> Redemption of the Soul
>  by Hacked Gamer
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The Story Begins
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“God I never get tired of this song.” One would think that after listening to the same song 100,000 times they would either get sick of it or go insane. But nope it’s still one of my favorite songs.

Of course when you’re stone statue in the Canterlot Gardens, there really isn’t much to do besides replay your own memories. Like songs, videos, games, movies or whatever else comes to mind. Or you could just use your own imagination to make up something. Anything to keep yourself from going completely insane from boredom.

Hey it’s better than how I spent the first two centuries in this frozen state. Which was nothing but wallowing in regret. At one point, I actually thought that confessing my sins would eventually get me out of here. But nope, still a statue.

Then again, it’s not like I’m here without a reason. I mean I show up during a time of war and when I tried to help, I just made it worse. After that the princesses came and blast me with those damn elements. “I could’ve explained myself if they’ve just given me the chance! But no, instead they have their guards ambush me, wait to catch me off guard and then BAM! Shoot me with a magically rainbow that turns me to stone.”

And now here I stand. As a statue with my right arm extended forward and my palm wide open revealing the Z shape scar in the middle of my hand. With only a few passing-by guards and gardeners to keep me company. If you’re wondering why I was in that pose it was because before the rainbow hit me, I was trying to block it with a shield offering. A lot of good that did me.

Mind you though, I hold no grudge against the princesses. I mean I was a little pissed at the beginning of my imprisonment but after some time thinking, I came realize that their actions were pretty justified.

You know, I most likely wouldn’t be in this sorry state if I had never gone to that convention. Then I wouldn’t have met HIM. That damn merchant.


2,600 years ago


The day had finally come. The day I’ve been waiting for months is finally here. Comic-Con.

Normally I don’t usually go to a convention like this. Well more like can’t go but that’s only because tickets sell out so quickly. This time however, I got lucky and was able to buy the tickets for me and some friends. 

And to get into the spirit of things, my pals and I decided to dress up in costumes. They wanted to as more generic characters. Characters that would most likely be a dime a dozen at the convention. Me however, I wanted to go as something different. Something that there would be very little chance of running into someone else dressing as the same. That’s when I got an idea from my ps vita.

I decide to go as a custom character from one of my favorite JRPGs. A sorcerer from Soul Sacrifice. The outfit I was going to go with was the nomad raiment color H from the delta version of the game. The color of the clothing consisted nearly entirely of black except for what is supposed to be the glowing markings which was sky blue. For what my right arm would look like I decided to do my own thing. I always preferred neutrality so I wrapped it up with what looked like dirty bandages like in the game if you stayed neutral. But for my own twist, I colored the skin of my hand and forearm black to make it seem like I was suffering from the blight. The last touch was a red Z painted on the palm of my hand.

Once I had put on the finishing touching to my costume in my apartment, I heard a car horn from outside.

HONK!!

I went over to my window and look out to see my friend’s car waiting in front of my place. 

“Come on man! We’re gonna be late!” The driver shouted.

“I’ll be down in a minute!” I shouted back.

I went back inside to grab the essentials everybody needs to make sure they have. My keys, my cellphone and probably the most important my wallet. There was no way I was going to come back from this convention empty-handed. I don’t care if I have to spend all my money on one item, I’m getting something!

After grabbing everything I need including my ticket, I made my way downstairs, got into the car and sped off to Comic-Con. I just knew this would be a day to remember.


Later


Here I was. Standing in the middle of one of the biggest crowds I’ve ever seen. And everyone was here for the exactly same reason: Comic-Con.

This was definitely one of the greatest moments of my life. Everyone was having fun. There were stands everywhere either showcasing or selling stuff. And half the people here were in costumes.

The only thing that was somewhat bothering me is that even though some people like my costume, they would either mistake me for someone else or they had no idea what I was entirely. There were some people who did know who I was and have actually asked me to take a few pictures. I even took some pictures with other people in costumes. A couple of them we even posed as if I was taking their soul. All in all, the whole thing was a great experience.

Right now I was on my own because my friends forgot to eat something before coming here. I already ate so I wasn’t hungry but since waiting for them to finish would be boring I decided to go explore on my own. 

Though I was just walking around, there was one thing I was focus on and that was buying a souvenir. Like I said before there was no way I was going home empty-handed. So now I was walking by several stands scattered throughout the convention in search for a good souvenir. There were plenty of stands that had such items but nothing that really caught my interest.

That’s when I found something I thought was quite peculiar. A single booth standing in the middle of the crowd all by itself. The part that weirded me out was the fact that I can see it had tons of objects from movies, TV shows, video games and more stuff then all the other stands I’ve seen. And yet for some reason nobody was going near it. I saw that anyone that was heading in its general direction would suddenly change course at the last minute. Hell you could see a bubble formed around it as if it was protected like some kind of invisible force field. 

Being captured by curiosity, I decided to explore this weird abnormality. So I headed on over to the stand. After a few steps I reached the edge of the circle that nobody dared to cross. Taking a deep breath I step on through….only for nothing to happen. I look back around me and saw that people were still walking by like nothing. Turning back to look at the booth I continued to walk forward to see what it had to offer.

Reaching the front of the counter, I begin to browse the items laid out. I have to say there was certainly a lot of stuff here that people would give an arm and a leg to get their hands on. There was this weird but cool looking jewelry. There were some life-sized weapons from games like a keyblade, a really long masamune sword, a rocket launcher with an Umbrella emblem on the side. There were other little things like an Omnitrix, a borderlands psycho mask, a silver coin in a glass case and many other trinkets.

In all honestly with all this stuff here, it made me wonder why no one wanted to come near this-

“Interested?”

“JESUS!” I shouted and jump back from the booth.

Behind the table, seemingly out of nowhere, was a man dressed in a costume. It took me a second to recognize the outfit as the merchant from Resident Evil 4. But seriously where did this guy come from?! I may have been enamored by the merchandise but I know he wasn’t there a second ago. Then again, there’s a curtain right behind the guy. Probably came out from there and I just didn’t noticed.

After settling my beating heart, I responded with “Excuse me?”

“Anything that catches your eye stranger?” He gestured the items on the table.

Good God, this guy even sounded like the merchant. And to me, the merchant sounds like the kind of guy that would try to con you. That and he really needs to lay off the cigarettes. But of course being at Comic-Con, I dismissed for just being in character.

“Uh not yet.” I answered. Not wanting to be rude by just saying no.

“Well let me know if anything catches your interest. I have many rare items on sell stranger.” He said.

I continued to browse across the various items laid out. “I don’t know. I definitely would like to buy a souvenir from here. Don’t get me wrong, I would like nothing more than to have a perfect replica of a keyblade but that wouldn’t really look right with my costume. Sorry.”

I was about to turn away and leave when the merchant called for my attention.

“Wait.” He said. “I know what you are. You’re a sorcerer from that hand-held game, correct? What was it called again?” The merchant pondered.

“Soul Sacrifice.” I answered. It always felt good to be recognized.

“Ah yes. I’m quite familiar with that game. And I believe I have something you’d very much like.” He turned around and disappeared behind the curtain. 

Barely a few moments later, the merchant came back out with something in his hands. I couldn’t tell what it was because it was wrapped up in some old cloth. But from what I can see, it was in the shape of a cuboid. The man placed the object on an empty spot on the counter.

“Here it is.” The merchant spoke. “An item I believe you’d be very much interested in.”

I stepped forward and begin to unwrap the cloth to see what it is. When I finished unwrapping it, my eyes widen at the contents. I couldn’t believe it. I’ve actually looked online to see if one existed but couldn’t find anything. And now there’s one here right in front of me. A replica of the book in Soul Sacrifice: Librom.

It looked exactly like the real thing. Even the face on the cover looked real. Like it was made of flesh but feeling it you could tell it was made of leather that was painted in flesh color. Touching the eyes and teeth I could tell it was plastic embedded in the leather.

“Well?” The merchant asked.

Without hesitation I asked “How much?” At this point, any suspicion I had of this stand was gone.

The merchant grinned behind his mask. “Well normally I would sell such a rare item for a high price like $400.”

“$400! That’s practically all the money I have right now! I know I said I didn’t care if it costed all the money I have but I still planned on eating later.” I thought as I try to calm myself from within.

“But” The merchant continued “Since it would go so well with your costume stranger, I’ll sell it for only $50.”

“Seriously?! Awesome!” I reached in my wallet and gave the nice man the $50. There was no way I was about to pass up such a great deal.
Once the merchant got his money, he gave me the book. I stood there frozen for a few moments. I just couldn’t I got my hands on an actual replica of Librom. My moment of awe however was interrupted when the vendor spoke again.

“It’s been a pleasure doing business with you.” The merchant then a creepy chuckled. “Enjoy your trip stranger.”

Wait what? “I’m sorry. What are you ta-“ That was as far as my sentence got before the book in my hands suddenly popped open on its own and an intense bright light shined in my face. “AAAAHHHH!!!” And that was the last sound I made before my world went black.


Present Day – Canterlot Gardens


When I had finally woken up, I was in the middle of a desert. At first I thought someone drugged and dragged me out there as a joke. But later on I discovered I was actually in a land called Equestria. A place I had thought only existed as a made up TV show. A show I wasn’t a fan of. I wasn’t a brony hater or anything. I mean I saw the show when I was extremely bored and had nothing else to do but I didn’t find it all that appealing to me.

Anyway when I first came to this world, I noticed a few things. One was my clothes had changed. The material had become leather and the sky blue markings were glowing for real. Second was that body was a lot more muscular than when I was on Earth and a little bit taller. Third was that I was in Equestria’s past. When I meet some of the locals, I brought up the names Nightmare Moon and Discord and yet they had no idea who I was talking about. That and the huts they lived in were also a dead giveaway. Last, and this was possibly my favorite, was that I had powers. I learned that I had actually become a real sorcerer from Soul Sacrifice. All of the spells from the game were at my disposal. Well at least the one’s I know of. I’ll get back to that eventually.

“Now what should I think of next?” I thought.

“Oh might I make a suggestion?” An unwelcomed voice finally decided to speak up. “How about a song from that artist you thought of 500 years ago? What was his name? Custard Beaver?”

The one time I think one of that guy’s songs and it got stuck in my head all day. It wasn’t until I started thinking about the ‘Blind man has to go’ prank video that I finally got it out.

Well anyway, there’s something I forgot to mention earlier. Besides from the occasional gardeners and guards, I also had the most annoying roommate in this garden. That roommate being none other than Discord, God of chaos. Who right now is also a stone statue.

“Or maybe you can play that lovely Friday song from 400 years ago.” Discord telepathically said.

Apparently Discord’s favorite songs are the most annoying ones I know.

“I thought I told you to never talk to me.” I responded.

“You did. About 1,500 times to be exact. But since when do I do what you say?” Discord retorted. “Besides I’m so bored and you’re the only one here I can even have a conversion with.”

“Look, if you’re so bored just wait for the next visit. Whoever they are, they should be here soon.” I knew there was going to be a visit because yesterday the gardeners were working overtime. The only time they do that is when there’s going to be visit the next day.

And speak of the devil, I soon heard the sound of clopping hooves.

“This way children.” A voice spoke out from a far. “There are a few more statues I want you to see.”

Hmm, why does that voice sound so familiar? 

Then out from around a tall hedge came a purple mare with a two shaded pink mane and with her an entire class of foals. Apparently they were here for a class field trip. 

Normally I wouldn't care for these things but that changed once I got a better look of the incoming crowd. I know who they are. That mare is Cheerilee! And those kids are her class! Hell I can even see the CMC! 

The fact that they were here can only mean one thing: I’ve finally caught up to the show. The beginning of season 2 I think. Like I said, not a fan so I didn’t bother keeping track of everything. The only parts that really stood out for me were the start and end of each season. Everything in between was more of a hit and miss for me.

So watching the class a little more I realized they were coming towards me.

“So class,” Cheerilee addressed the kids. “Can anypony tell me what this statue represents?” She gestured her hoof towards me.

“Horrible fashion sense.” A light pink filly with a light purple and white swirl mane joked. A few of the other children snickered in response. If I remembered correctly, her name is Diamond Tiara

“Screw you, you little punk. You have any idea how long it took me to make this thing? It took me forever to get the cape to stay attached to the hood.” I thought.

Cheerilee sighed as if she expected such an answer. “No. This statue represents Corruption.”

I mentally sighed. “Right, that lovely little title the princesses gave me after imprisoning me in stone. They never even bothered to get my name”

“It is said that long ago, there lived a dark and powerful sorcerer who wielded a different kind of magic. One that changed and corrupted everything it touches. This dark sorcerer used his magic to raise an army of giant monsters and attacked the land.” Cheerilee explained.

“Oh my...how many times do I have to say ‘my bad’?!” I mentally yelled. “I didn’t mean for that to happen. I was going to fix it but the princesses got to me first.”

“But the princesses managed to defeat this sorcerer and lock his army away in Tartarus. And harmony was restored to Equestria.” Cheerilee finished.

“Lady, you forgot the part where Equestria was already in a state of war with the other races when I showed up.” I thought. “I guess the only good that came out of my actions was that it united all the species. Guess they were left with no choice since the archfiends were everywhere.”

“This sorcerer is supposed to be powerful?” The small orange filly with a purple mane questioned. “He doesn’t look so tough. I bet Rainbow Dash can kick his flank in 10 seconds flat.”

“Believe me child, many have said the same thing and they all regretted it.” I thought.

“Now kids, on to the next statue.” Cheerilee announced as she trotted over to Discord with the students in tow.

Well at least this encounter was able to answer a big question for me: when is it? Now I know that I’m in the middle of the show. I would ask some questions but I had to masked my thoughts to ensure Discord couldn’t hear them. Can’t risk him knowing what’s going to happen. Though only question I had for right now is when will I get out? If I ever get out.

My thoughts were interrupted however by the sound of rough housing. I looked to see the CMC fighting amongst each other.

Luckily Cheerilee decided to intervene. “Actually, in a way, you're all right. This statue represents ‘Discord’, which means a lack of harmony between ponies. In fact, you three have demonstrated discord so well that you're each going to write me an essay explaining it.”

The CMC look down in shame while their fellow classmates laughter at the expense. They were clearly not happy with the new assignment they’ve been given.

“Now let’s go, and I don’t want anymore fighting.” Cheerilee said as she began to leave with the foals following suit. 

CRACK!

But had they stuck around they would’ve noticed Discord’s statue beginning to crack.

CRACK! CRACK! Heheheheha.

With a bright light and a loud boom, Discord was finally free from his prison.

“Yes! Free at last!” Discord said as he began to stretch.

“Well at least one of us is able to move again.” I mentally said.

Discord then looked in my direction. “Oh don’t worry. I haven’t forgotten about you. You’ve been sealed away far longer than I have and even I believe nopony deserves this fate.”

“I’m not a pony.” I corrected.

“Whatever the case, here you go.” Discord then snapped his fingers.

The next moment a magical white aura engulfed my stone form. The Z shape scar on my hand then started to glow red as the magic aura flowed right into it. Once fully absorbed, the markings on my clothes began to glow sky blue once again.

CRACK!

That’s when my stone body began to crack as well.

CRACK! CRACK!

“Hmm I wonder.” If I was about to be release after so long, might as well make a bit of an entrance.

I focus as I charge up to use a Wild Dog Maw offering, which is a roar spell. Once fully charged, I let go and my stone prison exploded.

Now I realized that using a spell after not moving for so long was probably not a good idea because I immediately became exhausted. I fell forward off my pedestal and landed on the ground on my hand and knees.

After catching my breath, I said “I don’t understand. Why release me?”

“Why you ask? Because you’re the darkest sorcerer in Equestrian history of course. I heard all about the amount of chaos you caused even before I was sealed away. It’ll be fun to watch the havoc you’ll cause now that you’re free.” Discord explained himself.

I chuckled in response which seemed to have confused Discord a bit. “Hate to break it to you but I don’t plan on causing any kind of chaos.” I said as I got to my feet.

“Ooh. Then what do you plan on doing if I may ask?” Discord questioned.

Before answering, I took a moment to finally breathe in the nice fresh air this world had to offer. “I will do what I must to redeem myself.”

Discord narrowed his eyes in suspicion. “Does that include getting in my way?” He placed one hand behind his back and set his fingers in a pre-snapping position.

I stared at Discord with a stoic expression. For a moment, there was nothing but silence. Then I decided to answer. “No. You’re not my concern. What you do is none of my business.”

The draconequus continued to stare at his former fellow inmate. Studying him to sense any kind of deception. After a few seconds he clapped his hands together and smiled. “Well in any case, I guess this is farewell for now. Until next time…”

….

….

The God of Chaos placed a finger on his chin. “You know, after all this time of being sealed together, I never got your name. Would you mind rectifying that?” He kindly asked.

Unfortunately, this was a question I couldn’t answer. Not because I didn’t want to. It’s because after repeating certain thoughts in my head to insure I didn’t forget anything from my old life for so many years, there was one thing I apparently forgot to constantly remind myself of. 

MY OWN DAMN NAME!

I stared off into space as I look through my old memories. To find anything that can give me a clue as to what my name was. But nothing. I couldn’t find anything. It was like every memory I had that mentioned my name was edited to mute or bleep it out.

This was certainly a predicament. If I run into some of the locals of this world how are they going to address me? I definitely didn’t want to be constantly called dark sorcerer while I’m here. This leaves me with only one option: get a new name.

I begin to look around the garden to find any suggestions as to what I can call myself. I then spotted the pedestal I once stood on and the plaque attached to it. The plaque used to say ‘Corruption’ but thanks to that roar spell before some of the letters were blown off. However the remaining letters gave me an idea of what I can call myself.

I turn back to Discord and say “You can call me Corro.”

“Well then Corro, I’ll be off to create some marvelous chaos. Until next time I bid you ado.” With Discord disappeared in a flash of light.

“Yeah, you do your thing and distract all the ponies for me.” I knew eventually Discord will be defeated but in the meantime he can be used to distract the ponies long enough for me to get something.

I turn my body in a certain direction and look ahead to see the Royal Canterlot Castle. “Alright, now for my first objective: get back my book.”

> Retrieve And Give
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	After spending about 10 minutes traversing a near endless maze of the garden and avoiding patrolling guards, I finally reached the Canterlot Royal Castle. “Finally.” I sighed. “For a moment there, I thought I’d never get out of that garden.”

Taking a step forward I felt I had stepped in something wet. Looking down, I see I stepped on a puddle on some brown liquid. I took a knee and dipped two fingers in the puddle. With the liquid dripping from my hand, I took a quick sniff and licked a little of the fluid. “Chocolate milk?”

Then a memory from my world had clicked in. So I look up to the sky and see one of the strangest things I ever seen. A pink cotton candy cloud raining down chocolate milk. “Looks like Discord didn’t waste any time to do his thing. Still, I don’t know how long I have so I should treat every second like it counts.”

Turning to face the castle again, I cross my arm and began to think of the situation. “Knowing the princesses, there’s no way they would just toss my book in a hole and bury it. Not when some idiot can just accidentally stubble upon it.” I thought. ”No, they, or at least Celestia if I remember the sequence of events from the show correctly, would keep it close. Someplace where they can have it checked daily to see if it was missing.” I look up at the castle with an intense stare. “Knowing Celestia is a pony of wisdom, no doubt this castle will have a library. And that’s where I’m heading.”

I then begin to survey the exterior of the castle to see anyway in. “When trying to sneak into anyplace never use the front door. The backdoor is so cliché and obvious too so that’s out. My only choice then is to go through a window.” The only problem with that however was the fact that none of the windows were ground level. All the ones I can see were a little high up and I couldn’t find any ledges to climb on. I look down at my right hand remembering a spell from the game. “Using a simple bronze level roar spell was enough to nearly completely exhaust me. It’ll probably be a while before I can fully recover my power and until then I’m going to have to use my magic conservatively. I just hope I don’t run into too much trouble.”

I walk front to the wall and position myself just underneath the side of a balcony. I gathered a bit of magic in my hand before slamming it down on the ground. Immediately the patch of ground I stood on started to rise up several feet as I was performing the Primordial Bedrock spell. Using the momentum of the rising pillar, I jumped up to grab the edge of the balcony and hopped over the railings. 

But after that, I collapsed to my knees as I felt myself being drained again. I took a few moments to regain myself with heavy breaths. Once a minute or so passed, I was able to stand at full height. “Okay so I need to be more conservative than that.” I thought.

Opening the glass door of the balcony I entered what appeared to be a guest room. “I wonder if they’ve discovered tempur-pedic mattresses yet.” I whispered but then shake my head. “Come on man, focus. I need to find that library.”

I walked up to the front door and placed my ear against it trying to hear if anybody was on the other side. Satisfied to hear nothing, I carefully and slowly crack the door open to get a visual. Seeing nothing, I fully open the door, walk through and close the door behind. Best not let any passing guards know an intruder is about. Now in a marble hallway, I look left and right and see nothing but endless hallway. “Now which way do I go?”

“Enough stalling Discord!”

I flinch as I suddenly hear a new but familiar voice.

“What have you done with the Elements of Harmony?!”

“Princess Celestia?” I thought while I followed the sound to another door in the hallway. I quietly cracked the door open and peeked inside. “Well look who it is.”

The other side of the door was another hallway but this one had several stained glass windows. Each one with different pictures that represented a significant moment in Equestrian history. But what truly caught my attention were the 8 beings that were in it right now. Discord, Celestia and most importantly, the mane six. Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash.

“Oh so boring, Celestia. Really?” Discord stated. “Fine, I’ll tell you, but I’ll only tell you my way.”

The draconequus then began to move from window to window. “To retrieve your missing Elements, just make sense of this change of events. Twists and turns are my master plan. Then find the Elements back where you began.” Discord then vanished leaving behind an echo of his last few words and a laugh.

“What do your reckon he meant?” The orange blonde pony named Applejack questioned. “Twists and turns and ending back where we started?”

The lavender unicorn named Twilight went deep into thought. “Twists and turns. Twists and turns.” She stopped in front of a window that revealed a maze made of hedges. “Twists and turns! That’s it! I bet Discord hid the Elements in the palace labyrinth.”

I closed my eyes and shook my head back and forth in disappointment.

“Good luck my little ponies.” Princess Celestia said. “The fate of Equestria is in your hooves.”

“Thanks, Princess.” Twilight replied. “We won’t let you down.”

With that, Twilight and her friends went off to find and reclaim the Elements of Harmony.

Too bad that they were going in the wrong direction.

Now that the moment was over, I closed the door and shook my head again. “Idiots.” I thought. “Still though, that’s clever. Giving a riddle where a majority of it is pointless. It’s only the last verse that truly gave the answer.” A slight grin then came upon my face. “Still I know Twilight will figure it out in the end.”

Getting away from the door, I begin my trek down the hall. “Just hopefully not before I find my book. Now, where’s that library?”





“OH MY GOD WHERE THE FUCK AM I?!!!”

At this point, I didn’t care if someone heard me. In fact, I wished someone would come just so I can get some directions! How anyone can make it through this maze is beyond me. This must be what it feels like to be Zoro from One Piece and that guy had a terrible sense of direction. I’m just glad I found the kitchen along the way because otherwise I would be starving right now.

After walking through endless hallways for God knows how long, I’ve noticed one distinct thing: a surprising lack of guards. When I started my search there were plenty of guards. All of which I avoided by keeping to the shadows, but as time went on the number of guards steadily decreased to the point of there being none. If I had to guess they were given new orders to help the citizens outside. Since from what I can tell through the windows it’s pretty much chaos city out there. Pink skies, stripe and checker patterned ground, floating buildings. Yep, this is definitely the highlight of Discord’s day. But that also meant I didn’t have a lot of time left.

“I have to hurry.” I said as I began to jog.

After a few minutes, I came across another turn in the hallway. As usual I placed my back against the wall and take a peek around the corner. To my delight, I find a lone pegasus guard standing on the left side of the hall facing to the right. However, unlike the other guards I’ve seen, this one seemed a bit nervous and a little younger than the others. This must have been a new recruit and due to inexperience was probably ordered to stay behind and guard the castle. And I immediately thought of how to use this to my advantage. Hopefully the poor kid won’t get too traumatized.

I look around to find something I can use as a distraction. That’s when I find an expensive looking vase on a pedestal. “That’ll do.” Grabbing the vase, I went back to the corner to check on the guard. He had still yet to move. Holding the vase in my left hand, I use a bit of magic to summon an Axe Edge into my right hand. “Sorry about this kid but I need some directions.”

Pulling my arm back, I gave the vase a good toss over the guards head and it broke upon impact on the ground a couple yards from the guard. The pegasus immediately turns his head to see the shattered vase thus opening a good blind spot for me. Which is all I needed. With the Axe Edge in hand, I ran up behind the guard as he was distracted. Once I was close enough I wrapped my left hand over his mouth and press my blade up against his throat while lifting him up. Immediately the guard began to struggle, flailing his hooves around and flapping his wings rapidly in a panic. But I had a firm hold on him, he wasn’t going anywhere.

“Unless you want me to repaint the floor in your own blood I suggest you calm down.” I whispered in his ear in a dark tone. I don’t like making threats, especially to someone who hasn’t done anything wrong. But like I said before, I’m on the clock and at this point I can barely afford subtlety.

After hearing my threat, the guard seemed to have calm down a bit but he was still scared. Hell I can feel his heart beating rapidly in his chest as if it was about to explode.

“Now I’m going to remove my hand. And when I do, do NOT scream. If you do well…” I press my blade a little further making a small cut with a small trickle of blood coming down his fur.”…you know what to expect. Do I make myself clear?”

With his eyes becoming pinpricks and sweat coming down his muzzle, the guard nodded in compliance. “Oh god, If I wasn’t going to Hell before I definitely am now.”

I slowly moved my hand away from his mouth and moved my arm around his torso. “Now what you are going to do is this: you’re going to guide me to this castle’s library. And no I don’t want you to simply tell me the directions, in fact I don’t want you to say anything at all. What I want is for you to guide me there by pointing your hooves. But if you lie and point me in the wrong direction even once, trust me I can tell, well that’ll be the end of your story. Got it?” On the inside I prayed to God this guy would fall for my bluff.

The scared guard nodded again saying yes.

“Good. Now then, point the way.”


Later…


After about half an hour, the pegasus in my arms finally managed to lead me to the royal castle library.

“Thank you.” I dismiss the Axe Edge as it disappears in a yellow light. I then place my hand on top of his head. “Your services are no longer required.” Next I charge a bit of volt magic in my hand and sent it through the guard’s head. Not enough to fry his brain or cause any kind of permanent damage but enough to knock him out. His eyes widen for a moment before closing and slumping front as he slipped in unconsciousness. “And I am sorry.”

With the knocked out pegasus still in my arms, I went over to a nearby supply closet used by the servants and gently stuff him in before closing the door.

I headed over back to the entrance of the library and began to slowly crack it open. Taking a peak through the small opening I see that no one was nearby. With no one around, I decided to get my whole body through the threshold before shutting it behind me. 

Now inside, I trek forward while also listening carefully to my surroundings. Last thing I need is for someone to see and report me to the princesses. After about a minute of walking, I made it to a more open area of the library. 

Once I got there I got a good look at my surroundings and I have to say…. THIS LIBRARY IS HUGE! It was only a few floors but I can still see nearly endless rows of books on each of them. If I had to guess, I’d say this place has a copy of every book ever published in Equestria. Putting my hands on my hips, I gave a whistle which echoed through the unintentional echo chamber. “Damn Celestia, you don’t pull any punches do you?”

However, my moment of admiration was cut short when I realized one thing: my book is somewhere in this mess. I begin to frantically look in random directions for any indication of where my book Librom could be. 

“Damn it!” I thought. “Any minute now, Discord will be defeated by Twilight and her friends. And when that happens, everything will be restored back normal which means that the royal guard will return which will make my escape even harder. All it will take is for one of them to spot me and report to the Princesses, and that is a confrontation I’d rather avoid.” Sweat begins to form around my forehead as I ran past row after row of book shelves for any hints to help me.

“If I don’t find my book soon I am so f-“ I immediately came to a stop when I saw a sign that would probably be a good place to start. “Huh, just like Harry Potter. A restricted section.” Hell there was even thin chains hanging from the ceilings that came together for a metal curtain. “If I had to guess, this is where the Princesses would keep things like forbidden knowledge and spells. Even someone as good hearted as Celestia has her dark secrets.”

Without wasting time, I crossed through the curtain and entered the restricted section. The first thing I noticed was how these books weren’t as brightly colored as the other ones that were in plain sight. I mean there were some but they were also had a bit more complex design to them. I imagine the others were more for dark magic, dangerous artifacts or something. I also noticed that there was also a little bit of dust. Guess the princesses don’t want to take any chances with curious janitors or a thief coming in disguise as a janitor.

However the case, I was only focused on finding a book that looked like it was made of skin. Knowing time was short, I decided to go for a gamble and say that for a book as dangerous as Librom, Celestia would most likely put it in the back. With that in mind I quicken my pace and jogged for the furthest area in the restricted section.

After a minute or so, I reached a round room in the back of the section. All around the wall were pedestals holding various books and scrolls. But one in particular caught my eye. A cuboid shaped object wrapped in an old cloth. “Now why does this look familiar?” I sarcastically asked myself.

I walk up to the pedestal and was about to reach for the item but stopped when a thought occurred to me. “Wait….this is too easy. There’s no way Celestia would just leave all these dangerous things here for anyone to take without some kind of security.” That’s when I look down at the ground and noticed something. “Unless…” I kneel down to get a closely look. You can barely make it out but if you’re really paying attention you can make out some kind of outline of something around the foot of the pedestal. “I wonder…” I close my eyes and activate my Mind’s Eye. 

My Mind’s Eye being a nifty little ability that allows me to see what most can’t or as the game says ‘allows perception of the usually invisible’. In the game, it allows you to see the health of your enemies and allies, see weak points or cursed parts, points of interest and items. But in real life, those limitations are somewhat expanded. Like being able to see things that have magic in it.

And right now I see glowing magical writings scribbled on the floor around the pedestal. Looking left and right, I can also see the same thing around the other pedestals. Turning my head back to the circle in front of me, I examine the writing of the enchantment. “Clever. Real clever Celestia. Setting up an invisible magic security system that triggers if anything or anyone crosses it. And when activated, sends a signal back to the one that casted it to let them know someone tripped the alarm.”

A smirk comes across my face as I raise my hand near the inscription. “But it won’t be enough.” The red Z on the palm of my hand begins to glow as the writing made itself visible with a yellow glow. Then the magic of the inscription started to flow into my hand as it was being absorbed. After a few seconds, the magic was completely taken and the writing on the floor disappears. 

Now allow me to emphasize on something here. I can only absorb magic to a degree. Small things like an alarm are easy enough. Bigger things however put a lot more strain on me and take time so don’t expect me to suddenly absorb a magical blast aiming to hurt or kill me. Hell absorbing small amounts of magic hurts enough because thanks to the blight on my arm, it feels like it’s in a constant state of muscle cramps. I have grown accustom to it but the pain spike every now and then.

Anyway now back to the matter at hand. With the security alarm now gone, I grab the item off the pedestal. I then reach around with my right hand and unwrap the old cloth just like I did back at the convention all those years ago. My feeling of nostalgia increased when I finally managed to get the rag off and in my left hand, lo and behold, was my old book: Librom. Although this time the eyes of the grimoire were closed, almost as if it were asleep.

However the second I placed my right hand on the side, a light shined in the space between the book and my hand. A second later, glowing symbols in the same kind of writing you would see in the game began to reveal themselves all around the book itself like chains. “What the?” The next moment, the symbols started to peel themselves and float up off of Librom before fading away.

Not a moment later, the eyes of the book popped open.

“Well it’s about bloody time you showed up!” The book shouted as it shook in anger.

Oh, did I forget to mention? Librom is a sentient book therefore….it or he can talk.

“You go and get yourself sealed in stone by those sorry excuses for princesses and I have to put a seal on myself as well as go into a deep slumber! And now it’s only after 2,500 BLOODY YEARS that you finally show up you insufferable oaf!”

Yeah the thing about Librom is that at times….he’ll complain and insult you a lot.

“2,500 YEARS?!” I mentally screamed. “That’s how long I was sealed for?! Damn.”

“Wait, hang on.” I interrupted. “If you were asleep, how do you know that how much time has passed?” I questioned.

“I’m a book you imbecile.” Librom replied. “I keep track of these sort of things even in slumber.”

“Okay. But then what was that about a seal?” I asked. “Why did you put a seal on yourself?”

Librom answered with “Ah yes well, when you were hit by those elements, I was knocked off your person. Thus was spared the fate of being petrified with you. But when I fell and hit the ground, I was knocked unconscious. When I came to, the princesses had claimed me and-“

BOOOOOOOOMMM!!!!!

The whole castle shook as a loud explosion filled the air. I stumbled about trying to regain my balance and caught myself on the ledge of a nearby window. I look outside to find a giant dome of magic standing over a nearby village. But then that dome begins to expand outward in a rapid pace in a bright light.

Seeing the incoming blast, I quickly ducked the underneath the window before a bright white light shined through the opening over my head. I did not want to risk getting hit by that light. Once the light stopped, I got back up and saw the scenery that was filled with chaos a few moments ago was now gone and everything was restored to normal.

That can only mean one thing: Discord was defeated.

“What in the world was that?!” Librom shouted. “What happened?! What was that explosion?”

“That would be our que to leave.” I answered as I reach underneath my cape and grab my book satchel.

After a while when I first came to Equestria, I made a satchel to carry Librom since holding him in my arms all the time was too much of a drag. I even added magic sigils to it so it can protect Librom from harm from various elements of nature and magic. Considering how much magic I poured into making it, it was pretty much indestructible. At least that’s what I hope.

Anyway I opened up the bag and placed Librom inside. “Just hang tight buddy. I’ll get us out of here.”

Knowing the royal guards were no doubt returning, going back the way I came was out of the question. I look back out the window and saw a path I can use across rooftops of the castle structures. To help get across the roofs without breaking my legs, I cast the Falcon Feather offering over my legs.

At that moment I noticed something peculiar. I could have sworn I was going for the gold level of that spell but instead I felt I had casted the bronze level which had less duration time. Now that I thought about it when I got back Librom, I only felt some of my power return not all of it. This was something I’d have to look into but right now time was of the essence. I’ll just have to make do with what I got.

Seeing there was some distance between the window and the nearest rooftop, I went back a few feet for a good running start. I then sprinted as fast as I could towards the window and once close enough, jumped. With gravity taking its course, I saw I was going to miss the ledge of my target by a few feet. But I had expected this and which why I casted the previous spell. Activating it, I blinked into a flow of red energy before solidifying and reappearing half a second later a couple of yards forward which brought me just a above my intended target. Landing with a roll, I quickly got up to repeat the process across several more rooftops. 

If I recalled correctly, the bronze level Falcon Feather spell only lasted for about 60 seconds before it wears off so I had to be quick.
I finally managed to reach the ground level just before the spell wore off. Looking forward I saw I made it to the edge of the castle. Which by the way was hanging off the edge of a mountain several hundred feet off the ground. Looking down I can actually feel myself beginning to develop a case of vertigo. Backing away quickly I tried to think of a way to get out of Canterlot. Unfortunately it would have to be fast because from around the corner I can hear the sound of approaching clopping hooves.

“Shit! Must be a patrolling guard.” I thought. “Think! Think! Think! What do I do? What do I do? What do I-“ That’s when an idea popped in my head. However…”Oh I’m not going to enjoy this.” I look over the edge again to judge the distance before looking down at my corrupted right arm. I took a deep breath before whispering “Please just don’t let me land on my head.”

Readying myself, I charge some magic into my right hand as I cast the bronze Boulderbug Shell offering. A morph spell. Many chucks of rocks then appeared in midair and swirled around me before attaching to my body. Once altogether, I was inside an 8 foot sphere boulder that I can move around at will.

“Okay here we go!” The boulder spins forward while staying in place for a second before shooting off over the edge like a cannon and heading straight down the mountain.

A few seconds later, had I stuck around, I would’ve seen that the pony coming was nothing more than an old stallion janitor doing his sweep. The old pony stopped when he saw the mess the spell left behind which was a small crater with a bunch of rocks scattered everywhere. “They don’t pay me enough for this hay.”

Meanwhile down at the bottom of the mountain was a nice, peaceful, grassy plain. Small critters were just going about their business. Birds were chirping, squirrels were jumping across trees, bunnies playing together on the ground. Everything was just peaceful.

That is until a huge round boulder fell out of the sky and crash landed in the middle of the field in an explosion of rocks thus causing all the animals in the area to run.

With chunks of the earth falling on the ground, in the middle of the crash was a dazed human sorcerer that was half buried in the ground. I gave my head a little shake then let out a breath. “Not bad.”

After regaining my senses, I spent a few minutes digging myself out of the land. Once out, I started dusting myself off. I made this outfit after all; I would like to keep it clean. But considering what I plan to do, I’m probably going to gain a few bloodstains.

I then felt my satchel shaking which usually meant Librom wanted to talk. I reach back, open the bag and pull Librom into my hand.

“Don’t you EVER do that again!” Librom screamed at me. “Do you have any idea what it’s like to be a book and to have your whole world spinning like crazy?! And then to be used as a cushion for your landing!”

“Oh quit complaining.” I replied. “You were safe in your little bag. Plus I was also in the rock so you’re not the only one with a headache.”

“Well it’s still bloody nauseating.” The grimoire retorted.

I roll my eyes and sigh. “Whatever. Anyway we have work to do so mind opening to the map?”

Librom huffed. “Fine.” It/he then opened up suddenly with several pages turning on their own. It stopped on a section that showed a map of Equestria. Unfortunately it was a pretty outdated map that showed the landscape of the country but none of the towns and cities. That was definitely something I was going to have to fix but later.

“Okay if I recall correctly this mountain in the middle here should be Canterlot. And it looks like we landed a bit west from there. If I remember right, the secret entry way into Tartarus is in the mountains to the east.” I said mostly to myself as I trace my finger along the page. “Crap, can’t stay near Canterlot so I have to go the long way around. Bit of a trek but it’s doable.”

I close the book and stretch a little. “Well at least I can get some good exercise for my legs.” I held Librom in front of me. “Ready for a road trip?”

“Just please don’t sing that obnoxious ‘railroad’ song like before.” It/He plead. “In fact, just don’t sing at all. You’re not Kalem.”

Unless you’ve played Soul Sacrifice Delta you wouldn’t get the reference. 

Either way, I simply chuckled at his claim. “Whatever you say buddy.”

I placed him under my left arm and was about to start walking when something happened. From the bottom corner of my sight, I saw something glowing. I look down and found the light was coming from my right hand. And I can feel it was a spell charging up. An arboreal spell to be exact but none I was familiar with. “A soul magic spell activating on its own? That’s impossible.”

That’s when Librom decided to speak up. “Ah I see it’s now time.”

I held Librom out in front of me again. “Time for what?”

Instead of answering me, it/he just said “Well what are you waiting for? Use the spell.”

I knew Librom would never advise me to do something that would be bad for my health so I just went with it. I slammed my right hand down on the dirt and in an instant a small tree began to grow out of the ground. Once it was full grown with all of its branches out, a single fruit sprouted from one branch. A green apple.

I reached out and plucked the apple off the branch. The moment I did the tree receded back into the ground. I took second to examine the apple in my hand, casually rotating it back and forth wondering what it was for. 

That was until an eyeball on the surface of the skin blinked open which nearly caused me to drop the apple.

“Ah! What the-?!” After being startled, I take another second to looker closer at the freaky apple. Mainly the eyeball. I mean a fruit with a functional blinking eye of the side is pretty disturbing.

But then I realized I had seen this apple before. “Wait a minute.” I held out Librom and said “Open up to the parts with Similia.” Librom did as requested and flipped through the pages for a person named Similia. It/He stopped at the first page that mentioned her. “Next page.” The page flipped on its own. “Next page. Next page. Next, next, next, next. There!”

There it was. The Apple Shade. The signature trademark of Similia, the third red hood. Not only can it be eaten like a regular fruit, which begs the question of how you get around the eyeball, but if sacrificed, it can cast a powerful illusion onto its victims without letting them know they’ve been knocked out.

Now remembering what it is, the only question I have is why is it here? The apple shade isn’t a usable item in the game. It only had few references in the story of Soul Sacrifice.

“Well are you going to say the words or not?” Librom spoke up.

I look back at the talking grimoire. “What? What words?”

“That’s your token you idiot.” The annoyed book explained. “Now just chose your words and say them.”

“Wha?” I honestly had no idea what Librom was talking. 

I stared at the green apple in my hand and with its one little eye stared back at me. The way the eyeball was just wide open was a little unnerving. But then I started to feel strange, like I was half asleep. I couldn’t take my eyes off the apple. I was simply lost in the hypnotic gaze of its one eye.

Then as if someone else took control of my mouth, I spoke. “To whoever finds my token, the Apple Shade. Should you require aid or simply are in need of a friend, call upon me, wielder of the elements, monster hunter and soul sorcerer, Corro.”

The Apple Shade then began to grow green. Next a small portal opened up just above my hand and sucked the apple out of my palm before closing. From there the one-eyed apple was now in the space between universes, the void, where it multiplied a million times over and skyrocketed across the multiverse.

Getting out of my trance, I rapidly blink my eyes and shake my head. “Uh what just happened?”

“Nothing to worry about.” Librom answered. “When the time comes you’ll know.”

I almost forgot how Librom has this annoying habit of sometimes never giving a straight answer. I think he just gets a kick out of my surprised face when I learn the truth on my own.

Whatever the case, I simply took it as it is and placed talking book back in my satchel. I took a deep breath and stretched my legs a little. It was definitely going to take a while to get to Tartarus on foot but what other choice did I have. With my destination set, I started walking forward with one goal in mind: to correct my mis-.

“HOLD IT RIGHT THERE!”

I practically jumped when a voice suddenly shouted some distance behind me. A somewhat familiar voice too and no it wasn’t the princesses. I slowly turn my head to see who it was. Unfortunately, within my sight were six very familiar technicolored mares who wore very familiar and dangerous gems around five of their necks and on top one of their head.

And all I can say was….

“Oh crap baskets.”

> The Unwanted Confrontation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


15 Minutes Earlier



Chaos Capital of the world AKA Ponyville


“I’ll tell you what we’ve learned, Discord.” Twilight Sparkle stated as she and her friends stood facing Discord who sat on his throne. Each one wearing their Element. “We’ve learned that friendship isn’t always easy but there’s no doubt it’s worth fighting for!”

Discord merely gagged at her claim and went up in her face. “Fine, go ahead, try and use your little Elements. Friend me.” He then teleported back on his throne. “Just make it quick. I’m missing some excellent chaos here.”

The mane six readied themselves for the finale. “Alright ladies, let’s show him what friendship can do!” With that said, the magic within the Elements began charging as magical symbols of each pony’s cutie mark flew in random directions.

Discord noticed how this was different from the first time they tried this. “Huh? What’s this?”

With the eyes of the six turning white with light, they started levitating as a magical rainbow out up into the air and then back down to Discord.

“No. No. NOOOO!” The rainbow impacted on Discord and starting from the bottom he began to slowly turn to stone.

“You lose Discord!” Shouted Twilight with a confident smirk.

With his head still free, Discord said “You…may have…defeated me….but….you won’t….beat….my old roommate so easily.” Those were his last words before he was completely incased in stone.

However the magic of the Elements wasn’t done there as the rainbow turned into a magical dome that expanded all over the land and restored everything back to normal.

Discord was defeated.

But the mane six, thanks to Discord’s final message, weren’t celebrating just yet. In fact they were left confused.

“So does anypony know what he meant by ‘old roommate’?” asked Rainbow Dash.

Twilight tried to think of an answer as she rubbed her hoof against her chin but nothing came to mind. “I don’t know but it doesn’t sound good.”

Just then a bright ball of light appeared in the sky nearly blinding the six friends. The light descended down to the ground and when it ceased, revealed to be both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.

The mane six gasped in surprise by the sudden appearance of their beloved rulers.

“Princess Celestia! Princess Luna!” Twilight shouted as she and her friends bowed to their princesses.

The alicorn sisters walked up the element bearers. “Rise, my little ponies.”

Twilight and her friends did as told.

“And congratulations. You were victorious against Discord and you have restored harmony to the land. Equestria is once again indebted to you.” Celestia proudly announced with a smile as did her sister.

“Well what did you expect? We’re just awesome.” Rainbow Dash boasted with chest puffed out.

“Yeah! But it would be nice if could’ve kept the chocolate rain.” Said Pinkie Pie with her usual Pinkie-ness as her friends giggled at her antics.

Twilight then went up to her mentor with a concerned expression on her face. “Princess? There’s still one thing.”

Celestia noticed the look on Twilight’s face became somewhat concerned herself. “What is it my faithful student?”

“Well just as we were sealing Discord, he said something.” The lavender explained. “He said even though we’ve beaten him, we won’t beat his ‘old roommate’ easily. What did he mean?” She asked.

Both princesses took a moment to contemplate the meaning of the message. 

“What could that fiend possibly mean by ‘old roommate’?” Luna questioned.

“I’m not sure.” Celestia replied. “Discord didn’t have anypony at his side when he ruled Equestria all those years ago. Nor when he was defeated and we placed him in the Royal Gar-“

At that moment both princesses eyes widen in realization and horror. They looked at each other and knew the other came to the same conclusion.

“No….it can’t be.” Luna muttered.

“It shouldn’t be……unless…..Discord….” Celestia muttered back.

The mane six looked at each other in concern as they wondered what could make their powerful immortal rulers so frightened.
Twilight decided to speak up. “Princess, what’s wro-“ However she was unable to finish because without warning, the princesses teleported themselves, the six and Discord’s stone form to the Royal Canterlot Castle Garden.

After spending a few seconds getting over the disorientation of the teleportation observing their surroundings, Rarity spoke first. “The Royal Garden?”

Applejack followed with “Why’d ya take us here fer?”

“Hey, look at this!” Pinkie called out waving at the others to come. She stood in front of a pedestal with a plague that read ‘Discord’. The only odd thing was that there was nothing on the pedestal say for a few pieces of stone.

“This must where Discord was held the first time he was turned to stone.” Twilight stated.

“Indeed it was.” Twilight and her friends turn their heads to the source of the voice. That being Celestia who, with her sister Luna, stood in front of another, more damaged pedestal. “After relocating from the old castle in the Everfree Forest, I had Discord placed here in the garden where we can keep a close eye on him.” She explained as the element bearers trotted next to her. “But he was not the only being we kept.”

Now able to get a better look being closer, the six friends saw the new pedestal nearly destroyed by something. There was a plague on it like Discord’s but they couldn’t make out what it said because some of the letters were missing.

“This is where we kept….HIM.” Celestia said with a hint of both anger and fear.

“Who?” Twilight asked. “Who did you keep here?” She noticed how her beloved mentor was giving a different reaction from when Discord was free.

Luna decided to answer. “The darkest sorcerer in equestrian history, Corruption.”

The five of the six mane looked at each other with somewhat confused expressions.

“Tha who now?” Applejack questioned.

Knowing her friends weren’t really much into history, Twilight enlightened them. “Corruption. I read about him. It was when Equestria was at war with the other races thousands of years ago. He appeared out of nowhere and nopony knew what he was since he wasn’t a pony, a zebra, a minotaur or anything. He was something entirely different and he used a different, dark kind of magic. A magic that can take the very elements of nature around us and turn them into weapons. Not only that, but Corruption also created an army of giant rampaging beasts that destroyed everything in their path.”

Her friends gasped in horror at the thought of such a dark and evil being.

“Oh my….he sounds…..scary.” Fluttershy said while trembling in fear.

“What an absolute brute he must have been.” Rarity threw in her two bits.

“Wait!” Luna called out to her elder sister as a thought occurred to her. “If Corruption has been out for as long as Discord, could that mean he’s found….?”

Celestia eyes widen when she realized what her sister was getting at. For a second time the Twilight and her friends were left confused.

Then once again, without warning, the eight ponies minus a statue were teleported to another location. This time inside the Royal Canterlot Castle, or the restricted section of the royal library to be specific. It took a bit longer this time for Twilight’s friends to get over the disorientation.

“Ah don’t think ah’ll ever get used ta that.” Applejack shook the dizziness out of her head.

“Oooo, everything’s all spiny.” Pinkie on the other hoof was enjoying herself as her eyes danced around.

Since Twilight was the only one of her friends that’s used to the effects of teleporting, she could see surroundings clearly. What she saw was a round room with several pedestals lined up against the wall. Each one holding some kind of ancient object. All except for one.

“Oh no.” Celestia said as she went up to the empty podium along with Luna.

The mane six came up behind them.

“What is it, Princess Celestia?” Twilight asked.

Princess Luna answered. “It is as we feared. Corruption has reclaimed Librom.”

“What’s a ‘Librom’?” Rainbow Dash asked the question on everyone’s mind. Not even Twilight knew and she dedicated a portion of her life to studying all of Equestria’s history.

“Librom is a grimoire.” Celestia responded. “A magical book that is the source of the dark sorcerer’s power. Anypony that reads from it can learn the same kind of magic Corruption wields.”

“Wait.” Twilight interrupted. “I never read anything about Corruption using a book.”

“Tis because we tried everything we possibly can to keep it a secret. After the sorcerer was defeated, we erased any knowledge of the cursed book’s existence and hid it away to ensure nopony could ever use its power again.” Luna revealed their secret.

“Now hold on ah moment.” This time Applejack interrupted. “If this here book is where this varmint’s power comes from, then why didn’t ya jus destroy it?”

The royal sisters glanced at each other. Luna sighed before continuing. “Because we can’t. The consequences of doing so could be……disastrous.” This left all the ponies except Celestia confused. Why couldn’t they destroy the book? Was it indestructible or something? Why was it so dangerous to try?

Celestia decided to enlighten them by sharing a little of their past. “Long ago, during one of the few encounters we had with Corruption, we managed to tear out one of the pages of Librom. We then burned it believing it would weaken the sorcerer…...we were wrong.” She paused for a moment remembering how badly their actions backfired. “Within the book is not only magic but memories. And the magic of the book can allow one to journey into it and experience those memories. However, should it be destroyed, even a single page, then the memories within would be unleashed. When we burned the page, a gigantic beast came out and the environment was changed to that of a twisted nightmare. The monster was so powerful we had no choice but to join forces with Corruption to defeat it.”

Twilight and her friends were shocked to hear that their powerful princesses had to team up with their enemy to stop a monster. For something like that to happen, the beast must have been incredibly strong.

“It took everything we had but eventually we managed to defeat the beast. When we did our surroundings turned back to normal and the creature reverted back into a page. But since we were left so exhausted, the sorcerer was able to regain the page and disappeared before the royal guard came.” Celestia concluded.

Luna continued with “After that experience, we theorized that within Librom lie memories of a whole world filled to the brim with monsters. If burning one page can caused such mayhem….then destroying the whole book will unleash Tartarus on Equestria.”

This told the ponies that this sorcerer was essentially walking around with a doomsday device.

Celestia stepped up to the six. “I know this is a lot to ask for, especially after the trial you were forced to go through when facing Discord, but now Equestria needs you again. You must find Corruption and stop him before he can wreak havoc upon the land.”

“Don’t worry Princess. With the magic of friendship on our side, he won’t stand a chance.” Twilight stated with conviction. “Right girls?”

“Yeah!” Her friends shouted in unison.

“I’m glad to hear that.” Celestia said with a smile. “However I must warn you.”

The six ponies listened closely.

“Corruption is not someone who will try to divide or trick you. He is someone who will fight you head on. If you are not careful, he will not only kill you….he will take your very soul.” The white alicorn warned.

“What do you mean by ‘take our soul’?” The rainbow maned pegasus questioned.

Now Luna stepped forward. “That is one of the dark sorcerer’s abilities. He can take the souls of other living beings and use those souls to increase his power.”

The element bearers were once again shocked and gasped at this revelation. For someone to have such a power would have to be truly evil.

Twilight was definitely scare of the thought of having her soul taken but she wasn’t about to let that stop her. “Not to worry Princesses. With of all us together there’s nothing we can’t handle.”

“Then we both wish you good luck.” Celestia said with her sister nodding in agreement.

Twilight turned to face her friends. “Alright, let’s go girls.” She then charged onward with the rest in tow.








Present Time


Thanks to the mess Corro left behind with his morph spell, Twilight was able to deduce where the sorcerer would be. So they got down the mountain and went to search the area Twilight said would be the likely spot they’ll find him. It wasn’t long before they encounter the supposed darkest sorcerer in equestrian history.




	
											

“This can’t be happening.” I thought as sweat was beginning to come down my pores like a waterfall. 

This is exactly the confrontation I was trying so hard to avoid. But now standing not far from me was the Mane Six. Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie. Most of which were now staring me down with determination in their eyes. Fluttershy however was trying to hide behind her mane the second I made eye contact with her and Pinkie Pie just kept an innocent smile on her face.

I however was thinking a mile a minute, trying to figure out how they could have found me so quickly. “How is this possible?! How could they’ve found me so fast?! Discord should have kept them distracted long enough for….!” My thought slowed down as I began to put the pieces of the only logical explanation together. “Wait….Discord….” My eyes widen as it finally clicked. “OH THAT SON OF A BITCH! HE RATTED ME OUT!”

It was the only explanation. After all, villains are always sore losers. Whether he wanted me to get vengeance for him or he simply wanted to have a roommate again, I was going to have to deny both requests. Because one, no way in hell was I going to spend a few more thousand years as stone statue standing next to the most annoying creature in the land. 

And two, even I know how invaluable these six are to this world. Should anything happen to these girls, then Equestria would be left defenseless against the future villains that will appear. Of course, that’s not counting my own demons but those were my problem not theirs. If these girls tried to go against the archfiends themselves, they would be torn to pieces. That was something I couldn’t allow to happen.

But first, I need to deal with the current situation.

For a few seconds, there was nothing but awkward silence. That is until I finally raised my hand and said “Uhh hi?”

I immediately regretted that action as a pink blur ran up to me and I was face to face with the bubbly party mare herself. “Hi! I’m Pinkie Pie! So you’re the dark sorcerer the princesses told us about! You don’t look so evil! How do youmakeyourclothesglowlikethat?!Heywhathappenedtoyourarm?!Whyisitallblackandstuff?!Isitbecauseyouusedarkmagic?!HeyIhaveagoodideadoyouwanttobefriends?!Icanthrowthebestestbestpartyyouever-“

“PINKIE!!!” Her five friends screamed out for her attention. Clearly they were not happy about Pinkie’s antics.

Realizing what she was doing, Pinkie said “Oopsie, sorry.” She then ran back in another blur beside her friends.

Twilight rolled her eyes and sighed before continuing from before. “Corruption! By order of Princess Celestia, you are under arrest!” She declared.

I simply tilt my head at her choice of words. “Funny, I thought only the Royal Guard can say that. And by the looks of it you’re not Royal Guard. But judging from the jewelry you’re all wearing, I’d say you’re the new bearers to the Elements of Harmony.” Sure I already knew who they were but I couldn’t let them know that.

“That’s right.” Twilight replied proudly. “And with the magic of friendship on our side, we will stop your evil ways.”

I threw my head back and groaned. “Okay, allow me to make one thing clear: I. Am. Not. Evil!”

Twilight and her friends were taken back a bit by my declaration.

“What happened all those years ago was a big misunderstanding.” I stated.

“Yeah right.” Rainbow scoffed at my remark. Not believing a single word I just said. “What’s there to misunderstand about you sending a bunch of monsters to attack Equestria?”

“That was an accident!” I shouted in fury. I really hated being accused of doing that on purpose. But then I saw I had frighten them a little with my outburst, I realized I needed to calm down. I took a deep breath before carrying on. “I didn’t mean for that to happen. I was just trying to…..” I paused. Truth be told, I didn’t like talking about it. It just brings back memories of those who suffered because of my decisions. “Look, I don’t have all day so why don’t we just pretend this meeting never happened and go our separate ways.”

Twilight then gave me a suspicious look. “And where do you plan on going?”

On instinct, I answered. “Tartarus.” Then I immediately realized how stupid it was to give away my destination and the fact it was too late to correct it.

“Ah ha!” Twilight pointed her hoof at me. “Isn’t Tartarus where your monsters are being kept?” She narrowed her eyes with her friends following suite realizing where she was getting at.

“Technically they aren’t my monsters but yeah. But I-“

“So you’re going there to them free!”

“In a way yes but not-“

“And you’re going to use them to conquer Equestria and overthrow Celestia!”

“What? No I-“

“And you’ll take the souls of anypony that gets in your way!”

Kill a few bandits and they never let you hear the end of it. “I guess the princesses told you about that pow-“

“Well that’s not going to happen! If you think we’ll just sit by and let you terrorize our home, think again!” Was Twilight ever going to stop interrupting me?

“It’s not what you think. I just…..you know what forget it.” My patience was wearing thin and I didn’t have all day to argue. If there was one thing I remember from the show, it’s that to the ponies Celestia is always right. I’d just be wasting my time trying to convince them I’m not the dark sorcerer the princesses claim I am.

“Come on let’s just show this creep how awesome we are!” Rainbow Dash boasted.

“Ah’d say it’s about time we hogtie this varmit!” Applejack said.

“I concur. For crimes against fashion, we simply must stop this fiend.” Rarity shared her more personal reason for this.

“Alright, altogether now!” Twilight commanded her friends. They followed and readied themselves into position.

I simply sighed. “I guess in a way this was inevitable.” I then cast the evasive Falcon Feather (S) spell on myself and summon the Stoneaxe Edge in my hand. It’s funny how though this weapon spell had the word axe in it, it was more of a stone hammer. But it’s also one of the few spells have that’s not completely lethal. ‘Completely’ being the operative word. “Just remember, I gave you a choice. And you chose this.”

The girls were a little taken back about how I summoned a hammer made of rock from nowhere but they weren’t going to let that stop them.

“Phht, a hammer?” Rainbow Dash questioned. “You’re seriously going to go against the ELEMENTS of HARMONY with a hammer?”

I said nothing. I simply stood there waiting for the right moment. “I’m definitely going to catch Hell from Celestia for this but what choice do I have?”

“Nothing to say?” Twilight asked. “Fine. Girls…” She called out her friends. “Let’s show him the power of friendship.” She then lit up her horn and activated the elements. A little rainbow sprang from Twilight’s element and started to connect to the other elements thus activating them. The mane six began to float into the air as their eyes glowed with a pure white light.

I just stood there holding my spot with a stoic expression. Though I do have to admit, it’s quite the sight to see the elements in action. Almost makes me wish I had a camera. It’s just a shame I’m going to have to ruin it. Just have to make sure to get the timing right, otherwise I gonna end up spending another couple thousand years as a lawn ornament and I have no intention of doing that.

“Any last words?” Twilight asked a confident smile smeared across her face. Just then the magically rainbow shot out from the elements and up into the air.

“Two words actually.” I replied as the rainbow reached its zenith and began to decent directly towards me. Calmly I shifted my arms around to grip my brown stone hammer with both hands and held it in front of me. I closed my eyes and waited patiently for the right moment.

At this moment time seemed to slowed down. Though my eyes were closed, I was still able to somewhat see through my mind’s eye. I can see the souls of the mane six floating in midair, the magic of the elements surrounding them, and last but not least the massive amount of instant-statue magic that’s about to rain down on me. Once the rainbow was about a foot away from hitting its target, I made my move.

I shot and blink forward dodging the blast, letting it hit nothing but air and the ground I stood on and reappeared in the air in front of Twilight with the hammer raised above my head. The lavender unicorn and her friends gained a look pure shock at the fact that the ultimate magic of Equestria had just missed. 

Though for Twilight, it was more because she can tell what was about to happen next and she had no time to react.

“I’m sorry.” I then swung down my hammer on Twilight’s head. She immediately fell to the ground with a thud and was knocked out. With the Elements of Harmony been interpreted, the other girls fell and landed on their rump as I dismissed my stoneaxe edge.

What followed was a moment of silence. For the girls, it was a moment of horror. Mouths hung open and they stared wide-eyed at Twilight’s unconscious form. For me it was a moment of regret. I don’t like harming someone who was innocent but when push comes to shove I will defend myself. It’s a good thing I held back on the swing otherwise I would’ve done more than just knock her out.

Now here’s the thing, I had somewhat played out how this was going to go in my head the moment the mane six began charging the elements. I already completed the first step which was to take down the leader. The next will likely be is to deal with whoever is the first to respond to an attack and the first is usually the fastest.

“YOU JERK!”

And what do you know it’s the predictable Rainbow Dash.

Seeing her friend sudden get beat down like nothing filled the cyan pegasus with rage. Acting on instinct, she quickly shot forward with the intent to as I believe she would put it ‘kick my flank in’. But I was already ready.

Raising my hand, I conjured the Thunderstone Lid shield offering. Various plates of grey stone with electrical markings engraved appeared between me and angry pegasus.

Not expecting the sudden magic wall to appear out of nowhere, Rainbow Dash crashed right into it. Since she was still on the shield I figured it was a good opportunity to put her out of commission. I sent a shockwave through the shield thus hitting Dash with both kinetic force and electricity.

“AAAAAHHHH!” She screamed.

Rainbow Dash was tossed back several feet and skid across the ground before coming to a stop. Needless to say, she was out cold.

2 down, 4 to go and I can already guess who’s about to go up next: the apple farmer herself.

“Why ya no good varmint!” Applejack shouted as she was getting ready to toss the lasso in her mouth. But like before, I planned ahead.

Dismissing my shield spell, I cast my Giant’s Arm offering. My right hand and forearm essentially became twice as big. The appearance looked something like freshly burnt wood with the skin becoming black char and being able see the inside through some cracks which was lit up like it was burning. There was also an odd pink strip running up my forearm, split into two paths just before the elbow, went around the joint and ended where the two meet again on the other side.

Anyway with my arm spell in place, I was ready for Applejack. She threw her lasso and just before the rope reached me, I grabbed it. Next I gave a ‘light’ tug and the orange mare flew towards me.

“WHOOOOOOOA NEEELLLY!”

I then step a little to the left and using my giant arm gave Applejack a clothesline. Of course I made sure not to apply too much force as I was only trying to incapacitate her, not punch her head off. Either way, she was now on the ground and was not getting back up soon.

Just as was about to consider which of the 3 mares left would attack next, two of them stepped up at the same time. How do I know two, because now I was being pelted by assorted pastries and small rocks. 

I look over through my mind’s eye and see that Pinkie Pie had taken out her signature party cannon that is now firing all sorts of treats you would find in any bakery. The other pony was the white mare Rarity who was using her horn to magically pick any rocks she could find off the ground and flinging them at me. I on the hand was trying to make sure none of that crap hit me in the face with my giant arm. 

“You uncouth, barbaric, unfashionable brute!” Rarity yelled as threw another rock.

“Yeah! Take this you Mr. McMeaniepants!” Pinkie fired her colorful cannon again.

"Enough of this." I thought. I dispensed my giant arm and then swung my hand forward to cast my Snowtree Root (Tri) homing spell. The way a homing spell worked is that depending on which element you choose, that element will spread across the ground towards its target in a trail. Kind of like a snake slithering towards its prey. And because it’s a homing spell, it’ll follow its target. Also the (Tri) part meant that the trail will divide into three paths. This cuts down the damage dealt but allows one to hit multiple enemies.

Anyway, this was a bronze level frost homing spell so a thin buildup of ice rushed at the two ponies. Two trails hit their mark encasing both Pinkie Pie and Rarity in ice while the third simply stopped since it couldn’t find a target.

5 members of the mane six were now down. This left the only one I was most concerned about because I wasn’t sure when she was going to do-

“YOU BIG MEEEANIIIIE!” The yellow pegasus flew up to my face with wide eyes.

That. I wasn’t sure when she was going to do pull out that. Fluttershy’s infamous Stare. I may not remember much but I do remember that even though Fluttershy’s usually a pacifist, if forced to do so she’ll use some sort of hypnotic gaze known as The Stare. Just about anybody caught in it will bend to her will and do anything she says.

At least that would be the case if it wasn’t for the fact this was the exact reason why I was using my mind’s eye the whole fight. To ensure that my real eyes never looked into Flutter’s. I didn’t know if her technique would work on me or not but I wasn’t in the mood to test it.

“I don’t care if you’re the darkest sorcerer in equestrian history, you’re going to unfreeze Rarity and Pinkie, pick up Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Twilight, and you’re going to APOLOGIZE to them RIGHT NOW!” The yellow pegasus screamed in my face while intensifying her stare.

Unfortunately for Fluttershy, that wasn’t going to happen.

I stood there for a moment with a calm composure. Not even remotely intimidated. “As I said before…” I grabbed the back of her head with my right hand, pulled her down while driving my left knee into her gut. Fluttershy’s pupils became pinpricks and her mouth hung open gasping from pain. “…I’m sorry.” She then fell to ground clutching her stomach whimpering and tearing began to come down her eyes.

With each member of the Mane Six now taken care of, I disengaged my mind’s eye and opened my real eyes. Surveying my surroundings, I see Fluttershy at my feet crying in pain, Rarity and Pinkie are still blocks of ice. Applejack is still out cold though I can see a little blood dripping from snout. Oops. Rainbow Dash is a couple of yards away still unconscious and her fur and mane were a little frizzy. And last but at least I see Twilight Sparkle still in the same spot that I left her but I can also see she was beginning to stir.

The lavender unicorn slowly opened her eyes as she was regaining consciousness. She tried to get up but her body was still too weak after taking a hit from a stone hammer. At the moment Twilight remembered what she was doing and turned her head to check on her friends. It goes without saying that she was more than shocked to see all of her friends defeated and the only one standing was the dark sorcerer. Twilight tried her best to gather as much strength as she can for a magical blast but could only muster a few sparks out of her horn.

Seeing Twilight’s futile attempts to stop me I sighed. “I truly didn’t want this but you left me no choice.” I then began to walk past the fallen group of mares and towards the forest. “I certainly pray that our paths don’t cross again.” 

I stopped just before the edge of the clearing. “Oh and one last thing.”

Though Twilight was listening, she was also trying and failing to get up.

“I prefer if I wasn’t referred to as Corruption or dark sorcerer.” I take one final glance over my shoulder and looked Twilight in the eye. “For now you may call me Corro.” I turn my head back. “Farewell.” Saying my good bye, I entered the forest and disappeared from Twilight sight.

And so my journey to Tartarus finally began. With me walking through woods to get around Canterlot and to the mountains to the east.

Of course what I did to the mane six still clung onto my mind. And even more regret filled up my chest. I guess this just adds to list of things I need to make amends for. “It’s true what they say.” I said to no one. “The path to redemption is never ea-“

THU-THUMP

“GAAAAAHHHHH!” As if I had just been struck by lightning, my entire right arm was racked with this burning intense pain. I fell to my knees and grabbed my arm with my left hand. My right appendage was uncontrollably shaking and my fingers were twitching. But this pain wasn’t foreign to me at all for I knew what it was.

It was the Blight.

The price all sorcerers in Soul Sacrifice had to pay for their magic. A price I had to pay ever since I became what I am now. As I said before, my cursed arm is always in pain but every once in a while the pain spikes. 

However this was different. The pain was much worse than usual. It was like my arm was being shredded by barb wire, eaten by fire ants and poured on by salt at the same time. 

The only time I can think of that the pain was this bad was when….. Was when I first arrived in Equestria.

This drew me to the only logical conclusion. “Damn it! Spending so many years as a statue…. So many years without feeling a spike. I’ve completely lost my tolerance to it!” I thought as I gripped my arm tighter after feeling another wave of pain. “I should’ve known better. Using that many spells when I just got out and when I’m still recovering.” Odd thing was that I expected to get most of my strength back when I reclaimed Librom but when I did I only felt some of it return. Of course I simply wrote it off as that I was still recovering and I just needed to stretch my souls’ legs. After all my power does come from my soul.

“I guess this means I’ll be spending several nights crying myself to sleep…..again.” Whatever. I got through this pain once before so I should be able to do it again. It just might take a while.

Still clutching my arm and gritting my teeth, I got up on my feet and continued my trek through the forest. Even if I’m in agony, I needed to get some distance between me and the hometown of the princesses.

“Doesn’t matter.” I thought. “I’ll endure any pain. I’ll do whatever it takes.

I swear to you all even if it’s the last thing I ever do, I will end your torment and set you free.

….My students”








A Few Minutes Earlier


What nobody knew was that at a far distance on a hill from where Corro and Twilight and her friends confronted one and other, two cloaked pony figures were hiding among the trees. 

They watched as the element bearers failed to trap Corro and the sorcerer proceeded to beat them down. They paid close attention to how Corro took down each mare so easily and how it seemed he was barely putting any effort. They stayed silent up until they saw the dark sorcerer leave and disappear into the woodlands.

One pony turned his head to the other. “It’s him isn’t it?” the stallion asked.

“Yes.” answered the mare. “It is.”

The cloaked stallion looked back at the scenery. “Does this mean what I think it means?”

“Yes.” The mare turned her head slightly to her companion. “Send word to the others. Tell them….” A sinister smile slowly spread across her muzzle as she lifted one her right foreleg close to her face.

A foreleg with corrupted flesh and a glowing red Z on the sole of her hoof. “….it’s time.”