Chapters "Discord? Hey Discord? Hey hey hey discord. " I heard a groan. "Discord? Hello!? You there?! "
"AUGH! Yes what is it!?!? Seriously Seth you are unbearable sometimes! "
"Why hasn't anyone visited me in awhile? I thought they cared about me. "
"Ah yes. I have felt that way before. A long long time ago when I was first imprisoned here. " He sounded sympathetic." You'll stop wondering why in awhile, give it time dear friend, give it time. "
"No. no. NO! Discord! Something needs to happen NOW!!.....Whoa that hasn't happened in awhile. Tell me. How can you have headaches if you're a statue? "
"Hmm....I don't know, never happened to me. "
"I wonder if it could mean something? Hey what time is it? Night or day? "
There was a pause for a minute. "It appears to be night, old friend. Are you feeling tired? " He said in a slightly mocking tone.
"No, I can't sleep. You should know that. " I thought for a moment. "Oh... " He laughed in response and if I could shake my head I would have. "Really Discord. I can't believe you sometimes. " I laughed somewhat similar to his. "I admit though that was....well it was okay. I really hate Celestia for this. "
"I know! You've said it like a thousand times already! But what about the Elements of Harmony? Or Luna? "
"Luna I may not consider my friend anymore. As for the Elements, they didn't know what they were doing. "
"Pfft and you really believe that? I mean come on! How gullible can you be! "
"Well if their crying faces and the months of therapy Pinkie had to go through is any indicator then yes I believe it! Poor things but that was what feels like forever ago. "
"Probably because it was. Poor Pinkie....it really does break my heart that she had to go through that.... " He sounded disheartened at the thought
"Wow Discord. Never seen this side of you before. Don't worry if I ever get out of here I'll make Celestia pay. " I said with a devious tone.
He chucked. "Oh really?
"You have no idea what I have planned!! If I ever get out, Canterlot will fall and there is nothing. NOTHING! That will be able to stop me!!"
"Heh, big talk from a statue. I've tried the same thing and look at me! "
"No Discord you didn't! You tried to take Ponyville. Not Equestria's capital. And I have something you don't."
"Oh? And what, pray tell, is that? "
"Human brutality" I laughed and discord stayed silent. I think I might have scared him...nah certainly not.
I just stood there, not like I had much choice in the matter but anyway. I could hear birds chirping so I assumed it was day time. I tried to imagine it being a beautiful day but when I heard when I heard what I thought was rain, my only thought was a well placed swear word that started with an "F". I thought I heard hoofsteps but I dismissed it as my mind playing tricks on me, but then the rain stopped and the hoofsteps got closer. "Oh it's the gardener." I thought and went back to just existing in the eternal time loop that is my prison: Birds land on me, one of the gardeners would shoo them away and clean any messes they make, then leave and another gardener comes and waters the plants. Just like clock work and boy was it boring. This routine, this "life", this unending boredom was eating at me! Well picking at the leftover bones at least. It had driven me insane a long time ago, my mind was just now starting to break.
I felt more birds land on me and just tried to ignore them but when I felt the familiar feeling of one of them shitting on me I lost it. "EnOuGh!!!" The massive surge of negative, evil energy was enough to make the birds explode and shower blood and innards onto me and other statues, even Discord's.
"My my Seth, you weren't kidding were you? If you can do that while still a statue. Imagine what chaos you can spread if you break free. "
"I'm not interested in your games Discord! I just want outta here."
"I'm not speaking to Seth anymore am I? "
"What was your first clue? The exploding birds?"
"That and you're being a plothole. Seth never acted like that. So you must be the 'real' Ezekiel Hmm?
"You heard of me? Wonderful, now either shut up or help me think of a way out of here!"
"Not if you're going to ask like that. "
"Makes no difference to me."
Discord was silent for awhile. I guess even the god of chaos doesn't tolerate rudeness. But then again I wouldn't either. It's been a few minutes now and Discord was still silent I was about to say something when one of the gardeners saw all the blood and guts everywhere. "Oh Celestia what happened here!!" I heard her run off and then heard her emptying the contents of her stomach. After a few minutes she returned with a hose and began to rinse me off while whimpering. After she was done with rinsing me and the other statues off she mentioned something about us being ready for the school field trip coming in a few hours.
"Hmm....I wonder if it's Ponyville's school? "
"Ah Seth you're back. Quite a mess Ezekiel made. "
"Yeah that poor mare. I feel sorry for her. "
"I wouldn't worry about You didn't anything. He did. "
"Yeah I suppose you're right but still... " I sighed. "...I don't want there to be a field trip. they should just stay at their school. "
"Well there's nothing you can do about it. "
"I know.... How do you do it Discord? How do you stay sane?! You've been here a lot longer then I have. "
He laughed "I've never been sane my dear friend. Not for centuries at least. "
"I see.... "
"Just don't worry about Seth. It's all irrelevant. "
"Really Discord? "
"Yes. Just relax.
I didn't say anything. It is unlike Discord to be like this.
I was just staring into the darkness of my mind. Then saw red glowing eyes staring back at me, and then a smile shown through the darkness. Then he spoke.
"Hello Seth. It's been awhile since you looked over here."
"I've looked everywhere else except here so why not. And I wanted a favor. "
"Oh?" He chuckled "I already know what you want, and the answer is yes. I just need a body."
"There's always a catch....Only if you give it back when we're free. "
"Promise."
"No you don't. But who else is better to make Celestia pay than you? " I thought for a moment. "Deal just be kind to those foals ok? "
"Assuming I'll choose that moment to free us, certainly. They're just foals. They've done nothing wrong."
"No they haven't. "
He sunk back into the darkness and I went back to looking in the other direction, toward the good memories and payed attention to them for awhile. I watched as mine and Fluttershy's reunion played in front of me along with everything that happened afterwards. This went on for awhile, apparently long enough for it to be time for the field trip to come by. I was growing worried as the teacher grew closer.
"And here is Discord the God of Chaos. Who has been defeated by the Elements of Harmony twice. Can anypony tell me what the word discord means?"
Discord groaned. "I hate this about these field trips! The teachers always ask that question!" I just laughed and listened to the class.
"Oh oh! I know Miss Cheerilee." What!? No-no-no-no. Ezekiel laughed.
"Yes go ahead Nyx."
"It means disorder and lack of harmony."
"Very good." She walked over to me. "Now over here we have.....a friend of mine, if you will believe me children. Ezekiel was the first and only human in Equestria. He was a kind and honest person and he had a rather strange sense of humor." She chuckled at the memory as did I.
"Wait Miss Cheerilee, you mean....you knew him??" One of the fillies asked
"Why yes I did. He was quite the character sometimes."
"But if he was good why is he here?" A colt asked this time.
She stayed silent for a few seconds before simply saying. "He did the un-thinkable. No pony would have ever expected him to do such a thing....but that's a later lesson. Despite what you may hear about him, Ezekiel was kind....he just made mistakes."
"Now seems just perfect." Ezekiel said, afterwards laughing in a deep sinister voice.
"Just don't hurt them, please?" I said.
He said nothing and the ground began to shake. I could feel chunks of stone falling away from my skin and the warm sun's rays hitting me. Unfortunately this wasn't necessarily going to be a happy occasion. There was silence as I felt the last of the stone fall away and I started to move. Ezekiel made me jump at the nearest pony which happen to be a foal, with a black coat and light blue eyes that had irises that looked like Spike's. Then he did something I wish he didn't. He flipped up the eye patch and made me open my left eye.
The foal was in front of me now in my mind. It looks like a filly so let's assume I'm right. We weren't in Ezekiel's torture room like that time with Celestia and Luna. No we were in the more...sane part of my mind. I looked at the filly, who looked scared and tried to talk to her.
"I'm sorry he did that....I told him not to."
She tried to run away but she was floating so she couldn't. She gave up after a few minutes. I started to move toward her. "NO!! Stay back! Go away!" She started flailing around.
"Don't worry little one I wouldn't hurt you. And Ezekiel! I told you not to do anything like that!!"
"Sorry. Got a little excited." He said dismissively.
"W-What are you going to do to me?" She asked nervously.
I closed the remaining distance and hugged her. "Release you my dear. I'm going to release you. So you can go back to Ponyville."
"Fine, I'll let her go."
"If you happen to see Twilight Sparkle around, tell her I say hi."
"S-Seth??" I gave her a confused look before Ezekiel put the eye patch back over my left eye, severing the connection between her mind and mine.
Ezekiel dropped her and scared the rest of the ponies away. He then stopped everything he was doing. "Your hate for Celestia is great enough that, I think, you can do the rest yourself. I'll still be here in case you 'need me'." He then let me have control of my body.
"You know Ezekiel? You're right." I laughed and started toward the castle.
The Princess will pay.
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Chapter 3: A Visit To Ponyville And A Certain Yellow Mare
I reached the throne room again and stood in the middle of the it. I tried to think about who I would go after first. It was a hard decision but I decided to get the worst of it over with first and go see Fluttershy. I started to walk towards the doors when I heard Twilight yelling something at me. I just shook me head, rolled my eyes and walked out. As I was walking out I was trying to think of how I was going to get there. I could make the train conductor take me or I could free a couple of the guards and make them fly me there, but they would probably try something so I decided that the train was my best bet. I started to make my way towards the train station and the ponies were staying well away from me. I reached the train station, passed the lines and got onto the train. Most of the ponies on the train got off and I went to the front of the train and made the conductor get the thing moving. He tried to argue that there were ponies that still needed to get on. Needless to say, his argument was invalid.
I was about half way to Ponyville now and I decided to sleep the rest of the way there. Keep in mind I haven't "slept" in 12 to 13 months. It was interesting that I now had actual control over my sleep. I woke up as the train came to a stop and left. The ponies that were in line just looked at me. I saw some familiar faces but I'm not here to talk. I'm here to make the Princess feel helpless and suffer. I just hoped I wouldn't see Pinkie Pie for awhile. These are or were my friends but like this or not, I need to make the Princess suffer worse than I have and I don't want to hurt anypony more then I need to.
Thankfully I haven't seen Pinkie at all and I'm almost at Fluttershy's cottage. I was almost to the outskirts of town when I heard gunshots. I looked in the direction of the gun fire and saw a firing range in the distance. Twilight will be hearing about this when I get back! I continued walking and arrived at the cottage. I opened the door and walked in. I heard what sounded like crying coming from upstairs. I started towards the stairs when I felt something hitting my leg. I looked down and there was Angel Bunny, I picked him up and tossed him on the soft cushions of the couch and walked up stairs. I came up on the bedroom and pause when I heard talking.
"Fluttershy.... It's been a year now. You should try to get out there and find somepony else. Not stay here and continue to wallow in your pain." It sounded like Rarity. "He's a statue now and will be forever. I'm sure he would understand if you found another pony to care about."
Fluttershy tried to say something but she was crying so much that she couldn't. Hearing her cry made this all the more difficult. I pushed the door opened slowly, hiding on the other side of the wall. "She's right you know..... It has been awhile and yes I would be upset but I would understand." I sighed and felt a tear trying to work its way out of my eyes. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry but I have to do this. I know you wont understand but it needs to be done!" I turned into the room and looked at both of them but locked onto Fluttershy.
I was sitting down and crying when I very nervous and scared Fluttershy reluctantly walked over. I hated that I had to do this.
She did the unexpected. She started singing. "H-hush now, q-q-quiet n-now." Her voice was shaky but understandably so. I had heard this song before. "I-it's time to lay your weary head." She changed the words. "Hush now, quiet now. Please make your feelings said." She walked up to me and put a hoof on my shoulder. "Ezekiel? Where are we?"
"It's Seth, call me Seth please. I don't really like that name anymore."
"Oh um...ok.. Seth where are we and why are you crying?"
"I'm sorry Fluttershy. I'm so sorry I did this to you...."
"Did what? I don't understand what you saying."
"That!!" I pointed to a window like thing and Fluttershy looked at it and saw what I was pointing at.
"Is t-that me??"
I turned my head away and looked at the 'floor'. "Yes. That's you, I turned you into stone and now you're in my mind." She didn't say anything but she looked confused. "In here I can do anything I want to you or any other pony. Like torture, or anything else."
"T-t-torture? Why would you want to do that?" She gasped. "Your not going to that to me are you?!" Her eyes started to tear up and she backed away a couple feet.
"I have to...or do I? I hadn't done it to Twilight..." I felt my face brighten up and a smile start to grow. "I don't have to! I have a choice!...." My face slowly sank back but there were no tears this time. ".....But how will the Princess feel pain if I don't hurt another pony?"
"You haven't hurt the Princess have you? Please say you haven't."
"Fuck it." I released her from my mind and everything but her head was stone. I looked over where Rarity was but she must have ran away at some point. I looked back at Fluttershy and she was staring at me with those sweet eyes. I went over and hugged her. "I'm sorry dear but yes I did." I sighed, picked her up, walked downstairs and out of the house.
We were half way to the town when I tried to strike up a conversation.
"So Fluttershy.....where's Match?"
"She babysitting for Twilight."
"Oh. Wait why would Twilight need a babysitter?"
She was about to explain when I saw that black coated filly run up to me. "You are Seth! Twilight's told me about you. By the way where is she."
"Follow me, I'll take you to her."
She looked at my shoulder where I was carrying Fluttershy. "Um....that's ok I need to go back home soon. Bye!" And she literally ran off.
"Who is that? Second time I've seen her today."
"Really?"
"Yeah..." I shifted Fluttershy so I was carrying her in a more comfortable way.
We reached town and by now the ponies were all in their houses. Not a single one was outside. "This brings back memories." I thought to myself as I was passing Sugar-Cube Corner. I thought about going inside but decided it wasn't a good idea and kept walking. We reached the train station and boarded the train and "convinced" the conductor to take us to Canterlot again.
We reached Canterlot and went through the throne room doors. Fluttershy asked me if I'm the one that did this and the answer broke her heart. If we weren't already broken up....we are now. Bad thing about that is there's nothing holding me back now. We walked through the corridor and into Celestia's chambers and Fluttershy saw the Princess and Twilight and started crying.
"Oh shut up you wuss they're fine." Celestia and Twilight exchanged confused glances as I placed her down next to Celestia.
Twilight finally broke the silence. "Um Ezekiel? Did something happen between you two?"
"We broke up. Which is a real shame because she was the only reason I wasn't going to kill anypony." I shrugged. "Oh well."
"They're not dead??"
"No yellow one they're not nor will they be."
"Oh that changes everything!"
"Yeah it might. But it's too late, you should have asked before breaking up with me. Now there's is nothing that can stop me!!" I grabbed my head and stumbled a bit. "Ugh.....Ezekiel! Stop that!"
"Seth what's wrong with you?!"
I spent a few seconds trying to get Ezekiel under control "Why do you care!? Well I'm off. I think I'll be bringing.... hmm..." I paused in thought. "...Rarity back with me this time and then Pinkie and Rainbow Dash after her hmm....or Applejack?" I was in thought all the way to the train station. And by now the conductor knew the drill. I decided to get another nap in on the way back to Ponyville.
I was awoken by the conductor poking my leg. I looked at him, patted his head and told him to get something to eat because I might be awhile. I exited the train and headed toward Rarity's. This place was still a ghost town, I laughed and threw a rock through a window. I arrived at the dress shop and kicked the door in.
"Rarity!!I have a special order!" There was nothing but silence and barely any sign of her perfume that she always wore. "Hmm.....not here huh? Where would you go?" I thought for a bit but couldn't come up with anything. I decided to check the library just for the hell of it. I noticed a few ponies starting to come out of their houses.
"H-hi Ezekiel."
"Hi there have you seen Rarity anywhere?"
"Um...yeah she went to Sweet Apple Acres."
I smiled. "Thank you. Oh and if you have any guns throw them in a pile in front the town hall, ok?"
"Ok b-but why?"
I frowned "Did I stutter?!"
"No sorry! I-I'll tell everypony else."
"Good" I continued on my way.
I was almost at the front gate of Sweet Apple Acres when I saw the white mare trotting in my direction. I quickly hid behind a nearby public mailbox. I saw her pass and then ran after her, catching her before she knew what happened.
I'll have so much fun with you.
Chapter 4: "Fun" With Rarity
You know? I never knew She could scream so damn much. I had to knock her out to get her to shut up! I carried her all the way back to the Carousel Boutique. Some ponies asked if she was ok, of course I told them she was so they wouldn't ask questions. Little did they know I was about to show her how much I disliked her. With help from Ezekiel of course. I walked by the town hall and saw a decent pile of weaponry laying there. I was....quite surprised actually, Twilight will definitely be hearing about this when I 'have the time'. We arrived at the shop and I wondered where Sweetie Belle was. I laid Rarity down (or rather dropped her) and went searching for the filly.
After about 45 minutes to an hour of searching I came to the conclusion that she must be at a friends house and went back to where I left Rarity. She was partially awake and looking around trying to take in her surroundings. I couldn't help but laugh at the sight. Call me cruel but I always found the concept of a prissy rich person (or in this case pony) torn down and laying on the floor amongst the dirt funny, I couldn't help but smile. She stood up and tried to walk but she stumbled a bit. I walked over and helped her not bust her ass. She froze when she saw me.
"H-h-hi Ezekiel." She said shaking and looking around for an exit. "How are you today?"
"Kinda down actually. You see me and Fluttershy had a fight after you left and ended breaking up..."
She stopped shaking as much. "Oh I-I'm very s-sorry to hear that dear."
"Yeah....but that just means I can do THIS!!" I yelled as I planted a solid right hook on her cheek, sending her flying a few feet back.
"D-Did you just strike me?!" She looked rather confused. I said nothing as I picked her up and threw her up against a wall, knocking the wind out of her.
I laughed as I grabbed her head and smacked her around for a few minutes. "Oh that felt good! Now for the real FUN!!" She tried to say something but wasn't able to because I clamped her mouth shut and forced her to look me in the eyes. But I just turned her legs to stone and sat down and stared at her. Every time she tried to use magic I flicked her horn and disrupted the spell. This went on for awhile until she got fed up with it and told me to do what ever I was going to do and get it over with. And let's just say if she was a virgin....well....you get the idea........I'm kidding by the way. What I did do was what I did to Celestia.
"Wha!? Where am I!?!?"
"Calm yourself or the straps will chafe."
"Let's see what makes you tick!." I chuckled. "You see my fare Rarity, I never really liked you....or did I? I can't remember! Oh well you're here so might as well."
"Shall we get started?"
"Sure! Hand me something. I'll work with it." He handed me a mallet. I looked at him with a 'WTF' look but started the torture anyway. I began hammering away at one of her hind legs until that area felt like it was mush and moved up her leg until the same thing happened. Ezekiel was covering Rarity's mouth so she couldn't scream anymore than she already has today. After I was done with the mallet I was handed a scalpel and began to cut her opened, much like the way Ezekiel did to Celestia.
I just stood there watching her heart beat and the blood gently trickle down to the floor. I noticed her heart slowing down and so did Ezekiel. He clapped his hands and yelled 'redo' and everything went back to normal. I stood over her and stared into her eyes. I then reached down and felt her fur it was soft and warm. I froze all of sudden as memories of the times I had with Fluttershy where I did the very same thing. I looked into Rarity's eyes again, she was crying. She then mouthed something, it took a few times until I finally got it. She was mouthing 'Stop this please.' As if automatically my brain pieced everything together and it screamed that what I was doing was wrong. I looked at Rarity one last time and that was all it took for my heart to feel like it was tearing to pieces. The connection between our minds severed itself and when it did I started vomiting profusely. The reason? Not sure but I have reason to believe it has something to do with what I'm doing and what I have done. I ended up passing out due to exhaustion. I am prepared for unpleasant dreams.
"Hmm....I know I'm one for chaos but what he's doing (be it chaotic or not) isn't in good fun." Discord said. "I might have to find another way out of here to stop him if the need arrives. But I think I'll continue to observe things before taking any action." He somehow managed to move his eyes and look at the sky. "It is quite the lovely day though" He sighed. "I hope you realize how lucky you are Seth. Well maybe not lucky but it's better than being stuck here inside this rock!" He sighed again and shifted his gaze frontwards and just stared at the castle.
After a few minutes he noticed Luna walking over to him, with an expression that said she was ready to kill something, if that was her way. She calmly walked over and glared at him expecting a explanation. When one didn't come she softened her expression and sighed. She decided that asking nicely might serve her with better luck.
"Discord will you tell me what you have done?"
"Heh me? Why assume it was me hmm? I'm not the one running around and getting inside of ponies heads!" He somehow managed to actually speak.
"No. What I meant was what have you done to Ezekiel. It is in your best interest to speak or..." She was cut off.
"Or what?! Haven't you ruined my life enough! What with you and Celestia trapping me in stone forever TWICE!! Now if you would actually listen to me Lu-Lu." He pause to catch his breath. "I have done nothing. It was all him, I had nothing to do with it."
"I do NOT like that name!" Luna scoffed. "And I don't believe you Discord. He was not like this before and how could he have freed himself without your help!"
"I've been trying to figure that out myself. I've been thinking about it ever since he left."
"You can't possibly tell me you had nothing to do with this."
"I'm being honest with you Luna. And as long as we're chatting I suppose I should tell you that he's been planning this for hmm....I don't know. Ah yes ever since the second month without any visitors. Honestly I can't see how keeping a mad man locked up in isolation would help." He said hinting at Seth's and his own imprisonment. "Or have you forgotten about his condition?" Luna's eyes went wide with worry and the realization that her and her sister have made a much more horrible mistake then she has originally thought. "Oh please, you have GOT to be kidding me! I swear you two lock something up in stone and you forget about him! Now if you will excuse me I have eternal nothingness to do!"
Luna tried to say something but stopped as she felt a tinge of guilt and just walked away with her head hung low. Discord rolled his eyes and went back to planning.
I awoke with the biggest head ache I've had in awhile. My vision was blurry and I could hardly tell what anything was. I looked at the white blob that was in front of me and shook my head to get rid of some of the blurriness. I regretted it when I noticed I was using the pile of vomit as a pillow and the wretched stench was enough to make a pig choke. The white blob was Rarity, I looked and smiled nervously as I tried to get up. Shortly after my first attempt I decided that it was better to just sit instead. Rarity was looking at me with a look of terror on her face, like I was going to attack her or something. But then again her thoughts aren't unjustified are they?
"Ugh my head. What the fuck." She was silent. I raised my hand and lightly flicked her horn. She flinched a little and then I patted her head. "I'm going to go wash up and then we can go see your friends, ok?" I said dazedly as I tried to stand. I stumbled a few times on the way to one her bathrooms. I washed my face of the pungent odor and looked up at my reflection. I didn't like what was staring back at me. It was Ezekiel's face but it was transformed into something demon like. I shook my head and I was staring back at my own reflection. I blinked a few times just to make sure it was gone and walked back into the room Rarity was in.
Her legs were no longer frozen in stone and she moved away from the puke but froze when she saw me coming. I passed her and went to the door and opened it. She looked at the door and then me with a puzzled look on her face. I motioned toward the door but she was still acting like her legs were frozen.
"Rarity.....I can tell you moved. Your about five feet away from where you were when I went to wash up."
"A-and what makes you think I want to come with you?"
"If you don't want to see your friends fine. I'm sure they're worried about you though."
She thought for a moment and started walking towards the door. After she was outside I closed the door and walked with her. In the better light I noticed a few bruises showing through her coat and that she was limping slightly. I picked her up which cause her tense up due to the last time I picked her up but relaxed when she realized I was carrying her. When we reached the train station I set her down and we boarded the train. She sat next me which surprised me quite a bit but I couldn't look at her for an extended amount of time. I looked out the window and tried not to think about anything I've done.
When arrived at Canterlot and exited the train and started toward the castle. She insisted that she walk and I didn't protest. In-fact I didn't say anything the entirety of the trip. Rarity was looking around Canterlot like it was her first time here. Her look of splendor quickly dissolved when she saw the what happened at the castle. She froze and looked at each of the "statues" and then to me. I could tell what her question just by the look on her face and just simply shook my head. She however saw it as me confirming her thoughts, either that or I read her face wrong.
I sighed. "They're still alive just trapped like I was." She said nothing but looked relieved and followed me inside.
She was looking at all of the the other pony 'statues'. "So they're all indeed...."
"Alive? Yes."
"And the others?"
I sighed. "Same thing Rarity. I only told the Princess that I was going to kill some ponies to torment her more."
"And where is Celestia?"
"With the others in her chambers. This way."
We reached the door to Celestia's room and I opened it. Immediately after the door was opened enough for her to fit into, Rarity ran over to her friends and hugged them all, even the Princess. I walked over to Celestia who has regained some of her strength and was glaring at me. I walked up and did something that surprised her, I gave her a hug. I turned around and began walking away until I remembered something.
"Twilight Sparkle! I am very disappointed in you!"
"W-what did I do?!"
"I specifically told you NOT to reproduce my guns or the ammo and you do it anyway!!"
"Well you were a statue! And I saw an opportunity for advancement in technology. I couldn't resist!"
"To bad. I'm burning the guns and burying the ammo. You should know better! Don't bother trying to explain yourself further. Just know that all of you're hard work is going to the trash."
"But...but why?"
"Do I need to shoot you for you to understand?"
"N-no..."
"Good. I'll be back with Pinkie Pie. Rarity, do be a dear and tend to our friends here if they need it." She nodded. "Good. I'll be back soon.
All the back and forth. Sheesh!
Chapter 5: Help From An Unusual Friend
I'm not going to bore you with the same thing again. Let's sum it all up here: I boarded the train, took a nap and exited the train. There you go. While I was walking through Ponyville, I noticed Luna was searching for something. I assume she was looking for me. She looked in my general direction and I hid in an alleyway between the buildings I was closest to. She didn't seem to notice me so I was free to move. I decided it was better to take the alleys on my way to Sugar-Cube Corner, to avoid detection from the the Princess of the Night. She called out for me a few times but I would be stupid to call back. Or I could just mess with her. I decided not to and weaved in and out of the many alleys on the way to the bakery.
I was probably about half way there, considering I had to take a few more alleyways because of Luna. She stopped calling for me and started asking ponies about my location. I recognized a few of the ponies and was stating to get worried, but that feeling quickly went away when they kept pointing in the direction of the train station. I smiled when Luna started in that direction and quickly ran into an alley closer to Sugar-Cube Corner. From there I tried to strategize and think of the best way to go about this. Walking into the front door wouldn't be smart and I don't remember there being a back door and I don't want to wait till night. I decided to check the back of the building to double check for a back door and like I remembered there wasn't one. I looked into the window and saw Pinkie working on a cake. I tapped on the window and she looked up and started to smile but before Pinkie could be Pinkie I did my weird eye thing and.......this isn't my mind.....um...what?
"Ok I can honestly say this has never happened before...."
"Hey there." Came a familiar voice from behind me.
I jumped a little bit and turned around and there was Pinkie but she had a darker coat color and her mane was deflated and slightly darker as well. "Um....hi? Where am I."
"Somewhere you should not be." She said with a.....creepily cheerful grin. "But despite that I don't think you should leave." Her eyes....they're piercing my soul! "I think you should stay here forever !"
"Uh....how about no."
"What?!"
"I said no. I don't like this and you're creeping me out so....bye."
She sat down and her bottom lip quivered a little bit. "You think I'm creepy?"
"I know what you're trying to do and it's not going to work."
She stood back up and her eyes turned red. "Then I'll just have to make you stay!!"
Oh fuck me. "I said no. What about that don't you understand?" She did nothing but smile and laughed like a mad mare and all of a sudden a knife came out of nowhere and cut my arm. "Fuck! Ugh what the hell!?!"
"Stay and play with me. I've been so lonely! We can make cupcakes!!"
This time it was something like a cats claw. The ninja weapon not an actual cat's claws. "Pinkie you are treading on thin ice!"
She giggled madly. "Pinkie? I'm not Pinkie. I'm Pinkamena." She said as the smile slowly faded. "She keeps me locked up here so I won't hurt anypony." She turned a color closer to a vaguely faded red. "I've been here ever since she moved to Ponyville. Out on the rock farm, we would just kick a tree or a rock but ever since we moved she wanted to change her life and locked me away and gave me her real name so I have an identity. That was the last nice thing she did for me...."
While she was telling me all of that I was working on getting us over to my side of the mind connection and was successful. She took notice of this and looked like a frightened little foal. "That's a.....sad story actually, Isn't it."
Ezekiel walked out from behind me. "Yes it reminds of a very similar story." He said and afterwards punched my arm.
"Yeah yeah, so what do you think we should do with her?"
"Oh I think we should leave her alone, and try to get Pinkie here."
"Hmm....alright. But what about Pinkamena here?"
"She can go back." He paused in thought and after awhile a rather scary grin appeared on his face. "Or rather, Pinkamena should do it. What do you think Pinkamena?"
She didn't answer but the maniacal smile on her face did.
"Velcome mein patient. It seems zat you are hyperactive and eat too many sweets." We figured out a way to get Pinkie here and she was now strapped down on The Rack like Celestia was. "Ve are here to.....help vith your problem." I dropped the really horrible German accent and Pinkie's eyes were tearing up. "First Pinkamena will help you by opening your cranium and pushing some buttons or something. Me? Well since I actually like you I'm going to sit over there and watch instead of standing up close." Pinkie's hope that this was some weird game was dissolved and she began crying.
"If you like me then why are you doing this!?" She turned her head to Pinikamena. "And how are you here?! I thought you in my head not his!?"
"Oh Pinkie it's so nice to see you again." There's that smile again. "How about we play a game? Hmm.....? Let's play Doctor!" And she to work while I strolled and sat down about ten feet away. I can still see what was going on just not the finer details. Pinkamena started with the cutie mark and then cut Pinkie down the middle and started "harvesting" (as she put it) Pinkie's organs. Strange one she is. "Oooo the stomach!" She said as she tried to blow it up like a balloon. When it didn't she just tossed it to the side and went for the intestines. Which she started playing like an upright bass.
"Looks like we're losing her."
"Aww but I wasn't done playing!" Pinkamena yelled in disappointment.
"Hmm.....I wonder what will happen if we let her die?"
My head snapped towards them. "NO! If she dies in here she dies out there!"
"But isn't that what you want eventually?"
"I never said that! What the fuck makes you think I want her dead!?!?!? I like Pinkie!!"
"You also liked Fluttershy."
"Yeah and we didn't torture her!!"
"Then....why did....you torture....me??" Pinkie said slipping away.
"FUCK!! REDO!!!" I yelled and clapped my hands but nothing happened. "No. No-no-no-no. Ezekiel! You better Help me out here!"
"Or what?"
I looked over at Pinkie and she was almost gone. I was really starting to panic. "Or I make you! I think Seth made it quite clear that he doesn't want her dead. But since you're not going to I will." With a simple snap of his fingers everything went back to normal. Even Pinkamena was gone and we weren't in the Torture room anymore.
"Thanks Discord. I can't believe he would actually let that happen!"
"I saw it coming a mile away. But before you say anything further, let make something clear." He walked over to me and got in my face leaving about an inch or two between us. "You better not let that happen again. Do you understand?
"Yes. I wouldn't want to piss the God of Chaos off." I gulped
"Good. Don't worry about taking her to Canterlot I got that covered. You still need to do something here right?"
"Yeah."
"Go take care of that then. I swear Seth....." He shook his head and disappeared and when when he did the connection between mine and Pinkie's mind broke.
I was still looking at the inside of the kitchen but Pinkie was gone. "Discord must have taken her."
"Taken who?" I heard Luna's voice from behind me.
I turned around and indeed saw the lunar princess. "Shit! Hi Luna um....He took Pinkie to be with the others. I don't know how but he did. And as for me?"
"You are in a lot of trouble."
"Thought so. Well what are you going to do to me?"
"Not what we did last time. I see how well that worked." She shook her head. "No. What I'm going to do to you is get you to a doctor."
"I-is that it?" I said very confused.
"While under surveillance every hour, day and night. Until we find out whats wrong with you."
"I see. Well let me do one more thing." I turned around and started walking towards town hall. Luna followed.
"Hmm....Twilight has been busy. Wow that's a lot of guns." I was at town hall now and there was a pile about three feet high. "I might save one or maybe a few. Not sure....." I walked closer to the pile to examine the pony made guns. "Huh, this looks like a cross between the Mosin and the Dragunov and this.....this is weird. Hmm.....looks like Twilight combined the Trench Gun with the MP5 as well. Wow interchangeable barrel and everything to. And what is this? Yeah definitely keeping this." I took one of each and put them of the side. The ponies also brought all of their ammo and I took that to.
"I need a lighter and something flammable."
"I can use a fire spell."
"That would work. Set that pile ablaze and then we can take the left over stuff to Twilight's. Then we can go."
"But why would you want to destroy Twilight's hard work?"
"Think about it this way: A pony gets mad at another pony and shoots him. Do you want that to happen?"
"Well no but..."
"No buts just do it. Besides Twilight already agreed to have them destroyed." Her horn glowed and then the guns were engulfed in flame. "Good. Now we'll drop the rest off and cast a spell on Twilight's house to make sure nopony steals them and then, off to Canterlot."
"How will Twilight enter? Or her friends?"
"Make it so the spell doesn't affect them. Problem solved."
Fucking captured again! Kinda knew it would happen eventually. Let's hope they can actually do something this time.
Luna resorted to strapping me to a table and locking me up in a "inescapable room". Last time she left I counted the amount of locks locked. Five. The door had five locks on it. The room was cold and damp, something like a medieval dungeon might look like. It also smelt bad. Mostly due to the mold growing in the corners of the floor. It was not pleasant to say the least.
Luna would "visit" me every few hours, and ask me how to turn her sister and the Elements back. And each time I would tell her that she would have to let me go for me to be able to change them back. She was less than happy with the idea and well.....here I remain strapped to the table. I could hear the guards talking outside of the door. It was mostly muffled but a few words slipped through. They were talking about me and how it would be better if Luna made an exception to the no execution law and kill me. This isn't the first I have heard this conversation, although they did vary a bit but the subject is always the same.
"You know if you want me dead you have the chance to kill me right now!" I heard a lock slide opened but it stopped there.
"Don't let him get to you." One of the guards said to the other and slid the lock back closed.
"But he killed my friend!"
I rolled my eyes. "I did not kill anypony! I merely turned then into stone!" I had to yell for them to hear me clearly.
"He suffocated before you unfroze his mouth!! If you realized that sooner he would still be alive!!!"
"I'm so sorry. I thought it worked similar to what the Elements did to me. Now you want to yell at me like that again?"
"I'll speak to you how ever I want!! And you cant do anything about it!!"
"Then stop hiding behind that door and face me!"
I could hear the locks being moved furiously and the shouts of the other guard. Somehow he managed to get all of the locks and open the door. He was a unicorn, I assumed that he used a paralysis spell on the other guard. I could only see his silhouette but that was enough to tell me what type of pony he was and know where his eyes were. I had an eye-patch on last time the guards were in here to check my straps and tighten them if it was necessary. But since then I somehow managed to flip it up. He gasped, realizing his mistake and was teleported to my mind.
"Now that we have a chance to really talk, I just want to tell you that I am truly sorry about your friend." His response was to draw his sword and cut off my arm at the elbow. I looked down and back at him. "Ouch....That kinda stung."
"Heh, good I'm just getting started!"
"You creatures." I shook my head. "You become scared of something and automatically assume that it's hostile."
"Well aren't you?! Look at what you did to Celestia and the Elements!!"
"But you got to remember who gave the order to have me imprisoned in stone. Just imagine being standing in the same pose for a year. Wondering where your friends and loved ones are, and not having any way of letting your anger and sadness out. Instead having it grow and fester into something completely monstrous. And then dealing with that for however long!"
"You deserved it!" He said as he charged at me with his sword.
I dodged it and kicked him in the side as he passed. "I deserved it!?!? Did I get a chance to change my ways?! NO!!! I was summoned to the castle and next thing I know I was told that I was going to be turned to stone!! By my fucking friends!!! Why did I go after Celestia?! To make her fucking suffer! Why did go after the Elements/my friends? To make Celestia suffer even fucking more!" My arm levitated and reattached itself and a force field surrounded the guard. "But doing that to my friends broke my heart. I'm not a fucking monster, that shit killed me inside! And here's something else you may not have realized."
"And what might that be?" He said still in battle stance.
I looked him in the eye "Your precious Princess Luna promised to help me when we got back here. But what does she do? She throws me in the most poorly kept cell in the dungeon! We were friends too dammit!! And this is what she does to me!?"
"She told us guards that you were captured terrorizing Ponyville!"
I looked down breaking eye contact. "I never thought she would be a liar as well as a traitor..."
"What are you going to do to me?" He asked in a generally collected voice.
I looked back up at him and smiled. "You stood your ground. You are brave, I respect that. You didn't break down and cry or try to run away. You fought. You're free to go." I said as a portal opened up behind him. "Feel free to tell the guards of the lies of Princess Luna, I doubt the would believe you." The force field dispelled and I waved at him. He said nothing just turned and walk into the portal. "Hmm....I swear I've seen him before. Male with a blue mane and white coat? Nope nothing."
Luna heard about that little encounter and was not happy. She told the guards to leave their posts and to basically forget about me and declared this wing of the dungeon off limits to anypony but her. She just left me to rot down here, I'm surprised it hasn't occurred to her that I'm the only one that can turn them back to normal.
"I can help you get out of here."
"How? These straps are pretty strong, I don't see how you will be able to break through them." Just then the area where straps were became incredibly hot and the straps melted.
"That's how."
"And the door?"
"Wait for Luna to come back. It shouldn't be long until her next visit."
"I hate waiting games." I said as I went and hid in the corner behind the door.
I've been in this corner for about an hour now, and I'm starting to think Luna has actually forgotten about me. Until the door opened that is. Luna walked in and saw I wasn't strapped to the table and that the straps were melted. She began looking around frantically and that's when I swiftly and silently hit on the back of her head and knocked her out. I ran out of the room and started looking for a way out.
It's been about 15 minutes of looking for the exit and no luck. I then realized I didn't have a plan if there were guards at the exit. I began to think about how I was going to go about it. I then passed a window and thought about jumping but even though there was a river below, the water from this height would be like concrete. I turned to continue walking down the corridor that I was currently in and found a door....that somehow led into the Royal Guards barracks. As soon as they saw me I turned around and booked it.
I was almost back to where my cell was, and the guards are still searching for me. I turned my head to look behind me to see if any guards were closing in but there weren't, so I turn my head back to look forward and stopped. In front of me was a very much awake, very very pissed of Luna. At first I backed away slowly but when she lowered her head and rushed forward I turned around and flew down the corridor.
Luna was still chasing after me but I somehow managed to get ahead of her by a few feet. I passed that window and briefly considered jumping out but decided not to and kept running. It was then when I ran into a squad of guards and had to turn around again and to run toward the window, where Luna was.....I'm boxed in. I'm sure you can see where this going.
I looked to my left and right. To my left were the guards, swords ready and all, and to my right was an ever so slightly calmed down Luna. I began to slowly back up, which made Luna very aware of what I was thinking of doing.
"Ezekiel I know what you thinking and you shouldn't do it." I said nothing and continued to back up. "I know putting you in that cell was wrong of me and I'm sorry I let my anger get the best of me," I had my back pressed against the glass. "But now I will really get you a doctor to help you." I put pressure on the glass and I heard it starting to crack. "Now what do you say?"
"I say, you only want me alive so I turn everypony back to normal!" Her face said 'Oh shit he figured it out.' And that didn't do much for me to back away from the glass. "But you know what? Fuck! That!" I yelled as I applied more pressure to the glass causing it to break and I started falling down towards the river.
I washed up on a riverbank somewhere. Looking around at all of the trees, one could only assume that this was the Everfree forest. I really wish it isn't. I assumed I was miles away from Canterlot so I wasn't really worried about any guards or Luna coming around. I sat up and looked myself over to see if I was injured in any way. Besides a few cuts and bruises I seemed ok. I stood up, picked a direction and started walking, maybe I'll find my way back to Ponyville.
As I was walking I saw a small town built in a clearing. Being cautious I went tree to tree and hid behind any bushes that would keep me hidden. I saw that it was indeed a small town and that there was even ponies here! I thought it would be abandoned, the buildings are in a state of disrepair and the ponies....have more than one cutie mark... What the hell?
Maybe this is like Ponyville. Maybe (and hopefully) the ponies here are nice and wont try to kill me, this is the Everfree after all. I slowly emerged from the bushes alerting a passing pony, but unlike Ponyville this pony was slowly walking towards me, it approached cautiously as it looked me up and down. It circled me much like Twilight did the first time she saw me. I was started to get annoyed so I decided to say something.
"Um excuse me?" It jumped a little and then stepped closer.
"You can talk?!" She sounded excited. "Not many things in the forest can talk like us. Well maybe that sea serpent thats seen in the river but that's about it."
She missing a fucking eye! "H-have you seen a shadowy figure?"
"No can't say I have." She tapped her chin with her...rotting...hoof in thought. "What does it look like other then it being shadowy?"
Fucking zombie pony!! Run! Get the fuck outta here!! "A little like me...um...where are we exactly?"
"Yeah I guess our town is unknown to most of Equestria isn't it? Welcome to Gloomy Town, friend!"
She kinda reminds me of Beetlejuice now that I think about it. "Thanks?..."
"Something troubling you?" I said nothing. I just looked her up and down, which she noticed. "Ah so you noticed, huh?" She raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah. I-I did."
"I see, well don't worry about it. The town just ate, and it was a big meal so you're safe.....for now." She said the last part under her breath but I heard her anyway.
"For now?"
"You heard that? Shoot sorry about that, but yes for now. When the town gets hungry there is no denying it. You understand, right?"
"And you eat meat?"
"Yeah? Is that a problem?"
"But you're a pony..."
"Yeah but you see we're not.....like other ponies."
"I can tell by the missing eyes and rotting flesh. You're a zombie pony."
"Well that's one way of putting it. Yes, me and the rest of the town are 'zombie ponies' and yes we eat meat. Problem? Then, well you best leave."
"I don't have anywhere to go though. I'm kinda on the run from Princess Luna right now."
Her eye sockets began to glow red and I noticed a few more glowing eyes staring this way from the shadows and silhouettes from the buildings. There's not much that truly scares me besides a pissed Discord and my mom during that time of the month. I think I'm going to add this to the list. "You dare say that name around here!! We should have you killed for bringing her disgusting name to our town!!!" Seemingly the whole town echoed. I about shit myself and ran.
"I-I-I'm sorry! I'm new here, just arrived 10 minutes ago!" Death didn't scare me. It was being eaten alive that did.
"Then you shall be spared. But take this as a warning!" I nodded my head rapidly and the glowing red eyes faded away. The zombie mare in front of me spoke again. "Sorry about that. We are nice, really. It's just we have a history with....her."
"I see, at risk of being eaten or killed in a similar way, I wont make that mistake again. But other then 'her' what can I call her by?"
"It's best we just drop it right now. I don't want to be cannibalized." I said nothing just nodded my head slowly with a stupid look on my face. "Don't worry that's a only punishment for talking about....well you know."
I gave a sigh of relief. "Anything I should know before I wake up on somepony's dinner table?"
"Our laws are mostly like those of any other town. The only real exception is the law I just told you about. You should probably stick with me if you want to have a chance at survival. You may look like you could take on a few of us but once you're swarmed you're as good as dead."
"Who said I wanted to stay here?"
"Noponys forcing you to stay here friend. You're free to stay or go but if you want a chance of citizenship in this town, you best stay around me for awhile."
"And what are the benefits of being a citizen here?"
"Well I don't know the technical stuff but what I do know is that we wont hunt you down and eat you. If you're a certified citizen."
I really have shit to do but I guess it is in my best interest to stay here awhile. I sighed and looked down at her. "Ok you win. I'll keep you company."
"Don't know much about winning friend but saving your hide, maybe."
Yay.
Chapter 7: Becoming A Citizen
Despite her decomposing flesh, she is actually pretty nice. She had a gray coat with a dark green mane and tail, and in this light I could tell she had a countless amount of cutie marks, and that she was quite literally covered in blood, and also that she was an earth pony. She was telling me that I needed to check in with the mayor to see if there's anything that needs to be done. She also said the reason we needed to go to the mayor is that she wasn't sure what needed to be done because they almost always have an undead pony wander into town and they're almost automatically apart of the community. But never anything else. I said why not and here we are, on our way to the town hall.
I was the most interesting thing that has ever happened to this town in forever it seems. All of the undead ponies looking at me was....unnerving to say the least. A few of the more friendly ones waved at us and some of the rest called me fresh meat, which was nothing unlike when I was in prison before the rumors started going around. It hit me that I never asked for her name. So why not ask her now?
"Hey."
"What is it?"
"You never told me your name."
"Hmm....I guess I didn't did I?"
"Nope."
"It's.....I can't seem to remember."
"Really?"
"Yes it's been awhile since I had to tell somepony my name. I guess I kinda forgot."
"That's unfortunate. I'm Seth by the way."
"Nice to finally officially meet you Seth." She smiled
"Like wise. So how long until we're at the town hall?"
"Oh right. You wanted to become a citizen. Well I think I forgot to tell you that there isn't a town hall."
"Oh ok. Well where is the mayor at?"
"There isn't one, I was messing with you."
"Then how can you assure me I won't be eaten if I stay here tonight and how can you assure me that I wont be hunted down when I leave?"
She kinda chuckled. "As one of the founding members of this town, I think I have every right to make that decision."
"Are you really? How old is this town?"
"The town itself is 100 years old. I'm probably...let's see I died sometime after the feud between....the two 'Divines' and that was about 980 years ago, so I would be somewhere around 955 years old."
My jaw dropped and if I was in the same condition as her it probably would have fell off. "Really?!? You don't look a day over, well if I would guess I'd say somewhere around your 20's."
"I did die when I was 25. After the initial death you kinda stop aging."
"I imagine that being the case. So where are you taking me then?"
"Back to my house." I froze and bells started going off in my head. "That way we can get you settled in, and..." She noticed I wasn't following her. "Oh what's wrong now?"
"How do I know you're not going to try to do anything funny?"
"You have a point, I am pretty bad at jokes."
"You know what I mean. How do I know I can trust you?"
"Hmm....lets see here: I've shown you nothing but kindness ever since you showed up, I'm offering to make you a member of our community so you wont be hunted down, and I'm offering my guest room to you. What have I done wrong in the time I've shown you around here? Unless it's.....oh I see now. So tell me, how did you come across our little town, hmm? Just wandering through the forest carelessly, am I right!?"
Where is this coming from? "No I fell from Canterlot." She raised an eyebrow and cocked her head. "I was being held in the lowest, filthiest part of the dungeon, I managed to escape but I got boxed in and jumping out the window was my only option. I got knocked out on impact with the water and washed up on the river not to far from here. So no I didn't come here on a whim. It doesn't 'tickle my fancy' to be here! I just want to go home!!" I stopped as I remembered what happened between me and Fluttershy. A tear formed but didn't go anywhere. "Except....I don't have a home...I won't ever be able to go but and live a normal life....all because of the 'Divines'. I hate them. So much."
"That's quite the story, Seth. If you didn't have the injuries to prove it I would say you were lying to me. I hope we have this misunderstanding out of the way. Come on follow me." I snapped out of it and silently followed her.
We arrived at her house about five minutes ago. It was alright, It was falling apart at places but I figured it was because they didn't have any access to much lumber save for the trees around the town. She showed me the guest room and what wasn't very reassuring was the remnants of her last guest on the bed. She apologized and went to wash the sheets while I made myself at home. I have decided one thing though: I'm not going to go to sleep for awhile. Well technically I don't need sleep but it's still a nice luxury.
She was letting the sheets dry out side, and we were talking in her living room. We were having a conversation about how things have changed and the history of the town. Apparently when she came back to life she came here and built a small hut. Some 800 years later some more undead ponies showed up and they started building a few houses and upgraded the hut to the house we're staying in now. She did admit that since nopony here can die, it's difficult to expand and house everypony. But she also said that not many ponies are wrongfully dying in this day and age and that things slowed down and they don't have to expand that much anymore.
"Hey do you sleep at all?"
"Sometimes. I mean I'm undead so I really don't need to, but it's nice."
"Would it be to much to ask if you went to sleep same time I go to sleep?"
"Not at all. I may be old but I still remember my manners."
"Ok good."
"But may I ask why?"
"So I know you wont try anything. I appreciate your kindness but trust takes time."
"You are wise Seth. Not like our other visitors." God that was creepy.
"Um...thanks?"
"It's not a compliment I give out often, so you are welcome."
She went to check on the sheets and I stayed here to get familiar with the house. It was similar to a Victorian style house. So what if it was falling apart at places. That kinda made it fit with the rest of the town. While I was exploring the house, I went into the kitchen. It was well kept, with minimal blood stains on the table cloth. I was going to check the fridge but I turned around when I saw a human sized eyeball in a wine glass. I knew it wasn't a human but still. I went back into the living room and sat back down. I looked around the room and big surprise nothing changed.
She walked back in and just looked at me with a unreadable expression. After a few seconds she turned into the kitchen and came back with the glass with the eye in it. When she started drinking from it, I about lost it. I started retching and looking for the bathroom. I found it just in time and lost what ever food I had eaten, which was prison food. Vunderbar. She came casually walking over to the bathroom, no longer holding her drink.
"You ok?"
"Blood, I can most definitely handle. Organs, I can handle alright as well. Ever peeling the flesh from bone I can handle. But something about eyes and brains that just fucks me over." The thought of brains made me puke again.
"I'll keep that in mind. When you're done with that, we can make you a citizen."
"What needs to be done?" I said as I sat down on the floor. Trying not to vomit again.
"Well you need eat with us and you need to be undead, but I guess we could make an exception."
"I am an undead, so you don't need to worry about that."
"You are?" She said with genuine curiosity.
"Yeah, about a year or two I fought a hydra to protect my marefriend at the time," It hurt to say that. "And I failed....she died right infront of me and it torn me up."
"I thought you said you were undead."
"I am, I used a life force transfer spell to save her. I gave my soul so that she could live."
"Very noble of you. How did you come back?"
"Believe it or not, the Grim Reaper Pony gave me a second chance."
"Hmm....I can tell you're telling the truth. He doesn't do that very often, but he is a bit of a softy when it comes to sacrificing ones self for a loved one. You are lucky my friend. Truly, truly lucky."
"You know the Grim Reaper?"
"Yes, we all do. I wouldn't call him a friend but we know him."
"I guess that makes sense, huh?"
"Sure does. Seeing how we are undead. So if you're feeling better, we can start with the citizenship ceremony."
"Ok."
I was sat on a small rickety stage somewhere in town. The mare I will be staying with told the town about it's soon to be member. I wasn't sure about all the undead looking at me, it made me uneasy. I started looking around to see where she was but I couldn't see her. I looked at the audience and met their stares. Some had eyes, some didn't, some were even missing jaws. I had no idea what the fuck was going on.
She came up onto the stage in a slight gallop.
"I'm sorry about that, we had a little....problem. We'll get to that later. But now we have a new member to our community to initiate." She stood up on her hind legs and pointed both of her hooves like she was presenting me, she probably was. "Here we have Seth. He is obviously not a pony but he is an undead all the same. He will stand up and tell us about himself and then you can ask questions, if hes ok with it." She looked over at me. "You ready?"
I stood up and looked around. "As I'll ever be."
"Stage is all yours, my friend."
I scratched the back of my head. "Well...um...my name is-" I was cut off
"Your name is 'Fresh Meat'!!"
Those two words swam around in my head a bit and I spaced out. I felt a searing pain in my left eye. I snapped out of it in what felt like minutes and continued. "...Seth. My name is Seth. She is right, I am not a pony. I am what is known as a human and according to," I tried to think of something beside their names. "Sources, I am the only one in recorded Equestrian history. Any questions?"
"Yeah! When do we get to eat?!"
"Questions for me, I meant."
"I know! When do we get to eat you!?"
I walked over to The Mare, my left eye still hurting. "I'm done. What next?"
She walked back to the front of the stage. "It seems that somepony has upset our newest member." Upset? What does she mean? I felt liquid running down my left cheek. I checked to see what it was. It was blood. "Now if we can get passed the foalish and petty stuff, we can get on with it." She looked at me. "Soon he will eat with us and become apart of this town!"
There were mixed responses. Some cheered, some didn't and some didn't do anything. Just stared. I walked over to her. "What about that problem you mentioned?"
"Oh right! Yes, as I mentioned before, we had a small situation. Which is why I was late. I captured a wanderer on the outskirts of town. Who wants to see her?" There were cheers and whistles. "Alright. Bring her out!" They wheeled out a wagon with a cage on it. inside was....was....What is she doing all the way out here?!
I calmly leaned over to The Mare and spoke. "What are you going to do to her?"
"Oh nothing. Maybe scare her a bit, that's all. We don't eat other ponies like the stories might say. We just eat meat."
"Good but she doesn't scare well."
"Hmm? You know her?"
"Yeah shes a friend."
"I see. This is interesting." She looked over at the crowd. "But now we will eat!" The crowd turned their attention to her and cheered. She turned back to me. "Hope you like manticore."
Ugh god. "How much do I have to eat?"
"You'll find out."
"Great."
I was taken to a barn like building. Trails on blood could be seen near the entrance and drying pools of red were in the pastures on the side of the barn. The Mare (as I will now call her) opened the door, prompting an angry roar to sound from inside. The light shown in from outside and I could see the manticore. It saw me and stopped it's furious roaring. It just stared at me, not moving, not blinking, just staring...right into my eyes. I looked it over and it looked vaguely familiar.
"Hmm...Those markings....and that tail....have I seen you before?"
The Mare spoke. "Something wrong? You seem distraught."
"This manticore looks....different from the other ones I've seen around."
"It is. It has rare coloration, we have only seen one other like it but that was years ago."
"One or two years?"
"Pardon?"
"Was it one or two years when you last seen it?"
She chuckled. "Try ten to fifteen years." I felt an odd relief. "But something tells me that's not the reason you don't seem like yourself. You can tell me Seth. Whats wrong?"
I looked it over again and then I saw a scar on it's side. The scar looked like a bullet grazed the manticore's side. That's when it hit me. I felt a brief rush of rage but it passed as soon as I looked into it's eyes. I thought a moment. "You trap my pet manticore and expect it to not effect me?" Both The Mare and the manticore tilted their heads.
"Your pet?"
"Yes."
"Hmm... It seems we made a slight mistake but understand we didn't know."
"I understand perfectly."
"But you know we can not deny the town it's meal."
"Really?" I felt my left eye dripping blood. I raised my hand to wipe some of the blood away when I noticed it dimly glowing. Then I had an idea. "Let me show you something, 'friend'." I smiled wickedly.
"I don't li-" She cut herself off as she looked around. "Well well, it seems like you have a unique gift, my friend."
"You've seen this before?" Ezekiel asked appearing behind her.
"Why yes I have. The Soul and Mind Link spell. It is old and dark magic, One does not learn it, you have to be born....or should I say re-born with it." Ezekiel frowned and disappeared.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"It is rarely seen in living and undead alike. I have only seen it once. Well I should say I only had the chance to see it once. One night so very long ago," She seemed to lose herself in the memory. "I was walking along the very riverbank you washed up on. I ran away from Ponyville because I've gotten into a huge fight with my coltfriend. I stopped walking just long enough to be ambushed by a creature I had not seen before in my whole life. It was a species that was born with this ability. I'm sure you have came across it at least once. For the ponies that are lucky enough not to be caught in the creature's gaze describe it as having a petrifying stare."
"The cockatrice!"
"Yes. The cockatrice's stare is similar to the stare you used. The only difference being that, you can break the link between you and the other. The cockatrice can not. Well should say wont. I'm sure you are aware that you can do anything while in casting the spell?" I nodded my head. "So is a cockatrice. Except they only torture their victims. In case you don't know. What ever damage the cockatrice does is reflected in reality if the spell is not broken within a certain window of time. After that window passes all hope for the victim is lost. I was found on the riverbank by my coltfriend. He spent an hour crying and apologizing to me and carried me all the way back to the Ponyville Cemetery, Where I was buried. The reason for my missing eyes and all the gouges on my body is from that damned cockatrice. You being able to use the stare only means one thing."
"What's that?"
"You've killed one. That stare is a gift to those who have slain a cockatrice, you have my praise Seth. But enough about that." She turned back to her usual demeanor. "You wanted to show me something?"
"It doesn't seem important anymore."
"I see. Well if you be so kind as to let me go, we can get on with the day."
"Yeah." I severed the link between us.
"Now back to business." She recovered immediately. "We will let your manticore go. I have something else in mind."
"Ok?"
"Really another town in the Everfree?"
"Yes. We kinda have a misunderstanding of sorts."
"A misunderstanding, sure."
"Yeah so are we clear on what you need to do?"
"Yep, classic search and destroy mission. Not a problem. Is there anything I should know about the ponies that live there?"
"They look like normal ponies but don't be fooled. They transform when they attack."
"So they're undead too?"
"Yes but unlike us, they can transform, like I just told you and they have no cutie marks."
"How dangerous are they?"
"Pretty dangerous to living things if you are an undead you shouldn't be in any danger."
"Ok point me and the direction."
We were interrupted but one of appointed guards. "The 'guest' wants to see the New-Blood." He said to The Mare.
"Hmm..." She looked at me. "What do you think?" I shrugged. "Very well. She shall see you. Follow him, I will be waiting at my house."
"Ok."
I gave him a nod and we parted ways with The Mare and started towards where the guest was being held. It was about a ten minute walk before we reached the prison. Which was more like an Insane asylum. It had a few "feral undead" in the cells. I was brought to a closed door and the guard opened it and revealed a pitch black room that smelt like a bucket of shit kept out in the sun on the hottest summer for a whole week. Yeah, not pleasant. I looked the guard and told the guard to get her out of here. He said the best he can do was put shackles on her then bring her outside. I told him that anything was better than being in here. I walked outside to get away from the stink.
After a few minutes I heard some commotion from inside. I turned around to see what was going on and was tackled by the pony that was being held in there. I grabbed onto her, which prompted her to flail around, seemingly without control.
"Whoa there Applejack! Calm down, It's me!"
"Why should Ah calm down!?!? Who knows what they'll do to me!"
"Nothing. They won't do anything to you!"
"How do you know?!"
"Their leader told me. Now calm down!" She stopped flailing and calmed down a bit.
I heard a groan from inside. "You alright in there?!" I called, turning around.
"I may need....a little help!" He called back.
"Alright hold on!" I looked back at Applejack. "Stay right here. Don't try to escape they might not be as nice as last time."
"If that was nice, Ah don't want to see mean. Ah'll stay here."
"Good." I walked inside over to where the groans were coming from. I saw a headless body with the beside it. Applejack kicked his head clean off! "Oh my god!! Applejack what have you done!?!?!"
"What?!"
"You kicked his head off!!"
"Ah did?!?!"
"Shut up both of you! New-blood just reattach my head and I will be good to go."
I did and it reattached with a sickening crack. "Uh there you go comrade."
"Ах, вы говорите на моем языке?" (Google translate it. He's from Stalliongrad.)
"Uh...what?"
He sighed. "Nothing. Where is the 'guest'?"
"Right outside." I walked outside where Applejack was. "See?"
She looked kinda funny with her face like that. "But Ah thought Ah kicked his head off!?"
"You did. He's undead."
"Ya mean like a zombie?"
"Something like that, yeah. Follow me I'll take you somewhere safe."
"Can Ah trust you. I mean there has to be a reason Princess Lu-" I quickly used my hands to act as a muzzle.
"Do not say that name. They do not take kindly to ponies saying her name." I released my hands from her mouth.
"Care to tell me why?"
"Not to clear on that myself actually. But yes you can trust me. Even if you can't I'm the only way you can get back to Ponyville."
"Ah suppose yer right."
"Onward to safety!"
For some reason the guard felt like he needed to follow us. We walked to The Mare's house and she dismissed the guard and welcomed Applejack as she did me. Which was strange because She's the one that captured Applejack in the first place. We sat in the living room, in silence. Well after A.J. tried to tear into The Mare. The silence was starting to get to me.
I clapped my hands together. "Soooo, why don't you guys get to know eachother while I let the manticore free?"
"Ok, have fun. I know I will."
"Yer gonna what?!"
"Let a manticore free. Don't worry I have it under control."
"Oh I just forgot I have to tell the town that we aren't eating tonight. Be a dear Applejack and watch my house?" She didn't get much of a chance to speak seeing as we both left at the same time. We walked together for awhile before we had to part ways. She spoke first.
"She's fun! I like her."
"Just don't hurt her to much, ok? That's my job."
"Hmm? I thought you said she was a friend?"
"She is...was...its complicated."
"I see. Well I'll help if you need me to."
"Thanks but that's quite alright."
We reached the crossroads and went our separate ways. I walked to the barn and opened the door when I reached it. Inside was the manticore. It was sleeping until he heard me moving closer. It opened an eye and growled at me, but stopped when he saw who it was. It stood up and just stared at me.
"Ok I'm going to do something. Don't be scared It's not going to hurt you." It raised an eyebrow and I used "The Stare". When it saw my left eye, it tried to back up but it was to late. Once the connection was made I spoke again. "Don't worry Nothing can hurt you here." It roared and ran towards me. "We're really going to do this again?" I snapped my fingers and a cage shot up in front of it. It stopped and began pacing back and forth. "I helped you, I hope you realize that. You were the towns dinner until I said you were my pet." It sat down and just listened. "Oh of course you can't talk back. Let's fix that." I snapped my fingers and there was a dim flash of light. "There that's fixed. Say something."
It raised an eyebrow. "Right like you would understand me anyway." He said in a deep voice.
"Well I did then. I think I'll call you...Charles the Talking Manticore."
"Y-you can understand me?"
"Yep."
"But how?"
"No clue but anyway, did you understand everything I said?"
"Yes. You saved my life. What do you want from me?"
"Well nothing but since you asked. I have a mission so to speak. Ever heard of Sunny Town?"
Chapter 9: The Manticore's Chore
"I'm sorry but no."
I sighed. "And that's your final answer, huh?"
"It was my final answer ten minutes ago!"
We were still under the effects of the Mind & Soul Link spell and in that time, I explained to Charles what the mission requires. He said I would do well to avoid Sunny Town. The way he described it was....interesting to say the least. It made Gloomy town seem like a nicer town than it really is. He told me that in the day time it looks like any normal town. But during the night it turned into something born from nightmares. "Ugh, fine. You think you can do something else?"
He raised an eyebrow. "I may. Do I have to go any where near the accursed place?"
"As long as we're talking about Sunny Town then, no. I need you to go into Ponyville and get my weapons. They should be in the library. It's a tree that's been made into building. Oh!" I snapped my fingers. "I also need my clothes, they should be in Fluttershy's house. They're olive green, You'll know them when you see them."
"Do you think that's a good idea?"
I thought and looked up at the 'ceiling'. "No. Not really, but I can't take on a town without the proper tools."
"I shall do this for you. In return you free me."
I chuckled and it turned into a laugh and the I abruptly stopped myself. "I was going to free you anyway, but thank you."
"No, no I meant from this spell."
"Oh certainly! We're clear on what you need to do?"
"Yes."
"Cool." With a snap I broke the connection. Back in the real world I stared blankly at Charles and shook my head to snap out of it. "I should still be able to understand you. Here," I went over to the gate and opened it. "There you go, Sir Charles." I bowed.
"Thank you, I remember the way to Ponyville I will return with your things shortly." He said leaving the cage.
"Much appreciated." I said walking with him. When outside he stretched and started to walk toward the direction of Ponyville (I assumed) and turned toward me. I just waved and start towards The Mare's house. He nodded and took off in a run in that direction.
About half way to her house I heard The Mare yelling. "Get back! You dare defy your leader!!"
"We are so hungry." The multitude of voices said. "You cannot deny us food! We need to eat!"
"You cannot touch her!! She is the New-Blood's!"
"But we are so hungry! We need to eat!!" By now I was running, sprinting even toward the direction of the yelling. I turned a corner to see both Applejack and The Mare backing up onto the small stage that I had been sitting on just an hour or so before. I was almost there when I saw one of them jump up behind Applejack and bit down on her left hind leg.
"AHHH! Git 'em off of me!! I was close enough by now to see the pony bite down harder causing blood to run down her leg. She called out in a shriek of pain.
Something caused me to stop and just watch for what seemed like forever as another pony sneaked up to her and bit down and then another. After a few seconds I finally broke the spell and felt the rage as I have felt during the fight with the hydra, when I thought it had eaten Fluttershy. I did the only thing I could think of. "Applejack!!!" I yelled as I ran up and jumped on the stage, my presence startling all of the ponies on it. The ponies got off Applejack and ran away only to be caught by hooked chains bursting out of the ground, constricting them in a way that if they tightened or if the ponies tried to move they would rip them to shreds.
The other ponies backed off the stage and just watched. The Mare stayed and cautiously moved closer. She looked at Applejack for only a second before turning to the rest of the town. "You should all be ashamed of yourselves!! Acting like such foals!! As punishment you will not eat for a week!!" She looked at the ponies wrapped up in chains and smiled wickedly. "And hopefully this will get the message through!" She turned to me and said. "Do it." She said coldly and then the chains tightened up by themselves. Ripping the captured ponies to ribbons, sending blood and pieces of guts flying in all directions splattering nearby building and even me, Applejack and The Mare.
Applejack was still conscious but not doing well. There was blood slowly moving from the bite marks on her legs and neck. The Mare came over and shook her head. "It's a damn shame. She was nice." She looked at me, seeing my rage showing through as I making no attempt to calm myself. "Calm yourself friend. She'll be fine, we just need to get her back to my house." I said nothing, picked up Applejack and followed he Mare to her house.
I was brought to her basement and told to put her down on the table in the middle of the room. It looked either like an operating room or a morgue, or maybe even a weird mixture of the two. I carefully sat her down and moved out of The Mare way. She reminded me of Fluttershy when she was operating on Match. The Mare grabbed some sort of sterilizing liquid and poured it on Applejack's wounds, causing her to yell in pain. The liquid seemed to bubble and fizz until it was wiped away by a cloth. Once the wound was sterilized, The Mare sewed the wounds shut, poured some more of the liquid on the wound and wrapped it up.
"There you go Applejack. I think I got it before the virus could spread, you should be fine now. You should rest now."
Applejack nodded and laid her head down on the table. I had things to so I patted her on the shoulder and left the basement.
"Ah yes here is the trail I was looking for." Charles said as he followed the path that passed by the carved out tree-hut thing. He had been walking for about 45 minutes before reaching this point. He saw the resident zebra walking back to the hut from Ponyville. She saw him as well and froze, not wanting to bring further attention to herself. Charles paused as well and stared at the un-moving zebra. This lasted awhile before Charles got bored and backed away. Once in the bushes he could see the zebra wipe the nervous sweat off of her forehead, and continue to walk to her home.
Charles stayed in the bushes just in case there were anymore ponies walking the trail. He found himself hungry about half way to the opening of the Everfree. So he decided to hunt for a little bit. He heard a rustling coming from his left. He stalked the sound and pounced when he felt the opportunity was there. He caught a rabbit, and it looked so tasty. It also looked like a baby rabbit. He sighed and let it go and continued towards Ponyville. He'd surely find something there, right?
He reached the opening of the Everfree that faced toward Ponyville. He went to step out of the Everfree but hesitated. He also tried to remember who Fluttershy was. "The yellow mare that lives.....in that house over there." He thought. He cautiously started walking toward the house, looking around almost constantly to see if he would be noticed. He reached the house and noticed all the little critters scatter. He licked his lips but stayed on task, and searched the house. It wasn't on first floor so he figured he'd check the second floor before searching elsewhere.
He found the clothes and was now headed out towards the library in Ponyville (not before stopping by Fluttershy's kitchen though). He arrived at the towns entrance and stopped. "Should I really go in there?" He thought. He looked up at the sky. "It is almost dark. I'll wait until I can safely move around." And so he found a bush he could hide in and hid.
He waited for about an hour before it was dark enough to move through the town. He got a nap in as well. He walked passed the entrance and toward the center of town, looking for the tree that was the library. The town hall was in front of him now, but he had yet to find the library. He flew up onto the town hall's roof and looked for the weird tree building. He found out that it was to his left. He flew down to the ground and started walking in that direction. After a few minutes he came up on the library and walked up to the door and opened it. There were some lights on but nopony seemed to notice him enter, or to even be home. He began to look for the weapons but was barely having any luck.
He saw stairs that lead down and decided to search the lower level. He opened the door to the basement, and peered inside. On a table the were strange looking objects that were made of metal and wood. "Those must be his weapons." He walked over to them and noticed there were straps on them. "That will make it a lot easier." He said, as he started to strap the weapons on. He also noticed the strange pointed things next to the weapons. He assumed they went together and dropped the pants and jacket and began to stuff the pockets full of the pointed things. He stopped went he saw what looked like holders for the pointed things and began to try and load the holders.
He managed to fill most of them and put them into the larger pockets on the pants. After that he started to continue to stuff the pockets again. He saw that there were holes in the strap of the longer weapon made of wood and metal. He took one of the larger pointed things and slid it through. He found that it fit and started to fill the holes in the strap. He then saw strange cylinder like objects and decided to fill the remaining room of the pockets with them.
He started to go up stairs when he noticed something familiar. Laying on top of a belt was the weapon that was used against him a year or two ago. He decided not to take it but the sheathed knife he would. He slid the weapon and it's carrier off of the belt and took the belt and knife with him.
He was headed toward the stairs when he heard something, no somepony. "H-hello? Anypony down there?" The voice was young with an odd buzzing to it. He frantically started to look for somewhere to hide but no where was big enough to hide him with all of this extra stuff.
"Nopony's down there Match it's late and I'm tired." Complained an even younger voice. A voice that of a filly's.
"I guess you could be right. I still want to check." Said the buzzing voice.
"It's probably Spike. Come on its bedtime!" Whined the filly's voice.
"Hmm...ok Nyx." The buzzing voice said and hoofsteps were heard leaving the top of the stairs.
He waited a few more minutes before walking up the stairs. He looked around and everypony has gone to sleep. He exited the door and started toward the Everfree forest.
I nodded off about ten times by now. It's been about 2 or 3 hours since I sent Charles to Ponyville. I looked at The Mare.
"Where is that damn manticore?"
"I don't know, maybe he got caught?"
I face palmed. "Aw shit...I didn't even thing of that..."
"Remind me: Why did I chose you for this task?"
"What do you mean?"
"You don't seem....well....very smart."
"Excuse me?"
"I mean no offense, but you lacking to take the possibility of him getting caught into account tells me-" I cut her off.
"I'm not a good strategist?"
"Yes."
"That is different from not being smart."
"I suppose you're right."
"Trust me. When it counts, I make a good plan."
"I hope so."
"Uh guys?"
"Why hello my sweet. We are in the living room."
Applejack walked into the room and sat down. "So A.J., you feeling better?"
"Yeah well Ah mean," She paused. "I'm not entirely sure."
"It's just the effects of the medicine sweetie. Don't worry, you'll be fine."
"Ah hope yer right. So Ezekiel-"
"Seth." I corrected.
"Ok...uh..Seth what are you doing here?"
"Let me answer that with a question: What areyou doing here?"
"Well um....Lu-" She stopped when she saw me shaking my head and The Mare's eye sockets glowing red. "U-um....Ah was told to look fer ya. And Ah was taken to the last place y'all were seen. That's when I found this place and was captured while looking around."
"I see."
"Yeah sorry about that, but I couldn't have anypony interrupting the ceremony." She said with an odd cheerfulness to her voice
"What ceremony?"
"Making me a citizen. That's why she called me New Blood."
"You want to live here!?!? What's wrong with Ponyville!?"
"Nothing's wrong with it." I paused to think. "Let's just say I may not be welcome in Ponyville anymore."
"Whatdja do?" she asked flatly.
"I'm very sorry A.J. but I have to do this."
"Do what?" She said nervously and looked at The Mare. "What's going on?!"
I whistled and caught her attention. When she turned her head she got caught in the Stare.
I really hoped I didn't have to do this so soon.
"I do apologize Applejack, my dear friend."
"Whatdja do?! Where are we!?!"
"Somewhere I've grown tired of these last few days." I rubbed my eyes. "You are not the only one to see the place either. The princesses, Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Rarity. You will be taken to them don't worry."
"Seth you better tell me what yer doing right now!!"
"Do you really want to know?" She looked unsure. "Thought so."
"Ah a new guest I see. Dear Applejack this time huh? Hmm.....What should we do to her?"
"Do what you want. I don't want any part of it."
"Oh nonsense! You seemed so....in to it, when we were torturing Rarity." He laughed. "It was refreshing to see your hatred for that mare come out. Let's let that hatred come out again shall we?" He laughed again and a sickening blackness emerged from under him and started to slither toward me. "Don't try to resist it. You're mine." The blackness lunged toward me and landed on my chest, slowly sinking into it. I tried to grab it but my hands went through it. I was powerless, I could do nothing. I collapsed and everything started to go dark. The pain is unbearable. I think I might be dying.
I awoke floating face up in a river. I looked around and saw trees on fire, forever burning or so it seemed. I flipped around and stood up, and when I started walking against the flow of the river, it started raining. I held out a hand to catch some of the rain, and found that it was blood. I washed my hand off in the river, and noticed that somewhere in the distance where deep menacing laughter and screams that sounded like Applejack, I tried to run and get angry but something about this place wouldn't allow me. There was this slightly unnerving peace that washed over me anytime fear or rage started to show through. It kept me flat, like I was on some kind of medication.
"My my Seth. What an.....interesting place you have here. " I heard a voice that was somehow familiar. "It's been awhile since you've last been here, what's the occasion? No don't tell me, it's not necessary. "
"Where are you!?" I said with as much fear as I was allowed to muster.
"Sad really. Being locked away for so long. " He rose from the river in front of me causing me to stop. "So...sad. Something terrible must have happened for you to come here. " He had a black shirt and desert camouflage pants on. "Sadness fills this place you know? River of tears, which you wade in now, are from the families of your victims. "
"E-Eli?? B-but how?!" I could feel tears starting to form.
"Sorrow....sorrow. " He said holding his chin like he was thinking. "I am not your brother Seth. "
"Then who are you?!" I asked trying to fight back the tears.
"You never gave me a real name, so I can't answer that question. You are here for a reason, and asking question is not it. Listen Seth, You have caused suffering to people and ponies alike. You need to learn your lesson and pray foul whelp that this is the only time you will be here. "
"What do I need to do?"
"It's simple. Follow me up the river. I will guide you through the sorrow, that has been repressed all these years. " He walked up the stream backwards. Never letting me leave his sight. "You will feel pain, so brace yourself. " He stopped and I started walking toward him, but even though it looked like he was staying still, I couldn't catch up. I was walking for a few seconds and he spoke again. "Every 5 feet represents 1 year of your life. You will re-experience the sorrows of that year. All of the sadness that has happened in your life and others will replay in this river. "
I didn't say anything, I was to concentrated on getting out of here, and stopping whatever Ezekiel is doing. It felt like I was in a daze while walking. It had been at least 20 or 30 feet by now and nothing. That was until I heard what sounded like a bark from a puppy. But every time the puppy barked blood gurgled up with it. It made me freeze in place. The only movement I could achieve was moving my eyes to look around. Up the river was a small puppy. It looked lost and then it looked in my direction and started to run toward me, "barking" happily and then jumped up onto my legs waging his tail. I don't even want to describe his head. All I could do was watch the little guy until the memory rushed back to me and hit me like a freight train. Tears started to flow when the memory replayed in my head.
When I was five, my parents had bought a puppy for me and my brother. He was the happiest and most energetic little thing. He had a white coat and blue-ish eyes and he was the cutest damn thing you ever saw. We've had him for about two months before.....the accident happened. Sparky we named him, not most original name but we were kids. One day Eli and I decided to moved something heavy off of the kitchen counter. What it was doesn't seem like an important detail right now. Sparky was a very curious puppy, he was under us when we were trying to move the heavy thing. It was a bit to heavy for us and we ended up dropping it...on Sparky. It crushed his neck and a good part of his head. We couldn't even get it off of him. There was no hope for him. I started bawling and Eli went to go get our mom. It took her a week to clean the blood off of the floor.
The memory ended and tears were streaming down my face. I looked at the mangled Sparky in front of me and held him. I stood there crying and holding my puppy and childhood friend. "I'm sorry! I am so fucking sorry Sparky! We didn't mean to...we didn't do it on purpose!" I started crying again and I fell to my knees. I couldn't stand anymore, it was to much. Sparky whined and nuzzled my hand. I petted his matted blood soaked fur and wept. I was a wreck if you haven't guess that by now. Sparky started wiggling out of my hands, causing me to open my eyes. I was surprised by what I saw. There he was. My puppy Sparky, like nothing ever happened to him. He jumped out of my arms and landed on the water. He barked and wagged his tail a few more times before walking passed me further down the river. I forced myself to get up and move on.
I'm about 80 feet from where I started off. Nothing else really happened and the things that did, didn't have the same effect as Sparky's memory. "Let's see 80 feet...where would I be?" I stopped and tried to figure it out. "Ah 16 years old." I started walking again. I heard a voice from ahead. "Wait...16?.....Shit..." I saw someone up ahead. "Oh no....nononono." The person saw me and started walking towards me.
He walked up to me. "Oh hey Seth! Hows it going?"
"Not very good Jim. You're dead....I'm sorry..."
"I am, aren't I?" He held his chin in thought. "Hmm....how old are you now Seth, it's been forever."
I swallowed the lump in my throat and tried not to cry again. "23...I'm 23 now."
"Wow that long huh? Did you have a beer in my honor when you turned 21? You said you would."
I weakly smiled at the memory. "A promise is a promise."
"That it is." He laughed and the memory replayed in my head.
Sixteen years old and I just got my driver's license. I was proud of myself for passing the tests and a bit excited. I wouldn't have to ask my parents to take me somewhere anymore, I could drive myself! I was allowed to use my dad's car, so long I don't wreck it but that wasn't the problem. One Friday night, a couple months after I got my license Jim called me and asked if I wanted to go to a party later that night. I agreed and ask my dad if I could use his car. My dad said if I put gas in it before I bring it back I could. Pretty cool of him right? The thing is, I had no money and had to ask him for some, which meant I owed him money. But anyway, since Jim didn't live to far from me I offered to drive him and he accepted. It was an alright party I guess until some jackass ruined it for everyone. At that point people started leaving and so did we. I stopped at an intersection, and like a good driver I looked both ways before continuing. Jim and I were having a nice conversation. the subject eludes me. When I thought it was safe to go I started to drive again and then all of a sudden the passenger side of my dad's car exploded. We were hit. It was night time and that asshole had his headlights off. Obviously I was fine but Jim....wasn't. He had three broken ribs that punctured his right lung and a broken neck. The worst part of it all is that he didn't die. He lived to feel that pain and died in the hospital a few weeks later. It was during one of the visits when I promised him I would have a beer for him when I was able to.
"Hey Seth? You ok?"
I snapped out of it. "Yeah, yeah. Just had a flashback, that's all"
He padded my shoulder. "Well don't worry about it buddy. It wasn't your fault."
"B-but I was driving!" I said as tears tried to push their way through.
"It was his fault, not yours okay? At least the drunk bastard got what he deserved, right?"
"Yeah I guess."
"Well bud, I have to go. See ya around" He said and walked passed me.
"Y-yeah see ya."
I was at the 90 foot mark and it didn't take long for me to figure out that I was 18 at this point. I braced myself the best I could for what was ahead. My brother Eli died when I was 18 and it was still hard to think about. I kept walking until I saw him. I saw what I imagined him to look like after the I.E.D. and it wasn't pretty. I still wasn't if that's what he really looked like but I'm sure it's pretty close. He just stood there smoking a cigarette.
"I never liked the rain you know?" He said without looking at me. He flicked the cigarette and it disappeared. "Been awhile huh? I've been watching you, you're quite the killer you know?" He laughed. "Too bad you couldn't join huh?" He turned to face me revealing the side that had been wounded. There was gaping wound in his side that was still dripping blood. I couldn't help but look away at the sight. "Whats wrong? Not happy to see your brother after so long?"
"That's not Eli I just.....Your side man..."
"Tis but a scratch!" He laughed. "I saw Sparky run pass me earlier, I missed that little guy. Tell me: What the FUCK were we thinking?"
I broke out crying again. "I don't fucking know!! I saw what he looked like! Why did we..." I couldn't finish.
"Hey now, stop the crying. Killers don't cry."
"But men do..." I managed to say in between sobs.
"Indeed they do. Look we need to get serious here. It's none of my business why you're friends with colorful ponies but you fucked up. And that....freak is hurting that orange one. You done let him have to much control. Here's what you need to do: Suck it up and teach that sadistic FUCK a lesson. You're done being pissed off at the princess, Right?" I nodded my head. " Then you need to set things right! Come on I'll help you out."
"H-how?"
"First, I'll get you out of here and then we're going to kick his ass and put him in his place. You with me?"
"But I don't think-" I cut off by something really unexpected.
Eli grabbed the collar of my shirt and lifted me up. "WE DON'T HAVE TIME!! Every fucking second we waste here he gets stronger!! You need to control him dammit and this ends now!" He dropped me and I fell into the river. "Now get off your ass and we'll face him. Together." He held out a hand.
"Always the hard-ass huh?" I chuckled as I took his hand and he lifted me up.
He patted me on the back. "Always." He laughed.
We started to walk together. "Hey what were you going to call us if we were deployed to the same place?"
"You mean if you were able to join?"
"Yeah."
"The Demon Brothers."
"Well let's see what The Demon Brothers can do."
He laughed and padded my back. "Now that's the spirit!!"
We walked to the 115th mark of the river and caught up to the person that I've been following.
"You learn your lesson?"
"I did. I need to set things right."
"Indeed. I hope I don't see you here again."
"And I hope I don't returned." He smirked and opened a door that apparently was invisible.
"Go and save your friend and make right with the world."
"Thank you," I passed him but turned before I went through the door. "The Sorrow." He smiled and laughed as Eli and I exited The River and closed the door.
I have a lot of work to do.
Chapter 11: Taking Back Control
We were now back in the demented part of my mind, and what I saw tore my heart out. Ezekiel had no restraints while torturing Applejack. Her legs were hanging from meat hooks, and her organs were hung up like party decorations. It made me sick! I could feel the rage build and boil up in every cell and molecule in my body. Eli put his hand on my shoulder and calmed me down a bit, until he punched me square in the face. I went flying back and skid about a foot when I landed. I slowly got up, growling like an animal. Eli smiled and turned back toward Applejack. I walked up to him and punched his shoulder.
"What was that for?"
"To get you to where you needed to be. Just look at yourself. Your eyes are red, your hair is black, and your skin has a hint of red to it. I'd say you're good to go now."
"What about you?"
"Me? I'm ready." I looked at him with a confused look. "Alright quick explanation." He sighed and rubbed his eyes. "You're more a Berserker type, which mean you're basically like The Hulk. I'm what I like to call a Gemini type, which means I work with my 'demon' instead of it giving me strength like yours. You get it?"
"I think so."
"Then why are we wasting time!? Hey freak!!" Ezekiel turned around while the....other me(?) continued to torture Applejack. "Yeah you!! Come here!"
"Eli? Well well, isn't this a surprise. Hey Minion, we have company." He said to the copy of me, which just groaned like it was annoyed and turned around. It looked like Shadow with the exception of his apparent love for torturing living things and seemingly not much else. "You'll have to excuse Minion, he doesn't talk....at all." Ezekiel laughed. "Tell Seth why are you here?"
"I'm here to take my mind back! You have too much power, and need to be stopped!!"
"Oh? And you think you and your brother can stop me? Don't make me laugh!" His right arm turned into a spear like weapon and he lunged for Eli.
I somehow teleported in front of Eli and caught Ezekiel's arm. "You will not touch him! I lost him once I'm not going to lose him again!!" I broke Ezekiel's arm and he let out a monster like howl.
"It seems I have underestimated you." His monstrous smile faded into a frown. "I may have to get serious. Minion its time to fight!!" Minion disappeared and reappeared behind Eli.
"Eli Watch it!" Minion growled as he plunged his hand into Eli. "NOOO!"
Eli laughed. "Really? You think I'm that easy to take down?" He laughed again as his 'demon' took his place and he appeared behind Minion. "Go to sleep!" Eli said as he to break Minions' neck but minion teleported away. "Shit!" Eli walked up to me. "Meet Jeff." He gestured toward his 'demon' "Looks like thing are going to get messy .You don't need to not worry about me, I'll be fine. Worry about him." He pointed to Ezekiel, who was walking towards me. I heard Eli say something to Jeff but I couldn't understand what he was saying. They both ran off to the left and I heard fighting. I looked forward and saw Ezekiel about two feet away from me and closing the distance. He swung at me and I dodged it. His fist missed my face by mere inches. I grabbed his wrist and applied pressure to his elbow.
"You really think that will work?" He laughed. I smiled and bent his arm backwards hearing a satisfying crack. "AUGH! How did you!?!?"
"Seems I'm more powerful then you thought." I then kicked his feet out from under him. He disappeared before he hit the ground. I looked around for him but couldn't find him. Something grabbed my leg and pulled me causing me to hit my face on the floor. It then lifted me up and began to whip me around, before it let go and sent me flying into a wall. "Ugh...damn..." I tasted blood and spit it out.
Ezekiel laughed and walked up to me. "It seems you're not as strong as you thought! Give up there's no way you can win!"
"You may be right." I coughed up some blood. "But you forgot about something."
"And what is that?" He asked. So sure that he had defeated me.
"Never let your guard down!" A hooked chain sprung up from the ground under him. He jumped out of the way, but It wrapped around one of his ankles. "Let's see how much you like it!!" The chain then started whipping him around and then smashed against the ground a few time before throwing him at the wall across from me. I heard him hit the wall and slid down. I smiled weakly and looked at where Eli, Jeff and Minion were fighting and got up. I couldn't tell who was winning, but it was interesting to see Eli fight.
I heard coughing and turned my attention back to Ezekiel. He slowly started to get up, spitting a tar like substance from his mouth. I started walking toward him and stopped when he got up. He looked at me, his eyes were glowing a fierce red and were so bright they seemed to be burning. "WhAtS ThE mAtTeR? ScArEd?!"
"GET OVER HERE!!" I yelled as a chain shot from my wrist and pierced his chest. I pulled him toward me and he didn't seem to struggle against it. He laughed and I stopped pulling him toward me. He then grabbed the chain and shot some sort of electrical charge through it. I yelled in pain as I was being electrocuted. He stopped the electroshock treatment and I fell to the floor.
Ezekiel started walking towards me. I looked over at Eli to see he had just defeated Minion. Eli looked over here and saw that I wasn't fairing as well as him. He began running over to me. I looked up to see Ezekiel standing over me, smiling like maniac. Jeff appeared behind him and all of a sudden hands burst from Ezekiel's chest. Ezekiel writhed in pain and Jeff threw him off to the side and they began fighting. Eli ran up to me and picked me up and slung my right arm over his shoulder and grabbed on to it and put an arm around my neck and began to walk me away from the fighting.
"Here you go Seth. Hopefully this will give you some breathing room."
"Thanks bro." I propped myself against a wall
"No problem. I gotta go help Jeff." He ran over and punched Ezekiel, using the momentum to his advantage. Ezekiel went flying only to have Jeff catch him and throw him into the ground. The pain I felt was so much my body wanted to shut down, but I would allow it. I looked over to Minion's body and he wasn't there. I looked around but couldn't see him anywhere. I looked at the table where Applejack was and began to walk over.
"Applejack!" I was almost there. "Appleja-" I was cut off by more blood filling my mouth and spit it out. I made it over to her but fell and smacked my head on the table. I was being dragged away from the table and towards Minion. He laughed as shadowy tendrils erupted from the floor and started to wrap around my ankles and wrists. My only thought was that this was it.
He began stabbing me over and over again. Laughing menacingly as he did. Sharp pain with every entry. I had enough. "Stop it." *Stab.* "Ugh Stop!" *Stab stab.* "Stop It!" Minion laughed and stabbed me 4 times in quick secession. "ENOUGH!!" Chains wrapped around Minion. Crushing his arms and hands, making him drop the knife. I snapped my fingers and the chains constricted. Ripping Minion to shreds, leaving nothing but ash. The tendrils disappeared and dropped me.
I just laid there in a pool of my own blood. It hurt to much to move, so I had no other choice. Everything was blurry and started to fade. I just stared blankly at the ceiling. I heard some one run up to me.
"Oh shit. Fuck! No! NO! Seth don't worry I gotcha!"
"Eli? Is...." I stopped talking and shook my head.
"Yeah don't talk. Hold on this might sting." He poured something on me and it did more then sting.
"AAAAHHHH!!! What the fuck are you doing to me!!" I started breathing heavily and screaming in agony some more.
"Ok....so maybe not sting. Keep it together! You're doing great!"
After a few very agonizing minutes I was good to go. Eli was staying by me in case Ezekiel came over here while Jeff was keeping Ezekiel at bay. I started to recover and sat up. "I grow weary of the fighting...." I pointed at Ezekiel and chains wrapped around him. "So very tired..." The chains plunged into the ground and spring up in front of me. Ezekiel looked at me. "I've had enough. You almost killed me twice, and I am done!"
"What are-" The chains tightened a little.
"Don't talk to me." I shakily stood up. "Eli...it's time to finish this."
"Agreed." Eli went up to Ezekiel and twisted his neck, breaking it. "Well that's done."
I said nothing and walked over to the table where Applejack is. The sight of her was to much. She was somehow alive still and torn apart. I fell to my knees and started to cry.
It's been about five minutes and Eli and Jeff were scattering Minion's ashes so he couldn't somehow come back.
"Sad....so sad." The sorrow appeared next to me.
"Will I be able to save her?"
"There may be a way."
"Can you not show me?"
"This is not my mind Seth. You forget, you are in control here."
"With Ezekiel gone I am." I thought for a few seconds. "So I just snap my fingers and everything's better?"
"Why don't you give it a shot?"
I stood up and looked at the dismembered and mutilated Applejack. "I don't know how but I'll fix this. Don't worry."
Applejack looked at me "Seth...Just do it already....kill me. Ah'm in so much pain..."
Ezekiel started to laugh. "Yes Seth, end her suffering!" He cracked and popped his neck back into place and stood up. "Be a good friend and help her." He smiled and laughed again.
I walked over to him and punched him in the face. "You bastard! How could you do such a thing to her!!" I punched him again and he fell to the ground. "How do I fix this? How do I fix her!?" I pointed a shaking finger at Applejack.
"You can't. The amount of mental stress I've caused her is to much. She'll never be the same!"
I jumped over him and put all my weight down on him. I heard a few ribs crack. "You have no power here anymore!! You better talk!!!"
He spit up that tar like substance again. " Redo...." He snapped his fingers and everything went back to way is was before. Except Ezekiel was under my feet and The Sorrow was still here watching. I looked over at Applejack and she was fine, well....she was better.
I looked back at Ezekiel. "I have a plan for you! How about I send you to the same place you sent me?" I looked at the ghost like figure watching us. "What do you think?"
He smiled. "That sounds like a splendid idea." He opened the door, floated over to us, grabbed Ezekiel and threw him out the doorway. A splash could heard when he landed. "This might take awhile." He looked at Eli and Jeff. "Want to help?" Eli just smiled and lit a cigarette. He waved at me and entered the door way.
"Take all the time you need." He smiled and laughed as he went through the door and closed it behind him. I walked over to Applejack. "It's over. I'm sorry you went through that. It was never meant to go that far."
"Ah wouldn't be in this position if y'all didn't bring me here, ya know?"
"Yes I know. And I regret it. I really do."
"Just get we'll talk about this later."
I highly doubt it. "Ok..." and The link severed itself.
We were in the living room and The Mare was sitting down waiting for us to return. She perked up when she saw me move.
"Sheesh its about time! You guy's have been like for an hour! What were guys doing in there?" Applejack collapsed. "Oh...that answers my question." She then glared at me. "Have I not warned you about that spell!?!? If this is what you do to your friends, I'm so glad I'm not your enemy!"
"I don't want to talk about it. I screwed up and I regret doing it. Can you help her?"
She looked Applejack over. "There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with her."
"Just watch over her when I'm not able to please?"
"Certainly. Are you still up for destroying Sunny Town?"
"No. Why do you ask?"
"Because your manticore got back with all of your stuff about 20 minutes ago."
"I'll just carry everything back myself."
"So what did happen in there?"
I sighed, and started to tell her what happened. About 15 minutes went by when I was telling her the story. "And that's happened."
"Wow. Sounds like you've been through Tartarus."
"Yeah certainly feels like it. I bet Applejack feels worse."
"Well from what you told me, I bet she does. I think you both need to rest, and don't worry I wont make you go to Sunny Town."
"Thank you. I'll take Applejack up with me and then I'll be going to bed."
"Very well I will keep watch just in case anymore of the towns people try anything."
"Sounds good. Good night."
I picked Applejack up and went to the guest room, laid her down on the bed and laid down and closed my eyes.
I had only been asleep for maybe 45 minutes when a knock on the door woke me up. I wake over and opened the door. The Mare was standing there.
I stared at her blankly. "What?"
"What's with the attitude?"
"You woke me up."
"Oh well I had an idea."
"Really? And that would be?"
"Well I was about how you still aren't technically a citizen of our town, even though the town more or less recognizes you as one."
"So?"
"Well there's a third way you can gain citizenship."
"And?"
She smiled. "If you would follow me to my room."
"I want to sleep. I'm going back to bed."
She frowned. "Okay then. Tomorrow we'll give you a 15 minute head start before we come looking for you and Applejack."
I sighed. "Fine." She smiled again and started walking. She led me to her room and she locked the door when we entered. "Um...was that really necessary?"
She smiled seductively. "We don't need any interruptions, do we?."
I saw where this was headed. "Oh my god....really?" I rubbed my eyes. "You can't be serious?"
"I certainly am." She walked over to me. "This may be the old fashion way but it's fun! Why don't you sit down?"
"Last thing I want to do right now is fuck your rotten....um...I mean I'll have to politely decline the offer."
"Ugh why? I'm sure you've thought about."
"Not really. Well at least not you, anyway."
"Oh really? Who then? Applejack? Or your Ex?"
"I think we're done here." I said as I walked over to the door and unlocked it.
"Wait! You don't know how long it's been for me!! We don't follow this ritual anymore! I can't even remember the last time I've had sex was, does that tell you how long it's been!?"
"So you want me to take pity on you? You want pity sex?"
"Any sex is better then no sex. Please! I need this!" She was practically begging me now.
"What if I break you?"
She perked up and her eyes lit up. "Oh please do." She said in a really seductive tone.
"B-but you're uh...rotting...and that's kinda gross. And I don't even know what kind of disease I could get."
"Ugh fine!! I give up! I guess it's just me and my hoof tonight. Again!" She glared at me, walked over to her bed and jumped into it. "Leave." She smiled. "Unless of course you want to watch?"
I turned around and grasped the doorknob but stopped and sighed. "You have any whiskey? It's been awhile for me too."
She smiled. " I get more then that! Be right back." She literally ran out of the door, leaving me standing there, confused.
"I can't fucking believe I'm about to do this." I shook my head. "Good thing I'm going to be drunk though!" I laughed. "Sober it would be....ew....ew....EW! Not thinking about it! Ugh god."
"I'm back~" She said in a slight sing song voice. "Take your pick, New-Blood."
"Damn that's quite the collection!"
"Really? I have more in the cellar." I just looked at her, surprise obvious on my face. She smiled and started showing off the alcohol in front of me. "Here we have vodka straight from Stalliongrad, here we have whiskey from some southern part of Equestria and here-" I cut her off.
"I'll just have the vodka and whiskey."
"Certainly." She smiled and gave a bottle of each. "Are you sure this is the only way you will do it with me?"
In the time it took for her to say that, I had already opened the vodka and started drinking. "Oh yeah." I burped. "Why? You feel bad?"
"No, just wondering."
"Yes this is the only way I will do this. Unless if I was asleep. Then I wouldn't know." I took another drink of vodka. "And according to you any sex is better then none so yeah."
She walked over to her bed and jumped onto it. I took another drink and walked over to her bed, with the bottle still in my hand.
"Come here New-Blood." She said seductively. I chugged some of the vodka and set the bottle down and started to undress.
*CENSORED*
"Ow my head.... What the fuck happened."
"I know, but you told me not to tell you."
I froze and looked over to my left and saw The Mare. "Did we...um...?"
"Yep."
"Good thing I was drunk then."
"You didn't seem to mind last night." I shook my head and she laughed. "Well congratulations Seth, you are now an official member of Gloomy Town."
"Thanks." I said sarcastically. "Now if I could just get something for this headache, I'll be set."
"I do have something actually." I looked at her with hope in my eyes. "Follow me to the kitchen."
"I should probably check on Applejack first."
"Yes. That should come first."
I got dressed and walked over to the guest room and knocked on the door. "Hello? Applejack, you awake?"
"Yeah Ah'm awake."
"Can I come in?"
"Sure."
I opened the and entered the room. "How are you feeling?"
"Better than last night Ah guess." She said looking out the window.
"That's good you want anything to eat?"
"Ah can get it myself."
"Ok listen. I know you're pissed at me for what happened but it's entirely my fault."
"How so? It was you who used yer stare on me and brought me to that. And it was you-"
"Who was being controlled, fought against Ezekiel, and nearly died two times and saved your ass. Care to take that tone with me again?" She didn't say anything. "Look, I don't expect you or the others to to forgive me. But at least trust me enough to know that I'm going make it right."
"How do ya plan to do that?" She asked still not looking at me.
"Surrender. When we get to Canterlot I'm surrendering to the princesses."
"Aren't you worried about that? What if they turn you into stone again?"
I laughed. "After seeing what happened, I don't think they will." I turned around. "I'm planning on leaving today so you might want to eat and get ready soon." I closed the door and walked to the kitchen. The Mare was making a sandwich of some kind. She noticed me walk in.
"How is she?"
"Pissed." I shrugged "I expected as much though."
"Mm-hmm. Are you hungry?"
"Yeah, the only thing I have in my stomach is left over vodka from last night. Some actual food would be nice."
"Here your sandwich then."
"I cant take your food."
She chuckled. "I made it for you."
"Oh in that case, thanks." I took it and sat down at the table. "Uh...what kinda meat is this?"
"Wild pig."
"So boar meat?"
"More or less." She got her food and sat down across from me. I took a bite. "Do you like it?"
I chewed slowly, trying to decide. "It's not bad. Haven't had meat in forever!" Applejack walked in."You should tell her what you want, so she doesn't give you meat." Applejack nodded.
"So dear what do you want?"
"Ah'll have a dandelion sandwich please."
"I'll have to go find some. I'll be right back."
"Ah don't want to trouble ya ma'am. Ah'll get the dandelions."
"You sure that's a good idea?" I asked. "I mean there are hungry zombie ponies out there. You'll be dead quicker then yesterday."
"Why do you care?!" She went out of the front door and then she ran back in. "Ok, ok. Ah shoulda listened to you."
I just shrugged and rolled my eyes.
"Thanks for the food." I said to The Mare.
"No problem, but are you sure you have to leave today?"
"Yeah sorry. I have some business to take care of."
"Ok then, hopefully I'll see you later."
"Yeah. Hopefully I'll be able to come back."
I waved at her and went toward where Charles was staying. I made sure Applejack was close by so she wouldn't be attacked. About 15 minute of silent walking I saw Charles, and he was guarding my stuff. I waved at him and he sat up and waited for me to get over to him.
"How'd it go?"
"How did what go?"
"Y-y-you can talk!?" Applejack nearly jumped ten feet back.
I turned to her. "Yes he can. Meet Charles. Charles Meet Applejack."
He looked at her. "Pleasure to meet you." He turned to me. "If you mean getting your things, then it went pretty good. I had to wait until dark to go into Ponyville though."
"I see." I took the clothes. "I'll just be over there, behind that tree getting changed. Make sure Applejack stays by you." He nodded and I went behind the previously stated tree and put everything on. I looked at the pants and shirt I had on and thought about what I was going to with them. I resulted in turning the shirt into an eye patch like thing and the pants into a cape. After I made everything comfortable, I emerged from behind the tree and went back over to Charles and Applejack and slung the weapons on I had adjust the slings on some of the though. "Well I'm all set."
"Why did ya make yer pants into a cape?"
"I wanted to. You two ready?"
"Yeah." The said in unison.
"Ok. Charles lead the way."
"Alright." And we were off.
We've been walking for about 15 minutes now, and nothing was happening. No talking, no music going in my head, nothing. Only the sounds of nature and footsteps. I was getting bored. And kinda tired due to all of the weapons and ammo I have on. As I was looking around I saw some red eyes staring at us from the shadows. I grabbed a shotgun shell and loaded into the trench gun. "Cover your ears! This is going to be loud!" They covered their ears and I shot the ground 15 feet in front of us, in the direction of the creatures watching us. "That should keep them away for awhile."
We've been walking for maybe 25 minutes now and Charles stopped. "Here we are. Sunny Town."
"But we wanted to go to Ponyville..."
"Oh....my apologies. Let's continue then." And we started walking again.
We've been walking for awhile but we're finally at the exit to Ponyville.
"This is as far as I go."
"Ok Charles see you later."
"May the Princesses be kind."
"I hope so." Me and Applejack walked to Fluttershy's house and I dropped the guns, and the jeans that I was previously wearing off and walked toward Ponyville. More silence happened and It was annoying, but I knew Applejack wasn't going to talk back. So we just walked.
It had been about ten minutes until Applejack spoke. "So what now?"
"We board the train to Canterlot." I shrugged. "You don't have to come with me but I figured you wanted to."
"Ah do. Ah was just making sure you knew how we were going to make it to Canterlot."
"Alright then."
We were almost to the train station when we were heard Rainbow Dash. "There you guys are! Geez! I was up all night looking for you guys."
"Well then, you can take a nap on the way to Canterlot." I said.
"Why are you going to Canterlot?"
"Come with us and find out."
"Ok." She joined us. "So why was Luna looking for you Ezek-" Applejack stopped her.
"It's Seth. Call him Seth."
"Um...ok? Seth Why was Luna looking for you?"
"You'll find that out too."
"Ok?"
"Yep."
We were at the train station and I boarded the train and motioned for the other two to join me. They said that we have to pay. I said this is important "royal business" But they weren't going for it. I went up to the conductor and told him to get this thing moving. Applejack and Rainbow Dash got on and glared at me. I just shrugged it off.
I ended up taking a nap on the way and woke up when we got there. I got up and went to the conductor and told him that I'll pay him for his troubles recently and apologized. I left the train, and joined the two mares that have already got off of the train. We then walked to the castle.
Rainbow and Applejack looked at all of my victims outside and in the throne room when we entered. "This is why Luna was looking for me guys. I did this and I'm here to fix everything." I saw Rainbow walk up to one of them and examined him. "Don't worry you two nearly all of them are still alive."
"Nearly?!" Rainbow asked.
I sighed. "Yes. I was informed that a few suffocated due to their mouths being sealed shut. I realized my mistake before I even went to Ponyville, but I was to late..."
"Then why don'tcha just unfreeze them then?" Applejack asked
"They would try to capture me and make things more difficult then it needs to be. This way." I walked into the corridor that leads to Celestia's room. I looked behind me and saw that the other two weren't following me. "What's wrong?"
"How can we trust that you're telling the truth?"
"I understand how you feel, but unless you don't want to see your friends you need to follow me."
"Come on Rainbow I can tell he's being honest."
"O-ok but I'm watching you!"
I nodded and continued walking.
We were walking for awhile and we finally reached Celestia's room.
"This is where everypony is. Let me open the door so Twilight or Celestia doesn't hit you with a spell of some kind." They raised an eyebrow and I opened the door and a vase hit me across my face. The looked shocked. "Or a vase...that works too. Ouch." Applejack and Rainbow Dash peeked into the door as I walking over to Celestia. Applejack and Rainbow ran over to their friends and closed the distance between me and Celestia.
"Hello Celestia, has Rarity been taking good care of you?"
"Yes she isn't the Element of Generosity for no reason."
"I suppose you're right. Oh and Twilight," Twilight glared at me. "Thanks for the vase. That was very thoughtful of you. Might I suggest aiming for my arms next time?"
"I see you brought the rest of the Elements." Celestia said. "And they don't seem to be in the same state as the rest of us."
"Yeah, we ran into Rainbow on the way over here. She came on her own accord."
"As for Applejack?"
"She found me the same day I escaped for the dungeon." Celestia raised an eyebrow. "Wait you didn't know?" She shook her head. "Luna got me to come in peacefully by telling me she would help me. And then when we got here she used a spell to knock me out and put me in the dankest, most poorly kept cell. She also lied to the remaining guards that she captured me terrorizing Ponyville. You really need to have a talk with her."
"How do I know you're not making that up?"
"Touch your horn to my head." She did and the memory of my encounter with the blue maned male pony played for her.
"Hmm....it seems you are right I shall talk to her about that. But why you here? Certainly it's not to have a nice chat."
"You are correct Princess." I backed away a bit, sat down on me knees, and turned them all back to normal. Which incidentally healed the remainder of Rarity's injuries. "I am here to surrender. I put myself at your mercy, do whatever you deem necessary."
After a long discussion, they all decided to put me in a special prison cell. Fluttershy and Applejack voted against it, but majority wins and it was Celestia's final decision. The room was white with chains on the walls that hooked into the straight jacket they put me in. Their only mistake was the chains but I only used them as substitutes for my hands sometimes. The straight jacket was designed for ponies, so what they ended up doing was just wrapping it around me, just tight enough to restrict my arms and hands from moving. I remember the first time Celestia came in when I was manipulating one of the chains. The look on her face was hilarious, but it stopped being funny when she called the guards. She's gotten used to though.
One time when she was in here interviewing me about how it felt being imprisoned in a statue, and how it effected me mentally (which was kinda stupid I might add). I unhooked a couple of the chains from my jacket and blocked the door. She nearly panicked, but after seeing no sign of hostility she kindly asked for me to remove the chains, I nodded and hooked the chains back to the jacket. I have been told that this is a temporary solution while they think of something more befitting. So here I sit in a room, basically chained to all four walls. Every once in awhile I would make the chains dance, and even turn the walls into a different color. I have have no idea how I can do that though.
It's been about a week.....or maybe not, I lost track a days and nights being in here. Rarity walked in with specially made straight jacket for me. I joked about how it was a good thing she kept my measurements, but she just laughed nervously, put the jacket on the floor and left. My current jacket released itself of the chains, unraveled and fell to the floor. I stood up and stretched before going over to the new straight jacket and putting it on. I went back to the center of the room, and sat back down. The chains moved back into position and once secured, Rarity opened the door and levitated the old straight jacket out of the room. Before she left I mentioned that she should consider making some bondage gear because she did a good job with the jacket. She blushed but didn't say anything and left again. The chains were left with enough slack so I could lay down in case I decided I wanted to sleep. Or so they said but I think the chains are just long enough for a pony. Then again I could be being cynical.
Another amount time has passed and I'm surprised its taking them this long to decide on something. I imagine Luna's punishment is conflicting with Celestia's and they're not willing to comprise. Luna probably wants to put me back in the dungeon whereas Celestia wants to banish me from Equestria so I can keep living a somewhat productive life and not kept rotting away in the dungeon. I am growing bored of playing with these chains and manipulating the color scheme of the room but what else is there?
Current time now and who should visit me but Luna. Somethings different about her though, it seems she doesn't want to kill me anymore.
"What do you want?"
"I suppose I deserve that hostility."
"Hostility? I'm not being hostile. I could show you being hostile."
"You're chained to the walls, how can you do anything?"
"Like this." I unhooked the chains from the jacket and made them dance around Luna. "I can probably kill you right now."
"But you wont, will you?"
"No I will not." I hooked the chains back to the jacket. "Now tell me: Why are you here?"
"Yes well, it seems my sister and I are at an impasse."
"You cant decide what to do with me?"
"No. We both want you to not be a threat, but it's the ways we want to go about it conflict with each other."
"And your telling me this why?"
"No clue. The real reason I'm visiting is to see how you were doing."
"What did you expect? Me to bow down or me to lunge at you?"
"Neither I just wanted to see is you were tricking Celestia and others."
"And?"
"I'm still not certain."
"Fair enough I guess."
"I must leave no-" I cut her off.
"I'm at peace you know? Its weird really, I'm at the mercy of you and Celestia and I'm not sad, or afraid, or even nervous. Just peaceful."
"Do you any regret for what you have done?"
"Oh yes, granted I didn't kill anypony.....well willingly kill anypony, I do regret it. Who wouldn't regret torturing their friends?"
"I see. The 15 minute recess is over I must leave now."
"Bye."
Its been...well let's say around an hour, and still nothing. I devoted most of my "free" time to meditating, to keep my mind empty of negativity. It's hard sometimes, what with my habit of dwelling on things. I heard the door open and opened my eyes. Celestia and Luna entered the room.
"Seth I think we have made a decision."
"Oh? What have you decided?"
Celestia and Luna looked at each other:
Good Ending
Bad Ending
Author's Note: I decided to do a multiple ending thing to finish my first story series. The reason why this chapter is short is because it continues with an ending that you get to choose. Or you could do I usually do and read all of the endings anyway.
"Seth I think we have made a decision."
"Oh? What have you decided?"
Celestia and Luna looked at each other, and Celestia stepped forward.
"Yes Luna decided to step down and go with my solution. At long last you will be treated."
"How?"
"While not being able to move, I had Rarity go into the archives and retrieve some books from the mental health section. I found a spell, though not entirely painless, it will cure you of all mental illnesses you have. It is a extremely complex spell, that's why I brought Luna with me. She may not be happy with this, but she agreed nonetheless. And for that Luna," She looked at her sister. "I am grateful."
"As am I. Thank you for your mercy." I bowed.
"Ok, if you two are ready, we shall get started." We both nodded. "Good. Seth close your eyes and look up." I did as instructed. "Try to stay conscious for as long as possible." There was a flash of light followed by a burning sensation on my forehead. She was right it wasn't painless, not one bit. The searing hotness of the spell was almost unbearable.
"It hurts!! AHHH MY HEAD!!"
"Just stay with us Seth! You're doing great! The spells almost done!"
"Hurry up!!"
"Just a few more minutes!!"
I ended up passing out near the end of it. I could feel the pain while I was unconscious. The burning would not cease! It was dark, like a void. I couldn't even see my hands in front of my face. I couldn't feel anything either, it was like I was nothing more than a floating head. I heard a faint beep in the distance. I tried to concentrate on where it came from, and then after a few more seconds I heard it again. It sounded like a heart beat monitor. "Did the spell kill me?" I thought as I walked toward the beeping.
I was closer now and I heard voices. They were muffled, so I couldn't understand what they were saying. I got a little bit closer and they were louder now. Both the voices and the beeping. I was closing in on them, and up ahead I could see something. It was too blurry and I couldn't make anything out. The voices were understandable at least. It was Celestia and I think a doctor talking.
"...But I am surprised to say the least Princess. After all of that he just surrenders?"
"Yes it seems he felt guilty about the whole ordeal and gave himself up."
"And he did it all without alarming anypony.... He's good. Are you sure you made the right decision?"
"Yes, I believe I did. Not only is purged of what caused everything in the first place, he should at least have some trust regarding me and the Elements. Whether or not he does will remain unseen until he's awake."
"I suppose you're right." I started to open my eyes and he took notice. "Oh looks like he's waking up."
I blinked and looked around. "Tell me Princess: How many times am I going to wake up in a hospital?"
"I cannot say." She chuckled. "How are feeling?"
"Like someone took a branding iron to my forehead."
"I see, then the pain hasn't gone away yet. Hmm...I think you should stay here for a few more days."
"Was the spell successful?"
"I think so. We will know later today."
"Ok."
"I will go tell Twilight and her friends that you're awake."
"Thank you."
The only ponies that bothered to see me were Fluttershy, Applejack, and Twilight. But the only one to speak was Applejack.
"Y'all caused The Princesses a heap of trouble, you know that?! Do you know how many funerals they attended!?"
"No I don't Applejack. Or was that a rhetorical question?"
"Rhetorical." She said flatly.
"Oh...."
"If y'all weren't in the hospital, Ah'd buck you into next Tuesday!"
"Why didn't you? I wasn't only talking to Celestia you know. I was talking to all of you. If you wanted to hit me, you could have." I looked at Fluttershy. "Same thing with you. You could have yelled at me, if you wanted to."
Fluttershy shrank and Applejack spoke again. "Ah just might when you get out. I just came here to tell you y'all aren't welcome at the farm until you prove you're back to normal."
"I understand. And the others?"
"I came in here to make sure you weren't going to try anything."
"And I-I just wanted to see if...um...you were doing ok."
"Rest assured Fluttershy I'm better then I have ever been."
"Oh good, that's good to hear."
"Well we better get going. Remember: stay away from the farm."
"Got it."
All the scans for any and all mental illness were negative and I was released from the Canterlot Castle Royal Hospital a day ago and stayed last night in one of the guest rooms in the castle. I'm on my way to the throne room to meet with Celestia for some sort of royal business. I entered the throne room and it was empty, save for Celestia. I walked up to her and bowed.
"You may rise Seth." I stood up. "I have asked you here to give you your overwatch job back. The only condition is: The Elements can not know about this. Understood?"
"Yes Princess, thank you."
"I will pay you as well. Also, there is a house that has just been built in Ponyville. Since Fluttershy and the others have refused to house you, I reserved the house for you and had it remodeled to have enough room for you and your things."
"That was very generous of you Celestia."
"I'm glad you think so." She smiled. "Here is the address. I am sorry, however, to inform you that Pinkie refused to throw you a house warming party."
She floated the paper over to me and I took it and put it my pocket. "It's ok Princess. I understand how they must feel. I hope they warm up to me again though."
"As do I. Your things have already been delivered to your home. If anything is missing just send me a letter and I will have it retrieved."
"Thank you again Celestia."
"It is no trouble. Oh! I almost forgot, Twilight said she wants you to stop by the library when arrive at Ponyville."
"Really? Hmm ok then. Is that all?"
"Yes, here is you first payment, I understand you owe a certain train conductor some money?"
I chuckled nervously. "Heh....yeah I do."
"I see. You are dismissed."
"Thank you Celestia." I left the throne room and started towards the train station.
The nap I took on the way to Ponyville was the most restful nap I have ever taken. I paid for my ticket and paid the conductor the money I promised him, he was surprised that I actually gave him any money at all. I found my house in a matter of minutes. It was near the library and pretty close to the train station. The key was in the mailbox it turned out. I took the key and unlocked the door. It was a pretty average house but I was still grateful it was big enough for me. It was also fully furnished. And I don't know how she did it, but she somehow found my long lost Night-Vision Goggles. they were sitting on the coffee table with a note that said "For night missions." I laughed and played with them a bit. After looking around some more, I went over to Twilight's and knocked on the door, and after a few minutes that little black filly opened the it. She jumped and ran back inside not closing the door. After a couple more minutes Twilight came to the doorway.
"Oh it's you."
"Geez thanks for the warm welcome." I said flatly. "Celestia said you wanted to see me?"
"Yeah well not really, but somepony delivered something for you. I checked with the post office but they said they didn't have anything to do with it."
"And what did they deliver?" She was about to answer when a familiar tiny bark interrupted her. "N-n-no way. I-it can't be."
"Can't be what?" Twilight asked.
"Did he have a collar on?"
"How did you know it was a boy?"
"Twilight answer me! Does he have a collar on?!"
"Y-yes he also came with a note tucked into it."
"No freaking way... Where's the note?"
"Here." She levitated the note over to me. And it read:
Dear, Old Friend.
I was informed of a rather....emotional encounter you had recently. I saddened me to hear of such a thing happen to you, so I pulled some strings and brought this little scamp to Equestria. Think of it as a 'get better soon' gift. I'm not sure you're aware but that took a lot of effort on my part. I certainly hope that you are grateful, and know that I expect nothing in return.
Your Friend, Grim R. Pony.
My jaw dropped and I fell to my knees and my eyes started to tear up. I could hardly believe it.
"What's wrong with Seth mommy?" Said the filly.
"Um...I'm not sure...."
I stopped myself from crying anymore and whistled. A little white puff ball came running and jumped into me, causing me to fall over. He was barking happily and wagging his tail at a million miles per hour. It couldn't hold in anymore. I grabbed and held Sparky and cried tears of pure joy.
"Uh Seth? Do you mind telling us what's wrong?" I couldn't say anything so I just handed her the note. It took her seemingly a second to read. "Grim R. Pony? Who in the hay is that?"
I stopped crying and started to pet Sparky. "You might know him better as Death. His somehow brought Sparky back to me. Twilight, this is my puppy from earth. He died when I was young and now he's back! I-I'm just so happy!" Twilight invited me in and I accepted. She said she wanted to know everything that happened to me while Luna was looking for me.
All of that was a month ago. Now I regained my trust in the Elements and they trust me again as well. I visit Gloomy Town every once in a while to see how The Mare is doing and to just generally check on the town. I take Sparky on pet play dates with the Element's pets. I don't like Opalescence though. She swiped at Sparky but hes fine and that's all that really matters. Fluttershy and I are still apart however but we are thinking about starting over. I also have a small music career with Vinyl and Octavia. I'm really glad Fluttershy didn't get rid of my bass.
It seems like everything worked out after all.
"Seth I think we have made a decision."
"Oh? What have you decided?"
Celestia and Luna looked at each other. Luna stepped forward and Celestia left.
"Much to my sister's dismay, I have won our little disagreement." Ow why does my head hurt? "You have been charged with multiple accounts of assault on members of The Royal Guard, and attempted murder on royalty." Oh no I thought! "You will be sent to the dungeon under a life sentence."
My head felt like it was going to explode. "AAHH FUCK MY HEAD!!" There was deep laughter.
"Your tricks wont work on me Seth!" She turned to leave the room
"How did you?! No! NO!!" Ezekiel...escaped.
"What tricks Luna?"
She stopped in her tracks. "Where have I heard that voice before?"
"Aw Luna, you don't remember me? You might know me better as 'Dark Ezekiel' back when Seth didn't like his name. Ezekiel is my real name not 'Dark Ezekiel'."
"What did you do with Seth then, Ezekiel?"
"What do you care?" He laughed. "You were going to throw him in the dungeon, remember? Kinda STUPID really."
"And whys that?" Luna raised an eyebrow.
"Because I'm the one that made him do everything! But what's kinda funny is that, he thought he defeated me. How hilarious is that?" He laughed.
"You're not going to get away with this!!"
"But I haven't done anything.....yet." Some of the chains released themselves from the jacket and blocked the door. "Now I'm going to do something!" He laughed and the rest of chains released themselves from the walls and started whipping around. "Attempted murder on royalty hmm.....you can properly add that to the list now." Some of the chains lunged forward and wrapped around Luna's legs, whipping her around, smashing her into the ground while doing so before throwing her against one of the walls.
"YOU DARE ATTACK-"
"YeS!!" He yelled as more chains starting whipping her before they grabbed her again and started slamming her into the walls. Not giving her a chance to counter attack. The chains threw her into the ceiling, she dropped and landed with a sickening crunch. It seems she landed on one of her wings. "How about you stay here?" The chains that were on the wall wrapped around her again and suspended her in the air. The chains that were blocking the door went and wrapped around Luna's hind legs. Ezekiel exited the cell. "Well that was fun. Hmm...I think we'll stop by Fluttershy's and pick up the guns and then we'll go to Gloomy Town. What do you think Seth?"
"Fuck off. I thought you were gone but I fucking underestimated you. "
"Oh don't act so glum Seth. That mistake wont happen again, I'm in control now."
"I know... "
He laughed and started searching for an exit.
Celestia came running up the corridor that led to the cell, and toward Ezekiel. She skidded to halt and looked at him in horror. There was blood on the jacket, and somehow she knew it was Luna's. I yelled for her to run but I'm trapped inside my own head, and she cant hear me.
"What have you done with Luna!?!?"
"I played with her. You wanna play too? No? Then move!" A chain lunged at her but she dodged it. Ezekiel sighed. "Don't be annoying Celestia. Sit. DOWN!!" A chain lunged at her again and she dodged that one to. She lowered her head with her horn glowing and shot some spell at Ezekiel, hitting him in the chest. "Ugh!!So YoU wAnT tO PlAy HuH!?!?" He stomped and a shadowy figure rose from the ground. "Minion! Cut this jacket off and help me fight!" Minion growled and did as he was told.
Once Ezekiel was free, Minion ran towards Celestia, who shot a bolt of magic at him and hit him, to ash. She turned her attention toward Ezekiel, who was an inch away from her face. "Hello!" He said. Then he hit Celestia sending her flying down the corridor. "And goodbye!!" He yelled and then he went back to searching for the exit.
He walked down the corridor and stepped over an unconscious Celestia. This corridor led to the throne room as well. He saw the Elements talking and tried to make his way toward the door unnoticed, until he was hit in the back by a bolt of Celestia's magic, alerting Twilight and the others.
"How did he escape!?!?"
I don't know but hes gonna get it!"
"NO! Stay back, he is too powerful!"
"You flatter me Celestia." He laughed. "You...might want to watch out behind you though."
"What!?" She turned around, only to be met by Minion's fist sending her flying towards Ezekiel, who kicked her squarely on her side, stopping her flying and she fell onto the ground unmoving.
Ezekiel rested his head against Celetia's chest and heard a heart beat. "Damn....she's still alive. Should I change that?"
"GET AWAY FROM HER, YOU MEANIE!!!"
He looked at Twilight and the others. "Oh please. What are you going to do?"
"We're going to use the Elements of Harmony on you and-"
"And do what? I've broken out of the stone prison before. What makes you think I wont just do it again? Just go home I'm done playing for today, I have no interest and playing with weaklings. And WHY is the infernal thing still on my head!!" He shook off the make shift eye patch. "Much better!" He looked back over at Twilight and the others now blocking his way to the door "Oh okay fine. Try your precious Elements of Harmony." He said in a mocking tone.
They started levitating and glowing. He noticed that they all had necklaces on, save for Twilight who was wearing a tiara. Two rainbows swirled around, up to the ceiling and combined and then shot straight toward him. Ezekiel crossed his arms and stared at the oncoming rainbow, timing his escape. Then right as the rainbow was about to crash into him he snapped his fingers and teleported behind them as the rainbow crashed into the ground. The six mares softly landed but when they didn't see their target they started looking around.
Ezekiel clapped and laughed, causing them to turn around. "Well done, my little failures. I told you the Elements wouldn't work! Now good bye!" He said as he snapped his fingers and teleported to just outside the door. Once outside he walked to the edge of Canterlot that faced towards Ponyville. He concentrated and tried to find Fluttershy's house, but Canterlot is too far away. He snapped his finger and teleported into Ponyville.
He walked the rest of the way to Fluttershy's and picked up the weapons that I had dropped off before going into Canterlot. He strapped everything on, smiled and headed into the Everfree.
All of that was a month ago. Now we're living with The Mare in Gloomy Town. Ezekiel lets me out sometimes, but I'm mostly locked in here. What became of Sunny Town? There is no Sunny Town anymore. Ezekiel saw to that. He didn't get away uninjured though. We would be dead if he didn't have Minion to distract them. The Mare and I (and yes I mean me, Seth) are together now, mainly because she has alcohol and the drunken sex is good. Hell even that one time when I wasn't drunk, it was good. The only times I'm allowed out is to talk to and/or fuck The Mare. Charles is fine, Ezekiel seemed to like the idea of a pet manticore.
Well that's it. The Everfree has a new monster prowling around inside, and I'm powerless to stop it. God save Equestria.
Chapter 2: Celestia's Visitor
As I got closer to the castle, I let myself go deeper and deeper into a dark place. Am I going to kill the Princess? No. Am I going to torture her. Most definitely. So much in fact that she going to wish she were dead.
"Oh the possibilities." I saw Cheerilee talking to a guard and he and his partner were coming my way to investigate. They saw me. "Hello gentlecolts how are you?"
One of them just looked at me for awhile and the other one actually spoke. "H-how did you escape?! It's impossible! H-HALT!!"
"How about no. Back off and nopony gets hurt." They unsheathed their swords. "You shouldn't have done that." I flipped up my eye-patch and looked at both of them. Since I had no intention of torturing them, I turned them into stone. Once there were fully incased I flicked the eye-patch back down and went on my way.
I was in front of the castle now all the guards that have tried to halt me as well as the guards and other ponies that tried to run into the castle to warn the Princess have been turned to stone. I opened the doors and stepped inside to see that Celestia wasn't in here. A few of the guards charged me but I dodged their attacks and knocked them out. The unicorn guards were getting their spears ready but I got to them before they could throw any and turned a few into stone and knocked the others out. Now that all the guards are taken care of, I decided to wait for her. She had to come back eventually right?
It has been awhile and I am growing impatient. I made sure none of the ponies got in to warn her. But where is she? I was sitting on her throne now and well at least it was comfortable. A few more minutes went past before I heard a gasp come from one of the side corridors. Twilight ran into view and began frantically looking around and then went to run the same way she came. That's when I stopped her.
"Twilight Sparkle!"
She stopped dead in her tracks and slowly turned her head in my direction. "It can't be." She looked at me with a really surprised look on her face. "But you.....you shouldn't be free! How are you free?!?"
"Aw I thought you would be happy to see me again." I frowned. "Where's Celestia?"
"How are you not stone?? No one can escape that, well except Discord but no one else. And I am happy to see you, I'm just confused."
"Twilight where is your mentor?!"
"Huh? Why do you want Celestia?" She looked around and it slowly came to her. She slowly turned to me again. "You didn't ?!" I just smiled and laughed. "Oh no. oh no-no-no!! Why would you!?! I have to tell Celestia!"
She turned toward a corridor. "Oh no you don't!" she looked at me and I took my eye-patch off and looked into her eyes. She put up a magic shield but my stare went through it. "Twilight, this isn't magic. You can't use your shield on me." I said as I started to turn her into stone.
"Why are you doing this!?"
"Revenge." I stopped turning her. Only her legs are stone.
"B-but we didn't know it was you we were using the Elements of Harmony on!! Why do this to me?!?!?"
"Did I hear you right? why.... Hmm let me answer that with another question: WHERE WERE YOU?!?!? You guys visit me every week and then out of nowhere you just STOP?!?!? What the FUCK is up with that?! Even Fluttershy.....Now where is Celestia!?!?!"
"We.....got.....busy."
I have never felt rage like this for a long time. "You got busy? Huh..... Hey do unicorn horns grow back?"
"Y-yes? It just takes awhile and renders that unicorn without magic for awhile. Wh....oh no. No! You wouldn't!!"
By the time she finished I had already turned her horn into stone. "Tell me where the Princess is and you get to keep your horn!"
"No!"
I grabbed her horn. "Last chance!"
She started crying "Ezekiel we are friends! You don't have to do this!! P-please let me go."
"We are friends aren't we? So are me and Celestia so please Twilight tell me where she is."
"I can't do that. You have to understand."
"Wrong answer!" With a quick jolt from her horn snapped like a twig. She started to scream in agony as blood started to leak from the base. "SILENCE!!" I turned her into stone seemingly from my voice and walked a few feet when I noticed she was starting to tip over. I thought for a second and went over to stabilize her so she wouldn't break into a million pieces. I'm not looking to kill anypony just hurt them.
I stopped myself again and re-attached her horn. I went over board and I shouldn't have done that. After it was successfully attached, I started down the corridor Twilight was going to run into.
I have been walking for awhile, and I realized that this is the corridor to Celestia's personal chambers. All I had to do was take the door on the right up here and....yep I was right. I slowly opened the door and noticed the she wasn't here, but heard a noise coming from her bathroom. I enter the room and waited for (hopefully) Celestia to come out of the bathroom. After a minute or two the door knob turned and I just stood there looking at the door. The door opened and out walked Celestia. I smiled evilly and waited for her to notice I was there.
She looked up after she closed the door. And boy did she looked shocked. "Ezekiel?!? H-how!?!?"
"I believe you are familiar with 'Dark Ezekiel' right?" She said nothing and nodded. "He let me out. He broke the spell and freed me."
"And what do you plan to do now that you are free?!"
I smiled deviously. "Ask your prized student."
She looked at me angrily. "What did you do!?!?"
I shrugged. "Turned her into stone." Her horn started glowing and she lowered her head. "And broke of her horn but I felt bad and re-attached it." She lifted her head just a bit. "I also saved her from smashing into a million pieces....." Celestia lifted her head when she saw tears forming in my eyes but kept her horn glowing. ".....Where were you all! Do you realize how lonely I have been!? Even Fluttershy has stopped visiting me! why?...."
Her horn stopped glowing and she walked over to me. "Ezekiel....after the changeling invasion of ponyville, a lot has changed. And by the time the invasion was dealt with, everypony just wanted to get back to their normal lives."
"And what about you and Luna?"
"Well we um..... Royal business has been keeping us busy."
"That's an awful way to say you FORGOT about me!!" She looked at my left eye and saw the blood tears and looked at the floor. "Oh you want to see The Eye?? Why didn't you say so!" I grabbed her head and stared into her soul. She started turning into stone. "Why!?! Why did they forget about me!!??" Her wings and horn turned into stone. "No tricks!!" I grabbed her horn and broke it and did the same with her wings. "Now you will know the pain I went through!" Her screams sounded like music to my ears. "How about a more......private chat?" I said before sending her into the dark pit that is "dark" Ezekiel's torture room.
"What are you going to do to me!?!?" She said as she noticed she was strapped to The Rack.
"Me? Nothing. Him?" I looked over, into the darkest corner in the room. "That's another story."
"Hello again Celestia. So very nice to see you." Her eyes widened in fear and she tried using magic but her horn was gone. "Oh my, Seth what have you done to her horn and her wings?" He asked sarcastically. "I knew you could be cruel but this.....is delicious. Don't worry Celestia. I won't kill you. But first! Before we get started, do you like the new decorations?" He laughed in a low voice.
Celestia looked around and saw some of the guards that I turned to stone. I looked around confused and then looked at Ezekiel. "What did you do?? I didn't kill them I just turn them to stone!!"
"I figured Celestia and The Royal Guard wouldn't miss a few ponies, and besides I'm hungry!"
I shook my head and looked at Celestia but spoke to Ezekiel. "Just don't kill her."
"Oh I won't."
I just glared at him and wheeled the cart of assorted torture and surgical instruments over to him. He smile as he tried to make his decision on which one to use first. He chose a simple scalpel to get started with, and started dissecting her. Starting at her chest and cutting down, passed her stomach area. Blood started flowing and Celestia was screaming bloody murder. It was beautiful but I thought I felt my heart die a little bit, but ignored it and continued watching.
Now she was splayed opened with all her organs exposed, and rib cage was gone. You could see her heart beating. The blood wasn't ceasing to flow down onto the floor as Ezekiel kept doing what he was horribly good at. He started cutting away organs now. He started with the liver, then the kidneys, then the stomach and the intestines. We started to lose her and Ezekiel shouted "redo" and clapped his hands and everything reset itself.
There was no fresh blood on the floor, no sign of harm to Celestia, other then her horn and wings being gone. Ezekiel smiled like a psychopath, and a barley noticeable black energy started to surround him. He grabbed a hack saw, stared at Celestia and asked. "Why do they call it a hack saw?" And began to dismember her, starting with her hind legs. The screaming was starting to get to me now, so I covered her mouth with tape.
We started to lose her again and he did the same thing as last time, and again everything was back the way it was before he started again. His eyes started glowing and he was becoming more incased in shadow as he started again. He grabbed The Pear and that's when I decided to stop him.
"Ezekiel that's enough!"
"Aw but why? I thought you wanted this?"
"I got what I wanted. You can stop now."
"Ugh....fine, I'll let her go. You're no fun Seth." He released her from The Rack and then broke the connection between our minds.
It's been two hours of torture and in the real world only two minutes have passed. I still had a hold of Celestia's head. I let go and re-attached both her horn and wings, and restored her head and neck to normal, but I kept her mouth sealed by stone. I looked at her and she was dazed by all of the torture.
"Celestia can you hear me?" She focused her eyes on me and shook her head. "Good. I'm sorry about that he went to far, but that's where me feeling bad stops. Your torture is not done yet, now I will go after the Elements. I already got Twilight and the others can't use the the Elements without her so they'll be helpless. And so are you, you can't do a damned thing to stop me."
"Mmmph mmph!"
"What? Oh right sorry." I removed the stone that was covering her mouth. She gasped for breath which made me realize I may have fucked up. "Be right back" I went back through the corridor, unsealing all the ponies mouths so they could breathe. I did the same when I reached the throne room and turned Twilight's head and neck back to normal.
She gasped for air and looked around and then focused on me. "What have you done!?!? Where's the Princess?!?!"
"Calm yourself Twilight. The Princess is fine. I'm going to take you to her now and then I'm off to Ponyville."
"P-Ponyville? You wouldn't dare hurt the others!"
"All to torture the Princess, Twilight." I pause in thought. "Where's Luna?"
"I-I don't know! Honest!"
"Hmm....I'll just ask Celestia then. Welp come on, I don't have all day." I picked her up and started towards Celestia's chambers. When I reached Celestia's chambers I sat Twilight down next to her and made sure she was stabilized. "Well there you go. Now Celestia, where is Luna."
"She went to the castle ruins in the Everfree Forest."
"Princess?! Why are you telling him?!"
"I'm exhausted Twilight I don't want to endure anymore."
Twilight glared at me. "What did you do to her?!?!"
"Celestia do not worry. I will not go after your sister, nor do anymore....direct harm to you. You are safe here. But know this: Others are going to be hurt because of what you did to me. I will bring the others here when I am done with them."
Twilight tried to say something to me but I turned around and walked away.
Ponyville here I come.