Chapters ALPHA'S SOJOURN
In the deepest recesses of the Everfree where not even the faintest trace of light dared to enter lay a cave sealed since ages long passed, within lay a timeless creature chained to the very earth itself. As the gentle rising and falling of its chest continued an ancient heart with countless beats skipped, as a crack was heard reverberating through the dank, dark abyss. Instantaneously an arm flew up as the heavy golden, enchanted chain quickly strained against the growing force on the manacles melted onto its wrists. Before the cracks echo could even dissipate the chains were ripped out of the wall along with a good chunk of stone
"That makes one," boomed the voice belonging to the owner of the arm "now for the other"
meanwhile in Ponyville
Today marked a very special day for Twilight Sparkle more so than Hearts Warming Eve, Nightmare Night, or even the annual book fair. Today was in fact the book restoration day for the library and by some less than less than legal means she was even able to obtain the books to be delivered to canterlot and have them taken to the Ponyville library instead. As she poured over supervision of the sorting of the books by Spike, she noticed a stray book on the floor. Before she pestered Spike with yet another inane request she noticed the book, an old leatherbound tome with a fading title. Alpha's Sojourn she noted.
"Hey spike have you ever seen this book around the library before," questioned the librarian.
"No. it's probably one of those canterlot ones you got. Why did you get those books anyways," retorted the reptilian assistant.
"Hey if the Princess didn't want me reading all of this blackmagic she would've tried harder to hide them now wouldn't she," snapped the book worm.
"Touchè," replied the minature dragon, "we only had to knock over one caravan to get the books this time."
"Anyways it looks like this book has seen better days, quickly fetch me my quill, ink, and spare parchment."
With a huff the little lizard lapdog was off to gather the necessary supplies. Upon his return Twilight ripped the materials out of her assistants' claws.
"Now for the repairs," Twilight exclaimed as her eyes widened and a thread of saliva fell from her lips. In a single swift motion the quill rose and dipped into the ink pot. With a slight quiver the quill met the faded title and gently began to trace over the delicate curves and bumps that made up the intricate title. When the final letter was completed a faint glow eminated from the fresh ink and quickly dissipated. In a far off corner of the house twilight could've sworn she heard a crack.
just outside of the dark pit
There he sat an unassuming changeling guard, by the name of Chitin, had been posted there since before he could remember as had his father before him and his father before him going back as far as his family tree would allow, he had been told it was his famlies duty to guard this place since it was created. That alone meant two things one this job was considered sacred, having been created by the ageless queen Chrysalis herself, and two it was horribly dull. All in all the job was cushy, stay here guarding Faust knows what for twenty years and then go be government supported for the rest of your days, that plus two weeks off in the summer and what else could anyling ask for. Unfortunately it came with offering your first born to the job the second he was born and continuing that line of succession untill the end of time. But that was a price that Chitins ancestors had been more than happy to pay.
Thankfully he could take solace in the fact that his descendants would be treated to the same monotonous torture. Crack. Or maybe not. Now remember what did they tell me about any changes in the area? GO INVESTIGATE, RIGHT. he thought, sweat begining to visibly bead on his forehead and knees begining to wobble. With apprehension building he approached the moss covered walls he had been told to guard. "Come on chitin no need to worry you've been trained for this(training wich had consisted of flight endurance conditioning and his dad telling him to keep his naps limited to less than an hour lest an animal stumble upon him)," the quaver in his voice far more than apparent. The moss covered walls looked the same as always except for one big difference, a slight hum hung in the air as well as the snapping of ivy permeated the otherwise still air.
After several tense seconds the rising wall stopped and movement could be seen behind the miniscule gap between the ground and the bottom of the new wall. Soon enough several appendages could be seen poking out of the bottom. In a burst of green flame he was off camoflageing himself as a bird to report back to his queen and with any luck avoid a flogging.
With a single grunted strain the other arm ripped the chain-wall conglomeration out of place. It watched as it skidded to a stop next to It. With a single lumbering step he began his trek to the cave entrance. Being hindered every step by the light (or lack thereof) and the clumsy use of legs that had not known movement since the last day it saw the light of day and not taunted by the cheap imitation of the glowing mushrooms that dotted the cave.
"Im going to kill the idiot that designed this place... he he oh wait that was me," It half chuckled to Itself, "now where'd I put that damned switch."
Its hands fumbled around the edges of the cave untill finally Its fingers caught a switch. With a quick flick ancient mechanisms sprang to life tormented by age and oxidation. As the door to It's prison slowly rose the dark was beaten back by approaching light, with a sigh It grabbed the door by the bottom and strained, as moans, groans, and creaks broke the deafening silence. For a second It toyed with the notion that the sounds could be emanating from It, it chuckled at the very thought. While the seconds passed more and more of the oppressive darkness was beaten back, soon enough it could discern its location. A dank, dark, desolate forest bursting with blood thirsty creatures ready to rip the very flesh from its bones.
"Well ... fuck me with a cactus," it exclaimed as it looked upon the fresh hell that Faust saw fit to torture it with. Just as it stepped out of the stagnant pit it had called home for the last thousand or so years it could almost feel a tear come to its eye in memory of its friend Wilson the mushroom whom it had seen grow, have a family, and eventually become leader of the entire mushroom kingdom. Its steadfast and dependable pet rock by the name of Jeff would also be greatly missed.
"Later jackasses I'm off live again," It said with a girlish squee, only to be held back by the manacles adorning Its wrists wich were attatched to magically enchanted chains each weighing considerably, as well as chunks of wall that had suddenly become very attached to the chains. Expletives flew as It pulled and yanked the chains against the walls of its former prison/home/kingdom/toilet. After an eternity (wich in all actuality was a span of a few minutes) it finally pulled the chains free of the doorway leaving a gaping maw in its wake, soon after the obsidian pit collapsed trapping both Jeff and Wilson inside untill the great mushroom war of 8471 that with the help of nuclear weapons was able to wipe out all remaining animate and inanimate objects in a six foot radius.
The going was slow as It stopped to marvel at all of the modern architecture wich seemed to perfectly blend nature and form, that is until It figured out that they were in fact just decrepid, hoary trees. With Its hopes dashed once again It resorted to listening to the calming forest sounds, and by that it meant it was listening to the sound of animals killing, sleeping, and furiously going at it. With the forests din accompanying him, It eventually reached a clearing in the forest with a small stream parting it down the middle as various shrubs and woodland creatures played in the blinding sunshine.
As It cautiously approached the almost too prefect scene the boulders trailed shortly behind him carving twin scars into the earth. The stream perfect as it seemed proved to in fact be benign. As It peered into the gentle flow Its reflection glanced back, Its black coat with a slight sheen, shaggy matted ebony mane clung to Its face, Its hands scarred and calloused with the experience of Its trade, finally adorning Its head a pair of horns one clad in gold the other silver. All in all the towering reflection of a pitch black male minotaur stared back.
"Hello again Alpha."
As Alpha took a long, satisfying drink from the stream he was able to finally take note of something, the sunlight. The gentle golden rays cascading through the broken treetops. Slowly he craned his neck skyward, what he saw actually did bring a tear to his eyes, he broke down and wept finally being able to see that wich had been denied him for so long. All the while a single syllable escaped his lips.
"Why."
With that word his mind was over taken by anger and hatred without a thought he bellowed.
"CELESTIA!"
Once Twilight had finished repairing the antique tome Spike waddled over to the pleased purple pony.
"So Twilight how was the book," asked Spike with mock enthusiasm thick in his voice.
"Alpha's Sojourn was an awesom book totally worth anyponies time, and energy."
"Really?"
"Ha, not really its too long for what it's supposed to be and the author must've been an idiot to write this."
"Neat, now that you're done with this can we finally go for lunch, everypony else is already down at Sugarcube Corner."
"Fine I'll go ahead a find us a table, while you stay here and clean up this mess."
An exasperated groan escaped the overworked assistant, as his eyes fell upon the small warzone occupied by the bane of his existence, followed by a series of mumbled explatives while Twilight trotted out of the door torwards lunch.
The bellow eminating from Alpha pierced the dense foliage causing fowl to flee in terror, and scaring off most of the larger predators. Eyes glowing with rage Alpha swung his massive arms causing the chains and boulders to echo his movements smashing the trees, scarring the earth, and in general wrecking up the joint. After an hour of thrashing and demolition Alpha finally stopped to see the destruction he had caused, the trees broken and splintered, flowers crushed under stomping hoves, the stream now flowing into a muddy crimson pit after some of the animals had been crushed into paste. Looking at the destruction caused by his hand Alpha turned and walked arbitrarily into the forest never to look back.
As Chitin flew, currently in his bird form, he could a thunderous cry eminate from the very heart of the forest itself. A moment later the sky was filled to bursting with the forms of hundreds, if not thousands of fleeing fowl. His heart sank as he saw a ebony monstrosity devastate his favorite naping spot. Swallowing the lump in his throat he pushed on. The Everfree being as vast as it was took several hours in order to navigate and reach his hive on the opposite side during that time he could've sworn he saw a black and white blur dashing out of the reach of what appeared to be a lumbering section of animated forest.
For hours Alpha trudged through the forest the clinking of chains and smell of rust being his only companions, on occasion a stray timber wolf would cross his path but quickly dart away out of fear. The rustling of leaves caused Alpha to turn his head only to be assaulted with a blur of black and white. Sitting up, Alpha could see the creature that rammed into him, a heavily panting very distraught looking zebra ?
"Tell me zebra," disbelief apparent in his voice, "what is it thet you're running from?"
"An ancient creature with blood lust in its eyes, at the very least twice your size," came between haggard breaths.
"What the hell were you doing that pissed it off so much then."
"I was harvesting sap from it, only enough to fill this bucket," she said holding a small pail (shut up rhyming is hard)
"I know im gonna kick myself for this but why did you want the sap."
"Do not think it was for greed, it is for a friend in need."
"If you needed the sap that badly why did you only come alone obviously you knew the beast was dangerous"
"Never before has the beast reacted in such a way, it usually thinks im here to play."
"Wait. Wait. Wait this isnt the first time you've done this, so why is it pissed all of a sudden."
"The creature is only mad beacuse someone has destroyed its home, and now it is trying to make me atone."
"Where was this creatures home," a slight quaver in his voice, and dread eating at the back of his mind.
"Its home is about an hours walk," she said gesturing in the direction Alpha had been earlier, "I used to go to the place and talk."
"So uh ... how does one stop a rampaging wh-"
As Twilight sat around the table chatting with her friends, completely oblivious to the wrathful spike shooting her death glares from across the room, pinkie pie piped up and noted the rather large flock of birds coming from over the Everfree.
"Hm its not mating season nor is it time for migrations to start something must really have spooked them for them to all just fly away like that," stated a buttery yellow pegasus, "lets just hope that whatever did that doesnt come this way," she said as her friends kept leaning in to listen to the shy ponies' tapering voice.
"Ahm sure it was nothin' probl'y just a pair uh maticores goin' at it, we can hear those things during matin' season down on the farm with similar reactions," chimed in an orange earth pony wearing a Stetson.
"B-but its not manticore mating season either so its still got to b-be some thing else."
"At the very least we should warn everypony to be extra careful around the Everfree especially Zecora," stated Twilight happy to be back in the conversation
Nods were seen from all of the ponies at the table. With that the six were off in pairs to warn of the town of the possible danger. Spike having just arrived decided to continue skulking and procede to spite the neglectful librarian a bit more.
Alpha was cut off as a massive wooden limb tore across his face leaving naught but bone in its wake. With an unsteady hand and blurred vision Alpha rose once again to face the sucker punching beast.
"Alright you wooden bastard lets try that again." And again a balled wooden fist fell upon Alpha this time however he was prepared and the oaken appendage struck his head, driving him into the ground, and causing more damage to the beast than him. "Zebra,"he called out," run away while I take care of this bitch."
"You do not have to tell me twice, I shall go and find you some ice."
With that the zebra fled into the forest. Alpha, having removed the offending appendage from the top of his head, was finally able to strike back at the beast. Unfortunately his movements were impeded by the massive chains weighing down his wrists causing his blows to lose momentum and force. After landing a few less than stelar blows Alpha's stamina was all but decimated. He knew that soon it would be over and the throbbing in his face wasn't helping much either, with one final burst of strength Alpha was able to grab one of the massive chains midway and swing the boulder into the monster crushing its side and splintering its arm. As Alpha stood there watching the creatures death throes he noticed something peculiar, the creature held a very familiar design on its head far too intricate to be a coincidence. What he saw was his makers mark two crossed hammers above an anvil this had been one of the golems he had created, and a fairly early one at that. He looked upon the dead creature leaking the sap the zebra had coveted unsure of wether to feel relief for the abomination cursed with living for centuries past its expiration date, or remorse for ending the life of a beast wich had truely been enjoying life.
Alpha headed on down the path the zebra had taken, the previously fleshless chunk of face now in the painful process of regrowing the lost tissue. Fortunately it was a fairly quick affair completed by the time he reached the little hut he assumed was occupied by the zebra.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK. The furious thuds pounded the door to the ramshackle hut Alpha belived to be the domicile of the zebra. "Zebra are you in there," no response, "zebra?" KNOCK KNOC KNOCK. Still nothing. "I shall assume that you are in danger and will break the door down if you dont answer in the next two seconds."
"Careful now you lumbering oaf, for I am trying to bake a thank you loaf. Now I will open the door, slowly as I am quite sore." After a a few heavy thumps the doorknob creaked, and the door slid opened. Bowing his head so as not to hit the doorway and into the inviting home of the zebra, Alpha was assaulted by a plethora of tantalizing aromas most noticeably a loaf of banana bread still in the oven. Before he could take another step inside his wrists jerked back, the two boulders chained to his forearms stuck just outside the doorway.
" I do belive that I'll stay here for the time being," he said with an akward chuckle. "You have a lovely home miss ... uh I'm sorry I didnt seem to catch your name."
"You are not mistaken I never gave my name, in this matter I am to blame. In this town i am called Zecora, I collect various flora."
"Well Zecora thank you for having me in your home but why were you draining sap from that wooden golem," he said while glancing around the room. "I didn't think that their sap was good for anything?"
"This 'golem' you call it has sap of many uses, one of wich includes panaceas."
"Neat. May I ask where you learned your apothecary skills," Alpha asked his eyes still scaning the intricately carved masks, and totems while only one painting held his attention.
"In my land of Zebrica I earned my skills with a pot, as for the painting you've been eying I picked that up in Canterlot."
"Canterlot you say. By any chance was this painting from the royal castle."
"No this painting is a reproduction, though it was in the place you mention."
"Hmmm so it is in the castle," Alpha said attempting to stroke his chin only to be stopped by the chains adorning his wrists.
" I may know of a way to get your rocks off-"
"Whoa. Slow down there we only just met, at leas let me buy you a drink first."
"A way to ease your predicament, your idea is not what I meant."
"Remove the boulders how?" The excitement in his voice nearly palpable.
"An easy thing it would be to use, the sap which thanks to you I didnt lose."
"Wait didn't you need that sap for a pancake or some thing I couldn't, wouldn't take something someone else needed."
"Panacea, and there is more sap than enough sap for what I need," a sly smile spread across the zebras' face, "for I am not completly free of the sin of greed."
"So you're telling me that you're willing to give me sap that coud be used for a cure all simply to remove a burden from my shoulders." He stated, a grimace slowly spreading across his face. " I couldn't it would go against my nature to allow such a thing to happen, no matter how easy it might make things for me but thank you for the offer."
"My offer will not stop for it shall only take a single drop. For to remove the boulders you see I need only a drop out of necessity. The panacea will be made, a few missing drop it will not dissuade."
"If thats the case then I only have one question? Do I get to keep the banana bread too."
"Of course my friend, I would have it no other way in the end."
With that final consent Zecora set off mixing fragant herbs and bubbling potions sitting in clear crystal vials. Alpha watched the zebra work her craft and remembered of his own skills , having been honed after centuries of persistence, wondered if they had stood the test of time as well as his body had. An audible crack was heard when Alpha arched his now stiff back and chuckled hoping that his skills had endured the test of time.
Following hours of intense flight Chitin was finally able to resume his changeling form being far enough from civilization no-one would dare even glance this far into the forest. Unfortunately for him the toll on his body didn't lighten the strain he was feeling. Muscles ached , lungs burned and a heart that threatened to rip its way out of his chest all added up to a barely conscious changeling, but before his eyelids could slip him I to the sweet, sweet state of unconsciousness his eyes caught sight of the changeling palace. The magnificent pitch-black towers erupted from the valley floor as a brilliant green sheen caught on the afternoon sun. Finally he thought, tongue hanging halfway out of his mouth.
Just before he reached the palace gates he touched down, and took a moment to catch his breath. Unfortunately for him his legs decided that it was time for him to become reaquainted with the ground wich at that time looked exceedingly comfortable. He was out before he hit the ground, leaving a pair of guards wondering why this changeling had deciced to take a nap on the sidewalk.
Twilight and Fluttershy barreled down the streets, Twilight yelling at random ponies to keep away from the Everfree. While most ponies gave them a wide berth a certain grey coated, blond maned, wall-eyed pegasus mare, currently sporting a mail mare cap and a pair of saddlebags filled with the day's mail ready to be delivered, decided to see what all the frackus was about.
"Hey girls what's up?"
"STAY AWAY FROM THE EVERFREE FOREST," replied Twilight eliciting a recoil from the now terrified grey mare.
"Sorry Ditzy, it's just that there's been some activity from over the Everfree and we want to make sure that everypony steers clear for the time being," replied Fluttershy clearly mortified by the outburst given by Twilight.
"It's alright no need to worry, but while on the subject of the forest I wanted to know if you two would be willing to deliver a package to Zecora given recent events, I'm not sure im up to the task anymore," she said with a half hearted chuckle.
"We'd be happy to, and sorry about scaring you earlier we just didnt want anypony getting hurt from what could be lurking in the Everfree," said the now sheepish Twilight taking the package from Ditzy, a furious blush having long since bloomed.
"Alright thanks you guy's now I gotta be off before my boss yells at me again," with a flap she was off and the grey blur streaked off torwards the unfortunate residential section of Ponyville.
Soon after their little distraction the duo were off to Zecoras' to both deliver the package and warn her of the possible danger.
The minutes ticked away unnoticed as Alpha sat enthralled by every miniscule detail of the portrait hanging on the wall, while Zecora prepared the rock removal remedy. The monotonous grinding of the mortar and pestle along with the thick scent of the various herbs hanging in the air began to dredge up long forgotten memories from deep within the minotaurs' mind. For an instant Alphas mind drifted into the far past.
A valley spread out before him, fields of wildflowers waved at his back. A single step forward, and he was off to the windswept vale below. The scent of wildflowers carried on the soft breeze as he approached his destination, the small changeling village nestled next to a river lying deep within the heart of the valley. The hours blinked like seconds as he traversed the winding trail leading to the changeling hamlet. Soft hands passed through his short mane, trying in vain to ease the mounting nervousness in his chest, soon however the changeling town came into view and smoke was seen emanating from several rooftops. Eventually he reached the village proper "THE HIVE" it read.
"Enjoying our little town there city boy," came a feminine voice as smoothe as silk.
"Now whoever said I was a city boy and 'THE HIVE' sounds like a pretty big name for such a puny place," Alpha retorted with a snap.
"It's only looks small because it just starting out soon though it will grow into a magnificent kingdom grander than you could ever imagine," came a flustered response.
"Anyways," snapped Alpha turning to his counterpart in this debate, "could I haAAve your name please."
"What never seen a changeling before," the blush visibly rising in her cheeks.
"W-what of course I've seen changelings before, hundreds in fact," Alphas' own cheeks begining to turn scarlet.
"Really because this is the only changeling colony in all of equestria. And the name's Chrysalis by the way," a certain cockieness gaining ground in her voice.
"Well 'Chrysalis' I have been sent with a gift for your leader to harbor peace between the changeling and the minotaur races, so now lead on," he stated his mission being the sole focus of his attentions now.
"Alright now follow me, and try to keep up," a smirk creeping across her lips while she broke into a full gallop. Alpha being no slouch fell into step directly behind her.
CRASH. Was all Alpha heard when he was snapped out of his day dreaming. Below him he saw the remains of what was once a ceramic plate and a peeved Zecora staring at him.
"Were you contemplating some past sin," she paused for a moment expecting a reply after receiving none she continued, " if not then let us begin."
"Alright lets get this over with, but first lets get some place a bit further away so as not to ruin your lovely front garden(too late for that)."
"Now let us get further away, and remove those mounds of clay."
With that they left Zecoras' home and headed a bit further into the woods. A short walk later they had reached a small clearing with Alphas boulders in tow. Once there Zecora pulled two small glass jars both filled about halfway with a grey-ish paste. Without hesitating the zebra trotted torwards the boulders and smashed the jars against the rocks where the stone and chain met. Alpha sat there dumbfounded as the rock began to sizzle, smoke, and dissolve the rock before his very eyes. Time slowed to a crawl aw he saw all but the metal pegs that were pounded into the rock before his very eyes all those centuries ago dissolve into nothing.
"Thank you," muttered Alpha as tears of joy streamed down his cheeks, "but there are two more things that pain me to ask of you. First I must ask that you forget all about me, I don't know if I am being followed but for your sake forget I ever existed. Secondly I have to...to hurt you," the pain in his voice becoming apparent, "to make sure that even if I am being followed and we were seen it'll look as though you were only being used and will divert any attention you recive because of me."
"I agree, but before you run off and leave me lame would you kindly give me your name."
Before she could recive a response one of Alphas massive fists slammed into her abdomen knocking the wind out of her and slamming her against a tree. Just as the zebra lay on the edge of consciousness the minotaur leaned in close and let out a barely audible whisper, "Alpha."
Alpha ran through the forest as glorious golden chains pulled at his wrists with every stray twig and jagged rock. Only when his mind demanded rest and peace of mind did he finally stop and think. He took in his surroundings and tried to convince himself that he had done the right thing, and failed. Reluctantly he found the largest oldest tree he could and sat at its' base begining to meditate, wich he had learned to do (early?) during his imprisonment. He sat and absorbed the very essence of the forest, the deep earthy smell wich came from his freshly carved trail of destruction, far off crys of timber wolves and the chirping of returning birds punctuated the monotonous drone of the cicadas in the trees. The deafening forest timbre set Alpha at ease with himself and knew that he had done all he could to help Zecora avoid an unsavory fate at the hand of the corruption and its agents. As Alpha sat lost in thought his subconscious mind took hold and began to bring back the life he had once known.
Alpha and Chrysalis raced down the well worn dirt streets that comprised the town's transportation system, after several minutes of catching up and passing one another up they came upon their destination a building scarcely larger than the others with a shining bronze plaque that read "Town Hall: please leave complaints within box above furnace".
"Here we are... town hall... home to the towns' leader and chief decision maker my dad," said a somewhat cheerful Chrysalis between raspy breaths.
"Kickass so's the old guy in or what," Alpha said, his own chest rising and falling rapidly.
"Yes I am youngster," came voice as smoothe as low grit sand paper, emanating from a face just as pretty, "so you just here to hit on my daughter or is there something you needed."
Alpha looked over to Chrysalis who was red faced and twiddling with her hooves,"Yes sir I have been sent by minotaur high command to deliver a gift in order to harbor peace and friendship between our two nations." Alpha smiled smugly inwardly as he recounted word for word the speech he had been given.
"So what is it," asked the changeling elder clearly bored with Alphas' performance.
"Oh right," said Alpha as a palm met his forehead. Reaching within his satchel Alpha pulled out a small, black crown inlaid with emeralds and set with polished ebony inlay, it appeared to absorb the very light around it and sucked the very heat out of the air. It exuded royalty and demanded respect in otherwords. "Crafted by our finest smiths over the course of two years, I'm sure you'll be pleased with it."
"Ha, that things looks more fit for show than anything else. Give it to Chrissy finish your business and be on your way, we dont need anymore troublemakers about town," he stated as he shot a glare at Chrysalis, who was still enthralled with her hooves," now goodday I have many important mayoral duties to attend to."
Alpha stared at the closed door for a few minutes before Chrysalis came over and picked his jaw up off of the floor(figuratively of course). "I-I'm sorry if he offended you but he usually means well, and he accepted your gift so thats a good thing isnt it."
"What do you mean 'accepted' he slammed the door in my face," replied a now slightly infuriated Alpha.
"You shouldve seen what he did to the griffin ambassador, lets just say its a good thing that we're vegitarians. His name's Carbon by the way one can only pray that he would get some manners at his age bit unfortunately it doesn't look like thats going to happen." Chrysalis punctuated her last statement with a chuckle prompting a similar response from Alpha.
"So its not just me, and I was starting to feel special too. Anyways how do you know he didn't reject our offer of peace 'Chrissy'." Alpha felt a small warmth in his chest as he placed the small crown on top of Crysalis' hole filled brilliant green mane.
"Trust me mostlings don't even get that courtesy much less so quickly, you must have been really impressed by your speech. Which by the way, how many times did you recite it to yourself."
"Only from the mountains and across the Everfree." Replied Alpha automatically.
SNAP. A sharp twig snapping in the distance caused Alpha to jerk back to reality. The the air around him had grown cold and the forests' din had changed considerably, it was now nighttime in the Everfree forest. Before him piercing the darkness two pairs of pearly white orbs stared at him.
Chrysalis stomped through the obsidian halls of her ebony castle until she finally reached her destination, a large white door in stark contrast to she surrounding walls imprinted with a large red cross, the infirmary. "Tell me nurse at what time was Chitin admitted?" Chrysalis asked in a flat tone.
"He was admitted two hours your highness. He has only just now regained consciousness and it would do him well not to get too excited." Replied the changeling nurse, visibly shaken at the sudden appearence of royalty.
Disregarding the protests of the healthcare staff QUEEN Chrysalis stepped in to the chambers currently occupied by a clearly exhausted changeling. "M-m-my queen w-what b-brings you here?" Stammered the bed-ridden changeling.
"Tell me Chitin what brings you here to the hive all the way from your post across the Everfree forest."
"My queen I am here because a chamber had opened and I saw a creature escaping where I had been posted, should we mobilize for a strike against the creature."
"No that won't be necessary, but be glad that you wont have to guard that door anymore. Now if you'll excuse me I have some matters wich demand my immediate attention. Oh and be sure to take a few days off. With a smug smile Chrysalis trotted down to her own private chambers and called in a scribe to take note.
General Thorax I request that you send the elite tracking squad to follow the beast previously contained within the post Chitin was formerly posted at. It is of course imperative that this task be completed quickly so have them leave before sunrise.
-- Queen Chrysalis
With that she sent the scribe off to deliver the note and began to chuckle inwardly knowing that the fogs were finally folling into place.
Twilight and Fluttershy ran torwards Zecora's home deep within the Everfree forest the package given to them by Ditzy floating gingerly besides them. It had gotten late by the time they had arrived at the hut and not a soul could be seen in the vicinity, upon closer inspection they could see what appeared to be a struggle take place. Two large scars in the earth broke the trees leading to the Zebras home and ended abruptly at her door, wich had visible scuff marks on it. Within the domicile of their striped comrad was a shattered plate decorating the floor and a burnt loaf of what they could only deduce to have once been banana bread. Within a large pot, sitting on a fire, twilight noticed a strange grayish goo that seemed to dissolve any substance placed in it, after having experimentally poked it with a stick as well as several other objects. "W-what do you s-supposed Zecora was doing with this stuff," asked a curious/frightened Fluttershy while simultaneously poking the grayish slime.
"It looks like she may have been trying to remove something pretty big, or somepony." Said a concerned Twilight examining the tracks twin trails of freshish earth leaving the zebra's home. "I'm pretty sure that if we follow the these trails we'll find our zebra and, with luck, whatever or whoever else she had with her."
With that, the pair were off careful to have turned off all flames within the zebra's home with Fluttershy leading the way, surprisingly enough.
"Fluttershy how do you know that this is the right way,"
"Oh little things like how the branckes are broken away from Zecora's, or how the dirt is slightly fresher here not to mention were following Zecora's hoofprints."
The nerdy librarian could only stare slightly slack jawed as she marveled at the pegasus' powers of observation. After several minutes of travel the two found it, a clearing, within they found the half dissolved remains of what had once been two very large rocks.
"Hmm. So do you think that whatever it is that Zecora did worked?" Asked the perplexed purple pony.
"I dont know. I haven't been able to tell what she was doing in the first place."
While Twilight and Fluttershy were examining the still dissolving rocks a soft moan pierced tho otherwise quiet evening air drawing a frightened, "Eep," from the pegasus and a similar reaction from the unicorn. Cautiously the two wobbled over to the source, a trying task as they were also struggling to keep their bladders in check. Slowly was Twilight able to pick herself off of the terrified yellow winged pony and canter over to the low moaning, that is untill a manticore roar broke the evening air in the distance, and her legs finally gave out. Fluttershy simply braced herself and proceded to pick up Twilight. Together again the pair continued torwards the low groans eminating from a rather large tree. Laying there, moaning was Zecora whom they had thought ill of, needless to say they were both horrified to see their friend in obvious pain. With more effort than she thought possible Zecora was able to open an eye and utter a single word, "Home."
An hour of levitation later the three arrived at Zecora's home. After carefully placing the injured zebra inbetween the both of them the two ponies proceeded to help their injured friend, Twilight with healing spells, and Fluttershy with herbal medicine. For what seemed hours the two sat in the zebra's house waiting as she tossed and turned, mumbling and groaning in pain. Eventually though Zecora awoke and began to ask why she was in her bed at home. Twilight explained the circumstances in which they found her, that they had brought her home, and nursed her back to health. When either of the two tried to inquire as to how they found her in such a state they were met with only silence. Despite her silence her eyes said it all, deep pleading pools into her soul saying far more than words ever could, begging the two to stop asking and trust that this had been for the best.
Hesitantly the two departed after making sure that Zecora was okay.
"Twilight."
"Fluttershy."
With a silent nod the two were off in the direction that they had found Zecora. Going was slow as the darkness impeded their every step, more then once had they stumbled onto each other. Eventually though the both of them had reached they had found Zecora in.
"So Fluttershy do you see anything."
"I'm trying but its too dark to really see anything I dont suppose you know a light spell."
"I do but its too big of a risk to take with all of the predators out tonight."
"Oh. Well at least help me get some of these branches out of the way and let the moonlight through."
A soft magenta glow rose from Twilight's horn and moved several branches out of the way allowing the gentle silver moonlight to wash over the scene. Soon enough Fluttershy found a trail of broken twigs and disturbed earth that led away from the spot where the zebra had been found, with a slow canter both of them took off down the trail.
"S-s-shouldn't we go for help before we go see w-whatever hurt Zecora."
"No if we do that it ma be too late for us to bring IT to justice."
Eventually the duo reached a spot where soft steady breathing took hold. They darted for a nearby bush quickly not knowing what would happen next. There, in the darkness, they saw a pair of horns one reflecting gold the other silver they were the only visible thing belonging to the creature the rest of it obscured by the shadows. For what seemed like hours the two watched the creature with held breath, with tension that could be cut with a knife. Eventually though a pair of eyes slowly opened up to greet them.
Alpha sat there as a pair of cerulean and magenta eyes pierced the darkness. His enormous form indistinguishable in the shadow that surrounded him. The cool night air enunciated his breaths with soft puffs of steam, as his eyes stayed locked with the pair before him. With an unconscious snort and a blink the eyes he had seen a moment before vanished with a small pop and a flash of lavender.
The minotaur sat there dumbfounded for a few seconds before shaking his head clear of the myriad of confusing thoughts. With a sigh Alpha stood and began trudging through the dense forest chains clinking behind him. Hours passed as he wandered aimlessly through the Everfree only the soft buzz of cicadas and chirping of crickets accompanying him, that is untill he heard a soft sobbing in the distance.
Fluttershy and Twilight sat in the darkness as their hearts pounded furiously within their chests threatening to rip their rib cages asunder. Eyes locked as the ebony monstrosity slowly exhaled puffs of steam into the night. Seconds ticked by, and the only sound that could be heard by either of the frightened mares was that of their own frantic heats pumping blood to their ears. The shadowy beast let out a snort and Twilight's horn flared to life, instinctively teleporting the two as far away from the creature as her magic would allow.
A groggy daze followed, as it usually did, the instinctive teleportation that Twilight had preformed. Luckily the two were sent not far outside of Fluttershy's cottage just outside of the woods.
"S-so w-what do you think that thing was," stammered out the terrified unicorn. Fluttershy only squeaked in response. "I dont suppose I could spend the night could I Fluttershy?"
"O-of c-course T-Twilight. I was actually planing on asking if you wanted to spend the night. I-if that's okay with you of course."
"Thanks Fluttershy I don't think I'll be able to walk around at night for a while after what happened," Twilight stated finally gaining some of her composure back.
"I guess that makes two of us."
With a nervous chuckle and a quick glance over their shoulders they quickly darted into Fluttershy's house up the stairs and into her bed. The warm quilts were pulled up to their respective chins, but neither would feel the relief of sleep that night instead they lay there discussing what they had seen that day. That is untill the sun broke the horizon with eternal fire, and both minds finally felt the fatigue catch them and carry them to the realm of dreams.
Chitin sat in the horrifyingly white hospital room as the stench of disinfectants and solvents permeated the air, a single thought crossed his mind what if the queen blames me for what got loose in the Everfree. His heart raced, senarios flashed in his mind, as cold sweat poured down his back. What if she banishes me, or throws me in the dungeon, or throws me in the dungeon in the place she banishes me to? An infinite number of monkeys on an infinite number typewriters locked in a room for an infinite number of years could still not provide a probable positive solution to Chitin's woes.
Suddenly a thought hit him, not unlike being struck by a spherical flying object, I should chase after the monster that escaped in the Everfree. That way the Queen will most likely take pity on me and may be even reward me for a job well done. This idiotic plan in hoof Chitin set off, wich proved more difficult than first thought as the hospital bed was exceedingly comfortable, and none of his limbs wanted to respond to his brain's commands.
Oh when i want to clop you guys are all over the damned place but now that I need something you leave me hanging, jerks. With a burst of green Chitin was next to his bed, limbs flailing as gravity's cruel embrace caught him once again. A loud thump and he was lying on the floor. As he stood he could feel his muscles groan and strain under his light use. Cautiously he walked torwards the door wary of any lingering medical staff, upon arriving at said portal to freedom his face made contact with the mahogany slab before his brain could react. A nurse entered the room confused by the sight she saw, nothing it appeared as though Chitin had just up and left with that she departed.
With the door no longer an option, the Queen had clearly booby trapped it in order to keep him from escaping, Chitin looked torwards his only other means of escape ... the window. His clearly flawless plan did have a small kink in it, and that was being several stories above the ground. If his muscle aches were any indication he wouldn't be able to fly very well and he wasn't sufficiently trained in magic to attempt such a long teleportation. A short prayer to the Ageless Queen and he was off.
For a brief moment it appeared as though Chitin's plan had succeeded. His eyes paned out against the skyline of The Hive, he felt at peace. Wow. I wish i could feel like this all the time, he thought. That thought would stay with him for a lifetime, if he survived that long that is. Alternating between buzzing flaps and bursts of green Chitin managed to reach the ground relatively unharmed. Now for the fun, part escaping the city. The wayward changeling slunk across the city careful to avoid any otherling, that of course just happened to make him look incredibly suspicious whenever he came across anyling.
"Halt! State your business!" Shouted a guard from across the street
"I am Chitin returning to my post in the Everfree," he said with unnatural authority, "and you best let me pass before the Queen becomes agitated and expels a single, lowly guard such as yourself." Emphasizing every word with a stomp.
"I-I'm sorry sir I-I didn't realize it was you s-sir. Please forgive me, I've got a wife and two grubs to feed."
"Don't worry about it THIS time but I catch you out of line one more time and I'll have you thrown in the pits. Is that clear."
"Yes sir," with a salute and a wobble the guard was off. Guarding the place in the Everfree did have some perks one of wich included celebrity status as well as being a mid ranking officer right away, not to mention semi-frequent audiences with the Queen.
Chitin resumed his journey to the edge of town, with more of a strut than normal. Finally he could see it, the daunting, ominous bane of his exietence the Everfree forest. His swagger now gone he adopted a steely façade, and strode into the Faust forsaken forest.
Alpha neared the source of the sobbing with caution, many predators were said to imitate the cries of the distressed in order to lure their prey into false sympathy. He neared the clearing; the early dawn light shone and revealed a powder blue mare with a two-tone silver mane sobbing next to a wagon in the clearing. Tip-hoofing into the clearing he attempted to slink past the mare and avoid a confrontation. Unfortunately the chains rattled behind him like so many metallic skeletons.
"Hi." Said Alpha applying his best "innocent guy" face.
"Who are you and what do you want?" Asked the mare between sobs.
"I-I'm just passing through," replied Alpha.
"Riiight. So I'm supposed to belive some jolly jackass just happened to run across me in the middle of the Everfree. What's your name and what are you doing here," she replied with force.
"Hold your tongue child I'm older than your family name, and I will have proper respect shown." Alpha spoke with nearly unbearable pressure in his voice.
"O-okay s-so just w-who are you then?"
"My name is Alpha, forger of the Elements of Harmony, immortal spirit of the earth, and leader of the minotaur race, what name pray tell do you go by traveling ... uh prostitute."He said with powerful indignation in his voice.
"I-I'm not a hooker you jerk, I am The Great and Powerful Trixie."
"I just assumed that with the wagon full of stuff and the pity party, that you were a traveling 'mare of the evening'." He said with a mild smirk, and a shrug.
"So I'm supposed to belive you're an ancient god and creator of the most powerful objects in existence."
"Uhh ... yeah."
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!! Thats the best joke I've heard all year."
"Way to go stick a claymore in the old ego there, so you're telling me that even a seasoned traveler such as yourself has never heard the tale of Alpha's Sojourn?" His mood now seriously deflated
"Nope sorry."
"Not even the minotaurs weave the epic of Alpha?"
"Minotaurs? How dated is your information, the only minotaur I know of is Iron Will, and he only hangs around a bunch of goats. Most of the other minotaurs hang around in nomatic herds and even those are scarce."
"Wait what," Alpha's face now pale and voice shallow, "no, the minotaurs have a great kingdom to the north, farther still than the crystal kingdom."
"Sorry I've never even heard of the crystal empire , or any north of it."
"Not even any mention in any historcal texts?" Alpha asked now growing worried
"Sorry, can't help you there."
"Damn, so anyways moving on why were you crying in the woods here?"
(Meanwhile in Ponyville)
"... just to move the story along, the transition seemed half-assed at best and there was absolutely no reason given for the change in subject."
"RD Ah've no idea why you think Ah want t' discuss tha new Darin' Do book now, we've got to keep lookin' fer Twi and Shy. We haven't seen hide nor hair of either of 'em since yesterday."
"I know but I'm just so bored, wanna go make out."
"Sure."
(Meanwhile back at whatever the hell it was that I was doing before)
"I-I was going to finally take my revenge on a certain purple mare for running me out of town, and making a laughing stock out of me."
"HAHAHAHAHAHA. Oh that's a good one. Trust me kid when your sole reason for existing, the only reason that you've been able to keep yourself from going insane after an eternity in darkness, is the thought of rending the flesh from your enemies bones and watching as the last of their ragged breath escapes from their bloody twisted form in the moonlight as a pyre burns to devour their lifeless corpse, then that is no existence at all." As Alpha spoke, his voice grew in volume until it reached a low yell. "So take it from me foal move on with your life and drop this subject live and be sure to enjoy it because if this mare truly does loathe you then that will be sweeter than any torture you can devise."
Trixie sat there shaking as a leaf in the wind, while the hulking beast regained his composure. She was scared but not for herself but for the object of his anger. She knew he wasn't going to stop until she stopped her petty revenge fantasy and continued to move forward.
"But what do you do if you feel horrible inside every time you think about it, how do you simply forget all of the pain and humiliation they've caused you." Tears now welling in the corners of her eyes.
"I'm not asking you to forget, just move on, soon enough it will be but a distant memory in the back of your mind, and that pain you feel deep inside is a poison that will eat you from the inside out until there's nothing left but an empty husk. Trust me I know what I'm talking about."
"So who are you going to 'forget' about."
"I don't know. I honestly dont know."
They sat in silence for about half an hour before either one of them spoke.
"Ponyville's in that direction," Trixie said pointing a hoof in an arbitrary direction,"you may want to stop there to see if there is anypony there that can help you out."
"Thank you, but where are you going to go?"
"I have a few contacts in Trottingham that can hook me up with a few gigs and help me get back on my feet. Not to mention move on. Who knows maybe I'll even be able to find out a bit more about what happened to the minotaurs."
With that Alpha stood and lumbered down the path that Trixie had pointed out to him, chains clicking horribly behind him.
Alpha had been walking for well over an hour and finally the trees had begun to part, he could see a large red barn in thedistance. Warily he approached the barbed wire fence that marked the perimeter of the farm land. A swift hop and thud later, and he was across the fence. He marveled at the size of it all. It must have taken several ponies to work the entire farm, yet he could see nopony there. In the distance he spotted an apple orchard.
He looked towards his stomach and it replied with an unearthly response. For the first time in centuries he would be able to respond to its cries of pain. Alpha made a beeline towards the apple orchard, chains carving the earth behind him. His sheer force of will was all that he could do to stop himself from ripping a tree straight out of the ground and devouring it whole. Alpha passed the rest of the morning gorging himself on the lush laden trees, followed by a well deserved nap.
Applejack and Rainbow Dash had spent the past twenty-four or so hours searching for Twilight and Fluttershy as well as warning ponies to stay away from the Everfree. The two of them had searched all over town, finding neither hide nor hair of the pair. Thankfully Applejack had been able to locate Pinkie Pie and Rarity and now the four friends were off to search Fluttershy's house as it was one of the few places in town left to check.
"So Pinkie what makes you you think that either of 'em's at Fluttershy's house."
"Well the narrator said it was one of the few places we haven't checked yet." The rest of the party simply stared at her dumbly.
"Pinkie you've been sure to take your medication right."
"Of course silly the blue ones twice a day, and the suppositories once a day."
"Good." Stated Applejack with an air of suspicion
"My word has anypony else noticed that the door to Fluttershy's cottage is ajar," noted Rarity as the four of them approached Fluttershy's home.
"If I see one thing out of place in there I'm gonna pound the pony responsible," snarled Rainbow Dash bringing up the rear.
"Cool your jets RD we've no idea what's going on in there for all we know she's doing some sweeping and left the door open." Offered Applejack as the voice of reason.
Sure enough the four friends, upon arriving, saw that the door was in fact open, and the numerous locks and deadbolts on the inside of the door were intact.
"At the very least we know that nopony of dubious character came in and absconded with any of her possessions," said Rarity.
"In Equestrian please," replied AJ.
"Nopony broke in and took her shit," retorted Rarity obviously flutered.
"Thank ya now was that so hard."
"Yes actually I think I felt my I.Q. drop a bit."
The four of them searched Fluttershy's home finding nothing but animal droppings, and copious amounts of sugar in one of her kitchen cupboards. Finally all that was left to check was the upstairs.
Slow plodding echoes mirrored their path up the stairs. The four mares could hear the slightest snores, and murmurs coming from the opposite side of the door. Gently the door to Fluttershy's room swung open soundlessly, save for the gentle thud the handle made when hitting the wall.
There the four of them saw eight limbs of purple, and yellow intertwined in the buttery mare's bed. Pink, and indigo manes sat disheveled atop their owners heads while their lips sat mere centimeters away from each other gently inhaling and exhaling in synch. A purple hoof began to caress a yellow barrel, as a buttery hoof stroked an indigo mane.
"So should we get goin' cuz it don't feel right intrudin' on their private time." Offered Applejack as a furious blush spread across her face.
"My, my dear how often does one get the chance to enjoy gossip in the making, just think about what fun this will be to discuss with everypony." Retorted Rarity, clearly enjoying this way too much.
"Yeah, lets go I mean what's the fun of just watching. Plus this is starting to feel really wierd. I mean what if the situation were reversed would you want them watching you post coitus." Rebutted Rainbow Dash.
"Come on don't be a spoil sport they're just getting to the best part." Pinkie Pie piped up,"I mean look at them two young lovers locked in each others thrall while their closest friends watch not a stones throw away. The of of their carnal relations still hanging in the air, punctuating the late morning, when they would wake in each others embrace."
"And then as their eyelids slowly open to meet the days harsh rays they stop, and look only into one another's longing gaze. But what is this, their friends sit at the entrance to their sanctum staring, judging, silently knowing that nopony in the room will have the same relationship again. So now the star-crossed lovers find themselves torn between their love for each other, and the knowledge that no mater how much they care for one another society will never find their union possible. After years of running, and hiding the lovers stand on the edge of the forest that has claimed the lives of so many others in the past. Luckily the pair know a secret within the deadly timberland, a spot clear of prying eyes. Unbeknownst to them however a single stallion furious with their decision has taken upon himself to end the lives of the heathens. After chasing the two for miles the stallion has cornered one against a cliff face, and before her mate can stop the insane colt he manages to plunge a knife deep into her abdomen. Finally the other has caught up, and ended the life of the one who would deny the pair their happiness. Slowly the two limp towards a great stone keep stopping frequently due to the loss of blood. Now their final endeavour shall be undertaken hiding deep within an ancient, crumbling castle beneath long rotted tapestries, and banners of an age long since passed. The dying sun now slips beneath the horizon leaving cursed sanguine in its wake slowly fading to indigo, and then finally violet as the shadows grow longer leaving only the scarcest traces of light left around them. For one last time they stare into turquoise, and lavender eyes respectively before drinking the goblet of poison laced wine that would end their lives in each others hooves, as they always wanted to go."
"Oh my Pinkie, darling, that was beautiful." Choked out Rarity between sobs.
"Yeah that was the radest thing I've ever heard we really should let them express their love freely, and without judgment." Agreed Rainbow now weeping with Rarity.
"What the BUCK was that Pinkie." Retorted a flustered Applejack.
"That's just what the Author wanted to say in order to garner more feels, and gain more viewers for his crappy story silly filly."
"Come on lets go get yer happy time pills Pinkie."
"Awww but they make the readers sad."
"Were goin' end of story. Come on you two quit cryin' lets go."
Once Applejack had successfully coaxed the other three out of Fluttershy's house under threat of violence. She marched ahead leading the way to the hospital to get Pinkie a series of painful injections against her will, to get the voices in her head to stop. Before they left however AJ closed Fluttershy's front door with more force than was necessary, and answering her slam of the door was, "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA," emanating from the second floor window in stereo. Thereby dispelling any notion the two had been in a same sex relationship.
Chitin had been wandering the woods in the general direction of the cave he had been guarding for some time. Now he felt a pang flow through his body rendering him to a huddled mass. Before the last of his strength left him he pulled a small crystal from inbetween one of the holes in his hooves, regarding it briefly he saw a small pink mist swirling within the otherwise transparent quartz. Charging magic into his horn he drained the crystal of all the power it contained.
Luckily he had had the foresight to pack four of the love containing crystals into each of his legs. He would've packed more, but two were suspicious as it was. Only one of these crystals was issued to everyling in the hive, in case of emergency. It had saved many of them after the Canterlot Incident. Draining the gem had given Chitin a much needed boost, and also served to remind him that he had not had a proper "meal" since before he left his post.
With renewed vigor Chitin took to the air to reassess his bearings. Audible pops traced his path through the air as he closed the gap to the cave via teleportation. Several teleports, and a few miles later Chitin felt fatigue take purchase once more. He couldn't stop now the cave was nearly in sight, he felt it in his exoskeleton.
There on horizon he saw the clearing that he so loved to frequent on slow days, which was mostly every day. Only now it looked off, rather than the picturesque scene he had grown so used to, there now sat a muddy, bloody pit over flowing with filthy water slowly growing stagnant.
In that place he could still feel some residual emotion emanating from the site. Instead of the pleasing sweet emotion of love he had grown so used to this new feeling felt only bitter on his tongue. Rage, pain, sorrow all sat in his senses filling him with the anguish of the one who had felt it. The strong emotions that permeated the air were still enough to recharge him, and as painful as it was to draw on the emotions of this place he felt obligated to absorb the negativity in this place. With a heavy heart, magic pulsed from his horn absorbing the sentimental ether all around him. Several minutes passed while the deed was done, and after, he felt only the desire to kill something weak, and vulnerable.
Chitin skulked towards the cave, hatred emanating from his every pore, and he could almost see the dark miasma that hung around him. What little wildlife did live this far into the ancient hoary forest seemed to scatter at his every stomp. The small insects unlucky enough to be caught underhoof were crushed into paste without remorse.
The noonday sun barely cut through the intertwined branches, and sprayed the forest floor with dim light. A single solitary beam cut clearly enough to be called a ray, and caught Chitin in the eye. He now felt these emotions from a different perspective, he didn't want to feel this way anymore he wanted to dispel these feelings. A lump formed in the back of his throat growing ever so slightly, he could feel these feelings concentrate into the base of his skull. His head whipped back and forth as wheezing coughs, and gags built in succession. He could now feel slime climbing its way up the back of his throat, and he had to suppress the urge to empty the rest of the contents of his stomach. The seconds stretched into minutes as finally an oily black slime worked its way out of his mouth, and rolled haphazardly onto the ground.
Now the negative emotions that had plagued him so had been congealed into physical form, and expelled forcefully. Now the sunlight seemed brighter, and the dull gray shades all around him looked sharper, crisper even. He stared upon the repugnant, lumpy ball in disgust as it radiated the negative emotions he had been feeling earlier. The bitter taste still fresh on his tongue, he set off in the direction of the cave with a new spring in its step.
The path he had taken to and from the clearing had been a well worn one, long before he had been assigned to guard the beast's prison. He could travel this trail with his eyes closed, and he had on several occasions. The steps today however felt off as if alien hooves had trampled over the sanctity of this place, with clumsy stupid steps.
He could now see the entrance to the cave, and several shadowy figures within the recesses of the cave. The first to leave the cave was a Changeling with a flare of green fire on its flank. The one that followed had the constellation of orion adorning its flank. Another exited the gullet of the cave with a green bubble on its side. The fourth, and final Changeling to leave the prison had no cutie mark, only its eyes had gone from their natural blue to a black so deep they seemed to absorb all light that entered.
Chitin had hear stories but thought them only that, stories. The group of Changelings that had been granted cutie marks by the Ageless Queen herself. The military's elite tracking and execution squad. This was the Cult of Skaro. Sec the leader, Caan the second in command, Thay navigator, and Jast combat specialist.
Chitin was considered foolish by many, especially himself, but even he wasn't about to knock heads with the most feared government sanctioned killers in the changeling empire. He promptly turned tail, and ran as quietly as possible before his legs could give out.
He ran at break neck speeds back to the clearing the monster had trashed. Looking upon the carnage once more Chitin could make out a trail barely distinguishable from the rest of the mangled forest clearing. Taking great care to not touch anything in the fresh-ish grave Chitin floated over to the "trail." Apprehension built as he took his first step into the beasts wake.
"Commander Sec look," Thay exclaimed, "this appears to have been excreted from a Changeling, and recently. The negative emotions are so great its easy to see why it was cut like a cancerous tumor. What do you make of this commander?"
"Quite obviously, there is a Changeling following us, we shall have to keep a close eye on further developments, and eliminate this loose end if need be." Sec stated his cold dead eyes betrayed by a smirk breaking his otherwise stoic nature. "Who knows this may even be fun."
Alpha dreamt the dreams of gods. He was standing before a sea of minotaurs each broken at the knee bowing to their god king. Though he longed to explore the dream world more, his mind shifted to a familiar sight he had replayed many times during his imprisonment.
Alpha had just placed the twisted black crown atop Chrysalis' head. Her emerald mane matched nicely with the green accents of the headpiece, unfortunately her white coat did not. He marveled for a second at her delicate transparent wings with awe.
"Are you done checking me out or can we get the tour started already?"
"What oh sorry, my mind was lost there for a second."
"That seems to happen a lot doesn't it."
"And what tour? You never mentioned anything about any tour before."
"Oh shoot, did I leave that part out again," Chrysalis mumbled to herself, "well as Carbon's daughter it's my duty to give the grand tour to all the newcomers in town."
"And here I thought you just wanted to spend more time with me."
"Blegh. As if I'd rather be strapped down, and have all the hairs in my mane be plucked out one by one rather than spend more time with you."
"Well if that's you final offer I guess I'll just be on my way, and tell the higher ups that the Changeling-Minotaur alliance is off then."
"WAIT! WHAT? NO DON'T GO. I-I mean don't go. Please? I'm sorry for what I said we don't usually get many visitors this far out, and I would love to give you the grand tour." Alpha could see the pleading look in her eyes.
"Alright sure, but only if we stop for lunch first."
The two walked as Chrysalis pointed out small shops she enjoyed frequenting, as well as some of the changelings that happened to cross their path. Alpha simply followed behind her noting the changelings' white coat seemed to be a universal trait, and not just something that only a few had, a stark contrast to his own deep brown coat to be sure.
Chrysalis' voice had become distant, and the illusion began to fade. Alpha could now clearly see the wires, and tape that held his dream together. A voice was beginning to permeate his foggy state.
A pair of heavy black eyelids creaked open, the sight that greeted him was not a pretty one. A wrinkled, pale green mare shrieking at the top of her lungs.
"Eeek a monster, quickly Big Macintosh call the guards." The green prune yelled in the direction of the barn.
"Eeek an insensitive bitch," came his retort, "doesn't feel too good now does it?"
"W-what did you say?"
"I didn't stutter grandma."
THWACK. A worn walker met the top of his head.
"What was that for?"
"Respect yer elders ya wipper-snapper."
"I am your elder you crazy old woman. I was ruling a kingdom before this place was a pit-stop for traveling cocottes. So hold you tongue woman." By this time Alpha had stood to his full height towering over the the diminutive mare. The old mare didn't so much as flinch she simply spat to the side, and adjusted her glasses.
"That all you got sonny 'cause iffin that's all ah expect to be paid fer all those apples you ate as well as fer the damage ya caused on you way here." She said pointing a hoof to a trail of destruction caused by Alpha.
"Well that sucks because I'm fresh out of money." And he had been for the last millennium or so.
"In that case you can either work it off, and judging from the look a ya, ya probly wouldn't be any good at that either. On the other hoof I could get mah grandson to beat it outta ya."
"Bring him on lady, I can take him."
"BIG MAC WE'VE GOT A COLT HERE WHO REFUSES TA PAY!"
Alpha barely had a second to look before a streak of scarlet bounded out from between the trees, and sucker bucked him straight in the jaw. The immense speed, and weight behind the kick sent Alpha reeling. He could feel tendons snap, muscles tear, and his jaw pop out of place. The red draft horse stood there with a smirk on his face as the pitch black giant fell to the ground obviously in pain. By this time the elderly green mare had retreated a fair distance from the beast, and her grandson
However the smirk soon vanished from his face, as well as most of his blood, as the beast got up, and popped its jaw back into place without so much as a second thought.
"That actually kind of tickled a little you know that. Now if you'll please allow me to repay the favor." Without pause Alpha balled one of his massive hands into a fist, cocked his arm, and delivered a devastating blow to the work horse's sternum. The red stallion flew a few feet through the air before skidding a to a stop in the soft earth.
"What that all you got big boy," taunted Alpha.
"Not even close."
The crimson draft horse broke into a full speed gallop, and charged Alpha once more.
"No dice kid. Fool me once, and all that." Alpha I as he turned to the side dodging the stallions attack. "Olé."
Again the stallion charged, but as Alpha turned to dodge, the crimson colt spun on his forehooves transferring all of the momentum to his hindhooves, and into the chest of the black beast, delivering a stelar blow which sent him tumbling backwards.
"Okay now I'm pissed."
"What need a diaper?" Retorted the stallion.
"That does it," spat a now infuriated Alpha.
Reaching a massive hand across to the stallions yoke Alpha pulled him into the air, and began to spin furiously, golden chains creating a brilliant whirlpool around them. Alpha looked into the stallions dazed eyes, and held out just a little longer. He himself was beginning to feel the effects of this strategy, and was close to losing his last meal himself. With an abrupt stop Alpha placed the work horse onto the ground before the golden chains could whip around, and knock him to the floor.
Alpha stared, and laughed heartily as the scarlet stallion deposited the contents of his stomach onto the ground before collapsing. Alpha noticed the elderly mare trot over to her grandson, and begin to suffer from a shallow, wheezing cough. Now she began to step closer, and closer still coughing...no wait she wasn't coughing she was laughing. He saw her barely suppressing a fit of giggles.
"Ah gotta hand it ta ya youngin' ya really know how to treat an old mare to a good show. And you managed ta not kill anypony that's always a plus."
"Wait you had me against your grandson in a fight to the death for your own sick amusement?"
"Well when ya put it that way it does sound a might bad, but whoever said it was a fight ta the death I was gonna step in after I got mah fill."
"You sure I didn't kill what's his face?"
"Who? Big Macintosh. Nah he'll be fine he's suffered worse."
"You sure, he doesn't seem to be moving."
"Little pansy's just takin a nap in a puddle of his own puke."
"Well if thats the case, am I free to go?"
"Sure you've paid yer debt you're free ta go."
"Don't suppose I could get a helping hoof?" Asked Alpha struggling against his binds.
"Sorry ah've got an injured grandson ta look after."
"Fair enough I suppose. Now if you'll excuse me, I've several hours of struggling to get to."
Twilight and Fluttershy exchanged awkward glances as they sat across from their four closest friends.
"So you see that's the reason we were in that compromising position." Twilight calmly explained the events of last night to the rest of the group.
"So you expect us to believe that some sort of shadow monster attacked Zecora, and as the two of you were tracking it, it saw you, and you reflexively teleported to Fluttershy's cottage. You do realize how ludicrous that story sounds right?" Asked a skeptical Rarity.
"I'm actually pretty sure that they're not lyin'," stated Applejack, "mah truth thing works both ways, and hard as this is to swallow it's not like it's any weirder than anything we've ever faced before."
"Wait you can tell when anypony else is lying?" Asked a bewildered Rainbow Dash.
"Yep sure can."
"So that's why we can never beat you at cards isn't it."
"W-well um...Ah wouldn't say that exactly. R-really i-it's a lot more lahk..."
"So you do cheat at cards." Stated a now infuriated Rainbow.
"I'm no cheater. I'm just really good at callin'ponies bluffs is all."
"Riiiight."
"So Pinkie what's up with you?" Asked Twilight eager to change the subject.
Pinkie who had been suspiciously quiet this entire time had her hair deflated, and a maniacal grin plastered across her face.
"Absolutely nothing Twilight Sparkle. Why do you ask?" She said perfectly flatly.
"You just seem a bit off today. Is everything alright?"
"Everything is perfectly alright. Twilight Sparkle I have simply taken my medication to stop the voices in my head, and I shall continue to take my medication for the foreseeable future Twilight Sparkle." This twisted pink pony stated before turning her head and winking at the wall.
"Oookay. Now is everypony here satisfied that Fluttershy and I aren't in a relationship."
"W-wait we aren't. I thought we were I'm sorry Twilight."
"Uh sorry Fluttershy but I just don't feel that way about you or mares in general. So anyways back to the subject at hoof. The giant shadow monster that attacked Zecora, and took up residence in the Everfree forest. "
"So what pray tell would be the best course of action in this situation."
"Well I believe that the first thing we should do is-"
"Write a letter to Princess Celestia." Said every mare at the table save for Twilight.
"Uh yeah. How'd you guys know that?"
"You're very predictable darling. Hasn't anypony ever told you that." Said Rarity nonchalantly.
"Look y'all are missin' tha point there's a giant, violent monster out in the Everfree, an we're the only one's who can do anything about it. So now lets stop bickerin' get tha Elements, and take care uh this problem before anypony else gets hurt." Stated the Element of Honesty
"Wait what about Zecora?" Asked the rainbow maned pegasus.
"What about Zecora. She has been taken care of as best she can with what Twi and Shy could, and we should trust that their medical skills cand send Zecora on her road to recovery. There's really nothing more we can do for her now let's go."
With that the six were off to the library to gather the Elements of Harmony. Which had been moved to the library due to the fact that they were better to have on hoof as opposed to locked in a vault only Celestia could open.
Chitin was traveling down the path of carnage for the past half hour, and could see flakes of gold here, and there. He was intrigued by the shiny metal, it was cold to the touch, colder than gold should have been. When he held it, it seemed to draw the very heat from his body. Disregarding the small fortune around him Chitin pressed on.
After what seemed like an eternity Chitin saw a different path of destruction that seemed to merge with the first but this one had tufts of black and white fur dotting its length. Perhaps a pair of ponies, or maybe a zebra, nah that was dumb who had ever heard of a zebra in Equestria. Shaking the ridiculous thoughts from his mind Chitin pressed on. With fatigue now bearing down upon him Chitin took a small break on a fallen log.
Why's this thing so sticky , Chitin thought, I should really make sure that this isn't going to try and kill me the next time I blink. Considering where i am it probably would. Hoping gracefully from his seat Chitin searched the perimeter of the log. Until he saw it, there was definitely a face, and a sign of struggle. There was a large chunk missing from half of the fallen tree, and what he dared call its face was broken, and torn. What kind of idiot gets into a fight with a tree . Resin that had been leaking from its wounds had hardened into stalactites hanging from the splintered ends of the tree's damage.
Poor tree Chitin thought to himself. Best not to linger if whatever did this to the tree came back, it could definitely do a quick job of taking me out . And so he was off, the fear of what may leap from the forest at any time combined with the several very real pairs of eyes staring at him from behind the blanket of trees gave him the renewed brio that he so desperately needed.
The creature's trail had become noticeably less noticeable, but still discernable from the rest of the forest. With some difficulty Chitin had continued to follow the trail, mostly by following the occasional speck of gold on a stray rock, or exposed tree root. An eternity later, and Chitin found himself in a clearing that held a single hollowed out tree which had several windows, and several strange masks lining the outside. He stayed clear of the house because he could feel a live presence within and didn't wish to provoke any hostility.
The trail he had been following now led to the front door of the home, but several fractures, and scratches on the outside told him that the creature hadn't gone inside. Instead it led off into the woods mirrored by a set of hooves. Before Chitin left however he picked up the slightest scent of pain, regret, and surprisingly enough love and friendship.
Following the carved earth Chitin eventually met a pair of bubbling pools of grayish goo, and a fractured tree. Seeing as there was nothing more for him here he continued on towards a less distinct path in the earth. This trail, Chitin noted, had many more gold flakes lining its path.
The sun was beginning to dip low into the sky, and Chitin was still no nearer to catching his prey. He was ready to lay down and rest until he found a depression in the ground. This depression was large enough that the creature that created it could've easily caused the damage he had seen earlier. He lit up his horn in an attempt to try, and pick up some of its emotions, but found that he could not. He found nothing, no creature was incapable of producing emotion so why were there no emotions to be found of this monster . The only thing he had found were the fear and anxiety of a pair of ponies along with twin puddles of urine. A faint magical residue also hung in the air, but Chitin wasn't experienced enough to know what it was. Being unable to discern anything else, Chitin continued on.
The path carved by the monster had become shallower, and splattered with the golden flakes. Only a moron could miss the amount of metallic spalls on the ground, a true genius would disregard it for it would only slow him down. There eventually came a camp which the monster had attempted to cross unnoticed by the looks of it, but it looked like it had then been spotted, and went to the center of the camp. Charging his horn once more Chitin began to feel the ambient emotions in the air. He could taste melancholy mixed with a twinge of rage and regret. Again the monster's emotions eluded him only the taste of pony danced on his tongue.
The monster and the pony had not been here too long ago, and he could see the newly churned earth. With a lone shaky step Chitin continued his journey, knowing that soon he would meet his prey. The going was quicker, as the trees around him had begun to thin, and a flurry of emotions were carried on the wind. When the trees had finally cleared Chitin could see large rust colored barn in the distance. What really amazed him was the fact that the monster's trail had ended on one side of barbed wire fence, and continued on the other without so much as a smudge on the wire.
After the fence the monster's trail became much messier, and more destructive. The trail, now easily discernable, led Chitin to an apple orchard of all things, half eaten apples were strewn about at best at worst, pulp formed small puddles of apple-y carnage. The monster's scent, or lack there of, was unmistakable at this point it left a sort of void in places it had spent a long time in. The other emotions were that of anger, not surprising, embarrassment, shame, disgust, and laughter.
In the distance Chitin could hear a pair of voices, and a torrent of green flame enveloped him transforming him into a powder blue unicorn mare with a crimson mane, red eyes, and a gold five pointed star adorning his flank. He was now stargazer amateur astrologist, and vagrant pony.
"Howdy youngin', you wander in from the forest?" Asked an old viridian mare.
"O-of course not that would be crazy, somepony wandering around the Everfree all by herself. I was just walking along the outside of your property looking for...the..."
"Entrance?" Offered the elderly mare.
"Yes the, entrance that's exactly what I was looking for. Because I was looking to...buy some," Chitin looked around and saw innumerable trees laden with fat, rosy apples,"apples?" The last word was more of a question than a statement.
"Well why didn't 'cha say so. We've got more apples than you could shake a stick at miss...um what did ya say yer name was again."
"Stargazer." The name tasted strange on his tongue, he hadn't used this form in quite some time.
"Well miss Stargazer I think you'll find that we have some of the greatest apples in Equestria here at Sweet Apple Acres, and as always the first one is on the house." The aged mare said proudly, as she plucked a fresh, fat apple from a low hanging branch, and inserting it into "Stargazer"'s mouth.
"T-thank you," Chitin said coughing up a few chunks of apple that had failed to go down. He looked at the face of the mare, her joy and pride were worth more to him than some inedible chunk of plant matter. "Although as you can see I've forgotten my saddle bags, and I am without bits at the moment. So if you'll excuse me I must be on my way."
"Alright youngster be careful 'cause there are monsters out there tonight." The mare said, a stoic mask replacing the jovial attitude she held earlier.
With that Chitin left the farm, and continued down the trail, the monster had carved.
"Hmm these flecks of gold appear to be enchanted captain." Stated the changeling with the green flare on its flank, known as Jast.
"Very good Jast can you tell the size of the beast be the indentations in the ground?" Asked the changeling with a pair of soulless tarry pits for eyes, known as Sec.
"Unfortunately I cannot. The boulders the mark was dragging distort any attempt I make at judging its size."
"Now let us continue on," said the changeling with a green bubble on its flank while lightning up its horn.
"Caan what in the name of the Ageless Queen do you think you're doing?" Asked Sec.
"I am simply gathering the gold so theat it may be analyzed at a further time. Plus a little off the record compensation can be expected from time to time."
"The Queen could have you hanged you do understand this don't you?"
"I do, but this gold will be long smelted before anyling here has a chance to say anything." Caan said with a smirk.
"Thay what is our current position, and what is the nearest settlement?" Sec barked, now sick of Caan.
Looking to the afternoon sky Thay contemplated the question for a brief spell. "It is approximately 2:30 in the afternoon, we are several miles to the south of the former castle of the royal pony sisters, the nearest settlement would be Ponyville about half a days trek north-east. Is there anything more commander?"
"No that will be all Thay. Come now let us continue tracking this creature. I wish to be back at the hive before nightfall."
So the Cult of Skaro wandered the Everfree passing all of the markers that Chitin had passed earlier that day, each lost in their own thoughts. Sec's mind was occupied with the creature that had lain in the cave for so long, nothing could have survived that long without so much as a drop of water, but all evidence had suggested that that had been the case. Caan's thoughts were filled with the idea of treasure hidden by this creature, what could be so valuable that it would take it along. Jast only saw their prey as a worthy foe, after felling so many enemies on the field of battle, the sport of blood had lost its appeal. Thay held the most innocent of all thoughts, those to see the world beyond the Hive or service to simply see the world with no ties to anyling just the wind at his back and the road before him.
The sun had fallen, and the trees cleared abruptly. Before them sat a large fallen tree that looked too strange to have been natural.
"Caan what in the name of the Queen is that thing?"
"It appears to be a tree commander." Said Caan nonchalantly whilst admiring a hole in his hoof that had half filled in with gold.
"I can tell that much, what sets it apart from the rest of the forest?"
"You are correct commander this tree is not natural. It appears to be a broken wooden golem. From minotaur lands no less I haven't seen one of these...ever the most recent one I've seen was made of iron. From what I've heard these things haven't been been made for a few centuries at least."
"Can you tell me anything else about it?"
"Yes this makers mark I've only seen it one other place," Caan said pointing to the pair of crossed hammers over an anvil, "and that was on the royal seal of one of Queen Chrysalis' oldest correspondence letters."
"Alright lets get going theres nothing more for----- ROAR"
Behind them a manticore ripped through the dense foliage slamming its tail against all but one, Jast.
"Jast take care of that thing quickly we must press on." Called Sec.
...
Not five minutes after the main group had departed down the path of the beast had Jast returned, splotches of crimson paste marring his otherwise shining black chitinous armor.
I regret to inform you all that I have decided to cancel Alpha. The reason is that I have run out of enthusiasm for the fic. In all honesty I ran out of it a while ago, but I haven't had the guts to cancel the fic until now. I'm sorry, and I know that its a bullshit excuse. If any of you want me to, ill gladly toss up a synopsis so that you all may cannibalize ideas, or at least have a sense of closure. Again, I'm sorry, and I promise that I'll never do this again.
