//------------------------------// // Double Sided (Currently working on) // Story: Stained Chronicles // by rubyde1uxe //------------------------------// DO NOT SKIP STORIES OR ELSE NONE OF THIS STORY WILL MAKE SENSE! Chapter 1: All Fine & Dandy Words in chapter: 1,096 It was a beautiful spring morning in Everfree and RD was taking heed on his weekly routine to start his day. He opened his curtains and his window to let in the fresh warm sun shine into his room. As he looked outside he could see Pip, the new proud owner of a newspaper company walking jollily to deliver a newspaper to RD’s house. Pip and RD were great friends back in Elementary School when they were just little colts. He remembered that Pip said that one day he wanted to own a newspaper company. Of course, the other kids thought that it was a boring job as well as a job for dummies. RD didn’t think that. So he supported him and his dreams so he could help them be achieved. And look at him now.. Fully grown and owning the job of his dreams. “Tally Ho RD sir!” greeted Pip as he placed a newspaper on the porch. “Hello fine friend of mine!” RD greeted back, “Any new news today?” “Yes sir!” Pip replied, “The town is taking donations to help rebuild the elementary school. Would you like to donate?” “Indeed! I’ll drop the donation below!” RD said as he put the bits in a little bag. He then dropped his donation below for Pip to collect. “Thank you sir! Have a splendid day!” Pip shouted shortly after walking off. ‘It looks like the sun wasn’t the only thing that said good morning,’ RD chuckled a little at the thought as he continued getting ready. He combed his hair out of his silly mess and made it stylish like he would do everyday. Next he brushed his teeth. He wanted to make sure that his teeth were as clean as Celestia’s flank. I mean, who would want to not look their best? As he was brushing, he began to think about Pip and his business. He found it odd that a owner of a newspaper company would go out himself and deliver newspapers. He had other clients and co-workers. So RD assumed that he didn’t want to be locked up in a room counting money. It seemed like a pretty good thing for his newspaper business. It would show that the boss wasn’t some kind of selfish money thirsty pony but some loving a sweet boss that cared for not only his business but also for everypony else. Finally, after brushing, he got his little shot of coffee and opened the front door.The air was fresh and the butterflies were flying to and fro to each flower to collect its juicy yellow nectar. And, once again, the sun shined before his eyes, greeting him as he stepped out of his little cottage. As he kept walking he noticed that almost everyone was on their way to work today. The Milk Mare was making her deliveries of milk to all who ordered. He saw Pip again bustling to get the newest article about the upcoming events to every other pony’s doorsteps. Even Mayor Mare was out today. She had a meeting with Twilight Sparkle to attend to about the laws that will be addressed or changed. ‘Man. It looks like everypony has somewhere to be. Heh… Even me,’ RD thought as he started on his way to the train station. RD was heading to the Crystal Empire today to do a little research on Witchcraft and the zebra species. He would’ve loved being able to work as a doctor at the Ponyville Hospital but he would have to get another ten years of undergrad school to get his doctorate degree. Plus, he doesn’t want any of it again. ______________________________________________________________________________ At the train station stood lots of ponies, some leaving to get to other places across Equestria, and others who found business here in Everfree. RD did notice a few familiar faces. Like Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Starlight Glimmer. Pinkie and Rarity were heading to Manehattan to visit Maud and get her a gift. RD knew about this due to Pinkie’s excitement and very loud talking. Starlight was heading somewhere, but RD didn’t know (Man… If only he would have the nerve to talk to her). Finally, it was their turn to enter the train. The train insides (also outsides) was colored in bright whites and pinks, with the complementary colors of browns, blues, and yellows. The seats were not what you would see on trains you would see today, but were highly taken care of, cleaned, and colorful (mostly pink). RD was thankful for the janitors and their standards ‘cause (like everypony else) hates getting germs and sicknesses from public places. After finding a seat, RD sat down and waited for the train to start on its destination. The ponies poured into the seats of the train till there were no seats left (well due to the small amount heading to the Crystal Empire there were plenty of seats to sit in). RD, thinking this is going to be a silent ride was suddenly startled when (you guess it) Starlight Glimmer sat in the seat beside him. “Excuse me sir?” Starlight asked, “Is this seat taken?” “No, the seat hasn’t been taken. You’re welcome to sit here,” RD said politely. Trying not to make anything awkward. RD, as much as he’s a great friend to everyone, is very bad at starting conversations. Especially when it comes to acquaintances. The only thing that matters is that he tries. “Sense we have already spoken, plus sitting next to each other… Allow me to introduce myself,” RD said as both him and Starlight slowly got to know each other. The two talked, share jokes, and shared secrets. Of course (as you might have expected), they became friends. “So, Starlight. Where are you heading this evening?” RD asked, full of curiosity. “Oh, you know… The usual,” Starlight started, “I’m heading to the Crystal Empire library to study with one of my friends, Sunburst.” “Huh? That’s weird,” RD said, finding the thought odd. “I’m also heading to the Crystal Empire library to study.” Starlight’s face lit up. “You wonder what we should do?” “What?” “You should come with me to study with Sunburst!” Starlight exclaimed. “Yeah!” RD also exclaimed. “Let's do it!” And so the two of them decided to study together with Sunburst at the Crystal Empire library. This will help not only the two bond and have their friendship grow, but will help RD and Sunburst grow a friendship too. They all look like they can all be good friends, but hey… Lets not break into conclusions. ______________________________________________________________________________ Chapter 2: Dark Reminders, Darker Memories Words in chapter: 1,559 The Crystal Empire was just beyond reach of the train. The empire shined and glistened in the mid-afternoon sun, showing its many, lustful crystals and their, vibrant colors. It has been a few hours since the train has left Everfree and RD and Starlight were out like the light, taking a glisten-full, relaxing nap after a long talk of getting to know each other. “We have arrived at the Crystal Empire! Everyone exit the train!” Shouted the conductor. The passengers groaned as they got off the train. I couldn’t blame the passengers for being groggy after a few hour train ride. After the first few ponies exited, RD and Starlight were next ones out of the train. “So, Starlight. How is this, Sunburst that you told me about on the train?” RD asked, letting curiosity flow through his veins. “Well… He is a very nice colt. Plus, He’s also a really powerful unicorn.” Starlight pulled RD through the large crowd of ponies, trying to get to the main center of the empire. “Interesting… I can’t wait to meet him!” RD exclaimed, “Common! Let's head to the library!” ______________________________________________________________________________ They finally arrived at the Crystal Empire library. (Just like the empire) The library glistened with beautiful sapphires and amethysts. Not only was the library beautiful, but it was also big. Shelves and shelves of books were aligned side by side. Dividing into multiple genres. From horror to mystery, romance to science fiction. You name it, they had any kind of book you could find. Of course (as you might expect out of a library) there weren't many ponies. Maybe 10 or 20 ponies, but not large numbers. There was this, one pony, who had an orange and white mane, with a small beard and glasses, along with a blue robe. He had stacks and stacks of books where he sat. This pony was Sunburst. “Hey, Sunburst!” Starlight greeted, putting her hooves around Sunburst. “It’s nice to see you too, Starlight! Sunburst greeted back, returning the hug, “Who did you bring with you?” “Oh, it’s just a new friend of mine! Starlight explained, “This here is RD, he and I met at the train station. He told me he was heading here to do some research on the ancient zebras. So… We decided to go together here so we can have a study group!” “It’s nice to meet you, Sunburst.” RD greeted in a nice, friendly voice. “It’s nice to meet you too,” Sunburst said, getting the books in the order they will study. Sense Sunburst had already gotten all the books that Starlight and himself were going to study, RD went to go find some books about ancient zebra civilizations. Of course Starlight (so that he wouldn’t get lost in this so called labyrinth), went with him to help him find what he was looking for. RD had mistakenly misjudged the bookshelves’ sizes. The shelves tower above RD with thousands of books (in order by author) neatly placed side by side. It would’ve been nice if RD had wings to fly, so it would make the job easier. He could fly with magic, but he has never learned the ‘everyday’ magic unicorns use with their horns. Now that RD recalls…. He has never used his horn in his entire lifetime! “Alright. Let's look under the Zs,” Starlight was already looking through each book, “You look on the top shelves, I’ll look on the bottom,” Starlight, working through each book one by one, saw that RD hadn’t started looking through his part. “RD? How come you haven’t started looking through the top shelves yet?” Starlight asked, curious, “You have a horn… You can just use your magic to get the books.” “That's the problem…” RD said, trying to not sound like he’s embarrassed, but rather dissapointed, “Starlight, I don’t know how to use magic….” “You…. Don’t know how to use magic?” Starlight asked, thinking that’s an excuse for being lazy. “Believe me! I was never sent to school to learn. Plus, my parents didn’t specialize or know anything about the magic the unicorns use today. Therefore, I never learned anything about casting a spell, levitating something, none of it!” RD explained, on the verge of tears of embarrassment. “Oh…. Sorry,” Starlight apologized, realizing how rude she was being. “Hey. After we finish finding your books.. Maybe I can teach you how to use magic?” “That, would be nice..” RD said, cheering up. After that little personal moment, Starlight called over Sunburst to help her search for RD’s books (due to not knowing how to use magic and all). They were able to find a couple books about the ancient Zebra Aztecs. Which, was very surprising. The only zebra that anyone knows is Zecora. She has taught RD a thing or two about her ancestor, but you can know so much about your own kind. Both, Starlight and Sunburst, head over to the table they were going to study at and placed five new books on the table. They sat down, getting comfortable just enough to study. “Alright, RD,” Starlight started, “What do you wanna study first? Ancient Zebra Aztecs or magic?” RD (surprised that he was the one to choose), really didn’t know what to start first. He was dying to learn some basic magic spells so he could use his horn in a jiffy, but he also wanted to study the Aztecs. “As much as I want to start learning magic now, I really also want to start reading about the Aztecs… RD mumbled, trapped in his thoughts. “It would be best to start with the simpler one first.” RD had made his decision, “Starlight, I would love to start with the Ancient Zebra Aztecs.” After RD had told Starlight (and Sunburst too), she opened the first one, Zebra Aztec Practices. They studied and studied, and from time to time they would question why they were the way they were, and make theories, and hypotheses. RD was having a great time so far, until he came across something familiar… “Cool! This chapter is about what they did at their temples and festivals! Also, how they appeased their gods!” Starlight exclaimed, growing more and more excited the more she read. “I do gotta give it to ya, RD..” Sunburst started, “This stuff is pretty interesting! You got a good taste!” “Gee… Thanks…” RD said, feeling rather bashful. “Hey! It says here that they used to sacrifice their kind on the day of le--” “Sa…. Sacrifice!?” Starlight started but was interrupted by RD’s, panic-y voice. His eyes turned into a emotionless, blank stare. RD just staring off into space… In RD’s point of view, his vision was flashed with a bright, white light, taking him to a flashback. ****************************************************************************** “You said you wanted to help me out! Now you change your mind?!” His father screamed, grabbing RD by the neck. “Dad…. I can’t do this…. Please! Don’t make me--” “SHUT UP!” His dad threw him across the small basement room, RD hitting the wooden wall with a large thud. “If you won’t do it… I WILL!” Grabbing the sacrificial knife and trotting over to the sacrifices. Those two were a well strong couple, and were the most important to the one that lingered at home. That one that lingered, was Pip. The two ponies were tied up to chairs, back to back, sitting in the middle of a sacrificial star that represented the mark of the devil. “Dad! Don’t do this to them! They did nothing wrong! PLEASE DAD!” RD begged, trying to reach out to his dad with reason, but they had no effect. The dad brought the blade up ready to strike. “DAD! NO!” RD screamed, but it was already too late. The dad thrusted the blade into the wife, the husband watching, not able to protect her. He kept thrusting, and thrusting till the woman laid lifeless in the chair. He did the same for the father, thrusting the blade rapidly until he laid there lifeless as well. A huge rumble occurred after the action had been done, and then nothing else happened. ****************************************************************************** “RD…. Hey! RD!” Starlight tried getting RD’s attention so they could continue their studying. “Yeah. What is it?” RD asked, trying to act casual. “It’s just that you were staring off into space, with wide eyes.. Are you alright?” Starlight asked, feeling concerned. “Yeah… I’m fine. Let's start studying magic,” RD said, closing the Ancient Aztec book and moving it to the side. So for the rest of that evening, they studied magic. RD (because of his age) was able to catch on very quickly with the mini lessons Starlight and Sunburst gave. RD was now able to levitate an object, turn an object into another object, and teleport. This make RD really happy that he was able to use magic. After the day was over Starlight and RD decided to go head on home. They promised Sunburst that they will return some time to do more studying at the Crystal Empire library. On the train ride, RD was a little quieter this time. Still traumatized by the flashback, he decided to take a little nap, to see if that would help. Plus, he was very tired, so there’s another thing knocked out. He hopes that it doesn’t happen again, but there is no say in that. ______________________________________________________________________________ Chapter 3: Hides Now, Lurks Later Word count: 2470 It has been a few weeks since RD, Sunburst, and Starlight studied together at the Crystal Empire. Ever since that day, RD got magic lessons from Starlight three times a week. His progress so far has been really impressive. He was able to learn a few advanced spells that (of course) he really wanted to learn. It was the afternoon and RD was at his cottage, reading fantasy stories to his heart’s content. He was currently reading the Gypsy's Neece (Get it? Magician’s Nephew but Friendship is Witchcraft version!). Twilight Sparkle (the Princess of Friendship), highly recommended the book for RD due to his love for books, and high demand for long, exciting adventure books. ‘Man, I really should get something to eat for lunch,’ RD thought as he felt his stomach growl, ‘but, where should I go for lunch?’ RD (not being able to continue reading on a empty stomach), closed the book so he could think straight. It didn’t take him long to think of a place he would like to eat at. He was thinking of something sweet, and welcoming. ‘Yeah. I think I will head to the Sugar Cube Corner to get something to eat,’ RD thought, making up his mind, ‘I would also like to talk to Pinkie about getting some cupcakes to give to Starlight later when I head to Twilight’s Castle.’ RD, satisfied with his decision, got up and trotted upstairs to get ready to head out. He (obviously) brushed his teeth, combed his hair, and headed out of his cottage, setting off to Sugar Cube Corner. ______________________________________________________________________________ Ding. The bell to the shop greeted RD as he stepped into the Sugar Cube Corner. The place was splattered with bright pinks, yellows and light blues. The poles of the place was made of the design of white and reds in the pattern of a candy cane, and the tables and chairs with a pattern that represents gingerbread. Blue, pink, and yellow balloons were tied to multiple chairs, and other things. There were many ponies shopping and eating here today (probably because it’s lunchtime). Mr. and Mrs. Cake were rushing back and forth between the kitchen and the cabinets, searching for ingredients to go into their mixture. They had planned on going out of town to attend a bakers banquet in Canterlot. During this time, Pinkie Pie will be in charge of the store for a few hours (it could be days if they decide to go and view around Canterlot). RD entered the line in front of the counter behind two ponies, Lyra and Bon Bon. Once the two ponies got their items, RD was the next one in line. “Hi-a RD!” Pinkie Pie greeted with a large smile on her face, “What will it be today?” “Hey Pinkie!” RD greeted back, “I would like a magnolia and dandelion sandwich please.” Immediately (in a flash) Pinkie brought in the meal RD had asked for. “Is that all?” Pinkie asked. “Um… Pinkie, do you know what Starlight’s favorite cupcake is?” RD asked, trying not to bluff. “Yep! Be right back!” Suddenly Pinkie disappeared into the ground of the Sugar Cube Corner. After a minute, Pinkie came back up with a stack of papers. Each paper were documents of everypony's’ favorite flavors and treats. “Her favorite is white chocolate mint cupcakes.” “I’ll take three of those, please,” RD said, getting the bits that was required to make the purchase. “Out of curiosity… Pinkie, what are you going to do while the Cakes are out of town?” Pinkie’s face lit up as she got the cupcakes ready, “Oh! Today I’m going to hang out with Dashie here in the Sugar Cube Corner and bake new kinds of cupcakes! Plus, Dashie’s number popped up today!” Pinkie was now full of excitement. “Would you like to try new cupcakes with us?” As much as RD loves sweets, he isn’t really a fan of trying new things. It’s just one of those things. Plus, he had lessons with Starlight this afternoon (and he doesn’t wanna miss it). “Sorry, Pinkie. I’m heading to Twilight’s to study magic with Starlight, but thanks for the offer!” RD said, rather disappointed. “Oh! It’s fine! I wish you luck with the studying!” Pinkie said, giving RD a cheerful smile. “Thanks,” RD said to Pinkie, walking out of the Sugar Cube Corner. ______________________________________________________________________________ RD had approach the large, intimidating doors of Twilight’s castle. They were a shade of purple along with the purple and violet, crystal walls. RD, making sure that he would not make it awkward, was stuck in his thoughts. ‘Ok RD, just head through the door and act casual. If Twilight comes around and questions (which she will) how our friendship is doing, just go along with it.’ Finally, RD gave the door (well doors) a nice, sturdy knock, waiting for the invite to come inside. After a minute or two, the doors opened and a friendly Twilight Sparkle was there to greet the new (and handsome) visitor (don’t get any ideas.. Okay?). “Hello fine sir!” Twilight greeted, her smile growing wider, “How are you this evening?” “I’m doing really dandy! How about you?” RD asked, feeling more comfortable the more the conversation kept going. “I’m doing dandy as well. Come on in!” Twilight replied, bringing the guest (RD) inside the large refuge. The castle was made of pink and purple crystals of all sorts of shades, rooms gigantic in size. RD was taken to this room with a large, round table with a map and six chairs around it, and each chair held a picture of each cutie mark that represent each one of the mane six. At first, RD was wondering why they would need such a table with a large map, but he realized (after remembering their retreats) that this was the friendship map they use when they were in need. “Please, have a seat, RD? Was it?” Twilight asked, pulling out a chair for the fine gentlecolt to sit in. “Yes, its RD, and thank you.” RD said, thanking her for being so kind. After that, Twilight left the room and informed Starlight that her ‘friend’ was there. Shortly after, Starlight came into the room, Twilight following as well. “Have fun you two,” Twilight teased, letting out a slight chuckle before leaving the room. Starlight, blushing, closed the doors and set the books that were apart of the magic lesson on the table. “Sorry about that,” Starlight apologized, “Twilight can get carried away with all the ‘shipping’ and all.” “It’s fine. Oh! Hey, thanks for being my magic teacher and all..” RD started, levitating the box of white chocolate mint cupcakes behind his back, “So… As a thank you I got you your favorite kind of cupcakes.” RD pulled out the box that he was hiding behind his back and levitated it over to Starlight. “Oh! Thank you so much! You shouldn’t have!” Starlight said, with a shocked and happy look on her face. “Oh, it’s no problem. I love being there to make a good friend smile.” RD said, putting a sweet tone in his voice, then quickly going to a excited voice, “Now! Let’s get to learning about magic please!” ______________________________________________________________________________ After the two of them casted most of their afternoon away, RD decided to start on his way home so he could catch up on a few things that he needed to get done. So him and Starlight said their goodbyes and RD was off. Really was very satisfied with how much he learned magic over the past couple weeks. He has learned to levitate, teleport, fly, and so many others that if I just dedicated a page describing them it would never end. RD kept thinking about earlier, and how wonderful it has been. Then he remembered Pinkie Pie. Earlier that day, when RD headed to the Sugar Cube Corner to get Starlight’s cupcake order and lunch, he had asked Pinkie what she was gonna do that afternoon. She said something about hanging with Dashie and baking. As well as her ‘number’ popping up. ‘Hey! I should go check on Pinkie and ask her how her day was with Rainbow Dash!’ RD thought excitedly, slipping a little grin on his face. He wouldn’t mind spending a few minutes catching up with a cheerful pony, he had plenty of time. Plus, he didn’t really plan on doing anything at home besides read his Gypsy’s Neece book, and tidy up around his house. Sugar Cube Corner was just around the corner when RD had noticed something… Something that his eyes couldn’t believe seeing… Again…. The place didn’t look as ‘friendly’ as it used to, for guards surrounded the place, keeping up high security. There in the center lied two carriages. One was a carriage that they used to put insane ponies in, the other was a carriage that was used to take sick/injured ponies in. RD tried going into the scene to see what had happened, but was stopped by guards. “Halt!” Shouted one of the guards, “no trespassing the crime scene.” "Sir, please!” RD pleaded, “what happened?!” The guards had the look of fear on their face when he asked them. Finally, after a moment one guard started, “Apparently, the pink party pony was the cause of multiple pony disappearances for years. Saying ‘their number popped up’ (which means expiration date).” “Rainbow Dash was one of her next victims. Luckily, she was able to send a message to Celestia asking for help.” The other guard started, “and that’s where we came in.. Two other guards are bringing out the two ponies.” RD was shocked to hear this, but thanked the two guard ponies for telling him what happened. Two guard ponies came out (that the guard just mentioned), dragging away a pink pony inside a straight jacket. Underneath the protective parts was a dress made of cutie marks, a necklace made of unicorn horns, and pegasi wings on the back. After a moment, RD realized who this was. It was Pinkie… RD next saw Rainbow Dash…. She was on a transportable hospital bed, bleeding in the process. She looked different… Skin darkened as if put through an electric outlet, her wings looked as if they were hacked/sawed off, her thighs (where her cutie marks would’ve been) were skinned, her cutie marks probably skinned off during the insane, pink horse’s incisions. Dash was no longer a proud, loyal, blue pegasus anymore, but a cutie mark-less, flightless, pegasus. RD felt so terrible for Rainbow. With the state she is in now, she won’t become a wonderbolt any time soon. He also felt bad for Pinkie. Whatever was driving Pinkie to the state she’s in now, was wished to be gone. After they were able to load the both of them into their proper carriages, they were off.. Immediately, RD rushed home, wanting to do something very important… ______________________________________________________________________________ The door to RD’s cottage flung open, RD rushing to his writing desk. That desk was covered in layers and layers of art pieces and storyboards that he had worked on over the years. Some were a success, some were scratched out, some were improved or colored, some were incomplete. He swiped them off the desk and placed an envelope, writing paper, ink, and feather on the desk, writing on the paper. He wrote; Dear Rainbow Dash, I saw what had happened to you the other evening and I couldn’t help feeling really bad. Most of you life’s dreams were in need of your wings, and your mark that makes you, well.. You is now gone as well… You would also have to deal with lots of taxes, and hospital bills when you do recover.. So, I sent you the amount of bits (money) that is needed to pay for the hospital bill. I also threw in a couple more so you could get prosthetic wings so you will be able to fly like you did at the young flier’s competition. Oh, and if you need anypony to talk to… I’m here. -Your best wishes RD RD folded the note, placed into the envelope, sealed it, stamped it, and put a return address as well as the receiver's address. He then walked outside and put it in his mailbox, for Derpy Hooves will take it and send it to the location tomorrow. RD went back inside and grabbed his Gypsy’s Neece book and started reading till his eyes grew weak. ****************************************************************************** RD pierced the blade into his father’s chest, stopping him in his tracks. His dad (slowly) started choking on blood that spurted into his lungs, suffocating him. His struggles weakened till he wasn’t in this world anymore. He had to do it… If he didn’t he would’ve been dead, even worse… He would’ve been a soul the devil would snack on. RD felt something different that day… He felt good…. Pretty good in his case… He never had felt more alive… He started his massive rampage… One by one, ponies were killed in cold blood, making RD unstoppable. This is what RD enjoyed doing the most… Killing others, causing pain, being a bigger cause. RD was now chasing somepony that looked similar to himself.. It didn’t take long for the prey to tire out. The doppelganger was backed into a corner of an alleyway, eyes full of fear and terror. “Please! Don’t do this?” The pony begged, but was cut off by a slit to the throat. The pony then choked to death on its own blood. ****************************************************************************** “Ah!” RD shouted, waking up, his heart racing from the horrific nightmare. His heart racing, his lungs short of oxygen, and his body doused with a pool of sweat. “It was one of those dreams again… Huh..” RD mumbled, walking to the bathroom so he could freshen up. The bathroom was tinted with shades of red, blacks, and white tiles. Towels perfectly folded and hanged over each rack, everything on the counters placed in the perfect way. RD approached the sink. He plugged the sink cork in, turned the hot faucet and the cold one a little to get the water nice and warm. Not too hot, not too cold. He let the water fill the sink. RD then doused his face with the warm, relaxing water to attempt to clear his thoughts that caused his horrid nightmare. ‘Just wash your bad thoughts away, and everything will be fine.’ RD thought, finally relaxing. He repeated this process till his face was clear of dry sweat. “It’s been awhile… Friend…” Came a dark and creepy voice from behind, “Did you miss me?” RD froze, now processing the sound of the voice in his mind. It sounded familiar... He then, turned around to see someone that should’ve been gone long ago…. Himself.... ______________________________________________________________________________