//------------------------------// // Chapter 23: Fear in a Bottle // Story: Zaps Apple // by Electuroo //------------------------------// Zaps Apple Chapter 23: Fear in a Bottle I looked around at the crowd around me. Ponies everywhere were cheering furiously as the pegasi flew the Wonderbolt Derby. Even they were cheering, they had no idea that I was watching and listening to everything they were doing. “Wow that was just epic! Did you see Spitfire go! She did those turns like a pro! She should win just for that!” Rainbow Dash declared. dancing around in joy. “I just love this view, it’s epic!” “Dear Rainbow Dash, it’s welcoming to finally see such open enthusiasm from a group up here. I’m really enjoying 'Hanging out', as you might say, with everypony here?” Fancy Pants chuckled lightly, looking over to the racecourse as the track was moved and changed. “Ah here it is, the heart of the race itself.” I spotted the pony I was looking for, the one they called Zaps. He was watching them move the clouds around. “What are they doing?” “It looks like they’re realigning the course for the final event. This race is going to be bigger and longer, that’s why you have those unicorns over there, using their telescopes and their visual display magic. They let us watch the action from that display over there.” Twilight pointed a hoof to the transparent display that lit up high above the stadium. “Yeah it going to be fun to watch!” Spike announced, eating some popcorn. It was strange, I had always assumed that dragons were fearsome beasts that breathed fire. Perhaps this popcorn eating specimen was defective. The orange filly. Scootaloo had climbed onto Rainbow Dash's back and was looking over her head. “This is going to be awesome!” “I know Scoots, it will be! I’ve heard of this epic race but I’ve never got to see it before. I just can't keep my hooves on the ground, I really want to be there and race!” Rainbow Dash was barely holding herself back from leaping into the race herself. “Loop de loop, tight u-turn bends and speeding straights and turns! This is THE race course I’ve been dying to see!” Zaps got on Big Mac's back and looked over his head. “Who do you think is going to win, Big Mac?” “Ah have no idea, Ah’ve never been to a race quite like this, it different to what ah’ve seen before.” Big Macintosh replied with a happy smile. “Ah am glad we came, this is one trip ah will never forget, bein' here with mah little brother and sister on mah first trip to Canterlot.” Rarity took out her binoculars. “Indeed darling, it’s a real treat, even Princess Luna came to watch it with us.” That surprised me, the Princess of the night was one of the few ponies who might recognise me for who I really was. I had to keep in character, if the Princess were to stop me, all of my hopes of escape would be ruined. She stepped up to the small group on the VIP platform. “Please, call me Luna, I invited you here as friends, did I not?” “Yep! Luna sure did!” Pinkie Pie cried, bouncing up and down. It didn’t look like she had noticed my presence. Still, I would have to be more careful in the future. “And she rocks the night too!” Vinyl grinned. “Indeed I do.” Luna responded politely and both mares laughed a little before the announcer declared the start of the race, and the Wonderbolts got into their place. Standing next to me, Night Spark chuckled. “Always keep us on our hooves, right?” He said and turned to me. “Indeed sir.” I replied, the simple response expected from a solar guard, accompanied by a firm look as he performed his duty for the Princesses, Night Spark did not suspect a thing. As the racers set off around the course I retreated a little out of my thrall and rolled my eyes dismissively at all the delightfully frivolous rubbish that I’d seen over time in the memories of my lovely, unwilling subjects. If only they realised how I was manipulating them, guiding them through to their dream jobs just so they would be where I needed them most. “I’ve learned so much from Equestria in the last 700 years, it’s a shame that such a rich history will be lost when my time finally comes to be freed from this wonderfully disgusting place I’ve called home for the last 1000 years.” I stepped away from my connection into the outside world. The shadowy windows into the minds of the few subjects weak willed enough to allow me to take control of them and use them as my tools throughout history. The shadows followed underneath my hooves and above my head, absorbing the light from the sun. Its rays never strayed closer than ten feet from my body. The cold darkness was what I liked and so I kept it that way. I didn’t need any sunlight to sustain me, the fear of those that fed me over and over kept me going, but it was getting stale. There was no taste in their fear, just an empty feeling, like chewing air. It was enough to sustain me and my magic but I never felt full. “I hate this Kingdom of Harmony... It’s dreadful, peaceful... I learned that lesson 900 years ago after spending almost 200 years trying to raze this place and make it cold and lifeless...” I muttered to myself, staring resentfully at the reason for my discontent, the six zap apple trees that held me in place when Harmony Rose used her magic on me. That child who held me in place... His fears were so rich and yet I still didn't know his name. Only one other pony in this place of tranquil torment knew the answer to that, and he was both stubborn and annoying...” I teleported outside, into the empty streets of the kingdom frozen in time. It never aged and never changed. My magic could easily destroy it, but within seconds, it would have rebuilt itself. I walked over to the six trees that gave me so much trouble and within stood Armour McApple, protected from me by that same ancient spell. He was doing the same exercises he performed every morning, afternoon and night. This annoying stallion was all I had to talk to and all I ever got was a stubborn mule for my troubles. “Evening Trisakade, how are you doing?” My eyes flashed with fury. “Biding my time, as I always am. I used my double shadow spell on poor Twilight. Now it’s only a matter of time before she and the musician one slip up.” “And you’re telling me this because?” He stopped his exercises and turned to face me. There, that got his attention. I created the image I needed to show him with my magic. “Your little brother, the one Luna saved from me. He is back. Her magic was quite strong but, as you can see, he is living a new life now, with a new family, I might add.” I smirked darkly at him, maybe I could finally spark something in the stallion. Armour McApple stepped up to the edge of the protective line that kept him safe, looking at what I showed him. “That large red stallion, Big Macintosh, he is his new big brother now, just look how much fun they having without you,” I teased, showing him the race at the Wonderbolts’ Derby. “So much time has passed for you. The world has moved on and forgotten this kingdom, even him.” Suddenly, a great smile grew across Armour McApple’s face. “Good for him, I am glad that my little brother is safe and sound. It means that getting his name is going to be more problematic for you. And don't forget my mother slipped out as well, 700 years ago when that stallion took her crystal slumber. They have forgotten you just as much as this kingdom.” What? How dare he mock me like that! “I AM THE PONY OF FEAR, I AM TRISAKADE! I SHOULD BE FEARED, NOT TOYED WITH LIKE SOME FOOL!!!!” I screamed at him, sending black swirls of magical clouds smashing into the barrier in my rage but, as always, it did nothing. The rainbow barrier lit up and held against my dark magic. I couldn't reach that annoying stallion! I wanted so much to crush his life force out of him! But I needed him, he knew the one key word that would aid in my escape! A name long forgotten! The true name of that colt! “Zaps huh? Neat name that they gave him, I like it.” I blinked once, my sapphire eyes burning into his smile as I calmed myself. “It seems your tactics aren't working Trisakade, you’re still trapped in this kingdom and I am still stuck in this one little spot where you can never reach me. It must be torture for you. The only means to your escape.” He tapped his head with his hoof. “And you can't reach it.” “GAH!” I slammed the barrier again, with no results. “I don't know what’s worse about this place! The endless hunger, or talking to you!” Armour McApple canters smugly over to small cottage he had built for himself. “If you need to talk again, I’ll be up by morning.” He trotted inside and shut the door. Furious, I slammed my hoof against the barrier. A bolt of lightning burned through me, swatting me away from the shield like a helpless insect. Slowly, I pulled myself off the ground, my hoof was throbbing with pain from the impact. “Damn zap apple trees and it’s cursed magic...” I walked over to one of the homes in the village, inside which was a harmony pony, frozen in black magic crystal. My strength returned as I sapped the fear from it. Tasteless as ever, there was no pleasure from taking his fear, I needed something new and refreshing! I couldn’t stand eating this tasteless fear. Back in the chambers I stood at all my shadowy windows, staring at the images displayed before me. I could talk to these ponies and give them simple commands, but that all I could do, no real power to make them do what I needed, all thanks to that crazed pony 700 years ago. I was only able to attach magical signatures to so many and as the years went on the number of my slaves gradually decreased. There were very few who I could see through anymore, and those windows were widening. “I planted the fear of my return to Vinyl and Twilight, they in turn told their friends about me. I’m not sure what Big Macintosh or the orange one, his sister, are up to. They don't speak much about their family to anypony who isn't family, I just couldn’t get the seed of my fear into them.” I spoke my thoughts out loud, or at least I thought I did, it was getting harder to tell after so long on my own. “It might have something to do with their blood lines. I managed to get a pony to have a look at their family tree and from the look of things there were twins about the time the Kingdom of Harmony was formed. They parted ways soon after, one stayed with the Earth Pony tribe and the other became one of the leaders of the new kingdom. It might explain the similar appearances of Big Macintosh and Armour McApple.” I went on, desperate for something that might help me with this. I turn my eyes back to the slave I had managed to place at the Wonderbolts Derby. They were at their final race, in its second from final lap. “Generational similarities...” I whispered seeing something that caught my eyes... “Rainbow Dash... There’s something familiar about you...” “Come on Spitfire you can win it!” Rainbow Dash was yelling out, bouncing up and down with Scootaloo barely hanging on to the overexcited mare. “Yeah, you can win it!” Scootaloo cried out, clearly she was more than accustomed to Rainbow Dash’s violent movements. Worst of all, even McApple’s little brother was having fun. “Thi-this is so much fun to watch big brother! I ne-never seen anything like this!” He finally stuttered. If they weren’t going to let me feed off him, they could at least teach him to speak properly. However, instead of reprimanding him, Big Mac simply replied with a, “Eeyup.” Suddenly the one standing in front of me with the bow in her mane -- I think her name was Applebloom -- pointed out to one of the racers. “Surprise took the lead!” “GO SURPRISE!!!!” Pinkie Pie cried out, cheering her on. Even the, so called Princess, Luna was screaming out as she watched them do the loop and sharp u-turn bend. “This is so exciting! Why did I never come to watch this before!?” “Sometimes we overlook the small things, your highness.” Soulful replied. “Some of the truest words ever spoken, young Soulful.” Luna said with a smile and continued to watch as the race hit it the final lap. “We’re on our final lap! Spitfire is in the lead with Surprise, Fleetfoot and Soarin right on her tail! It’s all down to this last lap! Who will win? Let’s find out and see!” The announcer cried out, actually encouraging the crude behaviour that seemed to have overcome the crowd as the racers zoomed around the track. Night Spark stepped up alongside Rainbow Dash. “This really is something, I’ve never seen a race like this.” He said, watching carefully as they flew around. “No wonder they’re the greatest fliers in Equestria.” “I know right?” Rainbow Dash replied as she watched on, not taking her eyes off the race for a moment. “I even got to meet the real Daring do, that is just~” I quickly froze the image and replayed that last words with my magic. “I even got to meet the real Daring Do~” I didn’t understand, how was that possible. “Daring Do isn't a fictional character? I saw some ponies read a book about her from an A.K.Yea...Yealing...” My eyes froze on the lips of Rainbow Dash as she spoke those words. Finally after all this time, I had realised how to escape this prison. I grinned as those words rang out again and again in my head. “If the hero is real, then that must mean that all of her villains are real too.” I quickly floated back down to the centre of the chamber. “Thank you my little guard pony, you have given me just what I needed.” I chuckled. I looked across at all the images in the shadowy mirror, until I spotted the one I was looking for, a young filly receiving the signature of a famous author. “I know exactly what to do now, and as for the rest of you. Your services are no longer required. When you wake you will have no memory of who you are or how you got your jobs, lives, cutie marks... Nothing. You will be as empty as when I first brought fear into your hearts.” I chuckled as the black lightning was unleashed all through the room, destroying all the images but one. “You will be a distraction for Princess Celestia and Luna for weeks, while my key pawn sows the seeds of my escape.” I looked at the one image that was left, the very last one I needed, and it was all thanks to Rainbow Dash giving me the information I needed without even knowing she was doing it. “Oh this is going to be fun!” Night Spark I felt a chill run down my spine to my tail, it was creepy, like a wave of coldness. “What the hay was that?” I asked, looking around for the source. “My word, that was chilly, I felt it too.” Fancy Pants said to me. Our thoughts were interrupted by the call of the announcer. “The winner is...” We quickly turned back to see the racers rush through the finish line, with the flag waving. “Surprise, by a nose!” “WHAT!?” Rainbow Dash squealed in surprise at Pinkie Pie. “I can't believe it!” Pinkie Pie giggled. “Woo hoo! Surprise wins! How awesome, super dooper cool is...” Pinkie Pie froze in mid jump in the air and landed with a thud, looking suspiciously at one of the guards.. “What’s up with the pegasus guard?” We all turned around to see him looking around in confusion and fear. Zaps walked up to him “Mister are you ok?” Zaps asked him. Suddenly, he grabbed Zaps in his hooves, looking at him in the eyes. “Mister let me go!” Zaps demanded, trying to break free. “Where am I!? Who am I!? What am I!? How did I get here!? What is here!? Please tell me!? What going one!?” He was throwing question after question at us, all the time with a terrified look in his eyes. Cautiously, I stepped up to him. “Shield Cracker, it’s ok, I am a fellow guard pony, put Zaps down and calm down.” I slowly raised my hoof, trying to calm the terrified stallion. Luna tried to help control the pony. “You are a solar guard for Princess Celestia, do you not remember that?” “N-no...” He looked around at all of us. “Keep back! Whatever you are!” “Let mah brother go and we will keep our distance.” Big Macintosh pleaded, but the presence of the large red stallion only served to startle the panicked pony more. Without warning, the guard holding on to Zaps rushed by us and took off into the sky, but his wings were beating unevenly and he started to lose control. “ZAPS!” Big Macintosh ran to the edge and leap out at the guard pony, grabbing him in mid air, but the impact knocked all three ponies off the stadium platform. I flew out of the VIP booth with Rainbow Dash, who still had Scootaloo holding tight onto her. “Hold on Scoots, we’re going to save them!” “Got it Rainbow Dash!” “Let’s do!” I cried out to her and to the shocked gasps of many of the crowd we dived after the three falling ponies. We zoomed down and got a grip on Big Mac and Shield Cracker. That’s when he totally lost it. He was fighting to break free, and in his panic to escape he let go of Zaps. “We got him!” I heard a voice cry out behind me. Spitfire and the rest of her team zoomed by, heading right for Zaps as he fell further down the mountainside towards the green valley below. The eight Wonderbolts dove in formation towards the young colt as he screamed for help and fell helplessly towards the ground. I was trying my best to hold Shield Cracker with all my might as he struggled before he eventually simply passed out. I sighed in relief when I saw Spitfire and her team fly up alongside me with Zaps on her back, clinging on around her neck. Rainbow Dash had help from two more of the Wonderbolts to pull Big Mac back up to the stands as I pulled Shield Cracker to safety, I was relieved that they still have strength in their wings after that race... No telling what would have happened otherwise. We all landed safely back in the stadium as the guards reassured the worried crowd and gave Luna room to walk up to us with the others from the VIP booth. “Now can somepony tell me what the buck is going on?” Spitfire demanded, taking off her goggles with a thrust and throwing them on the ground. I look at Shield Cracker. “Not sure exactly...” Luna stepped up to him. “I do not have complete answers either, one moment he was fine then there was a very cold feeling in the air and Shield Cracker, one of my sister's guards, reacted as if he never seen a pony in his life before or even knew what he was, the reaction of fear I saw in his eyes was...” She paused. “Total fear...” Zaps gulped. “Th-that exactly how I felt when I awoke in the Everfree Forest... Lost, confused, unsure of what I was or who I was, I didn't even know how my limbs was suppose to work at first...” Fleetfoot raised her eye a little. “Weird...” Spitfire stepped up to Zaps. “At least you’re safe now kid.” She patted him on the head a little with her hoof. “Well I'll be...” “Huh?” Zaps saw her looking at my bag. “What?” He looked at her in confusion. “Hey Soarin, isn't that yours?” Zaps saw the stallion step to him as Spitfire said it, I watched as Zaps stared at Soarin with loss. Soarin took a good look at it. “It is! I lost that two weeks ago.” “Kid, it’s not nice to stea...” “But I bo-bought it from the to-toy shop...” Zaps protested. “Yer hold on a dag minute! Zaps doesn't even know much about the Wonderbolts! In fact, this is first time seein' ya!” Big Mac stepped in front of Zaps blocking Soarin and Spitfire from getting near him. Soarin turned to Spitfire. “I got a replacement Spits, there no need to cause a fuss over it.” “Soarin, sometimes you’re thick headed, remember why we tried to find it in the first place?” Spitfire put a hoof to her head. I step up and spoke. “Tell me why and let’s get this over with.” “We had papers in it, they were what gave us approval to perform at the Crystal Empire, without them, there’s no show.” Spitfire explained. Zaps open up one of the slots and pulled out some papers. “You mean these things? I found them when I was putting my lunch in the saddlebag, I kept them safe because I wasn't sure what they were and they looked kinda important.” Zaps gave them to Spitfire. I smirked “Nice going Zaps.” “Did I do good?” Zaps asked. “I think you did.” I saw Spitfire's eyes lit up at what she read. Spitfire picked Zaps up and gave him a kiss on the forehead before putting him back down. “Thank you Zaps, you are a life saver! We own you big time for this kid!” “How big are we talking?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Not that big Rainbow Dash.” Spitfire chuckled. “Only that I can get anypony here with Zaps the best seats in the arena for our show.” “Seriously!?” Scootaloo asked. “Sure kid.” Spitfire tossed over her goggles from the floor to Zaps, he caught them and looked at her. “A little parting gift from the Wonderbolts, we’ve got to get going. With the show back on we’ve got a lot of work to do.” Spitfire flew up with her fellow members. “See you all at the Crystal Empire! And tell us exactly what happened here too! I want answers!” With that they took off into the air. Spike stepped up to us. “Not to ruin the moment, but we’ve got a stallion that needs help.” We all turned to Shield Cracker and I picked him up. “I will take him to hospital.” “Very well Night Spark.” Luna nodded to me. “We will retire to the palace for dinner. I believe Zaps and the girls have school tomorrow.” “Awwww....” Came the reply and I chuckled. Soulful waved a hoof to them. “It has been fun but I’ve got to get going myself, got work to do and such.” “Indeed and so do I. It’s been a pleasure meeting all of your, I bid you all a good day.” Fancy Pants and Soulful left on their own way back to Canterlot's city centre while the rest of the group went back to the palace for dinner. With the help of some fellow guards, I picked up Shield Cracker and flew him off to hospital to find out what exactly happened to him.