//------------------------------// // Alpha Vs Draconequus pt 2 // Story: From Order to Chaos // by Neoandermcd //------------------------------// Alpha's Pov: My father was a tall man about five foot eleven with forest green eyes and silky blonde hair. He wore a dark brown jacket with pants sharing the same color and a tannish brown button up shirt with shiny black shoes. An image flashed from my past that showed a picture of the man before me. Wearing the exact same clothes while standing next to a beautiful blonde haired woman with sea blue eyes and a pure white dress with a tannish sunhat. Held affectionately between the both of them was a child no older than a few months wrapped up in a robin blue blanket.  From what my memory served of me he rarely wore his clothes loosely as the buttons on his shirt were unbutton about half way revealing a simple white undershirt while his steel gray tie hung loosely around his neck. He was in his study a bottle of brandy in one hand and a glass in the other. His clothes were worn loosely as he stumbled around his office. He reached into a drawer and pulled out a beautifully crafted locket. Opening the locket he gazed at the image with longing and soon began to cry. It was unbelievable how much time had past as I now stood at equal height where as before he seemed to tower over me. In fact he looked exactly the same as the last time I saw him...which was in his study where he was poisoned. Sitting in his chair was his motionless body with a glass forever gripped in one hand while his choice of drink was on the floor. Its flavor forever lost as the carpet soaked it up. His eyes locked with mine and the world seemed to stop at that very moment. Without having to say a word I knew exactly what he wanted to convey to me. The disappointment in what I had become, the regret in how he treated me, the anger of what I did and the sadness in what he had to do...wait had to do? He took a step towards me albeit rather clumsy and slowly, but a step none the less. I stood there unsure of what to make of this. I knew for a fact that I was still under the Draconequus’ illusion, but had no means of escape. I also knew that pain felt very real in here and could-possibly- cause me to die not only here, but in reality as well. Before I even realized it he stood before me, hands reaching out to grab my throat. Without even thinking I shoved him away, but used more force than intended. A loud and sickening crack echoed out as his arms, legs and head bent at a new angle. Shaking like a leaf I fell to the ground and stared at my paws. These new hands of mine just like the old killed my father once more. A young bruised child no older than seven scoured through the gardener’s shack. Finding a box of rat poison he soon scrambled off towards his father’s study. Reaching into his father’s liquor cabinet-while wearing disposable gloves-he places a few drops of the poison into his father’s favorite drink. With the deed done he returns everything back while throwing the gloves into a fire and returns to his room. Only to find his father there waiting for him, a scowl present on his face. I-I-I didn’t have a choice. He continued to beat me harder and harder to the point where I couldn’t feel anymore...to the point where I wanted the pain to end. And seeing that no one in that house of mine wasn’t going to do anything to stop him, I had to take matters into my own hands. The police sealed off the area and began to look for clues as to how this could have happen. Eventually they gathered a substantial amount of evidence to take one of the gardeners in for questioning. With no alibi and being that the murder weapon came from their shed they convicted him of the murder of my father. While the case was going on I felt something that would change my life forever...the thrill of being caught. The thrill that I could get away with my father’s death. The thrill that I was in control of the event and was able to point people away from me...I felt like a god amongst men. The unnatural sound of bones snapping brought me out of my memories as I watched my father’s corpse stand back up. His legs were bent at an unnatural angle-much like his head and shoulders-, but it didn’t stop him from wobbling towards me again. Tentatively standing back up I got into a simple stance as I waited for my fat-... no for that thing to get close enough where I could rip it to pieces. Only a few seconds away I got ready to lunge at it until I heard something from behind me. Rolling by my fat- it. I nearly dodge both it and the new creature before me. It was a woman about five foot four around the age of thirty with black luscious hair, light brownish skin and brown eyes. She was wearing a red cock tail dress with matching red lipstick that added beauty to her already stunning features. A hispanic woman in maid clothes is comforting my father by being a shoulder to cry on. She whispers comforting words while lightly stroking his back. Noticing a child watching she beckons him over-a kind smile splayed across her face-as she begins to comfort both father and son. Her name was Liana at first a simple maid, but soon turn into something more. She walked down the aisle with a beautiful white dress and a veil to cover her face. The father waited at the end of the aisle and stood next to his son and a priest. She was there for my father and I when we had lost hope. She was there for us the good and the worst of times. She was someone I thought I could trust...until that fateful night. A few years had past after my fathers death. Restless one night I awoke and headed to the kitchen to get something to drink. Walking by my father’s study I could hear the sound of scuffling. Curious I peaked into the room to see my stepmother half naked lying on my father’s desk. Standing over and kissing her passionately was my father’s best friend/business partner Ralph. I froze in place as I watched and heard what they said. ‘I can’t believe how easy it was to get that man to fall in love with me’ said Liana, while laughing though an occasionally moan of pleasure escaped her lips. ‘Yes and with him out of the way the company is as good as ours’ said Ralph, as he continued to feel her up. ‘All we have to do is get the brat to agree to let us take care of it until he’s old enough’ he said then asked ‘Think you can do it?’. Switching positions she now stood on all fours on my father’s desk as she cried out ‘Yes, yes of course I can now hurry up I’m almost-’. I didn’t stay to listen any longer as I ran. Tears streaming down my face as I tried to find a safe place to hide. Turning a corner too sharp I tripped and stumbled into the wall hard. However instead of stopping there it opened revealing a hidden room. Before I could get my bearing the door slammed shut leaving me trapped and momentarily blind until some lights turned on. They weren’t very bright, but it still allowed me to see more clearly than before. It originally looked rather spacious as it could have held a small party though because of the different plants, bottles, chains and...adult toy it now was only capable of holding two to three people max. Shocked and surprised I began to look in more depth of the room and was rewarded with a journal that belong to my father. In his grief he constructed the room as to have a place to let off some...excess steam/stress and would coerce some of the maids by paying them off. Though by the way he wrote in his journal he made sure no one would ever know about this room. I didn’t know what to think or do at the moment, but taking the journal I was able to ascertain a way out and went back to my room to read more of my father’s journal. I had trusted that woman and she had played my father and I like a fiddle. And for what the rights to a stupid business!? Access to all the money instead of some that was still much better than what most people could ever hope to earn! None of that even matter to me. In the end the thing that made me furious was that she thought she could control me like my father...but I’d show her...I’d show her and Ralph who was really in control...Of who was really in charge. A year past. I was about fourteen though bony for my age my height was beginning to bear fruit. Ralph and Liana were out in the garden talking about business is what they told me, but I knew what it was really about. With their talk done they said their goodbyes-Ralph groping her ass before he left-while Liana retired to her room. Everything was ready and in place as I waited a few minutes before knocking at her door. Telling me to enter I did as instructed and offered her a cup of warm tea to help wash away the soreness of her days work. Thanking me she took a small sip and flashed me a heart warming smile. I waited knowing it would only take a few minutes for it to work and was soon rewarded as she fell onto her bed completely knocked out. I remember how I dragged her into my father’s secret room and tied her up. How I tortured her in a variety of ways from pain to humiliation to pleasure and anything else in between...I did it all...and loved every second of it. A month had past when the police notified us that her body was found. Her body had scratches, burns and bruises which they told us the sick psychotic bastard tortured, raped then killed her. Of course I acted sad about finding out about her demise, but inside I felt the familiar rush of excitement that I felt during my father investigation. Another shuffling sound caught my attention. Another familiar face revealing itself. It was Frank, sweet, kind Frank. He stood as tall as six foot five with a very muscular body, a clean shaved head and forest green eyes. He was an ex-convict--who was wrongly placed in jail for a few misdemeanors--,but had a heart of gold. That is until I used him to help torture, kill and later frame Liana’s death on him. Frank stood before me as he screamed with untold rage. I sat on the park bench with an indifferent look as he threatened to go to the cops. I laughed and then had to explain the situation to him. How that I took every precaution in making sure not even one strand of my hair would ever be found in that room and that the only thing the police would find is evidence of him being in there. I left him there shell shocked though I did leave him a parting gift of a bottle full of rat poison. Frank lunged at me, but was easily dodged. Liana and my father tried to double team me though I was easily able to send both of them to the ground The trio from my past continued to come at me while I continued to starve them off. More scuffing could be heard. Even more familiar faces reveal themselves. Ralph, Linda, Mitchell, Sarah. I continued to dance around my adversaries only occasionally having to fend them off. Quick punches or kicks was all it took to knock them down though they always refused to stay down. Molly, Andrew, Tom, Amanda. No longer able to dodge I had no other choice but to fight. Claws ripped through flesh while my strength tossed them about like ragdolls. I fought and fought and fought and fought, but they never stopped. They just kept coming. More and more familiar faces continued to come. Each more familiar than the last, but I was unable to stop and think about who or what I did to them as I continued to fight. For if I stopped for even a moment it would be the end of me. The sins of my past was never ending as soulless eyes illuminated the black canvas area. Hot searing pain erupted from my right leg. Glancing down I could see one of the many faces from my past clamping down on my leg. Trickles of blood began to seep through his teeth as a small puddle began to form below us. Gritting my teeth I ignored him and continued to fend off the rest. That is until another flash of pain erupted from my left leg. Howling in pain I could feel similar teeth sinking into my flesh as my life fluids began to drain towards the earth. Fighting through the pain I continued to hack, slash and overpower my sin’s until one of them jumped onto my back. Another howl of pain escaped my lips as it’s teeth sunk into my left shoulder. I began to feel light headed as my life fluids rolled down the back of my pelt. Reaching behind me I threw the creature off my back though it didn’t go empty handed as a part of my flesh and fur accompanied it. Tears began to form and roll down my muzzle obscuring my vision. The world around me began to spin causing me almost to fall though was unable to as the creatures held me up while taking bites out of my fur and flesh. Another howl attempted to escape my muzzle, but I was unable to muster the voice necessary to do so. The world around me began to go dark while a chilling sensation rocked me to the core. Barely able to see I attempted to at least take one down with me, but soon stopped as that only made my arms a bigger target. As I stood there waiting for the pain to end a loud crack echoed out for all to hear. “It appears-” came Drake’s voice as more and more cracking sounds could be heard. “-your time is up”, as an almighty glass shattering sound roared out. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I awoke back to the real world. The skies still grey-though more light illuminated them-with only a light shower raining down on us. Looking around I could see my clan, some staring at me with concern while the majority eyed the Draconequus with a warily look. My vision began to grow fuzzy while what strength I had was gone, forcing me to one knee. Blinking it away I looked at the Draconequus once more though his eyes were different from what I remember as they took on the appearance of a pinwheel spinning. That didn’t last long as the spinning stopped and with a simple blink of his eyes they were back to normal. “So tell me, did you have a pleasant dream?” he asked me, knowing exactly what horror I went through. I tried to find my voice, but ended up empty handed. Unable to support myself any longer I feel to the cold muddy ground. It felt rather nice given what I had experience not a few moments ago. My clan was shell shocked as they stood there-uncertainty in their eyes-as they decided what to do. With fear grasping at their hearts they fell to one knee and bowed before their new Alpha. Anger and sadness welled up in me as the bloody cowards went against everything that I taught them. Though one remained loyal. My Beta bellowed out a war cry and charged head first towards Drake. It brought some satisfaction to see him go, showing that at least my influence affected one of them. However that didn’t last long. Just before Pace could tear Drake to pieces, he ducked and smacked Pace’s leg hard with his tail. Pace was unable to keep his balance as he fell face first to the ground though Drake wasn’t done yet. Following the motion Drake swung his tail back around and smacked Pace in the back sending him hard towards the ground. I waited for the sound of Pace hitting the floor, but it never came. Looking around I barely caught sight of him flying out of an orange circle. Where he then soared towards the ground only to fly out of a purple circle and then into a red one. He was thrown about every which way-his speed increasing with each second-until Drake had enough of this game. Firing a blob towards the wall once more Pace flew out and crashed into the opposite wall hard, leaving a decent crater as he flopped to the ground. Even through that ordeal he was alive-his chest moving up and down-, but he was clearly down for the count. My attention was brought back as a shadow loomed over me. Drake had crossed the distance between us without my knowing as he gave me a cold hearted stare. “It appears that this is check mate”. Drake’s PoV: Though that one liner was beyond lame it felt right at the same time. “Five days” I said, catching him off guard. “Five days is all I’m giving you and your pack to leave. After that I’ll make you”. With that said I turned and walked towards the entrance of the warren. The sea of dogs parted way as I walked by them. They didn’t dare move or look at me in fear of their new Alpha. “No” said Clayton, just as I hit the halfway point. Turning to look I could see him trying to stand up. He was breathing heavily as it took all of his strength just stand on all four. Being cautious I casually walked back to his side. With a gentle push from my foot I knocked him back onto the ground. He grunted in pain as his breaths came out ragged. “And pray tell do you mean no?” I asked, mockingly. “I won. You lost. Be grateful I’m sparing your life and the life of your clan”. “I will not obey to the likes of you”, he told himself more so than me. “Nor a god, my father or any other. I choose my destiny not blindly follow the whim of another”. His eyes were hollowed though held a madness in them. “I shall rebuild my empire no matter how many times it’ll crumble. AND NOTHING WILL STAND IN MY WAY” he roared, reaching for his dagger he tried to pierce my foot, but stumbled as the blade fell out of his hand. He tried to reach out to it, but my tail beat him to it. Shoving the blade into the recess of hammerspace I shook my head in disappointment. “That’s fine I suppose. I don’t think one dog will affect the town that much, however as leader MY clan will listen to their Alphas order” glancing around I could the see the dogs had conflicted looks, but eventually shook their head in agreement. Then a mad laugh filled the air. It was coming from Clayton as he laughed and laughed. Eventually he stopped and snarled, “You are no different from those back home that thought they could control not only me, but everyone around them. Using peace, unity and a fake reason you force those around you into your decision without asking them! Nor caring how it will affect them. No, you just take and take and take till there’s nothing left! And leave them to their own demise!” That was hardly true. I was just following their means of leadership: the strongest makes the decision. An excuse is still an excuse even if it's justified. It wasn’t an excuse! And even if it was I’m in a new world where the rules from the old one don’t apply. So then because you are not from this world either the rules don’t apply to you? What? No, of course they do. But only when it’s convenient? No, all the time. Then why don’t the dogs get a say in what they want to do? Supposing you follow the rules from Equestria then they should get a say in the end. They lost their right to choose when they chose to enslave the ponies. You mean after the ponies enslaved the diamonds dog here, that we're also here first. That doesn’t mean their excused for their actions. The same applies for the ponies. But the diamond dogs have been doing it first. It doesn’t matter who threw the stone first, only that it was thrown. You are also assuming that all diamond dogs are bad and that all ponies are good. Well no some of the town folks here aren’t exactly good, but- So then you're saying that some diamond dogs are good too, since some ponies are bad that means some dogs are good. Yes, I mean no. I mean maybe. So then why are you siding with the ponies who are to blame for this situation to begin with? It’s because... Is it because you like them more? No. It’s not about who I like more, but because I have to save my friend, Derpy. You already accomplish that the minute you showed Clayton who was stronger, but you’re not stopping there. You’re asserting yourself into a conflict that never affected you. I ask once more why are you doing this? It’s...I... Is it because your patron sympathizes with the pony race and you wish to be on her good side? Or because you wish to get on the princesses good side as well? Or maybe because you want your friends to except you? No, it’s none of those reason! It’s because- Do you see yourself as a crusader of justice that must help the innocent and punish the wicked. N- Is it out of self satisfaction and praise that you seek? Maybe acceptance or acknowledgement for your ‘good’ deeds? Of course no- Then why are you doing this? What is motivating you to go up and beyond what was expected of yo- BECAUSE I DON’T KNOW! I roared at the internal voice until it sunk in. Clayton picked up on my look and cried out in laughter, “Has it sunk in finally!? Do you finally realize that you’re merely a fellow man amongst men. That you are no better than the others back home” and with a crazed smile he finished “That you’re no better than me”. He continued to laugh his mad laugh while the internal voice in my head continued to pester me with never ending questions. Unable to handle the voice and laughter I snapped “Shut up!” Pouncing on Clayton I mustered all of my strength and began to punch him in the face. With each blow the anger that was bubbling within me soon began to simmer down. As I delivered my last punch a new anger and irritation began to slowly boil. His face was completely unscathed. Kneeling over him I panted in exsertion. “Oh the look on your face is so priceless” he cackled. I glared daggers at him, but that didn’t stop him, “Like a mighty king who has everything he ever wanted only for it to be gone the next day. Such a wonderful expression to see on someone who held himself as high and might only to then become nothing more than a faceless face in the crowd”. I had enough. My anger reached a new level as a red glare invaded my vision. My hands grasped around his neck as I lightly put pressure on it. It didn't deter him from shutting up and had the opposite effect as he laughed madly once more. “Shut up” I said, in a dangerously low voice though it did nothing to stop him. “I said shut up!” tightening my grip his laughter stopped for a moment as he struggled to breath. For a few precious moments he stopped, but then resumed once more. “SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP!” with each shout I’d lift his body up and slam him hard on the ground, a small crater forming under his body. “I swear that if you don’t, I’ll end your life here and now!” He choked out one final laugh and croaked, “No you won’t”. Squeezing even further I looked straight into his mad eyes, “Do you really want to try me”. “Sure because I know I’m right and do you want to know why?” he asked. He didn’t wait for my response as he continued, “It’s because you’re to nice, I can see it in your eyes. You may boast/think about how easy it could be to kill or finish anyone off, but the underlying truth is that you won’t kill unless under extreme circumstance and even then you’d shy away” his mad smile returning in full force. “And that will be also your downfall”. I envisioned myself doing otherwise. I could see and feel his life slowly fading away as the light in his eyes faded away. The beat of his heart slowly died down while the air he breathed was his last. I could feel tricklets of blood on the tip of my fingers as they pierce through his flesh while the heat of his body slowly became cold to the touch. I could feel, hear, smell and see it all, but in the end it didn’t matter. For no matter how real my sense perceived the event happening before me the underlying truth still remaind. It was nothing more than a vision. My hands still grasped his neck, but refused to tighten any further. I willed every ounce of my being towards the task, but something prevented me from doing so. Oh and why does he have to die? Because he’s insane and dangerous to everyone around him. Odd, last time I checked you weren’t a doctor nor a psychiatrist. So how did you diagnose him as crazy or dangerous, Doc? Based on what he’s done and what he plans to do. Odd this sounds more like about you than him. ...WHAT!? Think about it. Your goal is ‘bringing’ balance to the world, but the very idea seems crazy to anyone normal. And the means to fix it: Chaos fighting chaos to create order? What kind of backwards logic are you using? That’s like me saying ‘I’m going to get ice cold by throwing a bucket of ice on it’. Okay maybe from a normal perspective I agree, but at least my insane goal isn’t dangerous or detrimental to anyone involved. Danger is not defined as what damage you can cause, but what threat you can have on others, Baka. Look at you. You took down a whole warren of dogs by merely using an illusion on the Alpha. You struck fear into a small army with nothing more than a look. In my book that’s grade A danger right there. But I wasn’t using it for evil or personal gain. I used my power to stop him for the greater good. What is good and evil? Or right and wrong for that matter? Good is bringing the most happiness to everyone involved while evil is bringing the most unhappiness. So what you’re, the master scaler that scales and see’s who the most happiest amongst the crowd or vice versa? Or is this an average and we see who’s the highest? Hell if we’re going to do that we might as well make it into a game. It’ll be called Who’s Happy or Sad where we’ll bring someone random from the crowd and they’ll have to guess the percentage of happy/sad on a randomly picked individual. No it can’t be individually based it has to be an average of everyone affected. Oh if that’s so why aren’t we using that scale right now to solve this issue? Or did you already and that’s why you’re siding with the ponies? There are more ponies than dogs so- I thought we were measuring based on ‘how much happiness is created’ not by how many individuals are happy. You’re assuming that just because the ponies have a majority in number means that they’ll have a higher average number in happiness, but just because there’s more of them doesn’t mean jack shit. Who in their right mind would be happy about being a slave? Good question, did you ask them? What? No, why would I? Of course they wouldn’t- There you go again making another assumption. I swear if this was a ‘who’s the biggest ass award’ you’d win hands down. The point is that you didn’t. You continued to base things off of what you’ve seen and nothing more. I fail to see the problem when most of their faces show signs of suffering. What are you retarded? The point is that you didn’t ask. You just jumped to your own conclusion and asserted yourself into the problem. Only because I had to! Derpy got kidnapped as such it became my problem. No saving her was your problem. Solving the situation between them was their own. And what was I suppose to do!? Tell them that I’m sorry and...I can’t...help them…But I did didn’t I. I did tell them that I couldn’t and that I’d send help as soon as we could. That’s right you did. You let your anger get the better of you and you made a rash decision. Because of your nature you let it control you into thinking it was YOUR job to save not only your friend, but the town as well. ‘Your kindness will be your downfall’ Clayton’s word echoed in my head. And he was right it did. Because of me we stayed here long enough for my friends to get into harms way. Because of my weakness, Clayton was able to use it against me-though not as he predicted-but still, he was able to cut me deeper than any blade could. Because of me I almost lead myself down a path I wasn’t ready to commit. Because of me I was almost my own downfall. I felt my hands release Clayton’s throat and slump to my side. Unable to handle the uncertainty that plagued my mind I continued to kneel over him as the rain relentlessly fell from the heavens. The once burning sense of justice that steeled my heart flickered away into nothing as I desperately tried to light it once more. I remember at one point stating that I understood why the dogs continued slavery. How I told myself unless it affected me-or anyone close-I didn’t really care. Yet here I was doing what others have been doing. Sure under a noble cause, but could I handle the burden of doing so. Was I willing to continue to go above and beyond saving every and all slaves or just when it was ‘convenient’? Was I willing to inflict pain and horror to strike fear into my adversarios or just give them a quick and painless death? Was I willing to reach out to them and show them the error of their ways or just to leave them to their own demise? Was I willing to be a hero or a villain? Those terms had a foreign feeling in the pit of my stomach. I never saw myself as one or the other. To me I was just the guy who sat in the middle. Neither afraid to do wrong when it brought right and to do right even if it brought wrong. But as of right now I wasn’t sure anymore as to where I stood. Was Clayton right that I held myself so high that for a moment I considered myself as a knight of justice? Or was I a villain much like him as I tried to force my reality onto another? For that matter where my thoughts even reliable now? Was my way of thinking the ‘right’ and kind way-as many of folks have told me-or was it a perverted byproduct of the power that I now possessed? Poisoning my mind and twisting my thoughts to better fit the situation that I’d find myself in. Perhaps I wasn’t though. Maybe my thoughts and feelings were so foreign-so hard to explain with normal words-that I was just needlessly question myself. Needlessly beating myself up while trying to justify my actions when they didn’t need to be. Shaking off some of the doubts that plagued my mind I was able to come to a conclusion: Clayton needed to be punished. Perhaps it was a selfish wish on my part. Considering that he kidnapped my friend I felt that it was right, but there was more. He was the spark that started this all. If it wasn’t for him and his interaction with the town things would still be the same. Granted for better or worse, but I’d like to have some optimistic ideas that maybe things would have been different. In the diary there were signs of the next generation seeing the mistake of the old. Maybe within a year or less they would have realized their mistake and actually made a fair compromise with the dogs. Leading into a new era of peace and harmony, but now that wouldn’t happen. Thanks to Clayton a new deep scare was placed into both sides likely ending any thoughts of working together in harmony. I tried to think of an appropriate punishment for him, but drew a blank. I tried thinking about what I knew of Clayton: He didn’t like to be controlled or not in charge so maybe I could do something along those lines. As I thought about it more and more ideas began to spring from my mind. Each idea more alluring than the last. Satisfied I gather the chaotic energy surrounding me. The magic that was considered my life blood avoided me like I was a plague. It was the same random action that it did when I found myself almost defeated by the pack of Diamond dogs a few days ago. I tired to think of why this could be happening, but couldn’t fathom why. “I’m not allowed to participate in the ‘Chess Game’ I’m just the spectator making sure no one cheats”, Faust’s voice echoed out in my head. Was that the reason why I couldn’t gather my magic? Was Faust preventing me from doing so because it would break the rules and reason why I was here to begin with. Part of me didn’t believe that. If that were the case why hasn’t she contacted me and told me otherwise. On the other hand it’d explain why my powers were not working. Being the one who brought me here and giving me my new form/powers than I wouldn’t doubt she had some sort of backdoor to stop me from going beyond what I was meant to do. I felt enraged, cheated and upset. If Faust was preventing me from doing so, then I’d have to question why. Wouldn’t she want me to either stop or keep the status quo? Wouldn’t she want me to stop the chess pieces from needlessly bringing harm to this world? Wouldn’t she want me to save both ponies and dogs from themselves? Or maybe I was simply a pawn stepping over what I was meant to do? I don’t know if there was a rule stating that one god gets one piece or what not, but what if they could? I could just be another needle in a haystack to a grand master scheme that Faust was planning. The thought alone made me want to laugh, yet I couldn’t. Dark thoughts covered my mind with a black fog as the very notion became plausible.  In retrospect it made sense. Like pointed out Chaos fighting Chaos to create harmony was ludicrous and made no sense whatsoever. Not only that, but I wasn’t really needed to do so. With this cluster fuck of a game going on the other pieces were balancing each other and the world-in general-out. Meaning my very presence made no sense unless I was meant for something bigger and grander. And Faust. She’s been around for quite sometime meaning she’s learned many things. Evening being able to put on a fake smile and good hearted nature. The rational part of me agreed, but my heart cried out no. For some reason no matter how much it made sense or if the pieces fit into place I just couldn’t bring myself to see her as manipulative. If anything she’d be straight up honest with me or only reveal anything if the right question was asked. So lost in thought I didn’t notice the individual rain drops before me stay in place while everyone in the vicinity remain still as statues. Taking notice I jumped in surprise only for my body to remain in place as I stood behind me in a new body. Looking towards a puddle I was-somehow?-able to get a look at myself only for my eyes to nearly pop out of my skull. It was my old human body. I looked the same as the day that I left the only difference was that I lacked body hair and any visible genitalia. Also I was naked, but I didn’t feel cold or wet as the rain droplets would move away from my touch. A moment later and I now resided in space. Stars, galaxies, nebulae and whatever else that I neglected to mention floated around me as if I was the center of their universe. The sight was breath taking to say the least-if not slightly disorienting-but I didn’t take in my surroundings with wonder. Scouring the area I tried to find any signs of the individual who brought me here, but came up with nothing. Keeping my guard up I mentally prepared myself for anything that could happen. Looking around once more I blinked at the being present before me as I tried to process why she was here. It was Luna. She stood a little away from me as she simply just observed me from afar. It was odd considering we knew one another, but the way she was looking me over said otherwise. About to call out to her I held my tongue as I really got a better look at her. Luna’s coat was the same as I remembered: a dark bluish coat with matching wing and horn with a starie (that moved in a non-existent wind)mane. Though thats where it ended. Her cutie mark-though a picture of the moon-was surrounded by a purple sky then a black one. Her eyes were still a lovely shade of cyan though they now resembled more like feline eyes then pony eyes. For a moment I thought she was Nightmare Moon in the flesh though I found it unbelievable. The way she presented herself was...uninterested I suppose. She just had a very eerie calm demeanor about her rather than a cold, evil hearted nature like Nightmare Moon. A simple blink of an eye and she now stood as a female human. If I was acting normal I’d have blushed in embarrassment as she stood naked-technically, granted she shared a similar unrevealing naked body like myself-, but at the moment I didn’t care. I glared at her as she returned me an even look. “Do you wish for power?” she asked, catching me off guard. Another blink of the eye and she was gone. I tensed up as her hands wrapped around my chest while her upper body rest against my back. “If power is what you seek, we can give it to you” she continued, her voice on the verge of seduction though her neutral tone held strong. “I’d be a fool to not ask what the catch is” I responded back evenly. Brushing her off I turned to look at her. Her uninterested demeanor never changing, causing my teeth to clench in annoyance, “For that matter who are you?” “We are-” she paused as the fake Luna searched for the right words. “-a memory, a piece, a fragment and a shard of a once power individual”. “That didn’t answer my question”, I growled at her. “We find no point answering a question when the answer is already know”, her monotone voice causing my right eye to involuntarily twitch. Taking a deep breath and releasing it I calmed myself down a bit. “All I got is speculation so unless you’re Nightmare Moon then either say yes or give me a name”. “We’re not, yet are at the same time. We also do not require a name”, good lord I really want to punch her. “Fine, whatever”, as I shook my head in annoyance. “What’s the catch then?” “We wish to be whole”. “Look I’m really not in the mood for some cryptic bullshit or twenty questions. Either tell me what you want or go the fuck away”. “We wish for a part of your soul to be whole once more”. I reeled back in confusion, “You want a part of my soul? First: What? Second: No, seriously what? and finally: How would that even work?” “We are merely a fragment of who you refer to as Nightmare Moon. A mere sliver of our former self. To be whole once more we either need the other fragments that are scattered all over Equis or a new catalyst may be used. To your second query we just answered”, Oh ha ha someone has jokes. “And for the final query we do not know if it will work, but we have deduced that a fifty one percent chance of success”. “And the forty nine?’ “We die” her flat tone making it seem like a rather casual conversation to have at dinner parties, celebrations or a wedding. To clarify she finished off, “By ‘we die’ I refer to both we and you”. ...Yeah I really don’t like this idea. I voiced it out as well, “So yeah I don’t think so. The gamble is a bit too risky for my taste”. Trying to find a way out I walked away from her though didn’t make it far, “Isn’t it though? Weren’t you the one frightened at the prospect of your patron betraying you?” I stopped ready to yell at her for invading my thoughts until she continued, “Besides wouldn’t this be a good way to test your theory”. I held my tongue and thought about it for a few moments. It wouldn't be the best idea I’ve ever had, but she did have a point. “Let’s say I went through with this and did survive. That doesn’t necessarily mean I’m not expendable, it could just mean I’m not expendable at the moment”. “Even if that were the case you’d have an ace up your sleeve. A hidden variable that she may not have accounted for”, her offer becoming more and more tempting by the second. “I...I just can’t”, the black fog continued to cloud my mind as I stumbled for any rational reason why I should not accept her deal. “And if it were to fail than at least it would be by your own hands rather than someone who’d hide in the shadows”, she whispered into my ear. I didn’t even care nor reacted to her teleporting behind me once more-her hands seductively wrapping around my upper body as well-as I was too busy trying to search for an answer still. I felt a cold sweat against my brow while my brain worked overtime to lift the fog from my mind. Then all of a sudden I just stopped. With nothing more than a nod she moved to look me in the eyes. She gently raised my head to look into her eyes, “Then you accept our deal?” I nodded. “And regardless of the outcome you will be fine and swear to never take back the part of your soul”, she asked with a strangely serious look on her face. I nodded once more. “Then we swear to uphold our end and to make sure to use our power for your survival”, with a wave of her hand the endless sea of space was gone and was replaced with a black sea of nothing. With another wave of her hands magic sickly purple runes lined the area around us. Each rune more complicated than the last as they eerily began to glow. Clenching her hand for a moment it glowed a bright purple flash that died down just as quickly as it came. Unclenching her hand she held a black shard. It was almost unnoticeable thanks to the endless sea of nothing. If it wasn’t from the glow of the runes I’d never had gotten to see a glance of it at all. Setting it down between us she beckoned me to step closer. Mindlessly I gave into her request and stood in front of the shard as she stood across from me. Focusing on the ritual her arms began to glow the same sickly purple color surrounding us. Reaching towards my chest I asked her in a low voice, “Will it hurt?” She hesitated for a moment and was considerate enough to give me a sympathetic look, “Yes”. That was the last things I remember apart from an unfathomable pain that caused me to black out. ~~~~~ I awoke from my daze. Grasping at my heart-it beating beyond what was considered safe-as I breathed heavily. I could feel a cold sweat covering my entire body though thanks to the rain no one had noticed. My surroundings were the same the only difference being the looks that I was receiving not only from the dogs, but Silver as well. It was a mixture of curiosity, fear and concern. And I soon understood why. A cold sensation against my chest made me aware that I was holding something. Moving my hand to get a better look I open my palm up and stared at the items before me. It was a shard that was blacker than the night sky as well as cold to the touch. A black fog surrounded the object giving it a very spine chilling vibe though for some reason I did not fear the little thing. In fact I felt something that could not easily be put to words, but if I had to take an attempt I’d say...whole. As if I were to ever be separated from it I’d feel something was missing. Then like a wave the memories came to me. It...it had worked. I laughed. I just laughed at how close of a call it was. However I was interrupted by a voice, “What form shall I take?”. It sounded almost identical to the fake Luna, but felt different. She sounded more...life like than before. Her question was difficult to answer to say the least. Especially at how sudden it was. The shard wasn’t very big and even though magic soul binding of whateverness was simply amazing I knew that I wasn’t going to be getting a suit of armor to wear. Besides it seems my kind relies on mobility so armor-even soulbound-would slow me down or affect my movements.  I also wasn’t going to be able to get any weapon bigger than a dagger since you can’t make something without nothing. It’s just a rule of the universe, which is a ironic considering what I am. And this measly shard would be pushing it to make a dagger alone, but I never liked or trained for close combat. Besides dodging and getting some distance thats the limit of my self training for close quarter situations. It then hit me. I knew what form it-eh she?- could take. Without even realizing it I began to imagine the item in my mind, knowing that it/she would be able to pick up on the mental image. The shard before me gathered the small black fog around itself and began to move. The once metal like substance in my hand reduced to a pile of black sludge that began to sway back and forth between my palm. After a few moments it soon began to harden in random parts as the basic form began to take shape. The first distinguishable part was the grip fitting nicely into my open palm. Granted the black sludge color was still present I-somehow-knew that wasn’t going to last long. Distracted by how quickly my new weapon was forming I barely realized that the process was done. In the palm of my hand was a beautiful magnum-a .44 one according to my new random knowledge of firearms-with a midnight black barrel and a moderate blue sapphire grip. The black sleek like metal was perfectly clean to the point where I could see my own reflection. Etched on both sides of the handle was the image of a gibbous moon surrounded by a dark splotch possibly to resemble the night sky. “Heh, how creative though fitting I suppose” Clayton spoke, as he looked at the sky with a tired sigh. Popping open the barrel-I noted that it could hold six shots-on the left side, I instinctively spun the barrel to the left three times. With a flick of my wrist it went back into place, but there was more. (‘But wait there’s more’ lol).  [Oh how original]. The gibbous moon on the left side of my gun changed to that of a new moon. Repeating the process on the right side I was rewarded with the same results. With that done I pulled the hammer back and shot into the air. A loud click sound echoed out for all to hear. I felt a drain of my magic immediately as the shot charged up. Again I wasn’t sure where I was drawing this knowledge from, but at the moment it didn't matter. “To be done in by a human weapon by another human seems such a waste of what the game was suppose to represent” as a low chuckle escaped his lips. Another clicked echoed out as more magic was put into my gun. “Well at least it shall be quick-”, another click. “-and painless”. I could feel sweat begin to form against my brow as I focused all my magic into containing the shot from firing. I clicked once more my finger weakly pulling back on the hammer as my magic began to waver. Another click. Just one more and it would be ready, “What are you waiting for just get it over with!” he roared. Click.   “This is not the end, but merely the beginning” as the barrel aimed right between his eyes. A flash of lightning arched through the sky. I pulled the trigger. A loud deafening boom of thunder almost drowned out the roar of my magnum as it struck him as point blank. A black fog erupted surrounding us momentarily only to than enter into Clayton’s body. He spasmed for only a moment before he went limp, his eyes complete white and hollowed. I breathed heavily once more as I rested my poor abused body. Though I told my body to get over it after a minute or so as I shakingly stood up. Walking a few feet away my body gave out for a moment causing me to fall. Silver was there in a flash as she supported me. She had a concerned look on her face-which surprised me though maybe not as much as it should have-as she held me up. It was kind of awkward as I towered over her yet her small form was keeping my ass from falling to the ground. Gathering my bearings I thanked her and made my way to the front of the remaining dogs. Clearing my throat I spoke, “You will go down into the tunnels and release everypony you have down there. After that you will then begin constructing carts or wagons to help you on your trip. You have five days to pack up any essential item for your trip and then you will leave” I let that sink in for a moment and gave them my best glare. “Am I clear?” They just nodded. I wasn’t surprise. I mean what could they say after witnessing all of that. Only one was brave enough to speak up, “W-w-what about the old Alpha, uh Alpha?” He was a short yellow dog ready to either piss himself, pass out, run the other way or all three. “Will he be alright?” “He’s fine”, the dog had a relieved smile across his face. “Though he’ll never be the same”. Confused he tried to ask, but fell silent as the sound of someone approaching distracted him. Clayton’s head was facing down as he slumped his way over towards us. The yellow dog was ecstatic to see he was alright and ran over towards his side only to pause. He gave a horrific expression as he looked at his previous Alpha and stood there speechless. Clayton didn’t even blink or acknowledge what was once one of his most loyal of dogs. Standing a few feet away he gave a respectful bow, “Orders?” I felt a pang of remorse at the once proud being before me as he was now reduced to a shell of his former self. The feeling passed quickly as memories of what he tried to do resurface to the fore front of my mind. Shoving those thoughts into a knapsack I then bludgeoned them to death with a wet noodle and afterwards tossed the remains to Tartarus. “Ask him. He’s in charge of you” I said, pointing towards the short yellow dog. With a nod he moved over to ask for his orders. I didn’t linger any longer as I found myself a nicely shaped rock to rest on. Silver sat next to me as we silently sat there while the dogs were listening to the short yellow dog giving out orders. As the dogs moved about to get to work Silver finally broke the silence between us, “What...What did you do to him?” Her normal strong demeanor faltered for a moment as her voice wavered, but she valiantly kept her composer. I was silent as I tried to remember what I did as well. Searching through the archive of mind for an answer I came up with one as it randomly came to me, “Have you ever had a nightmare? One so scarily real that you could do nothing, but shake in fear and hope for help to come. One that caused you to go stiff as a board and to pray to any higher power to either save you or to end your suffering”. I knew the answer already and continued, “That is what I did to him”. “You showed him a nightmare, but how did he get to...well that?” she questioned, but soon understood the full weight of what I did. “It wasn’t just one was it? But possibly multiple”. “Close, but no. I made him live the same one over and over and over again. Infinitely many times until one of three things happened.” Raising three fingers to her I started, “One: he would be unable to cope with his fears and take the cowards way out by taking his own life”. Lowering one finger two remained, “Second: Watch him break the shackles of his fears and face them. Thus allowing him to become stronger than he was before”. One finger remained, “Third: Watch as he scumbed to his fears. Unable to shake loose from the binds and drown as he becomes a shell of his former self”. With a gesture of my head I nodded to him, “Bet you could guess which one it was”. Silence reigned between us once more. Silver stayed by my side for a moment longer, but soon joined the dogs in letting the slaves go. Beams of sunlight pierced through the grey skies warming the area up. It felt pleasant as the feeling of warmth spread throughout my body though a low drizzle of rain persisted in staying. Derpy and Silver were the first of many to leave the den. Those who were down there for so long stared up at sky as some broke down and cried while others cheered in joy. My two friends were about half way to me as I jumped up and quickly made my way over towards them. Just as I was about to reach them Derpy shrunk away from me as a pure look of terror spread across her muzzle. Hiding behind Silver she covered her muzzle with her hooves and cried incoherently. I stopped and just stared at her. A new pang of guilt seeping into my heart. “Drake it’s-” Silver tried to say, but I shook my head in understanding. “I know. Just-” my thoughts going to darker places as I should have killed Clayton. Shaking the thoughts from my mind I continued, “-get her to the others. She needs them”. She wanted to bring me some form of comfort/reassurance, but the words died as she merely nodded. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. Just...just don’t do anything rash”, were her last words as she lead Derpy back to the town. The other slaves followed suit as they went back to their love ones and home while the dogs lingered about out front. Shouts from within the cave forced the dogs to go back inside as they began packing up for their long journey home. I returned to my spot and sat there taking in the warth that the sun provided. Staring off into space I lost track of time as the clouds slowly began to close up the sky. As the last of the clouds blocked off the sun I could see Silver in the distance making her way back here. With no reason to stay I got up and made my way towards the town. About half way I felt my legs give out on me once more. It was strange considering that I didn’t feel tired or fatigue, but my body just felt heavy. Silver my ever faithful companion held me up once again as we slowly made our way back to the others. Level Up: Portals: (Rank 2) Your knowledge and use of portals has tripled the amount you can summon. (Three portals in total which includes entrance/exist equaling six) Not only that, but the shape and size can be some what manipulated for creative purpose (as in how big/small or what shape). New Item acquired: .44 Magnum, (Name to be decided). Ammunition comes from your magic source, though taxing if held or done in quick succession. Quest Trait Gained: Soul Bound: (Name to be decided) is connect to you down to a soul level. As such if you were to ever be separated or if she were to be damage you will suffer a harsh reduction in your SPECIAL. However in a time of crises (Health below 35%) she can draw on her own internal source allowing you to either reserve your magic or combine both magic for even more devastating results.