A Mad Book of Ramblings

Chapters

Blank Files
Betwixed Blood and Thorns
After All? What's Another Loss?
Unbecoming Behavior for Royalty
The Struggle of Nobals
All Hallows Eve
Nightmares
Hunger

Blank Files

The sound of hooves clicking against the metal floors was all to normal for her. It came with living in a metal world. Everything made noise, the lights let out a dull humming, the doors would grind as they opened and closed. The generator would always be running, and the air purifier would always be pumping air.

That's why it was so shocking when all the lights shut of, sound left. The only noise was her own heart hammering in her chest. It made a thousand ideas of how bad this was scramble through her mind. They lived underground, and being underground ment they needed power. Teacher always said no power would mean no water, no air, no life. Sitting up slowly in her bed she looked to where the door should be. To where the ever glowing halls light should slip under her door. Nothing. No light passed through the gap beneath the metal door.

Silence was consuming everything. She sat their looking into the nothingness frozen in fear. Fear of the dark. Fear of what might be lurking outside her door in the silent pitch black of the void.

She didn't know how true her fear was, for her imaginary monster that stalked the halls was nothing her young mind could have ever believed, not until she could lay eyes on the beast.

The silence was broken as the sound of a distant scream fill the air. Her mind turned into stone as thoughts stoped. Her heart leaped into her throat, hammering her ribs do hard she believed it would smash its way free. The small mare tried not to make a noise, yet her raged breath sounded like thunder, the beds squeak a explosion. She needed to run, she had to run.

The filly nearly fell out of the bed as the sound of metal grinding filled the black nothingness. She knew this was her chance, with all the strength in her tiny legs she scrambled to the door, the only obstacle. She tried to open it but without power it didn't even move. The button clicking uselessly as the frantic filly slammed it over and over. The sound whimpering echoing in the steel cage she now found herself in. Once a safe haven now kept her locked away. A mouse trapped in a corner. Just waiting for the cat to finally end it's terror.

She moved away from the door trying to see anything, and let out a pained hiss as she kicked her tool box. Feeling the cold metal leave a cut as it's hatch edge bit through her skin. She groaned, her hooves reaching out and scrambled for the single latch that kept her from the tools inside.

The room was willed with the small clinks as it's contents were opened to the darkness. She reached a shaking hoof into the metal box, her hoof feeling for the one thing that could help her. Heart thundering as the walls groaned again, she could here yelling, muffled by the screaming of metal forced to move.

Her small heart began to slow, yelling was good. Old ponies yelled all the time, and that ment that the older ponies were there. They would have light, and they could help her. She didn't have to be alone!

With new determination to be free from the oppressive darkness. She didn't need to be quiet, with a huff she nocked over the toolbox. The loud catering made her ears ring. She needed just one tool, a crowbar. She could slowly open the door with time and effort if she could just get the crowbar.

She let out a faltering laugh as she felt the hooked head of the crowbar, with both hooves she lifted it from the floor. Hearing the other tools clank against the steel floor. With a small amount of trepidation she made her way back to the door. She leaned down, looking for the small crack that was under very door in her home. Yet it was lost to the all consuming darkness.

All the while her focus stopped her from noticing that the yelling became quieter, fewer in numbers. But that didn't matter to the filly as she blindly placed the crowbar an the ground. Sliding it until she felt it grinding between the floor and door. Her trembling gone, her fear fading as an afterthought as she smirked.

She was going to prove that she wasn't a filly anymore! That she could take care of herself. That she was smart and new what to do in a pinch. She wasn't a baby, she was a mare who could do whatever she wanted.

The door let out a ear raking screech of steel on steel, but no mater the fact, it was opening! The hall was just as dark as her room, making it impossible for her to see anything. Making the filly stop for a moment. Shanking her head she put all of her weight into the one thing keeping her locked away.

She was panting as the metal screamed out in protest as it was forced to inch higher and higher. Yet the filly didn't stop until she felt her end hit the ground. It wouldn't be big enough for her to leave yet, but maybe...

She stopped, looking around in the darkness that was her room. Ears flicking around as she noticed something. It was quiet, really quiet. The yelling that had given her peace minutes before was gone. It brought fear clawing back into her chest as to took a gasping breath.

She worked as quickly as her little legs would let her. Flipping the crowbar and wedging the rounded head under the slowly opening gap. She didn't care about the noise, she had to get out before everypony left her here!

She growled pulling and prying the door higher and higher. She could feel the sweat matting her fur, the burning in her hooves and chest as she panted. Until the door let out one last long cry and her tool to freedom slipped out from under.

She cried out feeling the twin barbs of cold metal cut into her barrel, ending as her head slammed into the ground. Stars exploding in her vision. The bright flashes making her hiss.

She lay there for some time, feeling the cold metal floor against her back, her legs, and her thumping head. Catching her breath as she blinked back the tears that tried to escape. This was not the time to cry. She needed to get out and as grampa always said, "If you didn't put your blood, sweat, and tears into it. Then it ain't done. So it was only with slight trepidation the little filly rolled over, feeling the warm rivers of blood that showed she wasn't going to wait for someone to save her.

She moved to the partly opened door. Slowly she put a hoof under, then a leg, and with held breath she pushed her head through the slightly to small gap. She kicked and squirmed her way through the gap fighting to get her shoulders through.

She let out a hissing breath as she felt her fur scraping, felt her skin protest as it was pinched against her shoulders. But she didn't stop. Not until they slipped past, allowing her to crawl free. Well as free as some pony who's flank was trapped. She frowned as she used her hooves, pushing against the walls as she forced her flank through. She could feel every inch as the door let out small squeaks of protest. That only made her push harder. She didn't want it to come down and crush her!

She let out a yell as she felt her skin rip, then slip free. She couldn't stop her tears now as she felt the stinging in her flank, felt the far to warm rivlets as they ran down her fur. She pulled her hind legs through with little effort, curling up as she took shaking breaths. The smell of blood staining the heavy air.

The filly know she couldn't stay there, something was wrong. Really wrong and she needed to be helpful. So climbing onto shaky hooves she took deep breaths. Wincing as she moved her hind legs. She moved hesitantly, her body protesting slightly with every step. Every step took more effort then the last to keep her moving. She moved on slowly, doing her best to keep her breaths even, her side sliding along the wall. She didn't know where she was going, but she knew that going forward was more important then worrying. She could find her way eventually.

The sound of something wet hitting the ground mad her stop. Eyes growing wide, no pony had been in the hall before. No pony said anything as she was trotting by, she didn't here hoof steps. Her heart fought with itself as it tried to choose between freezing in terror or running away on its own.

She turned her head back, the sound was so close. She wanted to move but her body was stuck. Frozen solid like she was tripped in ice. Cold chills ran up her spine, her body trembled. She saw something move in the black void but once her eyes darted over it was gone. She felt her body trembling as something warm ran down the inside of her legs. Her mind only half registering the sensation.

The darkness seemed to grow, the vary air solidifying as it was stolen from the filly's lungs. Her eyes seeing thousands of shapeless tendrils of nothingness reaching out to pull her deeper into it's empty mass.

She screamed at her body to move! To run! To do anything but stare in wide eyes horror as they inches closer and closer yet she remained rooted against the spot. A pool of something warm around her hooves lost as shards of ice ran through her soul.

Then a pair of eyes glowing in the darkness opened, like the jaws of Tartarus.

--X--

She screamed, bulging upright in bed as her body trembled. Cold sweat caking her fur as she felt warmth under her flank and hind legs. Yet she didn't move eyes staring into nothing as they glossed over with fear. Every breath a fight as her lungs cried out for oxygen. She didn't know how long she sat there like that, her heart slowing, her breathing becoming even. She looked around the room slowly. Eyes half seeing as she noticed everything and nothing. Wood, wood everything. And... Fabric, no door just a hole riddled piece of fabric.

Slowly she looked down at herself, noticing the sour smell of urine. Shame welled up inside her chest as she moved the blanket away. Reveling to the world the yellow stained sheets that showed the hole world what a grown mare had done.

The mare raised a white hoof rubbing away the tear stains that ran down her cheeks. Locks of black mane sitting haphazard on her head as she looked down at her yellow stained bed. Her piss stained bed and saturated tail.

Slowly she claimed out of the bed, tossing the blanket to the floor. Eyes downcast and ears pressed against her skull. With slightly trembling hooves she began pulling the sheets. Stripping them away to see the plastic covered mattress.

Leaving them crumpled on the floor she trotted away, walking through the curtain head low. The only slightly larger room was a mess, everything crammed into corners. The living area overall anything but the bedroom. But she had eyes for non of it. She passed it by slipping through another curtain and into the only room not made of wood.

The bathroom was bright, not helping the fact that it was as cramped as everything else. The shower nothing more then a corner with a small lip and a bare copper pipe. She stopped in front of the mirror, looking up at her reflection. She saw the two milky white eyes that stared back. Black bags under blood shot eyes. A mane that looked unkempt to the point it might me more knots then locks. And the pair of faded rectangular scared that sat just and the brace of her neck.

Her eyes lingered over the pair of markings before she turned slightly. She looked over her side noticing first her flank. She looked over the odd looking scar that ran along it's legs before ending right above her cutie mark. Or for better terms, lack there of a cutie mark.

She closed her eyes, shaking her head. Turning away and stepping into the shower. It didn't matter, no pony wanted a mare who couldn't stop wetting the bed. No pony wanted a mare with scares, or who couldn't go a week without screaming as she woke up. And most of all no pony wanted anything to do with a twenty year old blank flank.

Author's Note

Howdy!

This is just a small Dark story I wrote two years ago when I was trying to work on non duologue. I fixed a few spelling errors. Because littler me and bigger me get to wrapped up in putting it all on paper that spelling is an afterthought.

Anyways, I don't know how often I am going to put new stories or small bits here and there. Really I just wanted to do something with the box of half-baked ideas I have sitting in my closet. So here you go every pony!
Hope you enjoyed this little mare,
Ps. Her name is Color Lack

Betwixed Blood and Thorns

The land seemed to twist, the black burnt husks of long dead trees cried in the wind that howled in its own tongue. There was no sound of life, for even the parasprites and manticors seemed to avoid the hallowed land.

The only clear path was never straight for more than a few hooves. Seeming to slither deeper into the hollow trees like a snake inching closer to its prey. Muddy dirt and stones eating away the yellowed grass in its hunger to leave nothing but salted earth. For nothing grew within fifty hoofs from the trail. All life gave the ancient path a wide berth. Yet no matter how forbording the woods seemed to be the single mare moved slowly down the path.

Her body was a mess. Long dead leaves and twigs seemed to snag in every clump of dirt and mane. It didn't seem to bother her as she trotted ahead. A harness strapped tight around her barrel. The pair of Thuribles lashed to the long polished brass pole that dug into the mare's shoulders.

Copal resin left the crisp pine and citrus scent mixing well with the sharp cool smell of the sage. All carried by the wind that smelled of dead earth and old mud as she moved ahead. The two Thuribles simmering as the danced with her every step.

One wouldn't be wrong to assume she was on a pilgrimage, only the dozen knives strapped in sheaths around her dark pink body seemed to brake that peaceful idea. Or maybe it was the dented and scratched flask haphazardly shoved under one of the straps to the harness it's contents protesting every step. Maybe both broke the idea of nothing more than a peaceful pony passing through to find herself in religion.

Though at this point it didn't matter, she was getting close. The puddles of hazy water grew larger. There murky depths seemed to dance and smolder. Spitting wisps of smoke like century old souls joined and danced with the scented smoldering herbs. Making the woods seem lost in thin fog as her slow walk continued forward. Until she reached the cave, blacked stone left unwashed from the once grand marble that slipped deep beneath the earth.

The mare stopped before the caves maw. Stone long melted and cooled left it looking like a waxen jaws that wished to devour the small mare that looked up to the clouded sky. She looked up into the rain, through the clouds and hoped that even now that they would see her. That they would forgive her, and that she would never forget. They would live on in stories and tales.

With a whispered prayer she moved into the inky black void that loomed before her. Every step brought her further back into the past, into her long abandoned home, and she carried the past with her, and the pain of the entire world's dreams to begin again.

.... . / .... .. ...- . / .-.. .. ...- . ... / --- -. / ..-. --- .-. / - .... . / --.- ..- . . -. / ... - .. .-.. .-.. / ... .. -. --. ...

"Alright miss, I don't know why any pony would care about these old things. Mostly been using them as little space heaters. Filling them with paper and rubbish before standing shift at night."

The green earth pony said, Double Tap. His smile was one born of happy confusion. Having a cute pink mare trot up and offer fifty bits a piece of two old odd metal burners was such an odd start to a day. Yet one hundred caps for scrap metal was a very nice bonus to his income.

"They are called Thuribles, they are religious. Used in zebra and yack churches. They were made to swing above the pues to spread incense. Like sage or mure. A few were beginning to be used in some equestrian churches. Burning rosemary and thyme."

The mare spoke softly as she levitated a good sized bag of bits to the stallion. She gave him a sad smile as he looked between her and the two thuribles. He seemed even more confused at the simple tone she explained it with. As if it was just normal everyday trivia.

"If you don't mind me asking, miss… You never told me your name."

"Lovely,"

"Miss. Lovely, what do you want them for? Are you planning on making a church or something?"

Double asked slipping the bits into his saddle bags as he watched her levitate the two dirty and rusted glorified incense burners. Her response was short and simple, the sad smile never leaving her face as she turned to trot away.

"Something like that Sir. Something like that."

... .... . / ... .. -. --. ... / .... . .-. / ... --- -. . / ... --- / ..-. .- .. -. - / -... ..- - / -- . .- -.

The mare leaned down, her magic carefully striking the match against the side of the water stained box. It sputtered before coming to life with a flash. Slowly she levitated the small fire into the lantern. The once smooth red paint now more rust than anything else, The once gracefully curving glass cracked and stained by fire.

The wick crackled as the fire caught. The growing flame slowly illuminating the carried interior of the cave. Unnatural stalactites hung from the ceiling, stalagmites dotted the floor. Yet non followed gravities rules. All seemed to thrust up and away. There points like spears readied against invaders of the cave.

She bit down on the lantern's handle, feeling the ruff rust against her teeth, the unpleasant taste making the mare reach for the flask before lowering the hoof slowly. No, she thought to herself. This was no time to drink. No matter how much she wished to, no matter how disgusting the taste of rust. She would not sully this place, no mater how much it hurt.

Slowly she started forward, heading deeper into the cave. The clicking of her hooves, the squeak of the metal handle, and the faint crackling of coal echoed through the cave as her hooves moved her down the slowly descending ramp. Yet all she heard was the faint echoing of the past, seeming to be lost to such quiet.

The path was spotted with old broken tools and torches. Long forgotten wagons lay half burned and shattered like toys tossed around by a tantrum throwing child. Everything was covered in a layer of dust and stained by the heat of the fires that once blasted through the tunnel.

The mare took her time to trot around the discarded and destroyed pieces of a past all too young yet old nonetheless. Once a blaze of a thousand suns had raged through the halls like a wave. Turning the very stone soft. But now it had cooled.

.... . .-. / -.-. .... .. .-.. -.. .-. . -. / -.. .. . -.. --..-- / -... ..- - / -.-- --- ..- / -.-. .- -. / .... . .- .-. / - .... . -- / -.-. .-. -.--

"What would a pony want with such rare herbs and incense? I must say it makes little sense. Even us zebras have little use for such spoils, most just survive by are toils."

The older zebra mare asked as she watched the mare closely. She looked clean, to clean. The sad smile that pulled the lips didn't reach the hard eyes she wore. The eyes held no malaise now, but she wished not to find out how quickly that could change.

"Sage, shaman is by no means rare. It is quite normal to have around. However I understand that copal is… native to zebrica and dragon lands. I by no means have the chance to know where to find such a sap. I just remember my mother once telling me of Zebra traditions, and most shaman kept copal for when laying a soul to rest."

She spoke with no haste, her eyes never leaving the zebra. No out of fear, nor to intimidate the older mare. She just cared for nothing else in the room. What she needed wouldn't be anywhere else in this shack. She would have it stashed by her altar.

"You know much for such a young mare, I don't think it's hardly far. You speak of the truth, however we haven't even been introduced. You already know what I have practiced. My name is Alifactis the eldest. Even if I am no longer the fastest"

The pony seemed to hesitate for a moment. Her wings opened slightly. Her eyebrows seeming to rise slightly before she opened her own mouth to speak. Then she bowed her head down, spreading her wings out as she livered herself.

"Then forgive my decorum elder Alifactis, I knew not your title other than your profession. My name is Cupid, I was raised by my mother, a Dashite from above the clouds. She had spent her youth reading tomes of old zebra traditions. I learned much from her, including the rhyme of the shaman."

Alifactis nearly took a step back as the mare prostrated before her. The light pink pegasus stayed in her bow, her eyes closed as her face pointed at the ground. The silence lasted for a minute before the shaman once more found stable footing.

"Please do not bow before me, that is like a squirrel bowing to a tree. I am just an old mare who knows how to give care, any more is unfair."

The mare slowly raised from her bow, the sad smile seemed carved in stone. A mask that hid anything else behind the relief of loss. However the old mare could feel that there was a fire, one that burned at the ponies soul. One that would rage, burning all it could touch as it died.

"Yes, I do have what you seek, I just got more from over the sea from the hollowed meek. But I must warn you that it will not be cheap, such tar is not easy to keep."

Lovely nodded before reaching into her saddle bags, she fished through it for a few moments before pulling out a carefully wrapped box, the thick fabric stained slightly.

"Inside are talismans, all zebra in origin. It was once my mothers collection. The gems are all clean and we'll kept by myself and my father before he passed. Silence fetishes, two blood wing fetishes, but mostly enchanted gems."

Alifactis frowned as she untied the twine. Then slowly opened the stained wooden box. Inside nestled in soft velvet lining were almost two dozen talismans. Four lightning talismans, three flame, five repair, three blood wing fetishes, and three silence fetishes.

"Your… you are not joking about this are you? All of this will make you a mare well to do. So why give this all for such a small thing?"

"That is not important, I just need nine pounds of copal, and anyone would be willing to give up that much for those. That's all that matters. So, gems for sage and copal."

The zebra rubbed her face softly before slowly speaking. She seemed to be getting a headache. Even then nine pounds of something like that was a lot. She only had 12 pounds herself. But it would be more than worth the nine pounds of both.

"Yes, I will take your offer. I just hope it won't come back and bite me like my father."

.... . .-. / -.-. .... .. .-.. -.. .-. . -. / -.. .. . -.. --..-- / -... ..- - / -.-- --- ..- / -.-. .- -. / .... . .- .-. / - .... . -- / -.-. .-. -.--

The tunnels were nothing like before, the smooth black halls sounded like hollow glass. The echo matching the thumping of her heart in her ears. Every step felt like a mile, she knew where she was going. Her eyes dancing over the walls as slowly came into view as she felt like a ghost drifting through the ancient hallways.

She dreaded every inch as she moved, the disembodied voice echoed through her. The empty feeling running through her was filled with the long lost sound of her brothers and sisters. The sounds of life, the everyday problems. Someone was looking for some mushrooms, another was requesting information about equestrian politics with the twilight society and ten ponies. Another was trying to find out who Dj pony really was.

It all hurt, every word long ago said but echoed through the empty world. Every filly that babbled once just ignored by most of the hive now sent spikes through her mind as they plotted to play or pull pranks, not quite realising that they could be heard by everyone.

Before her lay the kitchen, the smell of rotten food assaulted her nostrils. Ripping her back to reality, even if the echoing of long stilled pots and pans never quieted. The barked order of the head chef for more chopped carrots, and for someone to cook the dam pork already. It burned, it reeked in decay even as the phantom sense pounded the once delightful fragrance of cooking meat and spices like railroad spikes pounding through her skull.

The mare stumbled, the metal pole lashed to her back swept across the counter sending plates, pots, pans, and utensils smashing and clattering. The sound was like a megaspell in such a hollow place. The lantern thudded hard against her leg, leaving a large gash that immediately started weeping sickly green blood. She let out a hiss of frustration as she looked down at the blood that began dribbling from her fetlock. Making a luminescent pool of sickly green fluid that reeked of mushrooms and copper.

With so much already happening she began to wonder. When was the last time she had the magic needed to change her blood? When was the last time she had been able to do more than add fir and change her eyes. She felt the hunger pains swelling through her body once more. Leaving her shaking and making her vision swim. It had… had only been a month but it still… the last time she had fed had been.

-.-- . - / - .... .-. --- ..- --. .... / - .... .. ... / .- .-.. .-.. --..-- / --- -. . / -.. .- ..- --. .... - . .-. / ..-. .. --. .... - ... / --- -.

The caravan moved along slowly, the griffin hovering slowly behind the cart as they moved through the rolling hiss of dead grass. The five ponies that moved with the wagon kept their eyes open for anything out of the ordinary. Even if the oddest thing was the pony that trotted behind the caravan.

The zebra mare looked like she was more scared than striped. Her body was a patchwork of long healed cuts and some that were still quite pink and fresh. She didn't speak very often. Only when spoken to or if something was needed to be voiced. Yet she helped in any way she could.

It was not even a day ago when she helped them take out a rather angry bear that attacked them as they tried to camp under the cover of an old handyman sales store. She kept it back as the griffin pumped it full of lead. And when it was all over she skinned, chopped the meat up, and with a smile and a small hummed tune she had made them all a rather tasty stew.

"Hey! Manifest, how is your leg doing?"

The zebra smiled softly at the leader of the caravan. He was an older stallion. His large beard was well kept unlike his coat. It was quite an amusing sight. Yet he didn't seem to care at all about her being striped. He was hesitant at first, understandably so. It wasn't every day that a zebra just asked to join a caravan.

"We will be fine Mr. Mirth, I could keep going for quite a while to give it all I'm worth. But I thank you for thinking of me, even if I'm an old mare who is by far no pleasant sight to see."

The old buck laughed as he rode on the wagon. Keeping the braman heading forward. He looked around at their procession of five ponies, a zebra, and a griffin. The chucked, they were just missing a ghoul and an alicorn. Then they would be the oddest group in the wasteland.

"Nonetheless Manifest, come take a rest off of your leg. No point in making it worse. We might need you later if we get attacked again."

The zebra just had the same pleasant smile on her lips as she trotted a little bit faster before jumping up and into the wagon. She looked around before sitting between two taller boxes, leaning against the back wall.

The old buck let out a small chuckle before pulling out a small book and the long cylinder of a map case. He opened it in his odd grey magic before looking over the map with a small frown.

"Wow, I don't know who made these maps but they really need to do better. A blind six-year old could have scribbled on a paper and I would call it an improvement."

Manifest let out a small chuckle. Looking over his shoulder and down at the map with a small inquisitive glint in her eyes. Slowly she reached out and tapped a hoof against a small town.

"Here is where we fought the angered bear, I'm still surprised you don't want its hair. Its pelt is quite soft when treated right, you would look quite fetching in a fur vest alright."

The old buck rolled his eyes looking at the town she pointed at. He opened up the small book. Now that she could see it she could tell it was a small journal. Inside the page was the name of small towns. Approximate distances, and to her amusement a good page about her fighting with bare hooves.

"Well, tomorrow morning we will be as close as we will ever get to the forest you wanted to travel into. I don't know why you would ever want to go in there alone but I won't stop you."

"We Thank You for your concern, but we have a home to which we must return. We have had such pleasure in being allowed to travel with you. Even when you haven't a clue at what we could do."

-.-- --- ..- / .... . .- .-. / .-- --- .-. -.. ... / -.-- --- ..- / .... . .- .-. / .- .-. . / ... --- -. --.

It was the throne room, the once magnificent room was now dead, the reck of smoke filled the room. Black piles of sut spotted the floor staining the once green carpet. The protections spells lost just moments after it all, leaving it open to the elements.

The mare bowed, she couldn't stop herself. It was so ingrained into her being that even through her tears she smiled. The ghost of her queen's voice washed through her. Reminding her of training and lessons. Her responsibilities and the countless scoldings for avoiding them.

Slowly she rose, green fire washing over her body. Once pink fur was gone. The dark almost black chiten, two balefire green eyes looked up at the throne, for that is where her queen sat. Her mother, in all her former glory.

Once the tall regal ruler of the largest hive in the world, the strong but caring mother to thousands of changelings. Now she was nothing more than the crystal encrusted chiten of what had once been her head.

Moonshine the changeling, the last daughter of Queen Splendid, moved to sit before the throne. She could feel the weight of every step like a dragon using her back as a perch. But she moved until she stood before the throne.

"H… hello mother. I know it has been far too long. I… I think I… I know why you felt this way. Why you demanded that if your hive was to succumb that you would stay. I had… felt what it was like. To be even an adopted mother. You couldn't stop it, but you couldn't leave your children."

She spoke gently, the skull lifting in her magic. Carefully she pressed her forehead against her mother's. Their horns crossing, she swore she could hear her mother speak. Even when her ears heard nothing. Yet she didn't understand a word yet it made her feel better. Safe. Her mother was right there to protect her.

"I won't let your name die, even if I should fall. I… I will find the changelings. I will be the nymph queen you always wanted me to be. I… I was such a brat back then. Always running away and gallivanting outside while you tried to teach. Some days… I wish I could go back and stay here. Have succumbed to this with you. More recently than most. But."

The incomplete queen was crying again. Her voice was choked, yet when something moved against her horn she flinched back. Her… her mothers crown had moved. It shifted back and nearly fell off at the sudden movement.

Moonshine blinked, her magic gently lifting the solid black crown. It was made to sit right behind the horn like crown of every other queen. She lifted her hooves and with a breath she didn't even realise she was holding it settled onto her hooves hole. Unblemished by time or the crystalline growth.

"I… I know what I have to do mom. Thank you. I… I will come back for this. And for you. I won't let it be lost. I promise."

She said quietly before setting the crown on the seat of the throne. Then without a second look she fled. Her insect winds buzzing loudly as she flew. She left the lantern. She left her tears, and she left her fear. She knew what to do. Just not where to start.

Author's Note

I love my little bug stories, they are always so odd. It's one reason that I like the unreformed snuggle bugs.

But this is a sad story taking place in the fallout universe, with a little added splash of odd.

After All? What's Another Loss?

Upon A terrorists of a mountain whose name is lost in time. Set a city of cobbled stone. It's gray blocks stained from dirt and time. It's ancient walls and buildings cracked and fell as the very mortar was worn away. So far from the once gleaming capital of equestria that few know it's name. It's here that time lays forgotten, its history turning to dust.

Stone blocks the size of griffins slowly crumbling in destitute, turning the cobblestone paths into mazes. It's winding paths turned to tunnels and walls as the masonry faded. Three cloaked figures drifted the streets, hoods pulled low. Their hooves echoing in the still air. They moved with purpose through the dilapidated city.

Uncaring or unable to explore the history that filled the walls and marred the stones. Water worn and wind blasted carvings faded to mad scribblings and childish drawings. Runes carved with pride now are nothing more than blemishes. Chipped away.

Slowly the group scuddled closer to the looming towers of a long decrepit keep. A grand road almost fifteen carriages wide now riddled with holes and puddles. At the center of the city loomed a castle, it's walls worn but standing strong. The drawbridge lay across it's festering moat, the wood rotten and waterlogged.

They didn't slow as their hooves left the stone, or as the wood cried out under the weight. only coming to a stop as they reached the courtyard and the wide open doors. The doorway was filled with a black smoke that seemed to fight against the light. The mass shifting and pushing against the light, odd shapes dissolving before it became whole.

One figure pulled out a piece of quartz..the hazy stone glowing in it's soft raspberry magic. With a flash it grew brighter and brighter. The shadows quivered and slid away from the light before the three began to move forward once more. None spoke because they didn't need words, they knew why they were here.

Once they entered the entrance hall, the mist filled in behind the cloaked figures. Creating the unyielding wall of darkness once more. Slowly struggling against the light. The figures seemed to move through the choking blackness, uncaring of the mist lashing out at them but never touching them as the quartz pushed them back. Slowly it gave way, leaving them in a room that time seemed to have forgotten that time was passing. The smooth stone walls and gilded tapestries hung free of dust and loss. Long lost paintings marking their time as they all depicted life before discord. No alicorns graced the canvas, because there had been no alicorn.

The three figures marched on, leaving the relics on the walls. The massive golden doors lay before them, carvings of soldiers at war. Horn, wing, and hoof clashing as blade meet blade. One from each tribe fought in the center, all with crowns. A war with no name frozen in casted gold.

They were pushed open allowing the three into the glorious throne room. Inside is where they stood. The room was filled with cloaked figures, all falling silent at their arrival. The silence grew as the three trotted through, moving to stand before the thrones. Each was carved from simple wood, non standing taller or closer. For the three were equal. None above or below, all ruled and represented by their own.

"We call this meaning to order! Speaker of the house please take the floor!" The first figure said, the boise deep and hard. The voice of a stallion. He sat on the first throne, upright and proud.

"As many of you know, my name is Tranquil Notes. For this hearing I shall be the speaker. All present have given there thoughts and worries. Today we start with the introduction of magister Emerald Tides. Please step forward."

A figure stepped forward, tossing back the hood of his cloak. His emerald green eyes reflecting the magic lights, pine green mane slicked back. Ash grey fur vanishing under the cloaks clasp.

"Your magistys, I stand before you today, in are sovereign halls to bring news from the lands to are east. Every soul here knows of the alicorns that rane over Equestria." The stallion spoke his voice soft but reaching the ears of all. He moved to stand before the steps of the thrones. "However we learned of the night blessed's fall after corruption had tainted her body. But today she has returned. Today she has been freed from the thousand years of solitude, and washed clean by the elements."

There was a quiet muttering that filled the room, hundreds of voices as they tried to understand the magisters words.

"He speaks the truth, it was destin from the stars that the night mistress would return soon the dawn of a millennium." The second figure spoke, the voice as smooth as velvet and chiming. With her words the room fel silent once more, no one spoke as the queen spoke. "However it was not the sister who freed her. The harmony left her. Speak and tell who freed the night mistress."

"It was the dawn maddens pupal, the young and studious Twilight Sparkle. Element of Magic, barrier of harmony. The five who hold the others are all older, Pinkamena Diane Pie, Element of laughter and barrier of joy. Apple Jack, Element of honesty and barrier of justice. Rarity Bell, Element of Generosity, barrier of altruism. Rainbow Dash, Element of loyalty, barrier of scrupulous. And lastly Fluttershy Element of Kindness, barrier of peace." Emerald spoke as he looked between the three rulers.

The room fell silent, all letting the names settle into there minds. Six elements falling into the hooves of six ponies. It was unpresidented, but the next question was something any should have asked.

"Magister, tell us? What races are these elements? None have been chosen to bare there weight after the alicorns. Why have they chosen now to grace the world once more?" The third and final ruler spoke, the voice soft but etched with wisdoms. The old mare turning her head to look over a stained window.

"Two of every tribe, the pegasus kindness and loyalty, the earthen honesty and laughter, and the unicorns magic and generosity." Emerald answered, bowing his head. "Equal and opposite."

"Speaker, call forth a messenger. We must not delay. Fate is cruel to those who delay it's plans. We must send message to the night madden. Balance is returning but with it brings risk." The velvet voice spoke as she lowered her hood. A unicorn sat her mane and eyes a dark pink, reflecting the light that glowed from her dark blue horn.

"As you wish your magisty. He will be here before are meeting has concluded. Till then Queen Horizon. Unrest has grown as the farmlands continue to be raised by infiltrators. Food is growing harder as they salt the lands." Tranquil spoke as he stepped up beside the magister.

"King Golden, has the military ben roused? We can no longer hope for peaceful resolutions. Are subjects will not be starved." Queen Horizon spoke turning her head to the first throne. Where the stallion looked back.

"The first and second legend have been sent to protect are people. The rest have been tasked with patrolling the inlands to strike out any dens of crime." The stallion spoke, keeping his hood pulled over his head.

"Ah, and Queen Thunder. Your thoughts on the matter?" Horizon spoke as she turned her head to look at the last throne. A small smile pulling at her lips.

"The weather will hold, it is still summer. While it will be close we can hold out the winter. We can't lose any more food if we wish to be fed till spring returns. Stalking and rationing now will keep the stores comfortable." The old mare spoke, a black wing rubbing her chin as she though. "Not many crops that only take a few months to grow, so keeping what is in the ground safe is too priority."

"Agreed, and spread word. All who are seen destroying and attacking are lands shall be shown no mercy. There are to many mouths for a group of fools to want it all." King Golden spoke his voice firm. Hoof slamming into the arm of his chair with a finality.

"With that we have little else your magistys. The coffers are well, taxes are moderate but the people are keeping up. Lastly no dutchies has had any issue other then raided farmlands." Tranquil spoke as he bowed low. Behind him everyone bowed, there cloaked heads nearly touching the ground.

"Then we shall call this meeting to an end. Keep us well informed, should anything happen to another farm, stockpile, or mill yard. Supplies are needed to keep are land growing. Loss is detrimental." King Golden spoke as he stood up as spoke. "And Emerald, your information is well held. We thank you for bringing it before the court. Have Tranquil reward you for it."

"All in the name of harmony, that is the only reward I need you magisty." Emerald said as he rose from his bow. Smiling as he looked up at his cloaked king.

"Then consider the reward a gift for your loyalty to kingdome and throne. I must return to work, the army shall not wait and the lands will not go unprotected." Golden spoke before trotting past the magister. Soon

Author's Note

I have no idea when I wrote this. All I know is it was a odd idea I had about a kingdome were ponies filled themselves, no alicorns. One royal of every tribe in a kinda checks and balance system.

At some point the mane six were to... I don't know do something amazing and save the place. That seems right

Unbecoming Behavior for Royalty

It was along the chilled marble halls of the old capital, the once vibrant mixing of yellows and reds long faded with time and weather. Under the gaze of the blemished moon and setting sun a single cloaked figure moved deeper thru the cracked and stained masonry. The sound of hooves muffled by the wet squelching of nearly century old faded carpet. the pattering of rain painted the twilight sky with clouds of gold and periwinkle, yet for all the world it was nothing new or kind. After all how interested can one be when they were born under the fragmented sky? When the world was a never ending twilight, all thanks to the mad Queen.

Only a fool would call her such to her face however there will always be such fools, as there will always be those who only crave power. Nobles or commoners that will bend and kiss the gilded hooves of a unstable god if it gave them the chance to have more, or if they thought it was the only way to survive the her whims. The cloaked figurer stopped beside a painting, the wood rotting as the paint had faded to match the monochromatic world around it. The four figures stood side by side, alabaster and pink wings keeping them all pressed together. The tired form of the midnight blue figure being sandwiched between them leaving the only open space for the last figure. The only one that still had there face. the black markings of magic having burned away everything but the mad Queen. Once kind and bashful eyes looked at the world, eyes that saw harmony and love. eyes that would turn to hardened violet stones. Eyes that were cold as they ordered the death of any who would stand against her. Eyes that saw the world as pieces, tools to be used as she takes everything.

The figure moved closer to the painting, gently brushing a light pink wing over the painting. Feeling the paint chipping and crumbling under the contact with her wing. watching as those once loving eyes cracked and fell away. leaving nothing behind. With a sigh the figure turned away from the painting, They weren't here to get lost in the memories of the past. They would only hold one back. Even with the reminder the figure couldn't stop the memories from steeling them away, moments at a time as they remembered life before the change. Growing up in the glimmering city in the snow. Becoming friends so many others when she enrolled at the school of Friendship. Remembering seeing how spike had gone from the short and childish dragon into a lanky teen, Watching as she and her friends explored and learned how no mater what the power of friendship would win in the end.

The entire world seemed to rejoice when Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship and magic took the throne. A new era of peace willed the world that nothing seemed able to do more then shake a fist at. After who could stand against the mare who had saved Equestria and the world over and over? They had been right, After all who could stand against the embodiment of magic itself? It was a slow prosses, So slow that no one seemed to worry as small bits of there lives changed. An increase in taxes by three present, less then a Bit for the common pony and a almost inconsequential fee for the nobles. All explained as a necessary fee to help increase the industrialization of the Equestrian cities. Expanding infrastructure. It did, but it was also used to build and increase the E.D.P. (The Equestrian Defense Force) but the princess waved off the worries and questions by giving honeyed words of worry about natural disasters and protecting the people of not only equestrua.

It all seemed so simple, even mother had never expected what was coming. After all how do you prepair for the mare who not only saved you at your own wedding, protected your empire, and defeated Teric to turn her gaze from friendship to conquest? No one had noticed that Luna and Celestia had gone missing, and when asked the fools beleaved the traitor when she brushes there consurns to to the sides. Speaking of them retreating to a tropica island to get away from the idea of being princesses and have a true vacation. Who could complain? The sun rose and set like it always had. The world seemed to be getting better and better. More food, new technology, strides in medicine and education. It truly seemed like nothing could have stopped the world from getting better. Even the Lord of Choas had a place, happily helping ponies really see the world as he pulled pranks and assisted the mad queen with testing and flexing the static world as she brought change and new ideas to the world.

The figure turned left at the next intersection of dirty halls. The Twilight sky shining through the shattered and missing glass windows. The stained glass shards decorating the floor in a sea of color. They moved carefully, head low as they focused on not stepping on any of the shards. Even as the soft glint of silver horse shoes showed there bearers protection agaisnt such things it was always better to be safe then sorry. After all it would be horrible if they mad it all this way only to get hurt when at the last leg of there trip. They couldn't stop the quiet giggle from escaping there muzzle. Skipping over a shard that looked like the flank of a yellow pony.

The element bearers, the five mortal mares had lived comfortable lives. Needing not even as they grew old. Looking back it almost seemed like the mad queen had waited for them to pass. As if she didn't want then to see what she planed to do to the world now that she had everything she needed. Applejack, such a simple mare, only caring for her family and friends. She had gotten married to a dirt brown stallion, even had a filly of her own. She never got the chance to grow old, having passed on saving her filly from a landslide.

Pinkie was much the same, except even with her little foal she partied on and on. Here and cheese sandwich brining joy and laughter to the world until she passed out in the middle of a partly. Even with the best doctors and magic the pink party mare passed away from an aneurysm. It seemed to only drag the rest of the elements down, after all the very protectors of the world were now usless, having watched two on there number die only a year after there friend took the throne. Ponies were consered, beleaving that the lavender alicorn was hiding from the pain by making the world a better place. By fixing the very things that led to her friends loss. Sinking bits into fixing the things that stole the lives of her friends. Yet Twilight never stopped, never hid away. She took to the power and control like a duck to water. Reworking and fixing the century old government from the slow and single view to the swift and once just behemoth. It had a hoof in everything. No filly or colt went a day without eating, drinking, seeing, or even touching something that the government owned.

The nobility became nothing more then politicians struggling agaisnt one another to catch the eye of the Princess. To get the co tract with the government. For that was where the bits were. Why spend thousands moving, buying, selling, and worrying about something braking when one can sell the crop right from the field before it was even planted? Why fret about mining cost when you can sell carts of ore before they even see the sun? Nobility became nothing more then toys for the princess to pin agaisnt one another as they struggled to get there very idea sold to the princess. The common pony watched and enjoyed seeing houses lose the power they had. Soon nobal blood ment little. A common pony could become as rich or richer then any nobal in the Cort. All they needed was to be smart.

The world just kept changing, it was hard to now how far it had changed in the first ten years of the mad Queens rule. The entire country seemed to shrink as rodes and trains became better, the once nearly three hour train ride up to Canterlot from ponyvill became thirty minutes on a bad day. The magic drive engine faster then any steam train. Soon land trains with no tracks became a normal sight. Cars of wood and metal that made the trip from Seaddle to Philadelphia take half a day and no need to stop or weight for the train to follow its schedule. Roads seemed to have already been built for them, even if they had to be expanded. All funded and owned by the crown. The very patient, factories, and workers owned and payed by the crown. Yet life seemed so amazing. So new as it grew and changed.

The figure moved into the old throne room, it looked like a monster had come through and decided this room needed a bit of a makeover. The very room seemed to shutter as the stones looked ready to crumble to dust. The once magnificent pillars of marble destroyed. The grown dusted with the powered stone. There wasn't a single shard of glass, the very windows empty there once colored depictions having long since been used for a far uglier purpose. The three thrones that had once showed the unity of the three princesses having been tossed like flower, the once gilded solar throne now crumpled and half embedded into the once grand wooden doors. The lunar throne didn't fair any better. It's Ebony shards painting the ceiling with black shards and holes. The fight hat had balanced here was the first and last. For it only took one fight for the Crystal Empire to fall and the Empress Twilight Sparkle, queen of the United Equestria, to take the last tool she needed to stop the world from stopping her.

Twilight Sparkle sat on her throne, the periwinkle and gold throne for the now larger alicorn. No one had question her when she had slowly grew as tall as Celestia, ow when her mane begain to drift on its own ethereal breeze. It only made the very po ies that had come to Cort beleave she was truly the princess to lead them. No one asked where the old diarchy. Maybe that was the real problem. No one looked to the past or worried of the actions the princess took as the last petitioner of this days Cort left there problem partly solved by the lavender alicorn. She stood, stretching her body and wings as she let out a soft grunt. Only for the large throne room doors to slam open. The soft blue glow of magic tossing them aside as the angered pink Empress of the crystal empire stomped in.

"Twilignt Sparkle! I demand an answer as to why there are five legons of your solders storming through my city! They are harassingmy ponies and shutting down my city."

Twilight let out a long sigh as she slowly pulled her body back to its regal bering. The mask of calm understanding settling. With measured steps she worked her way down the throne steps and closer to the fuming alicorn.

"Cadence, I'm sorry for the miscommunication. I had sent a letter a week before they arrived. There is a dangerous criminal that fled to the frozen north. This unicorn has stolen Starlights altered time spell. With it they can alter the time line to the point of destroying equestria."

"No, no, that is not the Twilight I know. The TwilightI know would have told me face to face. Not send a letter and call it good. What is really happening ladybug? The last time we spoke was on Flurrys birthday, and even then you only stopped by to give her a present and vanished again."

Cadence moved closer, having to look up at her sister in law. Once the short unicorn would be flustered or abashed by the temper. Sorry for seeming distant, apologize and work to fix the problem. But this wasn't the little unicorn, this was the sole ruler of equestria. Even if ponies didn't know it yet.

"Don't worry Cadence, I have just been a little busy this last few months. Working to keep the social assistance programs from draining the coffers while not cutting or raising taxes. Even a few nobals are breathing breathing down my neck to limit it further. It's a long dance I grow tired of."

Cadence looked up at her sister, looking I to the masked smile, the face that reminded her far to much of Celestia. The life of hiding behind the motherly ideal. Even if Twilights mask was more of the collected and kind teacher then wised mother.

"Twi, i... you need to slow down. Your going to run yourself ragged. Even Auntie Tia needed to slow down and step back. Maybe you-"

"No. I will not slow down Cadence." Twilight I treated the smaller pink alicorn. Her mask cracking as she scowled down at the Empress of the crystal empire. Her wings opening slowly to show just how much larger she was. Horn crackling with magic as she glared doen at the pink alicorn. "For to long life has been the same dance with nobals and fake smiles. I play there game, I dance to the melody they play even as I change the tempo. Even as I pluck the strings. To long have the few on top kept the world stagnant and let the common creatures fester. I'm already changing the song sister. Every new note and instrument is nocking the fools off balance. Right now the only show I have to put on is with you."

Twilight didn't walk, no she stalked closer to the co fused and scared pink alicorn. Who stepped back as she watched twilight. Listened to her as she relised just how big of a mistake she had made. "Twi, how about we both take a deep breath. Calm down and talk about this over tea?"

"Cadence, you never change. You always have seen me as that little filly you babysat all those years ago. Even as you begain dating my BBBFF. But I think you will find I am not that week mare any more. I am not the fool that let others trot over them any longer." Twilight spoke as she moved past Cadence, her horn glowing as the sun began to set, the moon rised behind the lavender mare. Her once ge tle smile replaced with a devilish grin. Even as the stained glass windows begain to shutter and crack. "I'm sorry Cadence, but if there is one thing I learned is that there is no room for God's."

The figure shuttered, looking away from the windows. Having watched her mother get filled with glass was something she had always struggled to forget. Watching as her mother became nothing more then a gurgling mess of glass and blood. And yet she never died, she just co tinued struggling as her body tried to heal around the glass. How the sight of her mother was seeing her Auntie stand over her, her magic keeping every shard in place. Presenting her mother from doing anything but bleed struggle with her immortality. It was the only way to keep a alicorn down. To lock them away and prevent there body from fixing itself, keeping it from doing anything but struggle.

Flurry lowered the hood of her cloak as she looked around the room that the war started, a war that the creatures of the world didn't even know was happening. Started on the last day the castle held the royal sisters. For history had repeated, however there was a wild card. There wouldn't be one thousand years, there wouldn't be time for the mad Queen to prepair.

For Flurry Heart, crown princess of the Crystal Empire. Daughter of Shining Armor and princess Mi Amore Cadenza. Would not wait, with the fire of revenge burning in her soul her magic came to life. The soft blue light taking hold of the mad Queens old throne. With a yell she crushed the periwinkle wood and fabric. The sound of shattering wood filling the destroyed room. A figure stalked in from the old servents passage, a tall black figure of twisted carapace moved I to the room. A evil grin pulling at her lips, her fangs glinting in the eternal twilight.

"Ah, Flurry. My children are ready for are first move. Let's hope the mad Queen is as foolish as she was smart. If so we will have the empire before the months end."

"No, she is to paranoid for such quick moves to go unnoticed. I could barely brake you three out of stone without her finding out. Tell cozy to keep planing on getting close to discord. No one remembers her, especially now."

The Queen of the changelings smirked as she bowed her head to the alicorn not even a third her age. She had gotten her father's determination and her aunt's strength. Already she had forged a tempting alliance with the evil trio, after all. As ponies say. Better the devil you control.

Author's Note

howdy, ya... I should be writing anything else but I had to get this out of my head. I have always loved the idea of little flurry becoming a rebel agaisnt her aunt. Even with the "evil" Twilight who decides that once power over all is better then the fractured and disorganizedworld there was before. So ya, xp chaos is magic

The Struggle of Nobals

The world was an odd place after the princesses left the throne, Twilight had ruled for two centuries before she herself believed that the world no longer needed to be ruled over by the alicorns. No longer needed to be ruled by the immortals. Let them fade to the side as advisors and aids as they let the race of ponies move forward for their own destinies. Ponies were spit on the idea, worried about how this would change the land of Equestria. Technology and industrialization has filled the world as nobility became a mix of walty commoners who could buy their way into the landed titles. The lines between the common pony and nobility blurred even as the gap of wealth grew. Twilight remained an advisor to the Grand Unification Party. The political movement made and ran to help better the life of everyone in Equestria. Just her presence is a large part in how strong the party is. Old views on the divine leadership of the alicorns lead many of the common people of the country to join. Strong foren ties and relations lead to the party's almost absolute power in the new political games of equestria.

However the old noble houses did not take the change in power or the loss of their direct line to the throne well. The blueblood’s struggled and bribed their way into powerful positions in the new government. Chief secretary of the counsel Blueblood the nineteenth, Son of prince Blueblood the eighteenth, and member of the Heir and Noble party. Having bought and blackmailed his way into the position. The meetings were more parties then they were meetings. Pompous fools that cared only to keep their wealth and take more from others whether it was by manipulating or partnering with other nobles to dance around the red tape of the lumpering governmental system.

I tire of babysitting these fools. The only care that they have is to keep their coffers full of bits and live off the mountain that their fathers had left for them. They have no plans for the future. Fools that have never wanted more then the silver spoon that they had been born with. Blooblood thought to himself as he sipped delicately on the glass of champagne he held in his yellow magic. He looked away from the knot of fools that were bragging about something as he moved away. He needed a break, and a few moments standing outside. He moved around the nobles and servants to make it outside onto the gilded patio. A smirk pulled at his lips as he looked around the city skyline. Concrete and metal filling the canterlot night sky. The glass reflected the moonlight as the skyscrapers filled the once marble city. The once simple three story buildings gave way to fifty storey business complexities. The lives of commoners having been made fit inside the massive mazes of cubicles. Living by the clock to be able to make a check. Half of them have to travel from the new canterhorn. The town was made under the glittering gem of canterlot to support the fools that lived in hundred time remodeled homes to try and make the nobel homes so the shallow souls inside them can show off their wealth.

Blueblood smiled softly to himself as he finished off the last of his champain, The classical music muffled through the glass as he looked up into the night sky, Luna's night sky. Constellations changing slowly to show the history of warriors and great souls. Even the ascension of Princess Twilight Sparkle, The mare that had changed the face of Equestria. Funned the industrial drive and embetterment of the creatures, yacks and changelings living and working together. Griffins and zebras sharing a drink in bars and everyone living their best lives. There were even a few ennobled families of the other races. The fight that had broken out had led to the disgrace of many old minded fools. Three old houses of nobility haven sided with the short sided fools losing their titles. The stories still made the now head of the Blueblood family laugh. After all, even as a child he knew that there was no winning the fight of denning the VonGriff family from being noble. The Princess of friendship had been the ruling alicorn. The princess of friendship would never allow the nobility to be only ponies. Not in a world where all races lived and worked in the new open minded world she had made with her own hooves and actions. Blooblood sighed softly to himself as he pulled out his phone, looking over the new monitor invention. While ponies drove the world forward with magic and determination the minotaur pushed it with ingenuity and intelligence. Creating tools that anyone with training or practice could use without the need of magic.

“Bluey, dear, what are you doing out here all on your own?” A feminin voice asked from behind the white stallion. He forced a smile onto his lips as he turned to face the mare. Hiding away his phone, The mask of a airish entitled Nobel was one he had to wear in this game of houses. No one could see that even tangentially related to the princesses was nothing more than a figurehead to their party. No one expects the butt of their jokes to be the one who planted the seeds. The jester to run the show through bribes and blackmail. Blue looked at the dressed up mare, A gose if he had ever seen one, and bowed his head slightly.

“Nothing my lady, I just needed a breath of fresh air. Some of the lesser members had a bit too much cologne to try and hide their less than nobel activities for my taste. I felt like my lungs were a spark away from starting a fire.” He responded softly as he moved to stand at a more cordial distance. After all they didn’t need to be yelling out there thinly veiled barbs and insults. It was the same song and dance, Insulting and demeaning the way up the ladder as fools pretended to be friends until the chance to use the other appeared.

“Ah, yes. Some of the ladys are the same as my prince. A walking perfume bottle that lingers like the smell of sun rotten fish. I so wish that we could get rid of some more,” The lavender unicorn started, her face caked in so much makeup that she almost looked like a clown in a far to gotty dress. The white and pink fabric clashing with her fur. Blueblood didn’t listen as the older mare vented about her frustrations about the Common born nobel lineage and how they left a stain on the good name of the true nobility. Lady Periwinkle continued her dribble as Blueblood nodded and remarked with simple responses. The conversation was the same as every parity. Start on friendly tones, bound over the fools and lessers, boast about your own wealth and success, then poke and prod about the other to see if one could undercut the other.

“I couldn't help but notice your rather odd looking phone dear, Is that one of those minotaur made devices? I haven’t been able to get into contact with the manufacturer yet, but they seem to be everywhere around the country. It almost makes me think that they already have nobel backing to be able to so quickly flood the market with their devices.” Lady Periwinkle spoke as she looked at the rectangular form in his simple wite suit. He pulled the phone out of his suit and showed it to the lavender mare. The golden body of the phone clearly marks it as a personal order.

“Ah, yes. One of my attendants had been in the minotaur lands to renegotiate my iron and coal trading agreements. Imagine my surprise when he was asked to attend a meeting with a small minotaur inventing company and they showed him their new idea for non magical communication. After letting me know he attended the meeting and after a bit of price and share negotiation I became a major holder of the company. The Crete phone manufacturing plants have been built and funded by me. It's a good business to have in my pocket with how the world has exploded with desire to have their own phones. No need for special magical converters, or having to struggle using it with their hooves. It was made with hooves, fingers, and claws in mind. And to use it as a unicorn is just as simple. Just a small manipulation of the telekinesis spell.” He explained simply, using the simple humble brag about finding and owning the new trend that was making thousands and thousands of bits.

The annoying periwinkle mare looked almost disappointed, a small frown pulling at her lips as she looked over the golden phone as if it had been hers to begin with. She quickly forced a smile onto her lips as she noticed his attention on her, flipping he mane out of the way so that she could pretend that it had been her ghoul to begin with. “Well dear Blueblood, I would love to find a way to invest in them myself. If you could help me get into contact with them that would be wonderful.”

“I’ll let them know at the next meeting Lady Periwinkle, After all they are more than willing to listen to a possible investor. They have just been a bit busy moving from a small building to having entire factories and mass production.” Bluenlood said softly with a small smile. Moving away from her as he did to remove himself from the conversation once more. He hated this, Having to worry about how he looked to the others. So with an apologetic smile he began dismissing himself. Saying that he had something important come up and his attention was needed elsewhere. Even then it still took him an hour of song and dance to make it to the door. Taking his coat from the attendant he moved out of the nobel house of Everbright and wanted for the valay to call on his shofer and his car. Only for the last pony he had ever wanted to see in his life to come and open his festering mouth.

“Cousin Bluey! I heard you were leaving and I would have hated to miss out on seeing you.” The white stallion spoke, sounding like every word was filtered through his nose like his mouth was not fit to sound out any of his words. He frowned softly as he took a moment to bottle all the hate and contempt he had for his cousin. If he disliked the nobles and their games then his cousin was the perfect image of the upper crust and their faults.

“Ah, my apologies Crimson. I meant no offense but there is a bit of a financial situation that has arrived. Sady it needs my direct attention and signature. However the meeting was a nice break from the mediocre labors of working.” Blue blood spoke softly as he forced a smile onto his lips. The feeling of his smile made him want to throw up even as he carefully looked past his cousin. Intentany doing his best to show his dislike through simple actions rather than words. Yet his cousin didn't even seem to notice or he didn't care. After all, being related to the Bluebloods was an easy way to gain good statice in the homes. The Crimsons were a nobel house that was second only to the “Pure” blooded houses of old.

“Fret not dear cousin, I can understand that your time is important. Leading a clan is not an easy job for a stallion. Especially one as powerful as are shared blood. If you would take me up on my offer I would gladly send help your way. I would even assist you, For when you prosper it moves down hill to even my diluted blood.” Crimson spoke as he moved far too close for Blueboods liking.

He took a small step back as he pulled his phone out of his pocket. Looking over the screen for a few moments as if he was reading something. It was mostly for the chance to give him space. Looking back up as the phone vanished into his suit once more he gave a friendly smile before hearing the engine of his car coming closer. A lucky break if he had ever heard one. “I thank you for that offer Crimson, However I already have assistants who are quite reliable and trained for the work.” And it won't be easy to bribe and manipulate them so you and your friends can find out what I am doing with my time and bits.

“There is no shame in asking for help, cousin, even the princesses needed help and assistants. Look at Inkwell, she assists Princess twilight even to this day. My father had a large staff that worked wonderfully to keep the finances running smoothly. Maybe a few aids that have experience running another noble's affairs will be far better in the long run.” He spoke softly, A small smirk pulling at his lips as he pushed the same idea over and over. The fact that he wanted to get more information on him. Wanted to know what he was doing. Who he was sending money to. And likely try to blackmail or embesal his bits.

“I thank you dear cousin, but I have everything I need at the moment. But I’ll keep your kind offer in mind in case one of my aids becomes indisposed.” Blueblood spoke softly before he heard the care pull up behind him. He was thankful for the fact that the car had given him the perfect out. The chauffeur bowed his head as he stepped out of the car, his horn glowing softly as he opened the door for him. Goldenblood nodded as he moved to sit inside the car. Smiling softly to himself as he ignored Crimson. Watching the chauffeur climb back into the car. He didn't wait for the conversation to come to a proper close. Pressing on the gas and driving away leaving the faded glory of the past and the vultures that picked and fed to the point of growing fat and rotten. His driver said nothing to him, even as he pulled a cigar out of a metal case. A smirk pulling at his lips as he lit it with a bit of magic. Taking a long drag of the cigar he looked out the window. Watching the world go by as the wealthy district of large lawns and massive mathions of stone. That slowly gave way to the metal and glass towers. The lesser nobles or descendants of the families homes have been left behind as large apartment complexes that the families made to increase their wealth.

He took another long drag of his cigar, exhaling as he looked at the new world. Thinking about the stories of how different the world had been. How he had heard stories from his grandfather about the once simple lands. Where labor and magic ran the country, how the country lands were spotted with farms that ponies spent their days working the land. The old markets in towns where bits had been second to trading anything that ponies needed. Life had been simple, There was no electronics, It was all magic and physical strength. Now the world was run not by ponies but by whomever wanted. One can buy a pizza from their phone, croxen cheese made hundreds of miles away. Bell peppers grown in the zebra lands and onions grown anywhere in equestria. The world was no longer that of small scale politics. Anyone and anything can be learned, found, bought. Computers slowly turning to the point life was more working to get things to ponies then it was ponies at all. But he knew what he had to do.

All Hallows Eve

Once upon a time, In the magical land of Equestria there was a mare. She had lived a long and happy life. By no means was she rich yet she had lived a comfortable life. Having had a special somepony and foals to dote on. Getting to watch them grow and become parents themselves. Few could say they had ever seen the mare without a simple smile pulling at her lips. She had no reason not to smile as the golden years of her life were slowly coming to an end and she would join her husband in the Elysium fields. However few knew that the old mare had an idea. One that would change the night for centuries to come.

Hollow sat on her porch, her eyes half closed as the setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange, violet, and reds. There the dirt brown mare sat. One grand foal sat beside her as they watched the sun moving to rest beyond the horizon. The filly that sat beside the old brown mare looked nothing like her. Her pink mane-like candy floss and yellow fur looked almost like candy wapping. Even if you didn't take into account of her little yellow horn that hardy poked out of the mess of mane the foal suffered under. Yet the sweet little foal sat beside the old mare, leaning against her barrel as the day came to an end.

“Grandma? Can I ask you a question?”

“Of course little Lollipop, what has your interest?” Hollow asked softly as she turned her gaze away from the setting sun and to the filly beside her. A soft smile pulling at her lips. Looking into her dark pink youthful eyes. She smelled like a candy shop, just like her mother and father. Gumdrop was a fine stallion and a great father. Even if he had a bit of a habit to spoil his children.

“Do you miss Grandpa? Mommy says you do but when I asked her how mommy knew she just said that we all have people we miss.” Lollipop asked softly as she looked up at her grandmother, Into the old yet strong dark brown eyes of her grandma. While her body looked old and her face had wrinkles, Lollipop knew grandma could still do a lot of things. Like when she had gotten stuck in a tree, grandma had been the one to climb up to help her, even if she said something about an annoying hip.

“Little Lolli, Grandma will tell you something important. I want you to remember this.” Once she had gotten a nod from the tangle of pink mane she put her leg around the foal. Holding her gently as she spoke. “Everyone moves on, it’s like candy. You can have a jawbreaker but in time it dissolves and is a memory. Grandpa had lived a long and happy life, getting to see his wonderful grandfoals before he moved on.”

“Wait? Was grandpa candy?”

“No, while he was sweet he wasn’t sugar. All good things come to an end. Grandma will move on some day as well. To go see grandpa, and I know you and your mom will miss me. And I know that you might be sad, as will your mother. But you're a big filly, And your mom is a strong mare. Together you both will be alright.”

The foal hesitated for a moment, clearly not understanding the entire conversation. After all, who would expect a five year old to understand death. Alabaster had passed on when she was only two so she had no idea. All she knew of grandpa was stories and his things that she could see in the house. Yet youthful curiosity had won the fight as a little brain chewed through the information. “Grandma, If you go away, does that mean someday mom and dad will have to go away too?”

Hollow flinched, memories of the same question asked by her foal and colt when her mother had died. While Stone Toss had taken it in stride, Floral Flush had not. Crying for nearly an hour as she begged and pleaded for mommy to never leave her. Hollow hoped that Lolli took after her uncle. Or she was going to have an angry daughter. “I won’t lie to you Little Lollipop, your mom and dad will have to leave you one day. Not for a very long time, but they will. But I know your mother is stubborn. She will fight tooth and tale to stay and see her own grandfoals.”

Lolli looked worried and scared as Hollow had started explaining, however as she commented on her mothers behavior the filly’s fear melted into mild amusement. A small snort leaving her yellow muzzle as she looked away from her grandmother and back at the setting sun, Only the very tip still visible as twilight stretched across the horizon. The dark purples and first stars painting the sky as the filly learned an important lesson. One that would help her in the years to come, even if she didn’t understand what the lesson was now.

That night ended like all the others, a simple dinner with her family. Amusement and stories of the day passed around like bread the family sat at one large table. Three generations eating soup and breaking bread. With hints of topics not meant for the ears of the youth that sat beside them, who chipped in with their own important conversation topics and stories. Yet the meal came to an end and the night stretched on. Heads met pillows and soon all drifted off to the sweet embrace of the maiden of dreams. All but one old mare, one that was busy writing. Her pease with her end had changed, she had not grown afraid of the reaper. She was too old for such a silly fear, what she wanted was something to make her family happy, something that can be done in the years to come.

Morning came with the cool winds of the starting fall, as nature began to prepare for winter that would be brought by the ponies. Leaves already shifting hues as the days slowly grew shorter, and the nights longer. Breakfast for the house already devoured and the residents off to start their days. The youth off to school as the rest got to work. Hollow may have been old but she was a stubborn mare. She cleaned the home. Working in the small garden, grabbing the last of the vegetables that had grown through summer and treating the pepo vegetables, especially her pumpkins. She hummed softly to herself as she moved through the crisp fall air. For while she was old growing squashes had always been one of her favorite activities.

The day moved on, one pumpkin chosen as a sacrifice for treats that the foals would enjoy, Gutted and the seeds separated for there own baking she looked over the rind. While she would use the rind for dinner, pumpkin soup only really called for the guts and some flesh. Cutting a wedge out of the side she chopped the flesh from the skin. With a bit of sugar and cinnamon the skin could be turned into crisp sweet snacks. Glancing back at the pumpkin missing a triangle. Repeating the action only to laugh softly at the eyes that looked back at her. The two dark holes missing a mouth, only for a far too large smile with pointed fangs to be added to the husk.

“Good evening my bodiless friend, shall I try to find a headless pony in search of their own? One who haunts the night of the ceiling fall in search of heads to take for himself? Maybe as tall as an alicorn? Well a headless one at any rate.” Hollow laughed softly to herself as she looked at the dark smile. With a devilish glint in her eyes she grabbed a stub of a candle. Poking it into the flesh at the bottom of the head. One matchstick later two flickering eyes gazed back at her. Smiling from ear to ear.

“I must thank you, My smiling friend. After all, you have given me just the tools to do what I have been needing to do. What better way to help than to give them a day about life. Were the dead and monsters come to haunt the homes and streets? But my orange friend, How will we get the foals to start this new tradition? Oh, yes candy and stories. Of a headless equine, and of ghouls and blood sucking beasts. Let’s give them a night to shine under her blessed night. And maybe make a few nightmares for her lady to fix.”

Now, some may call Hollow mad, speaking to a face she had just carved into a pumpkin. And she likely was, but why would an old mare care if she looked mad? One can not grow old without losing a few screws along the way. Talking to a carved face? Likely not the oddest thing an old pony has done. With a laugh, the old mare blew out the candle. Before the pumpkin was hidden away. She didn’t need a curious filly or colt to find the surprise tool for later. Moving on to starting the soup as her mind wandered down trails. Tales from her own foalhood. Of lycanthropes and vampires, of the fey and foe. Stories played through her mind as her cutie mark seemed to glow under the cooking fire that filled the home with warmth. The Tomestone rapped in the thick vines and broad leaves of a gourd plant, yet the old and gray tombstone held a quill and a scroll carved into the weathered stone.

Time flew by as the mare's mind worked as fast as it had ever, Before long the dirt brown mare was already done with preparing dinner and sitting outside. A smirk pulling at her lips as a particular foal sat beside her, one that would be the perfect messenger to spread word to her friends. It was here when the first brick was laid. The foundation as a filly giggled and happily promised to spread the word to her friends and to other fillies and colts at school. For it would only be a week, so the little ones would have to hurry and make their own costumes.

The adults had made comments of small things going missing, like socks of fabrics, rags and oddly enough spoons. While spoons had been confusing the scraps of cloth. Some spoke of missing hay and twine, yet it was never so much as to make a pony worried. It seemed like all the foals were amassing the necessary scraps and pieces to make their own costumes. Hollow was no exception, Her late husband's old suit and hat being removed from its dusty box and cleaned up. It had long lost the sweet tobacco smell that Nicotiana had. The old pipe that had always been between his teeth or tapping against his chin as he thought. Yet the ghost of the smell haunted her nose as she hugged the suit to her chest.

It was the last night of October, the sun slowly coming down to rest, the town was quiet, and as some adults came out to look around they noticed it was too quiet. Even this late the should of fillies and colts up to no good would echo through the evening air. Even Hollow, whose home could be seen from most of town. Was missing from her perch she spent everyday. All had seen the old dirt brown mare sitting on her porch, be it alone or with company, watching the sun setting.

It didn’t take long for the ponies to realize that no one seemed to know where the foals had vanished off to. Some grew concerned for the well being of their child, only for that to change to fear as the sun vanished behind the horizon. Lanterns and ponies began to gather in the middle of town. The mayor worked to calm the crowd of worried parents. The older stallion spoke firm and strong, declaring that the children would be found before midnight. Never had truer words been spoken as the worried adults began to prepare. Splitting into groups.

“Calm your hearts, unless you're ready to meet your death.”

There, standing behind the mayor of their town stood what looked like a pony, dressed in a thread bare greatcoat. Their body lost to the long shadows the black fabric cast over their form. Only their head was seen, face lost under the large stovepipe hat that sat atop the figure's head. Only the oddly glinting tip of a white nose was to be seen.

“The foals shan't be long, after they finished with their ghoulish song. Now run along before the night grows too long and you see just what has gone wrong.”

Full grown stallions in the prime times of their lives flinched back as the pony lifted their head, showing the gleaming white skull with empty eyes that looked back. Two pits that seemed to look into the very souls. Silence fell over the town once more, all staring at the cloaked figure before them only for its growing laughter to fill the air, followed soon by the youthful laughter of foals. Still non moved as the figure laughed as it turned away. Greatcoat fluttering softly in the wind as they walked to the house in the middle of town. The home of Hollow, Only for small foals to seemingly pop out of holes and from behind homes. Dressed as monsters and heroes. Knights walked and laughed with tiny dragons and vampires. Trotting up to the home in the middle of town as eyes began to start glowing from the windows. Flickering eyes with smiles far too large to be real. The adults stood and watched as the small herd came to a stop at the steps, watching as the cloaked figure stopped and turned at the top of the steps. Hat tilted down as the ivory smile glinted in the flickering faces around them.

“Hear me equestrians, for this is my night. The night that your nightmares have returned. As the wind whistles through the trees and the night grows long we will come out. Can you feel it? I can, how you fear what is to come. However there is one thing you ponies can do. One thing that will appease me. Mark your calendars, for this night shall be known as the night you must appease my kin with treats. Now run along little equines, bring sweets and treats before I grow impatient.”

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

“Wait, You're telling me an old mare decided that she wanted something for her grandkids to do after she was gone so she came up with this, a day of scaring ponies and handing out candy? That seems a little backwards. It seems far more likely that she would want to make a nice holiday about bunnies and cake.” A little lavender alicorn asked as she poked her head out of the blanket nest she had made into her den. A chocolate stain on her nose as she looked up at the ocean blue unicorn she called mother.

“Yes, But you forgot my dear. She wanted a holiday where the dead came to life, where monsters and ghouls walked the streets and people were scared, but fear can be overcome. The town was scared of her in her costume, but they got over their fear as they saw how their children laughed and played. How screams of fright turned into giggling and laughter as fear was washed away and foals played.” Eventide spoke softly as she nuzzled the top of her daughter's head. The normally neat mane a mess from delving into the blankets. Her horn glowing softly as a tissue ran over the chocolate on her little nose.

“Oh… Like Shiny when he would go with the guards into the woods? He told me a lot of scary stories about his trips but he never seemed to be afraid when he came back from his trips. Always laughing and smiling with the other guards.”

Eventide nodded softly as she shut the book. There were a few more pages to the story, After all Hollow was not a simple mare. She made is so no one would forget the night, Especially the foals. Yet as the sun came up the old mare was gone. Only the old great coat and stovepipe hat remained sitting on the smiling jack-o-lantern. The candle sputtered its last as the dawn took away the monsters and left only the treats and memories. The entire town had searched for the old dirt brown mare however the only thing they found was her name, Carved beside her husbands in the graveyard. Yet some believed that she still wonders the would, no longer needing a mask to scare the foals on all hallows eve.

“Um… Mom… Can you sleep with me tonight… I'm a little scared.”

“Of course my little star, Let mommy finish her work but I’ll be back to make sure no monster comes and nibbles on your hooves.”

Those words made the filly squeak, her head vanishing into the blankets that had become her armor. An impregnable shield from any monsters that wanted to munch on a little alicorn. Eventide giggled softly, Patting the top of the blankets with a hoof as she got up, the book sliding into place on the nightstand. The Queen moved away from her daughter, heading to the door. “I’ll leave the lights on my little star, Monsters don’t like light.”

The muffled thanks was the last words that Eventide heard as she left the room. The door shut gently behind her. The queen let out a soft laugh as she started down the hall and back to her office, for no matter the time or the day the job of a ruler didn't end. One must always be ready for something to come along and create a problem. She just wished that she had more time to spend with her little star.

“I know you never knew your father, but you two are so alike. Both gems of curiosity, I just wish you could have had him there beside you my little star.”

Author's Note

Yes, This is a bit of a mix and it is late. After all I had been meaning to finish it before the start of November. As one can see that didn't work out but here it is anyways.

Nightmares

The wasteland was never a kind place. But it was even worse inside the division, the world seemed to be against anything untwisted by the toxic lands. Yet even with all this against the residence they called it home. Pride filled mares and stallions that stood over the blood collored sands and delved through the radiation and taint twisted rainforest for life and death. They cared only for themselves and not ending up six feet under the dirt. Who had the time to worry about what was happening to the pony a mile away when you had a problem in front of you?

Most stayed because they didn't have anywhere else to go, some stayed to help the others. But a few came seeking the secrets that last hidden inside the many bunkers and long used hayfire silos. Tools and stocks of war left behind as the world changed, though the fighting never ended, no night was peaceful as the sound of gunfire and yelling echoed through the night air under the smog filled skies.

Time hasn't been any kinder to this place than a super mutant to a radroach. And let's just say it's not easy to tell what the mush was before when the mutant was finally bored and walked away. Ponies were really no better than most, as eager to put a bullet in the head of a passing stranger for their food and ammunition then they would be willing to sit and chat. The lands had been compared to the hoofington, and in some ways they were right. If one were to forget about enervation and civilization then you could call them the same. Miles between towns that had become stretches of wildlife gone wild, beasts that hunted on the outskirts of shanty villages and raiders that hunted both. Like the land itself wanted the creatures that lead to its twisted form to be gone. To get rid of the infection so it could try to heal.

Such is a place no one really comes to looking to find anything but sorrow. Yet, the land has a secret it hides inside a building the locals call the "Breach". The few who dare to enter its walls have never returned. They speak of twisted abominations that hunt in its walls, winged beasts that sound louder than a rocket that shoots into the sky like a star and return with a new toy for the building to torment until it finally falls victim to its whims. Fools have tried to tame the breach, Scaling old walls and delving into the cracks of the foundation, armed and armoured to the teeth. Ready to fight anything the world would throw at them. However they never came back. It was a filly, short for her age and starved that had entered in the hopes of finding anything she could get for some food. She made it past a group and delved into the halls.

She returned, three days later, with a pair of saddlebags that were far too big for her. Mouth shut tight as she trotted back into town bleeding and covered in cuts. She didn't speak a word as she trotted to the only medic the town had. No one asked her what happened, no one asked her what she found. The doctor treated her and fed her, helped her, and when the day came she paid him back with a bar of gold. A solid block of gold that she pulled out of her saddle bag. Word spread quickly, many wanted answers, some just wanted the filly, and a few were there to take whatever she had grabbed. It had been madhouse until She came out, and dumped out her saddle bags on the dirt. Inside were no treasures. They were full of twisted metal and spent casings. The iron from armour and broken remains of guns that had been torn apart like paper.

“I only found one, but here, you can take what is left of the fools who died for a shiny rock.”

Ponies fell silent, Looking over the broken scraps and pisces of the dead ponies that had delved into the building. Some saw reason, after all this filly may have been lucky to have even been alive after making it into the building in the first place. Others saw a challenge, A way to get rich and if a filly could make it in and out with a bar of gold then they would be able to do that and more. With that the filly walked back into the doctors building, Becoming a doctor herself, one of few words as she helped the ponies that got sick or hurt. The very gold bar she had found slowly vanished, bits and pices used to pay for medicine and equipment were needed.

The filly turned mare never spoke of what she saw inside the Breatch, she never sold medical supplies to any fool who was heading into its walls. When asked she would simply shake her head and say that medicine was far too important to waste on a walking corpse. Years moved on and every day, at five pm, a radio signal named DD-2213 broadcasts for ten minutes. The same words, the same call that attracted fools and the brave.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-
Transcribed audio log
Length of audio 00:05:00 ((loops once before signal is terminated.))
00:00:01- Hello?
00:00:02- Hello?
00:00:03- Is anyone out there?
00:00:05- I'm stuck in here.
00:00:06- (Unknown noise proceeds to drown out the voice for 00:01:04)
00:02:00- I need help, they know I'm here!
00:02:05- dear Celestia, please… please
00:02:06- (sound of crying. Assumed to be mare. Continued for 00:00:10)
00:02:16- I, I don't know how far down I am… this place is a maze.
00:02:20- All I needed was medicine!
00:02:21- (sound of screaming, commotion. Likely a struggle between a mare and an unknown assailant. Ends in 00:01:30)
00:03:51- (recording device is picked up off of ground, sound of touch again microphone)
00:03:55- (new voice is speaking over recording) Hello? Can you hear me?
00:04:00- Stay away
00:04:01- (recording device dropped, sound of movement. Continued until the sound of the device smashed.)
Audio log complete
_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

One crazy pony yells at any who go through the pass. Dark warnings of death and hopeless souls. But who would? Such a mystery to be solved, a world of lost secrets and fame. The same lures that lead the world to its damnation pulled and baited the fools that craved fame. Fillies and colts who wished for better times and lives, Stallions and mares that wanted more than to waste away in fields trying to make a living in a safe life. The Raiders and bandits that wished to pray on the land to make their own life better, Taking what they wanted and killing whoever stood in their way.

Hunger

Hunger, a deep primal hunger was all that pulled me forward. The craving for food, the desire to fill full. To end the pain of emptiness. To find something, it was what pulled my legs. That kept me breathing, my heart beating. Thinking was something that was pointless, legs moving as if they were tied to strings, all that mattered was forward, To find food, to find something that would fill the void. Thinking was not for animals, animals didn’t think about what would happen in a year. they were worried about food and water, food, I was hungry, and I needed something to eat. The cracked and dry soil under hooves, dead grass, broken wood and rocks. Not food, grass centuries old would make me sick, and I couldn't eat rocks.

"Hey! Stop right there!" A close voice called out in front of me. I looked up, confused. It was odd... The stallion had his pistol leveled at me. A haphazardly looking thing. Rusted and in disrepair. It looked like the stallion had picked it up out of a pool of water. The metal crusty and wood cracked. He looked mad, or was that just annoyed? Well he seemed to be glaring at me or was there somepony behind me? "You ain't crossing my bridge without a toll."

I looked around, seeing there wasn't a single pony he could be talking to. Other than me. Then looking back at the... Yes, it was a stallion. That was easy to tell, he was covered in oil and dirt. And had an unruly mop of hair atop his head. He looked like he smelled like an old skywagon, Likely with the long dead bodies that stained the fabric as well. The messy and ripped up clothing hidden under metal plates from old sighs. Hammered and nailed together to make armor. I just kept looking over at him. It was hard to tell what color his fur was under all the grime that stained him and his armor. He looked to be a light blue turned dirty brown under the dirt and oil.

"You hear me slick? You can pay the toll or I'll give you two seconds to run the other way before I start shoot'n." He explained or tried to as his horn glowing an odd shade of orange. A smirk pulling at his lips as if something he had said had been amusing. I didn’t understand what the joke was, But I didn’t ask. I was hungry, so hungry and his words ment so little. He was just standing there. He didn't need all of his legs did he? Maybe he would let me eat one? I was just so hungry.

I moved forward, a small smile pulling at my lips. Finally! Something to satisfy my hunger. Something I could eat! I didn't even notice when he pulled the trigger, the bullet ripping through my leg. It wasn't till I was almost on him did his anger shift to fear. It was odd, the look of horror that filled his eyes. Did he not understand how much he would help? How he would he help me no longer be hungry? He would become part of me, he would live on in some way. In a better way. He wouldn’t hunger again, he would be saved from the pain of withering away. He would be food and from that he would be saved. As he saved me from my growing hunger.

"What I'm Tarterus are you!?!" He yelled, firing blindly, trying to get away.Stumbling back as the last bullet filled the air with its sound. Five holes, five empty casings yet the pain meant nothing. Not compared to the hunger, the hunger was far more painful than the holes that the rusty revolver had left in my flesh. They would heal once I ate, they would vanish one I had been allowed to eat. The sound of the firing pin clicking against nothing was interrupted by a sickening crunch. The stallion let out a scream, his leg bent at an unnatural angle, the bone protruding from his leg, slowly staining his fur crimson. He fell over as he held his injured leg close to his barrel, Even as my horn glowed and the ebony magic bubbled and twisted off of my horn in thick cords. Cords that had whipped out and shattered his leg, That made the blood leaking out of his wound bubble and move as if trying to come to life.

"Fuck! You mother Fucker! I'm go-" he yelled, his words turning into pained gurgling as I bit down on his neck. He tried to kick, to fight. But it was no use, why didn't he see that? He was dead, but soon. He would be so much more. He would be food. He would be saved from living his life hungry, He would never need food, he would be one with me. He would be better and so would I. I would no longer be hungry. He would be better than before. Flesh gave between my teeth, screaming turned into nothing but bubbling agony. The taste of food, Bite after bite, hardly chewed as the cooling food slowly stopped twitching, Slowly grew still as its warm blood stained the wooden boards of the bridge. Slowly the hunger was pushed back, slowly tears began to trail down my blood stained cheeks as I stepped back. Looking over the mutilated body of the pony.

Oh, it tastes horrific. The copper flavor of blood assaulted my tongue, the feeling of blood drying to my fur. The stench of death. The feeling of flesh stuck between my teeth, And the pain of the twisted magic that slowly died leaving the cracked form of my horn behind. Tears continued to run and turn red as they rolled down my cheeks as I looked at the pony I had just devoured in the open. The pony whose blood I was covered in. I fell to the ground shivering and wishing I could throw up. That I could get it all out. But I knew what would happen if I did. I knew that it was pointless. Life was pointless, yet I couldn’t die.

"I... I did it again, I.... I'm so sorry. I never... I never wanted to do this!" I said, tears streaming down my face. I held myself, the world just crushing me. The monster was winning. He was going to win, and that would be the end of everything. Everything I had worked for, everything I left behind to try and keep safe from the twisted monster. Soon it wouldn’t matter. Nothing would matter. Because it always grew hungry, it always craved food, and it only ever wanted something that was alive. Something that breathed. The monster didn’t care what or who, it just wanted to feed.