Left behind
Sneaking through the halls, Nerok searched for the fabled exit of Tartarus. That stone building was the only non-demon construct in all of Tartarus. Meaning it was the only place where the legendary portal could be. The residents of the building supported such theory, none of them were demons, none of them had demonic energy, and none of them made an effort to interact with a demon. However, their placement was odd as the heavy-duty soldiers were placed outside of the building while the guards inside were considerably weaker.
Having found his way into an archive room of sorts, Nerok started to search for any documents on the building's purpose and design. There had to be a clue on how to get out of that place hidden amongst those papers.
So, this is a prison? Hellhound, multiple cages, magically sealed door, and guards. They don't want anyone getting out, do they? But where is the map? There has to be a map or a plant of sorts, right? Oh! Found it! Ok, I'm here at the archives, the exit should be around here. Awesome, I'm close.
Rolling up the map, Nerok placed it on his shoulder bag before heading toward the exit. However, something struck him as he approached the door.
They don't want anyone on the inside leaving. None of the guards outside had two horns. And none of them had horns twisted like mine. I need to hide them. What do I have on me? Mother's dagger, father's arm guards, succubus extract, my core, the rotting, father's grimoire, and my clothes which don't match pony clothing. Shit, I need a cloak, pony clothes, maybe a scarf to hide my mouth? That should do it. I guess the barracks should have all of that.
Pulling the map back out, Nerok searched for the barracks. He had passed it a few moments ago. It shouldn't be too hard to use the darkness spell in the room. He could see just fine in the dark thanks to his eyes. Ponies, on the other hand, they would need a curse to see in his darkness. Sneaking back out, Nerok made his way into the barracks. After opening the door, Nerok cast the darkness spell and started his search. There was a trash can in the corner, within it, a set of tattered clothes rested quietly.
I can pass for a beggar with these. That should keep them off my tail. Now, I better change into these and store my clothes. After changing into his disguise, Nerok headed out towards the exit. He had to make tracks before any of the guards noticed the pitch-black room.
The halls were light on security. And most of the guards on patrol looked like they were overworked. Which was fortunate for Nerok, the sleep spell was fairly easy to cast without drawing unwanted attention. A couple of casts was all he needed to get past security and find the exit.
What is that four-legged thing with a black and red coat? And where are the hellhounds? There should be, oh. It's a three-headed one. Right. Er, those have short attention spans. I can probably trick it muddled mind. He won't be able to react to anything for a couple of seconds. And I can slip by before he even notices me. Ok. Here we go!
Charging up the spell, Nerok took a deep breath before spitting out a smoke-screen that homed in the hellhound. Barking and whimpering and the smoke, the creature let out coughs and roars as Nerok rushed towards the door.
Nothing left to lose. If the schematics were right, all I need to do is channel regular magic into the seal. Nerok mused as he channeled his energy into his arm. Slamming his right arm at the seal. Please, please, work! Let me ou of this placet! Echoing across the room, the sound of working machinery announced the opening of the path leading out of Tartarus. Nerok saw the rocky road leading outside. Stones he had ever seen before, cold and gray stones. They didn't hurt when he stepped on them.
The air didn't smell like sulfur. A gentle breeze and coolness made him feel at ease. There weren't signs of ambushes in the path. There weren't screams or screeches of battles and suffering. The sky wasn't covered in black clouds. The sky wasn't burning as fire rained down like a curse.
Nerok found himself wandering through the empty valley, mesmerized by the peaceful scenery of the mountain base. When he came to, Nerok realized that he had walked into grasslands. The rocky landscape had given way for a peaceful field filled with small vegetation that wasn't feeding off him. Small bushes filled to the brim with colorful flowers painted a world he had never seen before. A world he never thought could exist.
I did it. I'm out. I left Tartarus behind. I-I'm free. Nerok thought as the feeling of something rolling down his face made him reach his cheek. What, are these? It's transparent. It's salty. It's coming out of my eyes. Are, are these tears? But, I only cry tears of blood. How can I? Was that because of Tartarus? No. It doesn't matter anymore. I need to find shelter. And I have to learn how ponies live in this world.
The days flew by as Nerok wandered across the new world he discovered. Luck seemed to be on his side as he managed to tail a convoy filled with what looked like soldiers passed on the roads. By observing these convoys from a distance, Nerok learned that the herbs by the road could provide sustenance. Ponies would gather around a fire and laugh wildly while drinking and eating. There weren't any signs of hostility between them. They were acting like equals. Why would they do that?
There was a clear leader among them. A tall mare bearing leather armor and a lance gave orders every day. However, when night came, and all of them gathered around the fire, the hierarchy disappeared. She sat with them and drunk as much as the rest did. The soldiers tried to move closer to her, only to end up mocked by the mare. But there was no remorse between the parts. They laughed it off as if the entire thing was a routine. How could these ponies operate with that kind of behavior?
Getting closer each night, Norek found himself sitting in the bushes by the campfire. Quietly watching the group, he cautiously tried to understand their behavior.
If I can understand them, I can interact with them more easily. I've been cautious so far, but I don't know if this stake-out will make me understand them.
"So, you're the one tailing us all this time," A voice called out from behind Nerok as someone grabbed his shoulder.
Jumping out of the bush, Nerok hid his face with the tattered scarf and pulled out his mother's dagger. Surrounded, all of them are staring. I should make a run for it. I can't afford to be caught now. They will toss me back in Tartarus.
"What do we have here?" The mare from the previous nights said while coming out of one of the carts. Her coat was brown and white with a black mane. Her eyes were a deep blue. Lance in hand, she approached Nerok as if ready to strike him down. "A dagger, eh? Assassin, scout, or spy?"
Now, those are terms I am familiar with.
"None of the above," Nerok said with a low growl. "I'm lost. Following your convoy looked like a good idea."
"If you offer no threat to us, drop the dagger." The mare said while spinning the lance. "You're surrounded. Common sense dictates you should surrender."
"Define common sense," Norek said before hurling the dagger at the mare, who deflected it with ease.
Rushing the mare, Norek devised a plan.
First, a blow to the stomach. She will let out part of the air she breathed in. Second, a blow to the center of the sternum, applying enough force will stop her from breathing. Third, use your free hoof to sweep her off the ground. Once she is on the ground, get on top of her and hold her on a lock. She will be my hostage and they will surrender. Now holding the mare in his arms, Norek made sure the mare wasn't able to breathe.
"Surrender or she suffocates. Attack and her neck snaps," Norek threatened with a calm voice. Seeing the hesitation in the soldiers' eyes, Nerok tightened his grip around the commander's neck, causing her to gasp loudly. "I'm not patient. Drop the weapons or her neck is history."
Quickly changing their minds, the soldiers threw the weapons on the ground and raised their arms. Loosening the grip on the mare's neck, Nerok got her up and started to back away from the camp. Once he had a decent headstart, Norek used his magic to recall his dagger and then knocked the commander out before rushing into a nearby forest.
That was a bit too close for comfort. But a hint of excitement now and then is nice. Norek mused as he rushed across the dark woods. Getting lost in these woods seems fairly easy. I doubt they will try to follow me here.
About an hour had passed since the mysterious attacker vanished into the Everfree. The soldiers searched near the borders but, it would seem his tracks led deep into the forest. The stallion was either suicidal or had loose screws.
"What was up with that stallion?" Illith muttered while rubbing her neck. "He used magic, so he was a unicorn. But why was he trained like that? Unicorns are supposed to be mages, not fighters. Oh, I will get my payback for this."
"A strange being you are. In this place forsaken by pony-kind, what is it that you seek?" A strange-looking mare asked while Nerok scanned for other ambushers.
I didn't expect to run into another one so soon. What kind of pony is she? I haven't seen stripped pony until now. And why is she so? Norek mused while staring at the form before him. His blood slowly boiling up as he saw the curves and details around her silhouette. Carefully toned legs exposed by her garments, a strong abdomen, powerful arms, a tantalizing bust, and mesmerizing eyes that made Norek grit his teeth.
Excitement like he never felt before flooded his blood. An urge to posses that mare clouded his mind as his breathing pattern changed. Blood rushed to his groin as his genitals burned with the need to have the mare. Sweat building upon his forehead as saliva filled his mouth. His vision became blood-shot as he locked his gaze onto the mare. I need to do that mare. I HAVE TO. I'll make her mine! I'll do her exactly like, father? WHAT? NO! Raising his right arm, Norek made his claws appear before sinking them on his left shoulder. The sharp pain caused his impulse to subside as his senses returned to normal.
Feeling the urge disappear, Norek shook his head before paying attention to the mare's eyes. "I'm lost. And I'm looking for a place to settle. I take it that you inhabit this forest."
"Correct you are. My home this forest is," The mare replied with an earnest answer.
"Then, I hereby challenge you for the rights over this land," Norek exclaimed while tossing away his cloak to reveal his form. Long, black mane fading into red wine colors as the threads got further away from his head. Two curved horns erupting from each side of his forehead adorned his head. A pair of glowing amethyst eyes shone in the dark forest. The pale moon illuminated his dark gray coat and revealed a marked spot at the base of his neck where fur didn't grow anymore.
"What are you? A pony most certainly you are not!" The mare replied while pointing her spear at Norek. "And how arrogant can you be? Don't you understand that no one can tame the Everfree?! Allow you to do as you please I will not! As a part of this forest, defend it I shall!"
"Do we have a deal then?" Norek replied with a smirk. "As a demon, I have a set of rules I follow down to a T. Every challenge I make requires a contract in which things with equal value are bet. You offer this forest to me as its representative. I offer you my life as my part of the deal since that is all I can offer. However, to meet this requirement, you'll need to offer your life to me if I win," Norek said as a flick of his wrist caused a contract to appear before Zecora.
"A demon, you claim to be. Yet, to a contract, you expect me to agree. Mental, you must be," The mare replied while assuming a stance.
"You carry yourself with pride. Yet, a mere challenge has you up in arms and afraid. All that aggression is merely bravado. I should have seen through it," Norek said while shaking his head in disappointment. Watching with joy, he witnessed the mare reach for the contract and sign it. "Very well," He muttered before making his name appear on the scroll.
"Norek Merlock? An odd name, that is certain. But, why wait until after the contract was signed?" She inquired while slowly moving away. Norek could see through her intent. The mare was loosening her grip so she could send the spear towards him with a thrust, extending her reach.
"Until you signed the contract, if you had my name, you could easily have given me any order, once, that would not bring me harm. Including an order to send me away. However, once the contract is signed you have no control over me by using my true name. I recommend defeating me as soon as you can or receiving my blessing. Otherwise, your mind will be damaged by the name you just learned," Norek explained while cheekily grinning at the mare. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Zecora," He added while making a reverence and taking his eyes off her.
The sound of the mare charging towards him made Norek start his plan.
She will thrust the spear at my chest in an attempt to kill me. She is fast, but the issue with that attack is that she will be left wide open. Weaving to the right, I close the distance between us while drawing my dagger. However, unlike those warriors from before, she lives in this place. Meaning she has more than one weapon on her. Her reaction time ought to be as impressive as her speed. She will draw her weapon, and with the momentum make a horizontal slash. This will force her to change her pivoting hoof. I will duck and use my free leg to make a swiping attack on her supporting hoof.
This will throw her off. Since my leg will be flexed, I'll spring from my crouching position to place myself on top of her. We have around the same height and weight, I can use this to pin her arms down and then put the dagger on her throat. A complete victory. Norek concluded as he firmly held the dagger at Zecora's neck while she did the same.
"A miscalculation. I aimed to lock your arms with my legs and completely immobilize you," Norek said before making a sudden movement that resulted in Zecora's knife being caught on his teeth while he locked her spear arm. Bitting down the iron knife, Norek freed his mouth as the knife shattered. He spat the fragments out before speaking. "I win," He added while his vision began to turn red once more.
His breathing started to pick up. He could feel his teeth sharpening as his mouth flooded with saliva. She was so close now, her scent was intoxicating and her eyes pulled him in like a moth to a flame. His body burned with the need to have her. There was nothing else in that world anymore, just her.
Only her.
Always her.
"Zecora," He muttered with his voice distorting and reverberating in his mind. "I want you." He added while coming closer to her face. "I need you. Right. Now." He whispered while staring at her widened eyes. A glint of terror in her pupils made him hesitate, but his body had taken in too much. He had to do something.
And so he did.
Pushing his lips against hers, Nerok savored the flavor of her skin while playfully toying with her tongue. He could see the fear in her eyes, and that pierced his heart. It hurt him to see her fear him. But he had to do something otherwise, he would end up doing something worse there. Bringing the dagger to his chest, Norek opened a wound on his thorax before using the blood on the tip of the dagger to draw his crest on the center of Zecora's chest. The rush that took over his body slowly faded as he backed away gasping for air.
"I am sorry. You were too much," He said while something rolled down his muzzle. The crystal clear tears fell upon her face as Zecora blinked in confusion. Norek started to sob as he dragged himself away from her. "It seems that, no matter how hard I try. I can't leave this part of me behind. I'm so sorry," He added while turning his back on her.
I did it. Just like him. Why? Why must he plague me even now? All I wanted was to leave all of this behind. Norek thought while quietly cried on his knees. And behind him, watching with confusion and a hint of pity, Zecora wondered what was that stood before her. Was it a demon? Or was it a stallion? Was it something that was born in Tartarus? Or simply something that was forced there, and climbed its way out?