"No. I don't need any help."
"Are you sure, ma'am? It's already dark outside and the forest can become rather scary at this time."
"I know."
"With all due respect, you do seem strong and experienced, but at least take the others wi-"
"I said I'm fine!" Tempest snapped, "Look, do you want to have this Manticore dealt with for good or do you want to keep sending them to fail yet again and break their bones in the process?"
On the other side of the room half a dozen guards ranging from young to old adults gave disapproving looks from behind their helmets. Tempest had to admit some of them actually did look at least somewhat strong, but judging by their bruses and their being-useless-normal-guards-thing she knew they'd only stand in her way.
Back from her front their leader sighed: "Well, okay then," he took a long breath before continuing: "If you won't take anypony along, then I'll only settle for sending our guards an hour later at best. Anything else would just be reckless."
She turned to the bunch of armored stallions: "Feel free to take your time." before heading for the door.
Her ear flicked on the way out. "Don't worry, we will."
Only moonlight lit through the night, the village was already quiet and at rest. Cold winds brushed her coat and her empty stomache told her she really needed the bits for herself. And even if she could affort company, those wannabe-fighters wouldn't amount to much anyway.
Heading towards the village's outskirts Tempest found herself realising that this was what her life had become. Living day after day trying to survive by earning barely enough bits to find shelter. Making up for her past and all the crap life had put her through in an attempt to find at least a glimpse of redemption at the end of it all.
Over a year had passed since Twilight Sparkle had rescued her from the Storm King's reign - for good or for worse. Back then she promised her that friends would actually exist and help her, that she could depend on others and be accepted by everypony as the one she had become.
She tried. Every day she had, seriously. But still wearing this ripped uniform and looking like some sort of homeless disabled army outcast it was hard to find ponies who'd even give her a proper chance. Not to mention pay her money for her efforts.
And who was to blame them? The entirety of Equestria was built on harmony and peace, so it was only natural they'd make an effort to stay as distant to it as possible - and thus also distant from her. She was the root of the war, she was the one who commandeered the armies and brought havoc throughout many nations. How could anypony even dare to trust her?
Tempest hated herself. She hated her past. All the cruel things she's done for power, countless creatures she put in misery, fillies and grandparents too - only for her own benefit. She had been so egoistic all the time and didn't even notice it. So now, if there was anypony in the world worth hating, then Tempest Shadow would be the only heir to this cursed throne.
On top of it all at this point she knew her efforts for redemption were most likely in vein. Then again, doing anything else would only make her conscience punch her more and more whenever she closed her eyes. So no matter how often others would look at her with those pityful or scared eyes, it didn't matter anymore.
All that mattered to her was one sole purpose left behind in all this mess. One thing that kept her going, like a spider's string she clung onto in an attempt to escape tartarus. Hope. Hope that somehow if she kept dealing with other ponies' problems she would maybe - hopefully - find at least some peace for her heart.
So there she was, trotting towards the next problem to deal with.
By now the first trees hid behind her, their leafs veiling her in even more darkness than the night had already offered.
To her dismay she had to admit the guard had been right, the thick forest would be tough to navigate and one could get lost if they didn't pay attention. But Tempest could manage. Given how the past months had been the same - venturing into the woods when nopony dared to and dealing with monsters and foes threatening their sweet homes and warm fireplaces. All because they wouldn't be able to defend themselves.
Well, at least this offered her a way to earn a somewhat constant income while strolling across Equestria's north. After all it was the only thing Tempest had ever truly been good at. Her talent in martial arts and her vast experience served her well. So well that she'd take on a job such as this without so much as blinking.
Nontheless deep into the forest as she was the bushes grew pitchblack below the trees and surrounded by the night's cold winds Tempest found herself shivering. She quickened her gait to warm her muscles, occasionally spraying a few sparks when inspecting treestumps for claw marks or blood trails.
Eventually an unlucky birds nest gave way for a bloodtrail leading along treestumps with scratchmarks and eventually ending afoot a cave opening. Finally Tempest had found her day's destination. Deep snores echoed from within the walls, assuring her of being at the right place.
At this point her muscles were warmed up and albeit her empty stomach still growling she felt in shape to take on whatever would end up in front of these hoofes.
Nontheless she wouldn't be stupid and surrender her surprise advantage either. So as soon as the mud below her hooves changed to solid stone she became careful, stepping with little sound and only eliciting fewer dim sparks.
Finally the snores she heard weren't just echoes but very much in front of her. She could even feel a draft whenever the manticore breathed.
Well then, no time to waste. Tempest lowered into her knees and set for a jump-kick when her stomache growled. Midst the small moment the manticore held its breath.
ROOAAAR
"F-" she struggled to maintain balance, "Fuck you!"
Quickly recomposing she was just in time to tumble below the beast's left claw and aim a jump for his back.
In a sudden change of events the manticore's wings flapped open, thumping when Tempest's head hit its ceiling.
As she fell down the beast didn't miss this golden opportunity to extend its claw in another swift strike. Barely defending against the blow with her hooves she couldn't stop her body from being flung across the dark halls rough ground.
Eventually a rock stopped her grind. Tempest laid in shock, wincing from the bruises covering her coat. If it wasn't for her vast experience and fighting instincts she would've easily been victim to another barricade of lethal swings.
Instead she got back up on her legs just in time to duck below its claw and move in for a counterstrike.
Oh it is on. Charging ahead Tempest brew a storm-ball atop her broken horn, releasing it into its torso in an instant before jumping towards the chin.
Struck athunder the manticore could only watch as its body would refuse to move and the crimson pony ahead drew closer. Every moment felt like an eternity as its claws froze, legs collapsed and body was rendered motionless.
And in a precise kick to the neck she sent the manticore back to its slumber, sure not to awaken too soon. But when it will it'll definitely know better than to stick around for another beating.
Now panting, she ripped some hairs out of the coat to proof her success and slowly made her way back through the forest.
And if that isn't enough, those strong stallions can surely find their way to this cave to see for themselves.
At least now her blood pulsed warm through her veins and she wasn't as cold anymore. But her stomache still ensured she wouldn't waste too much time.
She knew beside the guards everypony would be asleep, even the tavern has had extinguished its lights when she passed it earlier on. Yet now she could at least eat the guard's offered bread without pitying herself. What good was there in taking other ponies stuff without having worked for it?
She might've been in a tough place - in fact she was, given how she's homeless, basically jobless and fighting for bread every day. But the last bit of pride she had would forbid her from acknowledging this, not to mention letting others take pity.
When Tempest opened the door to the guards' office at first they wouldn't believe a word she said. Of course they couldn't. She had done a task all six of them struggled to accomplish for over a week - within a single hour. Her bruised coat made sure to show for it.
But when they saw the manticore's fur their leader made sure to provide the promised bread, and added a couch to spend the night on as well.
"Of course we'll have to see for ourselves and make sure the forest is save now," he had added in a professional manner. "I'm sure you understand."
But that was fine for Tempest. Right now she finally relaxed on a dark-blue couch in a backroom of their office and eagerly munched her well-earned bread. If they wouldn't trust her and thought she just pretended and punched herself up while gathering some hairs the beast had only left behind, then that was fine. Whether she got her bits now or in the morning wouldn't make a difference.
Also this way she'd get to see their baffled visages in the morning once more, she thought to herself.
Over all the small room was quite nice, if also rather dusty. A bright, occasionally flickering lightbulb hung from the roof and shone on the interior: a closet, broom and bucket and some unused and rusty guards-gear.
For a moment Tempest considered picking up a spear, see if she still had her practise with weapons from back then in her bones.
After munching on it for a while she decided against it. Despite the room being so small, there wasn't ever a need to use weapons for her. Moving around with her own hooves is what defined her very own way of fighting; a spear - or pretty much any weapon in that matter - would just get in the way.
Eventually after finishing the last bites Tempest turned off the light, laid on the couch and closed her eyes. She could still hear quiet chatters from the guards in the room next to her. They seemed to play cards and drink a little, routinely passing their shift and waiting for morning to come.
It wasn't inherently annoying, but given how neglectant they were towards her capabilities and how they still wouldn't trust her, Tempest couldn't help but feel spiteful.
But figuring that getting pent up about this wouldn't be of any purpose whatsoever she soon enough let her conscious finally fade to sleep.
"You sure you don't want to come along, Fizzlepop?" Twilight's bright voice soothed her ears.
"It's okay, I'll be fine thanks to you," Tempest hesitated, "I would only get in your way anyways." After all it's royal business. Who am I to distract her from that?
"You wouldn't get in my way!" Twilight replied hastily, leaving Tempest in silent dismay. Eventually she continued: "But alright, you do have a good point in wanting some alone time to figure things out. So if you insist-"
"I do. I can't rest without making up for all that I've done. To all of them." Both of them were on their way through a foggy village covered by clouds. Everypony frowned and frustratedly worked along their day, rebuilding ruins which once made homes, holding onto breadcrusts while trying to figure out how to survive till the night. A handful fillies cried together as the ball they played with was spiked by a rock and lost its air. And an old couple sat on the remains of a bench, watching this tragedy unfold knowing they'd be unable to do anything about it.
And as Tempest looked back to where Twilight stood just moments ago, all she found was her flying silhouette fading in the distant horizon.
Refocusing on her surroundings she found everypony staring right back. At first she thought their eyes were filled with respect and admiration, looking up to her skills and position, understanding the power of the sign embedded on her uniform.
However moments later it dawned on her. This wasn't admiration, or even respect in any way. They were scared, dreaded her and shivered in fear before her. How was she so stupid to think they'd even remotely respect her? The one who had brought all this suffering upon them was her!
"Yes, that's right. You are the root of their pain." An oddly familiar voice appeared seemingly out of nowhere. Echoing from everywhere it felt like thousand voices combined, each and every one of them accusing her with the most excruciating
Confused and scared as she was Tempest anxiously scanned her surroundings but none of the ponies did so much as even move their lips.
And as the female voice continued she sounded strong and rough: "Look at them. Their dreadful eyes and trembling legs, their fear and sorrow," It became more and more appearant that the voice echoed from below. But all Tempest could make out were what appeared like outlines of a silhouette, clouded by mud and dirt reflecting from a puddle to her hoofs.
"And do you know what makes them so scared of you? So afraid?"
Still in a state of shock Tempest couldn't find any words. It felt like this voice stared right through her face and straight into her very soul. Her breath quickened as she heart her heartbeat growing faster with every new word.
"Is it because of their puny homes destroyed at your command? Or because of their corrupted fields conquered at your order? What do you think, Tempest Shadow?"
Tempest couldn't move her lips through her shaking breath. She feared the answer. She knew it was more than that and she knew how horrible she had acted. But even with all of her courage, all her experience in combat and all the authority she once possessed, she couldn't bring herself to answer. Instead the only thing leaving her lips was a faint squeak.
So without letting her catch a break the voice continued: "You're right. It was way more than that. They aren't scared for life only because they lost their homes, or their food. They're so scared because you took something far more important; More important than shelter and food combined, something more important than any possession anypony could have."
At the mere expectation of what was coming Tempest winced, when all of a sudden a grimace appeared before her - smiling confidently it moved its lips: "So, Tempest!" the voice shouted, "What. did. you. take?"
In front of Tempest stood a mirror image of her former self. It rose tall and proud, staring down on the mess the original had become.
"You took their hope! Every last piece of faith they had left. Hoping they'd recover, hoping they'd at least survive. You didn't just extinguish the light at the end of the tunnel - oh no no no," the figure laughed, "You also spat into their faces as you made sure the tunnel collapsed right on top of them."
By now Tempest couldn't retain her tears from falling. She didn't know what to say, she didn't even want an answer. All she could do was cry out "I-I'm sorry! I didn-"
"You're sorry? The great Tempest Shadow?! Oh give me a break," she rolled her eyes, "just look at them. Even in a millenia they couldn't possibly forgive you."
"B-but - I'll try. I have to!"
"Do you even hear yourself? Give it a couple of days and this problem will have taken care of itself. Move on already from all this friendship crap, nobody wants you anyway."
That punch hurt. It had become more and more appearant how no matter where she went, she never really met a friend. But hearing the truth like that - it felt like a deep hit straight to the guts. What if she was right...
She slowly backed off, this was too much for her. She wanted to run away, just leave her former self behind and escape from it entirely.
However only a few steps backwards she bumped into something, turned around and saw it was a street-vendor's stand. She had tipped over a basket of apples, now falling to the floor. The owner glared at her in content.
"Oh! I'm so sorry!" Tempest hastily collected the apples one by one, her voice still shaky: "I-I didn't see you there and-"
"What are you doing?!" he shouted, "All my apples are ruined now! Leave us alone with your cursed hooves!"
Shocked yet again she realised how all the apples had fouled, not only from the basked but every single one from the stand. Even the wood below them began to rot.
He still glared at her, ready to shout more insults. But Tempest has had enough. She tried her best to hold back her tears as she ran.
She ran away from the vendor, away from the ponies and from this village as a whole. She ran as far as her legs carried her, and even then pushing further. Through the woods and on a mountain, eventually hiding in a small cave hidden behind tall grass and bushes.
Her trembling legs carried her over to the wall at its end before finally giving in and letting her lie down, panting heavily.
Finally beginning to relax she was about to cry again, when suddenly a pair mirroring her own eyes blinked up before her, followed by her entire counterpart.
Again it mercilessly moved it's lips, calmly speaking: "I am you, Tempest. I will always be you. You can't escape me."
Tempest's eyes flashed open. She panted heavily, heartbeat pounding her head. Along the neck she could still feel the demon's breath sending shivers down her spine.
The room was still dark. Only a few of the morning sun's rays found their way around the curtains. They reflected from the spear's tip and shot a bright circle to the spot where her head had rested moments ago.
Through the closed window she heard chirping birds, welcoming the new day ahead. Listening to their cheers finally let her realise the nightmare was over.
She took a deep breath, steadily feeling her heartbeat return to a steady rhythm.
Having re-established control over her emotions Tempest couldn't help but wonder.
What was that all about? She thought slowly, chewing on every word before daring to think it out loud, Was she- was that thing really me?. She could still see its flaming eyes and merciless lips when she closed her eyes.
But the more she tried to make sense of the dream the more she felt every piece of her recollection being torn apart, like leafs in a storm. Only remaining were this horrifying visage combined with its last words.
You can't escape me.
They still echoed around her head. She cited them over and over in an attempt to put reason into them; desperately trying to understand what she meant.
But the only thing she eventually understood was it'd be to no avail.
Sick of trying she got up. Sliding the curtains ajar she opened the window and took another deep breath. Fresh air filled her lungs as she adjusted her eyes to the bright lights.
The streets were still quiet. A few ponies set up their market-displays, preparing for the day ahead. She saw two birds greeting each other in their nest. They chirped happily, bringing worms for their hatchlings. And not a single pair of fearful eyes could be found to meet her own.
Finally relieved from the pressure Tempest dared to smile.
Barely two minutes later she found herself galloping through the streets. Of couse she just had to have jinxed it. Life would never let her enjoy a moment of rest.
Because as soon as she had opened the door to the main room the guards' leader's narrow eyes had greeted her. Appearently the whole bunch of them had heard a roar from the woods and had curageously taken off to deal with it.
Although to be fair he didn't even have to ask for her assistance. If anything, Tempest was glad she could be of help - also she really needed a distraction from the night.
So there she was, storming through the outskirts right back into the woods. Following the path she had lead less than eight hours ago she came across the same trail of claw carvings. However when she arrived at the cave it was empty, no manticore or pony in sight.
ROOAAAR
The beast's outrage trembled through the leafs. It seemed nearby, not more than one or two hundred meters ahead.
Rushing closer she found a guard leaning on a tree. He didn't bleed but his legs quivered, barely able to stand. When he noticed Tempest his voice was shaking:
"Did you.. actually defeat this?" Tempest nodded while he panted.
"Alone?"
Again she nodded, her eyes scanning the area for clues indicating where to go.
"Please help them."
Initially Tempest was about to nodd him off and head away to where he leaned his spear when she accidentally let their eyes lock.
Filled with hope and sparkling from within Tempest saw something she's never seen. In fact it was something so minor any other pony probably wouldn't pay much mind to it. But he genuinely looked at her - Tempest Shadow - asking her for help.
He trusted her to assist and rescue his friends and vanquish the manticore for good. No bias, no formalities or false smiles, only his honest plea.
Shaking out of her moment of enlightenment Tempest nodded firmly:
"Don't worry. I've got this."
And as soon as the words left her mouth his legs gave way and he let himself fall to the ground. Smiling in relief he could finally relax.
However Tempest couldn't afford to stay around any longer. She heard somepony's battlecry and rushed off.
Behind the trees and bushes a clearing came in sight. Four wounded guards were scattered across it. Three lying, one keeping himself from falling by clinging to his spear.
Amidst their center the manticore towered - It was a lot taller than Tempest remembered. In fact it was even taller than any manticore she's ever encountered. It brawled with a fifth guard, an energetic and swift one, as he dodged one claw after another. Tumbling below a possibly fatal strike he raised his shield in anticipation for the next.
But instead of a left claw the manticore had swung its scorpion tail from the right, launching him tumbling through the grass.
Immediately Tempest stepped in, channeling her magic with all her might. This time she'd make damn sure the thunderball would leave marks.
She was just about to shoot when the manticore suddenly noticed her and without hesitation threw a thick branch.
You better hit, you damn ball. Still charging ahead she sent her magic flying.
To her misfortune the ball collided with the branch - its excessive power discharging into the air.
But Tempest could adapt. As the manticore took initiative and prepared its deadly claw she jumped.
It seemed as if she leaped right into her doom, when suddenly the manticore realised just how high her legs had pushed her.
With the manticores arm below her hooves she bounced in a continued leap, delivering an unforgiving jump-kick straight to its head.
When she landed behind it the manticore let out another terrifying roar. But not in fear or dread but instead in anger and rage.
So before she could recompose it had already turned around and extended its other claw sending Tempest grinding through the dirt, rolling over multiple times before coming to a halt.
However it wouldn't commit the same mistake again. This time it'd finish her off properly and readied to charge.
As Tempest regathered her balance she took in her surroundings, blinking rapidly. Nontheless everything still felt like slow motion motion to her.
She saw the manticore repeatedly scratching its claw through the grass. She saw the guards lying helplessly in a large radius around it. Their eyes once filled with courage were now devoid of any hope.
Seeing how the last pony that could've rescued them had also fallen victim to this predator's mighty fangs they had given up. Even the one pony who used to cling onto his spear had now let go and gazed clouds.
For the briefest of seconds the image from her nightmare's village appeared before her.
Would this be how it ended? Failing at redeeming herself until eventually falling victim to a wild monster? Surrounded by disappointed eyes and failed hopes?
And yet, she hasn't even had a proper chance at redemption. She hated life. It always played against her, not ever allowing at least one open minded pony that gave her a fair shot.
Again an image flashed before her eyes. It was the image of a guard wishing to reunite with his friends, wishing to return home with them and share another meal together - still holding onto a happy ending for what had clearly turned out to be a tragedy.
'Please help them.'
His words were pure and honest. He didn't wish for a happy ending just for his own benefit, neither did he wish for a happy ending because he was scared of other outcomes. He believed in a happy ending because he trusted Tempest to make it real. He believed in her.
'Please help them.' They echoed again, like a drop of water waking her to reality.
No, this wasn't how she could let it end. Life had given her one chance at last and she'd make it count! One opportunity to proof herself and do something truly good for once. She gave the guard a promise - now she just had to do everything in her power to keep it!
Flashing her eyes open she reignited her magic, mustering up all the strength left in her to live up to her word. Atop her broken horn sparks flashed, alternating between bright blue and deep purple.
Through narrow eyes she could see her demise only meters away, getting closer by the second - but she was determined to fight back!
10 meters. The manticore charged recklessly.
7 meters. She felt her magic conjure stronger than her first thunderball.
3 meters. It readied its paw for the strike and leaped.
1 meter. Tempest closed her eyes and discharged.
Never before had she prayed so hard for something to work like in this instant.
Silence.
A few seconds passed before she dared opening her eyes. In front of her the mighty manticore had been rendered motionless, brandmarks stretching from face to neck and its claw mid-swing not more than an inch away from her cheek.
Burned grass surrounded her and elicited smoke. Some of it still glowed like embers.
For a moment it felt as though time itself had stopped. Tempest looked around. The guards' eyes were all locked on this incredible sight. She carefully moved a step back, anticipating time to continue the moment she moved her hoof.
But as she moved backwards she saw a breeze brushing through the grass. She felt herself exhaling as she let go of a breath she didn't know she held. Slowly she came to realise just how real the moment actually was.
Especially so when all of a sudden the manticore collapsed in one loud THUMP.
"She- She did it!" One of the guards cheered, still shocked in disbelief. It was only a matter of seconds until the others joined in, raising their voices in joy and relief.
Author's Note
Heya 
Thank you for reading my story! I hope you liked chapter 1! 
Please feel free to share your thoughts, feelings and feedback in the comments! 
