Freedom

by Quid Pro Quo

Sunny Days

Freedom
Chapter 2

Ink woke up in his shattered mess of a room.

The memories of the night before were still running through his mind, although the energy he previously had was long gone, the will to act was still there.

Ink slowly got back on his hooves. His mane was a mess along with his room. Surprisingly no one seemed to investigate all noise at his house last night so he slept undisturbed.

He walked over to his now cracked mirror, smiling at his messy features.

Ink was still unsure of what all last night meant. He said some things. A lot of crazy things. But yet he couldn't help but feel proud of himself. For once his normally bottled up emotions were finally released.

Sunshine gazed into the room, warm light coming through his surprisingly intact window. Especially considering he nearly hit it with his desk last night.

That would've been difficult to explain to the neighbors…

Ink yawned and decided it would be a good time for breakfast and casually trotted down the stairs, as though the room didn't look like a warzone.

He’d clean it later.

Now…. to begin...
I guess to start off; I should gather information about the Princess. I am after all fighting an elemental deity of the fucking sun…

With sound logic, Ink now had the foundation.

The Canterlot Royal Libraries were obviously not an option. They were far too close to the princess for his liking. He had heard rumors of Celestia’s powers, including reading minds or some other mythical nonsense, he didn't necessarily believe them, but as in his previous point, it was worth concern.

Canterlot had other libraries, but none were really extensive enough to hold information about the goddesses. Very little was known about the origin or early lives of the alicorns. Other than legends, Ink had very little to go off of.
But he remembered hearing about one particular library.

Ponyville was regarded by most of Canterlot to be a fine little vacation town if one wanted to get away from the rustle and bustle of the city. Rumors were also spreading that Ponyville surprisingly had quite an extensive library. Run by none other than Celestia’s faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.

If there was ever a better definition for irony…

For once, talking to my customers has finally payed off…

After a quick breakfast and fixing his mane and shaggy appearance he earned from last night’s adventure. Grabbing his traveling sack and getting together some money and other essentials for the trip, Ink made his way to his door. Today would be the beginning he decided. Today he would no longer spend his weekend preparing for the next workweek, no today he will plan and prepare. Finally he was taking control of his life.

Ink grabbed his favorite fedora, placed it atop his head and with a smile he trotted out his door.

The day was going to be his. Celestia’s days were numbered.

Ink passed through the bustling streets of Canterlot. Even though it was still early in the morning, many ponies had already begun visiting shops, greeting friends, social events, all the little events ponies were allowed to do before the work week begun again.

He picked up a train schedule from a tourist kiosk; thankfully a train to Ponyville was leaving right at 9:00am. It seemed fate itself was aiding him.

Ink however paid no mine; the orange unicorn was quite focused on his objective. Despite last night feeling like it was forever ago, the memories he felt were still ripe in his mind. He had already begun planning ahead of where to lay the foundation in his plans to kill the princess of the sun.

A sting of doubt sprung in the unicorn’s mind. Why Celestia? Why Murder? Why? Why? Why?
He didn't want to answer. He was afraid if he talked himself out of his plan he would go back to his old routine and be forever trapped in his life’s never-ending cycle.

It was out of fear, out of hate, out of desire. He couldn't just quit, he would see this through to the end.

Lost in his thoughts, he arrived at the train station sooner than planned… and collided face first with a pole.

Ow.

“You alright there pal?”

Fortunately the only pony who took notice was the conductor pony who was quite concerned for a pony that just willingly walked into a pole.

“I’m fine, thank you.” Ink grunted as he pulled himself up.

“So, I take it you need a train eh? Well, navigation surely isn't you’re strong suit but luckily you’re not conducting the train.” The conductor snickered.

Ignoring the conductor’s remark, Ink asked for a ticket. “So how much for a ticket to Ponyville?”

“About 20 bits per ticket.”

Ink hastily pulled out 20 bits for the ticket and soon he was off to Ponyville.

----------

MUSIC!!!!

This oddly fits the image in my head of Ink trotting happily through the streets while thinking of horrible ways to kill Celestia...

----------

With a loud screech, the train halted at its destination. They had arrived in Ponyville.

Ink quickly got off the train. Annoyed he couldn't sleep because some mother couldn't shut their baby up during the whole ride.

Ink took a quick look at the clock; it was only 11:13pm. He had time to spare.

Ponyville, although not nearly as populated as Canterlot was thriving with activity as ponies dotted the streets. The air was clean and pure not filled with the stench cities always seemed to contain. The rolling hills of the countryside in the backdrop were complimented by the blue shadowy husks of mountains. The trees of the Everfree could be seen in the side.
Ponyville was wonderful. It was truly his favorite town in all of Equestria.

Happiness filled Ink. The thrill of visiting a new place combined with his new ambition delighted him. He was doing something, he was here, and he wasn't just another mindless worker.

This wasn't his first visit here. Considering he spent most of his childhood down here with his aunt.

Ink could reminisce later; he had a mission to do.

He took another look again at the lovely setting before him

It wouldn't hurt to go a little sightseeing…

Already seeing his favorite cafe of old, he quickly trotted off with a happy gait.

Ink happily trotted through the café. Since it was near lunchtime, the café was bustling with ponies, Smiles, conversation, and the natural sound of everyday life echoed through the market.

Ink felt he had never been so happy in his life.

He waved at ponies he never even met, Checked out some shops that interested him, asked random strangers how there day was. He was more outgoing today than he could remember.The birds sang, the wind blew, the filles played. It was beautiful Saturday morning.

A couple of clouds laid over horizon, but a streak of rainbow quickly came and snuffed them out, then quickly whizzed by the town. The streak revealed itself to be Rainbow Dash, Ponyville’s resident weather pony.

In her wake she left a beautiful rainbow across the horizon. Adding to the lovely day.

Ink trotted on, an ever so happy smile sat on his face.

The orange unicorn quickly made his way over to the market stalls, a particular stall grabbed his attention. A small flower shop ran by a gray stallion. Ink made his way over to the stall, with the owner giving him a wave and inviting him to the shop.
A small blue flower caught Ink’s attention. He picked it up and stared inquisitively.

“What’s this?” Ink asked.

“Oh just something I found in the Everfree.” The shopkeeper replied.

Ink stared at the flower. It was quite an exotic flower. The pedals were a shade of blue with trims of gold lining the edges.
“Well how much for it?” Ink stated cheerily.
“Um, well it’s kind of not for sale. This is pretty rare and I’m saving it for my marefriend.” The shopkeeper replied.

Ink pulled out a bag of coins from his sack, with quite a smug grin on his face.

“Are you sure about that?” Ink smirked.

The shopkeeper groaned. “Fine, you’re a fool anyway for wasting this much money over a flower.”

Ink greedily grabbed the flower and quickly trotted off, leaving the shopkeeper completely bewildered by his behavior.

As soon as he was out of the shopkeeper’s sight, he quickly gobbled down the flower.

“I get what I want…” Ink silently said to himself. This control he felt was immense, it filled his whole being with its savage lust. He loved it, even if it was a mere flower.

Now it was time to focus. He needed to research his opponent Ink decided. Celestia was a powerful goddess who controlled much of Equestria. Ink had more than a slight disadvantage. So he decided that maybe he needed to find out if she’s even killable first.

A familiar tree dome dotted his vile, Ponyville’s local library, run by the princess’s protégé herself.

Perfect.

Ink smiled a delightfully evil smile and trotted over to the library.

Ink opened the door to the library. The smell of pine and dust from books quickly filled his lungs. The tree was still very much alive. It’s a wonder how the owner hasn’t lost her house to termites yet. The entire house it seemed was literally carved out of the hollow tree, which greatly impressed Ink. Especially considering it was done by hoof.

The owner’s name was Twilight Sparkle. Also the resident sorcerer and local egghead, she shared some traits with
Ink.However Ink never really got to know her as he didn't pay much attention the lavender unicorn's adventures, too busy with his own business.

Ink noticed Twilight reading a book in a corner. She hadn’t noticed Ink come in yet, her eyes completely glued to the pages.

Here it was then, Time to find out how to kill a god.

Wait. What am I doing?

Ink stopped himself. He was so sure this was his mission but now in the first part he was starting to wimp out.
I’m using information from the princess’s own protégé to kill her own master…

The thought sickened him now. What was going on with him?

Although he didn't know Twilight, he knew she was an element of harmony, of course Celestia’s personal student, and saved the town from an Ursa Minor, so she was definitely magically inclined as well. If anything Ink respected her.

But also Celestia's student. She did nothing but follows the rules, and gladly lapped up any bullshit Celestia told her.

Anger bellowed in Ink. As if Celestia’s own name set him off.

“Um, Hello?”

Ink immediately jolted out of his thoughts. Twilight apparently had finished her book and was known wondering why some pony had been staring at her reading a book.

“Oh, Sorry!” “Just a lot on my mind right now. So are you open right now?” Ink stammered, slightly embarrassed.

“Why yes of course we are!” “Learning is open for everyone. So is there any specific book you want?”

Any questions Twilight had about Ink’s mental state were quickly erased at the prospect of sharing books, which she loved to do.

“Hmm…, I guess anything related to alicorns.” Ink spoke as he trotted over to the nearest bookshelf.

“Alicorns?” “Huh, you’re the first to really ask about that. I would ‘eve figured more ponies would have been interested.”

Twilight responded, following Ink to the bookshelf.

“I guess a lot of ponies are afraid of them…” Ink stated flatly.

“Why would they be?” Twilight walked over to her desk to find her catalog of the library.

“Well, I guess being all powerful like they are would intimidate most ponies. I mean imagine if they were evil? Scary thoughts…” Ink didn’t look back, too preoccupied in finding his book.

“I never really thought of it that way, I’ve known all my life and I could never imagine her being like that.”

Twilight was naive. Although she had been in many life threatening situations, she had never really experienced the world. She had grown up in a bubble somewhat, spending her childhood with the goddess herself more than actually being a child.
Ink was somewhat annoyed with Twilight’s admiration with Celestia. As he found too many ponies were the same for his liking.

If I could see her face when I finally bring down Celestia… a grin of grim satisfaction emerged on Ink’s lips.

“I’m glad someone actually took an interest in something unique for once.” Twilight said with a smile as she turned around.
“Most of the time ponies just want just want to know agriculture, gosh they just never think outside life out here.”

“I feel the same way in Canterlot. All they care about is fashion and all that nonsense, I prefer writing and books.” Ink stated only really halfway paying attention in the conversation.

“Canterlot! I haven’t been there in forever! Anything major changed?” Twilight asked with a new curiosity.

“They built a new bridge but that’s about it… Can you find the catalog I can’t really seem to find what I’m looking for?” Ink said, trying to get her attention focused on helping him.

“Oh of course!” Twilight brought up an old and rather large red catalog book. Carrying it with her magic, she trotted over to Ink.

Ink turned around and together they saw in big bold print, Tales of the Alicorns.

“It seems like a story.” Ink questioned.

“Well, there’s only one story we know about the alicorns. It’s a myth on how they were born, however this book analyzes it and sees if the myth isn’t just fiction
.”
It’s a start. Ink thought.

“Looks promising, and considering the lack of options I’ll guess I’ll check it out.” Ink spoke.

“Glad to have helped!” Twilight said with a smile.

The smile caught Ink off guard. It was such a genuine smile. A smile that he rarely ever got, all for just simply being interested in a book and she looked so happy…

His thoughts returned to his quiet mountain top, where no pony but him knew the location of. The soft breeze brushing his fur, the complete isolation from everyday life where there were no worries. Except this time, Twilight was there with that beautiful smile…

Focus.

“Thank you very much!” Ink responded as Twilight handed him the book.

“If there’s anything else you need I would be glad to help.” Twilight said as the two unicorns made their way for the library door.

“I hope I can see you again.” Ink complimented. At first it felt natural to say, but once he realized what he just said he suddenly felt awkward.

“Hopefully, you seem like the bookie type. There’s not a lot like you around here.” There were outside the tree house now, it was still mid-afternoon and sun shone brightly in Ponyville.

Ink was about to make his leave when Twilight stopped him. “I never caught your name.”

Ink hesitated. He wasn’t sure if he should just give his name to Twilight. She probably messaged the princess daily and he didn’t want the princess herself to know his name.

“Ink Blot” He said softly.

Way to go.

That damn smile….

“Well my name is Twilight Sparkle.”

“Oh yes I’ve heard of you. Celestia’s protégé and all…”

“Yeah, it’s weird having ponies you've never met know you.”

“Well I must be going.” Ink wanted to bolt out of there as fast as he could.

“Well it was nice to meet you, Ink Blot” Twilight spoke and Ink began to make his leave.

As soon as heard her door shut, he broke into a ran. He needed to read this book; it could contain the secrets of his enemy. Hormones could be dealt with later he decided. He was on the verge of something, something that could topple the Alicorn Princess.

-------------

Despair filled him.

The hotel’s mirror of course was cracked, what could you expect from some 3-Star motel in the middle of the countryside.
Why was he doing this?

Ink laid flat up against his bed. The room he had rented for the night was definitely not the mess he left at Canterlot but only barely.

None of this bothered him at the moment right now, as now he was lost.

It started right when he plopped the book down on his desk, he ready to read, learn about potential ways to end the princess when he just stopped.

He’d been doing this far too often. He HAD to do this. He had to break free, force his way out, Even if that meant bringing anarchy to do so.

Celestia had to die, for his life to have meaning.

Yet again it wasn’t even about Celestia; it was all about what she stood for…

Maybe he could free other ponies. Create a new Equestria where ponies could choose how they live their lives and not be subjugated to the madness of this supposedly orderly society. Where ponies worked, paid taxes, and died.

To the Royal government, he was just a small time produce seller and that’s all he was destined to be in their eyes.
Well fuck them, he decided. He would be free; they took his dreams away, his life and forced him into labor.

They don’t say they force you. But if you don’t follow HER rules they can take your house, business, and pretty much life away.

Ink was angry again. The old tinges of his new energy flowed through him once more, however something held him back.

“I can be happy, I can be in control, I can be free…” Ink spoke, letting the words resonate with his being.

He looked again at the cracked mirror, in his reflection he could see his face divided by the crack, leaving two parts of his face.

It was a peculiar sight but Ink payed no mind to it. Ink returned his focus to the book but found himself suddenly tired. He was unsure if he had even eaten.

Peeking out the window he noticed night had already fallen. It took a while to rent a hotel room and unpack his things but this long?

Maybe Celestia's changing the time on me.

I'm probably just paranoid.

He hoped he was anyway.

Ink slowly laid down, curling himself up in covers and letting the exhaustion from the day settle in.

Sleep overtook Ink, with dreams of his small retreat. The wind and view filling his mind as he felt his body slowly melt away into the arms of sleep.

A familiar lavender unicorn dotted his dreams, with a beautiful smile that made the view that much greater…

Author's Note:

Everyone knows it's Windy...

A cookie goes to whoever can guess what TV show I got that off of.