> Twilight > by P3RROHAMBRE > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight Prologue Priorities Her eyes scanned the stallion’s body with a sick, almost twisted pleasure. Her heart pounded in her chest, full of excitement for what she was going to do to him. The sight of her work, her passion, gave the mare goosebumps to the point of making her fur stand up on the back of her neck. The dimly lit room that she had chosen for him was befitting for the sleeping stallion before her. It was his own place of ritual, now covered in plastic and pictures of certain fillies that she knew he would recognize when he woke up. Whenever that was. Despite her excitement and anticipation, the unicorn couldn’t help but pace back and forth, dressed in her black apron and her hooves covered in some type of black rubber. She had been waiting for a good two hours for the pony to wake up so she could begin her work, but her impatience was starting to show in her demeanor as her eyes kept darting to his closed ones. Damn. I should’ve used a smaller dose. I have to get back to the castle before Princess Luna arrives. The mare wished she wasn’t running on such a time crunch. She had studying to do for a certain Equestrian history exam in a couple days and had some research reports to accomplish by the end of the week. Regardless, this had to be done first and foremost. Her body craved it and her mind wouldn’t release her of her desire until she had it. Learn to adapt. Be quick and efficient if time doesn't permit, but you must never get caught. That was the most sacred rule to her as it echoed in her mind. Never get caught, no matter the circumstances. This was the rule her teacher reinforced the most. But she made sure that there was no chance of that happening. The Canterlot police already had the stallion they wanted, or more so, the stallion that she had framed so she could have her prize to herself. She had a process after all. Identify and observe. Proof, prepare, and capture. Ritual, execute, and disposal. She had followed the steps of the kill and there was no way that tonight could go wrong. “Unnng,” the mare heard the stallion groan. Her eyes instantly lit up as she turned her head to see the plastic-bound stallion beginning to wake up and stir. His light-brown fur looked magnificent under the dim-light hanging above him and his black, wavy mane had a certain shine and flow as he moved his head, trying to shake off the drug she had given him earlier. But his handsome appearance was not what she desired from him. “The hell?” the stallion said weakly as his eyes slowly started to open, revealing his dark blue pupils. “Well look who finally woke up,” the mare said in a satisfied tone, trotting over to a table covered in plastic. The pony’s eyes fully opened, adjusting to the dim-light. He turned his head, taking in his surroundings and noticed where he was at. “My shed? What am I doing here?” he said. His mind was lost and confused, as he knew for a fact that this was not the last place he remembered being at. The mare chuckled softly as she ripped the plastic off covering the table. “I brought you here of course,” she answered without turning to him, “And I have to say that you aren’t the lightest pony I’ve came across in my work. I think I actually broke a sweat trying to get you here.” The stallion began to try and move, but noticed that something tight wrapped around his body. He looked down to see layers upon layers of plastic constraining him to one of his tables. “What the hell is this?!” he exclaimed suddenly as he began moving his body violently, trying to break through it. The mare knew it was futile to do so though and she could only smile as she began to layout certain tools onto the table. “I wouldn’t try breaking out of that. I already enchanted it with a binding spell, so you might as well relax so you and I can have a little chat.” The stallion turned his head to see where this calm voice was coming from and noticed a mare standing near a table, pulling out unknown items and laying them on it. “Huh?! What the fuck are you talking about?! Who are you?!” the stallion cried as he continued to try and free himself, confusion and anger now taking him, “Let me out of this!” The mare chuckled even more and simply shook her head as she laid out the last of her tools onto the table. “I don’t think I’ll be doing that,” she said as she turned around and slowly trotted over to him. Her face came into view for the stallion as she got closer to him and his eyes shot open as he realized who this teenage mare was. “Y..you?! You’re the mare that wanted to interview me! Velvet Sky!” The unicorn smiled warmly. “Not exactly, but I’m happy you remember me though.” The stallion was at a loss for what she meant and it only angered him more. “What the fuck you mean not exactly?! Why am I here?! Why are you doing this to me?!” The pony rolled her purple eyes, unphased by his cries of anger. She thought that it was obvious of why he was here, but she was accustomed to it. Her victims always tried to act as if they were innocent. But she knew their dark secrets. She knew the twisted dark passengers that resided within them, just as she knew about the one inside her. “Oh c’mon, you really can’t think of a reason of why you would be on my table?” she said. But the stallion didn’t pay attention and only thought of his freedom. “Get me the fuck out of this right now or I swear by Celestia that I’ll fucking kill you!” Her smile grew wider and her eyes grew bigger hearing such a wonderful but foolish thing. It was funny to her that he was trying to actually threaten her with death when he was nowhere in a position to do so. It didn’t matter. He would join the others in a few minutes, but she needed him to see the evil that he had committed. The mare laughed openly and dragged her hoof gently across the brown stallion’s cheek, making him turn his head and snear. “I can’ tell you how many ponies have told me that. If I’m not mistaken, you would be the 34th to say that to me.” She took her hoof away from his warm face, as she now didn’t want to delay any longer by toying with him and went back over to the table that she had taken the plastic off of. “Hey! Hey!! What are you doing?! I told you to get me out of this, damnit!” the stallion yelled more. He’s going to give me a headache if he keeps yelling. Her eyes scanned the table and the contents that laid upon it until she found her desired items and began trotting back over to him. “Are you fucking deaf?! I said-!” but the stallion was quickly silenced as the mare put something cold and small to his throat. “You can yell all you want Mr. Gold, but it’s getting a bit annoying now and, quite frankly, giving me a headache. I have a long night ahead of me and the last thing I need is my brain to be wracked by your pathetic screams. So, if you continue, I’ll have to cut your tongue out, okay?” Heavy Gold stared at the lavender-coated mare in shock and sudden fear. She was calm in her words, but there was something in her purple eyes that stared into his, telling him that she was more than serious. “W..why am I here then? Why do you have me like this?” Gold said, his tone quickly changing to one of worry. “You’re here on my table because you fit the code,” the mare answered, “You, Mr. Gold, have slipped through the cracks of the Canterlot system and have destroyed the lives of countless fillies and colts.” The stallion’s face went pale, but he continued with his visage of innocence. “What are you talking about? I’m just a simple banker.” “Oh really?” The unicorn put her muzzle close to his. She could feel his hot, erratic breath against her face and hear the faint pounding of his heart as clear beads of sweat formed on his brow. “You and I both know that you’re more than that,” she whispered to him and pointed her hoof over to a photograph that she had hung on the wall earlier, “You remember who that was right?” Gold turned his head and swallowed hard as his eyes met the still light- green ones of the photograph. It was a picture of a small red coated filly, smiling and happy, holding a big purple bouncy ball. Her cutie mark was one of a quill and parchment and her tail and mane were a curly black. “I...I never seen that-” Thwack! The stallion yelped in pain from the mares hoof slapping against his face and her calm, smiling demeanor changed instantly as she grabbed his head and forced him to look more at the photograph. “Don’t lie to me!” she ordered, “You know exactly who that is! “Yes! Fine! I know! I know!” Gold yelped in terror, “Her name is Heron Quill!” “Was Heron Quill,” the mare said darkly, letting go of his face, “She was thirteen years old before you decided to rape, sodomize, and kill her. Your most recent victim.” “No!” Gold immediately cried, “I didn’t do that to her! I went to trial for that and I was proven innocent! I never touched that filly!” The lavender unicorn’s eyes met his and stared right through them. “You were let go simply on the lack of evidence Mr. Gold. You were never proven innocent, but that’s where I come in." “What the fuck are you talking about?” “I found your victim’s hair Mr. Gold,” the mare said, “I know how you wanted to keep them with you and love them even after you were done destroying them.” But the stallion didn’t back down from his futile protest. “I never touched that filly and I have never touched any child, let alone kill, any of them! I’m not some sick pony that goes around raping children! I have a wife damnit!” Gold retorted, but the unicorn wasn’t buying it, as she already had done the research. For weeks she had observed him and studied his daily actions. She knew about the hair and the fillies and colts that he had buried on the outskirts of the royal city and even knew about the next victim he wanted next, a small filly named Applebloom that resided in a backwater town called Ponyville. But how was she able to do this without anypony asking questions about what she did in her free time? Most ponies believed she was just some antisocial scholar, which in reality, was what she wanted ponies to think. It made them stay away from her, leaving her free to pursue this stallion, among many others that had been on her table. “But you are a sick pony,” the mare laughed darkly, “But it’s okay, I’m just like you, just with much higher standards.” The mare lifted one of her hooves up to reveal a small, sharp scalpel and brought it close to his cheek, making Gold shake and yelp. “What? What?! Oh dear Celestia! Don’t kill me! Please don’t- gah!” He felt the sharp sting of the mare’s scalpel cut into his skin, letting dark blood flow down it. This is what she’s been waiting for. Seeing the blood flow out of the small slit in his cheek made her breath heavy. It was such a wonderful thing; blood. The color of it and how smoothly it flowed from the body. Blood was her trophy and her pacifier. “What are you doing to me?!” Gold yelped, tears conjured from fear now falling from his eyes, “Get away from me!” He pleaded more, but her mind was somewhere completely different. She was now focused on retrieving her trophy. Her horn lit up with magic and began to levitate two glass slides from the table across the room. With precision, she focused her magic on the crimson substance still dribbling from the stallion’s cut. A small drop of blood began to lift in the air, surrounded in a purplish aura of magic. She set the small drop of sacred life onto one of the glass slides and pressed the other against it, making the blood spread out. She lifted the glass slide of blood in front of her face, positioning it to where the dim light shined through it. “You will make a good addition to the others,” she said to herself, entranced by this new trophy of hers. “You’re fucking insane!” Gold cried, seeing how hypnotized this mare was by this twisted ritual. But she was not one to let one thing consume her mind. She still had to finish the rest of her ritual. She smiled inside as she admired the glass slide for one more moment before levitating it back to her table of tools. “ I’m actually more sane now then I was earlier and it will be thanks to you, Mr. Gold,” the mare replied, “But enough chatting. It’s obvious to me that you're simply going to keep lying, which in your profession, I shouldn’t be surprised.” Her horn lit up again and another tool floated over to her. Gold’s eyes lit up with terror as the mare he knew as Velvet Sky grasp the tool; a clean, sharp butcher knife positioned over his chest, ready to be plunged into him and end his life. “So since we have nothing else to talk about, I’m afraid this is where we part. I’ll tell your friends for you that you won’t be making it to your poker game-” “Wait! Wait!!” The lavender mare cocked her brow. “Don’t kill me! Just- I killed them okay?! I raped them and killed them all! Is that what you want to hear?! I payed off a cop to destroy some evidence that was going to send me to prison!” Gold finally confessed in fear for his life. “Why? Why kill innocent children? ” the mare asked as she lowered the butcher knife. Gold gritted his teeth but answered. “It’s the way they looked at me. I could see how much they wanted me and I. . . I wanted to love them.” The mare scoffed. “You have a wife Mr. Gold.” “I know that!” Gold spat, “But she could never give me the love that I wanted, but the others. . . like Heron. . . their love was innocent; they weren’t spiteful or judgemental.” The unicorn listened to his confession, but it only made her sick. She was a monster herself but not like the stallion before her. He was something completely different. He was an animal. And she would be it’s butcher. “And yet you took that innocence and not only that, but their lives. You took them away from parents and siblings. You didn’t love them; you only wanted them to please your own desire.” “No! I loved them all!” Gold yelled in sudden rage, trying to defy what the reality was of his sick actions,“And what would you know about love?! You’re a fucking teenager that kills ponies! What the fuck are you huh?! Who are you?!” The mare smiled wide and there was a twinkle in her eyes. "The one who is going to kill you." She positioned her hooves and knife over the stallion’s chest as he began to angrily thrash himself and yell obscenities towards her, but she knew it was only a sign of him accepting that tonight he would die. “Fuck you bitch!” Her hooves tightened on the handle and her heart pounded against her chest. Her mind screamed to her, telling her to kill him and indulge in her craving; her dark passenger, but she wanted to savor his last moments for a few more seconds. The wait, the planning, the capture; all of it she reveled in and she now wanted to enjoy the final moments of her prize. “I’ll kill you! I’ll get out of this and kill you just like I did those children! I’ll shove my cock right into your-!” But he wouldn’t finish his sentence. With precision and force, the mare plunged the blade directly into his chest, putting all her might into it. Specks of blood splashed against her face, making her fur stand even more. The warmth of it soothed her mind and her inner cravings that raged in turmoil were pacified. It was almost hypnotizing and her mind was in a euphoric state. It was as if a pressure that pressed against her brain was now relieved; she felt whole. She looked down to her victim as she gave a sigh of what sounded like relief. He gasped and she saw the light of his eyes slowly leaving him, but she was not one to leave a question unanswered and she wanted to make sure he heard her while he still lingered. “My name is Twilight Sparkle. . .” She pressed more into his chest and dark blood flowed from the sides of her submerged blade within the plastic. “Student and daughter of Princess Celestia. . .” She twisted it, making the stallion now gurgle and suffocate and within moments, his head went to the side and his entire body went limp. She pulled the blade out of his chest and ran her hoof over his glassy eyes, closing them. "And I'm a serial killer." Her mind was at peace and she felt 'normal' again. She felt lighter and now with her glass slide and bloody trophy, she felt more than ready to take on the world. Or at least a bit of studying for a certain exam. She had to keep her priorities straight after all. > Chapter 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1 Twilight A New Life Four years later. . . Beep! Beep! Beep! Twilight Sparkle’s ears twitched but the mare didn’t stir. Beep!Beep!Beep! A pair of purple eyes began to slowly open to the view of bright red digital numbers. 7:30 A.M. Beep! Beep! Beep! She blinked her eyes slowly, trying to adjust them as she yawned and slowly rose from her bed as the obnoxious tone continued from her clock. Beep! Beep! Bee-! Her hoof clicked the button on top of the clock, ceasing it’s brain wracking noise. Damn clock. . . Twilight threw the light blue blanket off of her body without pause and hopped off the bed and onto all four hooves. She yawned again and took in her familiar surroundings. Several candles around her room were lit and her light purple curtains were closed, but the sun’s light peeked through a small slit of where the curtains met. It was the start of a new day and Celestia’s morning sun wanted to shine into her room and make it known, but the unicorn wasn’t ready to start her day. Not yet. She dragged her hooves across the carpeted floor. Her mane was messy from the tossing and turning in her bed and her tail was in a fritz. She didn’t care though. As with every morning that she woke up to, there was one thing she needed to do before she started on with her day. Twilight went over to an oak wood desk that sat idly near her white wall and her eyes scanned the surface of it. Her quills were neatly put away and her inks were organized next to them. Parchment paper was stacked in perfect unison in the middle of her desk, just the way she liked it. Organized. Clean. Systematic.Meticulous. Her horn lit up with magic, moving the stack of paper to the side. She smiled and let another small yawn escape as her magic began to outline something rectangular within the wood of her desk. Something clicked and a small lid opened, revealing a secret compartment within it. Her heart skipped a beat as she levitated the object in the compartment out and set it at the edge of her desk as she took a seat. Her eyes scanned the object lovingly; a small brown box with a golden clip lock on it. “Hello my friends,” she whispered as her hoof lifted the golden tab and she opened the small brown box. Her eyes stared at the contents, admiring their beauty. They were perfectly  organized and she could only help but smile as she ran her hoof gently across them. The small glass slides inside her sacred brown box clicked against her hoof as she felt their cold, hard texture. Of course, they were more than just simple glass slides. They were her trophies and story-tellers and the only thing left behind from her victims after she sent them from the world of the living. Blood slides.  She could pull out any slide and recall who it belonged to and exactly, with detail, remember how she killed them to have that drop of revered blood. “I know, I know,” she whispered to her small silent trophies as she brushed her hoof against them one last time, “It’s been awhile since I brought some new friends to play, but I promise that I will bring more soon.” Twilight closed the brown box with a sigh. She wished she could spend her entire days just reminiscing about her past endeavors, among other things that involved some pony strapped in plastic, but she knew that it was just the dark urges within her starting to rise again. It had been a month since her last kill and as much as she wanted to ignore that fact, her dark craving, something she had dubbed as her ‘dark passenger’ when she was much younger, would only get stronger the more she tried to bury it. It made her restless and irritable, but she had learned to control this and hide it with the help of The Code. Her years as a teenager not only honed her skills as a killer, it also honed her ability to hide her real self and inner workings. She could hide her real nature from anypony, with the exception of Celestia, and have them think she was just another mare who loved her books. And that’s the way she liked it. Twilight Sparkle set the box back into the compartment in her desk and closed it with her magic. She put the stack of parchment that she had set aside earlier back onto the center, covering the hidden compartment, not that it would be found anyways since the compartment would only open to her magical touch. The lavender unicorn got up from her chair and began walking over to her dresser, adjacent to her desk. A large mirror was attached to it and she looked at her visage. She didn’t look much different from when she was smaller. Her mane was a bit longer, and with the exception of it being unusually messy at the current moment, she still kept that neat and organized style that she loved so much. The only thing that didn’t change over the years was the mare’s beautiful purple eyes. They seemed innocent, almost pure when one looked into them. Anypony would say that she was probably the friendliest and most innocent creature in all of Canterlot, but she could see what she was as she stared into her reflection. A monster. And she smiled. “Well,” she quipped in a sudden cheery tone, “Time to get the morning started.” Twilight’s horn brightly lit up with magic once again and she twirled around to the center of the room and released it, sending purple sparks flying everywhere and making  the room come to life. The curtains that kept the morning sun out of her room shot open and were pulled to the side from the mare’s outburst of magic. The sun’s bright rays poured in through her windows, lighting up the entire room and revealing her bookshelves that lined another wall. More sparks flew and put out every candle, ceasing their tiny flames. Her bed sheet came to life as her magic assaulted it and began making itself, spreading over her mattress and straightening itself out. Twilight looked over to her dresser with a smirk and let another spark of magic from her horn fly over to it. Brushes and combs began to levitate out of the drawers and surrounded her. The grooming utensils began their work with haste and precision as she focused her magic into them. Brushes went against her fur as combs went into her mane and tail. Within seconds her messy mane was neat and tidy and her tail was no longer fritzed. Her coat was brushed and clean, and with their purpose served, Twilight quickly levitated the items back to their respective place. “That’s better,” Twilight chimed as she looked back at the mirror from earlier and looked at her reflection. Her room was tidy and her appearance was flawless, but she wasn’t finished. If one was to start the morning right, they needed the right sustenance to get through it. Twilight happily trotted over to her own personal kitchen in another room within hers, as it was standard within the castle for every room to have their own culinary area, fitted with everything that a typical kitchen had and then some. She didn’t need any royal chef to make her food and what not. She was self-sufficient and  the chef never made anything that was to her pallet’s liking anyways.   As she passed her fridge, she opened the door and levitated a blood orange out of it and set it on her cutting board next to a juicer, both sitting ready on the marble counters. She placed the fat fruit in the center of the board and turned around to another counter behind her where her knife block was. She grasped her cutting knife in hoof and pulled it out of the wooden block and turned back to her soon to be breakfast. She positioned the blade over the semi firm skin of the blood orange. She pressed down and specks of citrus spurted out along with dark red juice until she cut cleanly through it. The two halves fell to the side, revealing it’s fleshy innards to the mare. Their dark red color was brilliant as Twilight began to take off the skin. She was careful and the skin peeled with ease as the smell of citrus filled her nostrils. She couldn’t wait to indulge in her favorite breakfast. There was routine to it; a ritual of a sort, but it was soon interrupted. Knock! Knock! Knock! “What the-”, Twilight said to herself as her ears twitched to the sound of three large knocks. She set her knife down along with the peelings and headed out of her kitchen and over to her bedroom door to see what pony was trying to get her attention this early in the morning. Twilight opened the door to a pony that instantly made her grimace inside. “Sparkle,” the voice said demeaningly. As much as the unicorn wanted to close the door and act like this pony wasn’t here, she knew it would be useless in doing so. This was not a pony that you could just brush away. She wouldn’t let you. “Hey Trixie,” Twilight said with a fake smile,” How are you this morning?” Trixie Lulamoon stood at the doorway with a scowl on her face, making it more than obvious of how her morning was. “Cut it Sparkle. I’m not here to play friend with you.” This wasn’t surprising to Twilight. Ever since Trixie was taken under Luna’s tutelage a couple years ago, the former down on her luck magician seemed to have a certain disgust for Twilight.  But for what reason? Twilight wasn’t exactly sure as she couldn’t recall ever doing any wrong against her. There was a point in time that the lavender unicorn thought that somehow Trixie knew her little secret, but after a bit of investigating and some verbal conflict with the silver maned pony, it seemed Trixie was simply weirded out by her. Twilight couldn’t pinpoint the exact reason of why the mare felt that way, but she couldn’t deny that she probably creeped some ponies out. It wasn’t as if she was just another normal equine after all. “Alright then Trixie, “Twilight answered, still holding her false smile, “What brings you here so early then?” “I came here to ask if you seen my files that I had on Fleur Di Lis. They’re missing and I had them just last night on my desk.” “Fleur?” Twilight answered, “You mean the mare that killed her husband but was acquitted just recently?” “Yes Sparkle, you know who I’m talking about. Don’t rub it in my fucking muzzle and just tell me if you seen my damn files.” Twilight couldn’t help but laugh inside. You see, Trixie wasn’t just Princess Luna’s student. She was also the head of Equestrian Criminal Investigations, an organization put in place by Princess Luna long before Twilight was taken in by  Celestia. They were the legal force around the kingdom that investigated homicides, rapes, kidnappings, etc. Of course this had caused Twilight to be very careful around Luna and Trixie. There had been too many times to count within the past couple years that Trixie and her mentor had gotten close to catching her, but she was not a mare to be careless in her work. She always had a backup and always took care of every little detail when it came to her ‘hobby’.  If a pony had to be framed, she would do it.  If she needed to send the duo and their compatriots on a wild goose chase, she would do it.  If she needed to remove evidence that implicated her somehow or let her targets get away from her, she would do it. Nothing was off limits to her, as long as she didn’t get caught and kill innocents. Everything else was  free game. “Sorry Trixie, but I haven’t seen any files around. Maybe you simply misplaced them.” “I don’t misplace my things Sparkle and you know that, but I guess it was useless to come see you about it. I just find it funny that you never know what happens when things go missing around here.” Twilight knew more than anypony else what happened around the castle, more than Trixie would ever know. Of course she had the files on Fleur, as she was going to be her next target, but she knew Trixie was not the type to accuse somepony of doing something without proof. This isn't to say that the former magician didn’t have her personal opinions though. Twilight knew that Trixie thought she had taken them or she wouldn’t be at her door now. “Sorry Trixie,” Twilight answered in her cool demeanor, “But if I see them anywhere I’ll be sure to let you know okay? Now, if there isn’t anything else, I got to get back to making my break-” “That’s not all Sparkle,” Trixie interrupted, “I’ve also been sent by Princess Celestia to tell you that she needs to speak with you as soon as possible.” “Celestia?” Twilight said with genuine surprise, “For what reason?” “If I knew I would’ve told you already. I was just looking for my files this morning when I bumped into her and she asked if I could go get you for her,” Trixie replied. “Alright. I’ll head over to her chambers as soon as I can. Thanks for letting me know,” Twilight said politely, ignoring Trixie’s smartass attitude Trixie simply rolled her eyes. “Whatever. I’m going back to look for my files,” Trixie said and before Twilight could even say another word, the mare turned and left to go about her task. Twilight closed the door as the mare left and looked over to her digital clock that had rudely awakened her earlier. 8:00 A.M. “Hm. That’s unusual,” Twilight said to herself ,”Celestia never sends another pony for me. She would usually come see me herself.” Hearing that Princess Celestia had sent Trixie wasn’t a big deal, but it wasn’t routine of the alicorn to do so either, especially since Princess Celestia knew exactly what she really was. Something wasn’t right. Breakfast was going to have to wait. *** 8:15 A.M. Her hooves clapped against the marble floors as she passed stained windows and portraits of ponies that made their mark throughout history. She walked down the grand halls, taking a turn here and there, as she made her way over to Celestia’s chambers, but Twilight’s mind was plagued of why Celestia didn’t come herself if she needed to speak with her. She understood that her mother and mentor was ruler of Equestria and had duties to perform, but Celestia always came to her directly. Much like Twilight herself, Celestia was careful, especially since she was the very one that had made her into what she was today. It was thanks to Celestia that Twilight was able to kill and satisfy her urges and still maintain a ‘normal’ life, at least to the perception of others. She had taught her the tools of the trade and about the ones that would become part of her craft with the design of The Code. It was a code that Twilight held dear, as if they were the very laws of life itself, and for that Twilight ‘loved’ Celestia. Now the unicorn knew nothing about love or really genuine feelings of caring. She really didn’t know how to have such feelings, only how to fake them, but if she was able to care and love, Celestia would be the receiver of such feelings. The alicorn took care of her and essentially had given her a life that she would’ve never had with her dark passenger. The unicorn continued trotting, taking more turns and passing royal guards that stood with poise until she was before two doors with a golden sun emblazoned on them. She raised her hoof, ready to knock, but the doors opened before her hoof could make contact. “Come in Twilight,” the regals majestic voice said. Twilight obeyed without question and entered the ruler’s chambers as the doors magically closed behind her. Princess Celestia stood near her fireplace, staring into it as if she was in deep thought, as it crackled and popped and lit up the monarch’s chambers. A grand bed was covered in white silk sheets with a small oak wood nightstand beside it; parchments aplenty sitting upon it. The walls were a dark purple with intricate and elegant golden patterns covering them. “I was told that you wanted to see me?” Twilight said, making the alicorn turn from her entrancement of fire and wood. Celestia’s eyes scanned over her student and accompanied it with her signature friendly smile that all was so used to. “It seems Trixie actually decided to get you for me. I’m surprised she actually even listened,” Celestia said with a chuckle. Twilight couldn’t help but laugh a little also at her ruler’s jest. “You already know she’s not very fond of us mother,” Twilight replied. Everypony knew about the disgust Trixie had for Twilight, but it was something completely different concerning Celestia. When Luna had chosen Trixie to become her prospective student, it was Celestia that protested against her sister’s choice. Now it wasn’t anything personal towards Trixie, but more so to protect her student/daughter. It was already bad enough that they had to contend with Luna and dodge her watchful eyes, the very ones that oversaw all investigations of crimes big and small. Adding Trixie to the mix just made things a bit more difficult for Twilight’s hobby, but it wasn’t anything that wasn’t manageable. Twilight was a very neat monster. “She has made that all too clear to me my dear Twilight, “Celestia replied, “But before we discuss anything...” Celestia’s horn lit up with a bright yellow and shot a bolt of magic at her chamber doors. The bolt splashed onto them and spread out like a disease over the walls until the entire room was glowing from the yellow aura of her magic. A Silencing spell. That only meant one thing. She’s going to teach me something new! Whenever Celestia casted such a spell, it was to make sure that nopony could overhear anything they discussed, especially concerning Twilight’s dark practice, but it was also the signaling of a new lesson for the unicorn. It could be anything on how to properly use a new blade or new techniques to subdue her targets. Regardless, it always excited Twilight. It was an excitement that rivaled her passion for academics and books. “You have a new lesson for me?!” Twilight blurted with almost a foalish smile, making her forget of the critical fact that Celestia had sent Trixie to fetch instead of coming to see Twilight herself. Celestia looked down on the unicorn, her warm smile still present. “Not this time Twilight. I requested you here because you and I have something very important to discuss; something that I had been thinking about for a few weeks now.” A small wave of dissapoint swept over the unicorn. “Oh, I thought-since you-” “I know Twilight,” Celestia said, already knowing what her unicorn was expecting, “Usually I would teach you something new concerning your. . .talent. . .but today is different. Before we get into that though, how have you been lately?” Twilight knew exactly what Celestia meant by that. “I been. . .better. . .to say the least.” Celestia’s smile disappeared and lowered her voice a bit. “Your dark passenger?” Twilight simply nodded. “Yes.” Celestia understood Twilight’s dark passenger and knew how hard it was for Twilight when her dark urge wasn’t satiated. It was like withdrawals that a drug addict suffered when they didn’t get their fix. “How long has it been since you last killed Twilight?” “A month,” Twilight answered shamelessly, “I’ve been tracking Fleur though for the past couple weeks since she’s been acquitted of her murder charges and last night I got the files on her court case from Trixie’s desk.” Celestia chuckled softly. “I figured as much when Trixie asked me if I had seen those earlier. My sister will not be pleased with her when she finds out her student lost such important documents.” Twilight smirked at such a thought, knowing that Princess Luna was not the kind that took mistakes like that lightly. “She’ll be fine,” Twilight answered, “It’ll keep her busy for a few and give me enough time to gather my proof against Fleur and prepare her for my table.” Twilight looked at her the alicorn, expecting her mother to be pleased that she was following the Code, but something was different as she heard Celestia give a sigh and walked over to her a small light purple rug and sat on it.. “Is something wrong?” Celestia stared at the mare for a moment and sighed once more. “Twilight, I requested you here because for the past few weeks I have been thinking about your killings and lessons concerning them, and I think it’s time to bring your skillset to a different place that needs it more than Canterlot.” “Wait, a different place?” Twilight said, catching that small detail, “Are you talking about sending me away from Canterlot?” Celestia nodded without hesitation, not surprised how quickly the unicorn caught what she was saying. “Yes.” Twilight’s mouth dropped, not believing what she was hearing. Celestia wanted to send her away from Canterlot? What for? “Why?!” Twilight blurted, “I’m doing just fine here and you want to send me away?? What for?” Celestia stood up and went over to the shocked mare. “For your own protection. You and I both know how close my sister and her student have gotten to finding out what you truly are in the past and the hurdles and lies we had to go through to get them off your trail. I came to realize that it’s too dangerous for you to stay in the same place of those that could catch you. By sending you somewhere different under the guise of pursuing knowledge, you would be safer and still be able to kill.” But Twilight didn’t want to hear reason as she raised her voice at the regal. “My protection?! I know how to protect myself and if I didn’t, I would’ve been caught and beheaded long ago if that was the case!” Twilight didn’t understand why Celestia would use a reason such as protection. She had killed plenty of ponies that deserved to die and every time had dodged the law. But there was something else. Twilight didn’t want to leave Canterlot, the only home she ever knew. “Calm yourself Twilight,” Celestia said firmly, “I have taught you better than to let yourself go like that.” “Yes Celestia, “Twilight muttered as she brought her voice down. “Good. Now understand what I’m saying. Do you see how a change of scenery can help you with your urges? It’s been a month since you last killed and I know you're craving to kill is eating at you. If you leave Canterlot and go to a place that nopony knows you, you won’t have to wait so long to kill again. You won’t have my sister and Trixie watching everything you do.” Twilight pondered this point for a moment. If she left Canterlot, it would be easier to kill and she couldn’t deny that this month long wait didn’t torture her inside. Also, she wouldn’t have to worry about Luna and Trixie, two ponies that were relentless when they gain the scent of a criminal. “Then where would you have me go then?” Twilight asked. “Ponyville,” Celestia answered, “It’s a nice town with plenty of crime going around according to my sister’s records. You could make a difference there and at the same time, keep your urges in check. All you have to do is agree and I will take care of the rest.” Twilight weighed her options. If she left Canterlot, she would be away from Trixie and Luna and she wouldn’t have to worry about the two mares catching her. Also, since she would be new, nopony would suspect anything from her and just see her as a new resident moving from Canterlot. On the downside, she would have to leave her home and mentor and really be on her own. She wouldn’t be able to vent to Celestia about her dark passenger and would have to make sure that this new life she had the chance to begin was more than believable. It would have to be reality. “What about Fleur?” Twilight said, now wondering of her potential target, “If I leave, I won’t be able to get to her.” “This will have to be one that you will have to let go this time Twilight. I’m afraid she will have to belong to Trixie and Luna this time,” Celestia answered. Twilight sighed, but what could she do? The more she looked into this prospect of a new life, the more appealing it looked. The unicorn conformed to her mentor. “When do I leave?” A smile spread across Celestia’s face. “Immediately.” > Chapter 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight Chapter 2 Cutting The Cord “Would that be everything Miss Sparkle?” Her eyes scanned over the dull blue chariot that sat idle  and she went over her mental checklist. Small bags were loaded onto the back compartment of the chariot. They had her science equipment, her books, and even some articles of clothing for special occasions. She had all the basics of any normal pony. But her heart cared not for them. Instead, her eyes were transfixed on a black case with a silver lock on it, buried beneath all her other stuff. It was this case that her heart belonged to for it held her sacred tools of her rituals and sacrifices. Her posthumus friends, knives and saws, and her special plastic were all held within. But wasn’t this risky? Could somepony make the mistake of somehow finding its contents? The lavender mare wasn’t worried about this. Her mother had promised she would take care of the preparations and she did just that. The chariot had been provided and Celestia personally helped Twilight pack her questionable items. Besides, no pony in their right mind was going to search through Twilight’s stuff. They didn’t want to risk incurring any kind of anger of the one who watched over her. “Yes,” she answered with a gentle smile, “I believe that’s everything.” The dark grey stallion dawned in Celestia's golden armor nodded. “Very well Miss Sparkle. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna should be here shortly to send you on your way.” Twilight nodded, knowing full well what the plan was. Celestia had some business to take care of with her sister concerning Fleur Di Lis, but she didn’t know exactly what. Her mother never really discussed anything when it was something between her and Luna. Undoubtedly though, it was also Celestia’s way of keeping her sister asking any questions about Twilight’s departure. “If there is anything else that you need, please don’t hesitate to ask. I will be returning to my post within the Grand Hall if you need anything more.” “I appreciate the offer,” Twilight replied. The guard gave a small bow of his head in acknowledgment and took his leave, leaving Twilight alone with a packed chariot and her thoughts. Finally… She didn’t mind other ponies company. She couldn’t mind. It was a piece of her act and the appearance of normalcy demanded it, but she treasured her moments that she had alone. It gave her time to think and what not. Her eyes went back over to the chariot. It sat quietly on a small lifted platform attached to the balcony she stood upon while several royal guards that sat next to it talked among themselves with a few laughs here and there, seemingly enjoying their time outside while they waited for their orders. The bright sun and small light breeze was pleasant, and the birds chirped to each other in their joyful melodies. All in all, it was a beautiful day, one that could lift the spirits of anypony that was down and out and fill them with happiness. But this was not so for her. Her dark passenger was restless within her and she couldn’t focus on the beauty around her and nor did she want to. The laughing and birds that sounded around her only made her fur stand on edge and fill her stomach with anxiety and wanting. Her craving to kill was torturous within her. She turned her gaze away from the stallions and went over to the balcony to see if somehow a different view would distract herself from the cravings and desires of having some pony on her table. The balcony attached to the main tower of the castle stood high above the royal city of Canterlot, giving the lavender mare a complete view of it. She could see ponies walking about the cobblestone sidewalks, all consumed by their own responsibilities and what not. She could see Joe’s Bakery, a favorite of hers, a few shops selling flowers and souvenirs, and even some performers on the sidewalks trying to make a quick bit from the privileged and wealthy, but seeing such a sight did nothing to avert her thoughts. Instead of seeing a magnificent view of Canterlot, all she saw was oppurtunity. She wondered, of all the ponies she could see from the balcony, how many deserved her table? How many more friends could she have? How many more should she have? I hope mother is right about Ponyville. Ponyville sounded like a good idea, but was it? Twilight couldn’t help but ponder it. Yes, she would be free from the eyes of Luna and her lapdog, but she wouldn’t have access to the resources she had now. Her code demanded that she needed infallible proof of any prospective pony for her table before she could kill them, lest make the mistake of killing an innocent. How was she supposed to abide by that if she wasn’t next to the ones that unwittingly provided it for her? Her mind pondered this and many other questions with it, but she quickly realized what she was doing and halted her rampant thoughts. She said she would take care of everything. I shouldn’t doubt her. She had no reason to doubt Celestia. She had taken her in, taught her how to control her urges to kill, and gave her a chance at having as much as a normal life as she could with them. Princess Celestia was the only pony that knew what she was and accepted her, and Twilight was not going to fill herself with doubt over one who had never given her any reason to. “I’m getting myself too worked up,” she said to herself, attempting to calm her mind, “It’s just a change of scenery is all.” “And one well needed,” an all too familiar voice said. Shit!  Startled, Twilight quickly turned around from the scene of Canterlot and it’s citizens to meet the teal eyes of Princess Luna. “Princess Luna,” Twilight greeted calmly, hiding her surprise , “I didn’t even notice you were behind me.” “Forgive me if I startled you Twilight,” Luna said with a small laugh, “I probably should’ve greeted you more properly than that.” Yeah, that would’ve been nice. “Not at all,” she lied, “I was just enjoying the view before I had to leave.” You have no idea. And Luna didn’t. It was ironic in a way. The very pony that ruled out justice to others and seemingly had an insight to see a pony’s very soul couldn’t see what was in front of her. Like anypony else that knew Twilight, Luna simply saw her as the scholar that was going to one day ‘think herself to death.’ “I guess nothing gets by you,” Twilight said, “I’m just a bit nervous about living somewhere new.” “Quite understandable. It can be quite hard to leave a place that you lived in for most of your life.” Twilight wasn’t sure if it was her attachment to Canterlot itself, but she couldn’t fully disagree with the alicorn. It was hard to leave a place that provided so much for her. A loving mother, a home that any mare or stallion would kill to live in, and plenty of blood slides. “Yeah, but mother says it will help my studies, and I can’t really pass up on an opportunity like that so it’s for the best.” “You’ve always been one for your studies Twilight and I admire that. I sometimes wish my student had the same kind of commitment as you,” Luna said as she went over to her and began looking over the balcony herself. Hm, she’s complimenting me. Guess she found out about Trixie losing that file. It was rare for Luna to give out compliments, but when she did, it was only because she was disappointed with something or somepony. Honestly, Twilight was a bit surprised that she was even out here with her. Luna’s work  demanded much of her, let alone being responsible for the night, and it was only on occasion that the alicorn actually came out to converse with others. “I’m sure she does Princess Luna,” Twilight said, trying to help her nemesis out a bit while she laughed inside, “But she does try her best to please you.” And that she did. Though she and Trixie didn’t get along, Twilight couldn’t really fault her. She loved what she did and Twilight considered her as one of the few ponies that actually cared for Canterlot and getting criminals off the street. It was just unfortunate that they were on the opposite sides of the spectrum. One that was bound by law and a flawed system while the other was free, bypassing procedure and giving the ones that escaped it what they deserved; wrapped up in neat little trash bags in bits and pieces. “Tis’ true Twilight,” Luna agreed as she made eye contact with the mare, “But enough of this small talk. You must be wondering why I’m here in the first place without my sister, yes?” Yeah that would be nice. “I was kind of wondering,” Twilight replied, “I was told that you and my mother would both come to see me off.” It was a question that needed to be answered. Twilight did notice that Celestia wasn’t with her, but she wasn’t going to be rude about it either. She still had to keep in mind that this was not her friend, but the one she had to keep free of suspicion of her. The last thing she needed was Luna to get suspicious and start putting things together. It was unfortunate for anypony to be hunted personally by Luna, seeing that most didn’t make it back to Canterlot to tell about it. If one was pursued by her, it was an automatic death sentence. Nevertheless, it was rare for this to happen. “That was the plan, but unfortunately something has come up for me so I decided to come early to bid my farewell.” Twilight raised her brow. “What do you mean? Has another case come up?” Luna nodded her head. “Unfortunately.” The unicorn’s curiosity was piqued. She hadn’t heard of anything going on in Canterlot recently with the exception of Fleur. “Did something happen here? I thought you and Trixie were trying to focus on getting Fleur?” Luna sighed, seemingly frustrated to hear Fleur’s name. “Yes, well, Fleur was our priority until my dear Trixie lost her file...” Twilight couldn’t help but laugh inside again. “...but this new case is much more serious to me than Fleur.” “What’s going on then?” Luna went silent for a moment but answered. “You’re not the only one that will have to leave Canterlot Twilight.” Oh no. Please don’t tell me… Immediately Twilight’s mind went to Trixie. Was Luna going to send Trixie away? Worse, was she going to do the same thing as her mother and send her to Ponyville? “What do you mean? Are you referring to Trixie?” Luna gave a look of confusion. “Lulamoon? Why would I send her away? I’m going to need her here in my absence.” Absence? Twilight’s mind began to race and her words left her mouth faster than she could comprehend them. “Absence? You’re leaving Canterlot??” she asked with sincere curiosity. Luna nodded. “Yes. My aid has been requested by Princess Cadence concerning a spree of killings that’s been going on for a few weeks now.” Princess Cadence? Haven’t heard that name for awhile. She didn’t know the princess on a personal level, but that definitely wasn’t to say that she didn’t know the husband. Or at least did. Quite a few years back, Cadence’s husband, Sombra, had a knack for torturing ponies and selling mares to the Griffon Empire to be used for their own twisted sexual pleasures, which in time was later found out that once the buyers had their fun, they would dispose of their playthings.  What was worse was that Cadence loved and adored Sombra and had no clue of what he was doing behind closed curtains. The only reason that Twilight stumbled upon such a secret was due to Celestia. During this time, trade was big between the Crystal  and Griffon kingdoms, but that trade was severed when one of the boats mysteriously sunk. It was retrieved and what was found sent a shock throughout Equestria. A cargo crate was found on the seafloor and it was filled with dead mares who had been put in cages and their mouths sewn shut. Of course, it wasn’t a shock to Twilight that ponies were capable of such evil. She just thought it was a blessing that the cargo full of mares drowned instead of what was coming to them. After some investigation from both Twilight and Celestia’s efforts, her mother gave her the task of disposing Sombra while she handled the politics and what not of the situation.   And so she did, putting the Crystal Empire on notice and making known the dark deeds of their king. Unfortunately, it left Cadence broken. It shattered her heart and soon after, the Crystal Kingdom’s only ruler fell into a state of silence. Thus, it was surprising to hear from Luna that Cadence had asked for her help after several years of seclusion. “Well that certainly doesn't sound good,” Twilight said, now wishing Celestia had chosen the Crystal Kingdom instead of Ponyville. At least there she could already find a pony that needed to be killed. Luna chuckled at such an obvious statement. “Certainly not, but I can’t refuse. Besides, I see this as a good opportunity for Trixie to learn a few things herself and for me to see how well she can handle things when I’m away.” That sounded good to Twilight. Luna would be busy in the Crystal Kingdom while Trixie’s hooves would be full with Canterlot’s problems. That would give her more breathing room while she was in Ponyville doing her own work. “But I’ve already stayed too long and said too much as is,” Luna continued, “ I simply came her to give you have my best wishes Twilight Sparkle. My sister said that you will be continuing your studies of magic there. I hope your studies there will prove fruitful for you and though I’m not her, know that I also care for you as if you were my own student. If you ever need anything, you are more than welcomed to send a letter to me.” Twilight couldn’t help but smile at hearing that. It wasn’t because she was happy for the offer, especially from a princess who was feared for her judgements upon the convicted, but because she was amused that Luna thought she somehow could help her. Unless you  have a few spare scalpels and bone saws, I don’t think I will be needing anything from you. “Thanks,” Twilight said with her usual fake smile, “I certainly will if I need to.” Luna nodded happily. “Good. Now I must be off and-” But the alicorn was interrupted by another. “Leaving already little sister?” Both Twilight and Luna turned around to see Celestia, adorned in her regular royal attire with a gentle smile on her face. “I’m afraid so sister, and I apologize for not letting you know after you had spoken to me. I had just been asked for assistance from Cadence concerning some murders that have been going on,” Luna said as she went over to her older sibling, “I figured I would say bye to Twilight before she left was all.” Celestia looked over to Twilight for a moment. Twilight met her eyes and knew what she was curious about and simply shook her head, letting her know that Luna wasn’t on to them and their plan. The alicorn brought her attention back to her sister. “It’s quite alright Luna. I just figured you were busy was all since I couldn’t find you within your chambers.” “And again I apologize, but it was at the last minute and I really must be going dear sister. It’s a two day flight to the Crystal Kingdom and if I want any hope in finding out who is going around killing Cadence’s subjects, I need to get there as soon as possible.” Celestia nodded, as she was not one to hold up Luna from her work. “I understand. Be safe Luna.” Luna simply nodded in response and looked back over to Twilight. “Take care Twilight Sparkle. I hope to hear from you sometime.” “As do I Princess Luna.” she replied, “Good luck with your investigation.” And please, take your time. With that, Luna spread her wings and pushed off into the air. Celestia went over to her beloved daughter as they both looked on and watched as the Princess of the Night flew in the sky until she disappeared over the horizon. “You know mother,” Twilight began, “You could always send me to the Crystal Kingodm instead of Ponyville. Luna might need some help.” Celestia brought her gaze upon her with a playful smirk. “Are you having doubts about Ponyville Twilight?” Twilight deadpanned inside. Celestia could see right through her statement and knew it stemmed from her doubt from earlier. “It’s not that I’m doubting you mother,” Twilight clarified, “Just. . .what if your idea doesn't work? What if Ponyville can’t satisfy my. . .urges?” Twilight didn’t know if this was her real worry or not, but the craving to kill compelled her mind to think such a thing. “If I didn’t think it could, I wouldn’t be sending you there,” Celestia replied without hesitation. “I know but-” “Enough Twilight,” Celestia interrupted and lowered her voice as she lowered her head to meet Twilight’s eyes on her level, “Stop doubting. I know this is new for you, especially since you will be on your own now, but you have learned well. Just abide by The Code and everything will be fine.” Maybe that was it.  Maybe the prospect of finally being on her own without Celestia’s guidance made her uneasy. After all, she was the only one she could talk to sincerely without having to put on an act. “But what about you? How will I talk to you if I need advice? How am I supposed to even follow The Code when I won’t have access-” Once again the mare was silenced, only this time with a golden hoof to her mouth. “Twilight, the purpose of sending you to Ponyville is not only for your protection, but also to teach you how to be on your own, even with your urges. It will be awhile before we can see each other again, but as I said earlier while we were packing your items, I have taken care of everything for you when you get there.” Her hoof went to Twilight’s cheek and pulled her in closer as she spoke even more quietly. “My last piece of advice to you as I don’t have much time to stay.” She listened carefully. “Don’t just act normal Twilight. Make friends, get to know ponies. It will be essential to your survival there.” Twilight nodded, taking in her words. “I will mother.” Celestia smiled gently and without warning, Twilight felt a foreleg wrap around her and bring her in toward the alicorn, making the unicorn freeze from such an alien gesture. “Stay safe Twilight. Remember that I love you and will always love you. You are my daughter and nothing will change that.” “I know,” Twilight simply answered as she stood frozen. It wasn’t often that Celestia hugged her, but it always felt eerie to Twilight. It was something about the gesture of hugging that made her feel awkward, but she didn’t know why. Celestia backed away and regained her normal tone in her voice. “Very well then. Let’s not waste anymore time then.” The alicorn looked over to the group of guards that were still talking among one another, oblivious to the two. “Guards!” she commanded. Immediately the group of pegasi heard their ruler and halted their bickering and flew off the platform and landed in front of her and wasted no time in bowing to their regal. “How may we serve you Princess Celestia?” they all said in unison. “My daughter needs transport to Ponyville. Make sure she gets there safe and sound.” “Yes Princess Celestia,” they said in unison once more. They wasted no time and went back to the packed chariot and began putting on their harnesses, preparing for flight. Celestia brought her attention back to Twilight and stared into her purple eyes, seemingly as if she was trying to admire them for the last time. Twilight simply stared back, wondering if what she saw in Celestia’s eyes was admiration and pride, or maybe sadness and worry. Nothing was said for a few minutes, as if neither wanted to be that one to say that it was time to go. Eventually, Celestia spoke up. “The chariot is ready. It’s time for you to go Twilight.” The mare nodded and said nothing more. She believed in Celestia and her doubts were quelled about her idea. Besides, what more could she say? She went over to the chariot and climbed onto the seat, plopping her rump on it. She turned her head and took one last look at Celestia. The alicorn waved her hoof and Twilight raised hers, doing the same. She might’ve been a monster, incapable of real genuine feeling, but she was about to leave the only one that accepted her for what she was. Celestia was the the only one who actually cared for her, knowing the dark secrets she kept. Who was she supposed to go to now? Who would be there to listen to her and comfort her? It didn’t matter anymore though. AS the chariot started lifting, the realization was setting in more and more for Twilight. She was going to truly be alone for the first time in her life. Everything would be on her. She knew she was not only just going to have to make herself believable to the ponies of Ponyville, but make it a reality also. And so, she began ascending into the air and watched as the image of her beloved mother became smaller and smaller until the whites of the clouds obscured her view. Canterlot was gone under the sea of blue and there was no turning back. This was the start of her new life and her chance to meet new ponies and deceive them. Her survival depended on it.