> Displaced Darkness > by Jaycren > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Don't Piss Off The Merchant > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Young man strode through the convention hall. Crowds parting before him, he stood 6"5' and bore a well muscled frame. His neat, well trimmed brown hair and beard, speckled with gray. Hazel Eyes twinkled behind heavy clear plastic work goggles, latching in the back to prevent their loss. He wore brown hiking boots, cargo paints and a long faded black duster. Upon his left breast was a name tag that read "Hello My Name Is An Innocent Bystander." An Army Day Pack was slung over his left shoulder, it and his pockets containing everything he owned. Clutched in his right hand was a Sport bag that swung as he made long strides toward his destination. Spotting his target, he sauntered up to the booth. Laid out was the most diverse collection of reproductions, there was Bob's Master Tool, Glitch, next to that was the Gambol Shroud, assorted other tools and weapons of Geek destruction cluttered the booth with seemingly no rhyme or reason. The proprietor glanced up, his eyes widened. "What are you doing here?" The Young man smiled, "You know who I am? To think the Merchant would recognize little old me. What an honor." the smile never left his face as he gave a mocking bow. The Merchant frowned. "Of course, you bring nothing but trouble and you make what I do more difficult. Us Urban Legends have to keep track of each other. To many disappearances make athourities suspicious. How in the hell did a thing like you find me?" The Young man chuckled. "It wasn't hard, I just payed attention to who disappeared where, then looked for common Booths. By the way you don't change yours nearly often enough. I mean you have used this particular color set at every convention you went to this year. Honestly, I know you're a spider, but try not to make yourself too noticeable, ruins the mystique, then none of us have a chance to get to Equestria." "Why would you want to go to Equestria? For that matter why would I send you, I want to cause chaos not let you find out what ponies taste like." The young man dropped his sports bag, placing a gloved right hand upon his chest in shock and indignation. "I'll have you know that I have no intention of harming any ponies, I happen to be a confirmed brony. I even write fanfiction and have a nice little OC. Just because I know the proper recipe for honeyed sweet meats, in no way indicates I would do so in Equestria, that sir is Cannibalistic Psychopathic Profiling, and Profiling is wrong." "Didn't answer the question." The smile left the young mans face, he looked tired, he looked old. The Merchant leaned forward, the first time feeling for another. "Merchant, I have done some bad things in my life. I reduced my hometown to a crater by converting the water in it's Aquifers into fire. I hunted down and ate my father, that abused my family for so long, after making sure he ate his new family. There is a list of broken people, both male and female that I have left in my wake. I have been a killer, a conman, a cleaner, a thief, and have committed crimes that they are still writing the laws on. Mostly because of my actions. But there are two things I have never been. I have never been an abuser or a rapist. Any woman that saw fit to be in my company was safe, often happy. It was only those that stood in my way that had anything to fear. But these last months my anger, so long my ally, has been giving me urges. Things I know if I indulge in I will be lost. I need to be away from the source of my anger, this world, while I still have the option. Before I never wish to go because I am having to much fun indulging." Then The Young Man Smiled, "Besides, It's not like you can deny me, if I am willing to buy." The Merchant leaned back, he did not like that smile, "What are you talking about?" "You, sir have rules that you have to obey, 1. You have to sell to anyone willing to buy, 2. You can only send them to a version of Equestria that they have the possibility of happiness, 3. You have to sell them something that is useful, beneficial, and they actually need for a fair price. I am sure being a horror from outside of time and space means that reality accepting your presence dictates these things. So, I am willing to buy, ergo, you have to sell." The Merchant narrowed his eyes, "You take the joy out of it, what do you want?" The young man smiled. "You pick the Equestria, so I see no reason why you shouldn't pick the product too. After all, by your own rules you will make the best decision within my price range." "And that is?" Opening the sports bag, the smiling man produced a roll of cash, a 100 dollar bill on the outside. "This entire bag is filled with these, check them if you want. They still have the security bands wrapping them. None have been broken." The Merchant took in a breath, "How in the hell did you get that kind of money?" "Misbehaving has always made more money then an honest wage. When I made this decision I liquidated all of my holdings, then emptied my accounts. This cash represents everything not in my bag or in my pockets. I will not need any of this when I get to Equestria." Pursing his lips the Merchant looked at the man before him. Desperation had this Young Man rattled. "I just require one more thing of you." The Merchant said. "Oh?" "Yes, leave the Backpack and all that is in it. You have all the tools of your trade in your pockets, I have no interest in sending you to Equestria with the materials in that backpack as well." The Man nodded, "Of Course, that is agreeable, might I retrieve one thing though?" "Fine, what is it?" "My Grandfather's Hatchet. It is one of the few things I have of his." The man chuckled, "I never met the man, no doubt he'd be ashamed of what I've become, but it means something to me." The Merchant chuckled back, "Of course, never let it be said I'm unreasonable, I just have to ask my associate to get your item out of stock." Turning to a curtain towards the back of the both he shouted in a strange language, the sound grating to the ears, "L=5,// 75$// $85// XL$85#//2L+// " A gloved hand produced a clear plastic tupperware container. Indecipherable script was scrawled on the top, as well as a price that, according to the red dash marks through previous prices, had been in free fall for a while. The Merchant opened the box and presented the object to the young man. Securing the hatchet underneath his duster, the young man approached the Merchant, eyeing the being cautiously, looked at what the Merchant held. The young man took in a deep breath, "That's a Mother Box!" The Merchant smiled, "Do you not want it? We can cancel the deal." They young man snatched it from the Merchant, "Absolutely not! It is a crime to have this languish in your back room." The Merchant Smiled, "That it is. Problem is no one can afford them, so when I get them they sit on a shelf. But you two were made for each other. By the way say hi to Dainn for me. You really should've played the game and done the dance, not been a jerk." The Cackling of the Merchant was the last thing the Young Man heard before everything faded. > Arrival Of An Innocent Bystander > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Opening his eyes in an Alleyway that stank of semen and blood, the young man rose to his feet. Brushing himself off he allowed himself a momentary lapse of control, punching the wall next to him until his gloved hand was sore. Taking a moment to reestablish his calm demeanor, he glanced at the Mother box, still clenched in his right hand. It was simply a small rectangle, not much bigger than a blackberry, covered in strange groves. Placing it in the palm of his hand, he searched for some sort of interface. "How do I interface with you?" "By Talking To Me" a deep matronly voice echoed within his skull. "Ah, Might I inquire the best way to carry you?" "I Can Attach To Any Article Of Clothing Or Armor that You Happen To Have. Thinking for a moment, he asked. "Can you attach permanently to me?" I Can. Came the reply. "Do so. Also, can we communicate mind to mind only?" A chuckle ran through his mind. "We can, plan on using me to pull a Pyrrha Nikos?" Chuckling to himself, he thought back to her. "It's like you read my mind." Pausing a moment more he asked, "Forgive my rudeness, what is your name? "I don't have one, when my lord Desad created me, he said that I was for another and that I would get my name then." "Huh, that is a mystery for another time, I suppose. Very well then I shall call you Aegis. Striding out of the Alley he immediately recognized Ponyville, but a Ponyville that bore only a nightmarish resemblance to any that he had dreamed of. Instead of Friendly Ponies he might befriend, females of all sorts were in stocks, next to a signs labeled "For Public Use." Caribou walked openly with their favored female slave dragging behind on leashes. Stallions strutted, freely using any mare that was not otherwise owned. Steeling himself, he went forth to see what place he could make for himself in this world. Moving through the streets, he spotted a comotion up ahead. Five Caribou stood in front of a sixth. His one knee on the ground, the sixth staring defiantly back at the other five. The young man smiled, this could be an opportunity. The largest of the five spoke. "Pathetic, Old One. Maybe You could've taken us all years ago, but now? The strong rule, and we are the strongest. When I kill you, I'll take over. Then this all will be mine." The Older Caribou raised his head, a smirk on his face. Spitting on the ground he spoke, "Yeah, that's true. But how long before one of these other four, remembers it took all five of you to put me down. That without them you're nothing. Heh, I think then you'll be here." The Older one chuckled, "Honestly, I look forward to you killing me, I'm getting tired of your mewling. So, quit wasting my time and just do it." The young man smiled, an opportunity indeed, slipping his hand underneath his duster, he placed a hand on the knife sheathed along the bottom of his back. A click was heard as he popped the snap that kept it secure. Already moving forward, the young man grabbed the horn of the Young Buck, yanking backward he unsheathed his knife and, holding on to the Young Bucks horn, placed his knife against the Bucks throat. "I have a deep and abiding problem with any male the requires four others to solve matters with just one." The Young man said. Yanking the horn of the Leader, he slit the Bucks throat all the way back to the spinal column. Continuing the momentum, he directed the Arterial Spray into the eyes of Caribou #1 and Caribou #2 on his left, then kicked the corpse of their leader into them. Turning, he parried the dagger thrust of Caribou #3 off the back of his blade. His boot crushing any hopes the male had of having children. Slamming his knife upwards into the throat of his opponent, he wrenched his blade to the right and pushed his second kill into his third opponent. Caribou #4 batted the corpse away contemptuously, then was stunned when the young man, using the corpse as a distraction, closed in, sliding his weapon through his opponents left ribs, puncturing the heart. Turning his blade, the young man withdrew it from his opponents chest, letting the corpse fall, he spoke to the last two. "Alright, hurry up. If you're going to kill me, let's not take all day to do it, chop, chop. Oh, and please try and give a better showing then these others, I'm becoming bored." The Two remaining bucks snarled as they attacked as one, The first moved in with a lunge, his own dagger moving forward. Stepping to the side, the Young Man caught the Caribou's arm, twisted it clockwise, then brought his blade down hard and quick upon the joint. Parting sinew and muscle like butter, The now unarmed caribou hit the ground screaming, a scream that tuned to gurgling by a sharp kick to the throat. The young man's last opponent threw done his weapon and backed away. The young man shook his head, "Much to late for that." The Caribou #5 looked at the unsympathetic faces of those around him, he had challenged the Alpha and he had lost. Diving forward he grabbed the fallen dagger. "You Monster!" he screamed, as he slit his own throat, rather then face what was before him. The Young Man sneered. "Like a Bitch." Looking down on the still gurgling Caribou #3, the young man smiled. "I haven't eaten all day, I hope you don't mind." Kneeling down the young man produced a collection of obsidian scalpels and knives from his pockets, working quickly he removed the fallen caribou's heart, munching on it as if a particularly juicy apple, making delighted humming noises. None tried to interrupt his grisly meal. > Where All The Angels Go To Die. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Licking his fingers clean as he finished he turned to the older Caribou. "Nothing to say?" "I thought it rude to interrupt such a hard won meal. I could wait till you were done." "And Know that I am?" The older Caribou smiled, shaking his head. "I'm old, not stupid, you're not the first being that I have seen feast on the hearts of its enemies. Besides, those five were some of my best, and you're not even tired. If anything you seem, bored." The older Caribou paused, "What's your name?" The young man chuckled, "Innocent Bystander. Just like it says on the name tag." Smiling, he tapped one blood covered finger on the blue and white sticker. "Ah, so it does," The Caribou thought for a moment. "Well Innocent, I am Dagur, Lord of this settlement. You, have just saved my life." "I didn't overstep my bounds did I? By interfering." Dagur laughed, "No, the single combat rule of the challenge was void when he showed up with four others. You evened the odds." "So if any others had been willing to step in, they could've?" "At that point, yes, but there are none here that could've stood against any them, except for one, but he is a special case. So I can't hold anything against these townsfolk for not wanting to die for someone that was going to lose anyway. You though, where did you gain that kind of skill? Who was your teacher?" "When I was a child I faced a monstrous abuser, it changed me. I resolved never to be unable to protect that which I chose to ever again. So when it was time, I was able to give my abuser a scar with my thumb that he would not soon forget. Over the years I've only gotten better, as I have fought for my life against what should have killed me. Yet I'm still here. I'm my own teacher, taught by falling and always being able to get back on my feet." "Ah, an excellent teacher such is." Dagur fell silent for a moment, then smiled at Innocent. "I think we deserve something that only a Governor has access to, Come I know exactly how to reward someone of such virility as you and on the way I can give you a tour of my town." "I would enjoy that, Dagur." Allowing himself to be helped to his feet he followed the older male out into Ponyvile, occasionally pausing as Dagur would point out various places of interest. "There we have our central brothel, where men recover from the trevails of the day by being attended by females of all sorts. The hot baths and grooming stations are the best there are. There is our armor depot, where males are outfitted for whatever struggles might face them. The circular design and metal shuddered windows make it a highly defendable part of the town. Our eateries here are second to none and provide food that restores the male spirit, none of those feminine sugary corruptions. Our Market brings wares and females from every corner of Equis, and now to our crown jewel." Rising before the two was an edifice Innocent knew well, the Twilight's Crystal Castle. Except, what was once a beautiful edifice had turned dull blood red. Green veins interlacing through the crystals, giving the whole castle a diseased look. Dagur continued, displaying the center jewel of his town. "This was once a monument to the subjugation of the superior male race by the inferior females. When we conquered these lands, males were subservient to Goddesses that kept them docile. Thus there was nothing in our way when we swept their soldiers to the side, we captured and restored those males we could but most were to docile and had to be completely rehabilitated. So we took this place, turning it to our purpose. To make males strong, not docile, so that they would never be subservient again, and we renamed it Dainn's retreat." Innocent turned to his guide and asked, "You said there was one male the could have taken them all, and that he was a special case? I would dearly love to meet one such as him." Dagur snorted, "Very well, we must pass him, as he toils at the entryway to Dainn's retreat." Walking to the castle, Innocent noticed a large stallion, bright red of color. However, as he got closer other details were made clear as well. The stallion pushed a four pronged spindle endlessly, shackled to it by dull grey bands, spikes pierced his hands, and kept him affixed to the handle. His hooves glimmered silver. Rising from his head was what, at first, looked to be a crystal crown, but as Innocent got closer he saw the truth. The crystal crown was permanently driven into the stallions skull, the eternally weeping cranial fluid dripping down the once proud males face. There was no emotion, there was no thought, there was only the task. Dagur shook his head sadly, "What a waste, such a one. When we arrived and freed the other males, made them see our truth, he refused. He was the one that had never been docile, he should have been as an alpha, a shining example of unbowed masculinity that had never bowed to oppresion. Instead, he chose to deny Dainn's great message, to fight till his last breath, so Dainn gave him a different honor. Dagur lowered his voice as he told of the sad fate of the one before him. "He turns the spindle endlessly and provides power for all of our efforts within Stallionville. His hooves were changed so that he eternally pulls energy from the ground and thus never tires or suffers any damage. For the earth itself strengthen and heals him. If he were to get free, there is not a male on equis that could stop his rage, short of Dainn himself. Such strength, wasted, when we would've given him a supreme place of honor, as one of the first among men." Spitting on the ground Dagur turned and moved towards the doors to the castle. Innocent watched the one that had been Big Mac, bowed his head a moment, then went to catch up to his guide. > A Quiet Moment In Hell > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Entering into the former castle of friendship, Innocent took stock. The Doors had been hung with spiked shields, with the entryway a testament to taxidermists everywhere. A large Brown Bear stood menacing any that paused to long, a permanent roar, never uttered. Birds of all sorts stared mutely back, perched forevermore on various ledges, and for the centerpiece, mounted on the Friendship Map was the head of one, once, very fabulous sea serpent, it's glass eyes and Ivory fangs pulled back in a frozen snarl. Of his wondrous mustache there was no sign. Broken chairs sat lined against the far wall, each with an animal posed as if sleeping, waiting forevermore for masters that weren't coming home. Shaking his head, Innocent turned to Dagur, "Excuse me, but I'm rather filthy, is there a place I might freshen up?" Dagur smiled, "Indeed, just follow those stairs, the bath is on the left. If You leave your clothes by the door, I can give you replacements as those are cleaned." Innocent's eyes narrowed. "Forgive me, but I'm kind of partial to these. Besides, I made them and as such I'll care for them," His Eyes Twinkling he continued, "It won't take long, blood doesn't stain me." Rocking back on his hooves Dagur carefully replied, "In that case, take your time, I must prepare your reward anyway. Ring the bell within when you finish, one of my guards will bring you to me." "Thank you, you've been most kind." "You saved my life, it's the least I can do." Scaling the stairs, Innocent traced the green veins intertwining through the red crystal. All windows were fitted with metal shutters, banners extolling male superiority framing them. The sunlight noticeable by its absence. Green crystals in mirrored sconces provided light, guards spaced every couple of feet, statues waiting to erupt into violence. Patrols rotated through the hallways, the clank of armor on weapons heralding their otherwise silent approach. "A proper military outpost, feh!" Innocent thought. Striding to the bathroom, the silent sentries tracking his movements, Innocent gave no indication that he knew their eyes were upon him. He smiled, he would only be challenged if he went somewhere he shouldn't. Evidently, he was cleared for this bathroom. Chuckling at his own joke, Innocent strode in. Urinals lined the wall, while stalls took up one corner, The sinks were more akin to basins, water ceaselly flowing through. Every other stall was locked, removable paper signs on those doors listing mare within's qualifications, as well as which stalls she serviced. Towards the back, shower stalls could be seen, with similar markings. Sighing, Innocent went to the closest sink, soreness and fatigue from the day working there way through him. Shuddering, his tears started to fall. So, now the price is paid. Honestly, Bystander where'd you learn to fight like that? Sobbing, as what he had called on took its price, Innocent shot back. Your'e in my head, you read my mind. You don't know? A shuddering mental sigh echoed within his mindIt'll take me a while to get fully integrated, but even when I am, I think there are some places in your head that I shouldn't go, where even you shouldn't go. Places locked and dark for a reason. Merciful Darkseid, Innocent, what in hell were you thinking? Spiking your adrenaline to remove your pain limitters, having me integrate into your skin so that I can serve as both a secondary nervous and sensory system, and then to top it all off, using source energy to push yourself even further. It's no wonder you're crashing so hard! Innocent raised his head, staring directly at the mirror he smiled. He smiled, despite the pain, despite the tears, despite the fatigue, He smiled and it was not a nice smile. "Aegis, you're forgetting one thing in your assessment. As you become more synced to my systems you will also act to boost my immune system. Which means...... That, in doing so I will be effectively removing the one limitation that what you just did has! By protecting you, and by extension myself, I will allow you to adjust to the increased effort! Innocent that's insane! Even one of the New Gods would eventually reach their limits. You're mortal, a gifted and driven one, but still a mortal. If you keep doing this, flesh and bone are flesh and bone, they will fail. You WILL break, and we will both die. Closing his eyes, Innocent breathed deep. Calming his mind and by extension his body, he once again reasserted his control over himself. Aegis, all things break, all things die. I will live as I always have. To my own choosing, none tell me what I may or may not do, not even me! The last word echoed through his mind as a snarl. Looking once more at the blood that caked his hands and stuck within his beard, he once again spoke. Aegis, why'd I eat that fallen Caribou's heart, in front of everyone? I'm normally much more circumspect about my feedings?" "Yeah that Heart was yummy, I needed the fuel so I pushed your hunger a bit, you just chose the quickest source of protein. I'll take the blood from your clothes, tools and skin for the same purpose. Wait, that is some weird behavior for the both of us, Hold on I'm going to check...... Huh, I can't believe I didn't notice this! There's a low level psychic resonance reverberating through out Ponyville, in you it's barely noticeable, but among the ponies of Equestria it must be driving them bonkers! That's why the stallions and others are collaborating, it's low level viral harmonic mind control! "But why can I still think fairly straight? I've just been slightly more grumpy and a touch more prone to violence. Well, not to mention hunger, but I think the heart incident speaks for itself. "Because it targets those feelings humans have the most experience with. Anger, Lust, Aggression, as a functioning human in society you were taught to handle those emotions. Here the only ones that have anywhere close to the experience with those emotions as Humans are the Caribou. Ponies, have next to none at all, Dragons only have greed to really worry about, Griffins are just expressing dominance, Changelings only really have lust, and the hippogriffs/seaponies are no better off then the ponies! You are the only one that appears to have even a resistance, bordering on immunity, in all of Equestria. Hell, now that I recognize it. BAM! You just became immune. Calm washed over Innocent, like a shower after cleaning out septic tanks. He looked around with his new clarity and made some decisions. "Alright, Aegis, time to see a caribou about a reward." > Those Angels Born In Hell, Breaking Dainn's Spell > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Light and voices roused her, assuming the position her duty required, she waited. More voices, one snarling to another, then a scream and a sound unlike any she had ever heard. The sound ended in a sickly squelch, then the wet crunch of an apple was heard. A shadow moved into her vision. She felt pressure on her forehead, warm liquid pooling in the cavity left by her shattered horn. That warmth spreading through her body, searing fire congregating on the scars where her wings had been cut from her. She heard thunder, then in the silence, a voice, low, powerful, and male, asked. "What's your name?" She was confused. "What's a Name?" Feeling the displeasure of the voice, she continued. "I'm sorry if my answer displeased you master. Please punish me as you see fit, I'm but a worthless female, fit only to bear children and provide enjoyment to the superior males." The voice echoed forth again. "You have'n't displeased me, those that claim to sin in the name of the Masculine did. The voice paused, a great intake of breath was heard, followed by vague muttering she couldn't quite make out. When the voice spoke again, it spoke with the warmth of laughter. "Let Me Tell You A Story. The Broken One pushed the mill crank, every step pulling energy out of the ground, every step sustaining the next. His ears flicked as rolling thunder was heard, then ignored it. His purpose was to turn the Mil crank, that was the purpose given to him by his masters. He was created for this purpose, nothing would keep him from it. Moving without hesitation, one foot in front of the other, trudging forward, he kept to his mindless work. Such was good, such was proper. Brother in Bonds Get Ready, You Gotta Stand Bloods All Around There's blood on the land Take in a breath Make a Final Try Push Through The Fog Hear Them All Cry. The Broken one shook his massive head, nothing shall keep him from his purpose, especially some nonsense song. She nodded to the Voice, she was for the use of males, if one wanted to tell her a story she would obey. The voice sighed, but began its tale. Before the beginning of all things, The Creator moved through the void. Other things existed there as well, but none were like the Creator. Like them it was neither male nor female, like them it was a creation of the Void. Some had been created before, some had been created after. What set The Creator apart from all the things that had ever formed from the void before or since was its capacity for one thing, loneliness The Broken One continued his eternal task, continued his steady pace, but again the song reverberated up from deep within. Shake Of The Dirt Listen To The Shouts Screaming Your Name Screaming So Loud They Made You Believe You Can't They Made You Think Your Done But' You Can't Rest Until It's Done Shaking his head harder Big Mac, continued on. He could not be distracted, this was his purpose. The one thing that the Master had built him for. However upon his head, cracks in the crystals began to form. The Female shook her head, that was wrong! The Creator had been male! This was a lie, but a Male was telling it to her. Therefore it had to be truth, but the other males had told her that the creator had been Male. Her head ached, but still she listened, this is what the male wanted of her. To tell her this story, and she would not fail in her duty. She had never sent any male away unsatisfied, no matter how many she was asked to attend at once. She would not fail. The voice continued, seemingly pleased with her inner turmoil. At first The Creator didn't know what this feeling was, but the feeling drove it to try and connect with the other beings that were born of the void, both old and young. It wanted to talk to them, to befriend them, but was rebuffed every time. For those beings had no need of friendship or companionship, they were made for solitude. So, after an eternity or an instant, time had not been invented yet after all, it decided to gather its thoughts. So it fell into a great slumber, trying to understand what made it so different from all others. Macintosh gritted his teeth as the song once more echoed through his skull. Their All Alone Their So Afraid This is The Moment You Can Hear Their Pain So Raise Your Head Macintosh's head rose as he beheld his home, his unceasing stride, giving him a full view. And Bear Your Teeth Macintosh's teeth shattered from the grinding, the energy rising from the ground through his feet reforging them into fangs. YOU CAN NOT ACCEPT DEFEAT!!!!! Macintosh stopped walking, the crystals that kept him docile showing deep cracks, smoke pouring forth. The former Alicorn shiver at the voices words, flashes of memory, what had been done to her, what had been taken. Something foreign to her was growing deep inside, something that burned cold, something that froze those memories and others into place, made her see them. Thus the Creator came to understand his difference, and in understanding is the key to action. For the first time ever, SOUND echoed into the void, as The Creator spoke It's own name. The Echoes of that name changing as they left its mouths, changing and forming into all Universes, as well as all they contain. No longer was The Creator lonely, for now all of creation was its friend, all of creation was a part of it and it was a part of all creation. Which is why a name is the most sacred of things. For in all Names, especially those that are unique to the self, is an echo of our Creator's. And the removal of that name is thus the ultimate sin. So once more I ask you, What Is Your Name?! In an instant she knew, her eyes opened, light blazing from them. Magic arcing through the room, destroying her bonds. "MY NAME" she boomed, "IS TWILIGHT SPARKLE!" in that moment all the light and energy burned the corruption away. She would always be scarred. But she was herself again. More than that, she now had a name for the feeling that burned cold inside her. "RAGE!" She screamed. "THEY MUST ALL PAY!!!!!" A roll of thunder and she was gone. GET UP!!!!! The Need Your Strength Right Know! The Crystals implanted into his skull shattered into dust. Big Mac's rage burning the corruption from him. GET UP!!!!! Or Their Hope Will Burn Out Energy flowed into Mac from the ground, new bone growth forming a savage crown that framed the shaggy hair now falling down his shoulders. Get Up! Can't Let Their Light Go Out GET UP! Use Your Strength To Fight Raise Your Eyes, Free Your Mind So Lift Yourself One More Time MAC! GET UP! GET UP! GET UP! GET UP! GET UP! Blowing hot air out his nostrils he snarled at the nails that held his hands to the Mil Crank. He had watched all he love fall, this pain was nothing compared to that. Tearing his hand free, he saw the ones that he loved look to him, his Caribou jailers staring in fear. Bellowing his rage to the skies, the land itself healed him, made him stronger, forged him aknew for the coming struggle. The hands that once were so gentle became clawed and jagged as bone and keratin growth strengthening them. Rising he towered over all, the land causing him to grow to giant size. He sniffed the air, the Caribou were afraid, GOOD. The Battle rise again You've Got This Chance to Win Call The Power Within Unleash your Rage within Taking Up The Fight Victory In Sight You Need To Set Things Right! Panting heavily, this song inside him drove the remaining clouds from his mind. He saw again Granny's and Mayor Mare's death, watched powerless again as Steven Magnet was humiliated and executed for 'Crimes Against Masculinity.' Saw in his mind's eye his friends, one by one become corrupted. The CMC given to those that could properly train them. Good Males falling to the magic Dainn had woven over them. Saw the acts it had driven them too. This time his scream contained the same call he heard within. Our Hands are weak But Our Will Is Strong Clear Your Minds Fight Once More Rage Behind Our Eyes Our Hearts Clear And Bright We're Built To Carry It All Our Battle's Just Begun All The Non-Caribou clutched their head as Mac's Heartsong burned within their mind. The Shackles of Glass breaking one by one. All affected began to change. Hands sharpened to claws, teeth shattered and reformed into fangs. Males and Females alike gained muscle, any fat burning from them. They awoke angry, they awoke hungry. Turning their eyes to the Caribou, the all screamed their Heartsong as one. Get Up! It's Screaming Loud GET UP! Before All Hope Fades Out GET UP! A flash of light appeared over the Crystal Castle. A cry of rage torn from the throat of Princess Twilight Sparkle as she herself took up the Heartsong all those of Ponyville shared. Thus the slaughter began Our Light Rises Now GET UP! And Our Strength Is Gaining Purge These Bonds For All Time Gotta GET UP! GET UP! GET UP! GET UP! GET UP! GET UP! As one those natives of Ponyville, descended on the Caribou. As one the Caribou died, their blood watering the ground, their flesh easing the hunger of those they had corrupted. No Caribou was spared, not even the youngest. The infection had to be purged. There would be no survivors, just the full bellies of the victors. All those Caribou that made it to the outskirts of the town were turned back by the dome that the Princess had created around the entire town. Many committed suicide rather than face what they had fled from. The Heartsong continued on. End The Tears Streaming Out GET UP! Raise Your Hope NOW! GET UP! Use The Rage Screaming Loud GET UP! And Your Strength is Gaining Free Your Mind For All Time Gotta GET UP! GET UP! GET UP! GET UP! GET UP! Princess Twilight extended her hand, and a great working began, as the Crystal Castle itself was converted into a cloud of crystal shards, that then descended onto Ponyville. All Buildings and remaining Caribou were swept aside, shredded into dust. In the end the only ones left were those natives of Ponyville, Ponies and Non-Ponies alike, that had been freed from the corruption. Floating to the ground Princess Twilight dispersed the cloud and began moving among them, healing and offering a kind word to all. Her horn was still shattered and her wings still missing. She had no need of them. She bore her scars proudly, unbowed and unbroken. As the last were healed, to a one they knelt, Big Mac approaching her. "What's next Your Highness." Twilight looked over the empty land that had once held Ponyville, she then turned to the Everfree. Tilting her head, she seemed to be listening for a moment, then smiled. "First, we retreat to the Castle of the Two Sisters. The Everfree will guard us, the enemy of an enemy is a friend after all. Then, we're going to free Discord." Mac smiled at the young Princess, then turned to the others, as a one they rose and disappeared into the forest. They left no sign of their passage and when the last of them vanished into the shadows of the Everfree, only a empty plot of land was left. No evidence to even suggest that Ponyville had ever existed was left behind. > When All Goodness has died > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spike and I walked through Ponyville, my annoyance on full display. Return of bucking Nightmare Moon imminent and I'm playing glorified personal assistant to the Princess. Ugh. "There's supposed to be a Pegasus pony named Rainbow Dash clearing the clouds." So of course the sky is full of clouds, typical. "Well she's not doing a very good job, is she?" I snark to the one being that has never let me down. Helps that I hatched, trained, and raised him. And now, I'm in a mud puddle, with a multicolored pegasus mare on top of me. Bad featherbrain, I like to be on top! Wish that beefcake brother of Applejack's had knocked into me. Woof! Definitely wouldn't have minded having that Apple in my mouth! "Excuse me?" Bitch Pegasus says, giggling. Gotta admit she does have a cute laugh, but bitch buy me dinner before you try mounting me! "Let me help you." She chortles. As she speeds off I have to admit she's got a nice flank and.....well crap she's put a rain cloud, over my head. And now I'm wet, but not in a good way. "Oops I guess I over did it, ummm..." Bitch no kidding you over did it!!!! "How about this?"? Wtf! Why am I inside a rainbow? "My very own Patented Rainblow Dry! No, no don't thank me you're quit welcome." Huh, she created a vortex that was quick enough to dry me off, without sucking the air out of my lungs. That's honestly impressive. Still, I'm not thanking the one who knocked me into the mud, laid on top of me, got me all filthy wet (again not in a good way) and has yet to even take me out for drinks! Wait, why is she laughing at me? Now Spike's laughing too. E'tu Spike? Welp at least I know what your name is Rainblow. Next time name first, filthy stuff later. Then maybe you could actually blow me. "Let me guess, you're Rainbow Dash." I snarked. "The One And Only!" And she's back in my face. What is up with this girl and personal space! Fuck! "What? You heard of me?" And thus the perfect set up for my next sick burn is born! Sometimes it's too easy. "I 'heard' you're supposed to be keeping the sky clear." Wow, that was a bit harsh, alright time to actually be nice. Maybe I can work this into getting a Threeway with Rainblow here and Big Mac. That pride flag colored hair of hers has to mean she's at least queer if she isn't full bi. And Mac's stacked enough that even a lesbian would want to take him for a spin. I mean damn! Sighing, I turn on my cute mode. "I'm Twilight Sparkle and The Princess sent me to check on the weather." You know instead of preparing to defend against a being that wants to plunge the world into darkness eternal, thereby ending all things. Huh, wonder if Nightmare Moon will need a student? Bet she listens when her personal student warns her of impending doom. "Yeah, Yeah." Ouch, cute mode fail. "That will be a snap! I'll do it in a jiffy, just as I'm done practicing. " Great, this bitch has a dream. Well I have a dream too! To get this done so I can get back to dealing with preparing for the end of all things. Possibly a three way with you and Big Mac. LOOK AT ME WHILE I'M SEXUALIZING YOU DAMN IT!!!!! "Practicing for what?" Oh great I triggered her, welp Spike I take full responsibility. "The Wonderbolts!!!!!" Why this lazy, delusion twat! "Their gonna perform at the celebration and I'm gonna show them my stuff! First off, not how they recruit, and secondly, your crazy. Looks like I am going to have to inform Wonderbolt Security. "The Wonderbolts?" "Yep" Oh you did not just yep me blow dry. "The most talented fliers in all Equestria?" Yep, so gonna make sure those Security guys are armed with cattle prods. This crazy Pegasus is so getting probed by one of those things. I'll make sure they have authority to do so. Sometimes it's good to be the Princess's student. "That's them" I wonder how far the cattle prod will get rammed inside her before it's turned on. I can always ask Minuette to tape it, her brother does head security. Moon dancer and I will be cranking to that for hours. "Pbbt! Please, they'd never accept a Pegasus who can't keep the sky clear for one measly day!" I think it will fit about halfway up her pussy. It might be a tight fit, but I think those lesbian security mares can make it work. Some of those gals haven't had any action for two months. Guarantee they'll make it work. Oh wait, the braggart has started talking again. "Hey, I could clear this sky in ten seconds flat!" You know Rainblow Me, you really do make this too easy. Trigger warning, episode incoming! "Prove it." Wow, she took of like a shot! Wait, is she actually going to.... Holy massive plot of celestia, this bitch is actually doing it. Oh I am so wet right now! Gorgeous and talented! Welp change of plans. I'll get you into the wonderbolts, but tonight I'll be the one shoving something artificial and hard up your twat. "What I say, ten seconds flat." Good, cause your gonna need that stamina when I get you alone. "I'd never leave Ponyville hanging!" Huh, I guess not. Alright Rainbow, wanna meet me at the library around 9. The apocalypse isn't scheduled till 11, so let's get some fun in before we die. "Ha Ha, you should see you face!" Look on my face? What about us and Big Mac getting things on tonight? Why am I not saying anything?! "You're a laugh Twilight Sparkle!" [Twilightmouth.exe has encountered a fatal error. Would you like to restart? Y/N?] Well shit. Restart, restart! "I can't wait to hangout some more." Crap! She's leaving! And she's gone. "Wow she's amazing!" Yes Spike. Yes she is.[ /i] The first dreamer awakens, unknowing of the connection formed, as another wakes from another dream in the same instant, so far in the distance. "C'mon, champ. You can let daddy in." Why is daddy outside? Did daddy forget his keys? "Honey, get away from the door. Daddy needs to stay outside for a bit." Why Mommy? Did Daddy do something wrong? "It's okay kid, your mother and I had a disagreement and your mom decided to give me a time out. But your Dad has learned his lesson. So open the door so your mom and I can talk things out." Sure Daddy. "Honey, get AWAY FROM THAT DOOR!" But I'm helping, now you and Daddy can talk things out. "Go back out and play, me and your mother have a lot to talk about." Okay, bye mommy. The other wakes from the dream, the guilt and horror fresh in their mind. Along with a question, is something one does in childish ignorance worth carrying the burden of it your entire existence? Is it rational for a parent to hold a child responsible for such a thing? Shaking their head they look to the stars, wishing the answers would come, but knowing that in Equestria those answers no longer are given. The Night has become silent. > A Mother's Anger Ignited > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight sat at the edge of her bed. The Castle of the twin sisters sang with the winds of the night. Barely perceiving the coldness, her shiver bore no relation to temperature. Her mind raced as she went over her choice. "I chose Discord." She snarled to an empty room. "What kind of Friend am I? To chose his power over their suffering." Her hands clenched as random bits of particulate began to glow. "What kind of Leader am I? To commit my people to this task so soon after their freedom!" as the glow spread to the floor her room began to shake. "What Kind OF MOTHER AM I?!!!! That I chose Discord over Spike, the son I should have always know I HAD!!!!!" She screamed, all the particulate scattering, pelting the walls, her breathing slowing, the room stabilizing. A knock shook the door frame as a quiet male voice echoed into the room. "Twi?" "I'm Okay Mac." Twilight replied. Smiling to herself, she thought, "Always the big brother." Outloud she lied, "I was just having a bad dream. But it's over now." "Horse Apples." Came the stern rebuke. Twilight's Eyes widened, as Big Mac continued to speak from the otherside of the door, his voice low and calming. "Try Again." Shaking her head she started again, "Mac, I really don't want to..." "The Nursery's underneath you." Mac interrupted. Twilight sat in silence for a moment, then she asked, in a quiet voice of her own. "What did you hear?" "You doubting yourself." "Well, How can I not? It was my leadership that got us enslaved in the first place. And What do I do as soon as we're free? Go for Discord, not any of my friends, not for spike, nor any of the other family or friends of anyone else still enslaved. To challenge Cloudsdale, or as its called now Iron Eagle Fortress. All in a vain hope that I can free the god of chaos and that he will be stable enough to help us. What about that is in any way intelligent or strategic? More importantly, part of what the Caribou said was true. You, Spike, Discord, indeed most males in Equestrian society were not valued as the mares were. Even the male nobles were more of a joke, none held any real power. Celestia saw to that, 'to minimize damage' she said. More importantly, Spike was my son in all but blood. My magic hatched him, left its mark upon him. I raised him as my servant, indeed saw and used him as such. I never treated him as anything other than my #1 assistant. I never valued all he or any male did." Just two words echoed through the door into her room. "Why, then?" "Why what?" She queried. "Why Cloudsdale? Why Discord?" "We don't have a choice." "Explain." A simple one word question. Twilight snorted, Mac was never one for wasted words. Still, his question deserved an answer. He was one of six men that had never bowed. They had been broken, yet even in their broken state, the six had never participated. As the first of the six to be freed and her second in command, his question deserved an answer. Respect demanded nothing else. "If we go for Canterlot, we will be attacking The Breeding Grounds. Dragons and all the monstrous races, except for the changelings, have been sequestered there to 'produce stronger males.' Basically it's a place for the interbreeding of Monsters and females to produce super soldiers. We will be fighting all that live their. If we do so without taking out Cloudsdale, it will descend on us. The mares will be given over to the monsters as breeding stock and any males caught on our side will be sent into the catacombs to feed the brood of baby monsters. If we go for Manehattan, now called New Dainn City, the monsters of The Breeding Grounds will surround us, Cloudsdale will descend on us, and we will also be facing the strongest weapons manufacturing plant in Equestria. In summary same result as before. We go for Appaloosa, renamed Tombstone, we'll be facing all of the above, plus be getting hit guerrilla-style by the Buffalo that fell to the Caribou's sway. Same result." There was a moment of silence, then Mac's voice echoed into her room once more. "Why Rush?" Twilight sighed, this was a question she hoped not to answer. But she continued anyway, "First, it's only a matter of time before Ponyville's absence is discovered. Our only two advantages is that we can survive in the Everfree and the Caribou don't know any of us survived. This place hates the Caribou. Currently, it's indifferent to us. The Everfree will not protect us, she just won't take an extra effort to kill us. Regular effort sure, just won't go out of her way. So we have to act fast, lest some of the predators that protect us decide we look tasty." "After Cloudsdale, what next?" "I am going to personally make sure that the Breeding Grounds are wiped from the face of this earth, then I am going to use Cloudsdale and the Monsters that side with us, which all those free of the Caribou's taint will, to tear New Dain City apart Brick By Brick. I will proceed to make Tombstone into a graveyard. They hurt my friends. But more importantly they took my son from me. I am going to burn the Caribou from this planet." Twilight snarled. "Well, Okay then." The Princess shook her head and stared at the closed door. "What?" Mac's chuckling answer shoved the darkness back. "Princess, you're not choosing Discord over anyone. You're getting everything you need to make sure that no female or male has to suffer under that mental enslavement. Besides, me and some of the boys want some payback for what was force upon us. For what we were forced to agree to do. I know that the women had it worse, but I want to show those pieces of garbage what real men can do. Get some sleep, I'll make sure you're not disturbed." Twilight smiled, shaking her head she gave voice to the thoughts in her head. "Ever the Big Brother, eh Mac?" "Eyep!" Came the cheerfully calm reply. Giggle at hearing Mac's catch phrase, Twilight slid herself under her covers and feel into a peaceful sleep. Not caring that the night no longer gave her any answers. She still had friends, and they would be all she ever needed. > Hail To The Queen > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Garble rested within his cage, staring out into the arena. Not for the first time he picked at the muzzle that had been screwed unto his face. Lifting his eyes, he beheld what had become of Ember. Permenently bent over a table, her teeth and claws removed, she eagerly jerked off two caribou, while a third made use of her mouth. Garble snarled as a fourth carribou slammed its foul cock inside the former Queen of the Dragons. The Queen moaning at the harsh entry. Soon they had finished, the two to the sides spraying their foulness across her wingless back, the third and fourth finishing inside. All four wiped themselves upon her, then moved on for the next quartet to take their turn. "If not for that spell, she'd be making them sing a different tune." Garble seethed, the muzzle muffling his words. Not that there was any to hear. Not in this accursed land. But Garble smiled, but they would not break him. No one ruled him that did not earn it. Spike and Ember both had. Spike by claiming the secpter and Ember by ruling strongly when Spike gave it to her. "She'd even threatened war a couple of times." Garble remembered fondly, "She was never the ponies lapdog." The opening of the doors of the arena interrupted his memories as a shape swathed in fabric was dragged inside. It was built unlike anything he had seen before. It had no claws or hooves. Did not appear to favor the soft lines of the ponies, instead being built more like a slender minotaur. It was swathed in clothes, and what little could be seen of underneath glittered with metal. The cage next to him was opened and the figure was unceremoniously dumped inside. Extending his claw to check the creature for life, he was shocked when the creature snatched his hand. A small amount of life force flowed into the creature, but this ended when again the creature passed out. Garble's eyes narrowed. "A Changeling? But they disappeared after the invasion. Anyways you look like no Changeling I've ever seen and our Queen claimed their King as her mate." Scenting the creature, he recoiled at the unfamaliar smell. "Well, May you die in the arena before you face me. All who face me, face their death." Settling back inside his cage, Garble scented the air once more. A fresh breeze blew from the east, things were moving, whether for good or ill would just have to be seen. Innocent woke from his dream into another. He was inside a Palace. To the east was a grand Library on all the subjects that interested him, to the west was all he would need for his Alchemy, to the north a weaponsmithy and to the south a workshop to produce all other things. He sat in the center of an open room, a desk with all of his Enchanment formulas before him. Turning huis chair he saw that in the center of the room was a circular table, not unlike the cutie map of old. The clearing of a throat told him he was not alone. "Alright you and I need to talk right now Innocent," The woman before him scolded, "To many mysteries and not enough answers." Staying silent, Innocent examined the woman. She wore her hair tied back in a bun, glasses framed her piercing green eyes. Her broad shoulders and well endowed chest were framed by an open suit jacket accented by a white frilled shirt, the top couple of buttons opened just enough to show a red bra underneath. He waist sloped inwards, only to curve outward again into her wide hips. Both were contained within a knee length skirt slitted to expose her pantyhose clad long powerful legs. The woman wore flats, sensible but stylish. Smiling, Innocent teased, "Aegis, Why are you dressed as a naughty librarian?" Aegis leaned over him, the act allowing Innocent an ample view of her equally ample cleavage, whispering into his ear she asked, "Your subconscious picked this form, the better question is why do you imagine me this way?" Garble once more looked out into the Arena, trying to shift within the confines his cage he was once more reminded of the bindings on his wings as the peices of metal bolted through the bones kept him from settling. Huffing out some air at the pain, he once more looked to his Queen. She was again servicing four at once, this time the four caribou all added another coating to the many that muted the color of her blue scales. Garble sneered as Ember gleefully squealed at the warm bath she was given. "I really can't wait till she is free." He growled to himself. Shaking his head he once more reflected on his situation. Dainn had offered him the rulership of the dragons, had offered everything he had ever wanted. "Heh, don't know why he was shocked when I laughed in his face." Garble snarked to himself, "Anyone would have told him, a dragon takes what is his. If he can not take it, it was never his. Spike took the scepter, he gave it to Ember. Ember kept it. I may try to take it from her, I may have always opposed her, but that was dragon business. None others have any say in it. We handle our own problems. Don't need some stupid Caribou cheat to get what I want. I get what I want on my own, as a proper Dragon always does." Innocent stuttered a moment, Aegis's closeness disrupting his famed stoicism, "Well, I honestly can not account for what my subconscious does now can I?" Straightening herself Aegis smiled down upon him. "I already know why you see me this way. I'm flattered. But for now unto bussiness. Maybe later we can have some fun." Taking advantage of Innocent's sputtering she waved a hand over to the circular table. A Holograhpic version of Innocent arose, sans clothing. To his gratitude his genitally was blurred. All other parts where on full display. "How in the hell did you survive all those modifications?" Aegis demanded. Chuckling, Innocent answered, "Pain is a choice for me remember? The ability wears me thin at times but also means that I can exceed the weakness of flesh, provided I have the appropriate tools. What you see it the result of personal experimentation over quite a few years." Narrowing his eyes, he stated. "Alright I have answered one of yours, now answer one of mine. Why am I inside of my own mind?" "Because you did a damn stupid thing!" Aegis shot back, "Using a boomtube like that is dangerous. Even if you are Desad's son." "What in the name of Uncle Monkey Fuck are you talking about? Desad is a fiction in my universe." "Desad exists above all other universes. You, Innocent Bystander are an unforseen complication of a plan by my lord Desad. Using a plan a lesser, but not ungifted mind, used, Dasad planned for a time when noble Darkseid would tire of him. So he scattered a nanovirus into the multiverse that would first replace the sperm in infected males, after an egg was fertilizied it would continue into the fetus and change the fetus into an exact clone of Desad. You Innocent were spared this fate because the virus only replaces Human DNA and half of yours is not." "What does the other half consist of?" "Equestrian, specifically Diamond Dog and Changeling, which would explain not only your modifications but your other gifts as well. Not to mention how you survived such extensive self improvemnet." "How is any of this possible?" "C'mon Innocent, You know the answer to that one." "Starswirl." "Indeed." "What of Dagur?" "Oh, he'll remain dead until needed." "Excellent." Garble glanced over as his new neighbor groaned. "Where am I and why do I feel hungover without the goodtime?" The newcomer snarked. Garble smirked, at last someone with some balls, "You and I are guests of the Caribou." Pointing towards Ember he snarked, "She's dinner and we're the show. Hope you know how to fight or you are going to have a tough time. What are you?" "I am someone that forged themselves. What about you Garble? What will you forge of yourself?" Garble narrowed his eyes, "How did you know my name?" "Who else is such a child as to sit here and pout? You know how to free yourself. You have always known." Garble's voice lowered dangerously, "I do not sing, that is something that the weak ponies do. I will win as a dragon, as a man. I will take back that which is mine." The main gate to the arena interrupted their conversation as... something came through. It stood almost as tall as the 12ft wall of the sunken arena, the tips of its horns just falling short. Four legs jutted from a central barrelled torso as four long scalled thick arms hung from its shoulders, a fang filled maw split the head. The locks to their cages disengaged in the same moment. The stranger stepped forward, "That is not what a man does, a man does what is nessecary to protect that which he finds precious. He cries his tears of blood, each tear healing the wounds of those around him. He casts a shade that all may rest in peace under. Violence and domination are easy, everything else only men can do." Pointing to the screws that bound the muzzle directly into the bones of his skull, Garble muttered, "This Muzzle is not just for show, it will hurt to remove it." "Such a child, afraid of a little pain." Knodding his head to Ember the stranger said unto Garble, "That up their is pain, to be forced into that. You are a mewling child. You allowed that to continue. She suffers because of your weakness. Do what you wilt. I am going to have a conversation with big, violent and ugly. I have no wish to continue talking to you." Garble watched as the stranger strode forward, confident and strong, and for the first time knew shame. Still Garble uttered one last parting shot. "Easy for you to say, you've never had to tear something out thats screwed in, down to the bone." Garble sneered. Light glowed as the creature gathered pure energy between its horns, directing it downward into the Stranger's encroaching figure, the creature fired. Garble lost sight of the stranger as the force of the blast caused him to stagger back. Garble could smell the floor burning as the blast continued until at last their was silence as it ended. Smirking Garble turned back, only to be shocked as he beheld the imposible. The stranger stood unharmed, his clothing torn and burnt. Scars covered his body and metal framed him. His legs below the knee had been replace with coiled springs with a central support connecting to the strangers feet. Garble could see that the metal ran scaffold like through the stranger's body. The Stranger's left arm glimmered in the darkness as the absorbed energy radiated off. "Huh, I guess you do know what its like, Huh?" Garble muttered through the muzzle. "If you will not sing," The stranger shouted to Garble, "then ROAR!" Garble smiled nastily, that he could do. Reaching up with both hands, he grasped the abomination grafted to his face. Anger welled up in him. Anger at the Caribou for what they had done, Anger at everyone else for being beaten, and finally anger at himself for his failure. Spurned on by the memories, not just of what had been done to him, but what he had seen them do to Ember. "I have had ENOUGH!" He roared as he tore the muzzle from his face. More than the blood dripping from his face, Garble could feel it rising inside of him, this Heartsong. "Buck It," Garble snarled. "Time to let them see a real dragon's song of RAGE!!!!!" Seeing the danger the creature readied another shot, only for the stranger to leap upwards and grab one of its horns. The stranger then threw his weight downwards, pulling the creature down with it. Thus buying Garble all the time he needed. Watch Your Time Run Out I'll See All Of You Dead Your Lies Inside Her Mind Clouding Her Head All That's Over Now, I Answer Her Call Obedient To Her Wishes I'll Watch You Fall I Will See All You Wrought Reduced To Ashes Bringing Daylight To Her Night Your Deaths Are Being Called Down Upon You She Will Take Your Lives Hail To The Queen Ember could hear something through the warm pleasure, something loud and obnoxious. It angered her. Hail To The One Again the shout, this time pushing past the warm feeling on her skin, past it. Were a different fire dwealt. Heed To The Stone The Stone? Her hands paused in their motion, her mouth and tounge pausing in their duty unto her male rulers. Her pussy clenched as her long sinuous tail began to wrap around the Caribou that dared to assume her affections. To late did her rapists realize their danger. You Are The One Hail To The King Garble smiled nastily, she was waking up. But still his heartsong was undone. He bore no love for Ember and her peaceful ways, but she had earned her leadership. He looked to the stranger and watched as the one that had verbally slapped the stupid out of him eviscerated the horror that was meant to kill them. He smiled as caribou jumped into the arena. Let them come, the heartsong was banking his fire. Soon he would have meat. Your Slaughter Assured When You Bound Her Above Put Me Down Here Then Angered Us Both No Mercy From Claws Like Blades No Escape You'll Learn Is The Price To Be Paid Let The Blood Flow Unto The Floor Now You All Falling To The Knife Your Death Is Coming To You Come To Take All Your Lives Hail To The Queen Gripping those that dared so assault her, Ember tore the cocks from the front three. "I thought you liked it when I swallowed," She snarked to them as she consumed their manhoods Turning to the one strugglng with her tail, she wrapped her full length around him, "But just before you liked it that I was so tight, why are you complaining now?" Tighter she squeezed him, untill the blood leaked out his eyes, and his struggling ceased. "Huh, I'm still not satisfied, well I think I deserve some satisfaction." She snarled as the blood of her enemies drenched her blue scales. Hearing Garbles roar she looked down, smiling nastily she looked out unto those before her. The magic of the Heartsong restoring her claws and fangs. Her fire once more burned inside as she answered Garble's Call I Am The Queen I Earned The Stone I Rule Over All I Am The Queen Hearing Garble's reply, she smiled, then returned to the slaughter. Garble watched as his Queen took her vengeance. Smiling joyuously as once more she bathed herself in blood, he turned to those that had come to him for their deaths. It was so considerate when the prey came to be consumed. Fire poured from his mouth, followed by the delicous aroma of Venison. He called his loyalty onto her, the one true leader of the Dragons. I Can Taste Their Fear This Henchman's Cull I Come To Claim Them I Will Come To Claim Them All Hail To My Queen Hail To The One Heed The Stone Stand For The One Hail To My Queen Rise Of The One Return Of The Stone She Is The One Hail To My Queen As his heartsong faded, he watched as the last of the Caribou fell by her hand, as was fitting. Going to join her he knealt before her. "I apoplogize your Highness. It took me far to long to do what I needed to do. My pride got in my way. I will accept whatever punishment you see fit." He could feel the smile in her voice. "Get the everloving Fuck up, Garble. We don't do that shit. Now, who's your friend?" Garble turned to see the stranger step up to them. "My name is Innocent Bystander, and I think you're both going to like what I have to offer. > Paths Diverging > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Two dreamers linked by destiny, share their dreams and nightmares with each other. Both calling to the other, bound by the shattering of bloody bonds. There it is, the ruin that holds the elements of harmony!" I am so not going to tell Celestia I told her so when I see her again. So lucky that the damn things are here. I here Applejack shout, "Twilight wait for us!" But I am already cantering toward the rope bridge. As the leader I do have to guide them after all. Whoa! Where is the rope bridge? Pinwheeling my legs I try to backpedal, but my form was made to admire, not physical activity. Damn my beautiful body. I am yanked back and out of my my desperate musings by my tail. "What's with you and falling off cliffs today?" Celestia damn it Rainblow, wait until we're naked and behind closed doors to pull my tail! Still, she has a point. I really shouldn't make falling off cliffs a habit. It might have steep repercussions. Ignorant of my brilliant eternal monologue The Pink Acid Trip exclaims "Now What?" "Duh!" Rainblow says for me, displaying her wings. "Oh, Yeah," Party All Night Long replies. I mean seriously Pinks, two of our number have wings. With at least one of the two not being useless with them. Diving over the edge, Rainbow makes herself useful, which means things should go pear shaped in 3 2 1 "Who's their?" I really hate being right. "I ain't scared of you, show yourself!" And know she's shadowboxing the mist, fan-bucking-tastic! "Who?" So the Blue Bombshell is either getting an answer to who the voice in her head is or the voice went straight to temptation, My bet is on temptation. "Really?! I mean, oh yeah, Me! You wouldn't mind telling the wonderbolts would you. Because, I've been trying to get into that group for like ever" Yep, straight for temptation. I am right two for two. "Yep," And now she's responding to the flattery. "Yes," Having her ego stroked. "Yes, It's all true." Engaging in a little foreplay. Honestly I can't blame her getting off to it, but my money is still on her being to stubborn to get what she wants the easy way. "Whoohoo, Sign Me Up, just let me tie this bridge real quick and then we have a deal!" Heh, Three for Three. Still, I doubt Nightmare Moon is going to take rejection well. It is her entire backstory after all. Welp, time to hurry this along, "Rainbow, What's taking so long?" Yep the mist clears and the shadows take on forms. Sometimes it sucks being right all the time "Oh, No," I say for the peanut gallery, and to make it look extra intense, "RAINBOW!" There, and the award for best acting in a pony drama goes too....... Twilight Sparkle! "Don't listen to them!" I would like to thank the academy and all those little people I stepped on to get to this point. "You." Excuse me, WHAAAT! YOU EGOTISTICAL DUPLICITOUS BITCH.... "Thank You. For the offer, I mean. But, I'm afraid I have to say no." .......BEAUTIFUL, SEXY, GORGEOUS, MARE. WHEN THIS IS OVER I AM GOING TO LOCK YOU AND ME IN MY BEDROOM FOR A MONTH!!!!! HA HA, IN YOUR FACE NIGHTMARE MOON!!!!! IN YOUR FACE! "Good Job Rainbow!" I praise her. It's only fair, after all she's going to be praising me before long. "See I would never leave my friends hanging." Innocent awoke to a darkened room, sweat ran down his face, his head throbbed as he shook his dreams from his mind. "What happened?" He queried the empty room. "You held back. Some Monster you are." "Aegis what in Tartarus are you talking about." "You Really Going To Pretend? Let Me Show You." The bonds that held him to the chair fell, a familiar heaviness in his hands. "The plans for this were in your head. An air powered revolver, capable of firing customizable rounds. Powerful enough to blow chunks through plywood with ease. Forget any armor the caribou use." Innocent dropped the weapon as if burned, "I don't use firearms. If you saw those plans you know why." The weapon vanished, the energy being reclaimed by Innocent. Despite himself he shivered at the euphoric sensation. "Yes, your abusive daddy was a cop and you've hated firearms ever since, despite the fact you build them in your mind. Alright don't want to talk about that? Then what about the thing you have sealed in the darkest part of your head? What you tap into to push yourself beyond. You are literally sealing away more then half of that power. I thought you wanted to free the Equestrians. I thought you wanted to tear the world down! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHERE WE ARE!?" Innocent grimaced as the memories flooded back, "We're in a training facility for children. They teach the foals to be dominant males and the fillies to be property. Trixie is here too, as well as another that I want." "Then why in the name of blessed Darksied are you holding back?! Why won't you pick up the guns in your head. I can create them at your request. Only to dismiss them just as quickly. I can load them with any ammo you like. Why do you cage your greatest power, only to use less then half of it? Is holding on to that last bit of your humanity that important? Or is it just that you can't stand to part with your hazel eyes? These children are slowly being turned into rapist and rape victims respectively and you want to half ass things?" "You know the penalty of letting that monster free!" Innocent snarled, "You know what giving him access to the weapons in my head would mean!" "Yes, the penalty," Aegis's voice dripped with sarcasm, "All social bonds broken. In short everyone that sees it can't be in your presence anymore without wetting themselves. Good." "What? Why would you say that?" "Innocent, everyone in this world has failed these children. They need something more. The children here need to know that no one can do the things that are being done here and walk away. They need the bogeyman to rise up and slaughter those that commit these actions. They need that which they fear to annihilate that which seeks to warp them. They need to now that when the gods fail, the monsters of the world will rise up and burn it all down. That is the only hope they will accept. Friendship has failed them, harmony itself has failed them. Even chaos and darkness have fallen. The only thing left to help them is a monster." Innocent looked down at his hands. Sighing he felt the weight of Aegis's words. Silence dominated the small room, as he made his decision. "Aegis," he whispered, "Break him free. I can't do it. I don't have the will." Another voice echoed inside his head, this one dripping with sarcasm and poison, "The little boy finally wants to get eaten by his demons, eh? Don't worry, I'll take real good care of Aegis and Twilight. Real good care. [color=9642af]"You really think you're going to sweep him away? Oh Merciful Darkseid, that's precious! Neither one of you understand what you are. Innocent Bystander is the fire that burns away weakness. He's the typhoon that sweeps all in his path, even as it brings water for landlocked crops. He's the fever that burns away disease. You are both Innocent Bystander, and I will see you merged into the being you should be. You're both stronger then you think." Innocent felt the shackles break within his mind. Rage warred with clarity as he clutched his head. Falling to his knees, he felt liquid flow from his nose, the concrete floor stained red. Blackness took him, and for a time he passed from knowledge. Waking to blackness, Innocent beheld a shimmering shadow. Red eyes and a curved red horn dominated a face with a mouth filled with sharp teeth. "King Sombra, I presume."