How do I begin exactly? Tell you about my life as a human? My every experience from beginning to end? No? You wish to know how I became a god then? That I can tell you about, easily so, especially one as powerful as myself, to recall the moment he became a god, and one so powerful, that any other creature would kneel to my godly presence! Oh, sorry, I got a bit caught up there, let me start over, my name is Cross, God of Absolution, and heres how I came to be...
1000 Years Ago...
(POV: ???) I stared intently at a panel, it was selling some rather cute plushies, and by the lord, they melted away at my defenses, but, looking at the minuscule budget, I knew I needed something that would be important, specifically, toward my cosplay. I currently, was wearing a multi-green creeper hoodie, a black shirt, black jeans, and black running shoes. My hands had these specially made gloves over top of them, acting like skeletal hands, atop my current hands, and the ends were made into claws, which overall, made this look weirder, but, I could probably care less. Passing cosplayers here, I saw a small corner booth, which made me tilt my head, I put my hand up and scratched under my mask, the mask, was a demonic skull mask, and it made for a good cover of features, but were getting side tracked, focusing on the booth, I stared at the older man, and a couple of stories came to mind, specifically, on the topic of probably one of my favorite, or better said, my most favorite fictional place, Equestria, the land of magical talking ponies, though, with this guy, specific stories popped to mind, ones about people who dubbed themselves... 'Displaced'.
Slowly, I made my move, I got close, and scouted what potential item I could buy, and then get sent to Equestria, though, I felt a hand on my shoulder, and with a jump and turn, I was facing my mother, with a raised brow, she made her comment "So, something you see their?", overall, memories of the people I love and loved in this world made me cringe slightly, I mean, what do I do? What if, this is my only chance to be free the shackles of my regular shut off life, being socially awkward, and losing my hope slowly?
"Oh, yeah, I thought I saw something cool here, just gonna check around this table, see if anything will catch my 'interest'." I say, emphasizing the word 'interest', because I usually don't find a lot of cool stuff at cons, she gives a small nod, then smiles and speaks "Well, if you find it, make sure its in your price range." She then walked off to join the other people we went to this con with, I looked back and saw the Merchant staring me down with a smile, he gestured me over, I made slow steps towards him, feeling like what I was about to do, would come with a very large amount of consequences...
Finding myself at his table side, I scour the table, looking for any sort of trinket, small or large... Knowing this guy though, I could probably haggle with him, in a possible way, it would definitely give me some experience in keeping my ground, I would need a lot of skills for the road. I glanced his way, then looked down, and then, decided to go out on a limb and ask "So, buy anything and I go to Equestria?" Now, this is where I would die from embarrassment from him not being the Merchant, instead, he gave a chuckle and a small quip "That would be the case, now, what ya buying?" I blinked, then zoned out slightly, a small smile forming as the endless possibilities came and went, just how would I do in Equestria?
Slower than before, I scan each item, my problem with this, is literally, if I become what I cosplay as, then I wouldn't need any items... Though, I saw a small, sheathed, blade, it looked like either a dagger, or a short sword. I picked it up and slightly unsheathed it, seeing the green colored metal of the blade, I re-sheathed it, then I looked to him, and with a poker face "How much?" I would ask, he gave a small chuckle, then, he looked at me and spoke "I'd say about... Eh, Fifty bucks kid." I nod, then check my amount, just a hundred dollar bill, maybe, I could exchange extra for specifics?
My eyes went to him, looking over every feature, then, I speak "I can pay, but, I have extra cash as well..." I scour the table, not seeing much, I look to him again "So, I was wondering if you had a shield in stock, or, if we could work out the specifics of the Equestria I will be landing in?" He rubbed his chin, thinking on my words, before opening his mouth and asking "First, what kind of shield, and second, the specifics can be done without the need of pay, seeing as I know you are going through this for more than just 'escaping' reality, tell me why you wanna go, and if the reason is sound enough, I'll work in the details..." He crossed his arms in wait of what I would say, a small gulp escaped me, just what should I say?
I relaxed, and with a breath, I spoke my reasoning "I want to go to Equestria, because, this world has shut me down, its truly made me have to see and think, by leaving it, I will not only get to learn about other things, but, I will also become able to defend myself... Past that, I am getting a feeling of stagnation by living here." Finishing there, I look to him, with as straight a face as I could pull.
He scratched his chin, staring me over, wonder present on his face, he then shrugged and said "Thats some sound reasoning, though, coming from a kid, its a bit surprising, alright, you've got me kid, lets talk your shield and specifics..."
We discussed my shield, going with a spiked tower shield, and then it was onto the specifics of what Equestria I am going to. "First, can I get it regular? But, I want to be sent before the trapping of Nightmare Moon, past that, I'm going to try and keep things straight, and not interfere as much." I said with a nod, he scratched his chin, then shrugged, and held out his hand "Whatever you say." He said, I handed him the hundred dollar bill, he smiled, then spoke "Have a good life kid, and fair warning, be wary of other displaced, they might try to abuse your powers for their benefit..." With that, I gave him money, and then, I felt the floor slip from under me, and down I went.
A few seconds later...
All I saw was darkness all around me, my eyes flew around, targeting anything, then I looked down, and immediately, I saw a light, but, then, I saw five lights split from me, each with their own color, but, before long, we slammed into the light, and after it faded, I felt consciousness slip and fade, I tried to fight, but, I fell to unconsciousness and hit something soft, my senses failing to register as darkness gripped me.
(POV Switch: Princess Luna)
I stared upon my night, seeing its beauty, but, why? Why do my little ponies shun its beauty and sleep through it? A growl escaped me "Why doth they shun mine night?!?! Tis it not demanding enough attention?!?! Tis it not beautiful enough?!?!" Luna screamed, all while knocking a vase and breaking it in frustration.
She snorted, as then, something else piped up within her immediate vicinity "My, my Princess, quite interesting you would break something... Maybe your angry?" Luna faced a mirror, and saw an armored alicorn, black coat, light blue armor, slitted eyes, and a wavy mane like the night sky. Luna grew curious to the figure in the mirror "Who art thou mirror creature?" Luna asked, a skeptical look on her face, the being smiled, and was about to speak, but then, a loud knock came to Luna's chamber door, a guard opened without hesitation, and looked to her "Princess! We spotted falling stars!" Luna rose a brow, then looked out, and felt her eyes widen, watching as what looked like multiple different colored stars fall, and one was heading this way...
Immediately, Luna gave orders "Guards! Ready thouselves!" Luna then realized the guards were preoccupied with awe in looking at the stars. With a growl, Luna unleashed her royal canterlot voice "GUARDS, LISTEN TO YOUR PRINCESS! AND PREPARE THOUSELVES FOR THE INCOMING STAR!" The effect was immediate, guards rushed to stations, and prepared to minimize damage.
Luna stood watching as the star sailed at an amazing speed, she realized, there was no time, it hit the castle with a loud booming impact, glass shattered, stone groaned, and the very foundation of the castle moved as it was hit.
Luna heard the yelling of the guards all over, she sighed, Celestia was going to be surprised and most likely miffed by the damage, she went quickly, making her way to where the star might be, guards were standing around a rather large opening in the castle, she moved to the front, the guards clearing as she did.
Making it to the hole and crater within the castle, she sees a lot of floating debris, and dust just circulating in the air, there was a groan from the cloud of debris, worry set in that a guard had been caught, she asks "Tis somepony in there?"
A groan resounded from the debris "I think my ribs are broken..." A voice inside the debris spoke, Luna saw a shift in the rubble, and a figure stood, but, it was not pony like at all...
Luna tensed, the guards readied themselves, as the creature rubbed its head, then turned, through the debris, she saw glowing red dots at where its face should be.
"Huh?" Whatever it was, it stepped out into the light, and Luna stared at a creature of terrifying proportions, its face skeletal, with large sharp teeth, and two horns which looked like it was made of metal, then she saw it take a step back, as it appeared to be surprised.
Luna pointed at the creature "ATTACK!" It gave a loud yell as it put up a shield, blocking the first wave of attacks, then it turned and ran, Luna growled "AFTER IT GUARDS!" She yelled.
(POV Switch: Laurence)
Laurence was having a rather bad night, fall through a portal, get ejected like a cannon, and now, after crashing, he found himself, on the run.
"Fuck irony!" Laurence yelled as he flew through the halls, he turned his head slightly, seeing the four legged ponies were on his tail, he sped up, as much as one could, lugging a shield and sword around, he leapt over the heads of some oncoming guards, before landing and continuing to run like a bat outta hell.
Catching corners and dodging through different rooms, quickly lost the guards on his tail, he smiled, walking a bit more confidently, he stretched out, pops and cracks resounding throughout the room, he walked out of a door, finding a quiet hallway, he moved, slowly, through the hallway, ready as he pulled the blade, as he turned a corner, he heard some form of talking, making his way towards it, he turned a corner, and found himself face to face with a large white mare, whom looked surprised herself, Laurence backed up, then spoke "Ah shit..."
The one thing he did not need to meet right now, Princess Celestia, Laurence started to walk away, only for more guards to appear behind from around the bend, one pointed and yelled "There it is!" More cries of battle echoed as Laurence tried to run, only to see an angry looking Celestia, who's horn glew golden light, Laurence instinctively raised his shield, as a beam hit it, Laurence watched as his shield slowly turned to stone, his eyes widened, then, it moved onto his arm, and he tried to move, but, he was held in place with magic, Celestia yelling "THOU DAREST ATTACK MY KINGDOM?!?! BE TURNED TO STONE CREATURE!!!"
Laurence was turned to stone, he could not move, speak, breath, feel, or taste, he could see, and hear, but, only if it passed in front of his eyes, which held its petrified look of fear, overall, Celestia and Luna ordered it to be taken to the garden, never to forget what victory was achieved that day, and labeling Laurence "The Skeletal Knight." Overall, Laurence was miffed, but, he held out and waited, he would be free to gain everything back soon enough.
He only hoped that those Princesses won't find and lock away all those powers that split from him, a mental sigh escaped him, here, and now stuck in a statue... Laurence simply disconnected from his body and rested, he knew he would be free soon enough.
You know, being stuck in stone ain't so bad, especially after the first couple hundred years, really helps with patience, I feel like I could handle fifty screaming babies and not even bat an eyelash...
Oh who am I kidding, it feels like the most boring thing in the world, like staring at drying paint! I MEAN COME ON!!! I feel like my mind is gonna explode, just shatter if I have to endure any longer!
I calm my frustrations of the mind, and instead focus on locating those missing pieces of myself. Pushing my power, and searching with as far as I could, seeing as being stone severely cuts back magical power, and keeps me in place.
I sense two of those five pieces, the rest were still coming up blank, not a trace, I hope that I wont have to do something stupid or crazy to get myself back to one hundred percent, that said, I slowly brood on my current situation, just how might I even escape? Thats the question, I think I have an answer to...
Timeskip: 500 Years Later...
I sat, waiting patiently for a specific event to happen, seeing as it may be my only chance outta here... Oh?
I stared at a group of ponies walking through the garden, watching an explanation on Discord, then, I realize, things were getting random, I could only hope for the best. Watching events unfold, I felt an inner smirk occur as the spell started to falter in Discord's presence.
Before long, I could escape, I did so after Discord left, shattering the stone and landing on the grass, stretching my limbs, I glance around "Huh, and here I thought more guards would be stationed..." I said, turning a corner, only to face two surprised guards, I blink, they blink... "Ehhh... Allo, my name is Jäger, ow might I make your acquaintance?" Lets just say, being funny in that situation wasn't a good idea...
I ran the other way, behind me, the guards shouting for me to halt, while chasing me with spears. Bursting from a hedge, I see a cliff, welp, time to skiddadle skidoodle, flying right over the edge, I use my power over randomness to save me from my fall.
Falling, I see a trampoline salespony below... "D'aw shit..." was all I got out as I hit said instrument of bounce, and then flying forward, skidding over a couple of roofs was the outcome, I then found another freefall, this time toward a small lake connecting to a river "...... Fuck you, Newton, fuck yo-" was all I got before slamming into the water with a loud slap sound.
A couple hours later...
I spit out some water, then proceeded to use my power of randomness for a random item that can dry stuff, ending up with a hairdryer. "HOW IN THE NAME OF THE MOTHERFUCKIN GLOBGOGABALAB DO I EVEN USE THIS SHIT?!?! ELECTRICITY DOESN'T EXIST YET!!! HOW CAN THIS GET EVEN WORSE?!?!" As if to answer my question, a horde of long-legged, sharp-toothed bunnies were standing a couple feet away staring at me...
"..... Newton, I suddenly find Murphy is your contender of 'People who get a kick outta trolling me' I mean seriously, fuckin wolf bunnies?" I was then on the run, readying my shield and sword to destroy some bunny as- flank, I mean flank. Staring down the charging bunnies, I activate my power over randomness, hoping for something good.
What happens next is fucking hilarious, one ends up tripping, and falling flat, which then, causes all of them to fall in a writhing heap, and I stare at this for a second in wonder, then jump as motherfuckin lightning blasts the hell outta them, leaving them hairless and pretty cooked... I can't lie when the prospect of meat, cooked meat to be exact, is just sitting there, I look up to see where the lightning came from, and I see a cloud with a recovering Derpy, who shakes herself off and flies away...
Deciding not to let the meat go to waste, I tear three legs off and start mcstuffin my face, as I run like a bat outta hell. After awhile of running forward, I see a town in the distance, which, I see the sign with the words 'Welcome To Ponyville' engraved in the sign, I wonder what the hell I should do, when the screams of ponies assaults my ears, I blink and look where I could in the town and I see... Chaos.
Walking around the chaotic town, I find that it would be dangerous to use the power of random, cause random plus chaos will make nothing good... However soon I see Discord lounging on a throne drinking chocolate milk, but, instead of drinking the contents of the glass, he was drinking the glass itself, and where were the elements?
As Laurence thinks on this, he looks around hoping to spot them, to no avail, not even the discorded ones were around, he sighed, then looked at Discord, a small thought occurs 'Why not stop him myself?' To which I proceed out of cover, and walk to him, shield and sword at the ready.
"Ey! Nightmare Night ain't here yet! Get your mismatched ass outta here!" I yell, pointing my sword at him, Discord looks boredly my way, until he sees me. He gets up and pops infront of me "And what manner of creature are you?" He asks me, lifting arms and even rummaging through my pockets, pulling out things I didn't have before, he even pull a 'Playcolt' magazine, he puts his hand to his mouth "Oooh~ Scandalous..." he quips, as he tosses it away, and so I speak "By all thats screwed up and obscene, I'm a human, or well, used to be, now, I am out to find somethings, you, however, are getting on my nerves, but, not as much as Newton and Murphy, so thats good."
He stares a few seconds, then shrugs "Well, I don't have more time to dilly dally, excuse me as I go and deal with some rather troublesome mares, toodaloo~!" He says, as he turns his back on me, and floats away "Hey!" I yell rushing to him, planning to stop him, but, he teleports away, and that became somewhat annoying "God Damnit all..." I say as I rub the bridge of my nose.
I search for Discords mismatched ass, till my feet hurt, I sit down and rest, after all, I was tired, my eyes slipped as I was dragged to the realm of sleep, all I had was nightmares...
By morning, I had more bags than a khajit trader, and that was saying something, taking a stand, I stumble forward, and I look around, the chaos still going on, and that's when I knew something was wrong, after Discord is tuned to stone this should have disappeared?
I walk to where Discords throne is and find him snoring louder than a fucking dragon, I sigh, before walking over, grab some dirt, and shove it in his mouth.
To say the God of Chaos enjoyed his 'dirty' breakfast was an overstatement, he coughed, gagged and spit, wiping off his tongue, he looked at me "What do YOU want?" He asked annoyed.
"Da hell you not in stone looking like a pansy ass yet?" I ask with blunt rudeness, he scoffs, then stretches, he stands, then speaks "You see my human friend! I! Discord, Lord of Chaos! Have bested the puny Elements of Harmony!" He then flexed on me, to which I slapped him with a shield.
Discord was sent flying from my strength alone, crashing through his throne, and into a building, I blink with surprise and look at my shield "Well... Damn."
However, I was nowhere near done as Discord came from the cloud of debris, wood, stone, and straw spilling off him, he brushed himself off, he looked at me "Well, that was uncalled for! I didn't even threaten you! And you hit me?!?!" He gets in my face with angry eyes "Do YOU KNOW WHO I AM?!?!" He asks, to which I respond "Is dumbass a correct answer, cause, that's what I see, by the by, the Elements are behind you." I point behind him, he turns around "Huh?" He says, then I proceed to slam my shield against his back, sending him down the road, skidding.
I drop into a battle-ready stance, Discord teleporting into a standing stance, anger on his face "THAT'S IT! I AM DONE WITH YOU, NOW PREPARE TO DIE!" Discord yells, snapping his fingers and suddenly, hell broke loose every which way, random objects flew at me.
Quick dodges and varying blocks made for a great defense against, knives, rubble, a- WAS THAT A BALD EAGLE?!?! "DISCORD! Endangering Bald Eagles in the States is illegal! How dare you!" I yell at him, slamming a large wave of debris away, before bull rushing with the tower shield, multiple things were thrown my way, and I realized I was coming to a slow, and then, I was thrown backwards.
I sailed through the air, crashing into a cart, I then raise up with a glare directed at Discord "Ye dun fucked up bucky the tooth." I say, Discord then yells out as he throws more shit at me.
I barely dodge, and I look down and see a knife, and some glass sticking out of my legs, I curse as I pull it all out, then stand, faltering. Discord smiles "See what happens? You cannot hope to face me! I am DISCORD, God of Chaos!" He says before cackling, and damnit all, I need something a bit more reliable than a shield and sword, I need some firepower, otherwise, I will become a metallic porcupine!
A quick scan of surroundings makes me realize that, there were no other weapons, and that I might be fubbernucked, I thought 'What now?' And suddenly, I feel something close by, something, powerful...
I make a beeline for an alley, Discord laughing, and taunting me "Running? I thought you were trying to beat me! But yet, you're just as weak as those mares!" I growled as he said that, and I knew he wouldn't laugh soon enough, I continue my dodge skills, and brush death nearly fifty times as it felt, I managed to get to the main road of Ponyville, and I felt the powerful signature emanate from it.
Discord appeared, in my way, a smile on his face, I snarl, readying my shield, as he had multiple objects sail toward me, I roar "YOU'RE IN THE WAY!!!" I yell, rushing headlong, slamming into the rubble, this time, I was able to push through, using my power over the random, all the objects went sideways after slamming into my shield, and around it.
Debris flew into buildings, behind me, and some ended up hitting me, cuts, scrapes, and gashes, but, I. Won't. BARGE!!! With a loud yell, I pushed through, straight at Discord, he looked surprised.
Still slamming forward, he yelped, and dodged, but, I kept running, straight to the town hall, hanging up the shield, speeding down the road, Discord was quick to send more debris my way which either hit, or got deflected by the shield, reaching the hall, I looked around, then up, feeling the presence, looking back, I see Discord coming up.
Discord clapped "Bravo! Bravo! You put yourself in a dead end! Now! Just lay down your arms, and take your beating like a good human... Discord lifted his hand, preparing to snap, I pull up my shield, readying myself again, and with a snap, it all came crashing my way.
Instead of hitting, everything seemed to freeze, I blinked, confused, 'What happened?' I looked at Discord, still smug, still there, just not moving...
A voice behind me catches me off guard "Ah, there you are creator, long have I missed you! Do not be alarmed, I am part of your current state, turn around, and you shall know..." Turning around, I see a large albino snake, its red eyes looking down at me, within its mouth was a balance scale.
I stared in awe, just how would one comprehend this? "What are you?" The large snake sighed, then gazed upon the horizon, its red eyes searching "I am you, a different aspect of you, a part of your godhood." I blink, then remain silent, I mean, what should be done? It looks to me, I decide to speak "Which aspect of my godhood? I still have randomness, but, which are..."
And then I realized which part it was, it nods "I am that part of you, and it appears you need me, now more than ever..." he says, his gaze falling to Discord.
"I cannot stop what is about to happen... But, please, allow randomness to happen, and then, I want you to wreck his shit, understand?" I nod at the serpent, he smiles at me, then slowly dissipates.
I am blasted as time comes back to normal, making the hall crash down on me, Discord laughing maniacally all the while.
Everything hurt and black started to consume me, unconsciousness seemed like a godsend, I chuckled, somewhat wondering what was happening with randomness, was it working? Laurence did not know, but, the dark called to him, but, before passing out a golden flash was seen.
Laurence smirked "Cheeky bastard..." He said, before passing out, due to pain.
(POV Switch: Discord)
Now, with that self-righteous human gone, I can do some much-needed chaos, a good stretch, and some chocolate milk, I summon all the Elements, bound up in rope, hog style.
"DISCORD!!!" All the mares yell, angry glares on their faces, Discord chuckled "Girls! Good to see your all holding up rather well!" I exclaimed with excitement, I suddenly had the pink-maned one, Fluttershy I believe, in my arms, I pet her like a cat.
"Discord let her go!" Said the blue one, whom struggled harshly against her bindings "I swear by Celestia, if you hurt one hair on her mane, I am going t-" she of course was cut off, as Discord simply snapped his fingers, which put tape over her mouth, which devolved her to a bunch of loud mumbling. Discord continued to pet Fluttershy, a deep chuckle escaping him, he heard the poor pegasus whimper in fear, he held his smirk, oh to be evil!
"Dat gummit ya varmint, leave Fluttershy alone! She ain't done nothing to ya!" Applejack said, Discord looked at the farmer, a raised brow complimenting his smile. "Oh? You think you know how a 'GOD' feels, little Applejack? Such arrogance.* I said with a gleeful laugh.
"Absolutely priceless, still, with that pest gone, and the elements elsewhere, you are powerless to defeat me!" I cackle maniacally, however, a shout from above makes me look up, only to be met with a pair of hooves to my face, dropping Fluttershy as I flew.
Standing there in full glory was Princess Luna, the mares cheered at her arrival, hopeful to see me served right, I growl, "Oh! Luna deary! How might you be? Did the power trip go alright?" I asked a knowing smile as she glared harshly.
"Discord... Thou art a threat to Equestria! Prepare to be struck down heathen!" Luna yelled, charging toward him, while charging her horn, Discord, then decided to stop that with rubble, and a nice old pan to the head.
With Luna unconscious, the Elements bound, and a more than likely dead human, Discord started to cackle, and loudly he did so, except... Something was wrong.
Discord stopped cackling, a shifting sound heard, the sound of rubble, I looked over, and I saw him, the human, standing, and what looked like near death, I rose a brow, while the mares gasp, a chuckle escapes me.
"Not dead? Impressive human, very impressive, the question, however, is how do you plan on stopping me? What could you possibly use to defeat, I, Discord!" I say a large smile on my face.
The human smiles, he pulls himself to the brought down bell, reaching in, and tearing out the metal stick with the ball end.
"Simple." He says, then rips open the ball, and he catches something that fell out, bringing it to his face.
It was a glowing golden ball, a bad feeling arose inside me.
The human ate the ball, swallowing easily.
He looks at me with a smile, his body suddenly lighting up with energy, golden energy.
"What I am gonna use to beat ya ugly ass is the most simple and direct thing in the book!" He says.
Behind his shoulder, raise two dragon skulls, with glowing sockets, his own eyes turning black, before his left eyes iris, turned gold.
"Justice...
Chapter 3: Who ordered a mug O' MOTHERFUCKIN JUSTICE?!?!
The battle began with a sudden teleportation of Laurence, reappearing behind Discord, who was so surprised, he didn't feel the emanating power from the pair of dragon skulls behind him, until he heard a powering up sound, he had a split second of view time, and another to dodge the path of a pair of golden lasers, from the skulls maws.
Discord having teleported, snapped his fingers, causing rubble to fly, the ground to shake, and cotton candy clouds to storm, with all this even, a wall of golden bones surrounded the human, the rubble and lightning deflecting off, but, the ground continued to rumble, as suddenly, a pillar of earth shot up with the human on it.
The human was in the air as the pillar stopped, due to forces of gravity, floating mid air, the debris and lightning would try and converge on him, only for the skulls to appear in the nick of time, saving his ass, then, in a show of power, the skulls not only managed to ward the debris and lightning, but also blast it with pure energy.
The human teleported to Discord, and pimp slapped him, sending him sailing into a building, to which Discord burst from the ruins of the building and charges at the human, with speed, and lands a hit, which sent Laurence backwards, he crashed through multiple buildings, bringing them down, like fat people bring down gyms.
Landing on the outskirts of the town, he stood up, Discord popping up with a baseball bat "You picked the wrong house fool!" Discord yelled with an accent, swinging the bat at Laurence, instead of connecting with skull, it hit the metallic shield, and bounced off, to which, a large slash would be directed at Discord, whom was barely able to dodge, and instead, only had a shallow cut, a good amount of blood spilling.
Discord grunted, and held his front, trying to stave the bleeding, with a snap, he had a wacky looking bow, made of what looked like sweets, he pulled out a heart arrow, and fired at Laurence, who evaded, or blocked shots, only to find one in his leg, to which, he responded by sheathing his blade, and then holding his hand out to Discord, at which, Discord had a golden glow surround him, Laurence smirked.
The proceeding moments of Discord being thrown around like a ragdoll, and smashed through rocks, would be funny, especially with the proceedingly more and more derpy face.
Discord snapped out of his stunned state and with a snap, caused the immediate area to become low gravity, causing Laurence to lose focus, as he himself started to float up.
Discord clapped his hands, and rocks were uprooted, thrown through the air like massive ass balls, specifically, balls that could probably kill any normal being, thankfully, Laurence was not normal.
Discord released his hold on the gravity, causing everything to plummet, and with everything plummeting, Laurence found he had traveled rather high into the air, to which, he had to dodge random rocks thrown by discord, as well as some cotton candy lightning.
A growl came from the godling, he pulled up his shield, then, three skulls became a barrier for him, blocking most damaging things, before making himself plummet faster toward Discord.
Discord tried to block the humans way, multiple boulders forming a shield of earth in the sky above Discord, who smirked, then had a look of horror, as the large rock started to crack, then a sound, mad laughing.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!! DISCORD! DO YOU KNOW WHAT ITS RAINING?!?!" Suddenly, the rock breaks, revealing the human, shield infront of himself, sword pointed down, rock flying in every which direction, a crazy smile on his face, the three skulls jaws open revealing balls of energy.
"ITS RAINING MEN!!! HALLELUJAH!!! ITS RAINING MEN!!! HALLELUJAH!!!" The skeletal warrior called a human yelled, crashing into Discord, who was surprised, and then the energy beams hit, the vicinity glew with large amounts of light.
The energy slowly faded, before long, all that was left was smoke, and scorched earth, slowly, the veil uncovered the scene to be shown, Discord, a wide eyed look, as he was set in stone, Laurence, with his hand on Discord's forehead, a smirk on the humans face.
He stood up, slightly ruffed up, he stretched and watched the sun set, before passing out, falling back, snoring loudly next to the stoned Discord.
(POV Switch: Laurence, Dream State)
I was home, with my family, we laughed, cheered, and had smiles all around, but, something was off, my grandparents were there, but, they slowly faded away, like dust, I looked to my other family members, I saw their faces, now visibly depressed, tear stains and streaks on their faces, marring them with these lines.
I felt a primal fear well as my Mother looked at me, she then opened her mouth "How could you do this to me? Our entire family? Why did you leave, and abandon us? Was I that bad of a mom..." She asked, tears spilling, all around, I saw my family, dead in multiple positions, I looked back to my mom, she was on her knees, headless... Above her, a shadowed figure, a murderer, he laughed, a husky laugh at me.
"So your the son who abandoned this piece of crap?" He kicked my mothers corpse, which caused me to feel massive amounts of anger, I tried to fight him, but, he beat me, somehow, I didn't know how...
He leaned down, and he looked me in the eye, he then spoke "Your weak, you always have been, and now? Your gonna live alone, forever, because you got selfish." After he said this, he started to laugh, but I felt... Broken.
What could I do? I don't know... Suddenly, he was lit up, he held his hand up to block his face, before everything disappeared, leaving a black mindscape, I became aware, I had been in a dream. Swiveling around, I find the one person who I probably relate to most in the My Little Pony Universe, Princess Luna.
I stare in silence for awhile, then, I look down, and then up to her. "Hello, I do believe we met briefly, only for me to be put in stone, let me introduce myself, my name is Laurence, my last name does not matter." I say, stretching out.
The equine princess of the night, stared at me, she then closed her eyes, before opening them and speaking "We would like to apologize to thee, Sir Laurence, we should have looked into the situation far more than first encounters." She then bowed, which completed the apology, I stare for a bit, then smile, I walk over and take a seat.
"Apology accepted, but, please don't bow to me, I have no need for that kind of formality." I said rather dismissively, then patting her head, she looked at me curiously, before taking a rather regal sit.
"Wouldst thou mind sharing thee story, Sir Laurence?" She asked me, to which I looked at her, thinking on it, then staring at the void and using the power over lucidity, to pull some scotch, which I started to drink "Sure, let me tell ya what ya need to know." I said to her,
We sat for god know how long, swapping stories, jokes, and adventures, which got laughs out of us both, we shared dark details which made silence, much needed for those moments, though it could be seen as awkward silence.
After awhile, I asked about the current happenings, she happily explained that I was taken to her sisters proteges place, I sigh, knowing that extensive questioning happens when I wake, I shrug, then stretch my shoulders.
Suddenly, light starts to over take the darkness, she smiles at me "Twas nice speaking and getting to know thou, Sir Laurence! But, the waking world calls for us, let us not keep it, yes?" she says to me, I of course just nod.
"Thankest thou greatly thine majesty, I do hope I may garner thou's company in the future." I say with a small bow to her, she chuckled with a slight blush.
"Please, just call me Luna, you have garnered my friendship Sir Laurence." She says extending her hood, I took it daintily, and took a bow, giving a slight kiss to the top of her hoof, just to be a gentleman.
"And I hold thou's friendship highly Lady Luna, may justice even your thoughts, and say hello to thines sister for me, as well as, an apology for the castle..." I say, to which she chuckles, waving it off.
"Nonsense, it has been abandoned for the longest time, I am sure she will forgive thou." She says, to which I nod "I hope so Lady Luna, haves't a good day." I say with a bow, and a wave, she just giggles and waves.
(POV: Laurence, Awake)
Laurence jolted up, he checked over himself, finding all his parts attached, he stood, feeling a bit woozy, but, he nonetheless pressed on, making his way out the door, he walked down some stairs, and found a bunch of sleeping ponies scattered floor, couch, or chairs, and of those, Laurence spotted an awake Princess Luna, sipping tea, he walked over, taking a seat, though it looked comical with the height difference, she gave a giggle.
Laurence looked at her, a raise of the brow before a small shake of the head, he chuckled to himself at the silliness, then poured himself his own cup of tea.
Laurence and Luna discussed multiple topics, ranging from the fight, the dream, random topics about magic, as well as, the beauty of the night, Laurence was overall, relaxed, calm, something he hasn't felt in awhile, he stretched out, popping and cracking happening to his joints.
Luna cringed at the sounds, though, Laurence sat straight, and with the pops in his back done, he appeared taller than previously, he then sipped his tea.
The sound of a yawn caused he and Luna to look over at a sleepy looking dragon, rubbing his eyes, and coming into the lap of Laurence, who raised a brow, the little dragon yawned, then fell asleep, light snores causing Luna to giggle at the adorability, Laurence loosed his own chuckle, patting the little dragon on the head.
As I and Luna conversed over tea, all while Spike slept on my lap, the ponies other than Luna, started to awaken, groaning and grumbling slightly, they stretched and woke up, till they all realized I was up and alive, Luna with me, they looked in awe at me, I chuckled, then gave a light wave.
"Good morning to you all, hopefully you have slept well?" I ask, they get over there surprise right quick, and then, they dawn their elements, and power up, I sigh, then hand Spike over to Luna.
"Hold the poor guy, he needs the extra sleep, I'll deal with this." I say, she nods, then takes a sip of her tea, while holding the sleeping Spike in her magical grip.
I faced them, crossing my arms, waiting on the blast, which comes, as I am hit, I am surrounded by pretty lights, while, I feel some relaxation, and a nice boost to my power, then, it powers down, some steam rising off my body, I hear Twilight speak "There, we got him!" However, the steam clears, and I yawn, before rubbing an eye, then looking them all dead in the eye.
"No more magic tricks? Cause if so, I wish to finish my tea and eat something for the second time in about, a thousand years." I say, turning and sitting down at the table, sipping the delicious black tea, a small sigh escaping me, while the mares just stare at me, I look to them.
"What? Are you that surprised? The Elements of Harmony only work on evil, I ain't evil, seeing as I use Justice as a source of power..." I say, then sip, Fluttershy then steps forward, rather shakily, and speaks "Um, sir, may I know what you are, oh I am sorry for asking, please don't be mad..." To which I blink, then smile, and ruffle her mane.
"First, my name is Laurence, second, no need for the 'Sir' bit, I am fine being called by my name, now, what is your name?" I ask, while scratching behind her ear, rather gently, she blushes but, gives me an answer.
"F-Fluttershy..." She says, a quiver to her voice, I nod "You have a nice name, it shows you have some bravery, for someone so shy, and kind, I like you already." I say, a small chuckle echoing from me.
She gives a small smile, and the rest see no reason as to not introduce themselves, I already knew their names, but, I don't wan't to be that kinda displaced...
Nonetheless, we all hit it off as friends, with lots of curious questions, food served, and at somepoint, Spike awakens, he looks around, before up, coming face to face with me "Hello Spike, I have heard much about you..." I say, pulling an ominous tone, he promptly gives a girlish scream before passing out, everyone laughs, I then pull up a gem, a sapphire, which wakes him up, and he accepts it as my apology, to which I smile, and once more, a friend is made.
We laugh, talk, and eat for about an hour, before, Sunbutt herself arrives, looking pissed off, I stand, setting Spike down on the seat, I walk to her calmly, and hold out my hand to her "Hello, my name is Laurence, pleasure to meet you." I say, while everyone stares at me, Celestia stares at me with a blank gaze, then a small smile comes about, and she shakes my hand.
"Pleasure to meet you Sir Laurence, I hear you turned Discord to stone, and resisted the Elements of Harmony, because you are not evil, correct?" I nod "Thats the gist of it, sorry bout the castle a thousand years ago..." I say, to which she laughs.
"Please, that is a thing of the past, let me be the first to thank you for dealing with Discord, he has been a handful in the past..." I nod, then smile, before gesturing to the table.
"Care to join the morning club? We have tea, haycakes, and alot of other assorted breakfast items..." I say with a smile, she smiles, and then nods.
"It would be my pleasure." She said, and that's how I made friends, beat Discord, and acted real smooth about it.
We sat for awhile talking, when something in my mind called out, a small voice...
"Create your insignia, or else, you are not a displaced..."
I somewhat thought on that, and threw it around in my mind, before, deciding to do it soon, don't want to ruin the mood right now.
Chapter 4: Insignia of a Displaced: God of Absolution
For me, becoming the friend of the town, especially after saving it, was easy, I even helped where I could with both physical prowess and my own powers, to the extent it fell within a limited range.
Overall, I was a steadfast friend and ally for the ponies of Ponyville, I only hoped I could keep it that way, especially with how I could get, and since there was no distinctive factor for me to fear.
I felt like I was at a conundrum of sorts, a party, helping re-build, and being generally friendly with the ponies, I found time to meditate on my current situation, and I realized that of many things, I was a displaced now, one that had alot of power under my belt.
Past the generous amount of thanks, and receiving the title of Lord, from both, Celestia and Luna, I was made an honorary citizen, and on top of that, being of noble title, and getting a nice sum of bits, I could technically be considered an actual noble of Equestria.
I guess I could be proud of such an achievement, but, taking up residence in Canterlot, would not be my cup of tea, to damn fancy, such an explanation appauled Rarity, and made everyone else chuckle.
To say the least, I was happy, I had power, I had friends... All that was left, all that was needed now, was family...
Having recovered a fair amount of power, and energy, I saved to locate the second closest source of my power, and it was close, far closer than expected as well...
It apparently, happened to be in the Everfree Forest, and unlike it being with me, like Randomness, or being silent, and waiting like Justice, it called to me, shouting its name at me, saying what it was...
It was Nothingness...
Now, you might ask how Nothingness is a power, let alone a trait to godly power, well, humor me, would you? You see, Nothingness, is a power that transcends most, its ability? Nothing can affect the timeline of the user, and it works as the ability to never be erased.
Now, that might sound OPAF, but trust me here, its only good against that kind of one shot bullshit, past that, I am all for fighting till the last one falls, course, once I become that god, nothing outside a far more powerful entity could hope to kill me.
And that's if I get the rest of my aspects, without dying. But, being a displaced, especially now, made the problem, not any My Little Pony villains, but, other displaced, hero, villain, or the in-between.
Nothing short of problematic, though, I guess its a godsend I was able to acquire my power over Justice, and hey, I realize I need to make a token, well, let's think on it for awhile first, then I will make a great message for those who receive my token.
For now, I was stuck helping out a wrecked Ponyville, eh, could be worse...
Timeskip: A week later...
"Finally! The town is looking spick and span! What do you think Twilight?" I ask my tiny purple pony friend, she looks up at me, then chuckles "Yes, it looks great, nice idea for reinforced foundations, in case of future problems, not only does it make the houses more safe and durable, but it also takes into consideration living costs and comfort!" She says, while writing stuff down, I laugh, after all, who does not laugh at her note taking tendencies, I pat her on the head, while chuckling.
After walking to the treehouse, I find Celestia, and Luna, the both, sitting and discussing a map. Leaning over the map and looking at the locations, I ask "So, what's the map for?" They look up at me, then they look down, and point to behind the Everfree, at the back, before Luna speaks first "Minotaur ambassadors are having trouble here, they are being attacked by Timberwolves left, right, and center, without help, their troops will perish to bark rot without medical assistance, the problem is, our troops are currently helping the citizens..." Celestia nods, and then, I think.
Looking between the two, I speak "I will go, I have some business to deal with in the forest as is." I stretch, making my joints pop, they look at me like I am crazy, I smile, then point to them.
"Tell them, I'll be there in a couple days time! Cheerio lassies!" I yell, before rushing out the door, straight to the forest, with a large grin on my face, this will be an adventure...
Night Time...
I had been rushing through the entire day, and man am I beat, feels like I took a jog with an anvil on my shoulders... Looking at the shield on my back, I realize, it's not that far from the truth...
Sitting in a tree, I close my eyes, slowly falling to the beauty that is sleep, I awoke to a sound, however, a sound which reminded me of dogs growling, looking down, I see a sea of green eyes. Quickly through the trees, I sprang, behind me, the wolves following me like crazy asses, I about teleported, but, kept my cool, and made it to a ravine... Perfect.
Turning on them, they had spread out considerably, surrounding me, I ready my shield and sword, my positioning flawless, it was a standstill, I waited as they growled, then, they made the move, all rushing at the same time, I baited the lunge of all of them, before teleporting to the other side of the ravine, watching them fall down with yelps and whimpers.
I laugh my ass off, I loved being a somewhat lazy bastard, but, that's when the familiar feeling of Nothingness came to me, it was near...
Turning around, I came face to face with a stone castle, specifically one I knew, the sister's old castle ey? Interesting...
Walking in, and wandering the halls, was easy, the old traps to easy to predict, and I made it into the deepest part of the castle, I walked down the echoing, dusty corridor, I faced the facts, Nothingness is a power, meant for someone who is lonely...
I am not lonely at all, I have friends, but, to protect them, this power will allow me control of most situations...
Moving into a large room, with cracked steps, crumbling pillars, and a rather dusty atmosphere, making me waft a hand infront of my face, I saw it, sitting there, on a pedestal, Nothingness awaited...
I stared for the longest time, then moved toward it, I was now extremely close to it, to see the grey ball that signified Nothingness, it was befitting, almost, I grabbed the grey ball, and I put it in my mouth, and swallowed, another feeling, an absent feeling of power, it was there, yet not, that was nothingness, I used my teleportation to end up back near the entrance of the castle, which, I then picked up something off the floor, a gem of multiple colors, I smirk.
Lifting my hand up, I then feel this connection to become my token, a dull rainbow crystal, the token of a god... I smile.
"I am Cross, formerly Laurence, I serve as a defender of the weak, ill, and obsolete. I am the destroyer of tyrants, gods, and monsters. I can be your best ally or your greatest foe, I need no service of others, but, if you require mine aid, or, simply wish for an ear to loose your anguish, even a shoulder to cry on, summon, and I shall appear. Once more I state, I am Cross, and I am the God of Absolution."
After stating my place in the displaced community, I release, and the crystal would be gone for now...
I quickly started my pace, I wouldn't arrive in a couple of days, I was going to arrive tonight, and so I flew off on a large dragon skull...
Hours Later... (POV Switch: Third)
It was chaos, the Timberwolves were ferocious beasts, dead set on tearing the slowly weakening Minotaurs to pieces, the ambassador had already lost over thirty plus men, he needed aid... And badly, he watched from his encampment, as the Minotaurs waged a miniature war with these wooden beasts...
The Minotaurs in the field, overall, did not have the energy left, and made a break for the camp, their minds now racing with fear and horror, watching their brethren being taken down, and ripped to pieces, blood, guts, bone, and other less than pleasant things would soon start to litter the grassy plains.
The Minotaurs took a last ditch effort to save what they could, hoping to reduce the already massive casualties, but, the wolves kept coming, extremely hungry for Minotaur meat...
However, before the poor wooden wolves could reach their bovine meals, a beam of energy decimated the lot of them, above, Cross sat, his godly power easily destroying the Timberwolves.
Floating down to the Minotaurs, he found himself on the immediate end of a bunch of spears, with fearful looking Minotaurs staring at him.
"Alright, who is the leader of the encampment, I was sent here by Princess Celestia herself, in order to secure you lot!" Cross exclaims, they all appear confused, but, an old Minotaur comes forth, he looks upon Cross, and then bows, he raises with a neutral face.
"You are the Lord Laurence? Defeater of Discord?" He asked, Cross simply nodded, to which he nodded, a couple quick things were established after that, and Cross decided to test whether or not he could mass teleport.
"What is your name sir?" Cross asks the ambassador, he looks to Cross, then speaks "I am named Raish, after a great general of the Minotaur army." Cross nods at his answer, then smiles "Also, please, refer to me as Cross, that is what my name will be from now on... My original brings up many bad memories..." I say, he nods to this.
After a quick explanation, and some strategizing, Cross starts-up situating his power, preparing a large leap to Ponyville, his power fluctuated, then he released, and so Cross brought them all to the entry to Ponyville.
"Huh, I actually expected that to go far worse... Thank you for your trust, Ambassador Raish." Cross says as he smiles at Raish, Raish nods, then gives orders to his Minotaurs, while Cross goes and alerts the Princesses to their presence.
Timeskip: The Very Next Day... (POV: Cross/Laurence)
"Lord Cross, I must say, you are an interesting individual, tell me more about this... 'Hulk' character, to claim he is the strongest there is? Bah, that's pish posh." Raish said, with a slight scoff, I laugh at this.
"In terms of pure physical prowess? I am fairly certain he is most definitely the strongest, any other department, not exactly the brightest..." I say with a laugh.
He chuckles as well, before sipping some of the good ol' fashioned in-house bourbon this bar has, it went silent for a second before he made a comment.
"Lord Cross, what might you find interesting in a woman?" He asks, rather straightforward.
I shrug, then chug some of the rather sweet ale. "I like if their honest, kind, and have a sense of morals, with a dash of common sense, I could most definitely deal if they were also a bit strong on the forward head... Not exactly my style to go into much without knowing the woman too well... I don't marry cheaters, liars, or complete morons, and or evil bitches, just not my style, nor what I will be able to put up with... Most likely." I say, then chug more ale.
He nods, then proceeds to ask me a question out of the box, one I was not really expecting. "How would you like to meet my daughter?" And let's just say I near choked on my alcohol.
"Your daughter? Um, Sir, I don't know her, nor do I think I am ready for such a thing, I may appear rather mature, and maybe a bit like I have power, but, I don't have much to offer you..." I say, to which he laughs.
"I don't want her to be spoiled, I want her to learn respect, as well as another culture, just so I can focus on my king and the going's on within the kingdom, I just ask that you house her, teach her to be an adult, instead of her acting like a child, please, do this old man a favor." He says, to which I am a bit speechless...
I sigh, then nodded "Sure, I'll see what I can do..." I say, to which he nods "Splendid." He states.
Chapter 5: Minitaur, And The Quest For True Absolution!
(POV: Cross) A few weeks after the arrival of the Minotaurs...
Looking outside, I would realize, it was pretty late, Luna's moon was high in the sky, and the lights of Ponyville were all but extinguished as the night's comforting embrace set in.
A sip from a mug of coffee, and I looked toward a passed out Twilight, face in her notes, a small chuckle emitted from me, to which I snapped my fingers, sending her directly into her bed, under the covers.
I looked outside again, watching the town, and sky, my wonderment was cut short by a sound from outside, a slight thud, what was it? Of course, looking out and seeing nothing at first was a given, but, with the help of my power, I saw perfectly what was out there, two bug-like creatures happened to be dragging a body, the one in front, hissed at his cohort, before they picked up the body of the Pony, to which I saw it was still breathing, a small hum escaped me.
Setting my mug of coffee onto the table, I teleported infront of them, a smile on my face, both looked at me in awe, I just slapped them in the face, knocking them unconscious, before teleporting them elsewhere, I picked up the Pony, and teleported inside.
However, once inside, I realized that what I was carrying was not a Pony, but a Minotaur, a rather short, and feminine one to be exact...
I thought on words from about two or so weeks ago, a specific ambassador speaking to me, over some nice scotch, I chuckle, my thoughts going to what he had told me, or well asked me...
I shook my head, not wanting to worry about it, I decided to leave her on the couch, then teleport to Canterlot tomorrow to ask about her from Raish, seemed easy enough.
A small stretch from me, then back to the coffee, I stay up, unable to sleep, my own thoughts plaguing me, all about my dream, at some point, thinking on it about gave me a migraine, which the coffee overall helped.
A few hours later...
The bright, early morning rays of sunshine, made me close the blinds, having been seated all through the night, with the exception of getting up to grab some coffee, sipping it rather casually, I look toward the Minotaur girl, still out cold.
Looking towards the bookshelves, I soon hear the telltale signs of Twilight, with her slowly hoofing it down the steps, Spike most likely still out cold.
Twilight sat across from me, allowing her head to slam against the table, a groan echoing from her mouth, a loud chuckle exiting my mouth, with a snap, coffee, and some haycakes were presented on a plate for her.
She took a bite of the haycakes, then a sip of coffee, before looking to me, and giving a light smile "Well you appear fully rested!" She said with some amount of toned down joy.
I chuckle at her, then shrug, allow her to believe it, seems easier than trying to tell her why I can't sleep. Sipping our coffees, she then had some form of flash on her face, as if remembering something.
"Mmmh! Oh-! Cross, I never asked this, but, what was that power you got?" She asks, a look of curiosity on her face, I felt a drop of sweat slide down my face.
I coughed, then looked over as a slight shifting sound occurred from the couch, a small groan echoed from the Minotaur, whom Twilight just noticed.
"What in Celestia's name?!?!" She yelled in surprise, I slap my face, though, the Minotaur was still knocked the fuck out.
I sigh, then sip my coffee, before looking toward Twilight "Twilight, that Minotaur I found outside passed out, I think she might have been exhausted, so I put her on your couch, hope you don't mind?" I ask with a slight smile, she just looks at me, sighs then shakes her head.
"Alright, whatever, but, I wanna know, what was that magic?" She asked with some excitement, a truly straightforward, and undeniably pushing mare she was...
I sip my coffee, thinking on her question, then, I speak "First of all, that was not magic, its called Aspect, and it involves the nature of different powers, derived from divination of entities and their burdens, what you witnessed, is one of the powers or aspects that split from my body upon entrance to your world. The Aspect of Justice, and it rains over multiple categories of justice, and can call upon the powers of those who have been tasked with it since birth to give their judgment unto others." Twilight looked over-excited by this, I shiver.
"Past Justice, I also have the Aspect of Randomness and the Aspect of Nothingness. Randomnesses best example is it is like chaos magic, except, less corrupting, and far more based on luck. Nothingness is more made of one's sense of existence, it is something many creatures dubbed 'Eldritch Horrors' practice, as well as, many different gods, though none take it as their burden, after all, who wants to be the God of Nothing?" I say, though, not really meaning the last part, because it had its uses...
She nods, writing this down "And is there only those three?" She asks, I sip my coffee, then speak my answer "No, I still have to find three more, each far more powerful than the last, and I can only hope none find them before me..."
Overall, we let silence rule the atmosphere before I stand up "Welp, gotta teleport to Canterlot with the snooze queen over there, excuse me for a bit Twilight." I say while heading over and waking up the poor sleeping Minotaur, who groaned and grumbled, I sigh, then with a snap of my fingers, she is doused with cold water, to which she shrieks and jumps up and dancing around saying 'Cold!' Over and over again, I laugh my ass off as I teleport myself and her to Canterlot, outside the castle, with her already dried and slightly poofy.
I chuckle as she gives me a death stare, a growl emanating from her "Who are you to have joy from my misfortunes peasant?!?!" She basically yells I am still laughing, but, calm down enough to speak.
"Names Cross, a noble of Equestria with the title Lord, I am an honorary citizen, and a friend of Minotaur Ambassador Raish, who might you be?" I ask with a simple raise of a brow, her eyes widen.
"My father would never befriend any of these weak pansy nobles! What makes you an exception?!?!" She all but yells, cracking my neck, I give an answer.
"Probably because I am actually strong... Past that, I saved his ass from Timberwolves." I shrug with the statement, adopting a bored look.
She looks pretty angry, then her fist flies my way, I, of course, catch said fist, and push her away from me, not needing to use the large amounts of strength that added up with my re-garnered powers.
She is able to catch herself, but, she raised her fist once more, preparing to rush me "Why you littl-!" She almost finished, only for a stronger voice to sound out.
"KYORA!!! DON'T YOU DARE TRY AND TOUCH LORD CROSS!!! HE IS OWED GREAT THANKS FROM ME AND ALL MY MINOTAURS!!! OTHERWISE, WE WOULD HAVE BEEN MINCEMEAT FOR THE WOLVES, GIRL!!!" A rather loud and blatantly angry Raish yelled.
The Minotaur girl, known as Kyora, stopped mid-swing, and paled considerably, she looked to her father, a look of surprise "But... Father, he insulted me, and did not treat me with respect..." She said.
Raish rose a brow, then looked to me "Is this true Lord Cross?" He all but asked I looked him dead in the eyes, then, gave my piece.
"Nope, in fact, that was the most blatant lie I've ever seen, the truth is Raish, your daughter insulted me, then, tried to assault me, I don't blame her though." Cross said with a shrug.
Raish sighed, then shook his head, he looked to Kyora, his face showing a great facade, then he looked to me "Lord Cross, have you thought on your answer?" Raish said, his tone neutral.
I chuckled, then thrust a thumb at her "After that display?" I started, he seemed to have a flicker of disappointment, however, I finished my thought, after a small pause "I see she needs discipline, so, yes, I will take your daughter under my wing Raish."
Raish smiled, Kyora looked horrified, I just gave a chuckle "Well, then it is time for me and my guards to leave, we have been here for what is needed, good luck my daughter, I hope to see improvement, goodbye for now." He said, a small smile as he walked away, right back to the castle, I watched with slight amusement as he did.
I looked toward Kyora, she looked exasperated, I chuckle, then beckon her near "Come, let us be done here and return to Ponyville, I told Twilight I would be back to answer questions... I think?" I say, while prepping to teleport, she looks at me, gives an indignant huff before slowly making her way near me.
With a simple blink, she and I are back within the treehouse, slowly, I made my way to the kitchen, as I was planning to grab some coffee, my face smiling slightly, I pulled a small mug, and poured a cup, which I used some of my power to heat it, making the flavor pop out.
Seating myself on the couch within the main room, I watched this Minotaur, Kyora, pace back and forth muttering to herself, nonstop, and I swear, I thought she was gonna pace a line in the wood.
Holding up my hand, she stopped, her gaze flickering to me "Cool it, Twilight would not like a line on her floor from your rather aggressive pacing."
She glared at me, then settled down, collecting herself, she looks over me, then looks me in the face "How? How did you save my father and his men?" she asked.
I sipped my coffee, then set it down, before looking her in the face "I killed the Timberwolves?" I said, just trying to get that out of the way right quick.
She sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose "No, not that how, how, as in, what did you use how?" She asked, looking at me for an answer.
I stare at her for a bit, then sip my coffee again "Simple" I say, setting my coffee down "I am a god, borne of six different powers... I currently am only at a good quarter of the power, having two of the somewhat weaker powers, and the only varies on the situation power as well, though technically, I can break the rules with it, as for the other three, they sum up most of my power." I finish.
Taking a sip, Kyora stares blankly "Uh huh, and I'm the ruler of Equestria." She says, I laugh at this, then look her in the face from my mirth "Oh? And what will change your mind? Maybe something deep and dark inside yourself that you have told no one else?" I ask, with a Cheshire smile.
She stares me down, then shifts her shoulders, before smirking "Ok, what is my darkest secret?" She asks me, I smile, and stare her in the eyes, before taking a sip of my coffee.
"Your darkest secret involves your fifth bullfriend, you two got frisky, and then, you both started to-" Before I could finish, she clamped her hand over my mouth, a harsh glare donning her face, a growl emitted from her.
"And just what do you know about Ironhorn?!?! He was a good man!" She about yelled in my face, I chuckle, removing her hand, before giving my rebuttal.
"Not before you slaughtered him in his sleep like a pig, doing it to make sure he wouldn't spread rumors about the child you oh s-" Again I was cut off, this time by a punch.
"SHUT UP YOU HAIRLESS WORM, I'LL TEACH YOU TO PLAY SOMEBODY!!!!" She yelled at me, going for another punch, but, I caught it, standing up, my form towering over her, and easily emitting waves of overpowering intent, her face went from pure rage to pure fear in just the span of a few seconds.
I stared her down with pure hatred, red eyes trained on her like the eyes of an attack dog, she started to quiver where she stood, then I released her, before sitting down.
I drank my coffee, then set the cup down, before looking at her, then, relaxing back "You are my responsibility now, if you get out of line, I will work you down to the bone, until even you turn to ash, but, follow my orders, and listen to my rules, we won't have a problem, capiche?" I ask, reclining, waiting for a response.
She was silent for a minute or two before finally, she spoke "I will listen... Lord Cross." I rolled my eyes at this, not really taken to titles, finishing my coffee, I look to her, then stretch, before speaking "For today, you can relax, come tomorrow, however, I am going to train you, harshly, understood?"
She nodded, to which I gave a nod, then magicked away anything on the table near the window, before spreading a map onto it.
"For now, we start our quest in finding my last three pieces..." I said scanning over said map, she looks at me for awhile, then comes over, staring at it as well, I had marked three possible points of interest on the map.
"Cloudsdale, Manehatten, and The Crystal Empire? You think your pieces are in these areas?" She asked, to which I nodded, then cracked my neck, to relieve pressure.
She was silent for all but a couple minutes, before asking probably the best question for now "What are the other three powers?" Of course, I stared at her a few seconds, then, I spoke "Three of probably the most terrifying forces, one I will not name, but, I will tell you the other two for now." She nodded at this bit.
Chugging another coffee, I give her an answer "First of these two, is Darkness, the ability is one of the more powerful in my arsenal, though, the next to say, is Death, and that self-explanatory..." She stared at me, then spoke: "What could be worse than Death?" I stare at her a second, then shake my head.
"You don't want to know..." I say, and after a few hours of plotting, talking, then some talks with Twilight, as well as, some good old fashion eating, we prepare for sleep, seeing as tomorrow starts a new day.
As well as some good old fashioned ass whooping of a ninth degree! Its sure to be a blast!
"HARDER DAMNIT! I CAN HANDLE IT! AHHH!" A voice piped up from a small clearing, a second voice then came as well "Ok, no, just no, do you even think before you speak?"
Kyora stood infront of me, panting, and very tired looking, I must really be putting her through the ringer... Shrugging, I continue my domination of her in the training, specifically, me beating her ass, five times out of ten.
After a couple more ass kickings, I held my hand for her to stay her actions, then sat on a rock. I threw her a canteen of water, which she caught, chugging it, then sighing, she plopped herself on the ground, before looking towards me, a curious look on her face.
"So... Why are we doing this?" She asked me, sweat pouring from her, I chuckle, then shrug "Your father told me to make you a mature adult before you came back, I also see that you are not one to take losing very well." I say, before laying against the rock.
She gave a huff, sipping from the canteen, as I chugged my own, not really thirsty, just enjoying the cool refreshing feeling of water going down my throat.
A scream from the forest, specifically, multiple screams from deeper in the forest, shook me from my drinking reverie, I looked back into the forest, and drop my drink, rushing into the forest, a loud "Hey!" From behind me, reminded me of my current charge.
But, with a roll of my eyes, and the continuance of running, I left her behind, because she simply was not ready for any serious combat, though, coming from me, that's a funny statement, seeing as I have literally ZERO combat experience.
Yet somehow, someway, I managed... Leeets question that later...
Rushing full speed through the Everfree Forest, most likely was not a good idea, though, I believe in my power, mostly.
Breaking through a treeline, I see a specific three fillies... Being chased by a manticore, joy for me. Rushing to the bastardized Chimera, I unsheathed my blade, rose my shield, and charged.
"Look this way you ugly sumbitch!" I yell, gaining the animals attention, to which, I got in its face within record time and shield-bashed that mofo like I was a bandit from Skyrim about to be shown why a shout in dragon words, beats physics.
Course, magic is usually the answer, though, that was made in the opposite direction of how the fight went, seeing as I shield-bashed and made a Manticore sized homerun, complete with cheers and whoops.
Scratch that, loud yowling, coming from the flying pussycat, interesting...
Had to hand it to the thing, it had some lungs if I could hear it from my position after watching it disappear over the treeline.
I sighed as my charge finally caught up, panting and sweating, she held her chest, and held up a finger, signaling me to wait, I sat and waited for a few minutes, as the three fillies were looking at me, I waved at them, before looking back to see my charge had caught her breath.
"What did I miss?" She asked, I slapped my face, while the three fillies giggled at my apparent frustration with Kyora.
"Everything, you missed everything Kyora..." She pouted with a huff "Well you should slow down, we minotaurs are not great runners..." She says, kicking at the ground a bit, I felt some frustration rise up, then simmer down.
"Let's just return these three to their guardians, then, I am going to put you through running hell, comprende?" I ask her, she absolutely pales at this, then opens her mouth to speak, before I close her yap and shake my head, to which she hangs her head in defeat.
And Hour Later...
Of course, being the man of my word, I made her run till daylight burned out, to say the least, by the time we got to Twilight's treehouse, She flopped down and nearly passed out on the floor, I managed to carry her to the couch, before sitting down, a small sigh escaping me, I pulled out the map of Equestria, looking towards the possibilities of where our next Aspect would be, and this could be any of the three I know of, but, I am hedging to the two I listed, as I simply wish to find the inlisted one last... No matter how unorthodox it seemed.
Looking toward my poor pushover charge, I realized just what would happen were I to complete this journey, the implications a bit scary, but, I digress.
Sipping a newly poured cup of coffee, I once more wagered my sanity through the night...
Tonight, however, the coffee could not warrant this behavior of late nights any longer, and sleep tore me from the material realm.
Dreamscape...
Would it be wrong to assume hell is simply the minds last-ditch attempt to fire the neurons?
While I feel that statement held merit, it simply does not include every possibility, unlike your dreams, where imagination, is either a boon or your own personal damnations.
One may lose everything in life, yet gain in their dreams...
Others may have everything, yet lose it all here...
But for me? I live through what has been done, and what is yet to come...
Watch horrors, and debauchery all through the night...
I sat on the brimstones of my personal hell, watching as I shifted through the dreamscape, viewing the monstrous acts happening and to come, they were not real of course, at least most of them, but, they held the underlying motif rather well...
Wailing and whining, screaming and yelling, all about the same thing, how I abandoned family to find a selfish escape, I need help, real or otherwise, then, multiple stories show, with color and voices, as well as being animate, stories I would tell myself to sleep at night, watching the nightmarish dreamscape, turn to a graveyard, revealing depths of childishness, or even teen depravity.
It's a wonder how I still sleep without at least experiencing something regular people do... Though with what's happened, do I deserve to have a happy ending?
Do I deserve what fate will grant me on the 'morrow?
Do I deserve a haven like Equestria?
It was something to think on, yet I knew the answer to my question.
I don't, plain and simple, I gave up one fear, and traded it for a new one, one far more burdening...
As I woke slowly, the dreamscape collapsing around me, I had my epiphany.
Absolution is end all, be all... I will witness this world's end, and every friend I make will be one to watch be buried...
My greatest fear, was to die alone, but, completing this quest of mine?
It gave me a new fear: To live forever, even after the end, in complete loneliness.
Fate has yet to stay her cruel hand, has she not?
Then, I woke up.
Morning...
Opening my eyes, I found myself staring down a small purple dragon, whom of which poked my nose, I snorted at Spikes antics.
A simple pat on the head led him to shake it, then giving me a light glare "Hey!" He yelled out, I chuckled, before looking into my coffee mug.
Putting it in his direction I said: "Be a pal and get ya friend some coffee, Mister Spike?" He huffed, then took it and grumbled his way to the kitchen.
I rolled my eyes at his antics "Hey, get it here in under five minutes, I'll get you a hoard of gems my draconic friend!" I called after him.
And that really put a pep into his step, which made me chuckle, then I look out the window, and see all the ponies milling about, working or otherwise.
A groan from the couch reminded me of yesterday, and looking toward my charge, she promptly rolled off the couch and hit the floor.
Seconds later she stood up woozily "Ahm up, ahm up..." She said tiredly, another roll of my eyes, and today felt normal, or as normal as it could get for being in a world in which I probably don't belong.
"Sadly, destiny has other plans..." I mumbled under my breath as Kyora took a seat infront of me, swaying back and forth in her seat, suddenly, there was Spike.
"Here you go Cross! Can I get my gem hoard now?!?!" He was all but hopping as he said that, I sipped the coffee, looked to the time, then smiled.
"Well now, at least someone can produce satisfactory results in a time limit!" I say, then look towards Kyora with an all-knowing smirk "Unlike someone I know..." She, of course, growled at my quip, but, looking towards Spike instead of watching her, I pointed outside.
"Blaster's just finished grabbing them, go on out, and you will get your hoard." I say this with a wink, to which with all the glee he could muster, he rushed outside and gave loud cheers.
Sipping my coffee, a rather tired Unicorn trotted up to our table.
"Morning Twilight, how are you doing?" I ask her, and Kyora just waves at her, Twilight looks me in the eyes, then speaks "Can you run an errand for me?" A brow raise from me, then Kyora, makes her give a raised brow look.
"What? Was it something I said?" I chuckled, then shook my head "Oh Twilight, don't you greet someone before you ask them to do something for you?"I say, to which she blinks at me tiredly, before sighing "Good morning..." She says, I smirk, then nod.
"Alright, now, what do you want me to do?" I ask, then she gives me a list, and some bits, she then looks me dead in the eyes and says "There's enough in there for everything and maybe something extra, past that, try not to go crazy..." She then goes over to the couch and flops down.
I unravel the list, sipping my coffee, while reading, I finish my coffee, and then finish the reading, before nodding.
"I got this Kyora, you stay here and watch over Spike and Twilight, I don't need them getting hurt or anything of the sort." I say, she just nods and waves me off.
I walk out the door, and see Spike in his hoard, literally swimming, I blink, shake my head, then tell him to move it inside, before heading out to do this list of shopping, which leaves me to my thoughts.
A Single Hour Later...
I had a couple bags on my arm, and I am still going, I mean, who in any ring of nine hells, needs fifty fucking quills?!?! I mean, this is Twilight, but, even she should follow some form of control... Though with magic involved, it's pretty easy to see where that avenue leads.
A few stops along the way, I find Applejack, selling her apples, and looking a tad tired "Evenin Applejack, can I get fifteen apples?" I ask her, she looks up at me, a bit dazed, then shakes her head "Ye, I got ya Crawss, that'll be fifteen bits please." She says, to which I put them on her cart, before, taking the apples and moving on, checking the last item on the list, and like a slightly greedy person, I look into the bag, and I see some bits jingling, then I look around searching for something just right...
Continuing a lengthy search, my eyes land on something rather... Perfect, a wide smile breaking out on my face as I rush to it, and snatch it up, smiling, then look to the shopkeep "How much?" I ask.
An Hour And A Half Later...
I arrived with a slam open of the, jolting both Kyora and Twilight out of their sleeping states, a loud laugh echoing from me "Ah, home sweet treehouse, I missed ye!" I laughed while placing down a hoofmat, which had the same text on it, an echoed groan from both of them had me smiling.
"Also, Spike, you need a better hoard spot than under the couch." I say while looking at the couch, which only now, was comically out of place on top of a mountain of gems, with Spike poking his head out and hissing at me, to which I rolled my eyes.
And that's how that day started, with a rather weird hoarding by Spike, and complete unenthusiasm from the other two.