Existential Secrets

by Black Hailstorm

Chapter 8: Revelation

They say the truth will set you free. That when you tell someone the truth that feeling of guilt that’s eating away at you will disappear.

I say that’s not always true. Sometimes the truth can only make things worse, other times...it can be just another lie.

The following week when the others had returned from Germaney, Spike told them everything before I could stop him. About the curse, and the fact that I had been hiding something of extreme importance from them.

Fury was one heck of a understatement for how I felt. I’d never been more angry in my entire life and Spike knew it but he sure didn’t seem to feel sorry about it. I couldn’t blame him though, if I were in his shoes I would’ve done the same whether it’s contradictory or not he did the right thing.

Although for the past week, the others have been keeping a close eye on me. This time Fluttershy and Rarity have offered to watch me.

Boy is this gonna be one hell of a day.

Trotting over to the boutique I walked in to find Rarity using Fluttershy as one of her models again. “Oh Hailstorm I’m so glad you could make it darling” she said tossing a smile my way underneath her glasses. Fluttershy smiled meekly also waving. I waved back.

“So what did you guys have planned today” I asked taking a seat as I watched the white unicorn work on the dress around Fluttershy. “Oh not much darling we simply planned to do a little sight seeing after Fluttershy finishes helping me with this dress.

I glanced over at Fluttershy waiting.

“This’ll probably take awhile, why don’t you wait and play with Opal?” she offered as a rather proud feline strutted into the room her nose in the air. I sighed. Oh joy if I still had arms and hands I’d have been giddy with this pleasant experience.

“Alright then” I said trotting off after the cat. I’d taken about two steps up the stairs when I heard a poof behind me.

“Fluttershy” a familiar voice said. “I thought we were going to meet for tea at your cottage” the creature said holding a empty cup in his paw. “The tea’s getting cold you see” he said as ice cubes began to fly out of the cup.

“Discord?”

“The one and only” the draconequus said with a grin. “And who might you be” he said twirling his body around me and staring me right in the eye. I had to say I felt uncomfortable with that but this was the master of chaos we’re talking about here. It was his job.

“Hailstorm...Black Hailstorm” I said still slightly surprised.
Fluttershy’s voice chimed without breaking her position. “Oh sorry Discord, but I just had to help Rarity out with her dress” she smiled apologetically. Discord however poofed off me and in front of Fluttershy.

“Oh no no it’s fine it’s not like I was looking forward to our little time together” he sarcastically said turning away from the pony with both arms crossed.

“Oh Discord come now, she’s simply helping me with my next ensemble no need to get your tail in a twist” Rarity said rolling her eyes as she trotted past him to get some pins.

“Hm?” looking back at his tail it really was in a knot. “Ah oh...excuse me ladies” the draconequus said an apologetic tone. “I’ll be back once I’m decent.” poofing off in a cloud of mist the draconequus was gone.

“Was that-”

“Discord? Yes” Rarity interrupted, turning her attention back to the dress she was working on. “Don’t you worry about him now alright dear, now this may take longer than I thought why don’t you rest up a bit while Fluttershy and I finish” she said looking over her shoulder at me, before turning her attention back to the dress.

I nodded. If anything this would give me sometime to figure things out and maybe get away from these interrogating stares I’ve been receiving since everyone got back.

Laying down on some cushions I blinked once, twice then sleepiness encompassed me, before I knew it, I was out.

What is friendship? What is trust? And how are they even connected? Is it when two people find they share similar interests and connect with one another?

Is it when two strangers form a bond due to their dire situation? Does it take years of knowing someone before they actually become friends or any form of trust could be made?

For me... it was knowing one person I trusted my own life with. And that person took that life, crumpled it, and tossed it right back into the furnace like garbage.

It’d been about a month now since Vindictive and Silver Caliber had been able to freely roam around the city everyone was still building. Work had gotten tougher, the places they slept were nothing but disgusting prisons that didn’t even harbor bathrooms. It was just disgusting and absolutely vile.

And I was starting to get sick of it. “Hey Caliber” the jet haired man said. “When do we initiate the plan?” Vindictive asked.

“Soon...Twinkle has an idea to help us out” the half white haired man responded as he ate the mush that was called breakfast in front of him. Dipping his spoon in it made a sploshing sound as the spoon sank into the greenish porridge like substance. As the spoon came out the mush made a popping sound.

Vindictive sneered at the nickname he’d decided to give his new girlfriend. Soon enough his attention drew his (our) perspective to the mush Caliber was shoveling into his mouth.

Ugh was all he could think, how could my best friend eat such filth? Pushing his own bowl of mush away the tanned man slouched over the table resting his chin on a hand as he watched his fellow friends, try to enjoy their meals. This is just sickening Vindictive thought.

As if reading his friend’s mind the fair fellow nudged him with his elbow earning a snarl and his attention.

“Eat your slop” he said swallowing, the thick substance. “It’s the only way we’ll get energy for this to work out. Have you told Sebastian to inform the others?”

“You mean Straight Forward?” Vindictive replied with a smirk. “He’ll let them know, if one thing’s for sure that guy doesn’t know how to keep his mouth shut” he snickered poking his food with the spoon.

The brazilian guard leader Luiz stepped into the mess hall, along with him were six other guards all clad in swords, knives, a whip and heavy clothing meant for protection. “Breakfast is over get on up and get back to work, we ain’t paying you to get fat c’mon” he clapped his hands together.

Several groups of people groaned as they got up, left what they hadn’t eaten on the tables and filed out, each casting a scowl as they exited the door towards the guards. Silver Caliber and Vindictive soon followed right after, and the guards coming in from the rear once everyone was out.

“This place is called Debt. It’s a city where everyone who owes the Landlord payment comes here to work and pay it off. That’s why we’re here. That’s why everyone’s here well minus the guards” Vindictive heard someone explain to a group of newcomers as they exited the mess hall.

“From now on till the Double L says so, you’ll be working here. Children are required to do dishes and other minor chores, the rest of you will be doing hard work these two guards will escort you to your designated working positions” Caliber heard the guide say.

“Disgusting isn’t it” Vindictive whispered so the guards that were following them wouldn’t hear. “Can’t wait to wail on their heads with a shovel before we lea” getting cut off from an elbow to the side, Vindictive winced jumping away from his friend giving him the evil eye, right behind him he could hear the stifled laughter from the two guards that were following them.
“The hell was that for” he hissed through gritted teeth.

“If you keep talking like that they’ll find out” Caliber answered with a stone cold blank expression on his face as he murmured his response. “Just keep quiet about it we’ll get pay back when we all get out of here” he said.

Feeling content with the idea Vindictive couldn’t help but grin, and strangely enough I found myself enjoying the thought. For some reason I couldn’t wait to beat these morons senseless with their own tools of torture. The first few weeks the two friends had gotten to Debt, with Caliber and the others they’d beaten all of them for any small mistake they made. Had a few bruises to prove it.

“Stupid useless imbeciles” Vindictive muttered.

“What was that” he heard the fierce voice of a soldier yell.

“Oh nothing” Vindictive said smiling sweetly.

And for a second I thought my blood ran cold with that smile.

“Cmon put your backs into it pull!” a guard yelled. Silver Caliber and I, or rather Vindictive were taking their break both of them were covered in dust and dirt, from lifting heavy pieces of wood that would be used for some of the new buildings they were making for the newcomers.

From Vindictive’s perspective a guard was ordering the teenager they’d helped the month before and a young man who looked to be around the age of twenty-three and another teenager who looked to be around sixteen. They were all pulling on a rope that worked through a pulley system trying to lift the frame of the right flank of a house. And they were struggling.

“C’mon pull!” the guard yelled getting frustrated.

Crack!

The whipping sound that echoed throughout the atmosphere made me cringe, Vindictive must of winced because his vision became closed off to me when the whip connected with bare skin.

A howl of pain, followed by muffled sounds of cursing came soon after the blow was delivered. The 23 year old that had been supporting most of the weight that the frame had offered and after getting hit like that he instantly let go of the rope, causing the other two teenagers supporting him to get pulled in as gravity did its job on the house’s frame.

With a giant thud, the whole structure came apart.

“You idiots!” the guard yelled approaching the group, whip ready. “I wanted to get this finished before lunch, now get back to work before I whoop your sorry arses into shape!” he demanded.

Watching this only made me angry, but it wasn’t just me who was seething from watching this. Vindictive was as well. Silver Caliber was clearly just as enraged by the actions that were going on and before he could even move down the workplace where the guard was Vindictive had already took off in that direction.

The young adult’s eyes were both teary, he was still trying to reach the spot on his back that his arms were incapable of allowing him to touch, the wind that seemed to gently blow on his clothing only made the pain worse. The other two teens were trembling violently, too scared to even retrieve the ropes.

“Well?!” the guard spat at the teens. “Move!” he pointed to the ropes. “Hurry up or I’ll whip you till you’re nothing but black and blue!” This response only made the younger teen whimper, he was trembling all over and looked like he was about to cry.

I felt a surge of burning hatred course through Vindictive (and possible even my own) body as he made his way down the steep slope towards the group, from his perspective I could see Caliber was following right behind him.

The younger teen wouldn’t move either do to his fear or simply because he had wet his shorts, from the looks of it a damp spot had appeared around his...lower region and was still shaking. The older one that had been saved was now doing his best to put on a brave front.

“Y-y-y-you can’t treat us like this!” the boy retorted.

“Huuh?” the guard stressed the word more than necessary.

“What was that? What can’t I do to you?” he asked approaching the two boys. They were now being backed into a corner of the lower landscape.

I noticed the boy had tightened his grip on the younger one’s sleeve, like it was giving him the courage to speak , just by knowing it was there. “Y-you can’t treat people like this! What did we ever do to deserve this kind of treatment! All you do is work us day in and day out, we don’t even get half as much decent food as you do!”

Shit! Vindictive thought. If this outburst goes any further the guards will start getting even more rough with us. Jumping over a jutting piece of earth the tanned adult landed on the ground with a thud, he just had a few more feet to go before he was on the same ground level as them.

“Oh really?” Vindictive heard the guard ask.

“Listen here you little runt” the guard reached over and grabbed the boy by the collar. “If you and your family had been able to pay for your living expenses! Or better yet have done your jobs before you got here than maybe your system wouldn’t have dumped you off on nice fashioned people like us.”

Nice wasn’t the way I’d put it. And it seemed the teen thought the same thing, next thing I-- Vindictive saw was the boy spitting in the guard’s face.

The trooper recoiled throwing the boy to the ground before kicking him in the gut with disgust. “H-H-How dare you! You insolent little!”

The teen held up his hand for a moment of silence, much to both Silver Caliber and Vindictive, the younger teen and the man on the ground’s amusement.

“I’m not a runt” he said spitting on the ground. “The names Peter, but my friends call me Payback, and your not a good person” I could sense the bravado rising in this kid, much to my fear because he knew what was coming when he finished speaking.

“You’re an old, sad man who’s gonna rot down under for this. You. And all your friends.”

After that silence was the only thing that could be heard. That and the squawk from a crow, accompanied by the cool breeze of the wind.

Animosity was far from what Vindictive could see spread out on this guard’s face. It was a crime in Debt to kill a worker or as they were called “debtors” to be killed, unless they had committed an act of murder or stolen a prized possession. “Death was rare here, but the guards make up for that with the work they force us to do” Silver Caliber muttered as he saw the guard’s face go blood red.

“We have to save that kid- Payback” he said rephrasing the last word.

“Couldn’t agree with you more” Vindictive replied.

The guard was about to firmly land his foot on the nape of Payback’s neck until he was tackled by Caliber, followed by Vindictive rushing over to help grab the whip he had released during the tackle.

It took quite a bit of struggling but with the help of the young man who called himself, Lance they were able to knock out the guard and tie him up.

“Well” Vindictive breathed a sigh of relief dusting his hands off. “Let’s help you get that house set up shall we?” he beamed a smile.

I was shaken from my trance.

“W-What is it” I asked groggily not trying to hide any of the annoyance I felt, for once I was actually angry I had been disturbed during my dream phase.

It was Discord. The spirit of chaos had awoken me from my dream phase.

“Um...yes” I said bewildered.

“See I told you nothing bad would happen?” the draconequus said turning to the yellow pegasus and white unicorn.

Slowly rising from my quite uncomfortable position I felt an ache through my body as I rose, which only seemed to fuel the anger I was starting to feel.

Discord beamed a toothy smile at me. “And how did you sleep dear hm? Have any interesting dreams lately?” his head arching over to my right.

“As a matter-of-fact I did... and still would be, if you hadn’t woken me” I said bitterly walking by him my tail uncontrollably smacking his cheek.

“Oooh a feisty one” he grinned almost seductively and held it for a few seconds watching me as I departed, as if sensing my uneasiness by this he suddenly burst into a fit of laughter in that booming manner of his I had become so familiar with through my nocturnal disturbances.

“Ugh” I voiced my clear annoyance. I loved the way Discord was able to annoy the crap out of people even as I watched him plunge part of the world into chaos I still enjoyed it. However when it was happening to me...that was a different story, especially when he took it too far like that.

Rarity rolled her eyes at Discord shooting him a look as she passed by the draconequus who turned his back to her making himself comfortable by having Opal twirl aimlessly in the air.

Sitting outside Carousel Boutique I stared at the ground gathering my thoughts. “I’m so close...I can feel it. Whatever caused that rift I know I can just feel it.”

“Hailstorm?” Rarity said trotting over to me. “I do hope you’re alright and I do apologize if Discord offended you in some way.” she tossed a worried look at me.

There it was again. That look. “I’m fine” I sighed wanting to leave the moment I saw the concern on Rarity’s face.

“Oh...I see” she said silently. Neither of us said anything after a while, but I could tell from the few glances Rarity would give me once in awhile she wanted to say something. Before I could say “go ahead” she asked.

“Hailstorm...are you sure you don’t want to tell us what’s wrong darling?” the mare asked sweetly. “I’m sure we could help you some way.”

“No, you can’t this is only something I can do. I don’t need your help right now” the tone came off as rude though I didn’t intend it to. Rarity looked slightly hurt and crossed with how I had responded to her. Before I could even say “sorry” or “it’s not what you think” she got up with a hmph and left me. Sitting outside by myself at the gate of Carousel Boutique.

Discord was now sitting with me in Fluttershy’s cottage, after that small fight with Rarity she refused to talk to me. I probably deserved it. No. I did deserve it. She was just trying to help and I spoke so coldly to her. Honestly I didn’t really think she’d forgive me so easily with how I spoke to her. I could feel guilt weighing in on me, as I recalled how furious I had been at Spike for telling them the truth when he was just trying to help me as well. The feeling only doubled when I thought about Pinkie Pie’s efforts the previous weeks before.

“Oh would you stop with your pity party” Discord’s voice said dragging me out of my sad groove. “We’ve all been through bad moments you just need to quit worrying about it constantly and get over it” he said insistently. “Move on.”

He was right, though I didn’t think it’d be as easy as he said. First I needed to apologize to Rarity, well not just Rarity but all of them, my friends, for how I’ve been acting lately. No one back home would tolerate this kind of crud unless they had were really patient with someone. I could only mention a few people that could. Three at best.

“You’re right” I told Discord smiling faintly at him, though blunt he was trying to help.

The draconequus stared at me for a long time. Like he was searching for something, snapping his fingers a tea cup appeared which he then spat tea back into the cup. Once he was done being Discord, the draconequus turned to me.

“Hey Hailstorm you know what’s funny?”

Uh-oh, I didn’t like this one bit. Discord’s funny and my funny weren’t far apart, but I was afraid he may take it too far.

Not waiting for my response he continued “Well you see I actually found something quite surprising” he tossed me a slightly sly smirk.

Suddenly appearing next to me he lifted up his paw and turned my head towards him so we were looking at each other. Eye-to-eye.

“You see while you were sleeping I felt a disturbance”

“Disturbance?” I asked. “When I was asleep?”

“Oh no it was when you were awake” he sarcastically stated rolling his eyes. “Yes when you were asleep. Now this disturbance, I felt was a magical disturbance” he stated his claw stroking his white beard.

“I...see” sweat was now starting to form around my brow.

“And well you know how I can sense magical disturbances right? Right Fluttershy?” he casted a sweet smile towards the yellow pegasus as she trotted up to us with snacks.

“Oh yes. Discord can sense any magical disturbance anywhere. That’s how he was able to find Tirek” she said through her teeth as she lay the snacks down.

I didn’t like this. Were they doing this on purpose? No of course not, Fluttershy isn’t the type to play these kind of jokes, does that mean this is serious?! The sweat had started to increase now slowly sliding down my cheek to my chin, Discord simply grinned at this like I was fueling him.

“And well in all honesty I was amazed to find out” he disappeared but then I felt a light weight on my shoulder and the soft whisper of his deep voice say “That disruption in magical energy, came. From. You” he tapped my nose with his claw as he reappeared in front of me.

The next thing I knew was my heartbeat quickened, I suddenly felt nauseous, and I had started sweating profusely. Before I knew it, everything went dark.

For the first time in my entire life. I had, just had a panic attack.

Another month had passed and things were finally starting to kick into action. Twinkle or as I like to call her Princess had finally got everything set. Tomorrow we would finally be escaping this hell hole with as many people as possible, maybe even tear up this prison while we made our escape.

While Vindictive was thinking this, a young man with turquoise eyes opened the gate to his door. “Hello Vindictive” Script said.

Vindictive simply nodded. Silver Caliber wasn’t here in the room with him, he had been allowed to go on leave for the day since the Landlord’s daughter a.k.a Twinkle wanted to have a private chat with him. And no one dared question the ‘boss’s daughter’ he rolled his eyes as the thought popped into his head.

“Things have changed. We’ll be leaving tonight. Make sure you tell Sebastian and I.C. that we’ve had a change in plans, tell the others in your group as well. Kaliver has already spread word with the people here everyone’s just waiting for tonight’s shift before things go underway, remember don’t deviate from the plan. One small mistake and-”

“Yeah yeah, I know everything goes to hell” he said flatly.

“Glad you understand” Script said tiredly. “I’ll take my leave now so there’s no suspicion. See you tonight” and with that Script shut and locked the barred gate, flashing the jet haired fellow a smile before walking away.

A small grin spread across Vindictive’s lips as his blue eyes stared outside the prison-like barred window in his room. “See you tonight” he cooed.

Midnight and night shift was over. All workers were being sent to the mess hall because apparently the Landlord’s daughter and nephew had something they wanted to say.

As I watched through Vindictive’s eyes, the movement of everyone heading towards the quite large building I noticed Straight Forward walk towards me- Vindictive and nod. Vindictive nodded back. Silver Caliber soon appeared behind Vindictive shortly after and together the three along with the rest of their group entered the building with the other debtors.

“Welcome” Luiz said in his brazilian accent. “Before you all head back to your rooms our co-representatives have something to say to you all. My lady if you please” he said bowing and gesturing towards the front of the stage as he backed away for Twinkle.

Twinkle took a step forward flashing a small smile at Luiz and then turning her attention to the group in front of her.

“Hello” she said clearly, “I’m Tiana, but you can call me Twinkle. Now I know you all have been working hard these past few months” but before she continued a yell interrupted her.

“Damn right we have! We’ve been working non-stop for you guys when do we get a decent break?!” someone within the crowd yelled.

Unfazed by this Twinkle continued “I know you’re tired and upset with how things have been going on lately, but this is why father has sent us here” as she continued she casted a quick glance to some of the people in the crowd all of which broke off into different directions, then looking at her cousin, Script she continued.

“Today will be the day you all finally get your break” she smiled. Then there was darkness. All oil lit lamps or other forms of light that had been brightening the area had been turned off surrounding the mess hall in complete and utter darkness.

Shouting could be heard from the guards followed by the movement of feet and occasional sounds of hitting, then finally there was silence.

When the lamps and some temporary lights had been turned on I could see at my host’s feet that he had knocked out the guard before him, because Vindictive had begun taking off the supportive clothing the unconscious guard was wearing. Silver Caliber soon emerged behind him dragging the unconscious body of Luiz with him than leaning him against the wall.

“Grab some rope. We have to make sure that no one interferes with tonight’s plan, or we’ll all be executed.”

Soon enough some rope was brought and everyone that had knocked out the troops brought their unconscious bodies towards the head guard, Luiz. Within about ten minutes all guards were tied up and bound to each other. “Let’s move” Caliber ordered, and everyone left the mess hall, cautiously walking into the night.

“We escape on a full moon huh?” a young voice said. It was Payback the snarky kid who’d nearly given up his life to deliver those final words of justice to that guard those few months ago.

“How you doing sport?” Caliber chimed as he led the everyone along with Vindictive, Twinkle and Script by his side. The boy only smiled as reassurance that everything was fine.

For a while the whole area was deserted, only a few guards were tied up at the mess hall and strangely enough none of the guards were on duty tonight. It was quiet. Way too quiet for the city of Debt.
“Something isn’t right” Straight Forward’s voice could be heard, voicing the thoughts of the entire faction.

The only thing that could be heard were the sound of crickets, rubbing their wings together creating that small chirping sound, low yet unbearable uncomfortable.

Silver Caliber turned to Twinkle. “Do you know anything about tonight’s schedule” a quick “No” was the only response he heard followed by a “Father had taken it down today for some reason” though as the sentence was completed, everyone realized why there were no guards in sight.

“It’s a trap” Script stated perspiration running down his temple. And with where they were now, a free open landscape about a 60 yards away that separated the gate on the border of the countryside, they could easily be taken out since only a few people had weapons.

“We should turn back, make sure that we aren’t making a mistake here” Script advised. Silver Caliber opened his mouth to speak but was cut off by my host’s own infuriated shouting.

“Are you MAD!” Vindictive yelled. “We just got out of that cul de sac, walked half a mile with no interruptions and have about another less than 200 ft to go and you want us to. Go. Back?!” I could feel his fist clenching up like he wanted to punch Script, the turquoise eyed fell wisely took a defensive step back, before stating.

“Vindictive, hear me out. I know you want to leave as much as I do but-”

“You? How could you possibly know how much I-” he paused and added “We!” his hand extended gesturing to everyone behind him. “Want to leave? Hm? Tell me Script! We’re friends, but don’t you dare tell me, us, that you know what it’s like to be a slave and expect me to not lash out!”

Suddenly feeling a gentle touch on his shoulder Vindictive turned his head to see Silver Caliber patting him gently. “Vindictive take it easy. You’re stressed alright. We all are but you don’t need to attack Script, he was only trying to help” he said in a chiding patron tone.

Taking a deep breath in, he exhaled. “Right. Sorry Script, I’m just worrying if we’ll be able to escape. You remember what happened to the last group that tried right.”

“Don’t remind me” Script said a shudder clearly taking over his body at the mention. “Uncle made a clear example of those that refuse to pay their debts to society, I don’t even want to know what he’ll do to us of-”

“Then stop talking and get a move on already” Twinkle exclaimed, clearly tired of the conversation she moved on up ahead leading the rest of the group onward. The three guys watched her lead as the others passed by them. Vindictive smirked. “I’m starting to like her more and more.” The only response he got was a roll of the eyes and a chuckle.

Half an hour had now passed since the group had made their escape from the city of Debt, after walking behind the mess hall and having gone straight ever since they could now see the gates that would lead them to sweet sweet freedom.

“Finally!” Straight Forward’s voice could be heard again from within the crowd, followed by a screech of pain signifying I.C. was still around.

Everyone’s faces brightened as they made their way across the empty plane they walked on towards the gates of freedom, that is until they noticed there were an assortment of shadows in front of those very gates of escape.

“Hello dear, Script my boy. Isn’t it past your bedtimes?” the silky smooth voice of a tall rather well-trimmed old man stated as he walked out of the crowd, his hair fashioned into curls that matched his grey moustache that had twirls at the end of it.

“Father?” Twinkle cringed upon seeing her father’s signature red tie and black purple suite seem to bounce the moonlight off his clothes. “W-What are you doing here?” she blurted out stupidly.

“Well what kind of father, would I be” he said as he walked towards the now hesitant group of rebels.

“If I let my daughter and nephew leave without giving me. A nice. Long. Hug” he said rather kindly which only added onto the negative effect of his words. “Well come along now” he stated with outstretched arms.

“Give Daddy a hug you two.”

Payback who had pushed his way through to see what was going on suddenly let a smirk play across his lips as those words fell upon his ears, Vindictive noticed this and elbowed him in the ribs. “Now’s not the time kid.”

Script and Twinkle however did not move an inch, despite the looks of worry the relatives now shared their determination to stay was strong. Something LandLord could see clearly for himself.

He sighed dramatically, and snapped his fingers which immediately made two guards disappear and bring out a chair which he sat on. Crossing one leg over the other he stared at the group before him as if contemplating his wins and losses, and then finally, he smirked.

His moustache curled up a bit more as the smirk stayed plastered on his face. “I’ve come to a few conclusions you’ll find that you’ll believe are negotiable. I am a man of business after all.” he haughtily stated as he snapped his fingers again this time summoning a tea cup before him.

“Now” he said taking a sip of the tea once it had been poured. “I will give you a few options” his smirk fading into a smile. “And you just tell me what fits you better ok?”

Before Silver Caliber could respond, the old man started.

“Option #1: You can come back with me, I will take you all home and we can all act like none of this ever happened. As my ‘friends’ I suppose I should treat you with courtesy this time and let your ruffian acts go without any trouble, I’ll be sure that none of the guards harm you as well once you’ve returned.”

“Like hell we’ll go back!” Vindictive shouted. “I’m not stepping another foot in there, not as long as I have blood flowing through these veins!” he pounded his chest pridefully. Everyone else seemed to agree with him.

The smile had now turned into a frown. “How uncouth” he sighed, before taking another sip of tea, he snapped his fingers again and one of the soldiers immediately got down on all fours like a table. There he placed it expertly on the soldier’s back, like he’d been doing it for years.

“Option #2: Dear Tiana, Script. You can leave with your friends” he smiled once again as his thoughts came together. “But you leave half your group with me. And you must choose who you leave behind.”

“No” Silver Caliber stated. “No one get’s left behind.”

“So troublesome” the man muttered under his voice. “OPTION #3: You fight your way through my men and see if you can make it out alive. Or. I deliver punishment, with all of you. Save for my sweet darling daughter and kind nephew.”

They all hesitated at this statement. Vindictive especially tensed up. Punishment meant death. Death meant...game over. Option 2 was sounding to start real good right now. Even if they left a few people here did it really matter? They could just come back later with their own weapons, and usurp this entire place.

Ugh. I thought. That’s just awful how can you complain about betrayal when you yourself were planning to do the very same thing to your friends, who you’ve countlessly told you would free and walk together with on the countryside If I could I would've punched him in the face or at least hoped someone would do it for me, then it occurred to me.

You’re not in his situation though my mind reminded me. If I were, maybe I would’ve done the same thing also, had this kind of thought process maybe-- “No!” a voice drew me and Vindictive along with the rest of the group, out of their thoughts. It was Payback.

“You think just because you’ve got a nice smancy suit you can just come all up in here, and tell us what to do. You know what I’m gonna tell you what to do when we crossover that gate?” the teen asked.

The Landlord smiled. “Enlighten me my dear boy.”

“Glad you asked” Payback returned the smile grimly, before slowly raising a fist and sticking out his middle finger. “That’s. What I’m gonna tell you to do” the boy said proudly.

The air suddenly had an icy chill to it, everyone was silent as the boy’s still extended middle finger waved around at the Landlord. The smile made a slow transition from a disappointed frown, to a look of disdain.

“Option 3 it is” he said sitting up from his seat. “Do it boys, you heard the lad. He said we should do it. So give them hell chaps” snapping his fingers the soldiers all drew weapons out and tossed on the ground one by one. Enough for Silver Caliber and Vindictive’s group to fight on.

“W-what’s this?” I.C. stepped forward looking at the arrangement of armory before them.

“I’m still a gentleman to my word, I wouldn’t stoop to your uncouth level and let you fight without arms. Though now that you have them, let the games begin” he snapped, this time it clearly echoed across the area as the wind carried it away. “Fight.”

Grabbing another assortment of weaponry the guards all charged at their own victims ready to fight them all. Over their rushing the shouting of Landlord could be heard. “Dispose of my daughter and nephew, I don’t need disobedient children running my house when I’m gone.

“I can always get new ones” he said decisively.

I felt a surge of anger rush through me or maybe this time it was still Vindictive, because I was sure I heard him curse.

Silver Caliber and all the others rushed to grab their weapons. The moment their hands had touched a weapon though their opponents were on top of them.

The battle was on.

Grabbing a cutlass Vindictive looked up just in time to see a sword aiming right for his head, blocking it just in time, he was knocked to the ground by the brute force of the weight that supported his opponent. Looking up just in time his opponent had his sword directed down ready to pierce through the armor that he was wearing with it. Rolling out of the way just in time the jet haired fellow quickly broom swept his assailant knocking him to the ground.

With swift movement I watched as we climbed over the brute and proceeded to punch him in the face till he stopped struggling, unconscious from the numerous blows delivered and having lost three teeth in the process.

Getting up quickly I heard Silver Caliber shout to the others as they fought. “Don’t kill any of them! Just incapacitate them our priority is to move onward, protect as many of the children as you can but just keep moving!” he yelled, before he delivered a rough blow to the jaw of his attacker dazing him, and rushing towards the gate.

Soon enough I was in hot pursuit. Ducking the blades of cutlass’s swords, spears and other weaponry Vindictive’s heavy breathing continued to make me feel like I was the one going through this fight.

Glancing back behind him I saw that the others were starting to catch up, feeling small relief I suddenly felt a sharp pain in Vindictive’s shoulder. One of the soldiers that had been pushed/knocked to the ground by Script as they cleared a path for the rest to follow had thrown a throwing knife directly towards the jet haired fellow and was chuckling till Payback rushed over a kicked him square in the head, possibly killing him.

“Don’t worry buddy I got ya” the kid said as he yanked the knife out of Vindictive’s shoulder drawing a grunt of pain in the process. Immediately placing a hand over his wound Vindictive said. “Thanks, kid Let’s keep moving.”

Doing just that the two yelled with nothing but courage in their voices, as they along with several others behind them charged forward towards the rest of the brigade, ducking and dodging the attacks of their pursuers as best they could.

Vindictive threw one final punch as he knocked out the last guard, clutching his side and wheezing as he felt a sharp pang of pain course through where he’d been brutally kicked after he’d been tackled by one soldier and kicked by another.

The entire group had somehow managed to make it out alive with most badly cut and in need of some medical treatment, before they bled out.

The Landlord now stepped out of his viewing spot, clapping. “Well done” he said smiling. “Father’s so proud of you sweety. You really have grown up into a better woman than your mother ever could-”

“Do not talk about her like that!” Twinkle shouted.

“Touchy!” the old man said wryly still smiling. “Well as I said you’re free to go, you’ve proved yourself worthy to leave” he said pushing a button on the far off corner of the gates. “You’re free to go.”

“HA!” Payback stated. “I knew we’d get out of here and now I can finally do this-” he was cut off, as he suddenly felt a jolt of pain at his gut.

Everyone froze. Turning slowly towards the blonde haired boy they saw a knife jutting out of his diaphragm.

“N-No!” Vindictive yelled rushing over to the boy’s side as he became limp and fell backwards.

Within a second Silver Caliber was by their side looking just as terrified and grief stricken, to me it looked he was fighting back the tears, but it may have looked like something completely different to the dying boy.

The color slowly draining from his face he smiled weakly. “Ha...ha...I was really hoping” he said taking a second to catch his breath, swallowing “that we’d all go on real cool adventures together...you know?” he said weakly, slowly reaching over and brushing a tear away from Caliber’s eye, only making the white haired man turn away biting his quivering lip.

Others had started to gather around him now, Twinkle was trying to hold back the tears, but couldn’t making Caliber comfort her. Script was freely shedding tears trying to put up a brave face. Even Iron Clad (I.C.) had misty eyes, Straight Forward was saying things like “I’m not crying, it’s just liquid heroism... for this kid you know” which in some aspect was true.

“You know...the boy said weakly looking at the the lunar moon and the twinkly stars as they sparkled in the night sky.

“My parents abandoned me....left me to take care of their debt. So when I got here...I was so...so scared. Pathetic huh. 17 years old and I was blubbering like a baby when me parent’s left” Vindictive felt those words pull at his heart like a harpsichord was being played.

“For the next few months...I tried to do work off their debt...but when time was up I came here...I was so angry, that the two people that brought me in...were leaving me in such a terrible state” he said tears now rolling down his face.

“Then I started to work here. In Debt city or whatever...I couldn’t” he coughed abruptly interrupting himself.

“Save your breath kid damnn it!” Silver Caliber stated. “Just stop we can...we can still save you” he whispered the last words as if he was reassuring himself more than the boy.

Though it didn’t seem like Payback could hear him because he kept on talking.

“Then I met you guys” he said pointing a shaky hand at Caliber and Vindictive. Vindictive blinked away the tears and sniffled. Nodding his head like he understood, Caliber who looked like he was dying inside nodded also.

“You guys...gave me courage. You...You two were my role models...my first friends here” -he coughed harder- “I just wish...I could’ve stayed longer...I’m glad...I could be...like you...in..the” his voice was fading as his head slowly fell to the side and he closed his eyes.

“end...even if...it was just....a little...while” he exhaled breathing his last breath as one final tear rolled down his cheek.

Nothing. That’s what harbored the air that night, not a sound not even the sound of crickets could be heard. As if the boy’s death had affected them as well.

As for me who was watching this through Vindictive’s eyes, all I could feel was anger.

Then the one who delivered the final blow to the boy stepped forward, in his purple black suite with his red tie, he smiled.

“Well sorry about your friend” he said rather dryly. “But either you all leave or I have you all stay” at that several other soldiers stepped forward. All looking eager and ready for a second round.

“Your choice.”

Click!

Right behind them the gates that had been fully open were now beginning to shut. Horror struck the faces of each individual in the group. Terror now took over the grief they felt for the loss of their comrade as they all made a mad dash for freedom, some tripping over others and quickly scrambling up again making it out.

Only Script, Twinkle. Silver Caliber, Straight Forward, Vindictive and several others remained by the body of the boy. “Let’s go” Silver Caliber said calmly after he’d cleared the tears from his eyes, patting Vindictive’s back.

Quietly the jet haired man stood up holding his shoulder. “Yeah, let’s” turning around they began making their way towards the now half open gate. First some of Caliber’s friends went out. Then Twinkle, then Script, followed by Caliber himself.

Just as Vindictive and I watched Caliber’s body disappear behind the barred gates and reappear on the other side, there was a tug, pulling him away from the exit, followed by the wind in both our lungs escaping us.

Crashing to the ground with a thud on both knees. With Vindictive’s vision slight blurred from the sudden hit he looked around to see, Straight Forward, Iron Clad and the remaining members of his group on the ground.

“What are you waiting” the old man said staring coldly yet still smiling at him. “Go on, leave. That’s what you wanted right?” he moved aside to let Vindictive crawl towards the gate, that was still closing.

“Go on” he said. “”If you don’t hurry and yell for help you’re friends will leave without you. All of you” he added. One of the guards came up and stepped on his ankle, a pop came. Then a scream.

“SILVER !!!” he begged. “COME BACK!!” I could hear the desperation in his voice.

Straight Forward and the others who were now on all fours were also yelling for Silver Caliber to come back.

I watched as he turned around, then I saw the horror on his face when he realized what was happening. Immediately he came running back, although the door was slowly reaching a quarter of the way closed. “Cmon get up!” I could hear him yell.

“Get up! Cmon Vinny hurry! Get up!” he was about to run inside but a sword stopped him. “Move and you die” the Landlord stated.

“Go Vinny before it’s too late” the Landlord said playfully.

Struggling to get up, Vindictive’s entire body felt so sore. I knew this was just me seeing his past through his eyes, but the pain was horrible.I thought for sure he’d collapse, but he just kept on going. Trying to stand the jet haired man stumbled falling to the ground, Straight Forward and Iron Clad now rushed at the Landlord only to be knocked back down by the guards that had formed wall between him and Silver Caliber, still on the other side of the ever closing gate.

Crawling slowly, Straight Forward and Iron Clad watched as their friend made it to the gate’s bar line and with a shaky, red stained palm he looked up at Silver Caliber.

“Take my hand”

And for a second it looked like everything was going to be okay. The gate was close to shutting but if he was able to bring Vindictive out then the others who looked at him as their leader waiting for him to cross before they did would follow.

The Landlord however had other plans. Tightly grabbing the hilt the old man jammed it straight into Caliber’s side, causing him to keel over and grab his stomach. As he came down Landlord finished Caliber off with a blow to the chin with the sword’s hilt knocking him out.

I watched in horror as Silver Caliber fell slowly to the other side of the gate, taking Vindictive’s dreams of freedom with him. At the same time the gate suddenly quickened its closure, and shut with a metallic screech.

The Landlord turned to look at Silver Caliber through the thick rusted metal bars within Debt city. “Looks like you chose Option 2 after all. Pleasure doing business with y’all” he added a smile at the end.

Turning around and walking back towards the men that were now coming to, he said “Cmon boys tonight we feast, oh and don’t worry about Vinny over there poor lad’s suffered enough with what just happened and all” he stifled a laugh as him and the rest of the guards all made there way back to Debt city.

Vindictive was speechless. His hand still outstretched to Silver Caliber as if he were still there right in front of him ready to lift him up, ready to take arms together and walk away from this place free.

Instead his fingers brushed the rusted bars, of the prison he knew he was going to be subjected to for Lord knows how long.

“I’m trapped here” his voice shook in denial. “For who knows how long.” Silver Caliber however didn’t respond. He was unconscious, there was no way to defend himself. Everyone else on the other side were too speechless to even say anything, and just watched in a daze.

“So...” Vindictive’s voice now shook with anger his shoulders heaving up and down. “You decided to trick your best friend huh?” he said to the unconscious figure. “Lie to me! Tell me that we’d be leaving together when you actually planned to trick me huh? Option 2 huh?! You planned it didn’t you? With him...with her?!” he said pointing to a startled Twinkle as the tears spilled over his face.

There was no response. Dourly Straight Forward and Iron Clad grabbed either side of their leader and began dragging him back to the city.

“We should get back....we’ve got work tomorrow” I heard one of the disillusioned companions say as they walked sorrowfully back to the city. One person trudged over to Payback's body lifting it up and carrying it with him so they could bury it.

“Silver Caliber!! I swear! For lying to me I will ruin you! Your entire life! I’ll ruin it all!” he shouted at the top of his lungs from the distance, my own throat felt sore from the shouting.

“I will never forgive you for betraying me like this! YOU HEAR ME?! NEVER!!!!!” the last words echoed as everyone on the free side of the gate watched their former friend get dragged away sobbing, and screaming in frustration and deep remorse.

“This couldn’t get any worse” Script said morosely.

Thunder suddenly struck. And Script could suddenly feel a drop of water on his scalp.

Pitter,patter,pitter,pat

It was raining, on the worse night of their lives.

Slowly opening my eyes I looked around. My eyes were slightly puffy, like I’d been crying. I probably had been, after what I just saw how could I not? Blinking a few times I tried to remember what happened before I passed out and went into dream mode.

“He’s awake” I heard a voice say.

Turning around I looked to see all of the mane six along with Spike standing around me with worried looks, Discord was there as well looking at me with a especially disturbed look on his face. Then I heard a ahem.

To my right was Celestia and Luna both looking at me with as much concern and disturbance as the others.

Sighing I rubbed my tear stained face with both front hooves. “Could this get any worse?”