//------------------------------// // Chapter IV - To Break Free // Story: Oh Dearest Father of Mine... // by ExaltedFiction //------------------------------// The group split off. Clarabelle laid to the side, enjoying and relaxing in the shade of the manor that looked over them while Apis walked to Apollyon who was occupied with entertaining his fillies. “You know Apollyon, you would make a terrible partner to work with.” Apollyon's eyes left the happy fillies in his lap to the bull standing to the side. Receiving a questioning look from the human, Apis spoke up, “Is there something wrong?” Facing his fillies again, he chuckled, slowly shaking his head, “I’m still getting used to cattle asking for the rights to be free.” chuckling again, he looked to the bull who seemed offended by the comment, “You know, not everyone will agree with this.” “I know, but that’s why I’m asking a human.” “And a human in need just happens to have crossed with a herd that wants the impossible.” Scoffing, he looked towards the cow littered field, “Damnant quod unicornis… this was your idea all along wasn’t it?” “Oh well.” Apollyon sighed, “We do what we must for who we love and as far as I’m concerned; asking for rights is nothing compared to what I was prepared to give you.” Perplexed, Apis cocked his head to the side as the human got up and walked over to Clarabelle, who was simply laying in the shade, waiting, “I thought you said we were asking for the impossible.” “Oh no, I can make that happen.” Apollyon assured, taking a knee beside the cow and placing Lulu and Celly near Clarabelle’s udders, waiting for their instincts to kick in. When it did, Clarabelle was startled by the sucking sensation but soon relaxed after. She shifted every now and then to find a comfortable spot to lay down in for a while before finally relaxing and letting the fillies do their thing. Seeing that Lulu and Celly were being nurtured, Apollyon stood back up and returned to his original spot, unchaining the aged book that was under the Phoenix figurehead. “Though issuing a constitution will give your species rights, but it won’t mean others will accept it. It’s a process that’ll take time and effort, one that’ll be on you and not me.” “What are you saying, Apollyon?” Apis questioned, squinting at the human Sighing, Apollyon finally removed the chains from the aged book and placed it under his arm before facing the bull, “I can build the boat, but I can’t push it out. I can lay the foundation for your rights but it’s up to the people if they think it’s alright.” “But you said you would give us the rights to live freely, away from the bonds of servitude.” Apis recalled with a slightly raised voice. “And I will, but I can’t force people to change a lifestyle that has existed since the Primogenitus built the first cities. This will take time and effort to change what people have taken for granted. For some species like, Hippogriffs and Ponies, this will be easy but the other species like Dragons, Griffons and Diamond Dogs are the problem since they heavily rely on the butcher of your species to keep growing.” “But there are other ways to get food, different ways that do not require us getting eaten.” “You don’t think we would’ve tried that already if we thought it would work?” Chuckling, Apollyon opened his book to the first page and started skimming through the ancient texts while talking to the bull, “The Dragons burn everything first and ask questions later, the pride of the Griffons is only matched by our own and the Diamond Dogs are still developing a simple protolanguage that hasn’t made much progress, even with our help.” “Alright.” Apis sighed, “But there are others that are reasonable.” “Of course, but right now we’re getting ahead of ourselves, for now we can discuss your rights, but in the future you’ll have to deal with the Ponies. The Earth Pony peasants and Pegasi soldiers will be easy, the Unicorn Nobles, eh, not so much.” “I know. Most of them will just laugh at the suggestion of cattle going free.” “I would too,” Apollyon declared proudly, receiving a cold glare from the bull, “Domestication has made you too valuable to just die to some greedy Griffon or some ill tempered Dragon.” “Maybe, but I don’t want to survive, I want to live,” Looking towards the green field and to the members occupying it, “And I’m sure most of them would too.” Apollyon halted his skimming of the ancient texts, instead, he looked, tracing the gaze of the bull to the field's occupants. The Human’s eyes shifted back to the ancient texts, flipping to the next page, he started reading it, taking in everything it had to offer. Frangere Libero Dicunt, homo non vere scit se, donec eius libertatem fuerit aufertur. Sed Homo fuerit clausum, ad manus fati quia 'Magnum Bellum'; passus sub eius tabernus calcaneum, accipiens et perpetuam omnia quae habebat, ut iacerent in eos. Ad profectum et progressus, mutare populo nostro, nobis opus est, clamare contra fortunam, potius quam arcu in capitibus nostris, et succumbit, est determinata, et hoc est quod fecit. Pro moriens de metiri volunt, concedentes, ut elementa, nos iter per terram invenire novum locum pro populo nostro componere. Et per duro ventis, uerticem deserta et aspera frigora... invenimus locum requiescendi. Tulerunt nobis, texerunt nobis, fed nobis. Et sciebat quid esset capax, et quid nos ad finem imposuit ad bellum, fortasse inde est, quod illi dedit nobis partem de terra sua, ut gratias, ad auxilium aedificabo populo nostro humo, sed... vellent magis, et factus est eorum aeterna protectores. Et quod non erat popularis moventur cum populo nostro. Looking up and away from the ancient texts of the book, Apollyon turned to the clear blue sky, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, he shut the book violently getting the instant attention of the bull, “Perhaps… I will support you, fully that is.” Taken back by the sudden change, Apis stepped up to the human, “But aren’t you against the freedom of my kind?” “I still am,” Apollyon admitted as he turned around, opening the book again and looking at his staff. “So why the change of heart? You’re only doing this for your daughters.” Apis stated as Apollyon grabbed his staff and rechained the open aged open book back under the figurehead. “That I am.” Apollyon responded bluntly, looking over his shoulder, an eye glaring at the bull. Taking a breath, he looked to the book again before subconsciously placing a hand on his chest, gripping a piece of his shirt tightly, “But perhaps… this is the destiny of your species.” “And if it isn’t?” “Heh,” Apollyon chuckled, turning to face the bull, “We’ll find out in time, won’t we?” “Hmm, maybe, that is if your plan actually works, and to be honest I am a bit skeptical of it.” “Regardless if it works or not, I have accomplished one of my objectives.” Apis glanced over at the fillies who continued to be nursed by Clarabelle under the looming shadow of the foreboding manor. The female checked up on the sisters every now and then, craning her neck to see if they had satiated their hunger, upon seeing that they hadn't she laid back down, staring at the field and watching the other members of the herd chat amongst themselves. “Hmm, you know… my ancestors have told us many things about your kind Apollyon,” Apis said, looking back at the Human, “But I’m just trying to figure out which are true and which are false.” “And?” Apollyon dragged on, waiting for Apis to continue. “Is it true that your species knows everything about Equus?” The man chuckling made the bull’s ears droop slightly, perplexed as he heard the chuckling shift into laughter. Taking a few breaths to calm down, Apollyon returned to his normal state, “Yes,” He answered after a breath, “And no.” Confused even more, the bull pushed on, “But your species has existed far longer than others on Equus, surely your species must know the answers to some of the questions that has plagued Ponies, Griffons and more for centuries.” “Of course we have those answers. We have existed far longer than any other species on Equus.” Apis paused for a few seconds, “So do you know the answers to those questions?” “Depends on the question.” “Hmm, well, ‘What’s the meaning of life?’ ‘Why are we here?’ ‘What is life all about?’ ‘What is the purpose of existence?’ Do you know the answers to these questions?” “Yes,” Apollyon smirked, instantly drawing in undivided attention from the bull with his ears perking up and his head cocking to the side, “And no.” Instantly, the bull’s ears dropped and his mouth was left slightly agape. Eyes twitching, Apis shook his head and interrogated, “W-what do you mean ‘yes and no?’ Do you know the answers to life’s questions or not?” “Of course I do. We have existed far longer than any other species on Equus.” Groaning, Apis dragged his hoof down his face before stomping onto the ground,”I know. You said that already,” Apis frustratingly said. Hmm… maybe a direct question… Glaring at the grinning human, he asked a question, “What is the purpose of existence?” Grinning even more, Apollyon answered, “That depends.” “Depends on what?!” Apis exclaimed “Whose existence.” Thinking for a bit, Apis pondered about which species to ask, and spoke upon picking a species, “Ponykind’s existence.” “That depends,” Apollyon smugly said, feeling the steam emitting from the bull “Alright. Are all Humans as irritating as you?” “Yes… and no.” “H-how can it be yes, and no?” Apis groaned “It depends.” If the black bull’s hide could turn a shade of volcanic red then he must be in a heated position right now, he bit his tongue to hold back everything that could spew out at the Human, but after taking a few deep breaths, he blankly looked up at the Human’s grinning face. “I really don’t like you.” “I’d be surprised if another species did,” Apollyon retorted as he walked past Apis and to Clarabelle and his fillies, leaving the bull to huff and follow suit. “How are they?” Asked the now kneeling Human, who embedded his staff into the ground next to him as he watched his daughters fill themselves. Clarabelle adjusted herself, sitting up so that she could look at Apollyon, “They’re fine… I think,” She answered checking on the Alicorns, but she asked a question that lingered in her mind, “They’re drinking a lot, is that normal?” “I’d be worried if they didn't,” Apollyon said calmly, gently placing a hand behind Lulu’s ears, giving them a satisfying scratch that made them flicker. “So it is normal?” “Yes, it is,” Apollyon assured, placing his free hand on Celly’s head to provide her the same treatment, “Some species have special diets that they need to abide by to survive but Alicorns are… different.” “How so?” Apis asked, taking a seat behind Clarabelle. “Strength, flight, magic, size. They will be larger and more powerful than their lesser brethren. Their bodies will require more nutrients to sustain themselves, at least until they’ve stopped growing physically.” Apis and Clarabelle shared a perplexed look, “Uh, nutrients?” Apis questioned, looking back Apollyon After hearing what Apis said, Apollyon sighed and hung his head low, bringing a hand to his forehead and massaging his temples. Right, they haven’t come up with the basics of food science yet… “It’s a human thing,” Apollyon answered as he looked up, “Don’t worry about it.” “If you say so…” Apis grumbled under his breath Hearing a burp or two, Apollyon looked down and smiled at the pair. Taking hold of his staff and enveloping them in a purple aura of energy that sent shivers down the spines of the cows, they lifted off the ground and placed onto the shoulders of Apollyon. Some of the energy lingered near Apis and Clarabelle’s head. The two were caught in a trance, staring at the wandering energy, lost and alone. Slowly, it reached out to them, slithering ever closer, slowly shifting the colours of their irises’ to purple. Apollyon quickly noticed this, and with a simple tap on the dirt with his staff, the energy dissipated into nothing, returning the cows back to Equus. The cattle shook their heads free, the purple in their eyes remained until they resumed blinking, making the ghastly purple vanish before returning the colours of their irises to hazel brown. “I, uh. W-what h-happened?” Apis asked, trembling with Clarabelle - of who, remained still and silent. “What do you remember?” Apollyon quizzed, staring into his eyes with a stern look. “I-I don’t k-know,” Apollyon gave him a questionable look, “I-I saw something… I heard something, that, t-that’s it” “And you Clarabelle? Did you share the same experience as Apis?” Clarabelle’s eyes carried the look of someone in deep thought, lost in her own world, but after Apollyon repeated himself, Clarabelle’s eyes slowly shifted to the waiting Human, “S-sorry, I was… lost” She ended with a whisper, “D-did you say s-something?” Apollyon’s eyebrows narrowed further, his eyes squinting almost to a close. Once again, he repeated himself, thankfully getting an real answer this time, though it was the same response as Apis. “I think you two are just exhausted,” Apollyon lied as he rose to his full height, getting a few giggles from the fillies on his shoulders, “Get some rest, tomorrow is going to be a long day.” “Wait a min-” Apis started, before being swiftly cut off by Apollyon. “And if you want me to help you attain your freedom, you’ll help me with my goals. After all, the price for freedom comes at a cost.” Eyebrows narrowing, Apis stared daggers into Apollyon. Damn Human… Apollyon chuckled, replacing Apis’ once glaring face with one of confusion and concern. “Chin up Apis, before long you will know the freedom you and your kind so desire, and then all that remains is: What you will do when you take the first step, being unshackled and unbound.” “I don’t see the difference between you and the nobility.” Apis scoffed, prompting Apollyon to raise an eyebrow, “Already, you are asserting your control over us, despite you promising us our free-“ The rant of the bull was cut off quickly as his mouth held shut by a purple aura that emitted from the book and the figurehead of the staff. Eyes widening, he looked up to the staring human, ignoring the curious looks of the fillies on his shoulders. “Are you done yet? Bull?” “Hey! What are you doing?!” Clarabelle exclaimed, attempting to get up quickly, but was unfortunately swiftly forced back down by the same purple aura that held Apis’ mouth shut. “Stay down and remain calm. The more you struggle, the more it’ll hurt.” Heeding Apollyon’s advice, Clarabelle ceased resisting, succumbing to the effects of the aura’s will. Apis shook his head, getting a mocking laugh from the human as Apollyon watched the bull attempt to struggle free. “You are an ignorant species. You know nothing of the concept of freedom or what it has taken to keep that ideal in place. I do not expect a frail mind such as yours to attempt to understand something beyond your comprehension and reach, but I do expect you to obey the words of a species much higher than your own. But know that I will help you, soon you will no longer be bound to physical chains and will become free, but for now I need your support; To prepare this land for the future.” Apollyon’s grip over the bulls tightened. Apis felt the harsh squeeze as he was pulled forward, coming eye to eye to the human, “Do you understand me?” Apollyon menacingly said, his eyes letting out a brief purple flash. Receiving a rapid, fearful nod, “Good,” Apollyon tapped the ground with his staff, releasing Apis and Clarabelle immediately. “You’re smarter than the rest of your kind Apis,” Apollyon commented, watching the cattle rub their sore bodies that once were tightened by the aura, “It makes me wonder if Harpstrings broke the law and graced your species with education… or if the Earth Ponies somehow came up with the idea to teach anything that has nothing to do with farming.” The bull tended to the well-being of Clarabelle, worriedly looking over her body. She gave him a reassuring look and slowly proceeded to get up on her own. Apis turned to face Apollyon, his eyes fired up, “And what’s it to you?” “It warrants a question. In Human society, in times of great strife, there was always one individual who revolutionised society for the… ‘better’. Some were good. Some were bad.” “And? What’s your point?” “It just makes me wonder which is the case for you; The first of his kind to lead them out of servitude or the first of his kind to be the downfall of his entire species.” “I’m not even sure if I want to be graced with human wisdom now if you make it sound like that.” “Why not? Knowledge is power. Knowledge is both a curse and a blessing, it all comes down to how the person uses said knowledge; To bless his kind with humble strength and wisdom, or to curse his own with endless greed and torment.” “Is this something you humans went through?” “Yes. Unlike some other species, humans learn from their mistakes the most when it affects them deeply.” Pausing briefly, he glanced at Clarabelle before continuing, “My enlightenment has been served, another time I shall provide another to a frail species.” “Is it also a human thing to insult every species they meet?” Apis questioned, emitting a low growl. “Yes,” Apollyon admitted bluntly, without hesitation, “Considering our standing on the world stage, you could say that we’re pretty much obligated too.” “So… your kind is really as arrogant as my ancestors have said.” “Perhaps… but where one might view us as arrogant, another might view us as confident… After all, humanity was never one to sit quietly when xenos have tried to force us into submission,” Rubbing his chin with his hand, he held his hand out to the bull, “Unlike say… a certain species that have done so… for so long.” Apollyon ended with a smirk. “But all that will change.” “Yes it will… in time.” Apollyon turned about, walking off and heading towards the back entrance to the kitchen, leaving the cattle behind, “But for now, rest, for tomorrow will be filled with nothing but blood, sweat and tears.” He shouted as he left, opening the door and finally entering the manor. Once the human was gone from sight, Apis turned about, taking a few steps to stand in front of Clarabelle. “Are you alright?” Apis questioned, checking over her body once again. “I’m fine,” She quickly reassured, “It didn’t hurt much, it just felt like… h-he placed something heavy on me. J-just making it impossible for me to move.” Taking a brief breath before continuing, “That’s twice he used that… whatever it was on me, he’s starting to get on my nerves.” “I know what you mean… I’m starting to regret making this deal. This human feels like he’s more trouble than he’s worth.” “What we will do for a taste of freedom. Am I right?” Clarabelle recalled. “Yeah… “ Apis sighed, “Now we just have to keep reminding ourselves that… At least until he keeps his end of the bargain” “We must keep our faith in Lady Harpstrings, I don’t think she would’ve left us out here alone with a… human if she didn’t care about us.” Taking a deep breath, Apis looked to the surrounding forests, “Yeah… you’re right. Let’s just give it time and… maybe things will get better along the way” Looking towards Clarabelle once more, he gave her a somewhat forced smile, “Let’s just… try to put up with him.” “A month or two should do. I think those fillies should be able to eat solids by then, but… I’m no expert on Alicorns. If anything the human should know.” “Yeah, all that knowledge and wisdom… just locked up inside that head of his.” “Speaking of knowledge and wisdom… What did you ask him? Enlightenment?” Groaning, he looked to Clarabelle with a deadpan expression, “The meaning of life.” “And?” Clarabelle waited, leaning in slightly as her interest peaked. “And I received an infuriating answer that’ll continue to bother me until I actually get a proper answer from him.” “Oh…” Clarabelle said, a little let down from a response like that, “Well, I guess some things aren’t easy to obtain afterall.” “Well he did provide some enlightenment, it wasn’t what I asked for but it was something.” “You can tell us all about it later, I’m just going to lie down with the girls,” Clarabelle turned towards the green field her herd occupied, but stopped suddenly, craning her head to the side until an eye was on Apis, “By the way… When we both looked into that purple… stuff, what did you see?” Immediately, Apis showed signs of disturbance at a question like that. Turning to face Clarabelle, he looked into her eyes with a straight face, “I’ll tell you if you’ll tell me what you saw.” “Hmph, fair enough, Apis” Clarabelle ended, finally heading towards a part of the herd, getting a view of the setting sun. With nothing more to exchange between the two, Apis glanced towards the stone manor. What have you gotten us into Harpstrings? Closing the door behind him, Apollyon brought his fillies in his physical embrace, pressing them up against his chest using his right arm and looking in their eyes as they looked into his, “Don’t do what I have just done, my daughters… “ The two fillies tilted their heads, a look of confusion in their eyes, “I implore you to not do what I have just done. You two must be better than me, not like me, but better… than me. I hope the both of you have your mother’s patience rather than… well… you know.” Leaning back against the door, he left his staff leaning against the wall, using his now free left hand to give his daughters some scratchers behind the ears, chuckling as she saw very satisfied and relaxing expressions about their face, “As much as I wish to be as lenient as your mother, in times such as this, we can only lead our subjects through action, not words and rule through strength, not committee.” “If it was done the other way around, well… I doubt I would be speaking to you two right now.” Sighing, Apollyon pushed off the door, standing up straight and grabbing his staff, “But alas, that is a story for another time, perhaps I shall tell you, one day, just… don’t fall asleep on me like you did last time.” The response to that was Celestia stretching out her limbs, yawning and wrapping her wings around Lulu, pulling her closer and nuzzling her head. Of course, Lulu didn’t seem to mind, returning the nuzzle without a second thought.. Sighing, he squeezed them a little tighter before heading to the main hall quickly passing through the dining room. Upon entering it, an aura of purple energy surrounded the bag he left at the front, levitating it to him and having it remain close by as he made his way through the main hall. Walking underneath the majesty of the chandeliers. Seeing the light of the sun quickly disappear through the stained glass. “Die ac Nocte” He whispered. (Day and Night) Climbing the small set of stairs, he turned right and continued to walk down the hallway until the path led left, passing by several more arched windows that revealed the rising moon. “In die et in nocte” (In day and in night) He intently listened to the soft snores that emitted from the fillies in his grasp, letting it mix with the sounds of his footsteps, the calm breeze outside and the chirping of crickets. “Bellum furit, bellum dormit” (The war rages, the war sleeps) Coming up on a door that had a golden plate designating its use, Apollyon pushed it open, winching as the metal squealed as the door swung open. Thankfully, the fillies remained asleep, prompting Apollyon to breathe a sigh of relief. “Vita captus, vitam dedit” ((Life (is) taken, life (is) given)) Upon entering the illuminated room, thanks to the chandelier that hung overhead and the lamp that sat on the bedside table. He was able to see everything this room had to offer. A king sized bed, a bedside table with a crystal powered lamp resting on top, to the side was a wooden baby cribs, big enough to for both of his fillies, a second door in the room that led to who knows where, and finally, several chests that sat at the end of the bed. “Anima captus est, anima est datum” (The soul is taken, the soul is given) The bed theme matched those of the carpet that seemed to stretch all over the manor. Blood red with golden edges. “In die et in nocte” (In day and in night) Squeezing his shoulder blades together, he floated his bag over to the chests, laying it on top of the chests to deal with in the morning. “Regnum stipendia bello, regnum dormit” (The kingdom wages war, the kingdom sleeps) Next came his fillies, Apollyon raised them up to face, giving each of them a kiss on the forehead, making them form a smile on their faces as they slept peacefully. “Ita est... et sic erit semper esse” (So it is... and so it shall always be) With all the care in the world, the sisters gently floated into the crib and onto the soft and cushioned bedding, they were then covered in the warm confines of the blankets laid for them. Finally came Apollyon, a wave of exhaustion washed over him, his muscles aching and his head throbbing, feeling like he was going to succumb to sleep and enter the realm of dreams, without a second thought, he kicked off his boots and left his staff leaning against the corner of the bed frame. Hovering a hand over the lamp, dimming both it and chandelier, allowing darkness to consume the room. Collapsing on the centre of the bed, staring up at the stone ceiling as he stretched out his limbs all over, frowning as the memories of today flooded his mind. Groaning, he shifted onto his arm, feeling the cold air touch his exposed sweaty skin. As he tried to sleep, he could feel something wrong as he laid on the bed. Stretching out his arm to the otherside, he figured it out in an instant. With a sigh, he shifted to face the other way, now staring at the crib his fillies slept in, their delicate snores echoing throughout the room. Music to his ears, his eyes slowly shut, before he too would succumb to sleep. Perhaps he will join them.