The Last Light, A New King?by Nikent63
Chapters
Why is this Familiar?
Why is this Familiar?
My name is Ivan and there are three things that have caused me trouble for my whole 33 years of life.
Number 1 would be my size, I am over 8 feet tall with natural muscle to match, it’s is not that bad actually I am very peaceful and won’t attack someone unless they draw a weapon on me.
Number 2 would be the fact that I am an albino, now some people might think it would be cool but it’s not if I’m not being called a freak I am ignored purposefully.
Number 3 is my birthmarks which are twin pentacles on the palms of my hands.
So as such I have been called a freak or hell spawn all my life so I was relatively surprised to wake up one morning and see this young woman sitting on my kitchen table. So why is there a woman on my table and what is she eating I thought.
“Hi there I need to ask you some questions before you go” she said excitedly. Fuck what does she mean by before you go, wait where did she get that clipboard?
“Uh okay ask away” I said sitting on my couch yawning and scratching my head, I have got to be still dreaming so I guess I will play along with her whims.
“Okay first question, what is your favorite animal?” she asked suddenly serious.
“Easy grizzly bears.” I replied starting to wake up, okay this is definitely not a dream anymore so what is her goal?
“Okay last question.” She said getting extremely serious to point of I thought she was going to blow up half the planet. “Are you satisfied with this world and its inhabitants?”
“No, if you are planning on sending me to some strange place I have some questions of my own.” I say with venom in my voice. Wow I really hate this world don’t I?
“Okay” she said stuffing some cookies in her mouth. Wait where did she get those I don’t have cookies in my house.
“Here we go. What is the world like? What supplies do I get from the start? And what is the point in sending me?” I asked easily listing my questions. She paused for a second before leaping on my lap and kissing me full on the mouth, the moment I felt her tongue enter my mouth I also felt reality ripping apart. Why does this feel like I am going to a better and more familiar place? Was my final thought and then there was blackness.
I opened my eyes and saw cave ceiling. That bitch she didn’t answer my questions but I guess I’m not really that mad just sore. I thought before sitting up and getting the biggest head rush ever forcing me to fall over. Ugh my head, wait why do I feel more comfortable right now than when I woke up every other day? I tried sitting up again and succeeded for a few seconds before I stood up and smashed my head against the ceiling.
“Fuck I couldn’t wake up in cave that was at least eight and a half feet tall no I wake up in a seven foot cave. FUCK!” I shouted clutching my now bleeding skull. Why does this always happen I hate being tall.
“Actually this cave has a ten foot ceiling and you have to be the one I was waiting for.” I turned to the source of the new voice and I saw a small fox person with blue fur and green on her tail and paws.
“What?” Was all I could say to seeing a fox talk. She looks kind of cute for a fox that is. Hmm I wonder if she can tell me more.
“Do you have a mirror or other reflective surface?” I ask I need to see what I look like now.
“Look in the pools over there.” She said pointing to these pools of water just outside the cave. I shuffled over to the pools and stood up to my full height which appeared to be about 12”. Holy fuck I’m tall, I looked into the water to see what I looked like.
My muzzle was short like a normal bears but my fangs poked through the bottom of my lip, My fur was snow white with a weird creamy colour around my eyes in a way that it looked like I had been crying, My chest was broader and thicker with a large increase in muscle tone, My arms were a lot more muscly and were a bit longer, My legs were shorter but thicker for better balance and my feet were also a little broader with some claws on the ends of my toes, My eyes were the same red colour but every few seconds there was a flash of gold sparkles and my hands were a little less hand like and more like paws with movable digits. The coolest change was my pentacles were the same black but they now seemed to put off and aura of power of unknown capabilities. Why does this body feel familiar?
I was about to turn back to the fox when I heard a scream closely followed by a roar. Someone’s in trouble I got to help them. I ran into the forest at top speed which was a little faster than i thought it would be, Holy crap i can run fast. I began to see a clearing ahead in which i saw a zebra being chased by a manticore, Holy shit is that a manticore? i thought they were only legends then again i am a bear thing. I charged into the manticore full force launching it into a tree with a loud crack indicating that something broke, I slowed down to a stop and waiting for it to get back up which didn't take long. It got up and roared charging at me with its tail dangling behind it telling that's what broke, I roared in return and charged at him. We connected with a crash that would have destroyed my old body, I bit into his neck and started smashing its chest in with my claws over and over breaking its ribs and spilling blood everywhere.
"Ah so I finally die and by the hands of a Solaris for that matter. Thank you." I released my grip on Its neck and looked it in the eyes, What i saw was the look of happiness only a warrior can have for dying in battle.
"Die with honor my friend" I said releasing him from my grip and covering its eyes, "Die knowing that you had honor to the end." I suddenly had the urge to hide now that the adrenaline had died down, I ran back into the forest and collapsed as my palms felt like they were on fire and then suddenly it stopped and i looked at my hands. Why the fuck are my hands see through, Wait am i invisible? I turned around to see the zebra staring at me but not seeing me. Cool i can go invisible, this would have been very useful earlier in life though.
That's cool and all...
But what the hell
I sat there waiting for her to notice me for what felt like hours when she stopped looking and started walking away. After a few seconds I decided to follow her to make sure she got home safely. As I followed the zebra silently I looked at the surrounding forest and I noticed something, The forest had a foreboding and unforgiving feeling but also seemed welcoming and accepting at the same time. How odd I feel like I just came home after a long vacation that sucked. Why is that? After half an hour we arrived at a cottage inside the forest with some interesting designs and some strange smells coming from within.Hm I guess she uses the African style of design, wait of course she does she is a zebra! God I am an idiot. Once she had gone inside I started walking away when I started to feel weak and my legs collapsed. Shit the invisibility was draining my energy. I put my hands forward and was unconscious before I hit the ground.
I smelled cooking meat and heard fire when I woke up. OK possibilities go, I AM HUNGRY. I tried to sit up but soon fell back over from dizziness.OK never mind I guess I will just see what time of day it is. I opened my eyes and saw that it was getting close to sunset. I looked to my right and saw these two strange looking logs just outside of the trees. When I looked to my left I saw the same fox from earlier cooking what looked like some kind of bird on a stick. My stomach gurgled and she turned around.
"Hey you are awake that's good." She said unnaturally cheerfully and then raised her paw stopping me from speaking."Before you ask, One you used to much energy in that spell of yours and two I am not the one who carried your sorry ass over here they are." She said pointing behind me. I looked back to my right and saw that those strange logs were actually some kind of wooden wolves.
"WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK ARE THOSE?" I shouted while jumping up and then back to my knees as the vertigo kicked in.
"We are called Timber-wolves by the ponies but you may call us whatever you wish my liege." Its voice resounded in my head similar to how the manticore spoke to me.
"So you are wolves made out of wood?" I asked standing back up once my head stopped spinning.
"Yes we are and we are also your ever faithful servants."
"OK two questions. One how am I able to understand you? Two what do you mean my servant?" I asked scratching my head. OK this day is really weird and yet I feel strangely calm.
"I think I can better answer those questions my lord" Shit her too? "You see the Ursas have always had a connection with the forest and its animal so they can therefore speak to them kinetically if the animal can't speak its own words. You are also an Ursus Solaris which are the strongest and most noble creature in all of Equestria and the surrounding territories. even stronger than the Alicorns." She seemed sad when saying this. " But you are the last of an ancient and powerful race which means all creatures that recognize you will either challenge you or become your servants." So I am a legendary and ancient bear that is all but extinct and I technically have an entire world under my leadership. Good thing I am not greedy or things might have gotten bad and I would end up dead, Maybe that is why greed is a sin.
"So what you are telling me is that I am a powerful bear that is by your definition the ruler of most of this world but I am also the only one?"
"Yes."
"Well I have now heard the most odd thing ever, Yet I some how believe you."
"Good now do you want some of this cockatrice meat or are you not hungry anymore?" she asked chuckling when my stomach growled. "I will take that as a yes." She went back to the fire as I turned to the Timber-wolves.
"So how did you two find me in the first place?"
"We were with our pack and had decided to attack these dogs and a wolf when everything went wrong and our alpha died so we retreated, as we were returning to the den we smelled you so we went to you and brought you to the fox over there and she explained the situation. Once she told us what you were we decided to serve you as best we could my liege." The voice was that of the other wolf this time and it sounded more feminine and didn't resound as much.I guess female voices don't resound as much. Good now I can tell the difference.
"OK if you are guys are going to be my servants as you put it could you please stop calling me your liege?"
"Then what should we call you?"
"You could call me Ivan."
"So you want us to call you Ivan instead of anything that sounds remotely like you are a king?" asked the fox coming back with a chunk of cockatrice meat.
"Yes please." I said taking the meat from her. "Wait I don't know your names. Could you please tell me them?" I asked be fore taking a bite.
"My name is Alice of The Free Foxes."
"I am known as Brisk-Claw."
"I don't have a name" The female instantly slouched and sounded extremely sad.
"Why don't you have a name?" I asked walking over to look into her eyes. Her eyes were the colour of hardened amber, She smelled of ground pine needles and liquid sap.Why do I get the feeling she is just a child or teenager?"
"She has not earned her name yet and is there fore merely referred to as youngling." Brisk said with slight disdain in his voice.Pompous ass.
"Well then I guess I shall name you then. How does that sound?" She perked up and her tail started wagging happily.
"That sound wonderful my lie- um Ivan." She said cheerfully.
"Good now then I shall call you Skadi." I touched my palm to her forehead when I said this. When my palm touched her head and there was a flash of light and my arm turned black for a time then turned to a normal white. Where my hand had touched her a small snowflake was now etched into her skin (or would you call it bark?) and her eyes had a flicker of ice white in them.That is cool but how did I do that?
"I feel weird." Skadi informed us before sneezing out some snowflakes.
"Holy shit!" I said jumping away from the blast of cold. "How did you do that?"
"I have absolutely no idea." She sounded pretty scared then again I was scared.
"I have a theory Ivan" Alice said stepping from behind me. When the fuck did she get there? "I believe that when you named Skadi you picked something that meant winter or snow and your touch gave her some power with that name."
"How the hell are you so smart?"
"Just logical not smart." She is so full of shit.
"You have done a terrible thing Ivan." Growled Brisk-Claw. He slowly started slinking towards me his hackles rising and his claws digging into the ground. "A name is a sacred thing among the Timber-wolves and you have broken our sacred laws by doing this." I looked into his eyes and saw he was going to give it his all to kill me.
"If you are going to attack me do it don't just talk." I said taking a defensive stance, THIS FUCKER IS GONNA DIE! He calls me his king pledges his allegiance and then attacks me because I broke a tradition I didn't know about? He is DEAD! He snarled and charged at me with his hackles up and his teeth bared, I responded with a roar and a swing of my arm. My arm connected with his chest just and flung him out of site into the tree line.
"You pledge your allegiance and then attack over a minor misunderstanding! I will not accept traitors into my group. Now die!" I shouted before barreling after him in order to finish him off. I figured I would find his easily but the moment I left the clearing the canopy of the forest cancelled out any light what so ever, so I was practically fighting in the dark. Great now there is no turning back.
"You are about to find out why I am called Brisk-Claw and when I am finished here I am going to eat that fox follower of yours." This pissed me off as Alice had done nothing wrong so I stopped searching and stood still waiting for his first move. I heard a rustle of leaves and turned just in time to smash downwards with both of my arms and put his head and upper torso three feet into the ground. I walked closer and picked him up by his tail, when his head left the dirt he lunged forwards and bit deeply into my thigh causing me to roar out in pain.
"DIE SHITHEAD!" I shouted as I repeatedly punched him in the head and neck forcing him to release me but ripping the wound more in the process. Slowly as a focused on causing intense harm to him before he died my hands heated up until the were on fire. I dropped him and dung my claws deep into his skull and chest lighting him on fire and killing him in on final stroke. As the flames got higher I felt a surge through my body similar to when I killed the manticore but some how different instead of getting the urge to hide I just felt power surge within me. My thigh started itching like crazy and when I looked down to scratch it I saw my wound closing up and the itching was my flesh knitting together.
"What the Fuck?" I shouted running back to the fire. When I got there I grabbed Alice and pointed at my my still healing leg. "HOW?"
"Hm I guess the energy you took from his life force manifested into accelerated healing but I don't think it would regrow a missing limb." She remarked calmly which irritated me.
"So what your saying is when I kill something I get power from their life force?" What am I a Dovakiin?
"I think only on certain fights or creatures you haven't fought before." She said poking my new scar which was also disappearing. "I don't think you will get anything from another Timber-wolf. Oh have you noticed your biceps by the way they have kinda changed." What does she mean they chang...
"Holy shit! Those are new." On my biceps were these weird wavy lines that wrapped all the way around my arm. They were the same colour as my pentacles but didn't seem to radiate power like them. As I wondered when they got there I felt a little weak for a second and a light flashed on my wrists. When I felt better I looked at my wrists and saw a band of teeth tattooed into my writs with the teeth pointing to my hand on the right and to my upper arm on the left.
"Those look interesting. Maybe when you get the power you get a mark on your body relating to the kill or the power." Remarked Skadi as she sniffed my wrists and unmarked leg where the wound was.
"Hey you might be right there Wolfy." Alice chuckled when Skadi glared at her. Great not only do I get new tattoos when I kill but I have to keep Skadi from killing Alice. Why did I wake up this morning?
The Guardian pt.1
After a surprisingly good nights rest we woke up and tried to decide where to go next. After a breakfast of apples, leftover cockatrice meat and some strawberries we decided to head towards the nearest structure which happened to be an old abandoned castle.
"So is there anything special about this ruined castle?" I asked Alice while we walked.
"It is the old ruins of the royal alicorn princesses so it is technically a seat of power for rulers. But there is something extra special about it that only the Solarans and the Fox Tribes know about." She replied in a tone that suggested she did not really care for the place.
"Let me guess it is either a Tartarus Gate or it is a junction for Ley lines" Skadi calmly as she padded beside me.
"Yea it's a Tartarus gate. How did you guess?" Alice moved in between me and Skadi as she said this. Tartarus why is that name familiar to me?
"My old pack and I ventured near there when I was younger, once we got too close and our old leader just stopped dead in his tracks. When our Spirit-Speaker went to see what was wrong he ran away screaming and howling about power stronger than possible." Skadi said this so calmly it actually kind of scared me.
"Ah that makes sense." Alice nodded and then turned back to looking at where she was going. We walked for about another five minutes before I had to break the awkward silence, it was actually starting to hurt my ears it was so quiet.
"So Alice you said that the Solarans are more powerful than Alicorns. How is that an achievement?" I asked as it had been bugging me for a bit.
"Oh the Alicorns are essentially lesser immortals. For example the current two princesses are in charge of raising and lowering the sun and moon." Looking at me like I was an idiot. Oh lord how strong am I? "But you are strong on a different scale."
"Hm?"
"Yes, you may not be able to move the sun or moon but the princesses can not go into Tartarous. You can not only enter there but you can also defeat the creatures that live there." Holyshitholyshitholyshitholyshitholyshitholyshit. I think I am kinda afraid of myself now. I thought looking down at my paws and the rest of my body sizing it up.
"You must be pulling my ear because there is no way that could happen. I mean look at me I'm only a really tall bear nothing more."
"Last I checked you could go invisible and had super fast healing abilities." Skadi said idly as if everyone could do it.
"Yea well that stuff is different." I trailed off and started putting things into perspective. If I really think about it only a day ago I was literally thrown from my home dimension into this one and I have been taking it like it was just a passing hiccup or something. I guess I really am something else now because I think if I was still human I would have freaked out by now. We continued walking in silence for a little bit longer before I noticed something. I couldn't see more than ten feet in front of me, mostly because there was nothing there.
"Uh, Girls are you seeing what I'm not?" I asked thoroughly worried but when I looked to my left Alice wasn't there and Skadi was no longer to my right either. I started to panic when I heard a voice I had not heard in five years and it filled me with rage.
"Hello boy I trust you have been well?"
"Saturn. What are you doing here?"
Alice POV
After Ivan had trailed off into thought we walked for a bit longer so he could figure things out when he suddenly started to disappear, not just visibly either his presence was leaving as well as his image.
"Skadi do you know whats happening?"
"No but I am worried."
"Me too." We stood at the spot we last saw him at and we waited and hoped. Hoped that he was not leaving this world as he was our last hope for peace in our wild wood.
Ivan POV
"Well, I am actually here not to taunt you like you think I am here to tell you that if you enter Tartarus, Terra will be very angry with you and we both know that is bad for both of us.
"Oh so the bitch who wanted me to do what you did and kill every person who wronged me, will be mad if I go for a walk in her brothers garden?" I asked staring forward to where I assumed his essence was.
"Pretty much." He answered in a way that made me want to rip him into pieces (again!)
"And what if I were to say, Piss off I don't take your orders anymore? Because that is my answer I answer to myself and on very rare occasion I might kind of listen to Mars. Now put me back in the forest or I will do worse to you than Jupiter did. Savvy?"
"Hey no reason for that I am just a messenger. Oh and by the way the reason you are taking things so well in your 'new' body is that this is in fact your first body. Your human form was like a clay case to cover up this body. Well Have fun and remember Terra will be pissed!" He said before I felt myself returning from that particular pit of hell. Well now I need some strong vodka and a talk with Mars, maybe he will explain more of this. seems I am doing a lot of passing out right now, so yea I passed out after my meeting with Saturn because he is after all the Titan of time. But the only different thing about this time was the fact that I dreamed afterwards. I dreamed of moment my life took a massive dive downhill.
I was ten and constantly made fun of. Mostly because I am an albino but also because of my size, Russian accent and my sharp pointed teeth that filled my mouth. I was walking in the forest after school to calm my head and relax after another stressful day at school. I was walking alone on the path when I felt I was not alone and that someone was watching me. I turned around to see a pale man in a suit standing in the distance slightly hidden by some trees. I would have turned around and kept walking when I realized, his arms were growing and some sort of tentacle was coming out of his back. the moment I felt the urge to run for my life I did and I have never run so fast in my life but it was to no avail. I fell down and thought. Is this how I die? At the mercy of some freak monster?
"Not if you don't want to die." A calm earthy voice said to me as I cried while being dragged backwards. Now is not the time to be hearing voices Ivan!
"FOOL! I am not a voice in your head I am Terra Titan of the Earth. I can save you if you want to live but it will cost you later in life. Do you want to live?" Even if I was only hearing things in my last moments. I was not going to take that chance. Yes please help me! whatever the price I can pay it! How I regret those words.
I heard faint voices as I slowly returned to the land of the living. (Sure I technically didn't leave but hey it works.) I groaned and sat up dripping sweat off of the end of my nose. I gasped in pain as a headache set in the voices stopped once I did and I saw Alica and Skadi looking at me worriedly. After a few seconds I stood up and looked around investigating my surroundings, I was in a clearing surrounded by old oaks and willow trees, I could hear a river nearby which means I could go dunk my head in the cold water. I decided to do said dunking and headed towards the water when I saw IT. The same thing that chased me through the woods years ago and essentially ruined my life. I stopped in my tracks and stared at the Thing before I roared in rage and charged at It determined to make it pay for ruining my life. When I got close enough Its tentacles shot out of Its back and held me at bay while I swung ineffectively, desperately trying to end Its existence.
"I am not your enemy." I stopped and looked at Him for his "voice" was male. I stared into his featureless, hairless and white face trying to guess his intention but i still wanted to kill him.
"I did not come to this realm to harm you in any way. I also do not intend to be harmed so you will be restrained till I believe you won't try to harm me."
"You fucker." I spat. "You ruined my life by attacking me. I hate you and I will destroy you and When I am finished I will destroy Terra and Saturn." I twisted my arms wrapping his tentacles around so I could grab them. I ripped with all my strength tearing them apart. His grip loosened on my legs just enough for me to break free. I swung my fist into his face feeling the bones crush beneath my fist sending him sprawling a good 40 feet away. I started walking towards him when he started getting bigger. Before he was about 8 feet tall in a matter of seconds though he was standing on his feet again with tentacles all over his back numbering in the twenty's, His arms were a good ten feet long each and he stood over 20 feet tall. Well fuck. I thought before being picked up and smashed into a tree till it fell over. He then dragged me across the ground and threw me in the river. When I resurfaced he was back to his previous size with only a few tentacles which held him slightly off the ground. I heard a loud crack and his face popped back into form, He smiled his mouth full of sharp pointed teeth. For some reason those teeth reminded me of my teeth when I was human. Actually now that i think about it my teeth were a little extra pointy than was probably normal for a bear. Why am I not feeling as threatened as the first time?
"Now that you have cooled your head can we talk like a father and son should? Your Fucking kidding me.
The Guardian pt.2
"NO WAY IN HELL THAT IS POSSIBLE YOU SUPERNATURAL FREAK!" I shouted as I walked towards the shoreline. He casually adjusted his red tie and brush some dirt off of his jacket. He retracted his tentacles and stood on the ground in front of me as I came out of the water and casually slapped me in the face. I somehow felt shocked that he did it and all I could to was stare at him.
"Now if you feel better I am hear to explain some things and point you in the right direction so you don't screw up and die." He said without the slightest hint of anger or malice in his voice."Please refrain from attacking me until I get at least a chance to talk." What he said snapped me out of my shocked state.
"Fuck you." I growled "When I was younger you attacked me in the woods by my house and in my terror I made a bargain that I have come to regret with all of my essence." He looked at me with what I assume was shock as his face was featureless except for the slight line where his mouth was. "Furthermore I can't get myself out of the bargain until I either kill or convince Terra to end it." When I finished Alice and Skadi had shown up and both had a mixture of terror and surprise on their faces.
"Hm this is interesting news. Are you sure it was me? Because I haven't been to Earth since I placed you there as an infant." He asked me almost sounding concerned for some reason.
"Yes, You have the same black suit, The same white shirt and the same black tie. Wait your tie is red." I said becoming less sure about my accusation now that I had calmed down. I felt rage start coming off the man in waves and I backed away a little.
"That shit head he knew you were my son and he still tried to add you to his collection. Please excuse me I need to beat the hell out of my brother." After he said that he just winked out of existence with a faint pop where the air rushed into his place. The fuck just happened.
"Uh I think you just met your father." Alice said after we had stood there for a good five minutes." He might be going to kill your uncle as well." I turned toward her way to quickly and nearly lost my footing.
"I demand you tell me the origins of the Ursus Solarus NOW!" I said a little too aggressively. Alice gulped and backed up before she began to explain.
Over 50 Thousand years ago a group of rebellious demons and various other dimension traveler's got a little drunk and had to stop at the planet Equus to sleep it off. Of course they didn't do that, they partied instead and the party-goers ended up coming across some Ursa Majors. The majority of the little group decided to work some supernatural charm and ended up have a night to remember by even demon standards. A few off them though knew what would happen if they mated with the Ursas and decided to instead put up a little cover for the group and created a huge forest around them. But considering they were drunk it was a lot larger than was first intended and the forest also refused the planets laws involving weather and natural growth patterns. A few months later the hangovers finally stopped and a large amount off strange new creatures were born to the Ursa Majors unfortunately as they were too small the Majors believed them to be sick and wrong so they abandoned their children and left to go explore the new forest. Most of the new hybrids were bear like and had tattoos indicating what they were capable of. Most of the demons stayed to guide and protect their children. After a few hundred years the demons left and the new species began calling them selves Ursa Solaris or Solar Bears because of their mixed Ursa and demon blood line. Unfortunately their peaceful lives were interrupted by a strange plague that weakened them and removed their immortality causing an advanced aging in all but the Alpha who some how was immune to the disease. He devised a plan to save his brethren and the other creatures of the Everfree for it had started to even affect some of them. He called upon his father who was one of the few Tall-men who visited Equus. Together they tracked the disease to it's source which was a planet that resembled Equus in many ways but it was extremely chaotic. The Alpha was transported to the dimension with his uncle as a guide but he never returned. The Solarans slowly died out along with all but the heartiest of the Everfree's creatures.
"The Alpha left for that dimension over 25 thousand years ago. Who knows what happened to him but he is most likely dead." Alice finished the tale on that empty note which deeply disturbed some memories from somewhere. What the hell? They just died out. This does not explain anything! It just adds more question! I walked away into the tree line and laid down to get some real rest from my encounter with Saturn but rest would not come to me. What happened to the Alpha? What went wrong? What is a Tall-man? Ugh! So many questions! I rolled onto my side and suddenly my side was on fire. I leapt up of the ground with a cry of pain and looked at my side. Buried into one of my ribs was a silver fork. A fucking fork! I looked at where I was laying. I was laying on my left side and the fork is on my right so that means... SHIT! I dodged to the left into some bushes just in time to avoid a volley of silverware. I'm not joking I was being attacked with forks and knives. I looked into the woods were the silverware came from but saw nothing so I reached down to my side and pulled out the fork embedded in it. I let out a growl of pain just as I finished pulling it out and moved to the side quickly barley avoiding another fork. OK this is just fucking ridiculous. I jumped out of the bushes and sprinted towards the river where Alice and Skadi were.
"Hey girls! I need a little bit of help here!" I shouted out before coming upon a scene from some of my glimpses of Tartaros and it froze me in my tracks. Dear god no. In front of me were the corpses of Alice and Skadi. They had been impaled multiple times by large silver spikes and blades. After that their heads had been torn off and placed in what appeared to be plastic bags then hung from the nearest willow tree's branches. Their bodies also had claw marks and chunks taken out of them. Looking around I saw frosted patches of grass and flowers showing that Skadi had used some kind of ice skill. Other than that there appeared to be no resistance as if Alice went down first before Skadi noticed. I collapsed to my knees right beside their bodies and started crying. They were my first friends in this world and in my old one. Why would someone do this it's inhuman.
"But that's the thing I'm not human." I looked to my right and very nearly had a panic attack. Standing 10" from the willow tree was the figure of all of my rage. The white faced, black suited and tentacles of the thing that attacked me was all too familiar but that is not what made me stop it was who he was standing beside. The bronze coloured armour covered his chest and left arm, the sword in his right hand just felt wrong its very presence made me feel terrified, the blood red eyes that seemed to pierce my soul and the hair that matched his eyes in colour and his sword in wrongness.
"Mars?" I barely could say his name. How could he the one god who didn't try to use me but guided me in the art of warfare so I could protect myself. I felt betrayed not only on a personal level but also a spiritual one because I felt devastated and broken. "What are you doing here?" I asked tears still streaming from my eyes.
"I am here to kill you so that the last of the abominations called Ursa Solaris will finally die out and I can get back to causing wars to entertain myself." He said with a chuckle. "So Ivan any last words before you join your father and race in the depths of Tartaros?" I suddenly felt myself not being bothered by his sword or his gaze. I slowly stood up and turned to face him full on. I felt power surging through myself and felt a slight burning on my chest, when I looked at my chest my eyes widened. Another tattoo was being made visible like it was their but was hidden. It was a large ouroboros but instead of black like the others it was the color of amber laced with silver and red. after it fully formed I felt different like there was no such thing as fear. I roared and charged at Mars punching him full force at just the right moment sending him flying into a tree across the river. I straightened up and reached over and ripped a tree out of the ground. I did a quick look around and realized I was at least 60" tall at that moment and the tree I was holding was about 30" tall. I looked back at mars to see he had tossed the sword to the ground and was about the same height as I was.
"You wanna dance? OK let's dance you freak!" He shouted. I snapped.
"You can call me whatever you want I probably won't react but nobody calls me a freak! Even you." I swung the tree at hit knocking him back and breaking it in half. Before he could recover I rushed him with my right shoulder so I wouldn't open myself for an attack. Of course a stumbled a little as my size was vastly different from my newest 12" tall. Of course Mars was quick to take advantage of this, he grabbed me by the throat and lifted me up off the ground before dropping me straight on my back. He followed up with a series of punches to the face breaking my nose and splitting my lip. I lunged forward and bite into his arm and then tore it off with a quick jerk to the side splashing golden ichor everywhere. I pushed him off of me and spat his arm out the taste of his blood was like eating fire and ashes. I swung at his head with my claws making him back off so I could pop my nose back into place. Once I did a few teeth fell out without the angle to hold them in. I turned to him and growled letting some energy build up so I could do something other than go invisible. He used some kind of fire to seal the stump of his arm to stop the bleeding and once he did his detached arm dematerialized. We both looked at each other at the same time and both realized we were preparing some kind of energy release and we both released to try and beat the other, it didn't turn out like we planned. I threw my hands forward like to launch the energy which manifested as some kind of fire while he punched forward with some kind of lightning and the result was an implosion which sucked us into each other before forcing us to the ground causing dents as large as us. When I could stand again I realized I was back to 12" high and I felt exhausted. Looking around I noticed Mars walking into a fiery portal in the air with my "uncle" just in front of him. Just before he stepped through he turned around.
"If you ever come near Olympus you will die but I am no longer going to actively kill you, you suffer as the last of your kind now that I killed that fox shaped one. Have fun with Phobos will you as he no longer sees me as his master." With that he stepped through the portal and it dissipated with a loud pop. I was left in a clearing of destruction save the tree with my friends heads on it. I took a few steps towards it before I collapsed and cried out all of my rage and sorrow.
I awoke a few hours later in the darkness of night. I stood up and looked towards the distant mountains and saw what appeared to be a series of lights like a celebration of some kind. I am not even going to bother trying to find out I need to bury my friends. I walked over to the tree and took their heads out of the plastic bags and placed them by their bodies. I was about to pray to Mars to allow them passage to his battle field but then I remembered what happened and I started crying again. After a few more minutes I decided to forgo saying anything and was about to start digging when I found I was actually standing in front of a plain stone sword stuck into the ground. Is this the sword Mars was using? Because it looks a lot different. I reached forward and grasped the handle and then I felt a mixture of power and madness flowing through my body but I couldn't let go of the sword. I started panic before the madness took over my mind and I smiled. I started chuckling like a madman and I couldn't stop. I pulled the sword out of the ground to see it had embedded itself in a rock in the ground. I am one of the four great swords. I have been around since the creation of time and I have chosen you as my new wielder. Now give me a name to bear so our foes... HA! I'm sorry but I just realized you were a bear and I asked for a name to bear. HA! The madness seemed to drain out of me but the power stayed which felt invigorating.
"Wait. What?" I asked out loud as I couldn't tell where the voice was coming from but I knew it was the sword. I placed the sword on the ground and sat down with a gasp of pain. Looking to the source I noticed a rib sticking out of my side so with a loud groan of pain I pushed it back into my skin and tried my best to set it but my ribs refused to heal like my gashes and my nose had. Hey! You bear guy whats your name?
"My name is Ivan and just lost some friends so if you will excuse me I need to bury them." OK but I need a name and a sheath or my power will drain out of you and you won't be my master anymore.
"Ivan use my body as a scabbard for the sword." I whipped around in the direction of Skadi's body and saw a ghostly apparition version of her sitting by her body and looking at me. This is impossible. How can you be here? I felt tears begin to appear in the corners of my eyes.
"I am here to say goodbye and to let you know that my body can be forged into the scabbard for this blade. Please consider it my gift to you. I must go now the Forest of The Fallen calls to me." With those words she turned around and bounded into the forest disappearing into it's leaves. I slowly walked over to her body and knelt down.
"For You Skadi as your last wish." I said before getting to work crafting a basic scabbard for the sword. After a hour or so I finished the Scabbard and had buried both Alice's body and the rest of Skadi's. I turned around and picked up the sword and felt another surge of power and I watched in awe as it changed before my eyes. It's hilt had lengthened a little and the grip went from leather to what felt like shark skin with a wire wrap. The cross-guard sprouted some kind of spikes and ended up with two longer ones on top and two shorter ones underneath. The pommel jewel disappeared from the pommel and moved to the middle of the cross-guard and for all the world it looked like and emerald green cat's eye. The blade lengthened and the tip turned into a chisel point like a katana but it stayed straight like a broad sword. after a few seconds a flash of light passed over it and the scabbard and when it passed the scabbard had changed to match the new blade and it now sported two snowflakes on either side half way up. My form changes to match my wielder's soul and mental design. Now I need a name that matches both your soul and my appearance. I looked at the guard gem to realize it was looking at me. Then suddenly the name came to my mind just like it had for Skadi.
"Facio." I said quietly before I sheathed the sword and started walking down the river following the current and Hoping to not trip on anything in the dark.I understand how you feel but you should know that of all my names that is probably the most touching one and I hope to help you find peace in yourself. I must now rest or you will find me useless. Safe travels Alpha. I looked at the sword in shock but his presence disappeared and I felt the Power from him dwindle to seem like he was sleeping before I started walking again.
"I hope I am not the Alpha because that would mean I am truly alone."
The Guardion pt.3
I walked beside the river for a few hours remarking at the still faint lights coming from the mountain.Damn that must be one big party. After a few minutes I saw a strange object to the right not too far ahead so I decided to look at it more closely. The object was actually a broken down cart with some large holes in the ground. Near one of the holes where some deep claw marks and some wider gouges that I couldn't place. Getting more cautious I switched Facio from my right to left hand and grasped the handle preparing for a fight. I slowly made my way over towards one of the holes and look down seeing nothing but empty blackness.Guess whoever or whatever dug theses holes left.
I walked closer to the cart to get a better look and noticed it was actually a wagon but it had been down sized for one person and was designed to carry heavy loads drawn by what I assume would be a small horse. Something about the size of the zebra I saw before. When I was close enough I looked over the side and saw a few provisions, some clothing it looks like someone really likes their dog to buy them clothes. and a large amount bundled clothes and utensils like pans. I reached down to gather some food and cloth for bandages when I heard some dirt fall behind me and a faint whisper of words. I whipped around and drew Facio ready for whatever was going to attack me. Instead of some group of guys I saw a dog crawling out of one of the holes in the ground. A quick look at his front paws and I realized that it and some others probably dug the holes but what caught me off guard was when it pulled itself out all the way and it stood on two feet like it was normal. It wobbled towards me mumbling to itself before it looked at me.
"Help me." It said before collapsing its wounds across its becoming instantly apparent. I had only see worse whipping wounds when I caught a glimpse of Roman history with the slaves. I start hearing loud noises. I focus back on the holes in time to see about five more dog things jump out of the holes and land on the ground spears pointed at me before the stare in shock. The leader by the look of him and the fact he isn't carrying a spear steps forward then points at the dog in front of me.
"She is and escaped slave of our pack and we demand that you let us take her." He said surprisingly calm as he was about 5" tall and kinda skinny. I put Facio away and lean forward.
"Make me." I say with a sly smile before knocking him on his ass with a backhand. Why am I doing this? Oh wait because I am kind of a good guy I guess. Actually it is because you hate to see someone in trouble when you could help them. you also are used to burying your feelings which is why your not sad about your friends death anymore. Thanks Facio. Hey I know all about you as you are my new wielder... oh look out by the way. Then it hit me literally I was hit the shaft of a spear across the head.
"OW! FUCK THAT HURTS!" I reached up and blood comes away in my paw. I look at the Dog who hit me and he just smiles and growls. I walk over avoiding his every attack and then punch him straight into the hole he came from. I turn to the other dogs and wipe some leaking blood away from my eye. OK seriously I should be healing.
"So how about you leave now and you all live?" I start walking forward. "Or you can attack me and we see where it goes." I smile showing off my extra large teeth and wait. After a few minutes the leader steps forward and kneels.
"I formally apologize about attacking you sir. But you must understand we need slaves or our pack will be forced to starve from being unable to dig up the gems for survival."Wait they eat gems? "But if we could some how do it with out the slaves we would." He sounded crestfallen as he continued to tell me of the plight of his pack and the desperation of all packs across a country to the north called Gem Fido. After he had finished he wiped the tears away from his eyes and stood up. "Please we try to treat them the best we can but every once and a while we have an escapee which forces us to waste resources to catch them. Please we need her." He points towards the other dog who was starting to stir.
I sigh heavily before motioning for the leader to follow me. I lead him over to the wagon and point at it.
"I think you got some slaves recently if the holes and this carnage is any indication." I say before walking over and picking up some cloth and checking out the food. Ugh vegetarian food. As I turn back around to the dog the cloth bundle wiggles in my arms. We both look at in shock and his ears prick forward. I start shifting the bundle layer by layer with one claw delicately and nearly drop the bundle when I see what it really was. A small baby pony with a green coat and a very thick golden mane. I look at the dog and he just stares blankly back at me.
"Um. I think that this child belonged to the pony that was killed by our rival pack. We came across the corpse while chasing the female. We did not attack this wagon." He says before turning around. "If you can come back in a week we will have the female to be released to you fully healed but we can't go home empty handed."
"Alright I will be back in a week." I reply still dumbfounded at what I was holding in my arms. The little pony started to wake up and I nearly dropped it again before I just sat down and placed it on my crossed legs and pondered what to do. A few minutes later I realized it was staring at me like I was staring at it.
"Oh hello there little one." I say as softly as I can forcing my Russian accent down so it could understand me." Whats your name? Wait do you even understand English?" Which caused it to giggle in a very feminine way. Oh wow another female. At least I know I am not alone from that dog that showed up. I think he called him self a Diamond Dog but whatever. After she stopped giggling she continued to stare at me very intensely and shook her head revealing a small horn in her golden mane.
"Hey isn't that neat your a unicorn." I said smiling slightly but then realized that statement. "OK your a unicorn that's not weird at all." She giggles again smiling and I swear that smile melted my heart or just the metal box around it a little. Damn she is so adorable. But she needs a name that is appropriate for a pony and some how don't do What I did with Skadi. The thought of my lost friend made a tear come to my eye which was strange for me. As I pondered things the little filly grunted and her horn flashed a green colour and the next thing I knew she was eating a blanket made out of cotton candy. Yes I am serious, she turned her blanket into cotton candy. I looked down at her and couldn't help it.
"Aw your so cute. But I don't think that's good for you." I reached to take the blanket away when I got slapped by magic."Wait, what?" Was all I could think of because it hurt but not physically so it was more like a mental slap but my hand still hurt where it contacted. I looked at her and she was staring at me menacingly before continuing to chew on her blanket.[i ]Well so she has good control over her magic. Ow my side hurts. I clutched my side in pain before looking down and seeing blood welling between my fingers. Why am I not healing? Oh well I guess I will need some bandages and then get following this river. I placed the young filly on the ground trying not to disturb her but when I lifted her up her front legs flew to the sides and a small pare of wings flared from her back which I didn't noticed before.So she isn't a unicorn? Then what the heck is she? I put her on the ground and her wings folded behind her back again. I walked back over to the cart and started ripping up some cloth into strips to tie onto my side.
After a few seconds and before I could tie them on I felt like someone was behind me so I slowly turned around to see the filly standing there watching me her half eaten blanket left behind.
"Can I get you something?" I asked raising an eyebrow. When she didn't do anything I turned around and started wrapping the strips around my chest when I felt a thwack on the back of my head. I turned around to see the filly about to throw another rock at my head with her magic but the moment she realized I was looking at her she dropped the rock and put on the cute face.
"Sorry girly I saw you with that rock and now you are in trouble." I said before lunging forward and grabbing her around the chest and picking her up. She started to struggle but couldn't get out of my grip so she started slapping me in the face with magic. When she stopped struggling and slapping I brought her close to my face and just looked in her eyes disapprovingly. She started to look sad so I felt a little bad. I don't want her crying. But what can I do? Idea! I let go with one hand and lightly poked her in the side with my finger. I felt her body tense and heard a faint giggle escape her lips but she still kept the sad look on. So I started rubbing my finger up and down tickling her like crazy. She pretty much collapsed into giggles in my hands.
After a few minutes of tickling I put her back on the ground and waited for her to catch her breath. While I waited I tied the cloth strips around my chest and stopped the bleeding a little. but they were soon red with blood. When I finished I turned around and picked the filly up as she had fallen asleep. I walked over to the blanket she had eaten to find it was cloth again so i wrapped her up in it. After this I pick Facio back up and with the two of them in my arms I walked in the direction I had been going before.
As I walked the river got smaller until it was basically a large stream about two feet deep. Soon after this I spotted a clearing in the trees ahead and what looked like a house in the distance with the stream passing right in front of it. I picked up the pace so I could get to the house quickly. Maybe they have a doctor nearby or something. I crossed the stream and knocked on the house door. I tried every few seconds until I heard a scuffling of some kind inside.
"Ugh, why do people show up when Fluttershy isn't here." A faint male voice complained in my head. I knocked again and then to my surprise a white rabbit opened the door with a very angry expression that changed to shock the moment he saw me.
"Uh. Can I help you?" He asked before he saw my bandages and the filly in my arms. "Oh you look like you could use some help. Come inside Fluttershy should be here tomorrow."
"Thank you little rabbit." As I walked inside I leaded Facio up against the wall near the door and placed the filly on a couch in the room with the door. I turned to the rabbit.
"Again thank you. My name is Ivan what is yours?" I asked which seemed to dispel the shock. He shut the door and came over to stand by me. I sat down on the floor so he wouldn't hurt his neck looking up.
"My name is Angel and I live here with Fluttershy. Why are you here? You don't look like anything I have ever seen. Plus you can understand me." He said Starting to tap his paw on the ground expecting a good answer. I thought for a second. What should I say? I mean it's not like he is going to know what I am. I guess I will just shorten somethings.
"I am a traveler from the Everfree Forest, I have a connection with animals that let's me understand them and I am here for some help. As you can see I am wounded and was hoping for some medical help." I said Leaning back and resting my head on the edge of the couch. "Now If it is OK I would like some sleep as it is nearly morning and I have not slept yet tonight." With that I closed my eyes and Was asleep instantly.
I was in a vast black space standing on a white road that lead in front of me beyond what I could see. Behind me was a straight drop into nothing so I started walking forward. After what felt like hours the space around me started filling with images. I am not sure what they were of but they seemed to be recounting something. I am one of the Swords of Creation. I have been around since time was first created and will continue on until it has stopped and the Universe destroys itself forcing the four of us to start again. You are one of the few creatures to wield a Sword of Creation and in my opinion chaos is the strongest. Maybe I am just tooting my own horn. Anyway I am the fourth Sword of Creation. The Sword of Chaos and you as my wielder are now the Guardian of Chaos. Now this is probably confusing to you so let me explain.
The images around me disappeared and were replaced by stars blinking in and out of existence and I still kept walking. The most popular Sword of Creation is Order or as he is more commonly known Excalibur. Now each Sword of Creation represents the four powers to create or destroy. Those powers being Time, Space, Order and of course Chaos. Every once in a while we deem a creation worthy of wielding and controlling us. Admit ably I am wielded far more often than the others but it is my nature. These wielders are referred to as Guardians. King Arthur was the most known Guardian of Order. Suddenly colours flashed across my vision obscuring my path and surroundings.
I have chosen you to be the Guardian of Chaos. Now awaken and enjoy the power I bring you. Suddenly I was falling into my body jolting me awake.
I looked around to make sure everything was normal and to my relief it was, until I saw a yellow pony with bright pink hair staring at me.
"Hello are you Fluttershy?" I asked again trying to remove the Russian accent so she wouldn't be frightened.
"How do you know my name?" Great she lives up to her name.
"Um you are going to have to speak up a little bit. If your afraid I assure you I am anything but scary." I said hoping it would work. Unfortunately she couldn't say more.
"AAAAHHH! MOMMA! NO! MOMMA!" The little filly on the couch started screaming in her sleep obviously remembering the capture of her mom. I jumped up and scooped her into my arms rocking her back and forth trying to get her to calm down. THINK! I need to sing something! But what to sing? She screamed and thrashed in my arms almost falling out of my grip. Suddenly I remember a song that would work so I sit on the couch and focus on it as much as I can. I am suprised by the sudden strumming of a guitar filling the air. Fluttershy who looks like she was about to help stops and peers at me curiously. The filly stops screaming at the soft strumming but tears still leak from her eyes. So I gave it my all.
Well I heard there was a secret chord
that David played and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do you?
Well it goes like this:
The fourth, the fifth,
The minor fall and the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah...
Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
She tied you to her kitchen chair
She broke your throne and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah...
Baby I've been here before
I've seen this room and I've walked this floor (you know)
I used to live alone before I knew you
And I've seen your flag on the marble arch
and love is not a victory march
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah...
I choke up for a second as the song brings up memories of when things were not so crazy. Of times when I could just live my life without worry of gods or creatures. The time of my childhood and of the family who adopted me so I wouldn't be alone.
there was a time when you let me know
What's really going on below
But now you never show that to me, do you?
But remember when I moved in you
And the holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah...
Maybe there's a God above
all I've ever learned from love
Was how to shoot somebody who outdrew you
And it's not a cry that you hear at night
It's not somebody who's seen the light
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah...
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah...
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
As I finish singing I freely let my tears flow though I stay silent to not disturb the filly who is now asleep in my arms.
"That was beautiful." Fluttershy says tears in her eyes. I smiled and adjust my seating on her couch before looking down at the young life I had saved from nightmares.
"Papa." She mumbles in her sleep before reaching her tiny arms around me a smuch as she could. Now I know why I found her. So I could spare another child from loneliness just as I was. Maybe it was also to shed the loneliness I have endured for too long. I openly started crying little sobs escaping my mouth.
"Goodnight my daughter." I say before drifting into the world of sleep. the last feeling I felt was Fluttershy hugging me from the side her face wet with tears.
A/N Okay so I had a proof reader and most of this chapter was edited but shit happens. I realize this chapter feels rushed but unfortunately this is the best I could make it without major bitching about paragraphs to long.
Anyway yes this story is all over the place as unfortunately I have trouble controlling my emotions and I also have very little idea of where this is going. But some proper back story is coming up in a chapter or two. So until then Arrividerci.