//------------------------------// // Feroce // Story: Ace of Hearts // by blowngasket //------------------------------// Chapter 26: Feroce "So...your mom's...uhhh nice." Catacomb stared down at his shot glass, untouched as of yet. He looked over towards Twilight, who sat next to him, trying to make herself comfortable on the bar stool. The place they sat in was a smaller, quieter bar, as compared to the one they previously turned into flaming rubble. The construction crew was still working on the repairs, so a change of location was necessary for Catacomb to be able to get a drink in. That and he highly doubted he was allowed back at Earl Grey's place, even if it was repaired. "I want you to know I am not mad or anything." Twilight said, looking slightly nervous. "Don't worry, I know. It is just...bah!" Catacomb just couldn't speak what his mind wanted to say properly, having about five different conflicting opinions of his mother all fighting for dominance in the conversation, and the finale of their struggle was Catacomb sounding like a sheep. He threw his hands up in defeat and decided now was a good a time as any to finally down his drink. The smooth texture and burning sensation would only be described as medicinal at this point, helping to numb the pain of his brain making him think. "Ya try yours yet?" Catacomb asked, feeling a bit better now, and grinning slightly. Twilight looked down at the small shot glass, though finding it much more difficult to drink than Catacomb did. Still she had decided she was going to at least have one. Though the last time didn't exactly end well, Twilight was confident that this time around she would be able to finally take her first adult drink. Since everyone had left the party anyways, it wasn't like they were skipping out on them. She figured they wanted the two of them to have some alone time now that everything was finally straightened out. "So, you just...drink it all at once." Twilight asked as she focused on the alcohol, poking the shot glass menacingly. The other bar patrons tried to not stare, but couldn't help but feel sympathy. The poor scotch only wanted to be drunk, and the woman was just sitting there teasing it. If it wasn't for the menacing looking young man next to her, they would gladly give the drink the attention it deserved. "Yeah, it makes it easier to take in. It is a lot gentler than the stuff I usual drink, but it will still pack a punch to someone like ya, so yeah, one gulp." Catacomb said, Twilight unknowingly helping Catacomb feel more at ease. He smiled reassuringly, giving Twilight the confidence to finally take the plunge and down the drink. The scotch vanishing from the glass, Catacomb did his best to restrain his laughter as Twilight made a series of faces, before finally letting the drink slide down her throat. "That...was...strong." Twilight gasped, recovering from the alcoholic sucker punch. "Ya did good, kiddo." Catacomb said, patting her back. "Thanks, but I think I will let you drink enough for the both of us." Twilight said, laughing slightly. "I guess I will have to struggle for the both of us then. I will gladly accept the responsibility of drinking for two." Catacomb said jokingly. "Can't believe no one else wanted to come, though." "Am I not good enough company?" Twilight said as he pouted, though her smile told Catacomb that she was simply joking. "I dunno, you're kinda nerdy for my tastes, but you will have to do." Catacomb was rewarded with a slight shove, causing him to have to adjust lest he fall off the stool. "Jerk!" Twilight said, crossing her arms in front of her, turning away. "I get that a lot." Catacomb said with more pride than he should of. They both started to chuckle, Catacomb making it very difficult to stay angry. "So, what do you have planned for later, Mr. Jerk?" Twilight asked, her laughing finally subsiding. "Well, I have planned to most likely go back to the library, cause some sort of catastrophe, and then head to bed when I was good and ready." Catacomb said truthfully, knowing full well that the way his luck has been, something was bound to ruin the night or cause trouble. "I hope you're not actually planning on causing trouble." Twilight said, her voice a low tone that spoke 'final warning.' "Sweetheart, I don't think you noticed, but trouble tends to find me." Catacomb said, laughing lightly. Twilight shook her head, obviously opposed to the idea of any more trouble than necessary. "That must be inconvenient." A voice from next to Catacomb spoke, though Catacomb couldn't tell who it has belonged to. He turned his gaze over towards the voice, an older man, about Reader's age sat sipping what looked like tea. His shaggy brown hair covered most of his face, though his smile was easy to see. His clothes looked nice, fairly fresh looking and very clean dress shirt and pants. Over his shirt, a brown jacket rested comfortably. "I'm sorry, but I can't say I know ya?" Catacomb said, looking over the man, trying to remember if he had seen him somewhere before, but only drawing blanks. "Oh don't worry about it too much, we have never met. Until now, we were simply strangers enjoying a drink at a bar, and have yet to introduce ourselves." The man said, brandishing a growing smile, stirring his tea with the straw. "That's good then. I would feel like crap if I couldn't remember someone." Catacomb said, chuckling. "What about you, Twi? Ya know him?" "No, I don't think so." Twilight said, looking over the man. "Are you new in town?" "Just visiting, I guess you could say. Seems like a nice town." He said, taking another sip from his drink. "Welcome to Ponyville then. My name is Twilight Sparkle." Twilight said, giving him a friendly wave. "Same here, I guess. Not the name!" Catacomb said, quickly correcting his verbal mistake. "Hehe, names Catacomb." "Twilight and Catacomb. Interesting mix, the fall of light and the dark crypt. Almost suiting..." he spoke quietly, though loud enough for Catacomb and Twilight to hear. They shuddered slightly as his tone darkened. "Nice to meet you. My name is Dante." The sound, it wasn't that it wasn't there anymore, but the senses of the two were no longer capable of picking it up. The color had completely left Twilight's face. It happened so suddenly, that even Twilight wasn't able to fully comprehend what was going on. The smell of a hint of smoke, the echoing within the air, reverberating off the walls and all around the bar, as people started to run out. She watched as he slowly fell off the stool, slow motion vision from the sudden rush of adrenaline allowed her to focus on all of the crimson droplets splashing the floor, the side of the bar, and some on her. As Catacomb fell, Dante came into full view, holding a gun not unlike Catacomb's, the tip smoking from the fired shot that pierced Catacomb's side. She looked up, shaking heavily, staring into the eyes of what could be described as evil incarnate. No guilt, no conscience, just pure unadulterated wickedness. "Well, that was easier than I expected." Dante said as Catacomb hit the ground with a sickening thud, his outfit turning red quickly as more blood flowed from the hole. Twilight stared at Catacomb, tears flowing out, unrestrained. "C-Cata...wake up..." Twilight said, unable to do anything else. Catacomb's eyes were shut, not even struggling to open from his predicament. His face, his expression showed regret. Twilight, unable to comprehend what happened, continued to call out his name repeatedly. She didn't know if it would do anything, but there was nothing else she could do. "He won't be walking away from that, Twilight. By now, my associates have most likely taken care of the rest of them." He got up from his stool and stepped over the unmoving body of Catacomb, heading towards Twilight. She flinched, falling out of her stool and crawling away on the floor, trying desperately to get away from the towering demon, as his eyes hungrily watched her, almost feeding off of her fear, savoring her squirming and thrashing about, knowing full well she won't be getting anywhere. "G-Get away!!!" Twilight screamed out, continuously backing away from Dante until she had hit a wall. "Sweetie, don't be scared. If I hurt you, my client would be very upset with me." Dante said, grinning wickedly. "As long as you cooperate, you will be fine, for the most part." "Lightning!" Twilight cried out, a bolt striking Dante square on. He twitched around from the shock, but his smile only widened. "Lightning! Lightning! Lightning!" Bolt after bolt struck him, but he simply stood there, taking them with a smile. "That feels amazing!" Dante cried out, skin singed from the attacks, though inwardly he didn't seem phased in the least. He placed his hand against her mouth as she was about to cast another spell, pinning her head against the back wall, and moving his face a mere inches away from her. She could see his eyes clearly, her mind racing in terror. His red eyes and that reptilian style pupil. He was like Spike, of dragon decent. It was the only way he could shrug of the spells so easily. "I sure hope he doesn't mind me sampling the product..." Dante whispered into Twilight's ear, her eyes widening with terror. "LIKE HELL I DO!" Dante looked over his shoulder, just to be nailed square in the face with a kick. He didn't have time to react, his body sailing across the room and into a wall. Twilight looked up, tears in her eyes, as Catacomb stood there, breathing heavily. The hole had closed, but it didn't look like Catacomb was any better off. "Hey, Twi. Sorry I'm late. Turns out your healing idea was spot on." Catacomb said, giving her a thumbs up. Dante laughed from his hole, seemingly happy to be there. "For a second I really thought it would be that easy, but where is the fun in that?" Dante said, pulling himself up, only to be knocked back in from an attack. "What the hell? That was supposed to seal him!" Catacomb said, his gun pointed towards the hole. "H-he's a dragon kin..." Twilight said, staring at the hole as well. "Ya gotta be kidding me!" ---------- ---------- ---------- "PERRY!" Fluttershy cried out, watching a man almost double his size throw Perry through the wall of her house. The man was nothing to laugh at, having what resembled muscles on top of his muscles, and the obvious capability to use them. He had a simple tank top and black pants, short brown hair, but his most defining feature was his eyes, almost devoid of all thoughts and intelligence. From his slightly crouched position, he stared at the hole, as if he forgot what he was doing here to begin with. "Kill small man, bring woman unpained." The giant muttered, walking towards the hole in the wall. Perry quickly jumped through the hole, striking quickly and with as much force as possible. He connected in to the giant's stomach, but the blow didn't even seem to faze it. Perry's attack was met by the man’s massive arm striking him back through the wall making another hole. Perry laid against the ground, trying to come to terms with getting used as a wrecking ball. He already tried a gravity spell, but all it seemed to do was make his massive punches hit harder. It was a miracle his mask was even still intact after that one. Perry jumped back up, not wanting to let Fluttershy get taken. He jumped through the hole, only to find himself making a third as he soared through the door to the house. "Well, this is going to be annoying..." ---------- ---------- ---------- Reader kept sweeping his vision from side to side, staring at the two in front of him. He was nervous, easily bothered by his current situation. The women were identical twins, both of them dressed the same, holding themselves the same, and even believing they were the same person. Reader could easily read their thoughts, but the obvious identity crisis made it impossible to discern which one he was actually listening in on. They had on a soft looking black dress, similar to one you would wear to a funeral, with matching veils covering their faces. Pinkie was safely hiding in the bedroom, everyone else leaving due to the destruction of the side wall, the two having made there entrance as flashy as possible. They must have been skilled in magic, and Reader wasn't sure if he was actually going to last this time. "I am here for the girl, hand her over to us, and I will kill you quickly. I promise you will feel no pain." They spoke in unison, easily being one of the creepiest things reader as ever witnessed. It has been said that twins share a special bond, but whatever they had going on was unnatural. "Thou shall not interfere with the livelihood of this young lass." Reader said confidently. He tried to contact everyone else, but something was interfering with his long range telepathy. "Are you having trouble talking to them?" The twins asked simultaneously. They grinned from behind the veil as they moved closer. "They are being taken care of as well. You should focus on me if you wish to leave alive." "What in the world are you two?" Reader asked, taking up a defensive stance. "I am simply my master's pet." They said, both moving in closer to Reader. He kept trying to read them, even as they rushed him. Reader heard the mental sign of one throwing a punch and the other a kick. His eyes widened as he panicked, unable to figure out which was which, and ending up taking them both square on. Staggering backwards, Reader wiped the blood from his face, feeling scared for the first time since the demon incident. ---------- ---------- ---------- The orchard was silent, with the exception of the heavy breathing of Applejack and Shining Armor. The two hid behind a tree, looking around frantically. With almost an instinctive reflex, Shining managed to pull Applejack to the ground, narrowly avoiding a set of blades as they struck the tree behind them. Shining quickly ran, dragging Applejack with him, who struggled to keep up. "You can't run forever..." A voice echoed throughout the trees, Shining ignoring it and continuing his sprint. "What in tarnation is going on?!" Applejack said, staring behind her as they ran forward. "Ambush. Whoever it is must have waited for us to return from the party." Shining responded. It didn't help running in the bulky armor he wore, but there wasn't any time to do anything about it. Shining maintained a strong look, but his prior injuries made it less than easy to maintain the pace he was dashing at. "Just hand her over, and I will let you go..." The voice continued to echo, hiding the sound of the throwing blades slicing through the air, skillfully striking Shining in the shoulder, right in between the armor joints. He collapsed from the pain, feeling a burning sensation tingling from the wound. Eye's widening, Shining quickly uttered a spell, designed to neutralize poison in the blood stream. Applejack stood defiantly watching over Shining as he proceeded to isolate and dispel the poison. "You're a brave one..." "Ya ain't supposed to kill me, so good luck getting through to him..." Applejack said, a little smile forming, half confidence and half bravado. "Fair enough..." A small needle struck Applejack on the neck, her eyes almost instantly losing focus, and soon she was down, unmoving. "YOU BASTARD!!!" Shining yelled out, finally getting up. "What did you do!?" "Don't worry, she is simply sleeping. I think you should be worried more about yourself..." A whirl of blades quickly sailed at Shining, but in his moment of defiance, he surrounded himself and Applejack with a barrier, deflecting all the knives. "Impressive, but your noble light will be extinguished by my shadows soon enough..." "As a friend of mine once said...go shove it!" ---------- ---------- ---------- "OH MY GOSH!" Rainbow barely managed to avoid being rammed, quickly dodging to the side. The darkened sky made it difficult to see the hooded figure that wasn't Ark. The two clashing together a few feet below Rainbow. His black outfit made it hard to make out, black wings included. "Just...give...up..." Ark said, pushing against the other person, both having knives drawn and dragging against each other’s surface. The sparks the two made had let Rainbow slightly see the assailant's face, a darkened complexion with jet black hair. "You're nut's...if you think it will be that easy." The other man said, moving to the side and withdrawing his blade, only to follow up with a kick. Ark barely blocked, the force of his kick nearly shattering his forearm. Whoever this man was, he was good. "Dante...will only discard you...but if you can't see it, then I will have to get rid of you myself!" Ark said, showing what seemed like the most emotion Rainbow has ever seen, as he pushed the other man off of him, and followed with a quick slash from his knife. "You're stupid..." The other man responded, parrying the attack, with a follow up to Ark's jaw. This sent him into a dive, spiraling towards the ground. "Of course I am being used, I am simply a tool designed for him!" Rainbow quickly dashed downwards as fast as she could barely catching up to Ark before he hit the ground. She pulled up with all her might, narrowly missing several trees and bushes before she managed to head upwards. "Wake up, Ark! Don't wuss out on me now!" Rainbow said, shaking him. The other man was hot on her trail, however and getting closer than Rainbow was comfortable with. "I...got this..." Ark said, his eyes opening quickly as he came back to his senses. He quickly jumped out of Rainbow's grip, the other man barely able to avoid his surprise attack. "Simple mistake, it won't happen again." Ark said, attempting to reassure Rainbow. In truth, he wasn't sure if it really was, or if his opponent was really that good. ---------- ---------- ---------- "Wait...you're not going to fight me." "Nope." "Can't say I am complaining. Fighting the god of chaos was definitely something I wasn't looking forward to." Discord casually sat on a bench, sipping what looked like a cup of tea. Rarity was hiding behind him, giving him the most vicious death glare that has ever been witnessed. "What do you mean you are not going to fight? You are supposed to protect me!" Rarity yelled out, beating on Discords back. The man standing across from them, a sturdy looking frame outlined by a business suit, made it hard to tell if he was here to make a deal or commit crimes. His short blond hair and nice smile would have made him attractive to her had he not already declared his intentions, "Rarity, my dear. I agreed to watch you. Now I am going to watch this nice young gentleman kidnap you." Discord said, taking another sip from his tea cup. "You have got to be kidding me!" Rarity said, shocked by her misfortune. "I do apologize dear, but Dante is in need of the complete set. I ask you come along with me easily. It isn't my intention to harm you." He said, fixing up his tie. "You are crazy to think that I would just go with you!" Rarity said, crossing her arms in front of her. "Well, I can't argue my sanity too well. Having Dante as a permanent client has definitely done a number to that." He walked up to Discord and handed him a business card. "If you ever need an attorney, feel free to drop on in, and thank you for cooperating." "I guess. I don't really care, but I doubt that he feels the same." Discord said, lazily pointing behind the lawyer. He turned cautiously, not wanting to fall for a stupid trick. A young man stood behind him, his eyes almost burning with a righteous fury. "Get the hell away from Rarity!" He yelled, Rarity finally recognizing him. Spike stood there, an aura of determination that Rarity had never felt before. She watched him point over towards Discord now, smoke leaking from his mouth. "And you! You lazy good for nothing excuse for a life form." "I deny nothing." Discord said casually, sipping his cup, the actual cup, now. "Young man, these are adult matters, and I would strongly advise against interfering." The lawyer said. "Spike, don't worry about me. Just don't do anything rash." Rarity said, concerned for his safety over hers. Discord chuckled and laid down, the bench deciding to walk away on its own, removing the barrier between the lawyer and Rarity. He gave a friendly wave to them and closed his eyes, snoring kicking in soon after. "Now just come along and I can assure his safety...?" The lawyer turned around again, but Spike was nowhere to be seen. He looked down, just in time for a crouched Spike to land an uppercut to his jaw, knocking him several feet into the air. "Don't you dare touch her...she...belongs to ME!" Spike roared out, emerald flames lighting up the area. The lawyer slowly got up and brushed himself off, grinning towards the young man. "Well, I can't say I didn't warn you..." He said, as his eyes started to turn red, quickly becoming bloodshot. "But...you PISSED ME OFF!"