Chapter 1: Oops, Wrong Universe
Blood and gore dripped from my chainsword, the loyalist scum were on the retreat, we had them by the neck now. Our glorious Dreadnaught tore apart any loyalist who dared to make a final stand, I couldn't help but grin at the carnage. Below my steel boots a struggling Dark Angel laid, "Your angel will not save you...Brother" I said with a mocking tone.
The golden words appeared on the screen. "Victory" Leon frowned at his defeat. "Bruh, you sweat too much in this game" He whined.
I sat back in my totally not sweat covered chair. "I'm just too good big dawg"
We left the game menu so we could go get snacks from the gas station, I grabbed my hoodie as we were heading for the font door. Before we could leave the living room light came on revealing my step mother standing there with a frown. "Axel, what on earth do you think you're doing, dragging your sorry self out of the house at this hour with your little friend?"
I groaned as I glared at her. "Just getting some snacks Jennifer...its a weekend, I didn't think it would be a problem..."
She raised her brow giving me a look like I kicked her dog. "How about you lose the fucking attitude and go to bed before I send your friend home" She snapped.
"I didn't have-" Before I could finish she smacked the side of my head. The next moment we were screaming at each other, my father came out of his room tired and stressed, he stepped in between us and told me to leave. We took our leave and used our longboards to ride down the empty dark road. It didn't take us long to get to the gas station, we came to a stop at the sidewalks curb and headed inside. next to the door was a hooded figure who we assumed was another homeless guy.
I turned down the drink aisle heading for the energy drinks. "I need me some Ol'glories brother can you grab the snacks?"
"Chips and dip, got it" Leon said splitting away from me.
We met at the cashier who looked like he died a long time ago. In his usual monotone voice he said. "14.22, do you-"
"No I don't have the rewards thing" I cut him off as I tapped my card on the kiosk machine. Once it beeped he handed us the bag with a sigh and we exited the store. As we passed the homeless guy again he called out to us as we sat our boards onto the pavement.
"Excuse me young gentlemen, could I bother you but for a moment?" His voice was hoarse and ragged, sounded like he had a bad case of agent orange and T.B. "It is not money I seek if that is what you are wondering"
Leon and I looked to each other, he shrugged and placed his foot on his board ready to go. I thought for a second about just ignoring him but for some reason I was curious. " What can I do for you man?"
He looked up at us, revealing his old ragged face, "I wish to show you a trick...one of magic, I can guarantee you it will be worth your time" A grin revealed his few missing teeth, and I'm pretty sure a worm crawled out of his gaps.
I shuttered in my own skin and cleared my throat. "Uh...I don't know, we really have to get home" We began inching away on our boards.
The homeless man held up both of his hands to stop us, "O-Oh but please it will be a good one, a really good one"
Leon groaned while running a hand through his hair. "Alright man do your thing" He said.
The homeless guy reached into his coat and pulled out a book, its cover looked ruined and disgusting, I noticed there was a faded symbol on the cover and leaned in to look closer. The homeless guy opened the book revealing a bright purple light that blinded me painfully. I was about to cuss the man out until I opened my eyes. In front of me was a tall snake like figure, it's skin was a light pink and purple, my eyes gazed upon its..his...her face? "Oh...shit"
A smile grew on her face then I felt a powerful force pull me backwards at lighting speed, I couldn't move my body as it felt like it was being set ablaze, the sounds of metal clanging around me and sudden darkness covering my eyes. The pulling came to an immediate stop as I felt my body slam into something hard, the air in my lungs escaped causing me to gasp and wheeze. I opened my eyes to find my vision filled with what I had to guess was a HUD. There was a a crosshair that followed my eyes direction, a small circle with the words "NO DATA AVAILABLE" in big red letters. On top was a compass, it was facing East. 'What was going on?' My inner voice thought.
I groaned as I sat up, "Leon, where did that asshole go?". The silence made me perk up only to find myself in a grassy field, no one around me, I looked at myself and froze. My body was covered in a Lavender colored suit of armor. Black markings resembling the signs of Chaos were drawn on the armor, small points and spikes littered my shoulders and knee pads. The feeling of fear and panic wanting to panic was there but I didn't act on it. I couldn't act on it. After taking a deep breath I got to my feet, the new height didn't go unnoticed, I looked down at my legs and noticed a chainsword attached to my left hip, and a bolter rifle on my right thigh.
I equipped the bolter in my hands then looked around searching for a any notable landmarks. to the west was a the outline of a town, it would be a good place to look for answers, that's what I told myself at least as I began walking. The ground shook with each step, reinforcing the fact I was a walking tank. My thoughts wondered to Leon, if he escaped the hobos magic trick or fell for it too, and if he still had my snacks and energy drinks.
I was about 100 yards from the town now, I took cover behind an old tree, I squinted my eyes to try and focus on the town to get a better look. My helmet made an electric sip noise and suddenly I felt my vision magnify. With that I scanned the area, the first thing I saw was the bland white row of houses that looked almost identical to each other. Each building was at least 10 paces from each other letting me see in between a few of the houses, I noticed a rather small snow white horse walking by one of the gaps, followed by a pink and blue horse. I jerked my head back a bit, rubbing my helmets eye sockets and looked again. The gap ahead showed the three pastel color horses walking into the house on the right side, I was able to get a better look at their bodies, noticing their rather large eyes, rags for clothes and...one with a horn on its head?
"W-What the hell?" I muttered as went behind the tree fully, my vision going back to normal. I had so many thoughts running through my mind, trying to figure out what I was looking at. I know it was horses I'm not an idiot but those are not...normal horses. Would it be best to approach the strange looking horses? Maybe there's some rancher who can explain what's going on. I placed my left hand on the tree and gave it a small grip thinking nothing of it until I accidentally crushed the bark very easily. I looked at my hand noticing the intense strength I just learned I had, I could probably crush a mans arm without effort if I wanted to. I made a mental note to be careful with my strength then left the cover of the tree and began my approach to the town, my bolter ready in hand, I did not know if it worked so I was in for a coin toss if something bad were to happen. As I walked in between two houses and appeared in the towns center, I noticed how small it was. It was depressing to look at but there was no time for critiquing the lack of beauty when more small pastel like horses came came into view. Each wearing different rags but some with similar mane styles, their big eyes staring at me with an expression of fear and curiosity.
"Did the hobo give me shrooms?" I asked quietly, mostly to myself.
One horse, a baby blue furred mare trembled as she spoke. "W-What ar-"
I cut her off as my jaw metaphorically dropped to the floor. "You talk!"
The small horse jumped at the sound of my voice. "A-Are you a minotaur?" She asked.
I raised a brow. "Do I look like one?" Her body trembled as she nodded, I tilted my head wondering why she thought that. With a wave of her hand...hoof she pointed towards a window that revealed my reflection. I looked at it and was able to get a better look at myself. My armor was a decorated in ruins and markings of the Emperors children, my helmet was the MKIII Iron helm, bright blue lights flickered from my visor slits, the face place was a dark golden paint. The top of my helmet had a white plume with two golden horns one on each ends of the golden crest. My chest plate was the corvus plate that held the symbol of Chaos in the center. My shoulders and legs looked like they were made from the Aquila set, my left shoulder plate had a females face embedded with gold, her face looked sad with black tears streaming down her cheeks. The right shoulder had the black crest of slaanesh outlined with gold. "Thats not good" I whispered.
Another horse, the pale white stallion I saw moments ago, approached me with a very obvious fake smile. "Are you here to hurt us?" His mouth twitched struggling to keep appearance.
"What?" I turned my gaze away from the reflection to the stallion. "No, I'm...trying to figure out what has happened to me and how I ended up in this strange place" There was no intent to hurt anyone but then again I do look scary from an outside perspective so I could not fault them for their fear. "I'm curious as to why I can hear horses talk too"
"Well we are ponies first off, and I-I didn't mean no offence, it's just we've never seen such... a formidable creature before" The hor- pony explained. "If you would like I could see if Our Towns leader is available, I'm sure she would be happy to help another creature!" It was obvious he didn't want to be near me, I could say the same.
I watched as he trotted towards the North end of the town where a more taller bland building sat, on the top of the doorframe was an equal sign. The pony stood at the door and gave a heft knock, he glanced back at me a few times with that same smile, the more I looked around the more I noticed the other ponies had emerged from their houses, some had wings, Pegasus I believe are the names of their breed. yet they all had same fake smile on their faces. I though the suits mechanism helped keep me calm in this moment as I do believe I would be running for the hills crying like a child. The stallion returned with a lilac colored pony the mane style gave off a feminine vibe, she also had a horn, I think those are called unicorns.
The unicorn approached me and extended her hoof up to my hands, "Hello my good sir, I am Starlight Glimmer, Double Diamond here says you're lost?" Her tone sounded like a fast food employee having to be nice for the sake of her job.
I extended my left hand and as carefully as I could "Yes, I seem to have lost my way"
"Well thank Faust you came to us, I have made it my personal mission to help any who have become lost within themselves. Here in Our Town, no one has to worry about feeling lost nor fear the rejection of the cruel world" She talked like a fallout 4 cultist tryna sell me on her atomic religion. It was unsettling to say the least. "If you don't mind, would you care to join me for some tea? I can answer any question you may have to the best of my ability"
With a gentle gesture, Starlight Glimmer motioned towards a wooden table, two chairs were set, a unicorn mare brought a set of steaming teacups and delicate pastries. Starlight settled in, she poured the fragrant tea, ready to engage in a thoughtful conversation.
I didn't want to destroy her chairs by sitting so I knelt down on the other side of the table. My eyes scanned the surroundings with curiosity, his gaze finally settling on Starlight Glimmer. "This place... it's unfamiliar," I rumbled, my voice tinged with a hint of concern. "Tell me, Starlight Glimmer, where exactly are we? And more importantly, is there a way back to Earth?" My demeanor was resolute, I would need information on this place and hopefully get pointed in the right direction. I didn't partake in the drinking or eating as I didn't want to take off my helmet and risk potential exposure to something unknown.
"Well my scary looking friend, you find yourself in Equestria," Starlight Glimmer explained, her voice tinged with warmth despite the uncertainty of the situation. "This is a land of harmony, where ponies live in peace alongside various creatures. Magic flows through the very fabric of our existence, shaping our world and guiding our actions. It's a realm where friendship and understanding are valued above all else." She paused, studying my armor, it was clear it made her uneasy despite the smile she gave me.
"Which is why in Our Town we pride ourselves with friendship the most important thing, Equality, if you haven't noticed on each of our flanks we have the mark of equality. We all come from the same paths, by those who didn't see value in our special talents so we chose to reject our unwanted destinies and make a community of our own" She gestured to the other ponies around me, I hadn't noticed until now that she was telling the truth, each of their flanks had the equal sign. "As for how you can find your way home?" She scratched her chin. "I may not have a good answer but I may know where you can look if you truly wish to leave this behind you"
I slowly rose to my feet ready to move on if she was not going to be any help and continue to be creepy. "I do not wish to overstay my welcome, for I do have very important things to attend to"
Starlight gave me an eyebrow raise of suspicion. "And what is more important than finding solace in the company of potential friends?"
"Oh no...I need to think of something quick!" I thought. For a moment I remained silent until I came up with a story that should let her know I don't wish to stay. "It would help if I gave some explanation, but be warned, for the tale I'm about to share is not for the faint of heart. In the realm from whence I come, we battled mortals, renegades, and the very traitors of my people. It was a war of unimaginable scale, where every victory came at a cost measured in blood and anguish. But amidst the chaos and carnage, something unexpected occurred. In the heat of battle, I found myself engulfed in a blinding light, torn from the fray and thrust into this unfamiliar world. The how and why of my arrival remain shrouded in mystery, not even I, a Warrior of Sla-" I paused before finishing the sentence. I didn't think it would be wise to say "I technically serve the Lord of excess" it would sound terribly suspicious. "A warrior of the...Emperor of mankind cannot fathom the chaotic magic used against me"
Starlight's expression shifted, her features contorted with unease as I recounted the horrors of "my" past battles. The weight of story hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over the tranquility of their surroundings.
"I... I can't even imagine," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "The things you've seen, the battles you've fought...it's all so... overwhelming"
I nod, turning my gaze to the sky, as an act of remembering my totally not made up story. "It's been a true test of my resolve yes, however I am still breathing so I must continue, for only in death does duty end"
Starlight gave me a wide eyed expression at the last part of my sentence, clearing her throat she put on a heartfelt smile. "Right, well a spell you need is a particular teleportation spell. I do not have such a spell on hoof, however as much as it may sadden us to see you go, I wouldn't want to keep you from your mission. If you want a point in the right direction I recommend you head south, there is a great city in the mountains known as Canterlot, many powerful unicorns are taught there and with some luck on your side somepony there may have the the spell to help you"
I faced south, there was a mountain many miles away, it would take me days to get there, and I haven't even tested this suits capabilities yet. I turned to Starlight, "Thank you for the hospitality and help Miss Starlight, May your town have everlasting peace"
Starlight jumped from her sea waving a hoof towards me. "W-Wait I never got your name!"
"Axel Invictus" I said and began my journey towards the mountain.
Author's Note
Kept you waiting huh?
Sadly if some were interested in a Fallen Order sequel I talked about I do not think it wil happen. (I know its been almost 4 or 5 years) as I had some personal problems happen in my life and it wouldn't feel right to use certain peoples names in a book they have no part in anymore. For that i Apologies, I could pull a Dark souls 2 and make it solely about Kobe but I don't want to ruin other fans perspectives on Colin and Kelso characters.
Chapter 2: Steel and Stone
The days and night pass by quickly, my body doesn't grow tired, my new augmented body could handle days without sleep, maybe weeks if I really tried. I wasn't even hungry, not a sound from my stomach was to e heard. If i remembered my lore, Space marines could last almost 2 years without substances. In my journey I came upon a large forest, the trees al looked dead and I swear some had faces until you looked at them directly. With careful steps, I navigated the dense undergrowth of the Forest, my senses on high alert. The forests' high branches blotted out the sun consuming me in darkness. Each rustle of leaves and crack of branches seemed to echo through the ancient woodland, keeping me ever vigilant. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and moss, and the occasional eerie howl pierced the stillness, sending shivers down my spine.
As I pressed forward, my suits sensors scanned the surroundings, searching for any signs of danger. Suddenly, a low growl rumbled from the shadows ahead, and I tensed, my grip tightening on my bolter. Emerging from the darkness, a massive wolf made of wood loomed before me, its eyes gleaming with primal hunger.
I steadied my shaking breath as I faced this giant beast. The wolfs wooden like fur bristled as it bared its razor-sharp teeth, its muscles coiled and ready to strike. With a swift movement, I raised my weapon, with my aim true, I fired my bolter at the beasts chest, the bullets piercing the thick wooden skin, it howled in anger and in a blur of motion, the wolf lunged forward, jaws snapping hungrily. I quickly holstered my bolter and drew my chainsword, the wolf tackled me and bit down on my swords blade, "How do you work this fucking thing!?" I asked myself as I struggled to push the wolf off of me, I found the throttle for the chainsword and squeezed it tightly. The sword roared to life and the swords teeth sliced the wolfs mouth sending woodchips everywhere. The Wolf howled in pain and anger, it slammed it's paws onto my chest then bit down onto my shoulder shattered its wooden teeth, it yelped in pain and backed away. I rolled to my feet quickly and readied for another attack. My suit made a cold hissing noise barely audible to my own ears and I felt my breath slow down and and a more calming sensation wash over me. The bottom left of my HUD gave me a notification: Injecting stimulant".
The wolf charged at me once again, this time I managed to dodge it just in time. I revved my chainsword and swung for it's under belly, woodchips shot out and the wolf collapsed to the ground. It struggle to get back up giving me time to approach its front. I looked down upon the monster, it was surreal to see, a beast made of wood and almost the size of me. I raised my boot then with as much force as I could apply I crushed it's skull, the sound of sticks cracking and a yelp filled the air, then silence. I emerged victorious against my first foe. A beast made of cursed wood and death, of course I almost lost my cool but managed to save it. I leaned against a nearby tree and looked up at the covered sky, very little light managed to break through the small gaps in the trees, I thought to myself about what had just happened.
"This is one fucked up dream" I said aloud, not to anyone in particular other than maybe God. I sheathed my sword and equipped my bolter again. Which a grunted breath I got back on balance. I turned back down the dark path I was following and continued my stroll through this deadly forest. My sensors were beeping, showing multiple dots around me, but none dared to get closer than a few yards, they probably watched me kill the giant wolf and are curious to know what I'll do next. The sound of faint whispers, barely audible, teased at the fringes of my ears, like the distant murmur of voices carried on the wind. They were elusive, fleeting, slipping away whenever I strained to listen more closely. I thought maybe it was these creatures that hide in the shadows of the trees, but another thought told me something was speaking to me in my mind.
I continued deeper into the forest, my helmets night vision allowed me to see better as I marched on. The whispers grew louder, there were multiple voices I couldn't make out a word, it was as if I was getting closer to whatever was causing the voices to speak with almost a hint of glee. A small bridge came before me, across was the ruins of a castle, its damage gave it an unsettling look. The whispers became desperate, and very annoying. "Shut the fuck up for a second damn!" I yelled to the sky. I examined the bridge and knew I would break it the moment I set foot on the first plank. The gap looked short enough to jump across, with a deep breath, I tensed my muscles and prepared to jump. With a good running start, I launched myself into the air, the gap between the the soils and myself giving me an adrenaline rush. For a heart-stopping moment, it seemed as though I might fall, but with a final surge of strength, I cleared the distance, landing heavily on the other side. I tripped over myself and collapse onto my back.
"I really should find the manual for this thing." I say aloud. I get to my feet and pick up my bolter, I gaze upon the castle, the entrance had debris scattered around it. I cautiously step over fallen stones and tangled vines, my gaze sweeping across the desolate halls of the ruined castle. The air is thick with the scent of decay, and a shiver runs down my spine as I take in the scene before me. A torn banner with blue and golden markings laid shredded near the thrones of the castle.
Moss-covered walls lean precariously, and shattered windows let in slivers of dim light, casting eerie shadows on the cracked floors. I can't help but wonder what events transpired here, reducing this once majestic fortress to a crumbling shell of its former glory. As I traverse deeper into the darkness, my mind races with possibilities. Was it an attack from an enemy kingdom, or perhaps the wrath of some ancient curse? Or maybe it was simply the relentless passage of time, slowly eroding away the castle's strength until it finally succumbed to ruin. With each step, a sense of both trepidation and curiosity grows within me.
As I cautiously make my way through the decrepit halls, my eyes are drawn to the imposing thrones that sit at the heart of the castle. Despite the ruin that surrounds them, they remain a testament to the grandeur that once filled these walls.
As I approach, a chill sweeps through the air, and I pause, my senses alert. And then, amidst the silence, I hear it, the soft whisper of a female voice. It's clear enough for me to hear this time, it made me wonder if this castle was haunted.
"What is it you desire most human?" the voice asks, its tone echoing with a strange mix of curiosity and authority.
My heart quickens at the unexpected question, and I find myself momentarily frozen in place. Who or what could be speaking to me from the shadows of this forsaken castle? Under my helmet I gawked at the thrones. "Who are you?" I ask, unsure if I'm addressing a ghost, the giant chairs, or something else entirely. The air seems to hum with anticipation as I await a response, the weight of the question lingering heavily in the air around me.
As I stand before the thrones, my senses on high alert, a sudden disturbance in the air catches my attention. A shimmering, transparent figure materializes before me, radiating an otherworldly aura that sends a shiver down my spine. For once in this world I was deeply disturbed and I did not like it one bit. Before me stands a being of ethereal beauty, yet there's an unsettling allure to her presence. It is Slannesh, the Chaos God of excess and pleasure, her form shifting like liquid silk.
"Y-You're... him-uh-her" I stuttered. I felt my body lock up preventing me from aiming my bolter towards the Chaos Gods head.
Her laugh was almost angelic, it was sweet and beautiful. "I am what you envision me to be mortal"
I take a step forward subconsciously. "Why am I here? What do you want from me?" I ask, thinking it brought me here somehow.
Slannesh's form flickers as my eyes meets hers once more, her expression a mask of innocence that belies the deceptive nature of her words. "I am here only to offer guidance, dear mortal," she insists, her voice honeyed with false sincerity. "Nothing more"
"Guide me to chaos?" I huffed. "I would never!"
Her hands gently touched my armors shoulders. "And yet here you are dawning the Armor of my most devout followers" I backed away and turned my head down, she used a hand to force me to look up, her touch made my body shut down. Her power was too great for me to handle. "Why resist when you could embrace the ecstasy that awaits? I will offer you anything you wish my child, give you the love you crave and the pleasure you seek"
I managed to use enough strength to back away, "I will not give in to your wickedness, I may wear the armor of the fallen but I will not become one of them!" my hands were heavy, my bolter wouldn't go beyond my waistline. I knew this thing could kill me in seconds, I expected it.
Slannesh laughed aloud at my vain attempt, her laugh sounded beautiful but wicked at the same time. "Oooh I can't wait to see how an weak, frail, being like you fairs against my power" She smirked. Cocky and confident, she revels in the chaos that unfolds, knowing that her influence will have taken root in yet another soul. "You are no true Marine, but you could be useful for my plans, I shall return once I am finished with other matters. So do me a favor dear child and casue some chaos for me before my return"
Within seconds she disappears from my sight leaving a blinding flash of light, I rubbed my helmets eye sockets and noticed where the thrones once sat a large black coffin stood. It was big enough to fit me with m armor on inside. I sensed a foul energy from it, but with some curiosity I pried the coffins hatch open, inside was darkness, not like a shadow but a deep black void. I stepped inside noticing the void leading further in. I took another step when the box's hatch slammed shut. Within the cramped confines of the penance box, darkness engulfed the me, shrouding me in a suffocating embrace. The air grew heavy with a sense of foreboding, every breath a struggle against the weight of despair. I could hear screams and cries all around me, people calling out my name along with gun fire and explosion. Before me was a battle field, there were Space marines and guardsmen fighting against Chaos space marines, and daemons.
As the visions of horror unfolded before me, I began to crack, and panic clawed at the edges of my consciousness. Helplessness washed over me like a tidal wave as I watched people, humans fall to the hordes of daemons, their valiant efforts futile against the relentless onslaught of Chaos. With a sense of overwhelming despair, I found himself rooted to the spot where I stood, unable to move my feet or intervene as tragedy unfolded before my eyes. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat a painful reminder of my inability to help. Tears welled in my eyes as I cried out to anyone to help me. But my words were lost in the din of battle, drowned out by the cacophony of screams and the clash of steel. "Brothers!" I cried, my voice raw with emotion. "Someone! Anyone! Please, I can't move!!" I gestured my hands over to my position hoping someone saw me.
Through the haze of battle, I saw my friend Leon, clad in the iconic armor of a Dark Angel, wielding his powersword with unmatched ferocity. Despite the odds stacked against him, Leon fought on with unyielding determination, his every movement a testament to his unwavering resolve. But the absence of his helmet revealed the weariness and scars etched upon his face, a stark contrast to the unrelenting fury in his eyes. I attempted to move again, this time barely able to move an inch. My heart surged with dread as I watched Leon cleave through the ranks of daemons, each blow struck with deadly precision. With a desperate urgency, I attempted to move to aid my friend, determined to stand by his side no matter the cost.
"Leon!" I called out, "Leon, What's going on?!"
Leon's head swiveled in my direction, he had a look of shock and anger. He began running to my position, I had smiled as I held my arms open to embrace my friend but the feeling of joy left as I watched him raise his sword high to the sky, I looked at him then myself and remembered I was in the armor of a traitor. "L-Leon it's me Axel!" I pleaded as I reached to take off my helmet, I stopped when the sky around us turned a sickly dark grey, behind Leon a ginormous Blackstone fortress descend unto the planet. I couldn't pull myself together to realize this was just a terrible trick by the coffin, it felt too real for that. my hear sank into despair as the planet before me erupted into flames and Leon's body disintegrated before my eyes.
"LEON!!!" I screamed. As I stumbled out of the box, disoriented and breathless, I found myself once again within the presence of the empty castle. Confusion clouded my thoughts as I struggled to make sense of what I witnessed, the memories of the death and despair still fresh in my mind.
"Leon..." My voice trailed off into the silence, the name a whispered prayer on my lips. But there was no response, no sign of my friend amidst the cold stone walls and empty halls. With a heavy sigh, I rose to my feet, my gaze lingering on the spot where the penance box had stood moments before. Had it all been a hallucination, a twisted illusion conjured by the Daemon Slannesh? Shaking off the lingering sense of unease, I pushed aside the memories of the god forsaken box and focused on the now.
Behind me, at the throne rooms entrance, just outside, I could hear the sounds of female voices get closer. I looked at the coffin then around the room, I needed to find a place to hide before whatever it was saw me. My worry was they may not be as friendly as my previous hosts and I was still recovering from the coffins torture. To my left was a stone podium where an old statue must've stood. I quickly paced over to it and climbed atop the podium, the stone began to crack the moment I set foot on it. I silently cursed as I stood on top and used the shadow to appear as a statue. It was not the worst Idea I had but definitely not the best.
As I remain concealed in plain sight, my senses heightened to the whispers of the shadows, I observe a lavender unicorn converse with her two companions, a white unicorn and an orange one wearing a...cowboy hat? Their voices carry through the chamber, mingling with the faint echoes of distant battle.
"It's here," the unicorn says, her voice carrying a note of certainty. "I can sense it, the presence of chaos magic"
Her tone gave the impression she was a scholar of some sorts, excited to explore the unknown, she walked along the left side of the throne room passing me, I grip my weapon tighter, unseen in the dimness.
The other two ponies exchange glances, their expressions a mix of concern and determination. "Are ya sure, Twilight?" one of them asks, her southern voice tinged with worry.
Twilight nods solemnly. "Yes, Apple Jack. Celestia herself sent me to investigate. We cannot afford to ignore this potential discovery" The mention of Celestia's name catches my attention, and I strain to hear more, eager to glean any information that might shed light on the situation. "We must proceed with caution," Twilight continues, her gaze sweeping the chamber as if searching for hidden dangers. "The castle may be ancient, but the magic that lingers here is potent and unpredictable, this is where we fought Nightmare Moon before remember?"
The white unicorn, Rarity covered her muzzle with a scarf she had around her neck. "Oh, darling, how could I ever forget this dreadful castle? Its like stepping into a nightmare dressed in cobwebs and decay. The dust alone could have formed its own kingdom, and don't even get me started on the smell! It was as if mustiness had taken up residence as the reigning monarch. I shudder just thinking about it!"
Twilight approached the coffin, her horn glowed illuminating the black steel box,"What is a coffin doing here?"
I listened intently, trying to piece together my next move. I had hoped they would leave quickly, and that’s when I felt it—the stone beneath my armored boot began to crack. I froze, hoping against hope that the noise would go unnoticed. The fracture spread, the sound growing louder and more pronounced.
Twilight's ears perked up. "Did you hear that?"
Before I could react, the stone base gave way entirely, shattering beneath me with a deafening crash. I stumbled, my massive form crashing to the floor, sending up a cloud of dust and debris. I could hear the ponies gasped, their eyes wide with shock and fear as they took in the sight of me—an armored giant, revealed from the shadows.
"By Celestia!" Rarity exclaimed, stepping back in alarm.
"What in tarnation?!" Applejack shouted, her stance defensive.
Twilight's horn glowed, a spell ready to be cast. "Who are you? What are you doing here?"
I raised my hands, trying to convey that I meant no harm despite my intimidating appearance. "Wait! I'm not your enemy. I'm just... I'm lost"
Twilight's eyes narrowed, her horn still glowing with a strange light. "Who are you? What are you doing here?" she repeated, her voice steady but filled with suspicion. "And why do you look like a demon from Tartarus?"
I took a deep breath, my voice coming out amplified by the helmet's vox speakers. "My name is Axel. I don't know how I got here. One moment, I was in my world talking to a homeless guy, and the next, I found myself here, in this armor"
The three ponies exchanged wary glances. Twilight's magical aura flickered, but she didn't lower her guard. "Your world? Where are you from?"
"I'm from a place very different from this," I explained. "A place where horses don't know how to talk for one. But I'm not here to bring harm. I just want to find a way back home"
Applejack's eyes softened slightly, but she remained cautious. "How do we know we can trust ya?"
I hesitated, unsure how to convey my sincerity. "I... I don't know how to prove it. But I have no reason to harm any of you. I admit hiding in the shadows a moment ago may not be a good first impression, I worried you may have been something else"
Twilight's gaze shifted, and she seemed to be pondering something. Her eyes flicked toward a large, ancient structure partially visible through the crumbling walls of the castle. "There's something else," she said, her voice quieter but no less intense. "We found a large coffin. It sit's just over where the thrones of the princess's once sat. Do you know anything about that?"
I followed her gaze, my heart sinking as I knew what she was referring to. The penance coffin—a grim relic from my world, used to contain the most dangerous of beings. If it was here, then things were even more complicated than I thought.
"Yes, I know what that is," I admitted. "It's called a penance coffin. In my world, it's used to imprison those deemed irredeemable, some use it to punish, others as a way train their minds against the horrors of war"
Twilight's eyes softened slightly, though her horn remained aglow. "Alright, Axel. If what you're saying is true, we need to find out what's going on. And I have many questions for you"
