Ripper blinked furiously as the faint moonlight poured into the cavern. "Makes me wonder why they put my chamber outside..." he muttered. The outline of a cyan Pegasus entered the chamber. Ripper's blurry vision slightly refocused upon the shape to show him his savior: Rainbow Dash.
"I was beginning to doubt whether you would come or not."
Rainbow Dash took a few steps forward inside the dark chamber. For the first time she noticed a burnt out candle lying in the middle of the circular chamber. Directly behind it stood Ripper. Black as shadows, large, and other than that, no other distinguishing features could be seen. Except for his shining green eyes that pierced through the darkness like the light.
"I wasn't willing to let this mystery slip through my hooves. Besides, I made a promise to you didn't I?"
Ripper closed his eyes momentarily, when he opened them they were once again silver, "Not that I recall, but thanks."
Rainbow Dash and Ripper stood a few feet away from each other. Separated only by the light and dark. The moon shining above Dash, and the trees rustling behind her. The cold winds delicately licking at her rainbow-colored mane.
"So why aren't you coming out? You're free now" she stated.
Ripper hesitated, nearly flinching at the concept of freedom. "Because I can't. Not until the moonlight passes. Do you really think that living in a prison like this for as long as I did wouldn't cause some permanent problems for me? If I step into any form of Light, I'll burn like a pile of hay in a fire. Hay that's doused with flammable stuff."
Rainbow Dash looked at him dubiously, "Well at least this explains why you're as black as a Changeling..." As soon as she uttered the phrase Changeling did Ripper's head shoot straight up.
"...Did you say Changeling?" He questioned.
Rainbow Dash gulped and gave him a slow nod, "Yeah, why?"
Ripper narrowed his eyes. "No reason...It looks as if the moon is passing. We best get moving."
Rainbow Dash backed up and moved to the side as Ripper exited the cavern. Despite not being in the prison anymore,
Ripper did not change at all. He was still black. And he was still relatively formless.
He stepped out and took a deep breath. And just barely under his breath did he whisper "i domi adsum." Ripper looked around a little bit. So much had changed...Or at least as much as he could see at the moment. The forest, even the sky seemed so...So different. So unreal, so unbelievable. If it was not for his endless suffering in the prison then he would believe that this was a dream, but, alas, it was not. He was free. At long last, he was free.
"Are you ready to leave yet?" Asked Rainbow Dash. She backed up and spread her wings, but felt the touch of a hoof on her shoulder.
"No." Said Ripper flatly. "No flying. Not yet. Not until we're far away enough from this Faust-forsaken place."
Rainbow Dash grudgingly lowered her wings.
"So how long were you in there?" She asked.
"Don't remember. It's been a really long time. The last thing that I can completely recall is the candle. It was important somehow..."
Rainbow Dash examined him from the corner of her eye. He was tall, taller than her even. His form was practically invisible as he seemed to be made of shadows. His large green eyes sometimes shifted between green and silver at times. The only thing that seemed odd about him was the strange black aura that surrounded him. If not for the faint moonlight she doubted that she may have noticed it.
Ripper paused as they left the forest. He was silent, but the only thing that was different about him was his posture and his eyes which had widened considerably.
"...Where are we?"
Rainbow Dash pulled her map out of her pack and spread it open.
"Um...I think...We're in Fillydelphia. Or close to it anyways."
Ripper was still silent, but he sat down on the grass and looked out at the city.
"It's so beautiful...It's been so long since I've last seen civilization. Or ponies. I thought that they just remained in my memories..."
The black aura around Ripper materialized into the form of a brown cloak around around. It neatly covered his his face and generally his entire form. When Rainbow Dash peeked under the hood she didn't see anything. Not even his bright eyes.
"Lets go. Into the the town I mean. I'd like to look around a bit."
Rainbow Dash hesitated. She wasn't sure on whether it would be a good idea. At first she wanted to get to Ponyville as soon as possible, she decided that maybe it would be a good idea for Ripper to see the world. If only a bit.
"Sure. Let's go." She said.
Ripper wandered around the city for a bit. It was a mixture of both frightening and interesting to see the world and how much it changed. Especially Equestria. Though he was already used to seeing such big cities (Although Fillydelphia was small back when he was young), it was still exciting to see such a city like this. Ripper paused. A faint smile spread across his face. An old friend of his was in town. No matter how much time would pass, Ripper would ALWAYS recognize their presence. And now it was time to pay them a visit...
"So what do you thi-"
Rainbow Dash stopped mid-sentence as she turned around and saw that Ripper wasn't there.
She paled as she realized what just happened. She was led here. And now Ripper was gone. And she doubted that even Celestia would know what could happen with him on the loose. But whatever would happen she doubted that it would be good.
Discord paused as he felt the chaotic presence get closer and closer. He paled as he recognized the feeling. "Oh dear...That's not good at all."
He felt a hoof touch his shoulder. The feeling was not as...Cold as last time, but it carried more than enough power to stop him from escaping.
"Why hello there my old friend. What brings you to this quaint neighborhood?"
Not for the first time since his recovery did Discord feel afraid. But this time, he was. He really, really was.
"...Hello, Dusk."
Author's Note
Ah, my second fanfic. Not as good of a beginning as I hoped for it to be, but writing after midnight and finishing up a story in an hour won't result in a masterpiece...
I'll be releasing an alternate fanfic that follows the story of Ripper back when he was young. Keep an eye on both as they'll make a huge difference in the sequel.
A Close Encounter with the Chaotic Kind
"My name is Ripper now."
Discord stared at the cloaked pony. He still couldn't believe it. Standing right before him was the last pony he ever expected to see. And definitely the last one he ever wanted to see.
"So it is." Said Discord.
The inside of Ripper's hood shined a bit and his face could be seen through it.
"Of course. Now let me ask you a few questions. Why are you here Discord? In one piece. Last time I saw you, you were in control of Equestria before you got your flank kicked off and turned to stone by the Princesses. And don't tell me that they finally unfroze you and you reformed. I'm not stupid enough to believe that.
Discord gave him a weak smile.
"But I have my dear friend." He chuckled "Oh sure, the first time I ran amok for a while before I was returned to my stony prison, and the second time too, but I've changed since then."
Ripper scowled at him.
"Oh really? Well maybe I should return you there!"
Ripper lifted his hoof, crackling with electricity, and just before he struck Discord he heard a shout from behind him.
"STOP!"
Rainbow Dash was breathing hard. It took her awhile to find him, but she managed to. It really wasn't that difficult to spot a Draconeequs and a hooded pony in the streets. Especially if the Pony has a hoof-full of electricity.
Ripper slowly lowered his hoof. His other one still pressing discord against the wall.
Without turning his head, Ripper replied, "Why should I? Do you even know who this is?"
Rainbow Dash ran up to Ripper and pushed him back a bit. "Yes. I do. And that's exactly why I don't want you to hurt him!"
Discord gave her a warm smile "Thank you."
"I didn't do it for you. I only did it because I don't want any fighting." She growled.
Ripper paused for a moment. And slightly tilted his head to the left.
"..."
"Hmm."
Ripper took a few steps back.
"
We're going to settle this one day Discord. Sooner or later, you're going to pay for what you did."
Discord stuck his tongue out, "Oh I already did. Over a Millennium of being stuck as a lawn ornament."
Ripper turned around and began walking away. Rainbow Dash ran after him. As soon as she left Discord teleported himself to the Canterlot archives. "I believe that the Princesses may want to hear about this..." He muttered.
I paused for a moment as I heard the hoof-steps behind me. "Oh great. Rainbow Dash" I thought. I turned around to see her glaring at me. Her eyes filled with fury. I couldn't help, but smile as she reminded me of Skyfall. Even her stance was similar. Needless to say, the memories almost cut me deeper than what Rainbow Dash said next.
"
WHY DID YOU DO THAT!?" She demanded. I winced as she shouted at me. Note to self, I thought, try NOT to anger any more mares.
"Discord and I have some unfinished business. Important business."
She glared at me even more. "SO WHY DID YOU HAVE TO GO AND ATTACK HIM!?"
"Like I said. It was important business. The kind which required that sort of stuff. You remember about how Discord became ruler of Equestria?"
Rainbow Dash calmed down a little bit, but her twitching wings reminded me that I very close to angering her.
"Yeah. What does that have to do with anything?"
I paused. I really ddin't like talking about what I did after I...Changed, but maybe if I bended the truth a bit and only revealed enough information to calm her down...
"Let's just say that Discord and I were partners and he betrayed me and stole the throne to Equestria which I unwittingly helped him obtain. After that I sought revenge, but couldn't get to him. The Princesses took care of him after that and I thought I would never have to see him again. Which brings up the question of why he is here? Maybe you can shed some light (Not literally please) on that?" I said.
Rainbow Dash hesitated. Obviously, she didn't expect that kind of retort. "At least I managed to divert her attention from me for now" I thought.
She took a deep breath and began her story, "A few moths ago, Discord was released from being a statue, the first time was an accident and the second time was done by the princess, and after he brought Ponyville and my friends to ruin, Twilight got us back together and we changed him back into a statue. The second time, Princess Celestia released him in the hopes that we could change him. Some complication arose, but Fluttershy helped him. After that he, supposedly, reformed."
I felt my twitch again. I couldn't believe what I was hearing! Discord? Reformed? Those two words can't even be in the same sentence, let alone universe!
"Did you really just say that Discord is reformed?" I asked, just in case I heard wrong.
Rainbow Dash slowly nodded, "Yes. Most of us still don't trust him, but he's been pretty 'good' since then."
I fell back and rubbed my head with both of my hooves. I knew the world changed a bunch, but THIS much? What next?
The Crystal Kingdom returned? Princess Luna was back from her exile?
"So what other crazy thing happened? Did Princess Luna finally return?" I sarcastically said.
Dash gave me a nod. "Yup."
I felt my jaw drop. Oh, this cannot be happening...
"...I suppose you'll say that the Crystal Kingdom has also returned and that you and your friends are the bearers of the Elements of Harmony?" I asked weakly.
Rainbow Dash slowly nodded. "Yes, how did you guess?"
I don't think I could be any more shocked at this point. No, scratch that. I could, but I'm pretty sure that my friends aren't around anymore...
"...How...?'
Just before Dash could say anything, I interrupted her.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Let's just stop right there. I don't think I could handle anymore shocks for today." I glanced up at the sky. The moon was still blocked by the cloud-cover, but I bet it wasn't much longer before the Pegasus rearranged the clouds again...
"We better get going. Do you have a place nearby?"
Rainbow Dash shrugged. "Not that close. It's a few miles up ahead in the clouds."
I paused. If we got there before the cloud cover was rearranged...
"How long would it take to get there?"
Rainbow Dash frowned. "Why?"
I pointed toward the sky. "It's going to be Dawn in a few hours and the clouds won't block the sun forever. So how long do we have?"
Rainbow Dash began thinking. "I'm guessing a few minutes if we fly there-"
"Good enough." I said. "Let's fly. Now."
My cloak shifted a bit to form a pair of holes for my wings. I began focusing. I gritted my teeth against each other as I felt a pair of wings emerge from my back. I turned around to look at my handiwork. They weren't perfect: large, black, ragged with more than a few feathers missing, but they would have to do for now.
"Alright, you ready Ripper?" Asked Rainbow Dash. A huge grin spread across her cute face.
Wait, what was I just thin-
"GO!" Rainbow Dash shot up into the air, a rainbow path marking her trail.
"...I should've seen that coming." I muttered before I barely hefted myself off the earth.
Now, I rarely will compliment anyone, but even I've got to admit that she was really freaking fast. Or maybe I was just too slow with these raggedy wings. Or maybe both even! I struggled to even keep up with her trail as I flew towards her. More than once a ray of moonlight shot past me, scarcely missing me. As I saw Rainbow Dash slow down near the cloud that had the house on it, I felt myself release a huge sigh that has been building up in me for a while. Finally, I could rest from this exhausting journey...
In my relief I didn't notice the faint light of the moon peek out from the clouds and shoot right towards me as an arrow. But I sure as Tartarus could feel it!
"AAAAGGH" I screamed as it burned my left wing! Rainbow Dash barely looked up in time to see a hot pegasus diving right towards her! Unfortunately, I was not the kind she was probably hoping for.
"LOOK OUT!" I crashed right besides her into the soft cloud. Rainbow Dash, thankfully for her haste, quickly blew up a gust with her wings to blow the fire off of me. It was NOT an experience that I was willing to go though again...
"Are you alright!" shouted Rainbow Dash as she ran up to me, her eyes wide in shock.
"Ugh, I don't know? I burnt up in midair, burnt off my left wing (Not much of wing it was anyways...), and crashed into a soft, fluffy cloud only to be save by a bea-" I quickly shut my mouth before I said anymore else. The pain was more than a decent reminder and motivator.
Rainbow Dash ran into her home, and ran out a few seconds later carrying a few bandages. She kneeled next to my back and began patching up my wound. She was quiet, but her eyes were filled with worry, and I was giving out the occassional groan of pain, my eyes filled with agony at the prospect of nearly becoming a barbecue on the first day of my new life.
"...I guess you really weren't kidding about the sunlight and moonlight burning you up." She whispered softly, which was amazing considering how loud and angry/happy she was.
"What made you think I was?" I asked. I flinched as she prodded my wound. "It's more my fault I suppose. I wasn't watching too clearly."
Rainbow Dash shook her head as she helped me stand up, "No, it was my fault. I sped off and didn't even consider to think about what would happen if something like this happened." We both walked into her house and I was surprised to see what it was like: The walls had posters with three pegasus and below it the name "The Wonderbolts", and by those were some photos of six mares. The house wasn't especially clean, but it was nice enough at least. Smaller than I expected, but nice.
Rainbow hauled me to the couch and dropped me there.
"Will you be okay?" She asked, her eyes filled with what appeared to be concern.
I gave a grim nod before examining my wound. The area where my left wing was now a large hole in my cloak with a large red blotch where the fire burned. I guess I was lucky that it didn't spread further.
"Yeah. I'll be okay." I mumbled.
She turned around and went to the other room. I moved around a bit, but settle myself comfortably on the couch. From the corner of my eye, I saw Rainbow Dash standing by the doorway looking at me. She stood there for a few more moments before she left.
I couldn't help, but smile. For some reason it made me happy to know that I didn't offend her (Too much), earlier today. Not for the first time today, I was wondering if I was developing feelings for her, but I dismissed the thought as quickly as it came. They weren't feelings. They were just...Remnants of the friendship he had with Skyfall. That was it. Wasn't it?
Author's Note
A short chapter that I cooked up today. And so the plot thickens! A little peek into Ripper's past, which will be explored soon, and his developing relationship with Rainbow Dash (That doesn't mean that they're going to end up together though, but that is a possibility). I hope that you enjoyed this chapter (Although it is short and lacking), and this fanfic in general. I promise that it will get better soon because we all know that whenever there is a colt with as much history as Ripper's, then we sure as heck will see some conflict soon.
Note: His real name is revealed finally! Remember the colt from the beginning of "The Darkness Beyond the Horizon"? That's his name. Dusk. The name is just any old name, as it has some importance with it.
