//------------------------------// // Chapter 7: Monster // Story: Our Chaotic Tranquility // by Edensola //------------------------------// CHAPTER 7: MONSTER Growing up seemed to hold such a different meaning for so many different individuals. There were those who believed growing up meant simply to grow old. There were others who thought it meant to stop acting like a child; to mature and accept your responsibilities without protest. For Eve, she considered that meaning for a long while as she stood there looking up at the sky. Maybe growing up was to finally accept things for what they were, to stop attempting to force her life, ideals, and problems onto others. To just accept that the world wouldn't just bend to her liking; that life was unfair, and that if she wanted to make a difference she'd need to take action. That she'd need to be assertive. Eve was fully aware of the fact she was being surrounded; of course she was seen as a threat. But she didn't care, actually she wasn't worried about that at all. Although the tears stopped flowing at this point, she still seemed quite sad, she looked as if she'd been awake for the last 24 hours; exhausted. She considered the possibility of others out there who were like her. Maybe in different worlds even. She considered if there were monsters like her that existed; younglings who were forced into such predicaments that caused them to take action. Maybe there were even some young little ponies in some different place, world, or universe who were rejected by their own kind. The changelings also seemed to know much about struggle. Eve only hoped that if there were individuals like her out there; that in the end they found happiness and they found the lives they were searching for, because, she was certain she was never going to find her's. There were those children who were unfortunate enough to live lives of despair and rejection; but in the end everything would seem to fall into place in a more bittersweet fashion, they'd find themselves a family, they'd be able to live ordinary lives, and the world would finally give them what they deserved. Then there were those like Eve; the rejection, the fear, the trauma and despair; the overwhelming sadness, bore no rewards. They were simply lessons; and messages, messages that would continue to deliver themselves until everything was crystal clear. The world wasn't going to change for her. Eve dreamed of being able to become a part of this loving, fun society, to be able to live the life of an ordinary pony filly, to get that feeling of warmth and affection from all those who regarded her; and she'd return that affection tenfold. To be able to get that feeling of having homework, of being frustrated to do chores, and then be able to spend time with a family and know that even with all the trivial tasks; it was worth it in the end. But that's all it was; wishful thinking and children's dreams. All those who lived meager unfair lives, wished for circumstances to play in their favor for the better. But in the end, sometimes it just doesn't work in such a way, she was seeing that now. Sometimes in the end; you only dig yourself into a deeper hole. Sometimes in the end, there was nothing waiting for you. Eve couldn't reach the world of her dreams; not here, everything, was just too far away. She believed that maybe; if she were obedient, tolerant, and kind, the world might show her the way. But there was a drawback she just couldn't seem to climb over; she was a monster. That's all she was to this world, a monster, and no matter how hard she tried; that belief had already been instilled into their minds by whatever force willed it. She couldn't really pertain why exactly they couldn't just give her a chance, but she considered it. How would she feel if her perfect little world was threatened by something that could cause everything to come crashing down? Would she risk it? Would she risk her perfect utopia for this 'something' this;....monster? She couldn't really decide what her answer would be. But there was something she was certain of. The situation seemed like nothing but a dead end. And as she regarded those who were responsible for making her feel like this. She couldn't help but regard them with disgust, and she couldn't stop herself from feeling this way. And she hated them for it. She hated them for tarnishing her view of this once perfect world. This fantasy come to life was nothing but a locked sanctum to her, and she was tired of them constantly denying her entry. They wanted to lock her outside the gates of their perfect society and scorn her from beyond the walls? Then they'd get the monster they wanted. And she would bring those walls crashing down all around them. Eve then stopped looking at the sky, as she looked particularly at Twilight Sparkle. Her look was sinister; dark, and Twilight and everypony else didn't fail to notice it. The draconequus truly was considering attacking her? The newly crowned princess of friendship and magic? Was she insane? Dumb question. Eve simply sneered at the Princess with an almost playful look; and she slowly began to chuckle once more. And as she chuckled; the air around her began to shimmer and distort, reality itself twisting at her command. Eve thought about Kelax's words when they'd first met not too long ago. "It's kind of like they're trying to set the example these days, or at least they were. Now they're so used to everything being so peaceful that they freak out at the first sight of things like us. Although I guess you can't really blame them. Still wouldn't it be nice though; if we were all able to follow that example of peace, but things just don't work out that way, just life I guess. A wide grin spread across the baby draconequus's face as she regarded the mane six who stood before her. I'm sorry Kelax;....it looks like I wasn't able to follow the example.... __________________________________________________________ Twilight and her friends looked at Eve standing there practically chuckling as she seemed to suddenly change with these abrupt mood swings. She'd truly lost it. And as Twilight regarded this baby draconequus that they'd once defeated with ease; she couldn't help but feel stunned at the fact, she was now feeling scared. A shiver ran down her spine, she'd never seen a baby draconequus who seemed to have such a bloodcurdling aura; a rogue like those described in the stories. And the Princess of Friendship wasn't sure if she'd be able to deal with this right now, the rest of her friends didn't have their elements either. As Twilight continued to look at Eve with that stunned look, she then heard the thunder crackling in the sky. And she looked up in horror to find the very landscape was now beginning to twist. This truly was insanity then, no this was chaos, madness, and she looked to her friends who she didn't fail to notice wore similar expressions as her. Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth then snapped. "Alright! What're we just standing around for! Let's finish this already!" And the cerulean mare charged forward, bolting forward at an incredible speed right towards Eve. Twilight snapped at Rainbow. "RAINBOW! NO WAIT!" And Eve didn't even pay attention to the incoming Rainbow Dash as she absently snapped her claws. And Rainbow found herself heading straight towards a smoldering ball of flame as her eyes widened. She didn't have time to maneuver out of the way. This was-SLAM! And suddenly tackling the rainbow maned mare out of harm's way was the sword wielding mare. Eve couldn't help but smirk at seeing this. She then rose her hands to the sky, looking up with that devious smile as she curled in her paw and claw and began to laugh as she witnessed what she was capable of. Her potential was limitless; and with these powers, she'd bring this sham of a world crumbling down all around them. She grinned in her psychotic laughter; utterly pleased with the sense of fear they all seemed to protrude. The same fear and pain she dealt with, they now knew how it felt to feel weak, frail, helpless. Closing her eyes and spreading her arms as she just continued to create this perfect atmosphere of chaos and allow them to witness what they were now dealing with. And Twilight glared at Eve in annoyance. She needed to be stopped. __________________________________________________________ Meanwhile in the badlands, there was actually somepony standing at the highest point of a rocky mountain; overlooking the vast landscape with a sneer. This individual was none other than the Queen of Changelings herself as she looked off into the distant skies across Equestria with a look of pure delight. Even from all the way down south one could see the sudden change in the northern regions. And this pleased her. So; what trouble had the ponies caused for themselves this time? "W-What is it my Queen?" Asked a curious changeling guard, and one of Queen Chrysalis's personal escorts. Queen Chrysalis remained silent. "Hmhmhm; get me in contact with Silver Shade." And at the moment the two changelings began their descent back down the mountain. __________________________________________________________ Even Discord was watching from afar with interest. He was now quite some ways away from the Crystal Empire as he looked off into the distance with his arms crossed, standing at the peak of a snowy mountain. "Still playing around Celestia?" __________________________________________________________ Princess Celestia looked to Eve with a blank expression as she spoke simply. "Sister....." Princess Luna nodded in response. "Of course dear sister." The two sisters already knew what needed to be done to ensure the safety of their subjects. Princess Luna then fluttered out of the private seating area as she looked at the rest of the crowd. "Everypony! We must ask that you evacuate the premises! This area is no longer safe!" And Princess Luna then casted a barrier around the outskirts of the arena grounds as everypony in the crowd then started to erupt into panic as they all scurried for the exits. Everypony except for a few as they continued to look down into the arena with interest as they witnessed the drama unfold. Trixie for one couldn't help but continue to look on in shock and fear as she stared at the once peaceful baby draconequus now losing her mind and attempting to unleash absolute chaos. Was she responsible for this? Did she influence Eve to become this maddening creature that now stood before Twilight and her friends? And if so; did she really make such an impact on somepony else that it'd cause them to become this? She never considered herself that special to anypony else but, just the thought that she might of influenced this was perplexing to her. Even Kelax didn't fail to notice the familiar baby draconequus as his eyes were wide with disbelief. Lema seemed more curious than frightened. "W-What's Eve doing Kel?" Kel said nothing as he simply continued to look upon the scene. Silver Shade was looking upon the scene; but not without interest. She was actually quite curious; and didn't Kelax say he was travelling with a draconequus? Silver Shade smirked. Now this is something the Queen would most certainly be interested in. Princess Celestia then looked to the frightened Princess Cadence who had tears in her eyes. Princess Cadence shook her head. "T-This is a total distaster! We have to get Twilight out of-" Princess Celestia touched her niece's cheek with a hoof softly; as she gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry Cadence; I'll take care of this. I need you to keep calm, and help fortify the barrier with Luna, I promise I won't let anything happen to the others. And I promise I won't let anything happen to the Crystal Empire." Princess Cadence looked to her auntie with a worried glance before looking back down at Twilight and the others. She took a moment to take this all in, thinking about the situation; then simply nodded to Princess Celestia. "O-Okay Auntie..." Princess Cadence then put on a confident expression as her horn started to glow and she looked up a little. "You all just be careful. Auntie Luna and I will ensure it doesn't get out of the fighting grounds. You have my word!" Princess Celestia closed her eyes with a smile. "Good. Now I'll be back soon..." The Princess of the Sun then looked back down towards the arena and the baby draconequus in particular. Princess Celestia made sure to keep her concentration as she began flapping her wings; preparing herself for flight. She'd been through a similar situation before in her life, and this time, she was prepared to ensure things went exactly as she intended. __________________________________________________________ As Eve's laughter eventually died down she then looked back towards Twilight and the others with that playful smile. She didn't fail to notice Fluttershy was cowering in the back and trying to avoid looking at the baby draconequus. And this saddened Eve a little; it wasn't surprising, but nonetheless she wasn't going to harm Fluttershy. And Eve knew that weakness would be costly if she wasn't careful, she could have no hesitation if she wanted to succeed in her newfound goal. But first there was the issue of escape. She'd already caused the crowd to disperse and run away in fear of her powers, but these six stayed. And the steadfast guards didn't run either. This caused the baby draconequus to cock a brow as she sighed heavily but then chuckled. "I'm sorry hmhm; I'm not so good at being scary yet." Twilight glared at her angrily. "I knew you'd do something like this eventually." This caused Eve's nose to wrinkle a little in annoyance. Twilight's expression sunk as she looked to the lower right; saddened. "I don't know how you managed to make it out of 'that' situation, but I confess, back then I shouldn't have reacted the way I did. I should've thought things through; times have changed and I should've been more set on finding a peaceful resolution to things. I should've been more set on helping you understand why we did what we had to. In a way, you're a little like Spike, so I don't want this to end like last time. I don't want to hurt you, especially seeing you like this. Please; just surrender and everything will be fine. I understand why you'd be angry with me but you don't need to vent your anger on everypony else." Twilight took in a deep breath then looked at Eve with determination. "We can understand one another, if you just take some time to hear me out." Eve curled in her paw and claw angrily as she snapped at Twilight. "What do you know!?" And when she spoke with such emotion her vulnerability revealed itself once again for a fleeting moment. Beneath that cold exterior she was now attempting to portray, there was still that sign of a broken child. But she ridded herself of that in the next moment, attempting to hide it from her enemies eyes. She couldn't show them she harbored any fear; any doubts about her philosophy. This caused Twilight to shudder a bit as she took a trot back. Eve looked at the mare with a piercing stare. "I've tried..I..I've always tried, but it doesn't work. Nothing does! I just want to be with everypony..b-but I can't! I-" And there it was again. That sign of vulnerability; of weakness. Her expression was breaking down once more, her confidence waning. She looked down at her trembling paw and claw, she was nothing but an outcast; in her mind, that's what she'd always be to them. Eve didn't even know who this Princess was, and here she was talking to her like she knew who she was. And maybe this princess did know who she was, maybe they have met before, that's what was even worse, the fact she just didn't know anything anymore. She had absolutely nothing! And this mare who was a princess, who had so many friends, who was regarded with love and affection and was likely privileged from the beginning of her life wanted to claim she understood her? What did she know about being this ugly monstrosity, this creature of chaos, this twisted form? No, she couldn't see, it was impossible to see through her eyes. Nopony could look into the madness that she now came to accept. Eve was done talking as she began to chuckle once more, giving Twilight an amused sneer. "I'll show you..I'm gonna show you just how much you know mhmhmhm..." And the baby draconequus pointed her claw at Twilight still with that amused sneer as she soon formed a grin. "Maybe then you can see." Eve's eyes widened as her claw began to ignite with a destructive form of magic channeling the very elements into a single form. "Maybe then, hehe." Eve unleashed the magic upon Twilight as it went straight for the Princess. Twilight's eyes widened as she looked on in awe for a moment. Applejack noticed Twilight wasn't moving. "Twi! What're ya doin!?" Shining Armor snapped at Twilight; immediately overwhelmed with worry. "TWILEY MOVE!" Twilight then prepared to cast her own spell as a single tear dropped to the floor. "I...I see..." She then looked at the blast with a guilty expression. "I'm sorry it has to be like this then..." Her horn then started to glow; preparing to unleash her spell. But just as the spell would arrive at Twilight's position; Eve's spell would be propelled up into the air by another counter of a spell. This caused everyponies eyes to widen, as Eve looked on in surprise and confusion. She then looked in the direction of where the countering spell had come from and approaching her from some distance away was none other than Princess Celestia herself with a fearless look. Eve then gritted her teeth angrily as she raised her paw, then releasing another spell in Princess Celestia's direction as the princess of the sun simply continued to trot towards the baby draconequus. And once again, Princess Celestia countered it with ease as she only continued her approach. Eve's eyes widened exponentially as she'd suddenly looked shocked. The baby draconequus rose herself to the sky to create some more distance between herself and the encroaching princess. Twilight looked at Princess Celestia in shock herself as she shook her head. "P-Princess! You don't need to get involved, I'll take care of it! Please let me-" Princess Celestia regarded her faithful student with a gracious smile as she shook her head right back in response. "No; not this time Twilight, I'll deal with this. Please; you and your friends just stay a safe distance away." Fluttershy then trotted hurriedly towards Princess Celestia. "Princess please tell us! W-What're you planning to do?" Princess Celestia regarded Fluttershy with a blank expression for a moment, then smiled, closing her eyes. "I'm going to do what I can Fluttershy. Try not to worry, I've dealt with draconequus before." The princess then began trotting forward once more towards the baby draconequus with that determined look, unafraid in the face of chaos. And as she trotted still with that determined expression lacking any sense of fear, her grace was still present in her features, and her intimidation was unfaltering. She only continued to trot towards Eve, as the closer she came, the more the baby draconequus became flustered. Eve looked down at Princess Celestia worriedly as she then shook her head. No; she couldn't be scared either, she knew what to expect. But why couldn't she touch that princess? Why were her powers seemingly useless against this one? She was an embodiment of chaos; her limitless potential couldn't be knocked away so easily; yet... Eve then started to cast more spells but this time in the form of crystal spires that rose up out of the ground in a similar fashion to when she was helping against the dragon. There was no way the small princess could counter those. But Princess Celestia was unaffected, almost on instinct casting defensive barriers to protect her from the spires, even causing the spires themselves to shatter. Eve then once more revealed that hint of childish fear, as she shook her head. Wha-!?...H-How?.... "I know you're afraid little one." Stated Princess Celestia plainly. Eve suddenly looked scared as she backed away, shaking her head in anger. "I-I'm not scared of you! I'll..I'll show you!" Eve then formed a similar spell to the one she'd just casted at Twilight and then released it upon Celestia like rapid canon fire. The baby draconequus was using everything she could to keep the princess at bay, and this is what she had in mind. There was no possible way that even Princess Celestia could come out of this unscathed. So Eve continued to swing her arms in recurrence, releasing spell after spell, consisting of lightning, fire, ice, water, air. The spells were all ultimately destructive attacks morphed into a unpredictable ever-changing form, even sometimes consisting of random objects such as metal, wood, or rocks. Anything she could do to keep this pony princess away from her. This was the power hidden deep within her, the power of chaos, the power to create almost anything out of nothing. And supposedly the power to stop anything! This princess was nothing! Not even she could escape when overwhelmed with such magic. Twilight was overcome with dread as she looked at the princess become engulfed in the barrage of destructive magic. "Princess Celestia!" And it caused the mare to trot hurriedly towards the location. Shining Armor raised a hoof to his sister. "Twilight wait!" But as the cloud of smoke cleared; to everypony's amazement, the princess was still unharmed. Princess Celestia just stood there in the middle, a small circular outlining clear of any destruction, showing she was safe the entire time. She only continued to look up at Eve with that same expression as she remained silent. Rainbow Dash muttered. "Amazing...." __________________________________________________________ Even Cheerilee and the rest of the class were still witnessing this event take place. Seeing as Nancy News being a news reporter would rather die than miss capturing this for the rest of Equestria. Of course as she covered all of this she was screaming, exclaiming how incredible the whole thing was as all news reporters do. But as expected, Cheerilee nor the class cared in particular about what came out of the Newsmare's mouth. Cheerilee just continued to look on in dismay, unable to look away as she felt her heart ache in pain at the thought. That deep inside, she was hoping that Eve could find some way out of this and escape. But she also didn't want the others to get hurt in all of this either. Scootaloo cheered in excitement! "Get her Princess Celestia!" __________________________________________________________ Eve was frozen; as she couldn't believe it herself. But now she wasn't able to hide it. Even behind her new sadistic mask, she couldn't hide that childish fear she wished to keep hidden away. Is this how she reacted in the face of despair? In the face of such prowess? With such a weak hopeless expression? She expected better of herself. But she simply remained in the air as she gritted her teeth in irritation and tears filled her eyes as she looked down at Princess Celestia from the sky. She was trembling, and this is how weak she was. She stood no chance; even with all her powers she was nothing compared to this princess it seemed. How could she hope to change this world if she couldn't even do anything against only one of its leaders? She couldn't even bring forth the strength to attempt another spell. Princess Celestia only continued. "But there is no need to be afraid anymore..." Eve glared at Celestia in annoyance as she looked away from the princess. How dull; even in the end she was being mocked, well at least it would all be over soon. She welcomed the idea, the idea of everything coming to an end. They could keep their happiness, they could keep their perfect little world, fine, not like it mattered for her. She just didn't want to have anything to do with it anymore. She stated in regards to Princess Celestia. "Just make it quick please....." Princess Celestia smirked somewhat as she then made her way into the sky, right in front of Eve. Eve didn't make eye contact with her as expected, but then; the Princess did something that the baby draconequus never expected. She wrapped her hooves around her, embracing the baby draconequus in a hug? But this caused Eve to react more so in fear as she trembled profoundly. Princess Celestia whispered. "Hmhm; we're just getting started you and I...." Eve's eyes widened as she pushed against the princess in desperation, wanting nothing to do with her. "N-No! Please! Just end it! Leave me alone; I don't want to go through this anymore! Please!" And she found herself unable to get away. Princess Celestia ran her hoof through the baby draconequus's mane with a soft smile; looking down at her with an affectionate smile. "Shhhhh...there's nothing to worry about...everything will be alright now little Eve..." And Celestia's horn started to glow a soft golden hue, allowing the baby draconequus to calm her senses and fall into a deep sleep. She was lying! And Eve didn't want to risk going with this princess! But she couldn't stop the spell from taking effect. She slowly drifted into a calming sleep as Princess Celestia held her close in her hooves. And soon the baby draconequus finally became frail and still in a peaceful sleep. And Princess Celestia looked down at her in admiration, she felt as if she'd just found a needle in the haystack, a magnificent jewel. And these two, had much work to do before this was all over. And so Celestia descended back to the ground with the sleeping draconequus in one hoof. And as she touched upon the ground; she regarded her sister who was looking at her afar with a simple nod. Then she looked at Cadence and nodded to her as well. At that moment Princess Cadence and Luna dropped their protective barriers; seeing as it was safe. __________________________________________________________ As Twilight and the rest of the mane six looked upon Princess Celestia with the baby draconequus they weren't certain of how to regard her either; Twilight just approached Princess Celestia with a worried look. "P-Princess Celestia? What're you planning to do with her?" Princess Celestia smiled at Twilight. "Don't worry Twilight; I will ensure that nothing like this ever happens again. You have no more need to worry about the wellbeing of this little draconequus, none of you do." She regarded all of them with smiles. Twilight's expression sunk a little; it was obvious to her Princess Celestia was hiding something, was she still not trustworthy enough to even know what her own mentor was planning to do with that draconequus? Or was it that Princess Celestia believed it would be better of if she weren't involved for her own good? Either way Twilight didn't like it. Fluttershy looked at Princess Celestia worriedly but held her tongue and just looked down. Princess Celestia was wise, questioning her motives was a bit too disrespectful. Rainbow just crooked her neck a little in a stretch as she sighed heavily. "Just make sure she doesn't cause us anymore trouble. Sheesh; she can throw out some pretty scary stuff." Rainbow then looked over at the sword wielding mare. "And thanks for coming when you did by the way! That was a close call." The sword weilding mare simply smiled as she nodded to Rainbow Dash. "Of course; it was my pleasure." Rarity then got in the mare's face with an interested look. "Wait a minute! Haven't I met you in Canterlot!?" Pinkie Pie interrupted. "Yeeeeea! Haven't I met you in Canterlot!?....Wait...." Applejack did a facehoof. Princess Celestia looked at the sword wielding mare with a hint of intense annoyance. But she'd deal with that issue back in Canterlot; all she was focused on at the moment was the little draconequus in her hoof. __________________________________________________________ And from the stands; Trixie then stood to her hooves, anxious to go speak to Twilight as soon as possible. But there was somepony suddenly blocking her path as she did so. And that individual was none other then Kel the changeling. Except he looked quite angry with the brilliant azure mare as he gritted his teeth snapping at her a little. "What the heck happened!?" But he kept his voice low as he didn't want to draw too much attention. Trixie felt she was about to snap back as she simply gritted her teeth; remaining silent. She didn't know how to respond to him. Because not even she is sure how this all just went down. __________________________________________________________ As Cheerilee finished watching, she stood to her hooves and then immediately burst out of the classroom. Her students sitting there a little stunned by where their teacher was off to in such a hurry. But Cheerilee said nothing, she simply made her way out of the classroom with haste; obviously having a specific destination in mind. __________________________________________________________ And Silver Shade could only smirk. So; this is the shield.......