> Jecolt/Hyde
>  by EthanClark
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> I Need To Know
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

April 4, 9:50 am.

This day shall be a day of either great triumph, or miserable defeat. These last six years seem to have passed like a fleeting dream. My work into the nature of good and evil has finally borne fruit and my formula is ready for testing. My only regret is that it has taken me this long.

Nopony seems to understand, but they will. After today they will all see the need to control the evil that is within us all. No longer will there be tragedies like the Changelings, King Sombra and, I dare say, Nightmare Moon. No, there will finally be a reprieve to all that we deem unbearable.

But this is the moment. My final test. Very soon I will meet with the Royal Committee of Nobles and present my findings to them. It is only a matter of time. There is - 

The sound of three knocks broke his attention.

“Come in.” He turned to the door, a ribbon of blue magic twisting the knob.

The door swung open to make way for the almost radiant figure of his guest. Princess Celestia entered the dimly lit laboratory, wearing her trademark warm smile. 

“Hello, Dr. Jecolt. Are you busy?” Celestia said in her pleasant tone. Jecolt repositioned his posture upon identifying his guest as royalty.

“Oh, Princess, it’s good to see you.” Jecolt kneels before continuing. “What brings you to my humble workspace?”

“I’m here to confirm your meeting with the Committee of Nobles today. After the ruckus you made when filing your proposition the Committee is anxious to see what you’ve discovered.” Celestia leaned her head closer to Jecolt. “You can stand if you’d like.”

Jecolt lept to his hooves, chuckling sheepishly and brushing his brown mane with his hoof, ending at the knot in his ponytail. Memories of submitting his request returned to the forefront of his mind. He had been a tad eccentric when announcing his findings to fellow Royal Alchemists, and even more so when informing the Princess of his eagerness to share them with the Committee.

“I suppose I did, didn’t I?” Jecolt felt excitement well up in his stomach as he spoke and adjusted his suit jacket around his light tan fur. “But after year of grueling research, your Highness, I have finally made a breakthrough. Surely you understand the thrill of such success, correct?”

Celestia giggled at Jecolt’s resolve. “Perhaps I would if you told me what you have discovered. You’re always so secretive, Jecolt. You can trust me.”

“Yes, of course I can, but this is special. This is not like my usual work, examining foreign substances and categorizing new medical practices.” Jecolt turned to the work station behind him. “As the Court Alchemist, it is my duty to explore the unknown regions of alchemy and uncover its secrets, and that is exactly what I have done.”

“Then why won’t you tell me? You always rave about your great “magnum opus” but chose to share it with nopony.”

“But that day is today, Princess,” Jecolt made a dramatic turn towards Celestia “and what a glorious day it shall be. This shall be the greatest alchemical breakthrough in history!”

The doctor’s shout of triumph echoed through the laboratory and down the hallway. Jecolt withdrew his hoof from the air above him, the tips of his ears turning red. Celestia, on the other hoof, began chuckling at the display. Jecolt laughed in turn.

“Then I wish you the best of luck, Jecolt. For now I must prepare the Nobles Chamber.”Celestia said through the rest of her giggles. “I’m sure they will be thrilled at your proposition.”

“Oh they will be, your Highness.” Jecolt’s face soon sported a confident smirk. “They will be.”

Jecolt looked on as Celestia exited, closing the door behind her. His attention returned to the red leather journal resting on his desk. Twinkling blue lifted his quill to the paper, finding the spot where he left off.

There is no doubt in my mind that they will see the logic in my proposition. And with their help we shall usher in a new age for Equestria, an age of peace, understanding, and above all; goodness. So swears Her Majesty’s Court Alchemist.

So swears Doctor Jecolt.

A swish of his horn and the journal was closed, its tie crossing over the symbol of his cutie mark; swirling blue streams surrounding a green potion. Jecolt stood from his pillow and stared around the room. The discoveries he had made in this room, the trials and failures. All of it in search of a greater goal. A wide grin began to curl the corners of Jecolt’s mouth, his pride now bolstered.

His horn glowed and pieces of parchment filled his plain, brown saddlebag. Recipes, schematics, and medical books filled the sack. After stuffing his red journal into the bag Jecolt’s eyes became fixed upon a single red vial.

There it sat, glimmering in red. The product of his efforts. The pure, undeniable proof of his success. To the untrained eye the fluid might seem dull and unappealing, but Jecolt knew better. He shivered a bit, imagining what power might lie inside the clear red liquid housed in its glass casing. 

Jecolt shook his head, suppressing his intoxicating fantasies. The vial rose along his magic before resting within a small silver container. Jecolt placed the box in a special pouch of his saddelbag before turning to the large door behind him. He stepped through the door and out into the gilded hallway, a swarm of butterflies filling his gullet.

The warm diffusion of light through the stained glass gave the hallway a calming effect. Still, Jecolt couldn’t help but have a spring in his step as he trotted towards the chamber. He held his head high and wore a proud smile upon his lips, anything to contain his excitement. His ears twitched involuntarily and he pulled out his journal, attempting to review his progress to this point.

He found some comfort in the familiar words upon the pages floating in front of his face. The tension in his stomach seemed to subside as he rounded the corner outside the chamber, until he felt the impact of another pony-like form.

“Oof.” Jecolt grunted, stumbling to his side. He focused his vision on the source of the impact. The white maned stallion brushed off his blue coat, uttering an audible growl.

“Who in the name of Celestia would dare to - ! Oh, if it isn’t Doctor Jecolt.” The unicorn’s expression shifted from white hot rage to cool sarcasm as he identified his assailant. 

“Ah, Blue Moon.” Jecolt said with a scowl. “I suppose it’s too much to expect I knocked some manners into you?” 

Jecolt returned his journal to the bag it was once in. His eyes were fixed on the broad-chested pony in front of him, who seemed to speak with feigned delight.

“Oh, you wound me, Jecolt.” Blue Moon’s smile seemed to indicate he was enjoying his performance. “But I understand that you’re in quite the hurry. Something about a great alchemical revelation or some drivel of the like.”

“I shall have you know, sir, that my work is of the utmost importance to the kingdom and I shall not be bullied by - “

“Bah!” Blue Moon interjected loudly, closing the distance between them. “The only “importance” you’ve served to the kingdom is being a grand waste of royal funding. Tell me, what have you contributed to the Court, hm?”

“I do not expect you to understand genius, Lord Blue Moon, much less the infinite benefits of alchemy.” Jecolt shot a grin at Blue Moon, whose ears began to turn red.

“You dare mock me, Jecolt?” 

“Absolutely.”

The two stallions lock eyes, feeling the intensity from each other. After a few seconds Blue Moon’s scowl shifted to a light smile as he pulled away from Jecolt’s still intense eyes. He swept his mane back in a regal manner.

“Hmph, this verbal jousting is pointless.” Blue Moon said, turning towards the chamber doors. “I’d prefer to watch the nobles tear you apart, instead.”

The towering, gilded doors swung open as Blue Moon strutted through. From within the sounds of arguments and speculations could be heard. All manner of nobility lined the seats that filled the room, with none other than Princess Celestia at the forefront. Her attention was pulled to Jecolt, still standing in the doorway. She gave him a quick wink before returning to squabbling sounds of regal ponies below her. 

Her gesture did nothing to settle the nerves now building inside Jecolt. His hooves felt clammy, almost numb from sheer anxiety. He did all he could to suppress the lump growing in his throat. This was his moment, and he would be damned if he let it slip past him.

“Order. We shall have order.” Princess Celestia’s voice carried over the herd of bickering ponies who were soon silenced, their eyes on the princess.

“Today marks the 127th meeting of the Royal Committee of Nobles. Representing are the provinces of Manehatten, Vanhoover, Fillydelphia, San Palomino, Los Pegasus, Baltimare and Canterlot.”

The members of the committee rose to their hooves in sequence of the Princess’ announcement. Jecolt took a heavy sigh and made his way into the chamber, lifting his saddlebag from his back.

“The order of business will be conducted by the Secretary to the Royal Committee of Nobles, Lord Blue Moon.” Blue Moon stood next to the princess, his narrow gaze fixed on Jecolt. Celestia then rose herself.

“May our hearts be pure, and may the Mother Creator’s light guide us to prosperity.”

The nobleponies recited the Princess’ prayer before returning to their seats, leaving Jecolt standing awkwardly between the booths on either side of him. Celestia seated herself on the violet pillow beneath her, lifting a scroll to her face.

“On to the first order of business.” Blue Moon stepped forward, addressing the crowd before him. “Proposition number 929, presented by Doctor Jecolt, Court Alchemist to her majesty, Princess Celestia.”

The eyes of the room slowly shifted to the tan-colored unicorn standing in the center. Jecolt stood almost petrified as their gazes seemed to penetrate his very confidence. An exaggerated cough was heard from front podium.

“You have the floor, Doctor Jecolt.” Blue Moon sneered.

Jecolt straightened his posture, his magic adjusting his red cravat. He took a few paces forward and held his head high. The tension in the room grew as nobleponies kept their gaze fixed on Jecolt. Even Princess Celestia leaned forward a bit, anxious to hear the doctor’s long-held secret discovery.

“Distinguished governors,” Jecolt said with a professional tone. “In each of us there are two natures. If this primitive duality of ours, good and evil, can be housed in two separate identities then life would be relieved of all that is unbearable. It is the curse of ponykind that these polar twins should be constantly struggling.” Those in the room murmured in confusion.

“I have glimpsed the future, fillies and gentlecolts. A world without anger or violence, where a common passion for life would banish the madness of war.”

“Explain your meaning, sir.” said a Manehatten noblemare.

“Yes, what “evil” do you speak of?” a noble from Vanhoover asked.

“Each of us is the embodiment of two distinct and opposing forces, good and evil, each fighting for supremacy inside of us. If we could separate these two forces then we could control and, ultimately, eliminate all evil from ponykind.” Jecolt maintained his proud stature amidst the growing tension.

The mumbling among the parties grew anxious as Jecolt continued his presentation. He rubbed his hoof along his brow, taking a quick sigh before continuing.

“I am close to finding the key to duality. Within my studies of pony psychology and alchemy, I have devised a formula that can and, eventually, will alter the patterns of one’s personality, guiding them either to evil or good. My experiments with animals have lead me to believe that the day is not far off when this separation will be possible. To achieve this, I must be allowed to try my formula on a living, pony specimen.”

The voices of the nobles grew in volume, drowning out the previous murmuring. Jecolt could feel his legs shaking as he was bombarded by insults.

“This is an outrage!”

“Jecolt, you’re all talk and no results!”

“This is barbarism!”

“Order! I say order!” Celestia’s royal voice muted the uproar directed at Jecolt, whose coat was beginning to become matted due to his fear-driven sweat.

“Doctor Jecolt,” Celestia continued. “You say that you can separate good from evil. When that is done, what happens to the evil?”

Jecolt removed a handkerchief from his pocket and dragged it along his sweating brow. The angry looks of his peers and fellow colleagues was not helping his anxiety in the least bit, least of all in this situation.

“There are no plans as of yet, your Highness. Such a decision should be left to somepony better suited to the task than myself. But you must see the potential in such an endeavour. We have the chance to make history, here and now.”

“History?” the San Palomino noble started. “Sure, for those who have been turned good by your formula. And when we have droves of evil ponies that you have created, what then? Do we just kill them? Like rats in a cage?!”

Scoffs and quiet insults could be heard by Jecolt’s strained ears. It was becoming quite clear to him that his proposal was severely unpopular. Soon he could hear the faint sounds of malicious laughter among the crowd. The knot in his stomach grew as he looked desperately out into the herd before him.

“Please, dear friends, understand what is at stake. In the name of compassion I ask that you grant me this one request. I can save countless lives if you give me one, just one pony.”

“This is madness, I say. Madness,” said a noble from Las Pegasus, followed by a joint confirmation from the ponies around her.

“The Duchess of Las Pegasus speaks for all of us when she says this is madness,” said Lord Blue Moon firmly, his signature smirk replaced with a scowl. “There is such a thing as ethics, Doctor Jecolt, something you seem to have forgotten. You are a doctor, not a savior!”

Jecolt shifted his worried gaze to Blue Moon. He assumed a dignified stance, keeping sight of his most outspoken opponent.

“Lord Blue Moon, I am simply a scientist, and with that I have a strict code. I do not hold myself to the stature of a moralist. I leave such pretentiousness to ponies like you.” Jecolt said, pointing his hoof toward the blue-coated noble who dropped his jaw in shock. The rising volume of the crowd was quelled once again by Celestia.

“Jecolt, I have always supported you and your endeavours, and your service to this Court has never been in question.” Celestia wore a solemn expression on her face. “But can you not see the implications of such an experiment? It asks us to do the unthinkable.”

Jecolt’s heart sank as Celestia’s words reached his ears, which were folded back from his worry. Whatever anxiety he felt was replaced with anger and frustration as he widened his blue eyes and stared into the face of his princess.

“Can you not see what is at stake here? Princess, I know my fate in is your hooves but I am not playing games here. We are talking about the future of thousands of lives!

“The changeling invasion, the Crystal Empire, how many of these disasters would have been avoided if we could control the forces of evil not only within our enemies, but within ourselves? Even your sister could have been saved from banishment if - “

“Watch your tone, Doctor!” Blue Moon interjected violently. “You have no right to question her Majesty’s judgement, especially in such personal matters.” 

There was no stopping the roars of nobles engulfing Jecolt’s senses as Celestia did nothing to stop them. The constant stream of insults and beratement was enough to lower Jecolt’s once proud head in shame, the anger still welling in his gut.

“This entire presentation is a farce!”

“We don’t know if it will even work, and you want us to take the risk?”

“Do you expect us to compromise all that we stand for?”

“This is a dangerous game, Jecolt.”

“This pony has gone too far!”

Jecolt could take no more. He grinded his teeth in a futile effort to contain his anger before his own voice joined the wild tangent of nobles around him. 

“Fools! You’re all fools!” Jecolt cried, loud enough to silence the room. “Why can’t you see? The fear, the anger, the taint of our evil nature infecting our minds. How many wars have broken out because of it? How many lives are lost to it every, single day? We can change that, stop it right in its tracks. For the sake of ourselves, and for generations to come, our evil must be controlled!”

The stillness of the air festered in Jecolt’s mind like a splinter. Angry looks from his audience surrounded him. Jecolt collected his composure, actively avoiding eye contact with everypony around him. He already knew what was coming, there was no point in dragging it out any longer.

“Distinguished governors,” Blue Moon said with a sigh. “Your verdict, please. All those in favor say “aye”.”

Nopony dared raise their voice, but instead kept their intense gaze fixed upon the mad doctor before them. Jecolt’s shoulders relaxed as he closed his eyes, preparing for the coming blow.

“All those opposed, “nay”.” Here it comes.

“Nay!” The word rang through the chamber and through Jecolt’s mind, forcing him to shudder at its sound. Its intensity was as if everypony spoke at once, trying to inflict as much damage to the doctor’s well-bruised ego as possible.

“Your Majesty?” Blue Moon turned to a stone-faced Celestia, her eyes on the floor.

“Abstained.” she said in monotone.

Blue Moon stepped forward, puffing his chest out. He addressed the Committee in stern, professional tone.

“By seven votes to none, with one abstention, proposition number 929 is rejected.” His eyes met Jecolt’s form, hunched over in defeat. “Thank you for your time, Doctor Jecolt.” His malicious sneer returned.

The butterflies in Jecolt’s stomach dispersed, leaving only a void in his pride. Slowly, he magically lifted his saddlebag onto his back and turned to the door. His head hung low as he walked past the now indifferent eyes of nobleponies surrounding him. The large doors shut behind Jecolt with an audible slam as he slowly walked past the stained glass windows leading to the entrance of the castle.

Jecolt took the long way back to his house in Canterlot, musing on his monumental defeat. Ponies passed him on all sides, but Jecolt paid them no mind. He was too concerned with his own emotional issues to care for what others might think of him.

“Madness?” Jecolt muttered, kicking the cobblestone beneath him with a hoof. “Who are they to judge what I am doing?”

The clean white buildings around him soon passed by, making way for more worn, shoddier housings. Jecolt had stumbled into Canterlot’s slum. As far as slums went, Canterlot’s was far better than most. Jecolt could feel its effect, though, as he watched children play in the cramped, dirty streets that separated the even less spacious houses.

Her recognized this street more and more as he traveled the worn cobblestone. The sounds of crying children and the occasional breaking of glass pierced Jecolt’s ears. During the day these might seem like pleasant homes filled with pleasant ponies, but Jecolt knew better when he passed the sight of a red lantern, hanging high above him. A strong breeze kicked up the scent of something foul.

“How could it have come to this? Here? In Canterlot?” Jecolt’s eyes shifted to a small alley way.

Approaching the space between a condemned building and the recently passed bordello he saw a small box. Jecolt lowered his head, only to be net with the sight of a small, sleeping filly. Jecolt’s head snapped back as he suppressed a small gasp. 

“A … a child?” Jecolt could almost feel his heart sink when the small form began to stir and awaken, revealing brilliant blue eyes. 

They stared through his soul. Jecolt could feel his stomach twist and turn within him. He gritted his teeth as he held back his tears. From within his saddlebag Jecolt dropped a hefty sack of bits in front of the filly, whose eyes widened at the sight. He leaned down.

“Everything will be made right. I promise,” Jecolt softly spoke as the filly greedily collected her charity.

Jecolt looked on, feeling another lump build in his throat. It was like watching Canterlot itself being suffocated.

“No. No longer.” Jecolt turned on his heels and sprinted towards home.

“All these precious years I’ve dedicated to my dream, and I will not be denied.” Jecolt’s hooves moved with purpose, his face covered in a determined expression. 

Back through the clean streets of Canterlot’s upper quarter Jecolt’s home was in sight. His pace slowed before reaching the front door that opened at his magical touch. The door slammed behind him as he walked to his desk, spreading the contents of his bag across the surface. Sparks flew from the wicks of candles and filled the room with light.

“I’ll show them all.” Jecolt said as he opened his red notebook to a fresh page.

“It can be done.”

> Transformation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celestia’s sun had long since set, prompting Jecolt to ignite more candles. Their flickering light danced across the scattered beakers and alchemical instruments that now littered the room. Jecolt sat slumped over his workbench, the gentle sound of bubbling and whirring rising from a large alchemy set before him. A quill floated across the pages of his journal.

April 4th, 10:56 pm

I have started this alone, and I must finish this alone.

In light of my utter rejection by the Committee, I know that I must use myself as the subject of the experiment. Yet it changes nothing. My resolve is unshaken. I have already made the preparations necessary for a safe and smooth inoculation. There is no other choice.

No. There is no choice. I must put aside the fears within me. This is my final chance to show the world that my work is not a fools errand. Everything I have fought for is at stake.

Jecolt’s attention drifted from his journal, distracted by the vial of red liquid resting on its stand. The candlelight shone through it and onto the desk below with a brilliant display of ruby light. His quill moved once more

Like a warning light, it brings worry to my very soul. Yet this formula, glimmering like crimson bloodshed, beckons me. It is beautiful and strange. The final prospect of my long years of labor, distilled into such a simple thing. But there is no time for wonderment. It is time to take charge of my fate.

Jecolt rose from his seat and walked to the nearby countertop. From within the cabinetry he removed a small medical kit, wrapped in blue magic as it descended. HE removed a mortar and a few herbs, crushing them thoroughly in the clay bowl. Jecolt emptied them into a small saucer and igniting the pile.

Jecolt deeply inhaled the smoke rising from the saucer. It was of his own recipe, designed to clear the sinuses and throat to make a clear passage and prepare his system. He winced slightly at the burning sensation traveling the length of his throat. With an exhale, Jecolt placed the smouldering herbs on the counter. He turned to his desk, eyes fixed on the vial.

“Do I truly dare?” Jecolt could feel a knot grow in his stomach, thoughts of worry filled his mind. 

“What if I falter, if the experiment fails?” A hoof raised instinctually to his mouth as his eyes glanced around the room, as if looking for a reason to stop here. “And if they discover my disregard for their judgement, my whole career could be on the line.”

Jecolt sighed. He wearly trotted to his chair across the room and sat down, sinking deep into its cushions. His eyes closed. Images of his potential dismissal danced in his mind. Jecolt enjoyed his career. Not just for his wealth and status, but for the inexplicable thrill of exploring the unknown.

“There must be another way,” Jecolt said half-heartedly. “If I were to revise my findings and review then maybe, maybe  they would listen.”

Now Jecolt knew he was lying to himself. With Blue Moon as secretary and his shameful outburst still fresh in the minds of the Committee, Jecolt knew he was out of luck.

His eyes settled once again on the vial, still shimmering from the candle light. He felt his body relax, the knot in his stomach fading. He rose from his chair and walked to the alluring concoction, the result of his life’s work.

“No.” Jecolt stood tall against his invisible foe. He seized the vial with his hoof. He took a final glance at the formula before uncorking the vial. His expression began to match the twinge of fear he now felt. 

But his thoughts returned to the child in the streets. Her deep, blue eyes, calling for help that would never come. The houses that were cracked and broken from years of neglect. Jecolt suppressed his fear with his sudden boost of righteousness.

“Everything will be made right.”

The cool lip of the vial met Jecolt’s open mouth as the red liquid rushed through. What taste it had soon passed as the contents of the vial were emptied. A shiver traveled from Jecolt’s tail to his skull, feeling the formula through his throat and into his stomach. He returned the vial to it’s stand and sat in front of his journal. A pocket watch rose in front of his face as Jecolt flipped open the lid. 

His quill began to move.

April 4th, 11:02 pm

I have consumed ten centiliters of the newly fused formula. It is a salty, bitter taste. Stings the tongue. Warm in the gullet. I feel a heat, deep within as it spreads through my veins. A slight feeling of euphoria. Lightheadedness. No noticeable behavioral differences.

Jecolt undid his cravat in an attempt to release the excess heat now making its way to his head. His eyelids hung limply, just barely able to stay open as he wrote. He swept the sweat from his brow. His horn began to glow and a glass of water flew from the kitchen to his parched lips. The glass was shaking from the instability of his magic. His weary eyes began to close, but Jecolt forced them open one again.

“I must be wise,” Jecolt said between exasperated breaths. “I must analyse the changes within me. Everything I see and feel.”

Jecolt forced himself up from his seat and walked to the middle of the room. His struggle to stay awake was becoming more and more desperate. He splashed what water was left in the glass onto his face, with marginal success.

“How will it be?” Jecolt’s mind had given way to fantasy. “Will I see the world through different eyes? Explore this world anew? Oh, how wondrous it will be.”

Jecolt’s weariness began to subside. His fur stood on end as the skin beneath began to shiver. A gentle laugh rose from Jecolt’s lips.

“Oh, I can hardly wait,” he exclaimed through his involuntary chuckle. A tingle began in his chest.

“Finally, I will be able to see my experiment firsthoof. To witness its purifying process with my own eyes.” The tingle began to grow.

“I’ll show you, Blue Moon, and the Committee as well!” Jecolt raised a hoof to the ceiling. 

“Nothing can stop my progress now! Soon the whole of ponykind will no longer fear for their safety, for their lives.” The tingle became a sharp pain, but Jecolt’s excitement drowned out the sensation.

“Not one more child will suffer, I promise you that! I will show them all that Doctor Jecolt was right! Show the world I—”

Jecolt froze in place. His eyes widened at this sudden sensation overcoming his senses. He mustered enough control to look down at his gullet, as if expecting to see some creature clawing at him.

“Sweet Celestia. What is this?” Jecolt ran his hoof along his abdomen. The tingle was felt both in his chest and in his mind. He rushed to his journal in a desperate attempt to record this latest development.

“Something is happening. Something that I cannot explain.” He frantically wrote on the page, but his words were hardly more than scribbles. The pain within him had spread to his hooves. Jecolt recoiled from the desk, trying to stay standing.

“Pain… “ Jecolt muttered. “A … breathtaking pain!” 

Jecolt collapsed onto the carpet beneath him, no longer able to support his own weight. From within he could feel his muscles tense and contract violently. He bared his teeth in an attempt to cope with the sudden wave of agony now filling his every sensation.

“Filling me … killing me!” He could no longer contain his composure.

A tormented howl escaped Jecolt’s throat and echoed into the house. His restraint was lost as he flailed left and right, as if the burning had spread into his soul. The pain constricted his movement, tightening his body around itself to the point of breaking. Another howl arose, but the worst was yet to come.

A horrible snap could be heard from within Jecolt’s chest. He looked down to see that his ribs had extended beyond their normal length. A renewed sense of fear washed over him as he flailed his limbs helplessly, not knowing what to to. Years of tutelage in the alchemical arts that could save him and it was all trapped behind the walls of pain now piercing his mind. 

“Is … is this death?” Jecolt’s voice had deepened to a low growl. Tears streamed down his face before he flipped onto his front side and tried to stand. More snaps and other horrid sounds met Jecolt’s ears as he crawled to his desk, desperately trying to find a reprieve from this nightmare. But it would come too late.

He stood on his hind legs and let loose a final, bestial cry of terror and pain. A concerto of gruesome snaps and breaks were the only sounds from Jecolt as he slammed down onto his front hooves. The pain within him had all but ceased as his muscles continued to throb. His breathing slowed, yet with a rasp.

He stumbled across the room, falling a few times before readjusting his walk. He remembered being shorter. The question of his height was soon answered upon meeting his face at a mirror in the hallway. 

“Who is this creature that I see?” The soft rumbling was unlike anything Jecolt had ever uttered. The image before him produced a wicked smile. His eyes, now glowing a soft green, saw his coat had changed; a dark grey with a wild black mane sporting grey streaks through it that ran down into sideburns. His horn, as well, had extended and curved upwards a bit. He turned to his flank to see his cutie mark had shifted into a twisted version of Jecolt’s, almost unrecognizable. 

“Free.” The smile on his face grew. “I’m free!”

A wild cackle echoed in the house, released by this twisted shadow of Jecolt. A feeling of excitement rose within him as he danced in celebration of his own violent birth. 

“But wait? What’s this?” The unicorn stopped in the middle of his merriment, his smile frozen in place. “This feeling inside, a power I have never known. So wonderful, so alive.”

His radiant eyes turned to the red journal left on the desk, a quill leaking what little ink it still held. He walked over to it and enveloped the quill in a ribbon of green magic. He wrote a single, terrifying word.

ALIVE

With his jagged message complete he strutted to Jecolt’s room. His laughter was incessant as he rummaged through the drawers and boxes looking for something more his style. With a single swipe of his hoof he threw open the closet door, sending it flying off its hinges and into the wall.

“Oops,” he said mockingly as he removed a cloak and tophat from the wardrobe. He tore through jackets and shirts until he found a suitable ensemble; a white shirt adorned with a red cravat, restrained by a black vest and jacket. He admired himself in the mirror, noticing his improved physique. Not only was he taller and stronger, he was the most handsome stallion he had ever seen. Yet his smile faded. Something was missing.

“I need a name,” he said to himself. “How fitting of Jecolt to create me and then forbid me a name. Just like any loving father.”

The dark unicorn walked to the front door. The light of his eyes mingled with that of the candles.

“It must be something brash. Something bold.” He stared at his hoof, his smile returning.

“A powerful name, one that all who hear it shall remember,” he said through his wicked grin. “Stallions must be in fear of it, children must have nightmares of it, mares must fall into ecstasy at the very mentioning of it!

“Something that warns of your impending doom. One that seals your fate. One that nopony can run from. Nopony can hide from. One that—”

He paused, repeating that word over and over in his mind. He smiled at the sound of it. A single syllable that burrowed into his mind. With a glow of his horn he produced the letters in the air before him.

“Hide, yes- no!” His eyes widened. The word spun and shifted into new forms before finally settling on four simple letters.

“Hyde,” he hissed. He felt another snicker rise in his throat before he silenced it.

“Well, Mr. Hyde, it’s time for a spot of … fun.” 

The door to his home flew open, welcoming the cool night breeze. Hyde stepped forward and, with all the wonder of a newborn colt, gazed up at the stars. The little pinholes of light were like diamonds to him, and he wanted every last one. His trance was broken by the sound of hoofsteps to his right. Hyde turned to see a pair of unicorns walking side by side towards him. One of them was a slender mare with a pale pink mane. Hyde salivated at the sight of her.

“Oh, blessed Luna has granted us another fine night, wouldn’t you say?” the male unicorn announced.

“Oui, you must take me on these walks more often.” The pink unicorn spoke with elegance, accompanied by her graceful accent. It only encouraged Hyde as he approached the mare directly.

“Good evening, my love,” Hyde said, the mare caught off guard by his deep, refined voice. “Perhaps you would prefer to abandon this old coot and allow me to treat you this night, instead? I’m sure that a suitor of youth would be more… accommodating.”

“More ‘accommodating?’ Why, sir, I believe you have overstepped your boundaries.” The male unicorn stood tall against Hyde, trying to match his towering height. Hyde recognized him from parties Jecolt had been to, some big-shot named Fancy Pants.

“Oh, Fancy, you are too harsh.” the mare said through giggles, extending her hoof. “I am Fleur de Lis.”

Hyde accepted the gesture as he produced a grin across his face. He kissed Fleur’s hoof gently.

“Only so beautiful a name would fit a mare of such grace.” Hyde closed the distance between them, leaning to her ear. “Perhaps you would show me the rest of your beauty in private?”

At that Fancy Pants forced himself between Hyde and Fleur forcefully, earning a grunt from Hyde.

“No, sir! We have humored your perversion enough already and we shall have no more. Lady Fleur and I - “

With a snap of his hoof Hyde sent Fancy Pants flying across the cobblestone street. He landed with a thud after colliding with a nearby streetlamp. Fleur moved to follow her suitor before being restrained by Hyde.

“Now,” he whispered in her ear. “Where were we?”

Fleur’s eyes widened as a green light began to shine in Hyde’s eyes. She let out a scream before releasing a brilliant light from her horn, sending Hyde into a blind frenzy.

“Help! Help! Monster! Monstre aux yeux verts! He—!” 

Fleur fell to the ground after a mighty blow from Hyde knocked her out cold. He rubbed his eyes, trying to regain his vision. When he was able, Hyde looked to the now unconscious unicorn, her grace and warm smile replaced with a fresh wound to the head, blood trickling onto the stone street. Hyde sighed.

“That hurt, you know?” Hyde scanned the scene in front of him. His annoyed frown slowly curled back into his same, wicked smile. He couldn’t help but laugh at the mindless violence that played out just seconds ago. It was a sensation he had never felt. He wanted more.

Hyde made his way down the street, passing well lit restaurants and parties held by ponies no doubt like Fancy Pants. Through the windows Hyde could see the posh elite of Canterlot wasting the night away in their fancy clothes and expensive wine. It was nice, but Hyde had a thirst for something more sinful.

His skin began to tingle when the alluring sight of red lanterns hung in the distance. The familiar alley way was now alive with traders and thieves, prostitutes and thugs. Hyde’s smile grew to a disturbing length as he entered the building at the center of the commotion; The Broken Bud.

The tavern, once dead and boring in the day, was now vibrant and full of life. Gentlecolts, some of which Hyde recognized from Jecolt’s memories, filled the seats around the bar and tables. Bits and gemstones were thrown to the beautiful mares who strutted up and down the runway. It was just what Hyde needed to sate his hunger.

“Hello, love. Can I help you with something?”

Hyde turned his head to the question’s source. Next to him stood an almond colored mare, sporting a vibrant red mane that had been curled almost excessively. Her deep brown eyes, however, soothed Hyde’s senses.

“Perhaps, my dear, you could show me the true pleasures of the night.” Hyde lowered his eyelids, his green irises catching the attention of the earth pony before him. Her cheeks began to burn at their sight.

“Well of course, sir,” she said extending her hoof, a familiar gesture to Hyde. “Let me introduce you to my girls.”

“Perhaps,” Hyde interrupted, pulling her against his chest. “You could tell me your name, and we’ll work from there?”

The mare beneath Hyde could feel her heart begin to race. She shifted her hindquarters, rubbing them against each other. The warm feeling of this stallion’s breath against her fur seemed to fuel some fire deep within her. She stared into his green eyes, swirling with light.

“Scarlet,” she whispered. “Scarlet Grey. A-And you?”

A wetness formed along her right cheek as her suitor dragged his tongue on her fur, as if savoring the taste. 

“Hyde,” he growled. His voice was a hard strum against Scarlet’s heartstrings. Hyde could feel the mare relax in his grasp as a sweet smile crossed her face. Whatever dark magic was within Jecolt’s formula, Hyde was thankful to have it all to himself.

“I-Is there anything I can d-do for you?” Scarlet felt her thoughts go blank. Her muscles tightened, waiting anxiously for Hyde’s response.

“I think I would rather you do something to me.” He brought Scarlet in close, locking their lips together. As a small moan left Scarlet’s throat Hyde could feel his own desire rising. His brow furled as he pushed harder into the lips of his companion. Their tongues danced together within the empty space their mouths had created. Hyde broke the kiss, prompting a final moan from Scarlet.

“Well.” Hyde placed a hoof under Scarlet’s chin, raising her head to meet his eyes. “Shall we?”

Before an answer could be given Hyde felt a terrible sting on his side. He stumbled back, breaking Scarlet from the enchantment. When he recovered Hyde could see a pony at the far end of the bar, wrapped from head to hoof in bandages. A pair of dark goggles covered what eyes the stranger had, a stream of smoke rising from their horn. 

“You want a fight?” Hyde returned to his hooves, standing at his full height. “Well now you’ve got one!”

Hyde lept for the stranger with a roar. The assailant sidestepped him and struck him on the head, leaving his dazed for a moment. Another blast of magic collided with Hyde’s towering frame, but there was no cry of pain. Instead Hyde began to laugh his terrible laugh. 

“Now it gets interesting,” Hyde said with a glint in his eyes.

With lightening-quick speed Hyde closed the distance between him and his attacker. The stranger hardly had time to react before a powerful foreleg struck with bone shattering force. The stranger released a feminine grunt as she landed on the runway, startling the dancers and prompting them to flee. The stranger stood and fired again, aiming for Hyde’s face.

Volley after volley of magical fire smashed against Hyde. He released a guttural roar, charging through the oncoming fire and grappling his opponent by the neck. Beneath his hoof Hyde could feel his victim struggle, using all of her strength to escape the vice-like grasp. In a final, desperate effort she released a torrent of magic into Hyde’s face.

Hyde’s head was thrown back as he struggled to maintain his grip on the unicorn beneath him. His howls of pain joined the screaming and panicked frenzy of the patrons around them. Strands of skin and fur flew from Hyde’s face as he was pummeled by the blast. Then his tortured scream ended, replaced by a sickening and vile laughter, his irises glowing at their peak brilliance as he faced down the stream of burning magic. The stranger’s struggling weakened at the sight, leaving her hope replaced with only fear.

The stranger felt a sharp pain at Hyde brought his hoof down on her forehead. She screamed, watching her horn roll down onto the floor. The light of Hyde’s eyes reflected against her goggles as he neared.

“Your folly will cost you dear, my dear.” He snarled the last words as a crushing force came down upon the stranger’s neck. An audible, low-toned snap marked the end of her body’s resistance. Her once writhing limbs fell limp to the surface of the runway. 

For a moment, there was only silence. Hyde’s sight lingered on the limp form of his first victim, blood flowing from her stump of a horn. The ghastly wounds that lined his head and neck began to heal before a low chuckle escaped from his mouth. What few patrons remained in the tavern looked up from their hiding spots, only to see the malicious murderer before them break out into a screaming, demonic laughter. Hyde’s eyes widened as his cackling intensified.

Still laughing, Hyde stomped his way through the tavern and out the front door. The nip of the cool night air brought a tingle to his skin. He shook his head, rejuvenated. Drops of rain fell from the sky.

“I feel powerful. Terrible. Alive.” Hyde’s voice trembled with excitement. “Nothing can hold me back. Not Jecolt, not his Committee. Not even the sun or the moon can restrain my power. I … I …”

His eyes fell upon a familiar sight; a small alleyway next to a condemned building. Through the intermittent rain and low light of the street lamps Hyde could see the small figure of a child, sleeping with a clean blanket wrapped around her. Hyde felt his thoughts leave him, replaced with a piercing pain. 

“Urk!”

Hyde doubled over, struggling to stand. He could feel whatever control he had over his body slip. He sprinted away from the scene at lightning speeds, the rain splashing onto the streets and into his eyes. After rounding a corner leading to the affluent part of Canterlot Hyde’s sprint turned to a desperate limp. 

In the distance he could see the place of his violent birth as he struggled to meet the door, pain shooting through his every cell. With a final push Hyde flopped against the dark wooden frame of his home, throwing the door open before falling inside. He kicked the door shut, leaving only the the patter of raindrops in his wake.

From behind a streetlamp, though, a figure in a brown cloak watched Hyde’s struggle. Scarlet lingered a few moments more before running towards the castle.
> Streak of Madness
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The patter of raindrops echoed outside Jecolt’s darkened home, the sounds of ponies and carriages stirring him to consciousness. He released a weary groan before forcing himself up from the carpeted floor, straightening his jacket and pony tail in his mane.

A strange feeling washed over him as he stood. There was a lightness in his chest and a strength in his legs he had not possessed in years.

“How curious, yet exciting.” He walked over the messy carpet in front of his desk.

He flipped open the journal to a fresh page and summoned his quill. After checking his pocket watch, he pressed the quill to the page.

April 5th, 8:02 am

This is a strange, new, sweet sensation. I am younger, happier in body and soul. I feel twice as alive as I ever have. I know not what transpired last night, but I feel a persistent happiness within me. Perhaps the formula worked? Have I become a being of pure good?

The thought brings relief to my heart. With such a result, I will be able to prove to the Committee that my formula is a success! 

Jecolt smiled as he placed the quill back in the inkwell. Without a second thought he turned the page back to review his notes from last night, eager to see what tantalizing reports he left for himself.

“W-what is this?”

His eyes widened upon meeting the page, following the jagged lines carved into the fine parchment as they formed a single, distorted word. A word that seemed to echo in the back of his mind.

ALIVE

“’Alive?’” Jecolt was at a loss, until recitation of the word brought new sights to his mind. He slammed his hooves against his head when a torrent of horrible images and sounds filled his brain with dread. 

Jecolt stumbled back, pain spreading to his eyes as he closed them tight. The frightening images caused Jecolt to clench his teeth as they played out before him. 

His fur stood on end as a soft, deep voice spoke in his mind.

Hello, daddy.

Jecolt lurched, falling to the floor with a gasp. He scanned the room from his prone position, but there was nopony else but him. His breathing became heavier.

“H-Hello?” he managed to say against the stillness of the air. There was a pause.

Hello.

Jecolt screamed at this horrific confirmation. He rushed to his hooves and scrambled for his equipment. The tools were shoved carelessly into a saddlebag before Jecolt bolted out the door.

Raindrops pelted against his face as Jecolt rushed towards the castle. His pace slowed as he came to a busy street, stopping next to a bakery at the curb. Jecolt trotted in place, anxiously waiting for the carriages to clear.

Jecolt.

Jecolt’s head turned in all directions.

Jecolt.

His sight rested on his reflection in the bakery window. He walked closer until he saw his full visage against the reflective glass. Suddenly, the image morphed into a tall, dark unicorn.

Boo!

A shrill scream escaped Jecolt. He turned to the street, now empty, and continued his hurried pace to the castle. Everywhere he looked, he could see the same face he saw in the window. It watched his every move. Finally, he crossed the drawbridge and darted along the inner courtyard, a heavy knot in his stomach. Once Jecolt cleared the entrance to the lobby he made a final, panicked survey of his surroundings. The faces were gone.

Up in his laboratory, Jecolt flipped through notes and alchemical books, frantically searching for an answer to his conundrum. Yet of all the knowledge his shelves held within them, not a single tome yielded comfort. 

“This isn’t possible,” he said, pacing back and forth. “The formula was supposed to guide a pony to goodness, but this...”

Jecolt bit his hoof, pacing along the short distance between his desk and the window. His journal lifted from the saddlebag in the corner of the room and flipped to the dreaded entry. Jecolt read the word over and over again.

“Gah!” Jecolt threw the journal with all of his might, watching it bounce off the bookcase and collapse on the floor. He sat at his desk and put his head on the cool, wooden surface. The bubbling of liquids in their beakers brought a certain calmness to his senses as Jecolt released a lengthy sigh. He summoned his journal to him and continued his entry.

I have made a grave error. Whatever evil I have unleashed in my work has infected my very soul. I can feel it, writhing around within my mind. Within these swirling chemicals before me lies a darkness that nopony should ever see.

I must begin anew.

He shifted his gaze to the liquid tools of his trade. The trembling came back, slowly at first, then stronger as the consequences of his actions caught up with his mind. With a shaky hoof he closed the journal, assured that his dream could be the very end of him. 

“This is a deadly game that I dare not play any longer.” Jecolt raised his head to view the chemicals in front of him. “My ambitions have extended past my reach.”

Pfft. Says you.

Jecolt’s eyes widened as they scanned the room. He shook his head and pulled out a piece of parchment. 

“No, no. Pay it no mind.” He filled the page with the names of ingredients. He rolled it up and placed it within his jacket pocket before walking to the door.

Jecolt gasped when he reached the door. His energy had left him as he felt the same tingling sensation from last night crawl up his spine. Jecolt strained to resist the urge building within him, suppressing the pain.

Ooh, I do love a good fight. Just like that unicorn last night…

“Enough,” Jecolt snapped. “Soon I will bury this madness.”

Jecolt hurriedly trotted through the pristine hallways of the castle, trying not to draw too much attention to himself. Between his own grimaces of pain and the glances of his colleagues, Jecolt’s illusion of disguise diminished. 

He did his best to maintain his posture as he rounded the corner to the alchemical storage room. The custodian had her eyes glued to a copy of Cosmoponyton as he approached. Jecolt strained a smile at the orange mare, who failed to respond. 

“Ahem.” Jecolt fake-coughed. The mare jumped a little before tossing her magazine to the floor. She turned to face her visitor.

“Y-Yes, yes. How may I help you?” 

“I require these ingredients immediately. It is urgent.” Jecolt produced the parchment and handed it to the custodian. She focused her spectacles as her eyes scanned the paper.

“For a Doctor Jecolt?” she asked.

“That is correct.”

“Oh, um...” She slowly returned the scroll to Jecolt. “I’m sorry, but I’m under orders from the Committee to not provide you with ingredients until after the month is out. Something about your, um, proposal.”

“What? Who wou—” Jecolt cringed, the sensation returning to his head. The custodian gave an inquisitive look before Jecolt was able to recover. He drew a heavy breath through his nose. “Who gave such an order?” 

The custodian began rummaging through magazines and stray papers on her desk before presenting a scroll to Jecolt, who unraveled it feverishly. He skimmed the rather official looking document before his eyes rested on the last name he wanted to see.

“Blue Moon.”

Jecolt tossed the parchment aside and stormed out into the hallway. His anger far outweighed the pain that was slowly spreading through his body. He marched down the empty hallway and past the stained glass windows leading to the Committee’s chambers. 

With a newfound strength, Jecolt flung the heavy doors open to reveal and empty room. From behind him Jecolt could hear the voice he hated most of all.

“Quite the entrance, Jecolt,” Blue Moon said sarcastically. “But the Committee won’t meet for another two hours. Perhaps I can—“

“You insufferable dolt!” Jecolt closed the distance between him and his white-maned adversary.

“What is the meaning of this hostility? Surely it isn’t backlash from the Committee’s ruling.” Blue Moon’s smile widened, a pretentious look upon his face.

“You know what this is about. You’ve cut me off from the alchemical storage.”

Blue Moon feigned a gasp of shock, putting his hoof to his mouth.

“What? Did I? Well I suppose it’s only appropriate given your insane ravings in yesterday’s meeting.”

Oh, this is getting good.

Jecolt ignored the inner voice and straightened his back, standing at his full height. He stared Blue Moon dead in the eyes.

“My presentation was nothing short of a true scientific pursuit. What right have you to cut me off from my work?”

“Oh, give it a rest, Jecolt,” Blue Moon said, his smile fading. “You’re a sham, a failure. The punchline to a very old and boring joke. How long will it take for you to realise that?”

Jecolt’s face flushed. He could feel the pain growing stronger, but continued the verbal joust with his nemesis regardless. He poked the Blue Moon’s chest with a strong jab of his hoof.

“A joke? Well if I am the punchline, then you are the awkward sensation one gets when you realize you’re the only one laughing.”

“How dare you touch me, sir!” Blue Moon swept Jecolt’s hoof from his chest. His glare intensified before another voice overcame the two arguing ponies.

“What is the meaning of this?”

Jecolt and Blue Moon turned to see Princess Celestia standing before them, wings outstretched and as regal as ever Jecolt has seen her. The two dropped to their knees, with a quick shot of pain hindering Jecolt’s ability to stand. He could feel himself losing control.

“Is this really what two ponies of your status resort to when an argument arises? Bickering like fillies?” Celestia’s eyes focused on Jecolt as he stepped forward.

“Your Majesty, I have been locked out of the alchemical storeroom by his order,” Jecolt stated, pointing to Blue Moon. “It is vital that I have the ingredients I require, and soon.”

“Doctor, the Committee has given its ruling,” Celestia said. “You are not permitted to pursue your research any further.”

Jecolt gave a long, pronounced sigh. His attempts to maintain his composure were failing fast. He could almost feel the voice scratching at the inner walls of his skull.

“Yes, I know, but this is not about that. I am in dire need of an antidote in order to reverse my—“

“An antidote?” Blue Moon asked sharply. “You mean to say you took your formula? Against the Committee’s judgement? Why I never—“

“One more word out of you, knave, and I’ll use your intestines as leg-warmers.” Jecolt’s head spun towards his nemesis with narrow, glimmering eyes.

Blue Moon’s jaw dropped and was left agape. Jecolt returned to his senses and shook his head. Again, he turned to Celestia.

“Princess I beg of you, I need access to the storeroom. It’s the only way to save—gah!” Jecolt reeled in pain, collapsing on the floor. Celestia rushed to the fallen pony’s side and kneeled, placing a wing across Jecolt.

“Doctor, what did you do? I need to know if I’m to help you.” Her eyes scanned Jecolt’s shivering body meticulously. It wasn’t until she heard a loud crack that she recoiled from the unicorn on the floor. Jecolt’s body continued to convulse.

“Sweet Celestia, guards!” Blue Moon shouted down the hall. Within moments the sound of galloping hooves could be heard. “Princess, you must stand back. We will handle this.” 

Jecolt was finally able to stand despite the pain. Celestia approached him cautiously, more cracks and snaps echoing through the hallway. She watched Jecolt’s fur began to shift to a dark grey. A sharp cry of pain escaped the doctor’s mouth as his horn extended. Before Celestia could come any closer, Blue Moon stepped between the two, his horn glowing.

“Step back, Princess,” he shouted, turning his head to Jecolt’s twisted form. “Jecolt, by order of the Royal Committee of Canterlot and the Equestrian Kingdom, I order you to stop your madness this instant!”

In a split second, Blue Moon was pinned against the towering doors beside him. He struggled to break free from Jecolt’s grasp, flailing his hooves against the solid limb that held him.  He stared, trembling, into the glowing eye of Jecolt, who was trapped in mid-transformation. His assailant spoke in a deep, sinister tone.

“Oh, do shut up.”

Celestia stood in horror as Jecolt’s brought his hoof plummeting into Blue Moon’s face. His body went limp as a burst of blood cascaded across the gilded frame of the doors. Jecolt stumbled back and his victim’s corpse fell to the ground. 

Jecolt looked down at the freshly dead corpse, blood oozing from it’s nearly unrecognizable face. His fur returned to its normal, tan color, signaling Hyde’s retreat into his mind. 

“Doctor…” Celestia whispered.

A quiver came to Jecolt’s lip. He could feel his stomach twist at the sight of his gruesome act. Jecolt looked to the princess and back again at Blue Moon’s corpse. His legs began to tremble as he bore witness to his terrible crime.

Welcome to the club, daddy.

Soon, guards closed around Jecolt. The points of spears were only inches from his fur as he snapped back to reality. 

“Stop! You are under arrest!”

Jecolt shot a desperate glance to Celestia. Her eyes remained fixed on the motionless body of Blue Moon. Jecolt then looked around at the straight-faced guardponies, intent on bringing him to justice.

“I’m sorry,” Jecolt said to nopony.

Multicolored shards flew into the crowd as the stained glass windows burst into pieces. Two ponies, wrapped completely in gauze and goggles, landed between the guards and Jecolt. The wrappings fell to reveal nothing beneath them but empty air. In an instant, the guards surrounding Jecolt jerked their faces and flew into the nearby walls, seemingly by themselves. 

Jecolt took his chance and ran from the confused scene. He frantically galloped down the pearlescent hallway and away from the ambush. He sped through the crowd of ponies forming in the hallway, draw by the sounds of conflict. Jecolt’s lungs burned more with every fatigued step.

The door to Jecolt’s laboratory was flung open. Upon locking it behind him a racking pain surged through Jecolt’s muscles. He fell to the floor as the sinister voice returned.

So? Enjoying the party?

“Party? This is murder!” Jecolt gasped for air. Both the running and his sudden torment was doing him no favors.

But it’s exhilarating, no? The power feels oh, so good.

Jecolt struggled to stand. With great effort he began placing vials and ingredients into his saddlebag.

“Enough! Soon you will die, and my memory will hide you,” Jecolt said. “I won’t let your madness continue.”

A loud thump came from the door, which cracked from the force behind it. Another collision sent cracks through the stone walls. Jecolt moved as fast as he could before collapsing once again from the pain.

Not just your memory, daddy. Remember you still have her to deal with.

A final, thundering crash brought down the door to Jecolt’s laboratory, the wall included. She slowly entered the room, wings extended and muscles tense.

“Princess, please! Give me time to—“

“Silence!”

Celestia’s overpowering Royal Voice flung Jecolt against his desk, shaking the chemicals that rested upon it. An overwhelming heat radiated from her horn. Jecolt’s attempts at pleading were interrupted by the pain in his abdomen, forcing him to curl around himself.

“You have betrayed the Court, and betrayed me! Your arrogance has taken the life of one of my subjects!” Celestia halted her advance inches from Jecolt’s contorted body.

“What say you in your defense?”

After a pause Celestia heard the sound of laughter rising from the pony-shaped lump at her hooves. The sound became distorted the larger it grew. In a flash, the sharp teeth of the now grey unicorn came up at Celestia. She dodged the attack with a flap of her powerful wings.

“What have you become, doctor?” she asked. Jecolt made no attempt to respond. “Jecolt, please, let me help you.” 

“My dear, sweet Celestia.” The creature before her rose. “Can’t you see that there isn’t a ‘Jecolt’ left to save?”

The full visage of Hyde brought a chill to Celestia’s spine. She felt uneasy just looking at him. He looked like a pony, but she couldn’t pull herself away from his narrow, animalistic eyes. 

“If you are some invading spirit then I shall have you exorcized at once.” Celestia pointed her horn to Hyde, who responded only with laughter.

“A spirit? Really? Don’t be so naïve, Celestia.” Hyde took a step forward. Celestia fired a bolt past his head, narrowly missing Hyde’s cheek.

“Not another step, murderer.”

Celestia shifted her aim to Hyde’s smiling face. He corrected his posture and glared at Celestia. She shivered again as Hyde’s eyes continued to shimmer.

“Did it ever occur to you that, perhaps, Jecolt succeeded?” Hyde said, passively.

“Jecolt’s research was founded in madness. It’s not possible.”

“And yet,” Hyde motioned his hoof across his body. “Here we are. A perfect separation of good and evil. Jecolt, and Hyde. You should’ve known he would continue, with or without your consent.”

“It’s not Jecolt’s deeds that are in question here, but yours.” Celestia stood tall. “I am here to bring you to justice.”

“So quick to ignore the subject, eh?” Hyde stroked his chin as Celestia approached him. “I wonder if you made the same mistake with Luna.”

Celestia stopped in her tracks. Her eyes widened as she spoke in a low, deathly serious tone.

“You will not speak of what you don’t understand.”

“So you did?” Hyde broke out into a sinister laughter. “So how does it feel, Princess? Knowing that you have doomed another life thanks to your inaction? I bet it stings.”

“Enough, cur.” Celestia’s body became tense. She leaned forward and slowly spread her wings.

“Enough? Perhaps you’re right, but what’s done is done. Jecolt, like Luna, has fallen prey to your apathy. You call yourself the ruler of Equestria? I call you a sham. Had you taken action against your sister instead of letting her anger fester, you could’ve ended Nightmare Moon before she ever began. But you let her suffer; you left her alone.”

Silence filled the room. Celestia’s wings fell to her sides as she lowered her gaze to the floor. Hyde, however, stood triumphantly for curbing the wrath of his once-zealous pursuer.

“Good girl,” Hyde mocked. “Now run along and think about what you’ve done.”

Her eyes lifted from the ground to Hyde. In a flash, a torrential spout of magical fire burst forth from her horn. Hyde, even with his lightning fast reflexes, had barely enough time to dodge the funnel of flame as it engulfed the desk behind him.

Suddenly, the beakers on the desk exploded, filling the room with a thick, green smog. The blast opened a hole in the wall that lead to the outside. Celestia began to cough as the cloud of burnt ingredients filled the air, leaving Hyde enough time to escape through the hole. He sprinted as fast as he could and leapt through the opening, not knowing how far the drop was.

The rain came down upon the falling unicorn as he crashed onto a stone bridge between two of the castle’s towers. The landing left a small crater, prompting a grunt from Hyde. After the pain subsided, he managed to stand.

“Ugh. Never again.”

On his left he heard the sound of flapping wings, but when he looked he saw nothing. A flurry of blows met Hyde’s abdomen and forced him to stumble back . He swiped his hoof out in front of him, searching frantically for the source of the assault.

The sound of flapping returned, this time becoming louder and louder as another strike landed on his side, sending him sliding across the bridge. After recovering, Hyde began wildly swinging at the air around him, searching for his attackers.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw a most peculiar sight. Hyde focused his vision and saw a small, almost unidentifiable gap in the rain, the droplets landing on an surface just above the bridge. They made the outline of what could only be described as a pony. 

“I see you,” Hyde said in a sing-song voice.

The flapping returned. Hyde ducked down as a gust of wind dashed over his head. He heard a pony galloping straight for him. He spun on his front hooves and delivered a buck into the direction of the noise. His legs made contact, sending the invisible form sliding down the bridge before the flying assailant returned.

He knocked Hyde back, but not before being caught in Hyde’s vice-like jaw. He sunk his teeth deeper into what he could identify as a wing before unleashing the full might of his hoof against the pegasus’ face. He heard a snap and a cry of pain. The blow sent the pegasus back, regrouping with the other invisible pony.

With the two of them together, Hyde saw something strange. As he squinted he could see small ripples in the air. His ears twitched as the sound of rain began to deafen and only a rhythmic thumping could be heard. Hyde gave a soft snicker; he could see their heartbeats.

With a bestial roar, Hyde charged the invisible duo. The two fought in tandem, landing consecutive blows against Hyde’s unusually solid torso. Their attack, however, seemed capable of only irritating him. With a powerful swipe, he felt his front leg connect with one of the ponies, sending them flying over the edge and down to the ground below.

“No!” The masculine shout came from the invisible form of Hyde’s final opponent.

The pony grunted when Hyde’s head connected with his own, knocking him to the ground. Hyde could see the ripples in the air quicken. Hyde snorted the air.

“Do you smell that?” Hyde landed a crippling blow into the pony’s ribs, blood ejecting onto his face.

“That’s the smell of fear.”

Hyde stomped down upon the pony, compressing his chest against the stone bridge. The rhythmic ripples faded as the corpse beneath him regained visibility. Hyde stumbled back, his tongue lapping at the warm blood on his muzzle. He shuddered at its bitter taste.

“Jecolt wanted to save the world from the animals that lived in it.”

The door of one of the towers began to buckle, shouting and clanging of armor echoing from behind it. 

“And you think that I’m that animal? You think you can cage me? You will never cage me, Jecolt!”

Hyde stood at his full height, raising his hoof against the downpour of rain. The door began to splinter as the royal guards bashed against it.

“I am alive, Jecolt. Alive and ready to live. To plunder. To conquer. To show the world that I am the animal you cannot cage. The rabid beast you cannot put down!”

The door collapsed under the pressure of the guards as they charged for Hyde. The roll of thunder could be heard in the background. 

“Now and forever. I. Am. Alive!”

Dozens of guards tackled the raving unicorn, trapping him under their weight. He struggled against the crushing force as a terrifying laughter rose up from the bridge. The twisted sound reached the ears of Princess Celestia, who stood at the edge of the broken hole in Jecolt’s laboratory.

She was thankful for the rain. It hid her tears well.
> The Trial of Two Ponies
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jecolt felt a cool pressure against his cheek. He forced his eyes open slightly, stinging as they made contact with the dim light of the room. Jecolt winced, allowing his eyes time to adjust, and began to scan the room around him.

The chamber was empty, save for two guards standing parallel to a set of large doors, the only exit. On either side of the door were two large windows, showcasing the dark and gentle night outside. One of the guards banged three times on the door behind him. The two shifted back, allowing the doors to swing open slowly.

Princess Celestia stood before Jecolt, her eyes focused. With a subtle nod of her head the guards made their way out of the room. When Jecolt rose from the floor he felt the weight of large chains on his ankles. His eyes shifted from his shackles to the princess, desperately searching for an explanation.

“Princess,” he said. “What happened? W-Where am I?”

Celestia said nothing, her eyes fixed on Jecolt’s. The silence in the room began to make his fur stand on end.

“Princess, please, tell me what happened. I need to know what he’s done.”

“What he has done, doctor,” Celestia snapped, “is brutally murder four of my subjects, three in my very home, with confirmed reports of a fourth that you mauled to death!”

“A fourth? But there was no…” Jecolt’s eyes widened. The images of terrified patrons from the previous night shot through his mind. He began to tremble, rattling the chains attached to his legs.

“No, no it wasn’t me. Princess, you have to understand, I am not responsible for these actions. It was—”

“Enough!” Celestia’s voice shook the room. “Too many have died for me to listen to your justifications. You have brought terror to dozens, taken the lives of innocent ponies, and have ignored the Committee’s judgement against you. I don’t know what evil could possess you to—”

“Then allow me to explain!” Jecolt shouted with a pained expression.

Celestia maintained a furled brow as she released a sigh. “Continue, Doctor Jecolt.”

Jecolt took a breath of his own, collecting his thoughts. After suppressing the flutter in his stomach he lifted his head.

“Last night, I defied the order given to me by the Committee. I was so convinced that they were wrong, that I could truly separate good from evil. So I took the formula. At first the process was harmless. I didn’t know what would happen, or if it would even work, but my confidence could not be dissuaded. Until…”

“Until what?”

“Until I became… him.” Jecolt’s eyes widened and he shuddered. “In a terrible, violent transformation, I became Hyde.”

“Hyde? Is that his name?”

“Yes, it’s what he calls himself. He possessed my body, twisted it into some darker shape. I do not know exactly what happened, but when I awoke in my home the memories and emotions of his experiences rushed into me. It was horrifying.”

I’m so glad you approve, daddy.

Jecolt clutched his head, groaning as he shut his eyes tight. Celestia jumped at his sudden reaction.

“Doctor, what’s wrong?”

“He can… he can talk to me.” Jecolt groaned again. “Through my...”

His muscles became tight as he twitched and shuddered. After a few moments he slumped onto the floor. Celestia lowered her head to meet his weary gaze.

“Jecolt, what is happening to you?” Celestia’s violet eyes relaxed Jecolt’s nerves, slowing the pace of his stampeding heart. He rose from the floor.

“Hyde is attempting to take control of my body. I can feel him pushing within me, like water in a balloon. I cannot hold out for too long before he takes control again.”

“Can’t you control him? You created him, after all.”

“If only it were so easy.” Jecolt began to rub his temples, further easing his pain. “He is too strong. He has a desire in him that I simply cannot suppress. I had hopes to create an antidote, but that was before I discovered Blue Moon had suspended me.”

Celestia turned from Jecolt. Her brow furled as she paced. The light of the moon bathed her solemn face in its glow. 

“Princess,” Jecolt began, “there is still a chance to be rid of him.”

“Jecolt, my friend, you have put me in a very difficult situation.” Celestia sighed, lowering her head as her eyes closed. “You have created something, a monster, that has already claimed the lives of four ponies. Normally I would have one such as you put through trial, judged by your peers.” Celestia turned to the nighttime scenery beyond the thin glass of the window.

“But this is different. From what I can see, the only crime you are guilty of is acting in contempt of the Committee, which is punishable by forcible resignation. But this thing, this ‘Hyde’… I simply can’t let him roam free.”

“Then, Princess, I request that you grant me access to my laboratory,” Jecolt said firmly. “I am confident that I can find a way to counteract the effects of the formula and repel Hyde’s evil influence.”

There was a pause. Jecolt strained his ears, desperately awaiting Celestia’s response.

“No, Jecolt, I can’t do that,” Celestia stated through a sigh. “You are my friend but my trust has been broken. I see now that I was wrong to believe you would abandon you research, as passionate as you were.”

“But Princess, I—”

“No.” Celestia stamped her hoof as she turned to a shaken Jecolt. “I don’t know what this Hyde can do, and frankly neither do you. You cannot prove to me that your work will not be influenced by him. I'm sorry, but I can't grant access to your research.”

Jecolt’s jaw went numb, hanging open. He slumped onto the cold floor in between his rattling chains. Only the sound of the nighttime wind could be heard as it echoed softly through the room. The tension in Celestia’s body began to subside. 

“Then, your majesty.” Jecolt raised his head to Celestia, a solemn expression painted across his face.

“If you cannot grant me access to my laboratory, and refuse to reinstate me, then I must ask that you end my life in order to stop Hyde.”

“Jecolt, no. No!” Celestia gasped as she closed the distance between her and Jecolt. “You can’t be serious. There must be another way, I am sure of it. Just give me time.”

“And what shall I do in that time?” Jecolt shouted while small tears formed in his eyes. “Wait for Hyde to peel my mind apart and worm his way into my soul?”

Celestia recoiled as Jecolt hunched over. His soft sobbing echoed within the room.

“Jecolt, I…” she stuttered before placing a wing over his shoulders. “There has been enough bloodshed already. I don’t want to end this the same way it began. Please understand that.”

“I understand that you are afraid,” Jecolt said with a quivering voice, “but you can’t leave me with him. Not like this. You either let me cure myself or you end my life, here and now. There is no other choice. You have to—!”

Jecolt cringed and fell to the floor, his limbs twitching in every which way. Celestia jumped at the sudden crack from beneath her outstretched wing. Jecolt gurgled and twitched as more cracks, each more violent than the first, signaled the beginning of his transformation.

Her mouth hung agape as Celestia bore witness to the horrific display. Her expression darkened as quickly as Jecolt’s coat did. Finally the squelching sounds of writhing muscle and skin ended and left a larger, darker creature before her. With a final snap it craned its head towards the ceiling, drawing a long breath through its nose.

“Ugh… finally,” Hyde hissed. “It is so stuffy in that naïve little head of his.” He stretched his shoulders, effortlessly resisting the weight of his chains. Celestia stood back, her elegant white wings standing upright as she slowly straightened her posture.

“What are you?”

Hyde cocked an eyebrow, a wicked grin forming on his face. He locked his flickering, emerald eyes with Celestia’s own. She took a cautious step back as Hyde approached her, the now tight-fitting chains clinking with each step.

“I am the inevitable result, the tipping point between genius and madness. I am the viciously simple conclusion that everypony wants, that everypony needs. So in short, Princess…” Hyde leaned in close to meet Celestia’s eyes. “I don’t know.”

Hyde cackled, savoring the nervous and confused expression on Celestia’s face. She didn’t wait for the twisted giggling to stop before speaking in a cold, authoritative voice.

“Perhaps your actions should speak for themselves, Mr. Hyde. Regardless of what you were intended to be, you have become a murderer and a terror to my city and those who reside in it. But I am not unreasonable, and it is only fair that I address both involved in this tragedy. I want you to understand that I—”

“You think I care what you want?” Hyde said through his sharp, toothy grin. “We both know you won’t kill Jecolt, which means you won’t kill me. Don’t insult me by saying it’s ‘only fair.’ You don’t have the gall to end us both.”

Celestia raised her head, slowly narrowing her vision as she did so. Hyde’s only reaction was to return her livid gaze with his own elated one. Celestia opened her mouth to speak, but was caught off guard by another, more sophisticated voice.

“Stay thy words, dear sister. Such reason is fruitless against him.”

Hyde’s ears perked up. He slowly turned to face the source of the mysterious voice that echoed in the room. From within the shadows emerged Princess Luna, stoic and walking with force behind every step.

“Luna… sister, what are you doing here?” 

“Night is our domain, and We know all that transpires within. This… cretin notwithstanding.”

Hyde growled and lunged for Luna. The bolts on the floor creaked as the chains held him back, inches from Luna’s face. Despite his piercing eyes and snapping jowls, Luna’s cold expression remained unchanged.

“Oh, you have nerve, Princess, to insult me.” Hyde’s muscles tensed as he struggled against his bindings. Luna shifted her passive glance to Celestia.

“Why not dispatch this creature where it stands, sister? Verily it poses a threat.”

“It’s not the creature I’m worried about, Luna,” Celestia stated. “But rather his creator. I can’t be rid of Hyde without killing Jecolt.”

Luna slowly circled Hyde, studying him. Her eyes traveled along his dark frame as she carefully analyzed it’s every feature. The tension in Hyde’s muscles did not cease, for Luna’s arrival had put him on edge. He watched her every move.

“We see your worry. The creature is formidable and may not fall victim to traditional forms of execution, and ending the doctor would be a punishment unbefitting of an innocent.” Luna paused, diverting her gaze away from Hyde. “Perhaps he may prove useful.”

“Ha, I would rather plough a legless child then help you.” Hyde stated through a chuckle.

“Silence, knave. Your input is not required.”

Hyde lunged again, but this time was met with a blue curtain of light that held him in place. He strained and writhed from behind the magical barrier as he shouted at Luna.

“A ‘knave?’ You need to learn your place! I am not some ‘loyal subject’ willing to bend his knee to your petty whims. Continue to insult me and you will soon learn how monstrous I can truly be.”

Luna lowered the shield as Hyde eased his tension. She turned from him and stepped to Celestia.

“Tch, royal wench.”

Without warning, a crushing pressure returned and forced Hyde to the ground, surrounding him in a blue glow. The loud clang of his chains echoed through the room. Luna, eyes glowing white, stomped towards the helpless form before her. Her voice pierced Hyde’s ears like blades through flesh.

“Thou durst refer to us as ‘royal wench?!’ Cur, thou shalt learn thine place. Thou art murderous filth, and We art thine sovereign!”

Hyde squirmed beneath the crushing weight of Luna’s force. He struggled to rise, but every inch he could gain was met with more and more resistance. His head was slammed against to cool marble of the floor, cracking the marble beneath him.

“Henceforth, thou shalt refer to us as your ‘your royal highness’ and nothing less.” The pressure increased. “Hath we made ourselves clear?”

“Y-You dirty, filthy—!” Another blast suppressed his unfavorable comment.

“We said, art we clear!?”

Hyde managed to raise his head from beneath the crushing magic, revealing his pained expression. He continued to fight, but a steady stream of blood came from Hyde’s nostril before he fell to the ground for the last time.

“Yes… your r-royal highness.” Hyde mumbled. Relief washed over him as the field began to dissipate. Hyde lay motionless on the floor, heavy breaths drawing his chest in and out. His half-lidded eyes followed Princess Luna as she stepped over him.

“Guards! Remove this foul creature from our sight. Place him in the lowest cell of the dungeon until We have decided what to do with him.”

The large double-doors opened and the guardponies from outside entered to collect the weary Hyde. They took hold of his chains and dragged him from the chamber. Hyde shook and squirmed on the floor, but every movement brought pain to his very bones, a gift from Luna’s treatment. He went limp before the guards closed the door behind them.





“I’m shocked, Luna,” Celestia said. “Was such force really necessary?”

The two stood alone in the chamber. The blood left on the floor was raised by Luna and, in a puff of smoke, dissolved into nothingness. Luna took a deep sigh and eased her tensed muscles.

“We are no stranger to darkness, sister. This creature is a spawn of hatred and desire, and thus there are certain… methods that prove most effective.” Her gaze landed on the broken marble of the floor.

“How do you know so much about him?”

Luna slowly turned to her sister. From beneath her fluid mane, Luna’s eyes stared deeply into Celestia’s. 

“Because We were once like him,” she said softly. 

“Oh Luna.” Celestia spread her wings and approached Luna. A firm hoof to her chest, however, restrained the coming embrace. Luna’s eyes became focused.

“Please, sister, save thy pity for Jecolt. It is he who will need it.” Luna returned her hoof to the floor. “Instead, We present a proposition.”

“And that is?” Celestia cocked an eyebrow. 

“We have read Captain Ironhoof’s report of Hyde’s capture. There was mention of invisible assailants, correct?”

“Yes?” Celestia’s voice dragged as her eyes squinted. She tilted her head to one side.

“Such reports are not news to us. Ponies appearing from nowhere, clothed only in bandages. Stealing artifacts, spying on nobles, infiltrating this city’s infrastructure. Today marks the second time they have come for Hyde. We feel he is their target. 

“But now they have attacked him in the sanctity of our home and made light of our guards. Such an invasion must not be tolerated.”

“I’m not sure I understand, Luna.” Celestia’s voice shook, put off by her sister’s confession. "I can see the threat these rogues pose, but what does Jecolt have to do with this?”

“It is unknown, but our night guard hath confirmed their actions as nefarious,” Luna began. “They have already accounted for five separate sightings of these spies. If you grant us custody of the doctor and his creature we can use him to eliminate this threat.”

“Luna, he’s a friend, not a weapon. To even consider it is unfair. Could you even control Hyde?”

“But he has already dispatched three of their agents, with remarkable efficiency, which is more than any of our night guard could accomplish,” Luna stated. “And if control is what troubles you, then perhaps thou shalt remember who forced the beast into submission.”

Celestia put her hooves together, staring pensively into space. Her eyes traced the distance from the cracked floor to Luna’s stoic glare. She released a long, weary sigh.

“Alright, sister. If you are absolutely certain you can control him, then Hyde is yours. But,” Celestia’s gaze intensified as she towered over Luna. “If anything – anything – happens, and Hyde is let loose, then you will be held responsible.”

Luna produced a content smile and approached her sister, placing a hoof upon her sister’s shoulder.

“We will not disappoint you, you will see.”

Luna turned to the doors, swinging them open, with Celestia following her out into the hallway. Celestia began to trail behind as her pace slowed. Her vision blurred and she grasped her head with a single hoof, struggling to stand

“What ails you, sister?” Luna asked. 

“Oh, it’s nothing Luna.” The ache in her head withered and restored her vision. With a shake of her head Celestia stood straight and walked to Luna’s side. She gave a small, weary smile.

“It’s been a long day.”

> Reflections
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The stone walls that encased the dungeon brought a chill to the guards at their posts. Their armor clinked repeatedly, sending the echos down the long, gloomy halls. Upon the walls were the scattered glows of torches, their flames licking the still air.

Down the dimly lit hallway, past the dozens of identical iron bars that lined the walls, was a single, solitary cell. Its door was heavy, a sturdy combination of banded iron and dark wood. The sharp clopping of hooves could be heard from within, followed by a voice.

“How could this have happened?!”

Jecolt paced, tracing the distance between the walls of his small cell.

“I did everything right, down to the last detail. It should have worked!” With a final stamp of his hoof Jecolt threw his back against the wall, sliding to the ground. He released another sigh.

Well I thought you did a good job.

Jecolt’s eyes widened at the subtle echo in his mind. He sprung up from his seated place, his brow tensed.

“You. You did this,” Jecolt yelled at the empty space before him. “This is all your fault!

Me? Ha! You’re the one who wanted to save the world, or some such nonsense.

“This is not about that!” Jecolt voice rose with every response. 

“The murders, this cell, everything! Your fault! I wanted to try and help the ponies of this city embrace their good-natured selves, but you… you…”

Jecolt raised a hoof and slammed it onto the bed, causing the thin mattress to jump a little. He slumped to the floor. Dark spots formed on the cool stone and Jecolt realized he was crying. He wiped his eyes before facing a small mirror that hung on the wall.

He studied the face that the glass made. The eyes were red and baggy, the cheeks were gaunt. Jecolt stared at the image of himself, becoming lost in its weary expression.

Oh, come now. Didn’t you enjoy it? The exhilaration, the sweet feeling of superiority?

“You have ruined me,” Jecolt said blankly.

You didn’t answer my question.

The staring contest with the mirror made Jecolt’s eyes burn. He turned from the depressing visage and stared between the iron bars of the small window of the cell. Placing his head against them, his coat was met with the cool night air. A flutter arose in his stomach.

“Yes,” he said softly, barely heard over the evening wind. “I did enjoy it, and that is what frightens me.”

Jecolt’s somber moment was interrupted by a thundering laughter in his mind, causing him to wince. He rubbed his temples as he walked limply to the bed beside him.

Are you serious? It frightens you? It should excite you, to have such power within you.

A soft snicker echoed in Jecolt’s mind. The chilling sensation caused his ears to twitch.

I love it!

“Well I am not you, understand?” Jecolt shouted. He shook and beat his head with his hooves, but only softly.

“I am not a murderer. I am a good stallion, and a respected doctor. I do not stoop to the filth-laden lows where you reside!”

And yet you are powerless to stop me

Jecolt whipped his hoof into the air and opened his mouth to speak, only to grasp his abdomen as a familiar pain shot through him. He winced and tensed but not as violently as before. He was becoming used to the transformations. 

Before Jecolt could react he felt his mind begin to fog. With a jerk of his head his eyes landed once again on the mirror, meeting an all too familiar sight.

“Oh, my. I am quite a looker.” Hyde sneered at the reflection of his darkened face. He trailed his hoof along his slightly-curved horn and ended on his jet black mane. 

“Poor Jecolt. If only you understood.”

I do understand

Hyde’s glimmering eyes went dull and widened to their full size. His wild mane swished through the air as he searched around the room for the source of the voice. 

“J-Jecolt? How are you —?”

The same way you do, you buffoon. I’m in this brain, too.

Hyde eased the tension in his stance. He trailed back to the mirror and saw the frowning face of Jecolt replacing his own reflection. Hyde sat on the bed and stared into his counterpart’s eyes.

“My, my, you are a fast learner,” Hyde said through a chuckle. “Now do the one with the balloons.”

His spine straightened as his muscles tightened. A small grunt was all Hyde could muster before succumbing to the paralyzing pain now surging within him. He fell onto the bed, twitching violently, before a sense of relief washed over him.

Did you enjoy that? It’s a lovely trick I learned to keep you in line.

Jecolt released a mocking chuckle of his own. Hyde lifted his aching body from the bed and darted his vision to the small mirror where Jecolt’s face had appeared.

“You will pay for that, you little —”

Oh, enough, Hyde! Save your childish bickering.

“Childish?” Hyde approached the mirror, his clenched teeth illuminated by the moonlight. “I show you pleasures unlike any you have known and you call me childish?”

Do you think I should be grateful to you? You are a monster. A murderer! You are everything I fear to be.

“I am everything you want to be!” Hyde’s neck tensed as he roared into the glass picture of his double. The shine in his eyes reflected back onto his face from the mirror, emphasizing his frightful expression.

“You want the power to complete your work, to show Celestia your resolve. I am that power. I have accomplished more in one day than you have in your entire life. So you tell me, Jecolt, was it worth it to know you succeeded? To know that power is finally yours?”

Hyde’s heavy breathing, brought on by the rush of his furious rebuttal, began to subside. Jecolt’s brow furled, his focused eyes staring through the mirror. 

I don’t know what unnatural power you possess, Hyde, but it is not worth the lives of those you have killed. You pride yourself on your strength and speed, but you are evil in its purest form . You are the very thing I have sought to rid from this world.

“And you’ve done such a grand job at that,” said Hyde, mockingly.

Silence returned to the stone cell. Hyde turned from the mirror, and from Jecolt, and flopped himself onto the bed. With a deep, grumbling sigh he closed his eyes.

“You’re such a weakling, Jecolt.”

And you are a frightful waste of my energy

Hyde burst into his thundering laugh. It reverberated throughout the cell, leaking out into the hallway. A series of rapid knocks on the door cut Hyde’s jubilation short. Torch light glinted off of the golden helmet and through the bars of the door.

“Hey, quiet down in there!”

The guard squealed and jumped back as Hyde slammed against the door faster than he could react.

“Why not come in here and make me? I could use a playmate!”

The guard recovered from his near-heart attack and quickly walked away, watching Hyde’s eyes follow him down the hallway. When he disappeared around a corner, Hyde fell back from the door with a grin on his face.

How did you do that?

“It’s called intimidation, Jecolt. Pay attention, you’ll learn a few things.”

No, how did you move so fast? You cleared the distance in almost no time.

“It took you this long to notice?” Hyde scoffed before returning to the window on the opposite wall, bathing his face in the moonlight. A few seconds passed as Hyde stared into the glowing sphere in the sky.

“I’m like a wild animal stalking its prey. My strength and speed are unmatched, especially by the pompous elite of this city. I honestly didn’t know how strong I was until I was subdued by the Princess’ guards. It took fourteen of them to restrain me, and that was after the fight with our mystery guests.”

Yet obviously not strong enough to resist Princess Luna.

“Shut up! I would have torn her apart if I wasn’t restrained. I could feel her magic breaking, and if I had been given a little more time…”

You can resist magic?

“No,” Hyde removed his dark jacket and tossed it onto the bed. “I heal, and quite efficiently at that. Don’t you remember the night at the Broken Bud?”

I remember you snapped off that pony’s horn before crushing her neck.

“You’re such a critic,” Hyde groaned. “Can’t you just appreciate these gifts? Seriously.”

These ‘gifts’ are unnatural, just like you. It’s hard to appreciate something that puts you inside of a prison cell.

“But the power, Jecolt, the power to eliminate your enemies. Imagine if you had me around when you presented to the Committee. None of those stuffy fools would dare reject you.”

I never needed brute force to progress in my station, only wit and a well-earned education.

“And a raging sense of self-righteousness.”

Hyde’s eyes shot open as he gasped for breath. He felt his consciousness be pulled back as Jecolt regained control of their shared body. The blood returned to his head and restored his blurred vision. 

What was that for?

“It’s my body, Hyde, you’re just living in it.” Jecolt’s lightheadedness faded completely. He sat on the bed and stared into the mirror. The comfort of staring into his own eyes was soon replaced with the annoyed sensation of staring into Hyde’s.

You could at least give a little warning.

“Well excuse me,” Jecolt mocked, waving his hooves in emphasis. “Goodness, don’t you ever get tired of being a complete pain?”

The face of Hyde in the mirror cocked an eyebrow, maintaining a dead-pan expression void of amusement.

Jecolt, I’m a murderous psychopath with superpowers. It’s what I do.

There was a pause as Jecolt’s eyes widened at Hyde’s confession. He blinked a few times, trying to process the simplicity of the statement. Hyde’s expression remained unchanged as the silence in their shared mind began to spread.

What?

“Nothing,” Jecolt stammered, looking away from his double’s gaze. “It’s just quite honest coming from you.”

I’m a murderer, daddy, not a liar.

“You say that as if the two don’t go hoof in hoof.”

And what would you have me do? Pretend that I’m no different than the prey of this city, as if I’m just as weak as them? Why should I hide what I am, Jecolt?

“Because you end up in places like this if you don’t.” Jecolt spread his hooves, showcasing the small cell that contained them. Hyde scoffed.

As if this place will hold me. I will escape from here, one way or—

“Sweet Celestia, Hyde,” Jecolt said through a groan. “Enough with the arrogance. Can’t you see you’ve lost?”

I haven’t lost anything, Jecolt. You can’t control me and neither can the princesses.

“You were trapped in Luna’s grasp,” Jecolt stated, leaning closer to the mirror. “You all but kissed her horseshoes while she had you on the floor and you think you can escape?”

I would tear her to pieces!

“And I won’t let you!”

Jecolt’s strained gaze met the emerald eyes of his doppelganger as a silence filled the room. Hyde struggled to find a rebuttal as his lower jaw trembled in contrast to his intense scowl. Jecolt took a deep breath.

“Look, let’s get one thing straight.” Jecolt’s tone returned to normal. “I don’t like you, and you don’t like me. But if you decide to challenge one of the most powerful beings in Equestria simply because she put you in your place then we are both going to die, and I would prefer to live through this nightmarish turn in my life. Understand?”

Hyde evaded Jecolt’s vision, his face still tense from the argument. He trembled at the thought of submitting to the princess he now loathed. He turned back to Jecolt with a reluctant groan.

Then what do you propose, oh wise one?

“You do what they want. We’re not in any position to refuse their wishes, especially you. It’s only by Celestia’s will that we haven’t been hanged and I don’t feel that Luna will be any more merciful.”

Jecolt stared out of the barred window with solemn eyes, but not before Hyde released a soft chuckle within their shared consciousness.

“What’s so funny now?” Jecolt muttered.

You know that, one way or another, I end up dead.

“Yes.” Jecolt produced a wry smile. “And the thought does not at all bring me discomfort.”

Jecolt stared out into the starry night as he felt Hyde recede into his mind. He took a few moments before making his way to the thin mattress, throwing himself onto it. The sound of the wind filled his ears and, slowly, his weary eyes closed.