An Endless Cycle

Hi! I’m Lockheart!

I’m a middle age stallion with a job at sugar cube corner. It’s very quaint and nice. The people are hard working and respecting. Every once in a while, I like to take long walks around the park to absorb nature. The feel of the wind brushing against my face is soothing. I can feel the world is active and alive as I trot down the stony path towards the lake and past the circle fountain where the nearby book club and exercise group do their activities. In the pass times where I can stop and sit down, I watch the ducks swim across the lake to gather the pieces of bread I throw into the water. I then provide a relaxing environment for myself by collecting my violin and stringing tunes in the warm sunlight.

Who would you expect from a pony like me? Perhaps a gentlecolt or somepony with a connection to what’s beautiful. Maybe even someone you could relate to or an honest worker with a passion for life. This connection to someone... or me... is nothing. A silhouette surrounding my mind and actions. The life I lead is a means to take time and space to continue the work I plan on the inside.  If you were to meet me on these traits I so willingly express, you would not find the...thing... you sought out for. And if there was any reason I would care about you in anyway, I would ask you to run.

The world means nothing. My mind drives to an endless cycle I cannot remove... but I do not want to remove it. I do not value your reasons, I do not value your kindness, I do not value beauty...

And I do not value your life.

Am I insane?

Well... yes.

It’s early in the morning. I’m expecting a familiar face from before. She was nice. A nurse at the local hospital. Her name is Redheart. Funny that. Similar to mine. Heh. Anyway, she should be here pretty soon. I need to make sure I look presentable. If for some reason you need to know what I look like, I have a light orange coat with a chestnut brown mane that stops short and curves upwards infront of my face. I also have purple eyes which was something of an admiration for my mother. She said I was special. In what context? I don’t know.

Lockheart remained fixated on the mirror, observing his own reflection with a hard, cold stare. The doorbell rang and Lockhearts gaze broke immediately into a cheerful smile as he trotted down the hallway towards the door. Sure enough, Redheart was there.

“Hello” he said.

“Hi. I’m so excited!” she replied.

“Ha! I bet you are! Why don’t you come in? I’ve got it set up just around the corner.”

Redheart entered into a large room with a chair. The room was painted a nice colour of light green. A sky light beamed down and into the side of the room where a couch and coffee table resided. On the other side was a kitchen, set of draws and a closet, all made of varnished wood.

“Wow. I have to say this house looks beautiful... and a bit expensive. How much did this cost?” she pondered.

“Yes the house! I earned it through trade!”

That’s a lie. I stole it.

“An old couple use to live here.”

I killed a banker.

“I chose this place because of it’s fresh smell and lovely views. Look! Just out that window you can see the lake.”

If by fresh smell you mean pansy air freshener? Yeah sure, I picked it out for that. Conveniently, it’s the furthest house away from any nearby town. That's why I got it.

“I’m glad you like it.”

I wonder what your head would look like on a stick.

Redheart, satisfied with Lockhearts tour, decided sit down in the chair.

“I'm eager to see this talent you learnt. Can you remind me what it is again?” she asked.

“ It’s a form of acupuncture. Just think of the regular technique except with bigger needles and different pressure points. This shouldn't take long so why don’t you relax. Tell me, how was your day?” he gave her a reassuring smile and walked off to collect the “needles.”

“Thanks. It has been a very slow day. It seems a lot of people are staying healthy. Not that I’m complaining.” She giggled.

“Ha. Yeah.” He smiled as he approached the cupboard to collect a large sack of nails and a mallet. “Anything else going on?”

“Well... There is one thing”

“Oh? And what is that?” Lockheart was now right behind Redheart with a nail pointed at the back of her throat and a mallet at the ready.

“My friend. She lives near Manehattan and works at a high security mental institution.”

“Inter- wait... tell me more.” Lockheart hesitated slightly. Redheart looked back in confusion as to why he was suddenly acting so needy. He put the bag down quickly and hid the mallet behind his back. “Well I just want to know if she’s alright.”

“Why would you assume she’s in trouble?” she said, starting to give a suspicious look.

Oh shit. Don’t... lose... composure.

There was a brief moment where Lockheart’s face hardened before changing into a concerned look. “I’m sorry. It was the way you said it. It seemed like she was in trouble.” He said as he slightly rubbed her shoulder. Redheart eased down as she started to give a worried look in regards to her friend.

“There was runaway and shortly after, a breakout. Some of the most dangerous ponies in Equestria. I’m grateful that they were all caught but I’m worried something might have happened to her” she said as she turned her head away. “It’s been in the papers. There was some staff missing.” She started to weekly sob.

“Hey. Come here.” He reached around hugged her from behind. “I’m sure she’s fine. Everything is going to be okay.”

“Thank you.” She smiled. “And for what it’s worth I-“

*CRACK*

With a solid motion, the nail pierced the back of her throat and through her tongue. In gasping and gurgling splutters, she fell to the floor, wide eyed in shock. Meanwhile, Lockheart, who had broken his composure and covered in blood, started to pace around the room.

“Damnit. It’s in the papers. But then again, it’s not like it wasn’t going to be there. Maybe I just expected more time. Though I will have to read this article and if she told me the truth, then they haven’t mentioned that I’m still around. Makes sense. Don’t want to frighten everyone with the idea that somepony escaped. But that still doesn't mean they won’t be looking for me which, in conclusion, means I’ll have to stay quiet for a while. Not going to be easy if I stay out here. They'll find me for sure. I need to make some... ugh... friends.”

Redhearts vision was starting to blur. She slowly crawled towards the opening leading into the corridor. A trail of blood and bones was starting to collect behind her. Before she could reach the door, she was stopped by a single orange hoof. She looked up to see Lockheart looming over her with a raised eyebrow and a piercing stare. He then raised the mallet into the air with both hooves.

*THUD*