Embrace the Darkness, Carpe Noctem

by musicman722


Nice Guys Finish Last (7)


The statues crumbled to dust, leaving the creatures inside to stumble around drunkenly in the dark. From what I knew of Petrification, it was similar to Cryo-sleep or suspended animation in which the being can still be alive after reawakening, albeit a little disoriented and hungry. Then there’s the other side effects.

'Okay, I’ve got a bunch of new zebras and creatures on my hands. Options?'

'...yeah I got nothing. The only problem is contact if my first contact with Swift is anything to go by. The zebras would panic and nothing would get done.'

I looked around to see that most of the zebras were either on the ground or nearly there, but some were getting up as well. I had to knock them out without physical contact.

'Okay, sleeping spell. Let’s see…insomnia means ‘a state of no sleep’ so if I take off the ‘in’ and the ‘ia’, then what’s the root? Hmm… how ‘bout this?'

“Somnus” I whispered. Almost instantly, every living being (except me) fell to the floor unconscious. Since most of them were drowsy, it didn’t take that much energy. It’s amazing how often other gamers forsake the simple subtle spells for the outright powerful ones. To kill a tree, it is easier to chop the roots rather than chainsaw it down, even if it’s powered by a truck engine (School project. Don’t ask).

I was about to call out for Swift when I saw him snoozing on his back next to the harpy. I facepalmed, “God dammit.” I grumbled, “Always got to make things harder on myself, don't I?” I went over to Swift's side and pulled out a bit of spider silk. I twisted it into a small thread and gently stuck it inside his ear. I kept putting it in deeper until he shot up and rubbed his ear, trying to rid himself of the uncomfortable feeling.

“Wake up buttercup. We got work to do.” I stood up.

Swift looked around wide eyed, “So the cockatrice is finally dead.”

“Yup and we have some zebras who woke up from a long nap. Any suggestions?”

Swift pondered a moment, “First, we should have them fed. I have no doubt they have an empty belly. Then we need to give them aid, as their legs may feel like jelly.”

“Yeah, you do that. I'll go and fix this place up a bit. Lumen.” I sent up a ball of light and let it hang from the ceiling. With proper lighting, I turned off my night vision and began to pick through the bodies. I ate the small critters and arranged the zebras into rows, organizing the patients by gender, age and size in neat rows, leaving them on their sides. Swift began preparing some mixes for the zebras when they awoke.

I went out occasionally to get more ingredients and making sure to bring the lone stallion near the entrance to the pile.

In a few short hours, we had enough of the healing mixture for everyone when they woke up. Swift and I were discussing how to break the news of me saving them when the first to awaken was a lithe zebra mare with a long dreadlocks and a small bird on its flank.

She groaned and opened her eyes slowly. Swift reached her before I did with a bowl of the mixture, already pouring it down her throat.

“Don’t worry, you’ll be okay. You shall live to see the day.” He said calmly.

“What’s your name?” I ask her.

“Little Sparrow” she said before passing out again.

Swift and I were silent until I broke it, “She seems nice.”

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An entire day. That’s how long it took for everyone to wake up. Note to self: Either work on spell control or refrain from using Somnus again. God, it was annoying to wait for them to get up. I took a nap in the shadows of the tunnel (it’s surprisingly comfortable) while Swift stayed up all night tending to the patients. Kinda reminds me of my college roommate back at my apartment who pulled a bunch of all-nighters.

I went out a bit for hunting and to show the harpies the way out when they woke up. I gave them my nest after I removed my stuff and moved my residence to the cave.

I was nomming on some fish I caught while I half listened to Swift try to explain to the zebras why they should stay put. It wasn’t going well. The big warrior stallions demanded that Swift stand aside while some of the younger ones were trying to huddle together.

I sighed and picked the fish bone clean before tossing it at a particularly burly stallion near me. The clatter of the bones got thier attention.

“Your bickering is really starting to irritate me.” I growled from the shadows, making sure everyone heard it. They were silent as a pin drop. “Now Swift, would you please introduce me.”

Swift coughed, bringing everyone’s eyes onto him, “Please do not have cause for alarm. He really means you no harm.”

I stepped out of the shadows in my base form. My appearance elicited several gasps and a few small yelps. Perfect, this will make it easier for them to listen to me.

“Sup.” I said, “Look, since you’ve all been healed and depetrified, I assume you want to go back to the village and resume your lives right?” Several heads nodded, “Well, that’s the problem. You can’t.”

They began to protest but I held a hand up, silencing them, “Listen I know you want to get back home but you all are suffering from Post Petrification Syndrome.” I made the name up but the theory is fairly true. The Zebras gave me confused looks.

“Look around you and tell me who you recognize from your village.” They did so but none seemed familiar though one or two had friends with them. “None? Well there’s your problem. It’s a long explanation so you might want to sit down.” They all did, still eager to hear my explanation.

“When a creature is turned to stone, their body is put into a form of suspended animation. In layman’s terms, that means your body is still alive despite not functioning. So when you are turned back from stone, you still retain your age and physical appearance.” A few zebras didn't get it but I wasn't about to repeat myself.

“Unfortunately there are some side effects to this process. You’ve already experienced the disorientation and nausea from the stone seals breaking but there’s a worse side effect.” The zebras stared at me in expectation. I kinda pity them; even if they are NPCs.

“While it seems like it was a blink of an eye during your imprisonment, it may well have been days, or months, years even since you were turned to stone. Most likely, everyone you know and love are probably dead.” There I said it. No turning back now.

It was a mixed reaction among the group. The foals started to cry and were comforted by some of the mares. Only two of the stallions broke down crying, the others just stared at me shell-shocked.

Swift walked up to me, “Why can’t they return? After being imprisoned, it is something they yearn.”

“Because don’t you think it would be odd if all of a sudden a bunch of zebras appeared out of nowhere because the local cockatrice just happened to keel over that day and you just happened to find them as they awoke? I’d doubt that they’d believe that you took on a cockatrice by yourself.” I said flatly. “The tribe will begin to ask questions and sooner or later I’m going to get found out and probably chased away.”

“Well I can vouch for you. I will show the tribe that your word is true.” he offered.

I gave him a flat stare, “What make you think they won't run away screaming like you did?.”

Swift opened his mouth to reply but grumbled in defeat at the folly in his logic. Then he perked up, “What if you were in your harpy form? It would set you apart from the Night Shade norm.”

I mulled it over. “Seems legit. Probably the best bet we have so far. Worst case scenario: we get run off from the village.” I turned back to the others who had quieted down considerably, “Listen up, I'm going to lead you back to the village safe and sound.”

“How can we trust what you say?” one of the stallions called out, “The lies you speak are as clear as day!” A few of the other stallions started to join the first, each protesting against me.

“Umbra.” The zebras instantly shut up and they became quickly surprised at the loss of their voice, even if it was temporary. “Listen closely.” I said, dropping my voice, “I don’t have to help you. I’d leave you here for all I care. I’m only offering help because it’s polite. If you don’t want my help, then feel free to try to get back to the village on your own. I have no reason to lie to you. You get to return to your home, different as it will be, and I get some experience out of it. Everybody wins.” I spread my arms wide.

The stallions still glared at me, doubting my words. One of the colts stepped forward from the grasp of a mare and stood in front of me. “Um...Spirit,” he said nervously, “What experience are you getting from helping us?”

'Shit. How would I explain XP to them?' I thought. I crouched down to his level. He flinched at the sudden closeness but stood firm. The colt has balls. I had to give him that. “Well, to put it simply, I will gain knowledge.”

The colt seemed confused, “Why would you want knowledge?”

I grinned, my teeth caused the colt to stumble backwards in surprise and fear, “Knowledge is power and I intend on acquiring as much as I can.” I chuckled, “Now do you want to go home or not? I'm going to leave for the village, with or without you.” I about faced and started moving down the tunnel, my ball of light trailing behind me.

I heard the furious stomping of hooves on rock as the zebras rushed after me, not wanting to stay in the dark for long. 'Brother, you have taught me well.' I thought, remembering a time when my brother pulled that trick on me. 'I hope you're doing better than I am right now.'

Bury them alive. No one will hear their screams

I stopped. There it was again. One of the zebras bumped into me. “Why did you halt? We want to leave this dark vault.”

I turned to him, “Did you hear that?” I pulled out my pistol and aimed it down the tunnel.

“I don’t know what you heard, but getting out of this cave is much preferred.”

I snorted and kept moving forward with my pistol ready to shoot. We reached the entrance slope but it was too steep for some of them to climb. “Hold on, I got this.” I floated up to the top, but made sure that I was still in the shade. Reaching into my bag, I pulled out the spider webs I had collected. I wrapped them around my hand and pointed the sticky clump back down at one of the zebras.

“Arania Carpe.” The silk shot out like a snake at the zebra and covered him in webs. He yelped at the contact and tried to rub it off, but I wouldn’t let him. “Retract.” The silk grew taut and the zebra shot up in the air as the silk dragged him to me like a fly in a spider web. Once he was at the top, I let him go with a quick “Relinquo” and tossed him outside. I kept repeating the process until everyone was out. The mares and stallions had similar reactions to the first zebra but the foals acted like it was a carnival ride. They even asked if they could go again and seeing the look on their faces I obliged their request and used them like yo-yos.

After the little bit of fun, I turned to my harpy form and lead the way to the village with Swift right behind me. He was talking to Little Sparrow like any guy would when they meet a girl they like. I couldn’t help but listen in on the conversation.

“Sparrow, since you have no place to bed,” he said nervously, “would you like to stay at my home instead?”

Being in front I couldn’t see her reaction, but her voice was enough. “Are you sure I won’t intrude. I don’t mean to be rude.”

“N-no it’s perfectly fine, I have a nice spot where the sun does shine.”

“I’m not so sure. Your offer could be a lure.” I could feel the teasing intent from where I stood.

“Yes, I mean no…or um…”Swift quickly lost control of the situation. Sparrow laughed. I silently chuckled.

“It’s okay. At your place I will stay.” She said reassuringly. I’m not sure what happened next because I heard someone stumble and get right back up.

Tear them apart. They don’t need it. Love is for the weak.

I slowed my pace a bit as I searched for the source of the voice, but I couldn’t find it. I just kept moving. Each step more warily than the last.

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It took almost an hour to reach the tree line bordering the grass plains. I exited the forest shade, still in my harpy form and with two of the foals who wanted to ride on my back. I couldn’t help it. I liked kids a lot and they were being adorable when they asked.

“Almost there everyone.” I shouted back to the group. They gave a cheer and picked up the pace, eager to see home again. I envied them a bit, since I was stuck in this stupid game, unable to go home unless I won or somehow survived my “death” and I wasn’t about to test the latter.

As we approached the village, I saw that the villagers started to notice us, dropping their tools and congregating at the side of the village to see who we were. They stared at us with curiosity but I drew most of the attention, being a pitch black harpy with two foals on my back. We were several meters away from the villagers when a burly stallion with a pair of crossed torches on his flank came forward from the crowd. 'Great, who's this joker?' I thought.

“Stop and state who you are. I will decide if you should be barred.”

“Name’s Gunhaver and these zebras behind me came from the cockatrice cave up in the stone hills.” I said nonchalantly, “I'm just bringing them back to the village.”

The stallion huffed angrily, “You think me some sort of knave? For all I know, they could be your mind slaves.”

I was taken aback, 'How the hell did he come to that conclusion?' I tried to form some response. “Um...no they aren't. I'm not sure how you got that idea. I don't even know how to do that.” Yet.

He continued talking, “You are a fool to think me one of blind faith. Now leave my village you Wraith.”

'I try to be nice and this is the thanks I get? Wait a minute...how does he know I'm a Night Shade?' I thought. “Look buddy, I went out of my way to help these zebras. Can't I get some damn gratitude?”

“The only gratitude I'll show is when you leave us in peace. I shall see that your lies and tricks will cease.” he added a glare for emphasis.

I was starting to get a bit pissed at this guy. Swift chose this moment to step between us and face the stallion. “Two Torch, I must implore. Stop your fighting. I do not wish for anypony to shed gore.” But the zebra wouldn't listen.

“Swift? So this where you've gone every day? It seems that you couldn't keep this creature's lies at bay.” Two Torch turned to the villagers behind him, “Somepony bring the Shaman here now. If anypony can dispel lies, he knows how.” A zebra detached from the group and ran back to the huts. Torch turned back to me, “Now your lies will be gone and you will flee, Tatarus spawn!”

I just kept a cool stare on him. Without looking back, I removed the two foals on my back. 'Just one. That's all I want.' I chanted in my mind. I stepped forward with malicious intent seeping from my posture. Two Torch didn't seem afraid at all, in fact he seemed...smug. Just like Erebus.

Maul him! Flay the flesh from his body!

I felt something inside me snap. I surged forward, intent on beating the smug grin off his face. Swift yelled something at me but I didn't hear. I was two meters away from Torches' face when, suddenly, green lightning appeared around my body and electrocuted me.

I fell to the ground, screaming as the electricity coursed through me, “GAAHHH!!” I could hear distant yelling and saw Torch standing above me, the stupid grin on his face. Pain wracked my body as I tried to stand up but the shock kept pressing down on me. I felt weak. I saw my health bar slowly drop and I knew I had to get out before I died.

I stood up as best as I could and pushed my arms into the ground below my body. “De..pul…so” the force of the kinetic shockwave dug into the ground and back fired, sending me sailing from the lightning. I landed and crumpled into a heap, feeling too exhausted to move. “Son of a bitch.” I muttered. I cracked open my eyes to see that the zebras were starting to come for me, especially one in particular.

Over all the noise being made I could hear Swift yell, “Gun! Run!”

Best advice I got today. But I was really exhausted from the shock and could hardly focus enough to cast a spell.

”Keep moving! You can rest when you're dead!” I could hear my brother say when we played airsoft for the first time. 'He's right. I have to keep moving. I am not going to die this soon.' I shakily stood up on my feet and began to move. Slowly at first, but my speed increased. I began to flap my wings for acceleration. I didn't dare look back to see how far behind the zebras were. I kept running and flapping until I couldn't feel the ground below me any more.

'What the...?' I thought. I looked down to see that I wasn't touching the ground at all. In fact, I was flying a few meters above the ground. I almost dropped to the ground out of shock but, remembering what was behind me, I kept flapping until it hurt. I rose up to the top of the jungle canopy, often brushing stray branches in my way.

Soon enough I flew past the jungle and into the stone hills. I searched for the entrance to my new cave home. “Come on, where are you...” I muttered to myself. I noticed a familiar bush cluster below. “Ah, there you are. Now how do I land this thing?” I tried to adjust my wings like the flaps I saw on an airplane but it wasn't working out so well.

“Fuck! No, no, no, stay with me here. Don't fail me now.” I adjusted where I could but stability was failing. I started to lose control over my wings. Luckily my experience with flight simulators gave me the navigational instinct I needed to pilot myself right into the bushes and down into the cave.

I crashed into the ground and blacked out.

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I opened my eyes to see that I was back in the grid where I met Erebus in the game.

“Having fun?” said a familiar voice. I turned around to see Erebus standing there with a pipe that he was trying to light.

“What do you want?” I demanded.

Erebus laughed darkly, “Many things boy, but right now I want you to answer a question for me.” He lit his pipe and began to puff out smoke rings, “I chose you for your...cold, uncaring nature. So why is it that you haven't killed off the tribe and that sorry sack of meat you converse with. Speed, was it?”

I was really getting tired of his shit. “His name is Swift and the reason why I haven't is because I don't work that way. They've given me no reason to harm them, so why should I do it?”

“Ah, but they did. That tribe leader ran you out of the village after you waltzed up and handed him his ponies on a silver platter.” he said.

I could tell by the tone that he was trying to get a reaction from me. “The zebra knew I was a Night Shade and he was trying to protect his tribe. I can't get angry over that.” I said coolly. Sorry, but I'm too cold to give you a hot reaction. Try and read that, bitch.

“Well then,” Erebus smirked, “that just makes the little addition I made all the more entertaining.”

I felt a weight drop into my stomach. Something was off and I wasn't going to like it one bit. “What are you talking about?” I asked cautiously.

“Oh, nothing much.” he waved a hand in dismissal, “Just the voice in your mind telling you to kill those pesky zebras.” he said as if he was talking about the weather.

I was taken aback, “Why the fuck would you do that?” I felt my anger begin to heat up.

He still had that smug grin on his face, “Because it’s so entertaining to see the human mind in conflict with his morals.”

“Bastard.” I growled.

“Please, I’ve been called worse and congratulations, you are the six hundred sixty sixth human to call me that.”

I brushed his comment aside. “How does this thing work?” It was a long shot but I had to ask.

Erebus’ grin grew wider and that unnerved me a bit, “That voice will just keep talking and talking until you snap. When you do, you will go on a rampage, hunting down and killing your allies and those you care for, particularly innocents.”

“I don’t have much of a choice then.” I would have to make this work to my advantage somehow.

Erebus smiled, “That depends on how you see the situation.”

I glared at him and smirked, “Challenge accepted.”

He chuckled, “It seems that my Chess piece is stronger than I thought. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have things to do, places to go, mortals to torture. I shall see you later.” He snapped his fingers and I blacked out.