//------------------------------// // Chapter Six: Awaken, the Man (Symbol) // Story: A Displaced Chaos // by Prince_Zodiac //------------------------------// Chapter Six: Awaken, the Man His eyes flew open as the nightmare that plagued his dreams banished his slumber to some far corner of his mind where it would likely never return. Well, eventually it would, all beings needed sleep, and so did he. Still though, he knew the fear coursing through his veins would make it hard to rest for a while at least. And yet, more than anything, more than the fear he felt, more than the bone chilling feeling that dream had given, he was confused. What about that dream had been so scary? But perhaps that was the scary part. He knew internally that there was something in that dream that should be feared. Not something he alone should fear, but that everyone and everything needed to fear, lest the darkness that he felt descend upon another, with the madness and malice that it wrought, drowning them in its mere presence. “Sister…” he muttered to himself. The second voice had called the first that. Sister. It was odd really. The second voice scared him, but the first had done the exact opposite. The first voice calmed him, made him feel hopeful and happy unlike he had ever felt in several years. But he could tell that the owner of that voice too, feared the second. Although he wanted to know more, he didn't have enough clues to piece together any sort of conclusion to the location or the identities of the voices. Honestly, he wasn't even sure why he cared so much. It had just been a dream. Right? It didn't matter anymore. The dream had happened, it had briefly scared him, now he needed to get on with his life. And so with that, he pulled off the covers, and rolled out of bed. He stood tall and stretched. A bone cracked in his back, and a wave of relief washed over him as the small bit of stress left his body. With a sigh, he walked over to a mirror that served as a vanity, and took a good, long look at himself. Over the short time he had been in this world, he had experienced a few changes, both mentally, and physically. In his original world, he had been nothing but a fearful, orphaned boy, barely able to stand on his own without cowering in fear at the chaos that had surrounded him. A brief flash of the literal hell his world had become plagued him for but a moment, but it was long enough to make him flinch and grip his head as though he had a headache. But just as quick as it came, it was gone. Yes, back then, he had been nothing but a fearful child, unable to do anything about the destruction and madness that surrounded him. But now, he was stronger. No longer was he such a coward. Now he could stand on his own two feet. Now he had the strength and will to make a difference if he so choose. Ironically, he never needed to. The world he now found himself in was calm and peaceful. Whoever had given him this power must have a strange sense of humor. He had all this power, but no reason to use any of it. “Master Symbol, I see you are awake.” Symbol turned to see one of the castle’s butlers, Right Hoof, standing at his door. He was an aged stallion, not so old to be put in a senior citizen home, but old enough to have some gray hairs and the trademark voice of wisdom that came with his age. His coat was white, his mane black with strips of gray here and there. An earth pony was he, and he had the pleasure of being the castle’s head butler. “I suppose that means I don't need to drag you out of bed.” “Not today Right Hoof.” “Excellent. Well, breakfast is ready in the dining hall whenever you are ready.” “Thanks, I'll be right down.” “Of course sir.” Right Hoof turned and left, closing the door behind him. Symbol walked to his dresser and pulled out some clothes. A black shirt, some white jeans, and a green jacket with intricate designs, a golden trim, and a trail of fabric much like that of a duster or coat, giving him the appearance of some sort of skilled magician. However, though he did know a card trick or two, he was no magic user. Magic did not exist where he came from, so he was incapable of using its power. The last article of clothing he equiped was a small necklace. It wasn't anything special, but it was the only thing he had from one of the few people he cared about back home. It was a small, metal charm in the shape of a black sun inside of a circle of iron. To anyone else, it was just a piece of metal, but to him it was much more. So much more. Symbol made his way to the dining area, the rumble of his stomach alerting him that his body required sustenance. He pushed the large double doors that lead to the royal dining area open, and made his way to his seat near the end of the excessively long table. ‘Seriously, why is this table so long?’ Symbol thought to himself. ‘There's never been enough guests in this room to fill up half the seats!’ As he sat down, he noticed he wasn't the only one present. Across from him sat Twilight Sparkle, a mare he considered a good friend. She, like Symbol, lived here in the Castle. It was one of the many privileges of being Celestia's star pupil. Speaking of which, the royal alicorn herself was also present, sitting at the end of the table as she always did. Her regal form sat tall and straight, never losing form even around company she knew she could relax with. “Good morning,” Symbol called as he took his seat. “Good morning Symbol,” Celestia replied kindly, a smile gracing her lips. “Morning,” Twilight said, her eyes not leaving the book laid out in front of her. “Hey, where's Spike?” “Where do you think?” “Unconscious in his room?” “Yep.” Symbol chuckled a bit. For being Twilight's number one assistant, Spike could be incredibly lazy sometimes. The doors to the kitchen suddenly swung open, and a line of waiters and waitresses walked out, their eyes closed and their form akin to perfection as they brought silver covered platters containing today's breakfast. As they set them down, the servers then removed the metal domes that hid their meals, and revealed them to be the simplest, yet most exquisite breakfast known to exist. Pancakes. Blueberry pancakes, chocolate pancakes, raspberry pancakes! There were all different kinds of pancakes, each one a golden brown, circular shape of tantalizing flavor. “Whoo! Pancakes!” Symbol cried as he quickly grabbed a couple. “Pancakes?” Twilight proclaimed, the heavy focus on her book practically dissolving as she saw the incredible flapjacks. “Indeed, pancakes,” Celestia said with a smile, barely holding in a giggle at the excitement of her two younger companions. Though she couldn't really blame them, she too was excited. Pancakes were one of the few simple meals the three of them got to enjoy. Dinners and lunches were usually super fancy due to the preference of nobles who visited the palace on almost a daily basis. And so, to give them a sort of break from it all, the head chef, Secret Ingredient, would make them a simple breakfast that they could actually enjoy. And so, he made them scrambled eggs, omelets, french toast, and of course, pancakes. Celestia ate calmly and quietly while Symbol and Twilight practically made it a competition to see who could eat more. Symbol, being of a larger size, was able to easily devour each and every flapjack that entered his mouth, and Twilight used her magic to divide hers up into smaller pieces for her to ingest. As Symbol reached for another, his hand brushed up against Twilight's hoof, and the two instantly glared at each other. “Foolish Sparkle, that pancake belongs to me,” Symbol said in a mock villain voice. “Don't be so sure of that Symbol,” Twilight replied in a similar manner. “You think you can best me?” “One would think you'd remember my arcane advantage.” “Only the weak would cheat in a contest such as this.” “And only the loser would denounce his opponent’s power.” “And only the distracted would lose their quarry,” Celestia interrupted. Twilight and Symbol froze. No, it couldn't be. They quickly glanced at the plate and, seeing their prize gone, whipped their heads back towards Celestia, only able to watch as she dug into the final pancake. “You cheated!” Symbol said. “All's fair in love and war,” Celestia replied nonchalantly. Symbol could only fall from his chair, hit the ground on his knees, and cry out, so that the world may know his suffering. “CURSE YOU CELESTIA!” The princess of the sun could only chuckle as Symbol and Twilight wailed in defeat, the loss of the final pancake more devastating than any physical or mental blow the two had ever felt before. Symbol stood on the balcony overlooking the castle gardens, still plotting revenge on Celestia. But what could he do, hold one of her cakes hostage? ‘Actually, that just might work,’ Symbol thought. Chuckling madly, he rubbed his hands together like any good villain and looked upon the world that would soon feel his wrath. “You shall rue the day you crossed me Celestia! Mwa ha ha ha ha ha!” “Excuse me?” Symbol nearly leaped off the balcony when he jumped in surprise. On his left was a guard pony giving him the most suspicious look that had ever been laid upon him. “Oh, uh… nothing! Just uh, messing around a little.” The guard's glare deepened for a moment, then he nodded and flew off. Symbol breathed a sigh of relief. “Phew, almost overheard my plans. Can't have them warning Celestia. Her cakes would be better guarded the the Canterlot Vault.” The thought made him laugh. Thay mare really did love her sweets. He looked out into the blue sky, a few clouds floating here and there, the bright sun casting down on the happy ponies below. Symbol smiled, breathing in the fresh, cool air, and sighed. “I love being free.”