CHAPTER 15
Stories

The sky was still in it's deep shades of orange as Octavia and Vinyl guided me back to Twilight's tree. I had already begun my project as we walked. They took form under the confines of my cloak and where eventually stored inside a section of my body that I had hollowed out. The additional noise of my body drew the suspicion of the two mares but whenever they asked me I simply stated that I had briefly lost concentration of my shards. A lie but it would have to suffice.

"Wow Shard." Vinyl spoke up.

"Must be a chore to have to directly be aware of every piece of your body." Octavia sympathized.

"Maybe for you but I have been like this for a long time." I sighed. "I don't even remember what I looked like as a human nor do I remember sensations such as pain, warmth and cold."

With that the mares went quiet. They must have took my words as cynical... Unfortunate. I was hoping to converse further but perhaps it is for the best. I need to focus on the projects at hand... Hoof?

The rest of the trek continued in gloomy silence. However I only took note of it briefly before continuing on the constructions under my cloak. They were by far if not the strangest then the most beautiful things I had ever attempted to create. I hoped that the ones to receive the objects would enjoy them. I had to pour so much concentration into them I had several run ins with other ponies to which I humbly apologized. I had risked my identity at least three times but I felt the need to pour more of my mind into the creations. They needed to be perfect. And they would be so.

"Shard we're here." Vinyl warned but it was too late. My snout collided with the door, making me bounce back. The sudden recoil caught me by surprise but because the consequence of "pain" was no longer a threat I quickly opened the door and stepped inside. The two mares followed and we were immediately confronted by twilight.

"What did I tell you before you left?" She asked with an eerie smile.

Why does she look so cross? "To be back by six..." I glanced at the clock behind her. It read seven. "Oh..."

"Oh?" Twilight repeated, dropping her smile. "Do you know who you have kept waiting?"

"It is quite alright Twilight." Spoke a voice with a motherly tone. "I am sure he meant no disrespect."

Then I saw her. She had just stepped into the room and the first thing I noticed was how unreasonably tall she was. She was easily a bit over twice Twilight in height. The second thing I noticed was the combination of horn and wings she sported. Princess Celestia no doubt but why...? That is an interesting mane she has going on. Almost like there is a draft in here.

"Greeting Shard, Twilight has spoke much of you."

Octavia and Vinyl spontaneously fell to the ground. They did not seem fearful of her but rather did not wish to disrespect her.

"But where are my manners?" She continued. "I am-"

"Princess Celestia co-ruler of Equestria." I cut her off. "You are the raiser of the sun."

Celestia quirked a brow at me. I also noticed the stance stiffen briefly. She was as cautious with me as I was with her.

"May I ask how you know that?" I could sense the tension in her voice.

"You were in several of the books I analyzed." I explained. "I apologize if I seemed threatening." I bowed.

"It is alright." She smiled. "It would seem I need to apologize for not trusting you. Twilight was right when she said you were kind and I am sorry for doubting you."

"Blah Blah Blah!" An irritated voiced sounded from... Below me?

I glanced down and sure enough I saw something. This "thing" was by far the oddest thing I have seen here yet. It looked to be a cross between pony, chicken, lion, goat and some kind of serpent. It was so peculiar I was unable to process what I should do. However when I felt a powerful and ominous will emitting from the creature my battle senses kicked in. I firmly planted my hooves onto the creatures face and pushed my self into the air. The ballistic motion surprised both Celestia and the five other ponies behind that I had just noticed. I groaned when I recognized the five familiar faces. Do they not have more important things to do? Surly Applejack has her work cut out for her at the farm. And what of Rarity? She made me this wonderful cloak she must be busy with other orders. But I digress, for now I need to deal with this creature.

I touched the wooden floor with as much grace as an elephant. The boards cracked and splintered, sending debris into the air. My eyes remain fixed upon the beast, ready to meet what ever it threw at me. It looked bewildered but that soon changed to cautious when dozens of airborne spears took form. They gleamed in the room, sending a beautiful array of colors onto the walls and floors but no pony gawked in awe. Their mouths hung ajar in horror at the appearance of the weapons. I took one last look at the vile thing before sending my ordinance at him.

"STOOOOP!"

The deadly Shards ground to a halt inches from somepony's face. Fluttershy's face.

"F-Fluttershy?" I stammered too shocked to speak clearly.

When I said her name she only gave me an icy glare.

"How dare you!" She shouted, cantering towards me.

Never had I expected the timid mare to snap like this. I visibly shrunk and backed away from her as she carried on her relentless advance.

"What did he ever do to you?!" She demanded forcing me into a corner. My spears had long since shattered but she continued to verbally assault me, forgetting all fear of the sharp crystals.

"I-I... I was only..." How can she be so scary!

"You need to apologize right now!"

"B-B-But..." Come on brain! We may be in parole!

She furiously pointed a hoof at he beast. I only hesitated for a moment but it was long enough for her glare to intensify. The sensation was paralyzing but at the same time hypnotic. I walked forward in shame to confront the creature.

"She used 'the stare' didn't she?" He asked, grinning from ear to ear.

"T-The what?"

"The stare." He repeated. "It's probably the scariest thing she can do to anypony."

"I am sorry for how I acted..." I do not know his name. Well this is rather awkward.

"Discord." He offered. "Reformed god of chaos."

"I apologize Discord." I bowed my head once more.

"I must say you surprised me with your sudden aggression but I will forgive you. Now with that out of the way let's get a look at you."

I did not resist when he plucked the cloak free from my body. He and Celestia both looked a little stunned but they did well to keep their composure. It was then that I took note of Luna's presence. How did I not notice her?

"So Twilight spoke the truth." Discord chuckled. "You do look like a crudely carved crystal pony."

"Discord!" Luna shouted, starring at him with disapproval. She looked to me apologetic but I turned my own gaze to Twilight.

"D-Don't look at me!" She exclaimed. "I did not say it like that!"

"Now calm down everypony." Celestia commanded in her caring voice. "Shard before we continue I would like an explanation on your actions."

She starred into the glowing orbs I called my eyes and I nodded. "Very well, that is fair."

"It's more then you deserve." mumbled a cyan mare.

Best ignore her. "Discord when you were... under me I saw your Will. It felt wrong and vile."

Although they all looked confused Rarity did huff and nod in approval. It would seem she cares little for Discord.

"Excuse me." Twilight interrupted. "What is this 'Will'?"

"You would refer to it as magic." Understanding swept over the group but Celestia remained confused.

"But why would that prompt you to attack?" She asked.

All eyes were on me again. "In the past I had the misfortune of combating several with darker Will then Discord's." I sighed. "It was an occupational hazard."

"I am sorry to hear that Shard." Celestia said, sounding apologetic. "But we still need to find out what to do with you."

Oh boy. I was afraid I would hear those words.

Rainbow smiled and I could tell she was thinking about how I would be sent away. However the others seemed more worried. Hell even Applejack looked concerned. She is very inconsistent. Wait... Is Luna sweating? Oh don't tell me...

"Shard you are an anomaly of strange origin. My little ponies would have trouble believing you are a crystal pony and there is no telling how they would react to your powers."

Luna I'm begging you! Don't do anything stupid!

"What is more I cannot let you stay in the library so I deem it necessary-"

"Sister Wait!" Luna shouted, leaping between us. "You cannot send him away!"

Luna please shut up!

Everypony's jaws dropped a few inches. Even Celestia and the god of chaos where taken aback by the moon princess. I however painfully face hoofed.

This can't get any worse.

"I won't let you send away my friend!"

...

Never mind. It just did.

"Then I said 'Oatmeal? Are you crazy?!'"

Howls of laughter filled the room. Everypony was enjoying the social interaction. Pinkie's "joke", if it could be called one, had effectively raised the mood yet again. Even Celestia chuckled at the pink pony's antics. I however remained thoroughly confessed. When Luna declared our friendship I was expecting something more... Hostile not a party. But what did it matter know? Celestia said that I would have to find a place of my own thought. I asked if I could go live in the clearing in the Everfree Forest but that was met with much opposition. They said it was too dangerous for me to live in such a place but I insisted, bringing up that there was another living in the forest. My point was met with grumbles but they reluctantly let the subject go.

"You always were my favorite Pinkie!" Discord chimed. "After Fluttershy of course."

Pinkie grinned at the remark while Fluttershy hid behind her mane. I managed to stifle a light chuckle before turning my attention to Celestia.

She had her eyes shut while she sipped on some tea held in her magic. Even if her eyes were closed I highly doubted her inability to see. To test my theory I launched a small shard at the at high speed. It was to small and far to fast for anypony to see amongst the chaos so the risk of others noticing was low. The fragment sped across the distance in milliseconds but before collision she sneezed. It was a small quiet and lady-like sneeze but ballistic enough to avoid the projectile. Instead of hitting the mare in the temple it sailed harmlessly into the kitchen.

"Princess are you alright?" Twilight asked clearly concerned for her mentors well being. "Did you catch a cold?"

"I am quite alright Twilight." She assured with a warm smile. "But if you will excuse me I am parched."

"Oh well let me get that Princess." Twilight offered but Celestia refused and took off to the kitchen.

I bet I know where this is going.

Sure enough I felt the shard in the kitchen get caught in a magical grip. Without hesitation I transferred my senses to the stray fragment. I saw the kitchen come into my vision along with an irritated Celestia.

"Shard I do not appreciate having things thrown at me."

"As would most ponies." I replied smugly.

"But why would you do it?"

"I was testing to see how far your awareness stretches." I explained. "As I expected it goes far but you also make sure others are unaware of your cautious nature... Truly masterful."

Celestia only starred disappointingly at the shard.

"It will never happen again." I apologized.

"Best it doesn't." She chuckled lightly.

I joined her in a small hearty laugh.

For a creature that is referred to as a goddess, she is surprisingly laid back. A bit like her sister actually but much calmer.

"Before we head back may I ask you a few questions? I wanted to ask them before but I thought it would have been better to ask in private." I nodded but she did not respond.

A few seconds of silence past. Why is she not asking? Then I realized my mistake. I had nodded with my original body. I almost faced hoofed at the idiotic mistake. I have forgotten how hard it is to be in two places at once. Well better see what damage has been done.

I quickly pulled my consciousness back into my body. What awaited me there was by my classification "The worst case scenario." The pink menace Pinkie Pie was inches from my face grinning from ear to ear. To even think about what ridiculous terms I had just unknowingly agreed to frightened me to my core. However I have no time to think about it now though. Celestia is no doubt awaiting my response.

The image of Pinkie swirled an blurred back into a clear one of Celestia. She was starring intently at the fragment and seemed worried.

"I am sorry Celestia." I apologized. "I accidentally nodded with my body."

"Is all well?"

"Unfortunately I may have unknowingly agreed to something for Pinkie." I let out a heavy sigh. "I can only hope that what she has planned is within reason."

Celestia smiled wearily. "That cannot be a comfortable position to be in."

"No. No it is not, but I digress. What are your questions?"

"Before you arrived Twilight told me about your memory loss." She looked disturbed. "Is it true that your memory is gone?"

"It is. But they have been slowly returning. However what I've been seeing has been..."

Celestia gave me her signature smile. "It is fine shard." She reassured. "Twilight has told me about the night you cried."

"Did she now?" I asked in disbelief. "Can I trust that mare with any secrets?"

"I am sorry about that, She means well and cares greatly for all ponies but she sometimes goes too far."

"I am not angry with her." I sighed with defeat. "Do you have anymore questions?"

"I do. This 'Will' Twilight spoke of. She was rather vague on the subject but said that you were human before you became... This."

"Yes I was one of the 'Humans' your ponies believe to be a myth. Where I'm from there is no magic. Humans were completely barren to it's powers..." I took a dramatic pause. "or they were. About two decade ago a rather unusual substance was discovered. A strange underground lake. From what I read it was an orange hue that lit the chamber. The peculiar liquid was also discovered to have unexplainable properties. Some would light fires while other could deliver a shock and so on. Naturally the worlds nations began digging for it frantically. All around the globe nations dug up similar pools of varying color and effects. However what was remarkable was even if the pools where of the same color, density and minerals they never had the same effect."

Celestia looked shocked but very interest in the topic. I chuckled slightly.

"If your shocked at this then you will be stunned at what I have to tell you next but are there any questions thus far?"

"Yes." Celestia nodded after collecting her thoughts. "Does your spices know where it came from? How it came into being?"

I shook my head... Dammit! Why is this so hard?!

However much I wanted to check to see if everything was alright, I did not want to leave Celestia again. WE had found a topic to talk about and find some common ground.

I sighed internally. 'I'll just have to hope no damage was caused.'

"No Celestia. There is no explanation as to how the liquid arrived. It is almost as if it appeared out of thin air. Even previously empty mines had been inhabited by the fluid."

Celestia put a hoof to her chin. "How odd."

"Indeed but shall I continue?"

Celestia nodded rapidly. She seemed a bit like Twilight was when I spoke about my powers.

'Teacher like student then?' I mused.

"Well after this amazing, if not odd discovery, humans began work on ways to utilize the new material. All scientists were thinking up ways to implement it into technology but they quickly ran into an obstacle. No matter how hard they tried the substance would not solidify. They tried freezing it, drying it out and they even threw some in an incinerator. The liquid was completely unaffected by all attempts. But while scientist continued to look for a way, the man who first discovered it 'William Gaze', was doing something else. Something no one had even considered. In his own laboratory with a small team of scientists he performed a deed some considered inhumane." I saw Celestia stiff at the dark turn of my lecture. "Good William forcefully infused his own son with the foreign ,material."

Celestia gasped and stepped back. She wanted to respond but she need to hear the whole story first.

"However instead of the boy dying, like one would expect to happen after being infused with the dangerous liquid, he became super natural. His skin cracked open into long streams of glowing power. William quickly discover his own son had adopted the things powers and was able to use them at will. He then christened the liquid with a name. When he publicly announced his discoveries it was forever known as Will."

"However most people of the world saw his experiments as atrocious and unacceptable and a force was quickly assembled to apprehend him. But they were too late."

"By the time the force arrived William's mansion was in ruin, his lab and research destroyed and him and his team crucified."

Celestia gagged. "How could something so horrible come to pass? Wait? What of William's son? You didn't mention him."

"His body was never found." I felt my mind weaken for my next words would be harsh. "Celestia it is believed that William Gaze's very own son, a boy of twelve, was the one who carried out the deed."

Celestia was at a loss for words. Her lower lip was quivering and she looked shocked, for lack of a better word. I could tell she was fighting the urge to lose her lunch.

"Why? Why are you telling me all this?" She asked, between labored breaths. "How does any of this have to do with you?"

"I'm sorry Celestia but for you to understand you needed to hear the whole story. It is vital for the set up."

"For what?"

"Where his story ends mine begins." I explained. "Four years later on my ninth birthday I was kidnapped..."

I felt the cold metal floor ice my feet, freezing my frail bones as I trudged forward.Cold unforgiving air pricked at my skin like hundreds of needles with the intent of making me as miserable as possible. I wanted to just stop moving. To just curl up against the corridor's wall and cry my life away. At least then I could die in slight comfort. I didn't want to walk anymore. I didn't want to move or even breathe. Every inch of my body was sore. The pain spread through my flesh in strong waves and fluctuations making my pace slow and irregular. I uneasily placed one foot in front of the other but still strayed off to one side from all the pain it brought to walk. I quickly lost my balance and fell again.

The floor greeted me with the same kindness it would a drunk by giving me more bruises. My shackles jingled but fell silent when I hit the floor. For a moment I felt relived to be off my feet.

"For fuck's sake kid!" Snarled a man behind me.

I felt a firm hand grip around my right arm. I felt my bruises scream in protest but remained silent. He violently tugged me to my feet and shoved me forward. I struggled to regain my balance and was at risk of falling again but someone caught me.

"Sir! you are being too rough!" Shouted the other man who caught me. "He is only a child!"

I hugged the man tight in hopes that he might help me. He did not retaliate to my actions but he did not return them either.

"It doesn't matter how I treat this brat." He spat. "He will most likely be dead after today."

'Dead' My eyes widened in fear. Why would I be dead after today? Why would I have to die? I have done no wrong, so why? Did all those other kids that disappeared die to?

I hugged the man tighter and he looked down at me.

I don't know why but he looked pale. I gazed deep into his dark brown eyes and he in return looked deep into my tear filled ones. He looked remorseful and even regretful and so I asked.

"Please Mister, can I go home now?"

"I...I..." He was shocked and starting to tear up.

"Please I just want to see Mom again!"

The man quickly averted his eyes. "I'm sorry..."

And that was the end of it. He left me in my despair and gently pushed me along down the hall. The underground complex had always been cold and unwelcoming but today it was more so then usual. Must of been the complete lack of any other personnel or maybe it was the thought of dying. What ever it was it was making me more and more fearful as I approached the final door at the end of the hallway.

Well I arrived the men escorting me opened the doors. I could only watch in horror as they parted, revealing the scene before me. A lounging chair with multiple restraining straps sat in the center of the room.

I felt one man push me into the room. I was thrust forward and more of the terrible scene was shown to me.

Many men and women in lab coats ran about behind the protective barrier that surrounded the chair. They were mostly manning computers and other gadgets but a few were watching me. Their stares burrowed into my very being, enhancing my fear. And then my eyes dilated when I saw the dozen of orbiting needles around the chair.

My already erratic mind fell to pieces. I spun around and made a dash for the door. I only made it three strides before I was halted by the guards and scientists. I struggled, kicking and screaming for them to let go.

"Let me go! Let me go!" I cried. Tears were streaming down my face as I fruitlessly tried to break free.

My words went unheeded as I was dragged to the chair, to my doom. Never the less I kicked, I screamed, I cried, I even managed to sink my teeth into the mean guard's arm.

But my efforts were meaningless and I was eventually strapped into the chair. Even so I continued to squirm and beg.

"Please stop!" I pleaded. "I don't want to die! I wanna go home!"

My words were once again ignored but I could see the grim faces of some. They clearly regretted what was about to happen but would not stop. I could not understand why they would go through with something they thought was wrong so I begged and begged hopping they would release me.

They never did.

The needles began their slow approach to my traumatized body, ready to perform their function. Even as they continued to approach me I fought and screamed just as I had before. My eyes darted around franticly seeking for anything that might help, for anything that might make this end. There were a few scalpels on the table next to me but there was no way I would be able to reach them.

Suddenly I felt several parts of my back invaded. I cried out in pain as multiple needles breached my skin. As if that was the signal, the needles above me join in. They all dug deep into flesh like wolfs onto a felled deer. When the last needle entered my body I fell limp. The pain was gone.

I panted heavily, wondering why it stopped. It was clear that they were still clinging to me but what was the purpose? Why do all this? When the clear tubes dangling from the needles filled with a pale blue liquid I knew why.

I knew what this substance was. It was Will. I was always told that the mages I longed to be had something to do with it. I only took a few seconds to understand why they were doing this.

"They're trying to turn me into a mage." I mumbled.

In the past my mother told tales of mages. They were mysterious, powerful and above all else cool. I always dreamed of being one, being the hero of the world and it's protector from evil. But now...

"Is this how mages are born?"

The Will had completely filled the tubes and was working it's way down the needles.

"Did they all have to endure this?"

The Will was halfway done the needle now and encroaching on its destination.

"If it is, I don't wanna be one..." I closed my eyes knowing what I wanted did not matter. It would happen no matter what I wanted.

I felt a warm tingling feeling as the strange fluid entered my veins. The feeling spread through my entire body as my heart beat slowed. I was calm but still scared. Everyone outside the sealed room were no doubt monitoring me with calculating eyes.For what seemed like an eternity nothing happened. Not a single soul stirred, not a sound was made. All where silent. I felt no overwhelming power course through me just felt warm. However I spoke to soon.

My body was getting warmer and warmer. I was sweating uncontrollably and heating up fast!

My eyes snapped open just as the first crack opened on my arm. The pain quickly returned as did my screaming. My skin parted first where the needles had first embedded themselves and spread from there.

I violently squirmed, trying to free myself again to no avail. The struggling only made it worse. I witnessed my skin ignite and burn away. All over my body the very same was happening. Skin gave way to muscle and then to bone. My cries were drowned out by the fires that ravaged my body. The pain was far to intense for me to bare so my consciousness faltered and I went limp again.

...

...

...

"Am I dead?"

I Could not feel my body or rather I felt body less. Hot, cold, movement everything was a void of nothing. No sights or sounds just my thoughts. Well that's what I first thought until I heard a door slide open. A few slow footsteps sounded in the room. With every step the sound of something being crushed could be heard.

"Is that..." A voice appeared next followed by some murmuring. "It can't be."

More murmuring followed. 'What are they talking about?'

"I think it is!" Laughed a gruff voice, getting closer. "Solidified Will!"

A cheer spread throughout in the room. Loud clapping drowned out any recognizable speech and actions. My vision reappeared revealing a man of white hair holding my unrecognizable arm. Unlike before it was unnaturally thin and reflective. it glimmered slightly in the light. I also caught a glimpse of my feet which where in a similar state. I would have to say I looked like a skeleton.

Out of reflex ,and realizing my new form was slender enough to slip out of my bindings, I sat up.

"Celestia you look pale."

Celestia shook her head in an attempt to regain her composure. However she was far too unnerved to get it back.

"I am fine Shard." She lied. "Please continue."

"I don't think that would be wise. Something like this is best to take bit by bit." Celestia looked like she was about to retort but I cut her off. "It only gets worse from there. Please, another time."

I hopped that she caught the worry in my tone, for her sake. Thankfully she gave in, clearly not wanting to hear anymore for the day.

"I should head back my 'I need water excuse' has no doubt expired by now." She smiled dryly.

I chuckled. "Good then it is time to hoof out the presents."

Author's Note

I am so sorry for the long wait! From now on I will be trying to post at least two chapters a month. What stories they will be for depends on my mood. Although I am really feeling a Don't Hesitate vibe lately.

Once again comments are always appreciated.