//------------------------------//
// Chapter 2: Limbo 
// Story: Equestria's Black Swordsman 
// by TheEveryDaySparkle 
//------------------------------//

	Guts awoke to a strange feeling washing over his body. It was a feeling he did not remember, a feeling he had not felt for so long, that it seemed like it would never be felt again.

Warmth.

He felt oh so warm. It was as though he was back with the Band of The Hawks, or even better, back in his mother's arms. Not that he could remember what that felt like, considering his upbringing. He just assumed that if he could remember, that is what he would see in his mind.

He welcomed it, along with the darkness he was seeing, as he believed that it was death, giving him final comfort before his cross over to the other side.

But, just his luck, it turned out he would not be dying, for as he floated in the deep, dark void of nothingness that was what he believed to be the afterlife, he heard a voice. A high pitched, haughty, jester-like voice that immediately made him regret not really being dead.

"Well, hi there!" Guts turned his head to see a strange creature who, despite walking on two legs, was nothing like a human. It had a strange mouth that was more like a muzzle, two mismatched horns and feet, a long serpent like body, and a dragon's tail.

Not exactly the strangest thing Guts had ever seen, but it was certainly the most tacky in terms of monsters. Not that he really cared how it looked as it was about to be dead. Guts glared at it while remaining silent.

"Not exactly the most talkative of my many acquaintances are you?"

Guts simply stared back at the being who was apparently his new roommate in the void.

"Oh fine, be that way. You won't make any friends where you're going with that attitude."

Now Guts was interested. "What do you mean, 'Where i'm going'?"

"Ah, so you can speak! Yes, well, about that...You're not dead. Well, at least not yet anyway."

"What do you mean i'm not dead. That horde of damned souls swallowed me whole."

"Oh you mean that grotesque abomination of liquid hell spawn? Such a nasty thing that one. I simply scooped you up before it had the chance to fully kill you, and brought you here. A little bit bit better, wouldn't ya say? Much less cramped."

Guts remained stone faced. "So, where exactly is 'here'?"

"Oh just a little hole in the space time continuum I made to help you get more comfortable."

Guts' eyes widened, but then he suddenly smiled. "Space time continuum eh? I like it. So, what exactly are you? Some kind of god?"

"Yes, actually. Discord, God of chaos at your service." He bowed.

Guts laughed. Yes, actually laughed. Out loud. "Ahahahahahaha! Not bad. But, if that's true, then you're the funniest looking god i've ever seen."

"Yes, well, I suppose my appearance can be a bit...unsettling at times. But anyway, back to the matter at hand. You are not dead. You are still alive, if just barely."

Guts sat up. "So, If that is the case, then I have a question."

"Go ahead, ask away my friend."

"Why did you help me? Why does a god like you care about a bug like me?"

"Well, there's the million dollar question, isn't it, my friend? Why did I help you? I'm afraid that's something you'll just have to find out for yourself. However, I will say this."

Guts waited patiently for the god to finish his sentence.

"You are alive. you are alive after surviving a grueling life of nothing but death, blood and battle."

Guts simply nodded his head at this, knowing the god spoke the truth.

"Wouldn't you like to escape all that? To finally put to rest all your pain and suffering and start a new life, in a better, more peaceful world?"

Guts smirked at this. Through experience he knew that no world was peaceful. No world would ever escape the call of war and despair. All he ever knew since he was a child was survival and battle. It was his life. It was what made him the man he is today. He knew that whatever world the god spoke of must, like all others, have its own wars and battles of some kind. But still, the idea of taking it easy for at least a little bit did sound a little appealing.

"Yeah, I guess I would."

"Perfect, because it's almost time for you to arrive!"

"Wha-what?!"

"Oh did I not tell you? We've been heading there ever since you got here."

Guts only smiled again. "You sneaky god."

"Yes, I suppose I can be quite the trickster. But I am the god of chaos after all. Now, about your name..."

"What about my name?"

"Guts is a bit um...well, gory, don't you think? I vote we change it."

"Well, that name only brings back bad memories. I guess we  could change it. But to what?"

"Um....how about...Blood Hoof?"

Guts thought about the strange name for a moment before giving his answer.

"Sure."

"And we should probably do something about that strange symbol of yours."

Now Guts was surprised. He could remove the symbol on his neck? How? This symbol was placed by the most powerful demons of his universe! Then again, this was a god he was talking to.

"Ah, I know just what to do!" The hod snapped his fingers, but nothing happened.

"Hey god! I thought you said you could remove it!"

"I didn't say I could remove it. i just said we should do something about it. But don't worry. my magic should do what it was designed to."

"Magic, huh? I guess you really are a god."

"What made you think I wasn't? Now, you're late for your arrival. Chop chop! We must get you out of here." With a snap of his fingers, Guts was asleep. taking the ride all the way to a new world. One where war was an afterthought. One where peace reigned. One where he could finally relax and just let go. Or could he?