//------------------------------// // Kindling // Story: A Spark of Insanity // by Scourge012 //------------------------------// Wow. Alright. This train really sucks. You'd think they'd make the ride smoother to protect all of the 'precious goods', but no. It's bumpy as hell and I hate it. But while I'm stuck on this ride, I figure I'll take a little inventory. I currently hold: one Kimber Warrior .45 calibre pistol, its holster, three eight round magazines, making twenty-four bullets for my gun. I'm going to have to use it sparingly. As you probably guessed, I've also got a knife. To be specific, it's a silver seven inch Ka-Bar with it's sheath. Also in my possession is one broken-ass walkie-talkie. I don't know why I still carry it around. Those three things, the clothes on my back, and the various belts, bracelets, and necklaces are all I've got. But it's all I'll need. You've probably noticed that I'm not where I should be. Yes, as much of a suprise as this may come to you, I'm not from Equestria. I don't remember much about what my life was like before I came here. It's... kinda been a long time. All I really know is something happened, some sort of accident, and now I'm here. But you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. I may have gotten trapped in stone, but before that, and now, I constantly experience a freedom unlike anything I've ever felt before. And power. I feel a power over these ponies. They used to fear me. And soon, they will again. ---------- Owlowiscious had never really liked his name. It was long, annoying, and hard to say. Something like Hedwig would have been nicer, but such is the life of a pet owl. Hearing a fiery belch, he quickly woke from his nap and turned his head to investigate. Spike, that little dragon he found rather annoying but respected and sometimes admired, was holding a scroll and running towards his master, Twilight Sparkle. Owls have very good hearing, so he didn't even need to strain his ears to hear their conversation. "Twilight!" Spike exclaimed. "Yes Spike," She replied, turning from the bookshelf she had been sorting. "What is it?" "You've got a letter." The dragon exclaimed, holding it up. Taking the letter in her magical grip, the unicorn examined it. "From who?" "By the look of the seal, Princess Celestia." "Ooooooh!" The lavender mare smiled, eyes lighting up. "Let's see what it says!" Dear Twilight Sparkle, I write you this letter with a sense of urgency. Another one of the dangerous beings previously held captive in Canterlot Gardens has broken free. The royal guard and I are searching Canterlot as you read this, but I suspect he may have already escaped the city. If he has, there's a chance he may come to ponyville. Unfortunately, scouring all of Canterlot is taking a lot of time and effort from the royal guard. Never the less, I will spare a few soldiers to keep ponyville safe. These soldiers will bring the elements of harmony with them. Do not hesitate to turn this being to stone. He is called insanity. As the name implies, he is psychotic and unpredictable. You will easily recognize him as he is one of the few bipedal creatures in equestria. He possesses no magical abilities, but he is dangerous in combat. Do not engage him if you have another solution. Get to your friends. Keep them safe. I have the utmost faith in you. -Princess Celestia. "This is bad." Twilight breathed, lowering the letter and beginning to hyperventilate. "This is really bad." "Hey! Cheer up, Twilight." Spike exclaimed. "You guys beat Discord, and he was a reality-warping spirit of chaos! From the what I heard from that letter, he just sounds like some crazy dude who punches people. I'm pretty sure you guys can take him." "You know what, Spike?" Twilight answered, a small smile creeping onto her face. "I think you're right. I'm totally overreacting." "I mean, you're the Elements of Harmony! Nothing can stop you guys." "Okay Spike that's-" Twilight said, feeling like this was going a bit too far. "You're so tough, and strong, and-" Spike continued. "Alright, I'm just going to get the girls and bring them to the library. Then I'll explain our situation to them." Twilight exclaimed quickly, slamming the door on her way out. "Jeez. What's her problem?" Spike asked no one in particular, as he waddled away. Owlowiscious hooted once as his head rotated to follow the young drake. What a strange dragon. He thought to himself, before going back to sleep. ---------- Well, the Everfree Forest is just as much as much fun as I remember. Once you get into the denser parts of it, everything gets really... spiky. I mean seriously, what's the point of putting thorns on everything? I've been poked in places I didn't even know I had. No, not like that. After I jumped the train, which obviously doesn't stop at the forest, I took off in a dead sprint until I was obscured by the trees. I don't want to be seen by anything. Not yet, anyway. In case you were wondering, I'm not simply wandering around this painful forest without good reason. I'm looking for something... a sign. And I'm pretty sure I just found it. Brushing the dirt away at the base of a tree, I lay eyes on exactly what I was looking for. To a normal person, it wouldn't look like much, just a scribble of chalk. But to me, it's so much more. At the base of this tree, is an eye. Or more accurately, a drawing of one done in white chalk. I'm getting close. ---------- After about an hour of cuts, bruises, and scrapes later I've arrived at what I think is my destination. It's located pretty close to the very heart of the Everfree, where the jungle is the densest and the spikes are the spikiest. From what I can tell, the outpost is pretty well maintained. There aren't any walls to it, and it seems to have about a dozen buildings constructed from assorted materials, with a few ponies patrolling the area, armed with various swords and daggers. Personally, I'm just surprised it's still standing, seeing as I founded it about a thousand years ago. That's right. Right when I first got here, one of the first things I did was gain some followers. It wasn't really all that hard. You give a few speeches in public areas along with promises of gold and various other riches, and these ponies will do whatever you say. They're so much more gullible than humans. I took whoever would follow me into the forest and proceeded to build a base camp. We pillaged and whatnot, pretty much just living off of other ponies’ misery. Chances are, the pirates I originally put together have long since disbanded, and this is just some gang occupying the place. Either way, I’m sure I can get them to work for me. Criminals tend to change allegiances pretty quickly. Almost casually, I leave the bush I was hiding in and stroll right up to the front gates. As about fifteen assorted and very menacing weapons are thrust into my face, preventing me from taking another step. I tap then end of a spear quickly with my finger, testing to see how sharp it is. “It’s nice to see you too, amigo.” ---------- “So why’d ya go and bring us all here, Twi?” Applejack asked, one eyebrow raised. “I’m also curious.” Rarity interjected. All six of the Elements of Harmony were currently standing in the library, five of them looking rather confused. “Before I tell everyone the news, I need to be sure you’ll remain calm. Okay?” The purple mare asks. Fives mares nodded in response. “Alright. So, earlier today I received a letter from Princess Celestia.” Five sets of eyes watch closely, unsure if the news will be good or bad. “In the letter, she explained that one of the captives in Canterlot Gardens has broken free and is currently somewhere in Equestria. She said that-“ “Wait a second.” Rainbow dash interrupted. “You mean like the Canterlot Gardens Discord came from?” “Yes.” Twilight answered as she raised an eyebrow. “What other Canterlot Gardens are there?” Fluttershy responded to this news by attempting to make herself as small as possible. “So there’s another super scary villain we have to face?” Pinkie questioned, seeming quite unfazed by the news. “Not exactly.” Twilight replied. “This being, or 'Insanity' as he is called, possesses no magic abilities. I’ve been told he is a skilled combatant, but as long as we don’t fight him, we should be fine.” “That’s good ta know.” The orange added. “But how do we know what this feller looks like?” “I’ve been told he’s bipedal. I also have a feeling-“ Rainbow Dash raised her hoof. “Yes?” Twilight asked. “What’s a bipedal?” Twilight face-hoofed. “Two legs, Dashie. Two legs.” “Oh!” The pegasus nodded. “Okay.” “Celestia is going to send some of the royal guard here to Ponyville to protect us and they should arrive in a few days. So until then, what do you girls think we should do?" "What if we were to move in pairs?" Rarity suggested. "I second that!" The rainbow mare added with a grin. "Get it?" "Sounds like a good Idea to me." Twilight replied. "All opposed say nay!" Six mares were silent. "Okay. Fluttershy, you're with Rainbow Dash. Applejack with Pinkie, and Rarity, you're with me." "Splendid!" Rarity exclaimed. "I'm going to have an 'Applejack's hanging out with me all day' party!" The pink earth pony practically yelled. "Hoo boy." Applejack huffed as she was dragged from the library towards Sugarcube Corner. "C'mon Flutters!" Rainbow Dash said, nudging fluttershy with her hoof. "Don't you have like, some, animals to help or something?" At that, the timid pony's face brightened. "Actually, there's this bear at my house with a sprained ankle. He's in a lot of pain and he seems to bite anyone who tries to help him. If you could hold him down while I fix it, I'd be really grateful." "Eheh." Rainbow chuckled uneasily, unsure what she was getting into. "Sure Flutters. Whatever you say." While Rarity began to tell the purple unicorn all about a new fashion line she was working on, Twilight began to relax. She couldn't help thinking, I think we're actually going to be okay. ---------- I'm pretty sure I'm not going to be okay. I mean- these knives look really sharp and there's a lot of them pointed at me. That would make anyone worried. Plus these ponies look tough. They've all got scars, either from bites, claws, or burn marks. That's good. I'll need tough ponies for what I have planned. "What do you want?" A gruff stallion with a red bandanna over his mouth growls at me. "How did you find this hideout?" "Thats... pretty simple." I reply, spreading my arms wide, as if gesturing to the entire base. "I built it." "Bullshit." One spits. "This place has been here forever." I give him a flat look before breaking into a grin. I can tell my canines are freaking him out a bit. "So have I." He's unsure what to say to that, so I turn away and talk to the other ponies who are pointing their weapons at me. "Listen to me." I start. "I don't want... to hurt any of you." "Oh? Then why are you here?" The masked pony asks, getting ahold of himself. I let the focus of my gaze leave him, instead concentrating on the buildings. "Why... am I here?" I ask, repeating the question. "I am here, to join you!" I point back at him, now. "Or more specifically, to lead you." He looks stunned. Then he breaks into a bit of a chuckle. "Well, sorry buddy. We've already got a leader." "Oh?" I ask. "Well then, let me see him." He mulls this over for a second before nodding. He obviously can't see the harm in it. That, or he really doesn't like his whoever's in charge. A couple moments later I'm in front of one of the buildings. This one seems to be much more lavishly decorated than the others. A bear skin is splayed out in front of the door, mouth spread wide open. One of the ponies walks to the front door and knocks on it three times. "Hey boss! There's somepony here to see you." Then we stand back as what has got to be the biggest earth pony I have ever seen squeezes through the doorway. He's a little taller than I am, easily six feet to my five feet ten inches. I mean he's got to be a freak of nature, because most ponies aren't much taller than four feet. He's got a wicked build, too. Well, for a pony I guess. His hooves are easily as big as my head. Gunmetal grey coat, too. When he sees me, he simply lets out a grunt. "Wow." I say, dumbstruck. "You got a name, big guy?" "Bull." One of the stallions answers for him. Bull. That makes sense. He's got one of those nose piercings like you'd put on a bull. He's completely bald, and by the look of it, blind in one eye. He's got three scars running down his face, one of them rakes down his eyeball. His chest and fore hooves are also covered with scars. Claws made them, from what I can tell. "So." I start, clasping my hands together like a businessman would. "What makes you-" I point at him. "-fit to lead these stallions?" I finish by gesturing to the crowd that had gathered when Bull had left his house. The same stallion who spoke for the giant nudges me before saying, "Bull here beat a bear to death with nothing but his hooves once. I'd say that makes him leader material." "I agree." My response clearly shocks most of the ponies in the crowd. "Alright." I say, sounding bored as I walk up to the goliath. "Lets just... cut to the chase." He cocks his head to one side slightly, so I'm pretty sure he's listening to me. "I-" I speak slowly, pointing to myself as I do so. "-want to lead... these ponies." I point to the crowd. I get no response. "You... are currently leading these ponies." I point to him, then to the crowd again. "Do you see the problem here?" He stares at me for a second before nodding, slowly. "Oh!" I exclaim, scratching the back of my head. "That's great hermano, because I thought for a second there that you didn't-" I'm cut off by the sound of a knife being unsheathed. Looking, I see that Bull is now holding a machete. I reach for my knife, but stop as he turns to his side and slashes the side of the house, leaving it embedded there. "So that's... how we're gonna do it?" I ask raising my eyebrows. "Fine by me." I take my knife and stab it onto the side of the house, beside the machete. The crowd of ponies quickly forms a circle, the giant standing on the opposite end of it, studying me with curiosity. It looks as though our fight is going to take place in the clearing of the base. The buildings all line up opposite to each other, while Bull's house is on the end. As he takes a step towards me and I to him, the background fades away as colors and noises blend together and lose focus until it's just me and Bull. He makes the first move. Letting out a roar, he charges me, hooves held above his head. He brings them down to crush me, and I sidestep. His hooves meet nothing but the ground as I kick his head with my right foot. He stumbles. After he regains his balance, I notice a bruise on the left side of his face. He stands up on his back hooves so that he towers over me and throws a left hook. I block with my left arm and counter with my elbow. As it smashes into his chin, his head snaps back, a thin trail of scarlet follows it. I duck under a clumsy haymaker and hit him with three jabs to the face before landing a kick on his chest that sends him sprawling. He's back up quick, though. He puts his head down and charges me again, I simply move to the side and he misses completely. I can't help but let out a chuckle. Tired already? My celebrations are cut short as a punch connects with my jaw, knocking me off balance. My visions swims for a split second as I shake my head to clear it and face my opponent once again. Lucky shot. I grab his next jab, twist the leg I'm holding, and bring my knee to his ribs. Hearing a satisfying crack, I throw an uppercut that knocks him back onto the ground. He looks up at me, his eyes wide. He's panicking. Looking around quickly, he spots the same thing my vision is focusing on. His machete. Because I knocked him down closer to the weapon, he gets to it first. As he slashes at me, I notice that any trace of a fighting style is long gone is this stallion. His attacks are wild. Unpredictable. He brings the machete downwards and I jump backwards to avoid it. Instead of simply withdrawing it for another swing, he whips it upwards, and slashes me on my left shoulder. White hot pain shoots up my arm and across my chest as I scream in pain. He grins with a bruised face and bloodied nose as he prepares to stab with the machete. As he does, I move out of the way, grabbing the hoof holding the weapon and forcing it closer to the ground. Then I stomp on the knee joint. The sound of his scream mixes with a sickening crunch. Bending the leg in ways it should not, I bring the machete at eye level with him. For a split second, I gaze into his eyes, wide and terrified. His screams are cut off as I force the machete into his throat. Almost immediately, his hoof slips from the weapon and he falls backward onto the ground. Slowly, The world comes back into focus. I'm aware that the crowd has doubled in size since we began fighting. I'm also aware that almost all of them are staring in shock, their eyes filled with fear. Panting, I yell to the crowd. "Anyone else?" They continue to stare. The crimson pool around the giant continues to grow. Finally, the same pony who had spoken for their former leader trots up to me. His eyes are full of something else. Respect. "Is there anything I can get you, boss?" He asks. I look at him, a smile creeping onto my face. "I want a cheeseburger, some pussy, and a cigarette." I walk into Bull's house, hoping that he knew what at least two of those things were.