying to save the decor from being trampled, and Pinkie was inhaling hors'deurves. "Fluttershy, Applejack, Rainbow, Rarity, Pinkie go help Twilight!"
"But what about you?" Skies yelled.
"Skies, keep the townsponies safe, girls go now."
"Fine, but you'll need this." Skies reached for his gun holster but slid his hand behind it. "Catch!" Out of the corner of my eye I spot a hunting knife flying toward me, but a blue spark shot it off course and it slid across the floor stopping at Fluttershy's hooves.
"Go, now I don't want you to get hurt!"
"We'd never leave you hangin', we're your friends." Rainbow darted in front of me arms spread.
"Rainbow trust me, I can handle this, you need to help Twilight she needs friends, and if you stay we'll all die. Go she's waiting for you." I yelled tears flowing. "I don't want anyone to die, get outta here."
"C'mon Dashie we need to go." Pinkie yelled as she tugged on Rainbow's arm.
"You'd better not be lyin' to us, Cress." Applejack shouted grabbing Rarity and Fluttershy. "C'mon Rainbow let's go!" Rainbow stood adamant.
"Rainbow we are friends, but your loyalties lie elsewhere, go I'll be fine." the tears stopped leaving my face drenched.
"Fine, but you still owe me." She jumped up throwing Pinkie into the air and flying off with the others.
"Thank you for waiting, I still see you've retained some of your personality."
"Thou art brave, young one, Dost thou knowest who with they are dealing?" Nightmare cackled.
"Yeah I do, Luna." I replied without thinking.
"You foal we do not go by that name anymore."
"Actions speak louder than words, let's dance."
"Agreed." She vaulted over the railing with grace reminescent to luna's, landing a few feet in front of me her bat-like wings spread.
"That's how we're gonna play it, fine by me." I took a deep breath and my four wings shot from my back.
"Thou art a strange one, we shall have quite a challenge," Nightmare reached for her sheathed blade.
"Woah, woah, woah, let's fight fair shall we." I shift my gaze to Skies' knife twenty feet away. A sinister smile came across her face as the knife began to tremble and glow a faint blue. "Thank you for seeing it my way." The knife started to float about four feet off the ground and shot toward me. I reached out to catch it between my fingers, the tip a hair from my eye. I threw the knife straight up and grabbed the handle barely blocking a downslash from Nightmare. "You're fast I'll give ya that, but can you keep up with me?" I pushed her away and shut my eyes.
"Dost thine eyes decieve us, thou choosest to fight blind?"
"Our eyes see what we choose, our ears as well, but when we close them and open our minds, the truth is revealed."
"Starswirl The Bearded, when one fights blindly, he will most certainly lose."
"If they believe they cannot lose, they will, but if they believe they can lose winning will come easier, Commander Hurricane." My top right wing felt a breeze. I quickly raise my knife to clash with hers, sending sparks flying. "I know that I can lose, but I won't let that happen. I will not die by your hand." I swing my left knee upward, and push her away. I sprang forward clipping her shoulder. "Try harder you can do it, c'mon."
"Thou shall regret clashing blades with the night."
"The most darkest of nights are still lit with stars, there is still hope for you to shine through Luna." I open my eyes and find Nightmare kneeling at my hooves.
"Thou art victorious this round, we must be elsewhere." Dark blue fog wafted in and surrounded her, once the fog lifted Nightmare had vanished leaving behind fifteen Shadow Pegasi.
"The shackles may be weak, but they are not broken. One thousand years surrounded by nothing but shadow." They said in unison.
"Will leave one powerless against it." I was surrounded, each Shadowbolt drawing closer. These Shadowbolts seemed more powerful than she was, yet they still served her blindly. "You fight blindly for something that you can easily exterminate. Choose to serve someone more capable. I know the Mare in the Moon gave you life, but I can give you something more." Their faces were ones of confusion. I knew my silver toungue could save my life, but my thoughts wrapped around the hope they would take the bait. "The Mare in the Moon will cease to exist when the sun rises, and with her death there will be no way for you to survive, without help. Your choice is this sacrifice your families and kill me, or let me live and I will make sure your families will prosper."
The Shadowbolts stopped and exchanged glances. "How did you know about us?" One walked forward and held out her hand. "Can you really deliver on that promise, you're the first one to treat us like ponies,"
"You are ponies aren't you. I know what it feels like, to be different." I took her hand and a sharp pain shot through my head and I began to feel heavy.
"I am Clara Shadowfire, leader of the Shadowbolts and captain of our pegasus corps." She walked me over to one of the tables and set me down. "What is your name?"
"Cressendo Allegro." I raised my hand to cover my forehead.
"Latin for Cheerful Increase, If you spell it right." She sat next to me and looked into my eyes. "Can you really save their families?"
"Yes, but we haven't much time the sun will rise any minute. Return to the moon, and get all of your citizens together and I will gather what I need to bring you all here. Is there any way to keep in contact?"
"Yes," She handed me a napkin with her name on it, and a small crystal. "This crystal will give you a direct line to me, call me any time." Clara motioned to her companions and they flew off toward the moon.
"Goodbye Clara." My heart lifted, and I felt happy. I stood up and slowly walked outside. As I looked toward the eastern horizon a faint light shone over it. My heart felt warm, but I knew that this wasn't the Flame of Hephaestus, it was pride, pride in my friends, I was proud of them and myself.
Look Inside Your Heart Part One.
Chapter 6: New Moon Behind Old Stars
Chapter 6: New Moon Behind Old Stars.
"Skies is everypony safe?" I shouted running outside.
"Who the buck was that?" Skies flew over to me.
"The Mare In The Moon, It's not an old mare's tale."
"You've proven to me several times over that those legends can be true." He replied. "Where'd she go?"
"The Everfree." I shifted my gaze toward the forest. "I don't know how I know so much, but I'm glad I do."
"Look at that!" The mayor pointed to the east and the sun's light shone over the horizon."
"They did it." I was overcome with joy and began to cry. "I knew they could do it." I heard fanfare from the same direction and there they were Luna, Celestia, and my new friends. Then I heard the words from Pinkie's mouth .
"Party." She was somersaulting and cartwheeling all over town.
"Look's like Twilight made some new friends." My heart lifted watching the scene between them unfold. Celestia was as beautiful as ever. From then on I decided to stop worrying about how I knew, and focus on why. After the wild party I slowly aproached Luna and Celestia.
"Are you okay sugarcube?" Applejack asked me concerned.
"Want some cake, pie, cookies, candy, cupcakes?" Pinkie floated mysteriously beside me.
"I'm fine girls, great party Pinkie." I kneeled before the Princesses. "I wish to extend my apologies."
"It's quite all right Cressendo we extend ours as well." Celestia bowed to me.
"Why do you apologize Princess?" I was rightfully confused by her apology.
"We apologize for not calling upon you sooner."
"What are you talking about Princess?" Skies stepped forward.
"Show them your amulet, please." Luna asked in a demanding tone.
"What about it?" I reached into the pouch on my belt. "What happened to it?" The symbol had changed again, the symbol was surrounded by what I gathered were the cutie marks of the six ponies I befriended only hours ago.
"As I thought, your royal seal wasn't created by your family, Cressendo. It was made by my mentor Starswirl, long ago. Your seal was created to ensure that the one that holds it can help us keep the world safe." Celestia began to explain.
"So It's been infused with the Elements Of Harmony." I said without thinking.
"Correct." Celestia answered.
"What am I keeping the world safe from?"
"We do not know but whatever happens we shall stand by your side." Luna reached her arm around my shoulder. "Thank you." She whispered in my ear.
"Well I'm glad that I have friends, but I don't think it's wise to stay close to me," I lowered my head and my happy tears turned sad.
"Why is that, darling?" Rarity seemed worried.
"Twilight could we go to the library, I have a long story that needs to be told. You're welcome to join us Princesses I'm sure you'd want to hear it too." Twilight nodded and she led us back to the library. Over the next few hours I explained in great detail about my past and our ancient legends.
"That's dreadful." Rarity was shocked.
"That aint' natural." Applejack was in disbelief.
"Oh my." Fluttershy sat in a corner with Steele.
Rainbow hovered in silence slack jawed, Luna and Celestia had the same reaction. While Skies and Twilight stood nodding.
"If the truth is so hard to believe, why do we even try to comprehend it." I quoted Starswirl The Bearded. "What is happening to me?"
"Your amulet is infused with the Elements Of Harmony remember, that gives you the knowledge of all the past holders, including us." Celestia Interrupted. "I must say that the magic used to create that baffles even me."
"If my amulet was created by Starswirl, how did I get it, instead of this." I reach into my pocket and lay Father's seal on the table.
"Fascinating," Twilight reached for it. "Ow that hurts." She threw it down and blew on her hands.
"Yeah ya don't wanna do that," My voice gained Applejack's accent again. "Ya can't touch it unless I give it to ya, an'ya don't want to have my dad's amulet, he was a few straws short of a hay bale." After listening to what I just said, I cracked up laughing like Pinkie.
"You really are like us, but why?" Rarity walked over to get a closer look at my outfit. "Is your outfit so well made, machine stitching isn't this good,"
"I could show you, after I get back." I struggle to stand but I realized that my energy was fading fast. "Does anypony have any extra room for me to sleep, I am exhausted, and hungry."
"Haven't you eaten since yesterday morning?" Leone crawled out of my pocket.
"No,"
"We need to get you fed, wait right here." Fluttershy flew outside for a few minutes.
"So you're a dragon, huh?" My gaze shifted to the reptile that was half asleep.
"Yeah." He responded rubbing his eyes .
"I heard dragons eat gems, that true?"
"Yeah, it is."
"Ya got any sapphires?"
"Yeah want one?" He held out the beautiful blue gem.
"Sure I'll take one." I grabbed the jewel and took a bite. "Thanks, don't think I've had one this fresh. Crunchy yet chewy."
"Oh my stars, is he really eating a sapphire?" I heard Rarity whisper behind my back.
"It's not that bad but you gotta be really careful." My mouth closed around it sending shards down my throat. "Where'd Flutter go off to?"
"I'm back, here eat this." she handed me bread and nectar. "It's really good." I remembered the cinnamon roll and drizzled the nectar over the bread, the sweet nectar made the bread easier to chew. I quickly inhaled the rest. The sweet taste mixed with the earthy sapphire causing the most indescribable combination of flavors.
"You said when you get back, what did you mean?" Twilight picked up Leone and pet her.
"Well when Nightmare left me she left behind some Shadow Pegasi, and I realised that they were living creatures, Luna's loneliness caused her to create a new kingdom during her stay on the moon. How this kingdom was populated, I haven't the slightest notion. I knew that without her influence that soon the moon won't be able to let the Shadows live there long, speed is of the essence, we need to get them down here ASAP, before their whole world will end."
"I'll start research immediatly, you get some rest we'll start fresh in the morning." Twilight began to look for a book to help. "Go on leave I have alot of studying to do."
"You may stay at Carousel Boutique with me, Darling, I always have an extra bed for unexpected guests." Rarity grabbed my arm and helped me up. "You are so nice giving those Shadow ponies hope," She led me outside and toward the north.
"Well you're just as generous."
"Merci," She replied.
"De rien." I responded.
"You really do know french, color me impressed."
"If you don't mind me asking, you seem like a city filly what are you doing here in the boonies?"
"Well I've always wanted to live in the big city, I've always felt at home out here in small town Equestria." She pushed open a door and led me inside to a room filled with mannequins and fabrics. "This is where the magic happens, your room is up the stairs and to the left, make yourself at home dear, I have a few things to take care of down here."
"Merci beaucoup." I bowed to her and walked upstairs and found my room, the bed was elegant like one royalty would have. The sheets were made of the finest silk and the mattress was as soft as a cloud. I was out like a light the moment I shut my eyes.
Look Inside Your Heart Part One.
Chapter 7: Look Forward To The Future
Chapter 7: Look Forward To The Future.
The ground beneath me began to tremble and jolted me awake. As I opened my eyes a massive crevice formed straight through the middle of the boutique, and plunged down into the earth farther than my eyes could see. I heard screaming from deep inside, "Help!"
"Rarity!" I vaulted off the bed and dived into the darkness. The walls crumbled behind me sending massive boulders my way. "I'm an idiot, she's doomed if she's reached terminal velocity, and I'm not much better off." My thoughts trailed off as I gained speed. "If I go any faster I won't be able to stop, wait I remember something about things like this."
"If two objects are going at terminal velocity each one feet away from the other, how does the second catch up with the first?" My brothers voice sounded in the back of my head.
"The second throws something tied to a rope at the first, the third object falls faster than the others, and the first can grab it." I reached for the knife in my pocket and realised there was no rope. In the corner of my eye I saw a boulder. "That'll work, just fine." I plunged my knife into the rock and pulled it toward me, setting it ablaze I threw it straight down. As it flew faster it grew smaller and a black chain flowed from the knife. "Rarity grab this!" I felt a tug on the chain and spread my wings and pulled it back to me. She came into sight and I snapped the chain and grabbed her. My wings started to vibrate and we shot straight up, barely dodging the falling rubble.
Once I landed on the surface she was unconcious and her life was fading fast. "Rarity wake up. Rarity." Sorrow overran my mind clouding my thoughts, I started to cry but only one tear fell. The tear slowly fell down and landed on her face. Her body started to feel warm, too warm, she was set ablaze in my arms, and reduced to ashes. I jolt awake screaming, drenched in sweat. I stood up and walked toward the bathroom, and splashed my face. Looking into the mirror my reflection changes, to the one of my father's.
"You shouldn't make friends, they only turn to enemies later."
"You're wrong Dad, you never had allies you don't know anything,"
"Your brother, and sister agree with me."
"Don't bring them into this, Scarab never wanted to kill anything, and Chrys is crazier than you." I tried to hold back from smashing the mirror, but I shattered it sending glass shards between my knuckles.
"Know this Cress, They will die, be it by your hand or mine, you choose." His face disappeared from the shards and his last words echoed inside my mind. A knock fell upon the door.
"ça va." Raritty's worry for my well being did nothing to calm my nerves.
"Oui." I lied. "Cauchemarder."
"Nightmares are just that, don't worry dear get some rest, we have a big day ahead of us, Bonne nuit."
"Bonne nuit." Her hoofsteps echoed through the quiet hallway. I picked through the shards and threw them into the trash. Blood now drenching my hands I decided to clean up a bit. I hadn't realised that I slept in my clothes and jacket, and quickly shed the garments. I turned the knob and piping hot water flowed out the shower nozzle. As I stepped in the water ran through my mane and down my back, I couldn't even remember the last time I was so confused. "Will Father really take it into his own hands to see them die? What makes me so special, Scarab was more qualified." After fifteen minutes of thinking the water began to grow cold. I step out and grab a towel that was hanging nearby. I left the room leaving my clothing inside the hamper in the corner. Returning to my room I layed back down, and I was out again.
I open my eyes and find myself inside Ponyville's town hall, hearing familiar laughter. My friends stood beside me waiting for something. I shifted my gaze toward the balcony, Nightmare moon stood horn glowing, laughing maniacaly. "Get her!" Rainbow yelled as they all charged, a bright light flashed blinding me for a moment. After my eyes adjusted I saw nothing, the town was obliterated, beside a smoking crater was left seven skeletons three pegasi, two unicorns, and two ponies. "Why did you survive?" Rainbow's voice sounded behind me.
"You were right." Twilight's sounded sorrowful.
"Why, all the little creatures." Fluttershy was bawling.
"Worst party ever."
"Y'all didn't even try."
"This is the worst possible thing."
"I can see the headline, Murderer Only Survivor Of Massive Explosion." Skies was hysteric. "The first one I trust in years and you let me die."
"No, it's not true, it can't be," I fell to my knees from the barrage of accusations. "I don't wanna lose you, I can't lose you, I won't, It's just a dream, this is not happening, it's not happening." I shut my eyes trying to wake up from this nightmare.
"You deserve to die, do the world a favor." I hear a click and open my eyes, staring back at me was the barrel of Skies' gun. "Bang." He pulled the trigger, and the loud sound jolted me to conciousness. I was once again drenched in sweat, my mind reeling from my sudden realization of mortality. "Do the world a favor." Skies' words echoed in my head. I turn my head to the nightstand. and find a note,
"There are some garments inside the armoire, I hope they are to your liking, I have some errends to run, so I will be out for the afternoon. Twilight want us to meet with her later this evening. Feel free to roam around Ponyville until then. Au Revoir, Rarity."
"Generosity, at it's finest." I couldn't help but smile at the trust she had in me. I decided to see what Rarity had chosen for her guest to wear. Inside the armoire I found shirts and pants, blouses and skirts, and head dressings in a menagerie of hues. The pale pink v-neck caught my eye, for some strange reason, I felt compelled to wear it. The next thing to rope my attention was a pair of cyan track pants with rainbow flames, similiar to the ones Dash wore yesterday. I tried them on and they fit perfectly, but as I looked in the mirror it felt like something was missing from the ensamble, but what?
"Jewels!" My eyes dart from side to side, looking for jewelry I somehow knew should've been there. My eyes focus on a large vanity table in the other corner of the room, Amethyst braces, a Sapphire circlet, and Onyx sunshades copleted the wardrobe.
Still something was off, my mane was too short, I took a deep breath concentrated. My mane shot back and fell below my neck. "Perfect." I admired myself in the mirror. "I never knew that I could have so much fun, doing something so benign." I stepped outside as the sun pointed mid-day. as I explored my surroundings I wwas casually greeted by total strangers, most wondering about my outfit, and I pointed them to Carousel Boutique. My stomach began to growl and I felt a little peckish. "Sugarcube Corner, sounds promising," I pulled on the door and held it open for passerbys.
"What a gentlecolt?" A blue mare with a pink mane that looked frosted on said from behind the counter. "How may we be of service?" She was smiling.
"What exactly do you sell here?" A large clang sounded from the other room, and I was soon sandwiched between Pinkie and the floor. "Did anypony see that freight train that hit me?" I was seeing spots, but they were just balloons. "Hi Pinkie, you work here, don't you?"
"Yep, ya hungry?" Pinkie sprang up and landed on a table with cartoony accuracy. The ponies sitting at that table jumped back falling over their chairs. "We got cookies, candy, cakes, pie, muffins, donuts, and sopapillas, Watcha want?" She named the many confections in her usual rapid succession.
"Got any brownies?"
"With or without nuts?" The mare behind the counter asked.
"With."
"Almonds or pecans?" An orange stallion walked out of the kithen with a platter of cookies.
"Suprise me." I watch as they scrambled to prepare for the lunch desert rush. Pinkie bounced back and forth between the tables wiping them spotless in seconds. She jumped behind me and pushed me toward a booth. "Ow Pinkie that's my tail, quit shovin'." She threw me into the booth and darted off.
"Pinkie Pie brownies!" The mare shouted.
"Roger willco, Mrs. cake." Pinkie darted by the booth and a plate of brownies shot in front of me.
"Pinkie Pie the rush is here!" The stallion shouted from the kitchen.
"Consider them seated, and orders taken." Random ponies filed in and Pinkie had them seated in minutes. "We got twenty chocolate cupcakes, twelve banana nut muffins, and thirty chocolate chip cookies, Mr. Cake." She shouted to the kitchen.
"Thank you Pinkie Pie, muffins up." Pinkie darted into the kitchen and ran between the tables leaving muffins in her wake. "Cookies out the oven." Pinkie ran back through the shop, delivering each pony who ordered half a dozen. "Cupcakes baked." In a pink flash the cupcakes appeared on the tables. With no more customers in need, pinkie stopped at my booth and sat down.
"So how're the brownies?" She said between breaths. I looked down at my plate, realizing I hadn't even touched them I picked one up. The sweet dark chocolate, mixed perfectly with the salty almonds and pecans, but there was another faint flavor I couldn't quite name. "My special recipe, Dark and milk chocolate, almonds, pecans, and my secret ingredient," Her eyes shifted left and right and leaned in close. "Habanero juice." She whispered in my ear. Our mouths both turned to smiles and we laughed for a few seconds.
"I'll take three sheets of this, Mrs. Cake do you deliver?"
"Yes but that's a little extra, Deary." Mrs. Cake said as she picked up the money left by the patrons.
"Pinkie put in the order, how much ya want for 'em?"
"Twenty bits plus tax." Pinkie stood up and darted off to clean up from the rush. I sift through my pockets and realize I don't have any money on me. "Don't got enough that's okie dokie lokie, I'll open up a tab, fifty bit limit, I trust you'll pay us ASAP." Pinkie's smile never left. "Where and when ya need it?"
"Is tonight at Twilight's to much to ask, two for me and one for you guys."
"No, I'll bring them later after the dinner desert rush." Pinkie shuffled through the kitchen cabinets for ingredients.
"Thanks Pinkie, see ya later." I left the plate on the counter. "Thank you for the place to sit down and eat, you two seem like nice ponies, may I ask your names?"
"My name is Cup Cake." The mare said smiling. "You seem pretty nice too, here." She held out a cupcake. "On the house."
"Thank you,"
"My name is Carrot Cake, you must be new around here, but I can tell Pinkie likes you alot, and if she likes you that much you're part of the family." His smile and warm words made my heart rise.
"I'll be back to pay my debt soon." I headed out the door, I tossed the cupcake into the air and swallowed it whole, paper and all. The pure chocolate made me shudder. Moments later I ran into Rainbow Dash, or she ran into me. Rainbow using me as a bobsled we skidded across the grass. I lifted my arms from around her, she was out cold nose dripping blood, after a few seconds her deep red eyes opened and she stared into mine. "Hi Rainbow."
"Oh uh sorry, bout that," Her cheeks where flush red, she flew backward and held out her hand to help me up. "Nice threads, dude, ya get those from Rarity." I took her hand and regained my hooving. "So, get any sleep last night?" I shake my head. "You too huh, I was swamped with work,"
"Lazy?"
"No, I just hate wasting time I could be training." Her face returned to the same shade of red.
"Hey, the Wonderbolts want somepony who can commit." Her ears perked up and her eyes widened.
"I can commit, I can do anything, any time, anywhere." I knew I struck the right nerve.
"If Spitfire looked at your record right this second, what would she see? A filly who dropped out of flight school, was kicked out of flight camp, Cloudsdale weather pony with multiple allegations for being a delinquent, not to mention shirking work to train for the Wonderbolts. Hmn that doesn't sound like Wonderbolt material, does it?" I stare deep into her red eyes awaiting an answer.
"Uh,"
"Exactly what I thought, as you are now, you aren't a Wonderbolt, but you still have time to make yourself better, and I can help." Her eyes started to tear up. "Hey, it's okay." I pulled her in close for a hug, and she cried buckets.
"I wanna be a Wonderbolt so bad, but you're right, I don't deserve to be one," She wrapped her arms around me and squeezed tight. "I just wanna be somepony important." She squeezed me tighter.
"It's okay, it''s okay Dashie." I pet her back, and her wings wrapped around me. "You'll be fine I'll be with you every step of the way, okay."
"Promise?"
"Cross hy heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake, in my eye." I began to tear up, this touching moment reminded me of so many times with my brother. "Pinkie Pie Swear." My quivering lip forced a smile, and I cried a bucket or two. momemts later we ran out of tears and let go of each other. "look at that brave face." I slowly wipe her tears away, her coat felt like silk, and her smile softened my heart. "You'll make a fine Wonderbolt someday Dash,"
"Thanks Cress you're awesome." She leaned in and planted a big kiss on my cheek. "Seeya later, thanks alot for listening." Rainbow dashed off and left me to ponder what had just happened.
Look Inside Your Heart Part One.
Chapter 8: Leaving The Past Behind.
Chapter 8: Leaving The Past Behind.
Still reeling from the sled ride, and Dash's breakdown, I began to walk westward, waving and saying hello to the ponyfolk that passed me by. About fifteen minutes later I came across Fluttershy playing in a field with a bunch of animals. I slowly crept toward her trying my best not to scare the animals. I knelt down behnd her and whispered in her ear. "Hey Fluttershy, whacha doin'?" She turned her head and smiled.
"Taking care of these poor little creatures, I need to find homes for them."
"Aw, that's so nice, can I help?"
"Sure, if you want, I mean." She was conflicted and quiet, as per usual norm.
"Okay, I might not know much about animals, but I'll help any way I can, don't be afraid to ask." I knelt down and picked up a long reptile with no legs. "What's this one called?" I asked, some reason extremely interested in these creatures.
"That's called a snake, more specificaly a boa constrictor,"
"Why do they call it that?" The snake thing slowly wrapping around my arm.
"Well they're named Boa to keep them seperate from other snake breeds, and constrictor because that is how the catch their prey." The snake began to tightly squeeze my arm, but stopped for some reason. I look back to Fluttershy and the expression on her face was one of both anger and supremacy. I felt the snake slither around my arm and it wrapped loosely around my neck. "That's better."
"Well that happened, what was that?" My eyes were the size of saucers.
"Some ponies call it the 'STARE', it just happens whenever I can't get a little creature to behave." Her face returned to her bashful one, leaving me dumbfounded. She reached down and picked up a small rodent of somekind. It's long bushy tail was quivering and it kept it's eyes covered, obviously afraid from the sudden change in altitude. "It okay little guy, don't be afraid." Her gentle tone seemed to calm the creature. "This is a squirrel, his tree was struck by lightning during the last storm. His fur had been singed off and he had burns over his whole body, but he's recovered very quickly and I promised to find him a brand new tree to live in, isn't that right?" The squirrel nodded his head, and the snake just turned his.
Somehow I felt a small connection to all of these creatures, I guess more than Harmony's Knowledge was implanted into my amulet. It was as if the personalities of Harmony were copied as well. "I've never really had much contact with other creatures, all my life I was sheltered by my mother, until she passed I never stepped hoof out of the castle." Unwittingly I actually revealed a little about my past that I didn't want to.
"You could've fooled me, you don't seem like the sheltered type. You're more like a Timberwolf, fast, cunning, and relies on friends when needed." Her voice took a tone of caring and cheer. She smiled so wide she had to close her eyes for it to fit on her face. Was she right, was I just imagining what kept me grounded? "What's wrong Alle, you seem down." Just when I thought I regained my tears they started to flow again.
"My mother called me that, I miss her so much." I was bawling.
"Oh don't cry," She wrapped her arms around me and squeezed hard. "It's okay." She ran her fingers through my mane caressing and comforting me. "Go on let it all out, it's good for you." She wiped away my falling tears and I felt loved, I hadn't felt loved ever since Scarab joined the Armed Guard.
"My mother was always concerned for the well being of others, but she was never home, she was off checking disaster reports or reading some big proposal for change. When I was old enough she started training me for the family buisness. That was the only time I spent with her, but with all that pressure she was still herself, most beings are corrupted with any hint of power." I turn my head and her eyes were full of sorrow.
"Now I see why you didn't tell us that earlier, I know how hard it is to deal without your parents." I returned her hug tenfold and I heard a somewhat familiar sound, SQUEE. Over the next hour we found a new tree for Regi the squirrel, a new rock for Boa to sleep under, and good homes and owners for all the others. "Thank you, thank you, so much Alle, I could've never done this without you." She was all giddy, jumping up and down laughing. For some strange reason I found myself doing the same.
"What, is , going, on."
"I, don't, know, I'm, just, so, happy." A crowd gathered around us, watching us bounce around for no reason. I grab her hands and pulled her down to earth. She whipped her head around and blushed sheepishly. "Sorry I don't know what came over me."
"It's fine, Flutter, do you have any plans for the rest of the day?" I asked as the crowd dissapated.
"Not really, just a few errends before everypony's supposed to meet up." She shied away. "If you want to come, you can, I kinda like having you around," She put her hands behind her and twisted her hoof. "You make me feel safe." She looked down and blushed.
For the first time my silver toungue had rusted. "I want you to feel safe, I don't know what I'd do if I lost you." I said the first thing that came to mind. She slowly lifted her head, her face even more red. She forced a smile, and slammed into me, sending us both onto the ground.
"Me neither," She started to cry, but just a little. She wiped her eyes and realized what happened. "I'm so sorry, I don't know what came over me." She flew up and pulled me with her.
"It's fine, where to first, Flutter?" I ask as I regained my hooving.
"Well, I have to go get some food for Angel," I shuddered involuntarily at that name. "And then give Applejack back her rake and hedge clippers," She thought hard. "Oh and give back Rarity's maneband she let me borrow last week."
"Well, Rarity's out doing errends too, so I'll give it back to her later, and don't you need the rake to give it back to her?" I stroked my nonexistant beard like Starswirl used to.
"Oh, um I knew I forgot something, let's go." Fluttershy walked toward her cottage, and I closely followed.
"So how's Steele warming up to his new home?"
"He's doing very well, despite his attitude toward Angel."
"Hm, that so?" I laughed.
"Yes, but that happens a lot, Angel's kind of a brat." She smiled.
After a few minutes of walking we arrived at her toolshed, and she shuffled inside. "Where did I put it," several minutes of sorting pass by, and I leaned in. "I know it's here somewhere,"
"Ya find it yet?" I asked in a sarcastic tone.
"Aah!" A thud followed by several clangs, sounded from inside.
"You okay in there?" My sarcasm shifted to worry.
"Found it, ow, ow." She rustled through the pile of lawn tools that had fallen on her. "A little help, please Alle?"
"Sure," I reached down and grabbed her hand, and pulled her out and up. "You alright Flutter?"
"Yes, I'm fine, I just saw a spider, it came out of nowhere." She dusted herself off and gave me a hug. Then I heard that 'SQUEE' again as she smiled.
"You really need to take better care of your tools, I mean, a shovel should be over with the spades, and this, what is this thing," I cock my head and stare at this blade. "Is this a saw, what's it doing on the floor?" For some strange reason I felt the need to organize.
"Are you okay?"
"Shhh." Somehow I slid back into the shed, and the door slowly shut.
"Um, hello?" She knocked on the door.
Somehow I was outside again standing behind her. "What was that about?" She almost had a heart attack, she flew straight up screaming. "You okay?" She was clinging to a cloud for dear life, lungs heaving. I couldn't help but laugh, which strangely sounded like Rainbow's. "Sorry Flutter, I didn't mean it, I swear." I slowly flew up to her and pulled her down, she was flailing.
"Why did you do that, you could've killed me, let me go!" My face was assaulted by a barrage of fists and the occasional hoof.
"Fluttershy, I'm, sorry." I said calmly.
"You scared me half to death." She punched me in the arm.
"Ow, that hurt." I shed crocodile tears.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to hit you so hard."
"Let's go return AJ's rake." My tears instantly evaporated and I smiled. Fluttershy returned her own. "Lead the way." She slowly walked off toward the farm. We walked in silence for a few agonizingly slow moments. The silence was broken by thuds and grunting. "Applebuck Season?" Fluttershy just nodded. A large red stallion stepped out of the barn.
"Howdy Fluttershy, who's this fella." He asked as he walked closer, his chest was wrapped in gauze and his shoulder bore an apple. "Name's Macintosh." He held out his hand.
"Name's Cress, nice ta fin'ly meet ya face to face, AJ's told me lots 'bout you." I took his hand and shook it. "What happened to ya?"
"Oh nothing, just a bet." He chuckled.
"Here's your rake back Big Mac." Fluttershy handed the tool over to him.
"Much obliged little lady." Macintosh smiled and balanced it over his shoulder. "So, AJ's told ya 'bout me?"
"No details, but I can tell she looks up to you."
"Well I'm happy I got ta meet you, I'm sure AJ'd want to talk wit ya but she's a little busy, silly little filly thinks she can do it all by herself."
"That stubborn huh?"
"Eeyup." He nodded. "You look tired would ya care fer a cup a coffee?"
"Yeah I could go for some coffee." I replied.
"Well I have one more thing to do, I'll see you later okay?" Fluttershy looked at me and smiled.
"Okay." I replied, and she flew off. "So, what you hafta do when ya lost?"
"Wear Granny's girdle." He chuckled.
"Wow."
"Well this is Sweet Apple Acres, home to the finest fruit in Ponyville. C'mon in." He walked up some stairs and motioned for me to come in.
"You have a very nice house, very Airyzona."
"I try." He shrugged his shoulders and stepped into the kitchen.
I couldn't help but notice the wrinkly green mare lying in the recliner. Her white mane was braided, and her dentures chattered when she snored. I turned to find a young filly about four feet tall, looking at me with questioning eyes. "Hello," I stutter.
"Hi, I'm Applebloom, what's yer name?" Her accent matched AJ and Macintosh's perfecly.
"Um, Cress."
"My brother know yer here?"
"'Eeyup," He shouted from the kitchen.
"Kay, bye." She bounded upstairs causing a gentle breeze.
"Here ya go nice an' hot." He handed me a mug and I sipped it, the bitter taste rolled over my toungue causing me to shudder. I gulped down the rest in seconds.
"Thank you Macintosh, I needed that pick me up."
"I can tell, well sorry ta run you off but, I got quite alot a' chores."
"'I understand, no rest for the workhorse right?" I stepped into the kitchen and filled my mug again. "Go'on I'll show myself out, after a few more cups, alright." I smiled and he smiled back. He walked outside and off toward the barn. "Gotta love southern hospitality." After a few more nugs of piping hot coffee, I washed it and set it back into the cupboard. As I stepped out the door the mare in the recliner stirred, but stayed asleep.
Over the next hour I walked around town greeting total strangers, then it happened bunny stampede, poor Daisy she'll be afraid of bunnies for awhile. I saw Pinkie walk outside the hospital tent looking a little pale. "You alright Pinkie, you don't look so good."
"Yeah I'm fine just a little indigestion, I gotta go seeya later." She slowly trudged off In the direction I came from. I looked up at the sky and the sun pointed about three o'clock, and the town bell confirmed it.
"What to do for four more hours?" I was deep in thought, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Rarity are busy, Twilight's prob'ly still researching, Pinkie and Ranbow are working, so that leaves Detective Skies, he did want to meet with me. "But where's Cloudsdale?"
"Oh, it's a few miles southwest of here, big heap of clouds, can't miss it." A violet mare with a pink mane stopped next to me. She was wearing white slacks and a yellow shirt. "I'm Cheerilee, I teach at the school across town." She held out her hand and I saw her cutie mark thing, flowers with smiley faces.
"It's nice to meet you Miss Cheerilee, my name is Cress." I took her hand and kissed it.
"Ooh such a charmer," Her cheeks turned pink. "Well good luck in Cloudsdale, you are a pegasus, right?"
"Yeah, you could say that."
"Well I hope to see you again, you're a very nice stallion." She walked off into a shop of some kind.
"A very nice stallion," Her words echoed in my head. Why are these ponies so intent on making friends, was father right? Would all these ponies become enemies, no I can't let that happen, I won't let that happen.
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Look Inside Your Heart Part One.
Chapter 9: When Lightning Strikes, Thunder Rolls
Chapter 9: When Lightning Strikes, Thunder Rolls.
I slowly walked in the direction that Cheerilee pointed out, and remembered that she said a few miles. I shift my gaze left and right, making sure I was out of sight of prying eyes. I gently poke my wings out the holes in the back of the lavender coat I was wearing. The gentle breeze carressed them, and they began to vibrate lifting me off the ground. Breeze flowing through my mane I shot toward Cloudsdale, at breakneck speed. The sweet rush of adrenaline made my heart race and I flew faster. After less than a moment Cloudsdale was in my sights and I leaned back. Landing with the grace of an elephant, I had arrived in the city in the sky. I quickly tucked my wings back under my jacket, and just walked around, trying to get a feel for my surroundings. I was met with looks of confusion and whispers behind my back. These pegasi seemed different from the ones in Ponyville, They seemed suspicious, untrusting, but why? Could it be my outward appearance, or the fact they can't see my wings?
I concentrate on my upper wings and slide them through the holes again, my top set now coated in silver feathers tipped in gold. After seeing this half of the crowd dissapated, while the others still stared heads cocked. What where they staring at? I suddenly feel something sweep under my legs and I was soon laying on my back. Then I feel a thud on my chest, I open my eyes to find a rust red pegasus' grey purple eyes staring into mine. "Nice roundhouse sweep, but,"
"But, what?" She growled placing her small hand around my neck.
"You let your guard down." I replied with a sadistic grin.
"Did I, prove it." Her cold gaze sent shivers down my spine.
"With ease." With one fluid motion I grabbed her neck, spun around, regained my hooving, and put my knife to her throat. "Never let your oppenent know your weakness." I take my knife and resheath it, place her back down, and smile.
"You're good, heck of a lot better than me." Her expression went from fear to happiness.
"Thanks for the compliment, I gotta go." I turned and walked away, after several minutes of enjoying the scenery, I was lost. I decided to stop at Cloud Cafe to get my bearings. After ordering some coffee and picking up the Cloudsdale Gazette, I decided to let her stop hiding. "There are two ways to tail somepony, make sure they don't notice you, or they only notice you." I say as I cross my legs and flip through the paper.
"How long?" I heard her say as she stepped around a bush shaped nimbus.
"Ever since you tipped over that cart full of bottled rainbows." I took a sip from my mug, and eyed an article about weather ponies.
"Hey waiter, bowl a snow." She shouted as she sat down on the other side of my table.
"What do you want?" I fold the paper and set it down.
"Well, I just think you're cool." She scratched the back of her head and blushed.
"So do you stalk everypony you think is 'cool'?" I took another sip of my coffee as the waiter dropped a borl full of white mush in front of her.
"Well not 'Everypony',"
"That's reassuring," I watch as she ate the mush by the spoonfull. "What's your name?"
"Scootaloo, and yours?" She asked her mouth full of mush.
"Cress."
"Wow even your name's cool, I'm'a gonna cut to the chase, you're the second fastest pegasus I've seen,"
"Well that's a compliment." I rolled my eyes.
"Let me finish, smart stallion, you're the second fastest, but you use it diffferently than she does,"
"Really who would she be?" I asked sipping my coffee , knowing full well she meant Dash.
"Rainbow Dash, the best flyer in all of Equestria." She sat there daydreaming. "She's the coolest."
"Then why are you following me,"
"Well I never really liked racing, it's too graceless, I prefer fighting, it's up close and personal."
"The best fighters never need to speak a word, to get their feelings across."
"Commander, Hurricane, said that at the siege of Thunderlore. Where the entire fate of his army rested on his vitory in single combat."
"You've read your history books, I see, but what do you want from me?"
"Well I was hoping you, could, um.."
"Teach you?" I grabbed the pitcher and filled my cup again. "Sorry kid, I don't babysit little fillies." I sipped the hot coffee and it fell down my throat.
"Aw come on, I don't care what you make me do, I want you to teach me." Her tone took one of despiration.
"Wouldn't your parents dislike that choice." I searched hoping to strike the right nerve to send her away.
"I don't know I'm an orphan, a misfit, six years old and I can't even fly." She tried her hardest to hold back her tears. I knew I struck a nerve, but was it the right one?
"When one has nothing to lose,"
"They have everything to gain." She sighed. "Sorry."
"Sixth rule of my school, never apologize, it shows weakness." I chuckled.
"That means you'll do it." Her face lit up with a smile.
"Yes, but first I need to get to C.P.D."
"Why do you need to go there?"
"Front page," I toss the paper at her.
"Suspect At Large C.P.D. Hires Outside Help. " She read the headline out loud.
"I'm that outside help, Scoot." I down the coffee, stand up, and walk to the counter. I reach in my pocket and pull out a badge, how it got there I'll never know. "Charge my bill to Cloudsdale P.D., c'mon Scoot let's go!" She vaulted over the table and was beside me in seconds. "Where is the Police Department any way?"
"You don't know, you're sure oblivious for a detective. It's a few blocks this way." She pointed to the west. "C'mon." She tugged on my arm and dragged me in that direction. About five minutes of struggling to pull me she stopped and breathed heavily.
"Oh, you wuss." I bent down and threw her up to sit on my shoulder. "We need to work on your endurance." She growled and pouted. "Don't be like that, if you don't improve your attitude, I won't let you meet Rainbow Dash." Her face lit up again, and I knew that was the right nerve. From my shoulder she pointed the way and we arrived at our destination moments later. I set her down and we walked in together.
"Excuse me sir, authorized personel only are allowed beyond this point." A mare said from behind a thick sheet of glass.
"I have an appointment." I slap the badge on the glass between us. "She's authorized."
"Sorry sir, protocol."
"Rule number six, never apologize, it shows weakness." Scootaloo said in a sing-song voice.
"Go right ahead, They're expecting you, second door on the left." She said smiling.
"Thanks, c'mon Scoot." I pushed open the door and walk down the hall to the second door on the left. The sign read 'Chief Aurora Boreal.'
"Come in." A mare's voice sounded from inside.
"What can I do for you Chief?" I say after I open the door and sit down with Scoot.
"Well Detective, your skills are needed to catch a killer. We have a composite sketch, and with your record, Detective Starry Skies asked me for your help personally."
"Well, I try to please my superiors, and dissapoint criminals." My thought process had changed for some reason, into one of a cop. "I'll need the evidence reports,"
"Well here are the autopsy reports for the first five victims, be warned they are extremely graphic, and detailed."
"First victim, Ray Porter, C.O.D. hole through chest, causing collapsed lungs, busted ribcage, and crushed heart." I flip through the first folder. "Second victim, Dolly Stitch, C.O.D. crushed skull." The second folder said. "Third victm, Tyson Box, C.O.D. disemboweled." I slowly realized that these ponies and their causes of death, resembled the ones from my dream. Could it have really happened? My deep thought was interruted by Scootaloo's wretching into a nearby trashcan.
"As you can see, there is no evidence linking these cases except for witness testimony."
"Can I speak with these witnesses?"
"Witness, and yes she's right down the hall in the interigation room."
"Don't you think it's strange that twenty-five murders, were witnessed by one individual?" I began speculating if I was really the suspect, or if that witness was corrupted.
"Yes, that's why you're here, I feel that there's something more behind these cases she's not telling us." Chief stated.
"Could you keep an eye on her while I meet with this witness?" I was worried about Scoot even though I just met her. Chief just nodded. I walked down the hall to the interigation room and opened the door.
"Who are you?" The mare asked, she seemed so fmiliar to me, but why?
"Detective Quicksilver, I just want to ask you a few more questions, okay?"
"Okay,"
"Is it true that you've witnessed all twenty-five murders," she nodded. "And is it true that you witnessed the same creature commit each one," She nodded again. "Do you know you're the only witness," She nodded again. "Trying to decieve them is easy, me not so much, there's something else." I say accusingly.
"You're right."
"At each scene there were anomolies, like the fact each one was extremely terrified, yet you the witness, was as cool as a cucumber, why? That answer is simple, the culprit is the witness sticking around to watch her handiwork."
"And the police to squirm trying to find what's right in front of their faces." She laughed like a maniac. "Good luck trying to prove it's me, Brother."
I simply smile and shake my head, get up, and walk out the door locking it behind me. I reach into my jacket pocket and press the button on the recorder I took from the Chief's desk. "Good luck proving it's me Brother." Her voice played, and I felt relieved. I walk back to Chief's office and play the recording. "There a confession, now shall we discuss my payment.
"I can't believe it, we spent twenty-four hours trying to break her, and you do it in five minutes, you're incredible." Chief's jaw dropped.
"All in a good days work, I know my sister, now I will take my payment and we will be on our way."
"Of course, here take it, and a job on the force, we could really use you," Chief handed me a large sack of ten bit pieces.
"Not right now I'm a little busy, with this one here." I say as I rustle Scoot's mane.
"I thought you were an orphan Scootaloo."
"Consider her adopted, Chief." I couldn't help but smile.
"Please call me Aurora," She replied.
"Goodbye Aurora, keep that desk open for me, and my sister under constant survielance she's very violent." I grab Scoot's hand and lead her outside. She was positively beaming and hugged my so tight I found myself making that 'SQUEE' sound but in a lower octave.
"Thank you so much Cress, this means so much to me." She cried tears of joy.
"I know Scoot, I know, let's get your stuff ready, you're gonna live with me down in Ponyville, kay?"
"Kay, just let me get my skateboard and bag, Meet me at the cafe in ten." She bolted off leaving me alone to think.
Look Inside Your Heart Part One.
Chapter 10: Escape (P.O.V. Switch, Chrysalis.)
"Damn, I had hoped he wouldn't have gotten this far." I Slammed my fist on the table in front of me. "Stay calm, Chrysalis it's just a minor setback, time for plan B." I reached into my purse and grabbed the knife I had hidden inside. I heard the door unlock and watched the knob turn slowly. The door slowly creaked open, and a dark blue stallion stepped in. "Come to take me away, Detective Skies?"
"You're under arrest for the serial murders that have transpired this past week. You have the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law." He slapped the cuffs around one of my wrists. "You have the right to an attourney if you can't afford one, one will be provided for you. Do you understand these rights?"
"Of course I do." I Plunged my knife deep into his stomach, and his warm blood trickled over my hands. "And you understand that prison is no place for a lady." My smile grew somewhat demonic, as his cold body landed with a thud on the floor. Thank you ever so kindly for letting me go." I knelt down and lifted his head. "Don't worry you won't die, not yet anyway." With his last ounce of energy he spat blood on my face. "How rude, maybe I will kill you right now." I raise my knife to his throat, as I do I hear hoofsteps down the hall. "Here comes the cavalry, you'll live to fight another day, Starry Skies."
I quickly changed my shape to mimic a pegasus police officer. "Quick Skies is hurt and she's escaped!" I shouted in a stallion's voice.
"Shit, Halestorm call an ambulance"
"Yes sir, Captain Cloud.
"Which way did she go?" Cloud asked enfuriated.
"That way,"
"Don't just stand there, go after her."
"Okay." I ran in the direction I pointed, turned a corner, and went out a window into a dark alley. My shape returned to my own and I kept the featered wings so not to draw suspicion. "That was too easy, Cloudsdale's finest, bah." My heart was racing, I was too careless, I was almost caught. "Dammit." I said under my breath.
"Woah, did you see that, dude, that mare just came outta stallion."
"I know right." Two stallions who were obviously smoking something said from the street. My plan had been comprimised again, but this was a simple fix. I needed to kill something, and two somethings were standing right there. I grinned and motioned for them to get closer. They slowly stumbled into the shadows, I turned plunging my blade into ones face. The feeling of actually killing someone warmed my heart. I wrapped my arm around the other's neck looked deep into his eyes and slit his throat. His blood spewed over my face. His warm red blood tantilized my toungue. It tasted like sweet Ambrosia.
"Delicious, pony blood is much sweeter than ours." I began laughing, Killing is so much fun, I loved watching their terrified faces, Watching their soul drain from their eyes, it made me ecsatic, gave me warm fuzzies. After a few seconds of blood bathing I was satisfied, for the moment. The color of my gown shifted to the same red as the blood and I walked out into the sun. The chariot carrying Starry Skies whipped around the corner so fast it caused a slight breeze. Oh how I hated letting that one slip through my fingers. Then I saw something so bizzare, a small pegasus standing on a board, but she was moving, almost too fast for my eyes to follow. "What strange features this world above ground has?"
As I begin to explore my surroundings my thoughts keep going back to why I let them go instead of killing all of them, was I getting soft, NO I was getting sloppy. "Damn, I could have easily killed everyone of them, so why didn't I?" I growled under my breath.
"Oh that's an easy one," Scarab's voice sounded from behind. I turn to find a tall broad shouldered stallion with a navy blue coat.
"I'd love to hear that answer," I rolled my eyes.
"Never make the first move, Sis."
"What do you mean by that?" I barked.
"You can tug on the strings all you want but it takes knowledge to make your puppet dance." His logic had always confused me, but somehow this made perfect sense.
"What would you suggest, Brother?"
"Me personally, I'd follow them, learn what makes 'em tick."
"Them?"
"Yeah, Brother's hanging around with this girl, orange, purpe hair, grey eyes, she'd be cute, if she wasn't the enemy." His description was spot on with that pegasus on that moving board. "Knowing is half the battle, Chrys."
"True, obviously he'll be expecting me, so you'll go instead, any relevent information will be shared with me via our telepathic link." I grinned and pointed off in the direction that she went. "Go, I will await you at the castle." He saluted and flew off to leave me to my thoughts,and anger.
Look Inside Your Heart Part One.
Chapter 11: If One Believes
Chapter 11: If One Believes. (P.O.V Switch, Cress)
I had waited for what felt like hours for her. The sun sank lower into the sky to about maybe five or six o' clock. "What could be taking her so long?" The waiter a tall navy blue stallion came by and set a mug in front of me. "I didn't order any.."
"You'll need it." He scoffed.
"Well thanks, I guess." I took a sip.
"What's wrong?!" Scoot shouted in my ear.
"You don't have to shout, ready to go?!" I shout back at her.
"Yeah, let's go!"
"I don't know what we're yelling about!"
"Me neither!"
"Ponies are starting to notice us!"
"We should get going!"
"Yeah we should!" After that we both busted our guts laughing, and I threw her onto my back. "Hold on tight, okay."
"Okay." She smiled and wrapped her hands around my neck. "Ready."
"Okay don't blink, you'll miss it." I spread my new set of wings and with one giant wing beat we flew skyward. Somehow I was faster with these than the others, I readjusted them and shot toward Ponyville at terminal velocity.
"This is awesome," She was screaming at the top of her lungs.
"How would you like to learn?"
"That would be the best."
"It's settled then." I beat my wings again and shoot us even further, seconds later we arrive and land in town square. surrounded by cocked heads and prying eyes. "C'mon let's get you washed up and fed some real food." I fold my wings onto my back around her, and head for Sugarcube Corner. "Hey Cup how was the last few hours?" I greet Mrs. Cake as I walk in.
"What brings you back deary?"
"My daughter," As I say this I felt Scoot rustle behind my wings. "Fine you want out." I spread my wings and she fell onto the floor. That familiar clang sounded from the kitchen, and this time I was prepared to switch the tracks on this freight train. The pink flash struck again, I quickly side stepped and in one fluid motion, grabbed her, threw her on the floor, and landed on top of her. "Hi Pinkie." She looked at my brand new pair of feathers.
"I like your other ones better, but nice touch though." Pinkie was smiling.
"Well thanks for noticing." I beat my wings and I was thrown backward, pulling us both to our hooves. "But my others would attract too much attention, Pinkie. They're fine for waltzing 'round here but the city's another story."
"You're right, who's that little filly?" Pinkie pushed me aside and stared at Scoot.
"Scootaloo, my daughter, she needs something to eat."
"Brownies?"
"Brownies." I winked.
"Oh and here," I handed Cup five ten bit pieces. "Fifty bits to pay off my tab and to pay for future orders."
"Oh thank you Dear, I didn't think you would pay so quickly though."
"No problem, say is there any real estate for sale around here, I don't want to impose on Rarity no longer than I have to."
"Well one place comes to mind, that old warehouse downtown, it's a fixer upper for sure but worth it." Carrot's voice sounded from the kitchen,
"Thanks Carrot."
"You're family, it's what we're here for." Cup said with a smile.
"Let's find a place to sit Scoot, one where Pinkie can sit too, you'll need the rest for the rush in half an hour." I had brought Scoot here first so I could show her Pinkie Pie in action. I scanned for a table and found an open booth big enough for all of us. "So Pinkie how are you?"
"Well, real good my stomach's a lot better now and I'm pretty sure we'll be slow for a few days." She bolted toward the kitchen and back in seconds laying three platefulls of brownies. "Mrs. Cake, is it okay if I take the rest of the day off?"
"Of course Dear we can handle it here."
"Go ahead eat you look so hungry."
"Thanks." Scoot began wolfing down her brownies and then mine.
"Pinkie get her some water."
"Got it covered." She set down a bottle and winked. Scoot's eyes began to tear up, and she scrambled for the only drink on the table, and chugged it.
"You okay?"
"Spicy," Scoot was coughing. "What the hell was in those brownies?"
Pinkie and I exchanged glances and said in unison. "Dark chocolate, almonds, pecans, and the secret ingrediant Habanero pepper juice." We shared a laugh and watched Scoot's reaction.
"Now that you've been fed, it's time to get you some new clothes, Pinkie you can come if you want. We're just going to Carousel and then to the library."
"Yeah I'll come with, beats sitting here watching ponies eat sweets, and we can visit Starry,"
"But he's in Clousdale."
"You didn't know, he's in Ponyville hospital, don't know why."
"I knew it, I should've stayed longer." I slam my fist on the table startling Cup and Scoot. "Dammit, I knew they couldn't handle her alone, but I left anyway." My eyes filled with tears, but I felt relieved that she let him live. I push Pinkie out of the booth and she fell onto the floor, and I walk toward the door.
"Wait for me Cress," Scoot placed her hands on the table and vaulted over Pinkie, and Pinkie stood and dusted herself off.
"Me too!" In seconds they were both behind me on the porch.
"Let's go." I spread my feathered wings and bolt toward the hospital leaving them in the dust. Seconds later I landed on the hospital roofand jumped down to the third floor and slid through an open window. The halls were bustling with nurses, doctors, and patients. Easy to slip through unnoticed. As I walk out into the hall and I was tackled by somepony I didn't know. The beautiful white mare, shook her head and raised her bangs, and looked suprised to see me.
"I'm so sorry," She stuttered.
"It's fine Miss,"
"Felicia Redheart."
"Well it's nice to get broadsided by such a beautiful lady."
"Thank you, I think." She blushed and helped me up. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah I'm fine, could you direct me to Detective Starry Skies' room?"
"Are you a friend, He's down the hall, I'll show you the way." She tugged me off down the hall, she was stronger than she looked. "Right in here," She knocked on the door. "Mister Skies you awake?"
"Yeah,"
"You have a visitor,"
"Bring 'em in."
"Go on he's waiting." Felicia pushed me through the door.
"Hey, Kid,"
"How are you still alive?"
"Body armor, Kevlar saved my life, But I'll be out of commission for a while." He lifted his blanket and showed me his stomach, a small scar from a stab wound was fresh.
"Thank Hepheastus she just stabbed you. If she wanted to she could've taken your head off,"
"Without the knife, I know how dangerous she is." He coughed. "Sorry I missed you at the station, I may not have been injured,"
"No, you'd be dead, me too."
"From what I heard, she's quite the assassin, take a look at this," Thunderstorm walked in with Scoot and Pinkie, and handed me a folder. "My contacts at Canterlot Intelligence Agency know who both of you are,"
I open the file and find detailed descriptions of our heirarchy and history. "Where did you get this information?"
"C.I.A. is spearheaded by Celestia, if you ask her she has somekind of divine knowledge," Scoot squeezed around him and hugged me begging to see it. "but I think she's got something else up her sleeve." as he walked in a shadowy figure passed by the door.
"Speak of Hades."
"It's not nice to talk behind somepony's back, Thunderstorm." The beautiful white coated princess walked in, her blue short skirt and blouse didn't do much to hide her exquisite figure.
"My apologies Princess." Thunderstorm bowed.
"Never apologize," I say with a smile.
"It shows weakness." Scootaloo interupted.
"Words to live by," Celestia waltzed over and placed her arm around me. "When Thunderstorm arrived in Canterlot yesterday, I knew something was off, my sources had informed me of your sister's impressive kill count months ago, but I had more pressing matters to attend to."
"What matters would be more important than solving a mass murder case?" Skies was trying to hold Pinkie's mouth shut so he could listen.
"It was Twilight wasn't it, you put training her in magic before all the lives my sister had taken." I barked, she just lowered her head. "I knew it, no one is perfect, including gods." I turn my back and look out the window. "For those, the sun will never shine, that's on your consience, all this could've been avoided if your ego wasn't so massive." My eyes filled with tears and my heart full of sorrow my fist flew through the glass. "You will tell Twilight," My tears were once again replaced with the green Flame Of Hepheastus. "Or I'll make sure your life is a living Hell personally." My voice had shifted to my father's.
"Calm down dude." Thunderstorm pleaded.
"No, you listen, she let all this happen," I barked.
"Kid, don't make me shoot you." I heard Skies cock his gun.
"Try it, I dare you."
"Cress, please stop." Pinkie walked over, and I backhanded her into a wall.
"Dad, stop it!" Scoot shouted, snapping me back to reality. I fell to my knees crying buckets. I was becoming my father. "What is wrong with you," My face was slammed with her fist and all I saw was black.
Look Inside Your Heart Part One.
Chapter 12: Dreaming Of Reality
Chapter 12: Dreaming Of Reality. (P.O.V. Switch, The King)
"Looks like someone's been lying to me." My father's voice echoed in my head. "You are becoming like me, I'm so proud, son"
"No, no I'm not like you, I'd never hurt anyone on purpose."
"Oh really?" The image of Pinkie flying through a wall replayed again and again. "You hurt her on purpose, you killed them on purpose. Not to mention you're hurting someone right now."
"What,"
"These are your eyes, here have some popcorn and enjoy." His laughter filled my head as I looked at the floating screen in front of me. "You're in for quite the show." The screen panned and I saw myself hacking and slashing random ponies, until my gaze falls upon Celestia.
"No, this can't happen I won't let you kill anypony else." I tackle the screen and fall through it into the hospital room. "Leave my body alone," I turn to find myself standing there laughing.
"You're good but not good enough."
"I want my life back,"
"We both know there's only one way to settle this,"
"Single combat, victor keeps both halves."
"Agreed."
"Let's finish this once and for all." I vaulted out the window and out my hand on the ground. He followed and did the same. "By the sword, or fist?"
"The latter."
"So be it."
We both stood five feet between us, as he took his stance he grinned. "To the death." Slowly he stepped around me watching, waiting for the right moment to strike. I shut my eyes and breath deeply. "Giving up already." I sensed movement from behind and raised my arm to block. the sound of clashing metal rang through my ears.
"As always, the dead know not of their mortality."
"What?"
"The game was of fists not swords, father." I open my eyes and turn to deliver a punch to his gut, which also sent me reeling. "Your life has always been forfeit," I fall to one knee and cough up blood. "And so has mine." I slowly regain my hooving. "You will die even if I have to take you with me." I had not noticed the guards that had appeared on my arms, or that they were bladed until now. My heart began to burn and my eyes once again burned green. For the first time in my life, I was driven by more than rage, it was love as well. "You will be destroyed." My voice sounded like four in unison.
"Well look who grew up." My father laughed as he stood up. "A challenge?"
"No, you are not a challenge." I slowly walked toward him each step leaving burn marks in the ground. "You never were." He swung his sword leaving several cuts across my face, his expression of pain and terror was enough torture for him. "Ready to die?" I asked with a demonic grin. In a last ditch effort he plunged his sword through my heart, and began convulsing. "Too bad you killed yourself." I began laughing like a maniac.
"What are you doing?" My real voice sounded in the back of my head.
"Saving your life," I reply yanking the sword out of my chest. "What do you care, you'd really like to die, I sure don't." I reply in a sarcastic tone.
"Well, uh."
"Exactly, what I thought, Cress." I kneel down and place my hand on father's half, and it burst into flames. As it melted and merged with my body I felt warm, this feeling was different. Even with the success I felt empty, why, I should be happy, wait his amulet.
"He'll just keep coming back."
"I know that where is the damn amulet," I shouted back at myself.
"The library."
"Where in Hades is that?"
"Big building, looks like a tree, over there." My head turned to the north east. I darted in the direction my other self pointed out and found the giant tree, and I kicked down the door, startling a purple thing down the stairs. "Over there, on the table." My other self shouted. I walked over to the table and raised my sword to hack the amulet in half.
"Cress what are you doing?" She asked rubbing her head.
"He's not available, leave a message at the beep."
"What," her eyes widened. "Who are you?"
"The King." My devilish smile returned as I slashed downward, but the sword was stopped with a purple wall of light. I push down harder and break it shattering it and sending the purple thing flying. I spin the sword and plunge it through the amulet and the table. "That's done, now for one last order of business,"
"You can't kill Chrys yet, she's too powerful."
"And you think I care, because?"
"Hey, get away from her," I turn to find another one, this one was cyan in color and her mane was one of many hues. I pulled my sword out from the table and point it at her.
"Well look, another one wants to die." I chuckled pondering whether I should.
"No, don't kill that one or anyone."
"What's the point." I argue with myself.
"You want to be like my father?"
"No, I don't, I just lost track of my morals, that happens when you're trapped inside your head for fifteen years." I shouted plunging the sword into the floorboards. "I don't know what's going on anymore." My voice turned from four to a deep one.
"I think I can shed some light on the situation." That white one from earlier said as she walked in."
"Oh I'm sure you can." I reply sarcasticly.
"Don't push it." Cress warned me.
"Well, to bad Cress, I am gonna push it. Tell me, WHAT IN HADES IS GOING ON HERE,"
"Twilight, gather the other Elements please, quickly."
"Yes, Princess." The purple one backed out the doorway. and moments later she returned with an orange one, a pale yellow one, a white one, the cyan one, and the pink one.
"Why not, more of 'em." I plop down in an armchair not caring a lick.
"I know you must be confused, Monarch." The 'Princess' said in a comforting tone.
"I hate that name,"
"It's your name, you may share a body but not a mind." All the others gasped for some stupid reason.
"I hate that name, and I'm starting to hate you, you still haven't told me, JACK SHIT!" Those others gasped again. "Okay what is so suprising about this?" I shouted at them.
"Calm yourself Monarch." The Princess said motherly.
"She's right Butterfly boy." Cress was bursting out in laughter.
"Shut up," I growled.
"Everypony this is Monarch, the only one that holds the seventh Element Of Harmony, Honorability."
"But Princess, there are only six."
"That you know of," I interject. "Still haven't told me what's happening."
"I was getting to that, Very few creatures even know true honor, let alone live by its code. Monarch is special he has no body therefore he has to share one with somepony you know quite well, Cressendo." Every one started to gasp but I quickly responded.
"If I hear you gasp one more time, someone will lose something." they slowly backed away. "Get on with it,"
"Thank you Monarch, because he shares a body they must cooperatewith each other."
"But this guy went and locked me away in his head for the past fifteen years, never even let me see the light of day, or anything. If you just shared we wouldn't be in this mess at all."
"Hey it's not my fault."
"Oh not your fault," I reply sarcasticly.
"Is he talking to himself?" The white one with the purple mane pondered.
"Nope," the pink one said. "He's talking to Cress." She somehow wasn't phased by my arguement with Cress.
"Well somebody gets it," I throw my arms into the air and wave them.
"Good, now what do you think is the wisest action?" The purple one said as she walked up to me.
"For what, horn face?"
"Rude."She growled. "To save the shadows."
"Well I have no idea what you're talking about, care to elaborate?" My question was directed at the one in my head but that purple one answered.
"The Shadow Ponies on the moon only have a few weeks to live on the moon before they are destroyed. We need to save them."
"Why would that concern me?"A fist flew into my face as it pulled back I found it was my own.
"Because I say so."
"Fine, I'll help. What do we know so far?"
"Well my research has yielded two options. The first is during the full moon a portal opens in the old castle ruins,"
"And the second?"
"A lunar eclipse will teleport everything alien to the nearest planet."
"Well the latter is out of the question, unless you can control the sun or moon. So the first will have to do."
"Well the latter is possible in case the first fails."
"Okay, well where is this portal, so I can get these Shadows back here."
"Deep in the Everfree, the full moon is tomorow night."
"Thanks for the short notice guys, I need a map, if I don't get them down here within twenty-four hours of the moonrise eslipse it. "I don't know if it will work." The purple one set down a map of the moon, and I looked it over very carefully.
Look Inside Your Heart Part One.
Chapter 13: Friday The 13th's Full Moon
Chapter 13: Friday The 13th's Full Moon. (P.O.V Switch, Monarch.)
"What should I look for once I arrive?" I ask the Princess who's name escaped me.
"A large arch marked by the crescent moon." A dark blue one said as she flew in through a balcony. "'Tis been a millenia, Monarch."
"Luna, a millenia too long," I folded my hands. "You still owe me,"
"We haven't forgotten what thou hast done for us."
"Do you really still talk like that, beautiful?"
"Our.. er, my apologies, Monarch. It's been dreadful boring, up here." She banged on her head.
"I know the feeling," I stand up and walk over to her, wrapping my arms around her I kiss her cheek.
"Whoa, lover boy." Cress's voice sounded in my head, but I ignored him.
"So I take it we'll be working together again," She nodded. "Good, like old times."
She smiled and blushed. "Like old times." She leaned in and kissed me, after a few seconds she broke the blissful union and smiled.
"Exactly like old times." I laughed, and looked at the white Princess. "Celestia, will you be joining us, this time?"
"No Monarch, not this time." She turned away and pouted.
"Shame,"
"Princess?," The purple one seemed confused as she looked to her mentor.
"Luna, shall we take our leave?"
"Yes, Monarch we have some catching up to do." Luna smiled and we flew up and out the balcony.
====================(P.O.V. Switch, Celestia.)=======================
"Good, he's gone. I had forgotten how much I hate him," I huff.
"Princess, what just happened, that couldn't have been Cress." Twilight asked me still confused.
"My past has come back to haunt me once again. Monarch was a ronin warrior, traveling over Equestria and the surrounding countries, cutting down anypony in his way, Starswirl thought that if Monarch continued on this path he would eventually kill somepony important. So I sent the entire Solar Guard, to bring him to answer for his crimes. I lost many a good stallion that day, until he gave himself up to White Knight,"
"My great grandfather?" Twilight seemed suprised.
"Three times removed."
"But, why would he surrender, if what you said is true Princess, he coulda easily obliterated 'em, no offense Twi." Applejack posed a good question.
"That may have been true, if he wasn't honorbound."
"Honorbound?" Rarity seemed questioning.
"He lost the duel, and therefore he had a right to challenge for redemtion, but Monarch knew he could not defeat White Knight in his current state of mind, conflicted, distracted. So he agreed to return with Knight to the castle," It was uneasing to recall something I chose to forget. "Monarch welcomed his punishment with open arms."
"Punishment," Young Fluttershy stepped back and bit her finger.
"Harboring the souls of those he had killed."
"You mean you used the soul transfer on him, that's dangerous." For the first time my student had questioned my authority.
"For somepony who's mind isn't strong." I sat down in the armchair. "He had proven that he could handle the stress, without saying one word, he just smiled. 'I welcome the company' he said. I admit he had quite the charm about him, Luna seemed to notice as well. Shortly after he applied at the Solunar Academy, and proved himself very capable of strategic adaptation. He rose through the ranks rather quickly until he stood captain of the Lunar Guard, and invoked his right to rematch."
"The duel of day and night," Twilight was dumbfounded.
"I see your constant study hasn't failed you,"
"Naturally." She smiled and her expression returned to serious.
"As you may know White Knight won that bout, but just barely. Sadly that victory meant losing the most powerful of allies. Disgraced Monarch left not to be seen again for months." I sighed. "Luna had seemed obsessed with finding him and left the castle to search, Leaving Starswirl and I to worry, after a week she hadn't come back and Starswirl told me to go looking for her, he said 'I can keep things running for a few days.' " I look out the window and point to the sun and flick it behind the horizon.
"Um, not to be rude, but," The timid pegasus stammered.
"Yes, what is it Dear?"
"Well, um I'm confused, so he had all those ponies in his head?"
"Yes,"
"And, he just ran away?"
"Yes, he did."
"Why?"
"He was disgraced, dishonored, he felt useless." Applejack took the words out of my mouth. "The only way to prove his worth to himself was to duel the greatest swordsponies he knew, but I just thought that was a legend."
"Correct,"
"THE LEGEND OF THE SWORD MASTER. States that he challenged many foes defeating each in single combat, and after each one passed their spirits haunted him, honing his skills." Applejack's description was eerily exact. "And one day he found a beautiful princess, and they were wed, but the ceremony was interupted by a challenge from the Princess' brother. Even the Sword Master's intense training could not help him against the swordsponyship of the Prince, and he was killed releasing the warrior's accumulated spirits, that about right Princess?"
"Yes it is," I replied shocked.
"Thought so." She responded.
"Well, that explains a lot, actually." Twilight who was pulling out her mane earlier paused to think. "But who is the Prince, I've never read about him."
"Of course you have you just don't realize. his name was Enigma, or Black Knight, current Lunar Guard Captain. Because Monarch was killed while protecting his honor I felt guilty for just watching that happen. I asked Starswirl to seal him inside an amulet for his widow to wear around her neck, so he could be with her always."
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Look Inside Your Heart Part One.
Chapter 14: Looking For Something I've Lost.
Chapter 14: Looking For Something I've Lost. (P.O.V. Switch, Monarch.)
"It's so nice out tonight." I turn my head to Luna who was hugging my arm. "And so are you."
"Oh, you're sweet, I knew you wouldn't leave me." She smiled and leaned her head on my shoulder. "I love you Monarch, I missed you,"
"Me too Luna, me too." I wrapped my free arm around her, and found myself doing something I hadn't done for a thousand years, crying. "You were the only one I could think about, for all that time." My heart felt heavy and cold and I began to tremble. "I love you, I always have."
"I know Monarch,"
"So touching," Cress' voice was bawling.
"Shut up." I mentally yelled and punched his face. "But you have to realize, that this isn't my body and he can regain control at any time,"
"I don't care," Luna's eyes began to tear up. "I just don't want to lose you." Her tears were falling like waterfalls. I did the only thing I could think of, and pressed my lips hard against hers. She moaned and thrust her toungue around mine. As our toungues wrestled I felt her hand slowly drift down my chest. It had felt like forever since I had felt a woman's touch. I had forgotten emotion, forgotten love. As I close my eyes a flood of my memories cascaded in my mind. Luna my Princess, I loved her. Her soft fingers inched lower and lower, unbuttoning my pants she slid her hand inside. She leaned back and broke the kiss to adjust her position. Her face was one I saw on her many times. yearning, as if she was asking permission. I smiled and nodded and she unzipped her black jumpsuit letting it fall to the ground. Her voluptuous curves had developed even more, her dark blue coat shined like satin in the moonlight, and felt like silk.
"You look gorgeous."
"Don't spoil the moment." She knelt and slid me inside. Her insides wrapped around me, it felt so tight and wet. This feeling I hadn't felt in years rushed through my brain, as she began to slide up and down, massaging my shaft, the intense pleasure flowed through my head, It had felt like ages since, but it felt wonderful to be with her like this again. After what felt like hours of sweet bliss we both could hold back no more and released simultaneously. "That, was, amazing." She gasped between breaths.
"Two-thousand, years, old, and, I, still, got, it." I panted, drifting in and out of conciousness. "Night Luna."
"Night." She giggled as I shut my eyes.
=====================(P.O.V. Switch, Luna.)=======================
I lay next to his sleeping body, for hours smiling, tracing constellations and playing with the moon, Sister told me it wasn't a toy and I knew it had an effect on the tides, but I still felt like playing with that big ball in the night sky, like a kitten and a ball of yarn, I know I shouldn't but I can't help myself. As my boredom reached a new high, I couldn't help but feel restless, time slowed to a crawl and I began spying on stragglers in the night, I put on my black leather and jump down from the cloud we were on. "Gotcha." A voice from behind startled me and I fell on my flank.
"Sister," I growled.
"What were you doing up there?"
"Nunya." I stick my toungue out at her.
"Nunya?"
"Nunya business."
"You are so immature." I could tell Sister was peeved. "You were playing with the moon again, weren't you?"
"Among other things." I whisper hoping she didn't hear me, but her hair started to smoke, again.
"I've told you a thousand times stop playing with the moon, and stallions, I don't like it when you disobey." Her horn began to spark. "I'm your older sister I, make, the, rules, not you!" Sister's mane was set ablaze with the fury of a thousand suns. "And he is going alone tomorrow."
"Sister please,"
"No, you have crossed the line for the last time,"
"But." I was crying waterfalls.
====================(P.O.V. Switch, Monarch.)=====================
I was awoken by intense heat and bickering, I poke my head through the cloud and see Luna was crying and Celes was on fire, HOLY HEPHAESTUS SHE'S ON FIRE. I dive off the cloud and broadside Celes, the fire on her head was extiguished as she skidded through the dirt. "Never let your guard down, Celes." I walked over to Luna and wrap my arms around her. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine."
"Good,"
"Foolish immortal, Thou hast awakened the fury of a god." Celes exploded in anger and was ablaze. "Any last words," Her voice had gained her royal decible.
"Just a few, but I won't be saying them tonight."
"So you say, and so it shall be."
"Shit, switch places." Cress shouted.
"What would that acomplish?"
"You can't match her strength,"
"Don't you think I know that?" My voice was drown under the sound of explosions. "But I can match her brain, she may have the powers of a goddess,"
"But she's still a pony."
"Great minds think alike," A strong gust of wind blew me through a building wall. "Ow," I find myself pinned under rubble to heavy to lift. "Damn,"
"That's it, my turn."
=================(P.O.V. Switch, Cress.)========================
I calmly regain control of my body, and powers. I concentrate on the rubble on top of me. After a few seconds it was set ablaze with the Green Flame Of Hephaestus rendering it ashes in seconds. "What in Hades was that!?" Monarch's voice echoed
"The power of a true god," I regrow my feathered wings and use them to get back to my hooves. "What were you thinking?" I yell in my head. "You pissed of the wrong one. You're lucky I'm thick skinned." The intense heat and wind bursts almost brought me to my knees.
"Thou hast the favor of Hephaestus, no matter."
"Sister please, calm down." The flaming Princess raised her hand.
"Shit," Suddenly I was between them holding Celestia's wrist.
"The speed of Hermes." She chuckled.
My eyes glazed over with blue flames, changing my thought process and senses drasticly. Everything seemed slower. "Woah dude am I freaking out, everything's so slow." Monarch was more confused than I was.
"Calm down Monarch,"
"She's trying to hit us."
"Oh she is." I turn my head to find her fist slowly moving toward my face. I raise my hand to grab it and throw her over Luna. My vision returned to normal and so did everything else. Celestia crashed through a building. "Hope that one wasn't occupied." The building erupted in flames.
"Ooh she's pissed now, anger clouds judgement, now's our chance." Monarch shouted.
"What would you suggest,"
"If we can crush her ego, that should have an effect on her,"
"Then we can deliver the finishing blow." I replied.
"Exactly, but how?" I kept my eyes trained on the burning goddess. "Wait, You thinking what I'm thinking, "
"Divide and conquer,"
"Divide and conquer," I place my hand on the building next to me, and my eyes flame over green. Slowly a outline is carved into the concrete. "Let this be a lesson, life finds a way." As I remove my hand the ouline began to sculpt itself into the form I desired. "It's not much,"
"It's perfect."
"Flame Of Hephaestus burn bright." I stare into the statue's eyes. "The eyes are the gateway to the soul." My eyes began flaming and I felt lightheaded. The statue began to convulse, and gained color, and a more lifelike appearance.
"Now that's what I'm talkin' 'bout. Let's go kick some ass." He charged at Celestia without thinking.
================(P.O.V. Switch, Monarch.)========================
Seconds after I took the first step my fist connected with Celes' face sending her flying. "Damn, I forgot how hard headed she was." I look for Luna and find her cowering in a corner. "You alright Beautiful?" I hold out my hand to her, and she grabbed it. I pulled her up and she cried bucket on my shoulder. "It's okay," I massage her weak spot right between her wings.
"I was so scared, Sister was so angry."
"She still is," Cress responded rubbing his head."
"Well, I'll keep her safe you deliver the final blow."
=================(P.O.V. Switch, Cress.)==========================
"That might be a problem," I reply staring at the emblazed alicorn staring menacingly into my eyes. "Look at what you have done. Your faithful student would be dissapointed." Her expression changed to one of sorrow. "That's what I thought, the almighty Princess Celestia protector of all good things, look" I grab the sides of her head and forced her to gaze upon the destruction. "At what you have done, you are lucky nopony got hurt, now snap out of it!" My hand slapped across her face extiguishing her mane and tail, filling her eyes with tears. "Don't try to play god with me."
=================(P.O.V. Switch, Celestia.)=========================
For the first time somepony had the gall to challenge me, and succeeded. "What have I done," I struggled to hold back my tears. "I apologize, please forgive me." I pleaded.
"I think you need to say that to somepony else." Cress was correct Luna needed to, no I needed to hear that she would forgive me.
"'Tis alright, big sister."Luna's tone was sincere even though I just tried to kill her. "Everypony has their short fuse."
"That's like saying Dynamite explodes, everypony knows that." Monarch's sarcasm was somehow comforting. "Now I think we need to fix this mess A.S.A.P.,"
"You are right Monarch." I had finally remembered why I loved him, his sense of humor, he could always make me laugh, I couldn't help but smile at such fond memories. I stood, dusted myself off, and consentrated on the scattered rubble. They were surrounded with my yellow aura and the buildings began to reform as they were.
"I'll be damned, it looks so easy." Monarch had always loved watching magic in action, since his horn had shattered eons ago.
"That's one thing I can't fix," Cress stated, obvioulsy still linked to Monarch's mind.
"That's okay, you learn to live without it." Monarch seemed depressed.
===============(P.O.V. Switch, Cress.)=============================
Watching Monarch's admiration of our powers, made my heart sink, I felt pity. Even though he singlehandedly put out the sun, I felt sad for him, I would be dead if it weren't for this power. Yet he can defeat a god with his own two hands. Why do I need these stupid powers, I could easily retake the throne without them, right. I tried to keep my rambling to myself, luckily Monarch was distracted. Do I really want to go through with this, should I even try to return to the throne, "Why do I have so many questions and no answers!" I slammed my fist on a wall that just appeared next to me.
"Maybe they're not the right questions," Monarch took a serious tone. "Or there aren't any answers."
"Maybe, but I still need to look for them."
"I'll be right with you, Brother." Monarch smiled, his arm wrapped in a smiling Luna.
Look Inside Your Heart Part One.
Chapter 15: Mustering Troops
Chapter 15: Mustering Troops. (P.O.V. Switch, Cress.")
As we finished reconstruction Luna was lowering the moon beyond the horizon, and Celestia thought that it was time to raise the sun. For some strange reason the sun's warmth was nonexistant. "Something doesn't feel right,"
"Of course it doesn't." Monarch's monotone did nothing to ease my suspisions. "Look,"
"Not again," Luna was wide eyed.
"What in Hades is that?" As my eyes adjust I see something I fear I shouldn't.
"The sun is dimming, I've seen this before, one-thousand years ago, the sun dimmed to the one we say yesterday, and now to this one."
"What does that mean?"
"Whenever Celes gets angry, really angry, she gets hot under the collar, and she's the sun goddess, so,"
"Put two and two together, and she equals the sun's fury."
"Yes, that's exactly why it isn't good to piss her off,"
"So if she is the sun's fury, what is Luna?"
"The moon's vigilence, it's why she finds the lives of others fascinating."
"Interesting, but how do we fix the sun."
"We can't, all we can do is hope I can keep my temper in check." Celestia flicked her bangs setting them drifting in the wind. Her innocent smile was somehow comforting. "I apologize for what you had to do Cressendo, and I am very sorry for treating you like an enemy Monarch, when you should be treated like family."
"You mean," Luna was shocked and wide eyed.
"You love me, you really love me." Monarch was suddenly wrapped around Celestia and lifted her into the air. "I'm so happy."
"Monarch," Celestia seemed annoyed.
"Oh, sorry." Monarch set her down and looked back at Luna who was giggling. I couldn't help but laugh either. Wiping the tears out of my eyes, wondering if Scoot would find, wait where is she.
"Sorry to interrupt this touching moment, but where is my daughter?"
===============(P.O.V. Switch, Scootaloo.)=========================
My head hurts, where am I, where's Cress. "Cress, Dad!?" I sat up in the bed, bed? What happened, last thing I remember is knocking him out. Why does my head hurt? The sun shines in through the blinds shedding a little light, I suddenly hear hoofsteps outside the door. Then I hear voices.
"She's lucky to be alive, let alone awake." A stallion said.
"Oh don't be so pessimistic, I knew she'd pull through," A white mare said as she walked in. "Good morning, my name is Felicia Redheart."
"What's so good 'bout it?" I reply sarcasticly.
"Well, you're alive, that's one thing,"
"I don't remember what happened."
"Well you punched that stallion in the face, and he went out like a light. Then about half an hour later, you collapsed, doctor says it was a heart attack. Such a pity for your little heart to go through so much."
"Where is he, Where's my Dad?"
"He was your father, but our records show no next of kin."
"I was adopted yesterday, unofficially."
"I see,"
"Hey, Felicia." Cress' voice was muffled through the glass window. She walked over to the window and opened it.
"Dad!" I jumped at him and out the window, he caught me and laughed. "Where were you,"
"You're lucky I was here to catch you,"
"I wouldn't have jumped out the window if you weren't."
"Likely story." He squeezed his massive wings through the window and set meback on the bed. "Are you okay Scoot."
"Yeah no big deal."
"Really, don't make me go over your head," He turns his head to Miss Redheart. "Felicia,"
"She had a heart attack."
==================(P.O.V. Switch, Cress.)==========================
"No big deal my ass," I raised my voice. "What happened?"
"I don't know." Scoot lowered her head.
"I hate working with amnesia," I clench my fist. "Was anypony else with her,"
"I was," Felicia placed her hand on my shoulder.
"Tell me what happened,"
"Well, okay."
==================(P.O.V. Switch, Felicia.)======================
Eight hours earlier.
Scootaloo had just knocked Cress out cold, I made sure to get him some ice and a warm bed, we waited for thirty minutes. We sat by his side the whole time, until Cress sat up, and payed us no attention. When we tried to find out what was wrong he just stared at us, like something from a nightmare. His eyes spewed fire and his mouth peeled back, like a spider's letting out fangs and this deep grumbliing sound that chased chills down my spine.
I turn my head slightly to find her clutching her chest and hyperventilating. My hand trembling I reach for something, anything to defend myself. That thing turned it's head to look at her and roared coating her face in saliva. Her eyes closed and she fell limp.
The monster's fangs slowly returned into it's mouth, and it's mouth reformed. It turned and lunged at a passing nurse ripping her to shreds, blood soaked the walls and ponies paralyzed with fear. Letting out a powerful screech it went off chasing screaming ponies.
I quickly went to work to resuscitate her, after three grueling minutes of sweating I got her heart beating and brought her back, she was unconcious but alive. I pesonally carried her downstairs and layed her down. After making sure she was stable, I went to work helping the other patients.
===============(P.O.V. Switch, Cress.)=============================
Her story was truly one from nightmares, my nightmares. I used to have that nightmare about my father and the monster he was. I could tell I was wearing my heart on my sleeve, I was tackled by both of them each brought to tears and trembling from the terrible memory, I soon was brought to tears knowing that I had given them this image. "I'm sorry, It's all my fault."
"I was so scared," Felicia was bawling.
"I don't care, I'm just glad you came back."
"Don't wannna spoil the family moment but, it's time," Monarch was leaning in the doorway. "You bringin' the kid?"
"No, I don't think that's a good idea."
"You just got back, if you go I go," Scoot was squeezing me tighter. "Period."
"It's not safe where I'm going."
"I don't care, nothing trumps experience," She yelled. She reminded me so much of myself, and she was right, but I didn't want her to get hurt, I didn't want anypony to get hurt, but why, so many lives lost, so much blood spilt, so much pain, why, why, why did all this happen to me and those I care about! Why can't I stop shaking, I can't save them all, so why do I want to try so badly?
"Fine, you can come," Her eyes lit up and her quivering lips forced a smile.
"If she goes, I go too, I have a feeling that you'll need my expertice, besides we can't let Scootaloo have another heart attack."
"Good, we're set, c'mon." Monarch's tone grew impatient as he turned and left.
"Are you sure you want to come, I don't know what's gonna happen." They exchanged glances and smiles.
"Yes."
"Yes."
"Okay just promise me one thing, you'll stay with me at all times, I don't want either of you to get even a scratch." They nodded giving me their answer. "Good." So much pain, so much suffering, so much love...
Look Inside Your Heart Part One.
Chapter 16: Battle Plan Pt:1.(P.O.V. Switch, Monarch.)
I had some time to think try to remember the good times, and why have I been able to live so long. That purple one, Twilight Sparkle, she seems powerful in both mind and magic, maybe she even rivals me. There's something that bothered me. Maybe the reason I've been allowed to live, for the sole purpose of repairing my honor, no I know damn well that isn't it. What if my shattered honor kept me here, bodies are fragile, but this one, maybe I've been given a second chance.
"You really think they'd make a good family for me." Cress walked up behind me.
"They weren't, coulda fooled me." I replied playfully.
"Well this little one's mine." This little orange-ish filly poked her head out from behind his wings.
"Hello." She seemed eager, but cautious.
"Hi, are you ready to go?" I asked.
"Felicia," Cress shouted.
"Ready." That white mare walked out carrying a briefcase.
"Do they know, our destination?" I tried thinking to Cress.
"No, but they refused to stay here while I went away." He replied the same way.
"Don't you think it's unwise?"
"No, they're adamant, no convincing otherwise."
"I was afraid of that,"
"I'm sure the plan will explain everything." He said out loud.
"We haven't made the plan yet, you ran off." I reply.
"Well, I couldn't leave her in the Hospital,"
"Fine, Let's get a move on, we got somewhere to be. C'mon," He put his hands on their backs and pushed them in my direction.
==============(P.O.V. Switch, Cress.)==================
About five minutes later, we were back at the library. The dragon opened the door and welcomed us in. A giant round table was in the center, Luna sat next to her sister, and the others two empty chairs stood there one next to Luna the other between Twilight and Rainbow. "Good morning, I trust you got some rest." Twilight said with a smile.
"Not a lick, you get used to it." Monarch chuckled taking his seat next to Luna.
"So who're yer new friends sugarcube?"
"Well this is my daughter," I put my hand on Scoot's head. "Adopted." She just smiled and gave me a hug before stealing my seat next to Rainbow. "And this is Felicia, my,"
"Marefriend?" Pinkie asked suspisious.
"Well, um." Once again my silver toungue had rusted.
"No, not at the moment, bachelorette. "She cocked her head and smiled.
"That's too bad, he's a good catch, if ya don't reel him in, somepony else will." Rainbow chuckled, playing with Scoot.
"Now to business, messime. We know what to do, but I'm afraid we have no way of reaching them beforehand." Rarity was pessimistic.
"Yes we do," I slammed the crystal into the table. "Clara Shadowfire." The orange crystal changed color to blue, and Clara's smiling face greeted us.
"Hey, it's been three days, what took so long?"
"A few minor setbacks," I chuckled.
"Likely story, so what's the plan?"
"Tonight is a full moon giving us the ability to travel between, that's how we'll get half of you here, the other half we're not sure."
"We can handle that, the pegasi can survive the drop, while the unicorns can ferry small groups back and forth."
"Well you seem organized," Monarch kept his sunny disposition.
"Expect us shortly after moonrise."
"Okay will do, hold on, what is that, HOLY SHIT!!!!!!!" the signal went static.
"Clara," I shouted. "We need to get there now!"
==============(P.O.V. Switch, Clara.)==============
"Ow my head," I opened my eyes and kick off my stuco blanket, coughing from the kicked up dirt. "What the hell was that?" I look side to side and hear screams outside. "Oh my god," I jump up and run outside. I look down and a unicorn grabs my legs.
"It's Nightmare," He struggled to say the word.
"Just when things were going good," I huffed and looked down, the stallion's life had faded. "Damn," I place my fingers over my ear. "Soren, do you read me, over." Static faded out and Charlie's voice was muffled by explosions.
"Kinda a bad time, Big Blue's back, and she's pissed off, and I mean really pissed."
"Get outta there,"
"Easier said than done, darkside remember. You try flying in the dark."
"What about those night vision prototypes?"
"I forgot about them, be there soon, over and out." Ths static returned and I silenced my earpiece.
"Roger that," Shadowbass, unicorn captain replied.
"Yes ma'am," Commander Shadowmane replied.
"I'm going for Liutenant Skyfire, under no circumstance are you to let anypony past the gates after you get the citizens inside."
"Are you sure you'll make it?" Shadowmane faded between static.
"You both know I'm more than capable."
"He's just worried, Clara, I am too," Bass was right.
"Enough chit-chat, you have your orders carry them out, Shadowfire over and out. " I silence my earpiece and head for the coordinates of Darkside Labs, even if I couldn't see it I knew were it was.
================(P.O.V. Switch , Soren Skyfire.)=====================
Two hours earlier.
I was working late as usual, first one in last one out every day. I had just finished my light beam cannon prototype and was ready for testing. "Let's light this candle." I set it on my shoulder and line up the sights. "Scope Targeting's good," I flip a switch. "Auto Targeting's operational," I gently tap on the trigger, a bright light bursts forward shooting me back through a wall. "Note to self trigger's sensitive." Slightly dazed I sit up. "Better dial back the refraction and pulse rates, too." I stand, dust myself off, and drag the cannon back to my worktable, making damn well sure my hands were no where near the trigger. I sit in front of my crystal screen, it was flashing, Drastic levels of light radiation detected. "I know dammit, why do I even have that on, Shut down alarm." I touch the off button on the crystal touchpad. "Bring up L.B.C. specs," I connect the cannon to the programmer.
{ Screen readout } Trigger sensitivity, 95% ===================[]= Refraction rate, 75% ===============[]===== Pulse rate, 80% ================[]==== Focus rate 50% ==========[]========== Spectrum. \/
R B Y O G P W Change Statistics, Save And Reconfigure. \________________________________________________________/
I tap the Change Statistics part of the screen allowing me to freely adjust the parameters. "Better set the sensitivity to seventy-five, don't wanna hair trigger or have to try too hard to shoot, pulse rate down to sixty-five, everything else seems correct numberwise." I press the Save And Reconfigure button.
{ Screen Readout } Data Reconfigure Successful Please Remove Hardware. \________________________________________________________/
"One more time." I lock on the target and tug the trigger sending the white beam straight at it, making it explode in a big beautiful flash, at least I think it was beautiful, I couldn't see it. "Successful test but how will it fare against an actual target, so many variables to account for." I knew eventually we were going to move everyone to the castle tonight, so I decided to start packing up shop. "Tool belt, screwdriver, wrench, pliers, wire cutters." Shifting through my toolbelt, I find each tool in their proper places. "Acetaline torch on my back, drill in holster, Light cannon shouldered, Crystal system in the pack." I put in my earpiece, and one of the walls collapsed.
What stood there was, pure anger sending chills down my spine. Big Blue Nightmare Moon, even though I was terrified I made sure to keep my cool. "Welcome to the darkside," I say nonchalantly.
"Keep thine questions to thyself, peasant." She shouted in that voice shaking the foundation. "We need thine expertise,"
"Sorry our hours are five to nine, please call back during this time period."
"How, quaint." She said as a strong force started to crush my neck.
"What, do, you, want?" I gasped between breaths.
"We have a problem."
"Who doesn't?" I keep my head level despite the lack of oxygen.
"Thou dost know about weaponry."
"What does the great and powerful Oz need with weapons?" I gasped for air as her clutch grew tighter. "Okay, okay I'll help you." The shadowy force dissapated and I hit the floor, lungs begging for air.
"Excellent,"
"What, is, your, specialty?" I gasp for air.
"We prefer swordplay."
"Well we have quite the selection," I walk over to my sabre stash. "The most advanced I have is this one." I hand her the exending rapier. "This beauty can vary it's length from three feet to one, and anywhere in between."
"This suits us."
"Like you were made for each other." I couldn't do anything, what happened to her, this wasn't the one from before this one sent chills through my spine, she was evil. She pointed the sword at me. "Whoa, what are you doing."
"Thine sevices are no longer required."
"Be reasonable," I back away slowly bumping into the table. Hundreds of scenarios ran through my head, and I died in every one, except one. I slowly reach for the cannon and activate the auto targeting system. She slowly stepped toward me. I desperatly run my other hand over to my shock glove, and slip it on. The tip of the sword was hairlengths away. "You don't know how this thing," I wrap my shock glove around it and release the twenty-four-hundred volts through it and her, flooring her. "Even works." I kneel down and took the sword from her twitching hand. "Now be a good princess," I drag her unconcious body to the empty vault and throw her in. "And stay down." I slam the door shut and lock it. "Now that's out of the way..." My sentance was cut short by an explosion, from inside the vault. "Gonna hafta try better than that." I laughed knowing that the pure lead and polycarbonite steel vault would slowly poison her.
I rustle through my files and find my L.B.C. blueprints and shove them into my bag. Another explosion rattled the foundation. "Maybe I'm wrong." Another explosion buckled the door. "Shit," My earpiece was brought to life with static, it was Clara.
"Soren, do you read me, over."
"Kinda a bad time, Big Blue's back and she's pissed off," Another expolsion broke one hinge. "And I mean really pissed."
"Get outta there now!"
"Easier said than done, Darkside remember. You try flyin' in the dark."
"What about your night vision prototypes?"
"I forgot about those, be there soon , over and out." As I silenced the earpiece the door flew off it's hinges. "Where are they," I rumble through my projects. "Here, they are." I slap them on and turn to see the menacing silhouette of The Nightmare. I glance over to the pulse grenades and activate ten of them. "Alpha, Mike, Foxtrot, in other words," I spread my steel feathers and fire my turbine boots. "Adios Mother Fucker!" I boost straight up as my lab went up in flames.
Look Inside Your Heart Part One.
Chapter 17: Battle Plan Pt:2.
I look down at the smoldering ashes of my beloved lab, I couldn't help but shed a tear, the only light for miles was fading fast. I press a button on the goggles and the green visor lit up and I could see. "They work, wait what," I focus my eyes and see Big Blue without a scratch. "Shit," I turn a knob on my wrist panel and the boots fire a max shooting me toward the castle at well over the speed of sound. After the sonic boom I had already broke mach ten, but Blue was hot on my tail. I shift my weight and point the cannon and fire, the white beam scraped her arm sending he down hard. "Succesful field test."
==================(P.O.V. Switch, Shadowbass.)====================
"Roger that." I silence my earpiece. "Alright ponies everyone gather your belongings, we're movin' out." I shouted.
"Tonight?" My little sister asked tugging on my tail.
"Yeah, go get your things." The unicorns scrambled for their things. I feel a presance behind me. "Been a while, Nebula." The red shadow alicorn stood behind me.
"I've come to warn you,"
"If it's about Nightmare I already know,"
"So it's time?"
"Yeah, it is Ben."
"I've always hated it here, too dark."
"Well once we get these unicorns to the castle, then we're home free."
"Good." As the unicorns regrouped my sister stood beside me. "All of you follow me to the castle."
===================(P.O.V. Switch, Shadowmane.)==================
Unlike Bass we were prepared and were in the castle moments after the call. An hour later Bass showed up with the unicorns and Nebula. "Colonel Shadowmane."
"Nebula, it's nice to see you again."
"As with you."
=================(P.O.V.Switch, Clara)============================
As I got closer to the darkside a huge explosion shook the entire moon. "What the buck was that." And then a big flash and a buzzing sound. I look closer and see afterburners, his afterburners." He made it, oh shit." I blink and he's four feet from me,not even half a second he picks me off the ground and we're at the castle, crashing through a window and onto the floor. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah I'm fine, been through worse." He helped me up and seemed depressed.
"I'm sorry for that." I try to be comforting.
"For the last time, it wasn't your fault." He sighed.
"Hey it's fine, you look cooler anyway," Shadowbass. said with a smile.
"Hey, bro you're one to talk." Soren looked angrily at Bass.
==================(P.O.V. Switch, Shadowbass.)====================
I look at my left arm, the silver paint was peeling, revealing the wiring. My mind wandered back three years to the 'altercation'. I was an up and coming officer in the guard. I was keeping tabs on Soren every few weeks but one day I was called to deal with an assassin that targeted Prince Nebula. I stood by his side day and night, new to full and back again. We became good friends over those months until the merc showed himself, I lost my arm that day, but I managed to protect the prince, and that was all that mattered. Over the next few weeks Soren developed an artificial limb, and had Nebula enchant it to mimic my old one. I was forever in their debts. over the past three years I've become captain, and even found our missing sister.
======================(P.O.V. Switch, Soren.)=====================
After that comment I could tell he was thinking, I could hear the gears turning. "Anyway Blue'll be here any minute any headway on that rescue plan." I look at Clara.
"We have six hours to kill."
"Really only that much?" Bass seemed suprised.
"That's awesome, but we need to get ready for Big Blue."
"I don't think we'll be able to keep her away for six hours." Mane replied.
"We just need to keep her distracted, I believe I can find some way." Nebula stated.
"I'll work with Nebula everyone else fortify," I order.
"Yes sir." they reply with a salute.
"My laser seems to affect her, but I only have one."
"Will sound help?" Bass asked
"Maybe." I was deep in thought.
"Light and sound may give us the edge, what about gravity?" Nebula posed a good question, that gave me an idea.
"That's genius, we could easily keep her at bay under intense gravity. Are you really going to help, we might have to kill your mother."
"That mare is not my mother, I'm with you to the end." Nebula was determined to se us through to the other side.
"Good, Nebula enhance the gravity outside the castle, Bass get the sharpshooters and line 'em up. I'll juri rig something to keep her occupied, This is not a drill ponies, double time." The next three hours passed by slowly, she should be here by now. "Three more, hours."
"Target sighted, ten kilometers south and closing fast."
"Thar She Blows." I regain my sunny disposition for five seconds. I shoulder my cannon and find her in my sights. I let one warning shot graze her horn. Taking aim I shot at her hoping to get a headshot, not so lucky. I unloaded ten shots each just grazing her just leaving burns. "Sharpshots open fire." The unicorns release a volley of beams these actually hit their mark, but this only made her more angry. "This isn't working."
"I got this." Bass jumped out the window and left a crater where he landed.
=============(P.O.V. Switch, Shadowbass.)=========================
The intense gravity pushed at my shoulders, maybe this wasn't the best idea. Nightmare was closing fast her shadowy grasp flowed out feet from her. Beams flying overhead I felt scared, the most powerful thing on the moon was inching toward me. Her shadow wrapped around my leg, as I tried to jump back. "Oh look upon thyself, so much fear, ravishing." I couldn't move, she towered over me her gaze cold and heartless. "Thou hast chosen the wrong option." She tugged on my leg whipping me upside-down. She waved me back and forth. up and down laughing, like I was a toy. She graspped my other leg and pulled, my bones shattered and skin ripped, all I could do was scream, she seemed to enjoy my pain. I heard the sound of slashing and I was dropped to the ground. My vision was blurry but my ears weren't.
"Get your hands of him BITCH!" The blood loss made it difficult to place the familiar voice.
"Thou shalt regret crossing blades with the night."
"Are you okay?"
"No I'm Bass," The bloodloss made me lightheaded.
"Damn," I feel my earpiece rip out of my ear. "We got a problem." I was drifting out of conciousness.
=================(P.O.V. Switch, Shadowdancer.)===================
"He got his ass handed to him didn't he?" Soren asked.
"On a silver platter."I kneel down and check for a pulse, it's faint but still there. "If we don't get him in the castle he'll be crushed."
"Retrieval's on their way, keep her occupied,"
"Easier said than done, brother." I stand and stare into the abyss of her eyes. The sheer terror grasped at my heart and it started pounding. Luckily my training accounts for drastic change in G-force, and I'm unaffected by the change, but she was.
"Overconfidence shall be thine downfall." Her shadow reached for my arm.
"Shit," I quickly spin kicking up dust, and sweep under her, she hit the ground hard. "What was that?"
"Insollent Whelp." Her voice came from behind me, and a hand wrapped around my neck lifting me into the air.
"How," Her hand squeezed harder.
"Put the girl down," I heard a familiar voice and then a slash and I slammed onto the ground. "That's better." I rolled to see who saved my life, a pure black alicorn.
"Monarch," Nightmare was clutching her reforming hand.
==================(P.O.V. Switch, Monarch.)=======================
"I'm flattered, you remember." I raise my sword and point it at her. "Out of all my prisons yours was, most disturbing." I shift my gaze to the aproaching group led by a red alicorn, who looked like me, seconds later they circled around the two unicorns. "Now let's get down to business."
"I'm with you," Cress stood to my right.
"I as well." Luna stood to my left.
"Let's do this." Scootaloo stood in front.
"Count me in." The girl vaulted over the crowd landing beside Scoot.
"As I." The red one stated.
Look Inside Your Heart Part One.
Chapter 18: Battle Plan Finale.
Chapter 18: Battle Plan Pt:3.(P.O.V. Switch, Nebula.)
I stood beside five of the bravest I had ever met, the black alicorn caught most of my attention. He seemed so familiar, as well as the silver pegasus, and the one that looked like mother. "No time to reminesce, Nebula." She even sounded like mother.
"Nightmare, your days are at an end." The silver pegasus shouted.
"Thou dost challenge us?"
"Overconfidence shall be thine downfall." The silver one retorted.
"Enough talk, let's get it started." The small orange one said.
================(P.O.V. Switch, Scootaloo.)========================
I look at the unicorn beside me and we smile, I could tell she was thinking what I was, charge. We both darted under Nightmare's legs, and swept. sending her to the ground. "That worked better than I thought, Name's Dancer." She smiled.
"Scootaloo." Cress shouted.
"Oh crap, Dad!" Nightmare was behind us.
"Oh HELL NO." A big flash of light struck Nightmare in the face. "You ain't killin' my sister," A light blue pegasus with metal wings was behind a cannon. He ran over to us. "You two okay?"
"Yeah," I answer.
"You got it working," Dancer smiles.
"Of course, I did, I'm Soren Skyfire." He helped us both up. "I can't believe two six year-olds floored Big Blue." He turned his head to Monarch. "So you're the rescue, quite the party." Monarch shook his head and smiled.
"Thou shalt be destroyed!" Nightmare sat up.
==================(P.O.V. Switch, Monarch.)=======================
"Our turn," I glance at Cress and he smiles. "Speed of Hermes." Everything slowed to a crawl. I vault over the girls and grab Nighty's head and wrap around her. "Now!" Cress speeds up and delivers a dropkick to her skull. Time returns with an explosion, sending both of us flying. "Damn,"
===============(P.O.V. Switch, Nebula.)===========================
"Nebula," The one who looked like mother smiled at me, and I nodded knowing it was up to us. I take a deep breath and return the gravity to normal. I spread my wings and charge sliding between Nightmare's legs arms spread.
=================(P.O.V. Switch, Luna.)===========================
I jump as I cast my shadow control spell on the darkside. A giant hand grasps my other self. "Thou hast chosen thine own destiny." I gain my royal decibel. "Any last words?"
"Don't do this." I feel Monarch's hand on my shoulder. "She doesn't deserve it."
"I know, get them out of here I'm the only one that can keep her tied." I tighten my grip crushing her ribs, as she screamed in pain the others retreated to the castle. After moments of torture I threw her at the castle.
============(POV Switch, Cress.)=================================
"Alright everypony single file into the shiny door." Monarch kept his disposition until Felicia wheeled that battered unicorn. "Is he gonna be okay?" She nodded. I decided to look for stragglers and Luna. I heard screaming and Nightmare crashed through a wall, and Luna right after.
"What in Hades" I ran over to them, Nightmare in a puddle of black blood. "Live in shadow, die from the light." The ground began to rumble and the walls started to crack. A piller next to Luna fell off it's foundation and I found myself under it instead. The pure marble column pushed down on my shoulders. "Go," I grunt at Luna.
"But,"
"Just go." As I argue I fall to one knee. "Now." My eyes flamed over red, and My heart burned. The column felt lighter, my muscles tensed and it flew off my shoulders and through the ceiling. "What in Hades, was that?"
"Strength of Atlas." Monarch said leaning against the doorway.
"Are they safe?" I pant.
"Yes they're all mid transit, c'mon let's go home, you got some fine fillies waitin' for you." Luna rushed over and hugged him, they both walked through the arch and dissapeared. I turned my head to see Nightmare crawling toward me, I walk over to her struggling body.
"Hey, you're gonna die."
"Cut the pleasantries, help us."
"Why should I, you think I care if you live."
"Thou hast the power, why not use it?" Her voice echoed through my head. "The power is yours to do with what you wish. Tell us that thou are not tempted." Her words rang true, she was right, I did have the power, and I was going to use it.
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Look Inside Your Heart Part One.
Chapter 2: Pride Is A Sin, Praise Is A Virtue
Chapter 2: Pride Is A Sin, Praise Is A Virtue.
I awoke with the cat on my chest, and Steele nested in my mane. Steele hopped out of my mane and the cat stretched yawning. "You need a name don't you?" I slowly sat up wrapping my mind around what to name my new friend.
"How about Leone?" I heard a small female voice ask. I look toward the source and find a young female pony with a horn about four inches long her furtone was a light lavender, her mane was a darker purple with a pink stripe through it and fell over her reading glasses. "I'm Twilight Sparkle." Her warm smile made my heart rise.
"I know, it's a pleasure to meet you face to face. Leone, she seems to like that." Leone slowly walked over to Twilight and squeezed through the bars. Twilight knelt down to pet Leone. "And she seems to like you as well." I chuckled. "Where is Armour I was looking forward to seeing him again."
"He's getting your breakfast right now. Where did you get this cat, I'm not familiar with this breed." She picked up Leone and cradled her.
"I made her last night." I replied while standing up.
"Made her, how?" I could tell she was just thinking out loud, but I felt compelled to answer anyway.
"Changeling magic is based on creation, and royalty can even create life itself. We can change matter into other matter with the Flame Of Hephaestus that lays dorment within our hearts."
"Wow out of all the scrolls in the Canterlot Archives there is so little information on your kind." Twilight set down Leone and opened the door to my cell. She walked in and sat down on the floor next to me.
"That door was unlocked the whole time?" I feigned confusion because I knew Armour unlocked it last night before he left.
"Who's ready for breakfast?" Armour shouted as he walked through the door with two trays in his hands and one floating behind him.
"Good morning Armour, how'd you sleep?" I asked jokingly.
"Pretty good, I guess." Armour said as he placed a tray in front of each of us and sat down. "One question, how did you know her name, I didn't tell you?" He asked handing me a fork.
"A little birdie told me." I laugh holding out a finger as Steele perched on it.
"What's he made of?" Twilight asked all giddy.
"Handcuffs." A familiar voice sounded from across the room.
"Detective Skies how nice of you to join us." I say as I cut the strange breakfast. "What is this it doesn't taste like anything I've had before."
"It's a cinnamon roll, it's made by sprinkling cinnamon into bread dough, rolling it, and baking it. It tastes better with this on top." Twilight tossed me a pouch of white liquid, that read frosting. I opened the pouch and poured it on. She was right it did taste better.
"Why is this food so different fffrom the stuff I was fed last night?"
"You can't have an audience with the princess when the only thing in your stomach is bread and water." Skies leaned against the doorway scribbling in a notebook.
"I meant to ask there was something that seemed strange with the moon."
"You mean the Mare In The Moon?"Armour asked his mouth full of Cinnamon roll. "It's an old pony legend it states that there is an evil spirit that was trapped there a thousand years ago and is still there to this day."
"Wait, that reminds me I gotta go see you later." Twilight scrambled to her hooves and ran out the door and up the stairs.
"Well why are you here Skies, and Where's Thunderstorm?" I took Twilight's half eaten roll and ate it.
"Thunderstorm is on assignment, Cloudsdale PD is very interested in your talents, Cress." Skies said without looking from his notebook. "We would like to ask you some more questions after your audience with Princess Celestia, if you don't mind." He closed his notebook and reached into his pocket. He pulled out an amulet similiar to mine. "This isn't yours is it?" He tossed it to me.
"Where did you get this Skies?" It wasn't mine but I knew who it belonged to.
"Thunderstorm found it at the crime scene last night."
"There was another murder?" My jaw dropped and so did Armour's
"Yes, the one witness described a creature that looked like you, but you were here all night weren't you?" Skies was concerned. "This proves your innocent under normal circumstances."
"But we're dealing with a shapeshifter and the public wouldn't buy into that, I know I wouldn't if I hadn't known what we were dealing with already." Armour interrupted.
"When is my audience with the princess?"
"Tomorrow is the celebration so sometime tomorrow afternoon, so we need to get you to Ponyville today, everypony deserves to see it once." Skies turned and walked up the stairs.
"Thank you for your hospitality Armour I hope we meet again under better circumstances." I held out my hand and he shook it.
"Under better circumstances, I'll hold you to that." Armour smiled and walked toward the door. "And you better change, a prison jumpsuit won't look good on you."
"Thanks for the tip." I concentrated on some new clothing a trenchcoat and black denim pants. The chains fell off onto the floor. I grabbed Leone and she curled into a ball, and I put her in my pocket, Steele perched on my shoulder, and I walked out the door and up the stairs.
"Hello Cress you ready?" Skies was laying on a cloud looking down at me.
"Yeah, let's get going. I don't want to make any more friends."
"What's so bad 'bout friends?" Skies jumped down and landed next to me. "That Twilight Sparkle is leaving for Ponyville now something about nightmares and the moon." He led me to a chariot tied other pegasi. "Get this stallion to Ponyville."
"Yes sir." They saluted and we flew off. I looked around, but I couldn't see Skies.
"Feels great don't it, the wind in your mane, the bugs in your teeth." Skies was flying circles around us. "Gotta love havin' wings."
"Yeah I do." Without thinking I spread my two pairs of wings and they began to vibrate. I flew backward and stopped mid-air. I shot forward at breakneck speed. "Ha ha ha It's been forever since I went this fast!" The pure adrenaline rush took over and I passed Skies and the others. "Gotta be faster than that to keep up with me!" I stopped again and waited for a minute. "I feel great I've never been able to stretch my wings like this." I found a small cloud and tried sitting on it. It felt soft but thick enough to hold my weight. I laid down on the little cloud it was so comfortable I fell asleep only moments later.
