//------------------------------// // Chapter 14 - Death Hides in the Darkness* // Story: Fallen Stars // by Zachurra //------------------------------// The moon had already risen by the time Vice found himself skulking around a secluded back alley. He paced around as his thoughts raced. “A Demon? Me? I’ll admit that my being an Alicorn is a little strange, but that doesn’t make me some kind of—“ “Monster?” Vice’s ears perked up at the sound of a tranquil and calming voice. His eyes shot towards the where source of the sound came from and locked eyes with a beautiful white mare. Serene gave him a soft smile in response to his confused look. “Serene?” he said, taking a few steps closer, “What are you doing here? Don’t you have a show in—“ Serene Dream suddenly took off further down the alley way, to where Vice lost sight of her. He quickly gave chase. When he turned around the corner, he met not a white mare, but a black Alicorn. Or, at least, he thought he was an Alicorn. His mane was black, his clothing was black; Vice could hardly distinguish him from the shadows that surrounded them. What stood out the most to him, however, was the blindfold that covered his eyes. His look was grim at first, but then softened into a smile. He embraced Vice tightly, “Vice, I’ve been looking everywhere for you!” Vice looked at the strange stallion oddly. “Um… do I know you?” The stallion pulled back, his smile remaining. “You don’t remember me? It’s me, Horrus! I’m sure it’s probably a little hard to recognize me like this, but trust me when I say I am still myself.” “Horrus? Wait, you mean you’re one of those Horsemen guys too?” Horrus’ smile brightened slightly, “You remember?” Vice shook his head, “No… I just remember that guy Dante telling me about you.” And that smile quickly faded. “I see. So you’ve already spoken to Pestilence and War? What did they tell you?” “Just about who you guys are and what you do. Not much else beyond that. By the way, is it true you can..?” He began waving his hoof in front of Horrus’ face. He brushed it away and let out what almost sounded like a forced chuckle. “Yes, I can see just as well as you can. This blindfold is more for my convenience rather than as a sign of handicap.” “If you say so… so, are you going to try and tell me who I really am too?” He said, quickly becoming a bit more skeptical towards this encounter. “Tell you who you are? Of course not, you already know who you are.” Horrus began circling around Vice until they stood side-by-side, “I have no right to tell you who you are. But, I can tell you what you can become.” Horrus tapped his hoof on the ground twice. The shadows around them seem to pull back, revealing a white mare being held down by two Changelings. “Serene!” Vice tried to run towards her, but Horrus held him back. “You see," Horrus began, "Dante and War and I seem to be at a crossroads.” He began walking towards his hostage, making sure to keep his eyes on Vice in case he tried to move again. “They have sided with these ponies, while I have agreed to aid these misunderstood creatures. They are the Changelings, no doubt you’ve heard of them.” “Yeah, I know them…" He spoke through gritted teeth, "They kill innocent ponies and suck away their love!” “Because they have no choice!” Horrus snapped. After a deep breath to calm himself, he continued, “The Changelings are a dying race. They were once a strong people, who only needed little in order to survive. Love is an infinite resource, especially in a world such as this. These ponies, however, see them as nothing more than parasites. They have been starved nearly to extinction!” Horrus began bee lining straight towards Vice, who still kept his eyes locked with Serene’s. “I’ll be damned again before I sit back and watch as a race is driven into the ground like this.” The two kept a glare with each other for quite a while. Vice was the first to finally speak. “…and what do you want with me…” Horrus's sudden anger subsided just as quickly as it had come. Now his tone was softer, even somber. “All I ask of you… All I can ask of you, is for your help. Help me save this race. They deserve better than this. Maybe if there are two of us, we can help convince the Princesses that there is a way for both sides to win out. If things continue as they will... a full-scale war will be inevitable.” Horrus circled around Vice once more, stopping again by his side. He watched as Vice stared unblinkingly at Serene. The two Changelings that held her down bared their teeth, ready to do what was necessary if he refused. “You already lost her once…” Horrus said into Vice’s ear, loud enough for only him to hear, “Don’t let her slip away again.” Horrus hid a smile as he saw Vice’s eyes begin to water. He hastily shut his eyes, refusing to show anymore weakness. His quick breathing and the seemingly thunderous beating of his heart betrayed any attempts at showing his strength. He took one last look at Serene before letting out a huff. “I’ll help you…” Vice felt Horrus put his hoof on his shoulder. The attempt at comfort was futile, although appreciated. “You’ve made the right decision Vice. We’re going to save a lot of lives.” Horrus was surprised to see Vice turn his head and glare at him. “On one condition.” Horrus smiled. He knew he had already won, no matter what the request was. “Anything.” “Serene stays out of this…” So predictable. “You have my word.” Horrus’ horn began to glow, and the shadows waved and shivered across the ground, eventually coming together beneath Vice’s hooves. “The location of the Changeling hive is far from here. This spell will transport you directly there.” “And what about you? Aren’t you coming with me?” “I’ll be taking miss Serene back home personally. I will arrive shortly after you.” Vice opened his mouth, but decided against saying anything. He nodded and found himself sinking down into the shadows. It was a strange feeling, like sliding down into wet sand. Horrus watched with a reassuring smile as he watched his friend sink down into dark oblivion. As soon as he was gone from sight, his smile grew more sinister. “Ah, to be young and in love again… Beautiful, isn’t it Chryssy?” The Changelings snickered as they straightened themselves up. Serene rose to her hooves, only to begin melding into a new shape. Chrysalis scoffed at his childish nickname for her. “To think you would go so far to deceive one of your own. You may as well already consider yourself a part of the family.” “All I’m missing are the holes in my legs.” Chrysalis found no humor in the joke. She didn’t trust the black Alicorn in the slightest, and trusted him even less after he so easily toyed with the emotions of the one he had fought alongside for so long. She felt that Horrus had much larger plans beyond helping the Changelings, and would be quick to throw them away as soon as they were no longer needed. Her mother dismissed such accusations on the spot when she had made her thoughts known, much to her dismay. Horrus’ horn began to glow and two blades floated out of the shadows and slid onto his back. “Now, shall we return home? It’s rather late, and I’d hate to mess up my sleep schedule.” Don’t think I don’t watch you. Sleeping is the last thing on your to-do list.