The Everfree Knight

Chapter 10: Breaking of Innocence

I laid in bed.

A multitude of thoughts racing through my mind.

Today's the day. Nightmare Moon is supposed to be released today. I haven't heard from Jacob in a long time, so I don't know if something happened to him or not. If he doesn't show up, then I'll have to do this by myself.

What should I do? I don't know what to expect today, or how to plan for fighting a pseudo-goddess that can rotate the planet to align itself with the moon and cause night time.

Damn, thinking about that makes me worried... Oh well, no point thinking about it now. With a sigh, I get up from bed and stretch, the metal on my shoulder plate rattling a little. I know I'm going to need this damn thing, but I still don't have an access to it right now. I grab my sword and strap it to my back. It'd probably be best to take it with me the entire day today. I look around the hallways, greeting the guards I pass by, who give me a small nod in return.

Even though I know what's coming today... I feel that it's going to be one of those days where I feel like I should have stayed in bed. I open the door, and find myself in the dining hall with Alpine sitting at the head of the table. I grinned, and sat in my chair, "Morning Alp."

She returned it with a smile of her own, "Good morning Frederick. I trust you slept well?"

I grinned, "Like a lump on a log."

She turned serious though, "Unfortunately, I have some news. The princess is said to be coming here in a few hours, with wishes to speak with you." She then looked at me with worry, "It isn't anything too troublesome, is it?"

I shook my head, "No, it's my knight duties. She's probably coming here to inform me of something coming up tonight, which is when I'll be needed most." I smiled, "Don't worry Mom, I have backup this time. Jacob should be getting the same talk from his benefactor."

She shook her head, "That does not mean I won't worry. Frederick, you're going to be fighting a Celestial sister. That's no small task." She told me with increasing worry as her ears flattened against her head, "I just do not wish to hear my son has been killed."

I smiled reassuringly, "I'm going to do my best Mom. You can count on that."

She smiled and hugged me, "I know Frederick. I know you will."

Breakfast went on uneventful. Got to eat some waffles, which were awesome. I guess the I can spend the rest of the day doing whatever until Celestia comes.

Better get to that procrastination.

Oh my god I'm so bored. I stopped when I heard a knock on my door, "Sir? Princess Celestia is here."  Aza peaked through the door. I nodded and got up quickly.

"Thanks Aza." I tell her and run to the hall where I suspected her to be. Lo' and behold, I was right. She stood in the rather classy throne room, since it was a good marble color, not exactly looking that out of place all things considered.

She turned to me and smiled, "Ah, Frederick. Good to see you're here." She said to me. I shrugged.

"I was told you'd be here to talk to me about something, I don't want to miss it." She knows what I'm referring to. Her sister.

She nodded and turned to Alp, "Ms. Alpine, I wish to speak with your son in private if it is alright." She didn't even sound rude when asking that. Good, usually a question like that sounds rude.

Alpine nodded, and left the room to the two of us. We stood there awkwardly in silence, not knowing really what to say. However, it wasn't long until she finally broke the silence, "You know her release is tonight, correct?"

I nodded, "Yeah. Any idea where I should head to so I can wittle her down so your Elements can save her?"

She replied easily, "Yes, there's an old castle that she and I used to inhabit that is now a ruin in the everfree. I believe that your friends benefactor is giving him the same information so you two can meet up there."

I chuckled, "Well that definitaly saves me a trip to the village he's at. Alright, do you have any directions to the place?"

She nodded, "Yes," her horn glowed in a golden hue, and a bag appeared in front of him. I opened it and inside was a rolled up scroll. When I unfurled it, it showed detailed directions to the castle she was referring to. It even showes how to get there from here! "I had one of my cartographers make a detailed map, as to better help you get there with as little delay as possible. A courier should be arriving to Jacob's village at this point and time."

I smiled, "Thought of everything, didn't you?"

She smiled, "Of course."

I nodded with a small chuckle, "Alright, I guess I should head over there in a few hours. That way I can prepare more easily."

She nodded as well, "Very well, I'll get out of your hair to let you prepare. Do be careful." She told me with worry.

I shook my head with a sigh, "Given the amount of power your sister might be packing, I'm gonna have to be." I may be a kid, but I at least try to plan ahead... well, sometimes.

Celestia nodded and looked at the door, "I... I must admit, I feel rather guilty to have a child partake in such... well, gruesome activities. It feels wrong. Unnatural."

I sighed, "How do you think I've been feeling?" I shook my head, "What's done is done Princess... No turning back now." Celestia looked at me, but suddenly folded a wing over me and brought me close.

"I really do want to apologize for my mother dragging you into this world... it isn't right..." At that moment, she didn't sound like a ruler, or a leader, or whatever else is a synonym. She just sounded... depressed. Tired, even.

And I just now noticed that a lot of the people here like to hug me. Huh.

I patted her side awkwardly, not really knowing what to say, "Umm... it's... alright?" I've just really accepted things as they went, not really thinking about what's been going on. Have I really been so stupid to just... well, not care? Just the last week I brutally killed a giant monster bird that wanted to eat me! AND I'M NOT EVEN UPSET! What the hell is wrong with me!?

"I understand that you and I are strangers, but I must ask this of you. Promise me that you won't take unnecessary risks."

"Why-"

"Please... I... I just do not wish for the death of a child to occur." Ah. Well, okay then.

"....Alright. I promise to take stupid risks." I can't exactly refute the fact that I am a kid.  Celestia looked at me, and smiled slightly.

"Thank you." She turned around and made for the door, "I will let you prepare. Remember, it is tonight." She left me alone in the hall to my own devices. I have to.... I have to do what I have to do. I've already given my word that I would help this world, and as much as I want to go home, to just go in my own bed and... I don't know, cry I guess, Equestria is my home now. Alpine is my mother, I'm the son of the Diamond Dog Alpha, and I can't just up and leave. I'll leave in a few hours, at least then it'll give me some time to prepare.

(The Moon)

"So, how's the progress of the seal Hans?" Juliet was seen wearing her usual cat-suit, relaxing on a stone. She watched another man, a tall, lanky man. He wore pitch black robes with a blue lining, and his long blonde hair was tied into a loose pony-tail. He wore simple rounded eye-glasses, and he had a blue aura encasing him, seemingly in deep concentration. He opened his eyes, revealing light green hues, and sighed.

"It is nearly broken, Juliet. It has taken some time, but in the next few hours, Nightmare Moon will be free." His voice was strained from fatigue, he had been working himself ragged in trying to finish this spell. Now, it was simply a matter of time before she would break free herself.

Juliet smiled, "And we have at least one Knight out of the way. That Jacob guy is dead and gone now since Kane got a hold of him."

Hans grimaced, "I would not speak ill of the dead, Juliet. I would not condemn anyone to such a thing."

As if on command, a large man in black armor appeared. He had yellow eyes and pitch black hair, scorch marks were seen on his armor. He was growling in complete anger, "Damn him... Damn him!" He punched a pillar, which collapsed completely from the blow.

Juliet smirked, "Someone seems angry. What's the matter Kane?"

"That little rat bastard survived!" He roared back at her, "I may have taken his leg, but it is not enough!" He summoned a sword from darkness, and cut stone block in half. He panted in anger, and his sword disappated from existence.

Hans frowned, "Kane, if the man has only one leg, he is no longer a threat to our, or the masters plan. He is now simply a bystander now."

Juliet grinned, "Besides, what can stumpy do with only one leg? Hop at us?"

Kane scowled, "Regardless," He turned to Hans, "It is ready?"

Hans shrugged, "Give or take a few hours." Kane nodded in satisfaction.

"Good. Then we should be off back to headquarters. We are no longer required here." A portal opened before them. All three of them walked into it, leaving a glowing seal that sparked unstabily from Hans' interference.

It was only a matter of time now...

(Everfree Forest, 12 hours later)

It was nearly time...

I had said goodbye to Alpine earlier, and it was... well, it was hard.

Why...? Why is it hard now? Why am I questioning myself now of all times? I wasn't like this when I first came here. Now, I just feel... I don't know anymore.

Am I afraid...? I... yeah, it has to be fear. I'm going to go fight someone who can raise the moon like it's a freakin' hobby, and I'm so scared. This is the first time I've felt so nervous. I guess I'm just going to have to do my best. I and looked at the sky, seeing two stars getting ready to collide into each other. I guess that's my que to hurry the hell up. I decided to book it, running past trees and jumping over roots, my sword ready to be used.

I stopped when I came across a chasm with fog obscuring the bottom. A single wooden bridge held together by rope was my only means of getting across. And I just now remembered my fear for heights... gulping silently, I held onto the rope as I made my way across the bridge. I could hear the wood creak with each step, building up so much tension in me. When I reached the end, I jumped onto the ground and sighed in relief. I looked up from the ground, and saw a grand castle. To my surprise, I saw a blue mist fly from the distance and into the castle, a large explosion of light erupted from the windows, signifying whoever had arrived, was packing plenty of power.

Oh geez...

Gulping once more, I make my way to the gate, which was large and wooden. I looked up, and could see the beginnings of rot taking place. This place must be old...

Breath in, breath out...

I charged fire into my fist, and punched the gate, creating a hole big enough for me to fit through. Nodding in satisfaction, I walk through and looked around in the area. The inside was just as big... the main hall had a lot of dust gathered in it, but not enough to make it too hard to breath. It was dark, but the moon cast enough light for me to be able to see the inside.

The stone was a dark grey, and cobwebs gathered in the corners of the pillars, some even large enough to go across... the entire... room.

Oh good god let me be wrong.

I shook my head, and walked further into the room, trying to keep my fear in check.

"My mother sends a boy to fight me?" A chilling voice echoed through out the hall, making me freeze in place.

The blue mist from earlier floated down, showing what I guessed was Nightmare Moon. Gulping, I put a hand on my swords handle and glare at her, "I may be a kid, but I'm more than enough to send you back to the thunder dome..." That didn't have as much bite as I wanted it to have...

The black mare laughed in my face, "How foolish you must be to think that you can even compare to me!" As soon as she finished that, a large spider that may as well have crawled out of SATAN'S ANUS, slammed into the ground, glaring at me with all eight of its eyes. "Meet Jigalog, knave." She smirked, "He will be more than enough for you. Now, I await the foolish elements, now die quietly so as to not disturb my meditations." With that, she had turned back into her mist form and flew off.

Oh shit. Oh shit. I pulled out my sword, and pressed the button on the side, revving up the engine. "We can't talk about this?" I ask nervously.

My answer was a roar.

"I guess not..." I shook my head, and got ready for a fight.

Frederick Vs. Jigalog

Heaven or Hell?

Duel one, LETS ROCK!

(OST)

Jigalog charged at me, its long legs slamming into the dark stone. It raised one of its legs, trying for impalement. I jump out of the way, and slash at it, but it dodges as well by leaping backwards. I run at it, fire trailing after me. I jump up from the ground slightly, and rocketed myself towards him, slamming into his head, "Tyrant Rave Alpha!"

I used my feet to jump off of its head, and landing a ways away from it. It shook his body, having only been dazed. It then extended its height by standing on only a few of its legs before turning its... I don't even know what the rear part of a spider is called so I'll just call it that, it raised its rear and fired a long string of web at me. It encased me, a shot of fear running through my body. I used my fire to burn it off of me before it could do anything, and scramble to my feet, narrowly avoiding getting stabbed by some sort of stinger.

Jesus, it has poison too!? It slashes at me with a leg, and I swipe it away with my sword. My arms rattled from the impact, and I nearly shouted in pain.

I need to beat this thing. Now. If I don't I don't think I'm going to even live to get to Nightmare Moon. "Dragon Install!" I felt power well up in me again, and I could feel my strength double. I charge and slash at the spider, this time actually making a cut in its thick hide.

It screeched in pain as some green blood oozed out of the wound. I pressed the button, making the engine in my sword roar, taunting the spider.

I recieved a roar in kind from the spider, and it charged at me, this time not going for a stab as I expected, but ramming into me, sending me flying. I felt my body scream in pain, feeling like I a wreacking ball had hit me. I got up shakily, knowing that I couldn't fall here. It charged at me again, but this time I was ready. I charged my fists with fire, and power welled up inside me.

When he was upon me, I punched it in its damn mouth, stunning it and making it screech in pain. The fireball, as was usual, floated in front of me, ready for the follow up. "Tyrant Rave!" The large blast of fire encased the spider, this time, there was no escape for it. It burned, screeching and thrashing about all the while. It slammed into the wall, creating a hole and jumped out into the chasm, hoping for water to be there. No such luck. Its screech drifted away as it fell further, down and down it went.

Holy crap that was hard... I limped away from the hole, and looked around the hall. I saw a stairwell, and made my way towards it. I climbed up it with some difficulty, but I managed to make it to the top. I think a rib or two was fractured... shit, this fight isn't going to be easy. I saw another large wooden door, and moved towards it. Trying my best to ignore the pain, I punched the door down, just as before. I see Nightmare Moon staring at me with slight surprise, and I try to grin, "What? Never seen a badass 12 year old?" Again, didn't have as much bite... I must be loosing my nerve.

Nightmare Moon scoffed, and turned to me fully, "It would seem that I have underestimated you. No matter, this idiotic farce will end now."

(OST)

Power exploded from her body, easily overshadowing mine. I skidded away from her from the sheer force, trying my best to stand my ground. When the blast faded away, Nightmare Moon was seen with an aura around her, and I felt...

Afraid. So, very afraid. What am I doing? I'm just a kid. She's gonna kill me... She's gonna kill me...

SHE'S GONNA KILL ME!!!!!

I charged at her in fear, hoping to stop her quickly. No such luck. With a blast from her horn, she whipped me away with ease. I flipped onto my feet, skidding on the ground. I charged at her once more, and I was met with the same result. My body was practically protesting against me, pain making it difficult to stand. But I couldn't give up. I just couldn't.

"You are being delusional. Do you have no reason to fight?" She asked me, ice in her voice. I froze, and glared at her defiantly. She shook her head and laughed, "You see? You have no reason to fight me. Run, like the coward you are." I felt my anger boil this time, and I charged at her once more. This time though, I formed fire around my body.

"Tyrant Rave Alpha!" I rocketed into her, catching her off guard and sending her flying back. She was able to gather her bearings before she had fell, and flew in the air, hovering above me.

"Hm." She wasn't even winded! "It would seem that I underestimated you once more." I then felt gravity slam me into ground, loud snaps produced from my body and me screaming in pain. "Not something I will do again.

I can't get up! I can't feel my body... Oh god I'm going to die here aren't I?

I am... No...

Nightmare Moon looked at the boy, and saw him go limp. "Not dead... yet, anyway." She chuckled maliciously. She poked the body with a hoof, and noticed the blood pooling from him. "Hm, if he doesn't die now, 'twould be a miracle." She had no care for the boy, and began to trot away, sensing six ponies enter the castle. "Ah! Guests!" She turned to Frederick and smirked, "Now don't you go any where, I will be back for you later." She left the room to welcome the "guests", but unbeknownst to her... something was happening.

Something strange.

I don't wanna die.... Please, just take back what I said about doing this, I CAN'T DO THIS ANYMORE! I'M OUT OF MY LEAGUE! I WANT TO GO HOME!

Huh. Can't believe you.

What...? That... that isn't Faust, it's too masculine, and that isn't Susano-o... w-who are you!?

None of your concern pipsqueak. Jus' know that I'm going to be a sort of guardian angel of yours from now on.

Yeah... that's if I don't die from this...

You're seriously giving up? After everything you've done? What happened to the kid from earlier? The one who was so ready to fight?

I UNDERSTAND THAT I WAS STUPID! I... I don't want this anymore...

Well like it or not, you have it, you can't get out of it. So live with it.

It's not that simple... I just...

Just what? Tch, whatever, go ahead and cry like the little shit you are. It ain't gonna help anyone in the long run crying. If you can't handle it, you may as well die now and do us all a favor.

FUCK YOU! FUCK YOU ASSHOLE! Who the hell do you think you are!? What kind of guardian angel are you!? Where the hell were you when I was fighting that damn bird, huh!? You weren't there!

....Hehehe... where do you think you get your inspiration from your powers from? How do you think you can perform those moves so well without having done them until you've arrived on this world?

.....There's no way... you're just fictional...

I am. Oh trust me, I am. I'm just a recreation by Faust to help you out with your powers. She saw how much you thought I was "cool", so she recreated a version of me from glympsing across the dimensions, watching me and how I act. I'm not the real thing, but I'm as close as it gets.

Holy shit....

Now, you just gonna sit there? Or are you gonna get up and finish what you started?

(Reality)

Not the most inspirational speeches... but I'll take what I can get. I slowly got up, my body protesting heavily.

"Alright kid, keep your guard up. You don't know what else this crazy bitch is capable of, and you're going in pretty much blind. Just stay on your feet and you should be alright." His voice rang through my head as I limped out of the room, blood dripping from my body. Easier said then done...

Hard to believe that Sol Badguy is in my head. Well, a recreation of him.

"I'm just going to be your right shoulder angel... well, in a way. I'll give you advice, but don't expect much." Good to know. I made my way through the halls, and decided to go back into the hall that I first saw Nightmare Moon in. My guess was right... don't know whether that's good or bad, but I saw her squaring off against... Oh god it's those assholes from earlier. That rainbow-maned pegasus and the redneck pony from all those weeks ago were there, standing up to Nightmare Moon, along with Twilight and some other mares I never really saw before.

They weren't doing all that well. Nightmare Moon kept them seperated rather easily, and they couldn't do much of anything to her. However... her attention was focused on the mares... not me.

"Do it kid. It's your only shot."

Don't have to tell me twice! I ran at her, my body protesting once more. I must be running on sheer adrenaline, I should have been unconcious by now! "HEY!" She turned to me in surprise, but before she could react, I punched her in the jaw, a small fireball exploding from my hand. "Tyrant Rave!" I punched the ball, and I shot her into the wall, making an indentation of her body. I panted, falling on one knee as blood poured from my wounds. "Geez... why wont these things stop bleeding?" I ask rhetorically, knowing that it was a stupid question to ask.

"Frederick!?" I heard Twilight exclaim from behind me. I turn to her and smile weakly.

"Hey, how's it going?" My small feeling of relief was extinguished very quickly however, as I was suddenly, and very forcibly, yanked from the ground and I was hovering in front of Nightmare Moon, Fury easily seen in her eyes.

"I have told you once to die peacefully, and you disobeyed. I have told you twice to die, and again you disobey." She growled, and her horn glowed brighter, and I felt an even more intense pain from before occur all over my body. "If you will not listen when commanded, then I will turn you into dust!" A bubble appeared around us, not letting the others get to us.

"Shit! Kid, she's trying to age you at a rapid pace! I'm doing all I can to slow the process, but unless someone gets us out of this we're boned!" Shit... This time I am going to die.

I felt my body grow, my legs getting longer, my body growing larger and more muscled. It hurt. So. Much. I can't even describe the amount of pain that I'm in...

"Stay with me kid! Don't let her win!"

(OST)

"When I am done with you, peon..." She whispered in my ear, evil practically palpable in her voice. "Your world will be next. I will kill all you hold dear, right after I am done with you."

Images of Ernie flashed in my mind. Then Alpine, then Aza, everyone I knew....

I opened my eyes, they glowed with fury, "TO HELL WITH YOU!" fire exploaded from my body, sending her flying back. "Dragon Install!" With my older body, I charged at her, ready to end her. I unleashed a stream of attacks on her, blood and spittle flying from her with each hit. Slash, kick, punch, rinse, repeat. Finally, I gathered a lot of energy into my hands, and propped them infront of me, blasting her with fire that forced her into the ground. She bounced into the air, not being able to recover having still being dazed from my last attack.

This is my chance...

I charged everything I had at my feet, and my entire body was sore with pain. I looked up at her, I could see fear in her eyes. I grinned, and jumped up, "NAPALM DEATH!" Fire erupted around me. Fire was all I could see, all I could feel, and it slammed into Nightmare Moon. She screamed in pain, blood oozed out of her mouth from the attack. Hehe... even gods bleed. When I fell into the ground, I had blacked out completely. It's all up to the elements now...

Hehe... not bad kid. Didn't think you'd use that of all things. Guess you earned that rest. Sleep well, you deserve it.

(Hours later)

Wha...? I'm alive? I'M ALI- Oh god that hurts... I opened my eyes, and saw Twilight and all of the other ponies in the hospital room, asleep. I paused, and noticed that I had an oxygen mask on my face, and a lot of bandages on my body. I was in a full body cast, and I could hardly move. Probably a good thing...

I saw Twilight shift as she yawned, having finally awoken. Her eyes widened when she saw that I was awake, and she smiled happily, "Guys! He's awake!" The others slowly awoke, and the mares that I hated earlier, looked over me in concern.

I'm still angry with them... but hey, if they'd bring a guy that knocked them out to the hospital... they can't be all bad. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Celestia enter the room. She cleared her throat a bit, getting everyone's attention. "I would like to speak with the boy in private girls, if you please?" They all nodded, and left the room one by one. Twilight was the last one to leave, casting a worried glance at me before leaving.

       Celestia looked at me then nuzzled me when she was sure they were gone, "Thank you for all that you did Frederick... You saved my students and her friends, even my sister..." She looked at me with... I don't know, happiness, I guess.

       My voice came out ragged, and deeper than it was before. I had to say this to someone... "Princess... I'm just a kid. That's how I started this off. A kid who was in way over his head..." I felt tears threaten to fall, "I thought everything would be fine, but it wasn't. I've been nearly killed more times than any sane person would like, I've been turned to a man in a matter of hours... and I'm scared. I'm just so... scared." This time the tears were falling.

      "I just don't know what to do any more... " I was being honest with myself... for once, I felt that I had nothing.

      Celestia was silent through this. When I finished, she finally broke that silence, "Frederick...  I cannot tell you what to do from here. I know that it seems difficult for you, it always does at first. I can't guarantee that it will be easier, but you must decide what to do from here." She seemed to be trying to come up with the right words. But... I see her point. I need to figure out to do on my own, not just sit here.

      I can't act the way I've been acting, either. No more. it's stupid, and it won't help me in the long run. I took a deep breath from the oxygen mask, and asked her two very important questions. "Where's my stuff, and how do I look?"

     Celestia smiled, and pointed her hoof to the side. My sword and shoulder plate was sitting on a chair, waiting for me. "As for how you look," She hovered a mirror into the air with her magic, "Quite rugged, I must say." She was already tea-wow. My black hair used to be mid-length, now it goes past my neck! And I have a beard! A sort of "Garret Hawke" beard, to describe it quickly. I seemed to be taller, much more lean, even!

      I was dumbstruck for a moment, "Damn..." I muttered quietly. If it wasn't a mirror, I would have thought it was a trick or something!

     "Now, I do believe you must rest." She smiled, "You've more than earned it Frederick." With that, she left the room, leaving me by myself.

     Nightmare Moon has been stopped, and I've only just started...

     This is going to be one hell of an adventure.

End of Prologue...