//------------------------------// // [edited] Chapter 6 // Story: Enraged // by MineLittleDashie //------------------------------// POV: 7000 years ago: Everfree forest I wiped my hands on my shirt as I surveyed the damage. Eighteen piles of mulch lay among about 20 broken trees. It had been relatively easy to fight the first seven wolves due to my increased size and strength, but when the sounds of the fight had attracted the rest of the pack, including one incredibly large and powerful alpha, it once again became a contest to see who could last longer. I examined myself, grimacing at all the cuts, bruises, and other wounds of varying description that covered my body. After inspecting the immediate area for any more hidden threats, I started walking again, hopefully in the same direction I had been going. And hopefully, to the edge of the forest. Not an hour after leaving the battlefield, I happened upon what appeared to be an old stone ruin. It was large but ruined and falling apart, now disguising the once magnificent building that had probably stood there. My curiosity was aroused and I decided to get a closer look, possibly for a hint of where I was and who inhabited this place. The only problem was the ravine that stood between it and me. "Hmm. How should I deal with this?" I asked myself. The ravine was too large to cross in my current form, but I didn't want to stay out here and get attacked by any other beast that just so happened to jump from the trees. 'the trees'. After a lot of yelling at the trees, (don't judge me), I succeeded in building a simple log bridge that crossed the ravine. I nodded at my handiwork before starting across. The log wobbled a bit, not enough to throw me off, but that didn't stop me from almost pissing myself as I walked. Upon reaching the other side, I fell to my hands and knees and gasped, giving silent thanks to any and all deities that ruled this world. Once I had composed myself, I stood and made my way around the ruins, searching for an entry point. Eventually, I was confronted with a pair of old, wooden doors that might've marked the entrance to the structure. I looked them up and down before spitting on my hands, and placing them upon the doors, pushed. The doors opened with a loud squealing noise, and I entered. I was greeted with the sight of a large foyer-esque area. I examined the room carefully, noting the once grand pillars and the multitude of doors leading deeper into the ancient building. I might not have been very learned in the field of archaeology, but even I could tell that this place was meant to be a place for social interactions. Judging from the architecture, it could've been a temple, but as I said, I'm not a professional in that field of study. "Hmmm. I can't imagine why someone would just vacate this place." I wondered aloud. "I mean, it doesn't look like anything happened here that would force the people to leave." And it was true. Other than the effects of time, the place gave no sign of an attack or disaster... So what then? As I wandered down one of the long side-corridors of the ruin, I began to suspect that what had lived here hadn't been human. For one, nowhere on the tattered tapestries had I seen anything that looked remotely like a human. Then again, there weren't any tapestries or statues that copied the image of any creature, so maybe I was wrong. Plenty of geometric and abstract shapes and nonliving things, like ships, shields, and even waterfalls; but nothing that resembled any living thing. I continued to search deep within the structure. The halls became darker, and the doors began to squeak loudly as they were opened. I made my way down to where I assumed the dungeons would be, and that's where I encountered the surprise of my life... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ POV: Present day: Canterlot palace I awoke to the sun shining directly into my face. Groaning tiredly, I rubbed my eyes before rolling out of bed. Standing up, I gradually made my body drag itself to the bathroom, where I unclothed and practically threw myself into the shower. I sighed in relief as the warm water cascaded over my body, waking me up. I examined the shampoos: autumn apples, violets, rose extract, ('ew'), but nothing that sounded remotely like something a guy would want to use. So naturally, I settled for regular soap. When I had washed and dried myself, I tied a towel around my waist and exited the bathroom, only to find that someone had entered and laid out some new clothes for me. I walked over and examined my new garments. The outfit consisted of a simple tunic and shorts, both of which were red with a blue stripe going down each side. "Hmmm. Rather plain compared to what I thought they would design for me." I said, then shrugged and began to clothe myself. I was a 'fearsome' enemy, so I doubted they would dress me like a king. Also, they probably didn't know my size. As I finished dressing, there was a knock at the door. "Rage, are you awake?" "Yes, come in if you want." I answered. The door opened and in walked Celestia's precious student, the leader of that band of mares that were responsible for returning all the statue escapees back to the garden. What did she want? I gave her a questioning look. "I came to take you to breakfast. I mean, I assume you're hungry." she said carefully. My stomach growled at the word 'breakfast', so I nodded and followed her out into the hall. As we walked, I examined the walls. There were a lot of tapestries and banners portraying battles, balls, or other grand events that had been marked down in equestrian history. After a time, I noticed that Twilight had been watching me, not with a look of apprehension, but one of curiosity. "Is there something you want?" I asked casually, glancing at her out of the corner of my eye. She started, before blushing, embarrassed that she had been caught staring. "Um, well, you're not exactly a pony..." She started. "Exactly?" "Definitely not a pony, so, if you don't mind me asking, just what are you?" "Would you like a general idea, or the exact answer?" I asked. "Exact please." "Well, how should I start?" I said, thoughtfully staring up at the ceiling. "I guess you could say that I'm an extraterrestrial bipedal life form that can change from this into a hulking behemoth when I begin to feel extremely agitated, or into a whiny little colt when frightened beyond the limitations of the normal brain capacity. Good enough explanation for you?" "I guess, but what species are you?" "Human, aka, Homo sapien." "And you said that you're not from here?" I heard the rustling of paper and turned back to twilight. She had a pair of those librarian glasses on, and was using her magic to make a quill scramble across a roll of parchment, marking down everything I said. I rolled my eyes. "That's right." "Where are you from then?" She seemed to be so engrossed in her note taking that I couldn't resist having a little bit of fun with her. "Mars." "How did you get here?" "Go ask your mother." "How long have you lived here?" "Fifteen minutes." This continued for a good five minutes before we reached the dining hall. The princesses and the rest of purple flank's friends were there. I nodded politely to sun-ass and took my place beside the rainbow-maned pegasus. Twilight sat on the other side of me, closer to the royal tyrants. Celestia took note of Twilight's quill and paper. "Find any interesting information about him?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, yes!" Her student confirmed. "I've leaned so much about him!" She passed the parchment over to Celestia, who proceeded to look it over, an eyebrow climbing higher with every line. Once finished, she turned her gaze back to Twilight, who was looking up proudly. Celestia cleared her throat, "So, he came here to fart on a pig and his favorite color is..." Her face turned red, "your father's ass." I burst out laughing at Twilight's reaction. I had no idea that ponies could turn that shade of red! Sadly, all good things must come to an end, and my end was found as I was suddenly knocked out of my seat and set upon by multiple assailants, all with the intent of beating the crap out of me. I curled up in the fetal position as they hammered at me. I felt that I could protect myself like this until they stopped. That is, until I felt a sharp pain in my leg... "Ooooowwwww!!!!" I screamed as I uncurled, throwing off all the ponies that had jumped me. I looked down at my leg. One of them had bitten me. They had bitten me! I frowned and sensed my power begin to surge, anything that took a bite out of me didn't have long to live. I stood and turned, just in time to see the cyan pegasus spit out some blood. It was her! I started towards her, anger plastered on my face. I was about 8 feet tall now, and still growing. This pegasus had been rude for long enough. It was then that she noticed me, her angry face changing to one of horror, before she attempted to escape. Too late. I grabbed her around the neck and lifted her into the air, she began to make choking noises. I felt something hit my arm, it tickled, but didn't hurt, probably magic. I turned my attention back to my victim. "It was just a joke." I growled. Her only response was more strangulated noises. Her face was also beginning to turn purple. "Enough Rage! Don't forget, we can count this as your second chance and be done with you!" I heard sun-ass yell from the background. I knew she was right. I looked back at the flying menace in my grip. She was quietly sobbing now, probably sure that her life was about to end. I, however, was fighting myself. This is not how I wanted things to turn out! I wanted to get a legitimate second chance, and here I was, destroying my only chance to make that wish come true! 'But she needs to pay for what she's done!' a voice in my head screamed. I contorted my face into one of indecision, the voice in my head was tempting, but I couldn't kill. I didn't have it in me. I sighed and relinquished my grip on the pony, allowing her to drop to the ground, gasping for breath. I reverted back to normal size as her friends rushed over, comforting their friend. I made the mistake of looking at them. My blood froze, they were all staring at me, most with anger, but that blue pegasus, the look of fear on her face, I'll never forget it. It was then that I understood. I had almost killed somepony. "I...I..." I stuttered, stumbling back from those haunting magenta eyes. I felt fear emerging, fear of myself. There was a *poof*, and I knew no more. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- POV: 3rd person The ponies stared as Rage backed away, sweat appearing on his face. Suddenly there was a *poof*, a cloud of smoke, and there sat Rupert, trembling in fear. 'Fear?' Twilight thought, 'why would he be afraid? Unless, unless he didn't realize that he could've killed Rainbow!' But she had to make sure. She cautiously approached the young colt, so as not to startle him. "Rupert, is Rage scared?" The colt whimpered an unintelligible answer. "Could you repeat that?" "W-would I get in trouble for it?" Tears had began to well up in his eyes. Twilight instantly hated herself. "No, but I'd like to know so I can help make Rage feel better." "O-oh, well, h-he's very traumatized that he tried to kill..." He broke off, his eyes widening as he took in what he had said. Rupert suddenly broke out in tears, crying his heart out. "Sh, Sh, Sh, Sh!" Twilight said quickly, trying to calm the young colt down. Anyway, her suspicions had been confirmed. "So he does feel sad about what he did?" Rupert hiccuped and nodded, his shoulders shaking with suppressed sobs. "Thank you." Twilight said, before turning around and rejoining her friends. (As soon as Twilight left Rupert, Fluttershy immediately raced over to cuddle him.) The rest of the mane 6 looked at Twilight expectantly. "What did he say?" "Apparently he's traumatized from almost killing Rainbow." Twilight responded, shaking her head. "What! You mean I almost died, and he's having trouble getting over it?!" Rainbow Dash shouted, her voice cracking slightly. "Shhhh!" Fluttershy sat over by a hunched over Rupert who was covering his ears. "Apparently," Twilight glanced over her shoulder at the colt. "Well, we will never know until that poor colt gets control of himself and lets that brute back out." Rarity sniffed. "No, we won't." Twilight said, as they all turned to watch the colt sob into Fluttershy's fur. ---------------------------------------------------------------- POV: 1st person I sat there in the dark recesses of my, no scratch that, our mind. Based on recent events, I doubted that it would be a short stay in here. Fine with me, just gives me more time to contemplate on how to try and make things better. If that was even possible.