Psychopath in Equestria: Chapter 1 (The Beyond)

>You turn on the faucet letting the icy water run over your hands.

>You look of the window, admiring the beauty as the suns falls beneath the horizon.

“Never stay inner city I always say, else you’ll never see such a wondrous sight.”

>You hum to yourself, drowning out the noise from the other room.

>Today was a good day. Two for the price of one? Bargain!

>You give your knife a little taste before spitting the content into the sink.

“You need more Iron I your diet,” you chuckle, “A thank you would be nice.”

>The knife’s shine returns as the water washes away the discoloration.

 

>Setting it down in the sink you skip out towards the den.

“So, what’d I miss?”

>A series of groans emits from behind you after you plop down on the couch.

>The Skeletons are losing at home to the Vencid Hounds 89-53.

“You see? I told them they’d be nothing if they traded Keyes and Zentho, and this is what happens when they don’t listen.”

>You take a bite off your plate and savor the tenderness.

>A thought strikes you as you’re about to take another.

“Garlic Salt!”

 

>You snatch out the bottle and sprinkle it liberally atop your meal.

“I fancy myself a chef you see, though not many get to try my cooking.

>Your mouth explodes in ecstasy at the flavor.

“Oh. Oh my lord. You simply must take a bite. It’s to die for.”

>Picking up your plate you walk towards your guests.

>Both of them are at the back of the room, bound tight to their chairs.

>You untie the first man’s gag, his head slumping over.

“Disappointing, I was hoping he’d last longer. They tend to survive till morning. Oh well…”

>You ungag the other guy, a blue anthropomorphic lizard.

 

“I’m sure you’ll enjoy him more anyways.”

>He gasps for air as you shove one of your tasty treats into his mouth.

>He’s obstinate at first, but begins to chew when you brandish a familiar knife.

“There you go, how is it? Want seconds?”

>The piece slides down his throat while he tries not to gag.

>”You’re a sick and twisted man.”

“Why thank you, I was hoping you’d be as gracious.”

>”Do you even know who I am?”

“Oh please, don’t insult my intelligence.”

 

“I did my research; I know everything there is to know about you. How about that mistress of yours who cleans your office, or that you have a more… intimate… relationship with your son?”

>He looks horrified at your words.

“I’m not some run of the mill crazy Mr. President. I wouldn’t have gotten this far otherwise.”

>You smile and take another bite of flesh.

“I even took the time to make you a special set of bonds.”

 

>You flick his snout and rub the leather straps.

“Took me two years pay to be able to afford this puppy. Completely worth it though, magic is such a pest in these situations.”

>”When my people find me-“You burst into laughter interrupting him.

“That’s rich you should be a come- Oh, wait. You’re serious. Let me laugh even harder.”

>”When I get out, you’ll wish you’d killed me first.”

>You wipe a few tears out of your eyes and give him a stern look.

“To be frank, neither of us is leaving this room tonight.”

 

>Hunger leaves you. The plate falls from your hands leaving pieces of his bodyguard across the floor.

“I have grown tired of this game. There’s only so far you can go before everything appears trivial.”

>You turn your back to him, evaluating your situation.

“Maybe the magic-inclined such as yourself could find a new hobby, but for me. I’m done in this life. I seek more.”

>You pick up your charge and fiddle with the controls.

“You were my magnum opus of this life, so what is it in the next.”

 

>Spinning around you split open the president’s neck.

>Placing your head against his, you stare deep into his fading eyes, cherishing every second.

>You place the memory along with the others that flash before you, so many you’ve lost count by now.

>His eyes flutter, more blood escaping from his body.

“Shhhh… just go to sleep….”

>His heart slows, eventually falling silent like the rest.

“Maybe things will be different.”

>You squeeze the trigger, enjoying the fireworks.

 

>So very warm, crispy even. Life returns to your form as air fills your lungs once more.

>You feel around with your hands, eyelids heavy with fatigue.

>The damp grass tickles your fingers atop the moist soil below.

>Is this the afterlife? Was the Beyond more than a simple tale?

>You’re not back on Riff, that’s for damn sure. Nature had long since abandoned that hunk of rock, but where could you be?

>The sun must still be up as you can feel its ray beating against you.

>Energy has been drained from your limbs, leaving you a shambled mess.

>With nothing to do but wait you hum yourself to sleep, hastening your recovery.

 

>A short time passes before you awaken, your body being pulled across the dirt.

>How nice is that? Someone is already coming to your rescue and you haven’t even seen them yet.

>You’ll be sure to “thank” them when you’re all better.

>No no no, you can’t just go right back to it. Too many variables are at play.

>Best to play it safe… for now…

>Maybe this person could turn out quite useful.

>Once again you hum to yourself to sleep, inciting a giggle from your host.

 

>You drift back into your dreams, though none come to meet you.

>Something doesn’t feel right here…

>The dark void shifts into a murky green, a presence other than your own entering your mind.

>A guest? How strange, it has certainly been a while since you had willing company.

>Could your savior be trying to ascertain your mental condition?

>Your attitude swiftly changes as it starts to prod at your memories.

>Interesting, whatever this thing is it certainly wants something, maybe you can have some fun with this curious cat.

 

>You guide the being through a series of altered memories, being sure to change any that contain your less than charitable acts, which turns out to be a lot of them.

>It appears to be digging deeper into a particular memory, but is blocked by your will.

>Sophie? Ah yes, one never forgets their first time. She turned you down once because you weren’t “hardcore” enough for her.

>Turns out she couldn’t handle the truth; it took you weeks to wash out the stains.

>Entertaining your guest, you formulate another past for her before granting entrance.

>Once where you two fell madly in love, but couldn’t be together due to your rival families.

>Straight Romeo and Juliet garbage. “I’ll find a way…” the memory ends.

>The entity appears to be sated as it retreats from your mind, consciousness returning to you.

 

>You manage to open your eyes, taking in the view.

>You’re at the edge of some cave. The moon illuminates the ground revealing a rich and thriving forest.

>A crackling fire sits beside you, the flames flickering brightly against the night sky.

>You manage to sit up, your clothes charred from the blast, but your skin relatively unharmed, though your muscles themselves seem sapped of their former strength.

>”Feeling better?”

>That voice, it couldn’t be… You turn around to another figure sitting by the fire.

“Sophie?”

 

>Sophie sits across from you, exactly the same as you remember, before your intervention anyways.

>Her slender frame and pearly white skin fit her well, though it was her short jet black hair and majestic green eyes that captivated you.

>She smiles at you longingly but stays silent. You continue to admire her before it dawns on you.

>This is just an illusion, a trick designed to fool you.

>She concocted this scheme around your memory. Thankfully you managed to change the contents.

>Whatever this thing is, it’s dangerous, but thankfully it still thinks it has you fooled.

>It’d be wise to play its game for now.

 

“W-what are you doing here?”

>”I told you I’d find a way.” She walks over and embraces you.

>”I’ve waited so long for us to be together again.”

>You nuzzle at her neck trying to act as convincing as possible. She even smells like Sophie did.

“You look wonderful, I missed you so much.”

>”I know darling, I know.” She’s nothing like the real Sophie, just a cheap imitation.

>She runs a hand down your arm which throbs painfully at the touch.

>”Are you okay Anon? You look hurt.”

 

“Clothes didn’t give that away,” you chuckle, “But yeah, my body aches something fierce.”

>She lays you down, resting her hands upon your chest.

>”Let’s see what your Sophie can do to help.”

>Her green eyes begin to glow, magic flowing into your body.

>The pain in your muscles subsides in a soothing bath of soothing currents.

>The creature instinctively pulls back dissatisfied with something.

“What’s wrong?” You’re worried she caught on to something.

>She scowls at you, “Why don’t you love me?”

 

>Well fuck, you tended to be a better actor than that.

“I don’t know what you mean darling,” you say reaching out to her.

>She slaps your hand away, “Do not lie to me.”

>You smile, giving up on the charade. It was fun while it lasted.

“I like my women a bit more honest first of all. You’re not Sophie.”

>”Who else would I be? I tr-“

“Sophie’s dead,” you interrupt her, a confused look on her face.

>”I said we’d find a way…”

“We both played the other; I just did a better job.” You laugh in her face instinctively, not one of your better choices.

 

>A sage ring of fire erupts around her, forcing you to back off.

>The lack of magic makes the odds clearly in her favor.

>The flames strike upwards towards the ceiling masking her body in the blaze.

>You lean against the wall and wait for her show to end. Showing fear is a one-way ticket down bitch-lane.

>As the flames wither away her appearance has changed drastically.

>She’s horse-like in appearance, her skin black as night and her flowing blue hair draped down her neck.

>A twisted horn and a pair of insectoid wings exemplify her corrupted nature.

“Well… That’s a new one.”

 

>”You will show me respect whelp!” her voice greatly distorted, but somehow pleasant.

“You certainly have it. It’s refreshing to meet another who’s willing to play dirty. Now what may I call you miss?”

>She appears surprised at your manners, though she doesn’t let up her overpowering demeanor.

>”I am Chrysalis, queen of the changelings.”

“I didn’t realize I was in the presence of royalty,” you give a brief bow, “I appreciate your help in my predicament, but I really must be going.”

>Another wall of flame blocks your exit.

>”You’re not going anywhere.”

 

>The flame circles you, closing tighter every second.

>”It is, as you said, refreshing to meet another such as myself, and I’m not letting that just walk away.”

>Things are getting hairy a bit quicker than you’d like.

“What do you want?” you blurt out trying to escape your hellish prison.

>”Those delicious emotions of yours of course.” The flames press tight against your skin though they don’t burn.

>The floor below sucks you in as she continues.

>”Every morsel will feed my people, and who knows,” you disappear from view, her words ringing in your ears, “you might just like it.”

 

>Days become weeks. Weeks become months.

>Chrysalis trapped you in this godforsaken cave and has begun to slowly pick away at your sanity.

>Pity you lost that long ago, or did you? Tricky subject that is.

>You bid your time with this “Changeling.” Good things come to those who wait you always say.

>The queen has made sure to drop by every now and then to check on you, and make sure you’re still up and ticking.

>At one point she sent a henchman to keep you company, who I proceeded to grace in some more unpleasant arts.

>You never thought blood could be so sweet.

 

>Taking a life left you in nostalgia, the fluidity of your motions, the power of your grip…

>Too long since you last felt like that.

>The moment would have been perfect, but the queen’s hums of delight sour the mood.

>Her approval of your actions strikes you as odd.

>She sought to recreate the events again, but it wasn’t the same.

>There’s no sport when the target is simply sent to their death.

 

>It doesn’t mean you spared him of course, though it was little more than a kill of convenience.

>No hums or giggles meet you this time, just silence.

“Are you not entertained?”

>Another inferno sparks to life around you. Bad choice of words you presume.

>The trip is far more pleasant this time around as the flames ease their way to the floor.

>You find yourself in another chamber, this one far roomier.

>Two changeling guards hesitantly approach and escort you down the hall.

>At least they’re smart enough to acknowledge a threat when they see one.

>You simply grin and move onwards.

 

>The walls are lined with cells, each containing creatures long forgotten on your world.

>Manticores, pegasi, unicorns, cows and even a small dragon.

>Each locked up and slowly siphoned by the changelings.

>But why did you not wind up like them?

>Queen Chrysalis comes to meet you. She lets out a few rhythmical chirps, probably their natural language, and sends off the guards.

“It’s been a pleasure,” you say to the retreating creatures.

>She’s amused at your behavior even after all this time.

>”Come, there are things I would like to discuss.”

 

>You follow her lead further into the cave finally coming upon a lush underground forest.

>She makes her way up a mangles tree, resting on a large perch at the top.

>You sit across from her reveling in its natural beauty.

>”Why did you not appreciate the second offering?”

“Offering? Oh, him…” You still don’t understand her motives clearly, “It is unimportant.”

>”It is important to me. You enjoyed the first one didn’t you? I could taste it, sweeter than anything I have before.”

>So she wasn’t being poetic when she talked about your emotions. She literally feeds on them, just like the others.

>”It was not the same for the second, why?”

 

>Her thirst for knowledge intrigues you. If only more were like her.

“There was no sport in the kill.”

>She eyes you strangely, likely not understanding your meaning.

“Whenever I do what I do, I pick my targets based on challenge. Each victim is more difficult than the last.”

>She nods her head as you continue.

“The second minion you sent was not a greater challenge. Plus, he was not there of his free will. Had he happened across me, then maybe I would feel differently.”

>”I have not come across many such as you. In fact, you’d be the first.”

“What can I say? I’m certainly unique to say the least.”

 

>She laughs heartily and looks back into the grove. You feel the same about her, unique.

“How long do you plan on keeping me here Miss Chrysalis?”

>”Not long. It’s apparent that I am unable to squeeze anymore out of you, and I will not waste my time trying.”

>Unique, intelligent, appreciates nature. Where has this girl been all your life?

“So you’re going to let me go?”

>She nods though she says nothing. Her horn shimmers revealing a path back to the surface.

>”I’ll see you out.” You can detect a slight bit of pain in her voice.

>The ascent is a tad disheartening. Relief would be an appropriate feeling, not sadness.

>She fills you in on what to expect when you breach the surface, mostly details about the surrounding lands and population.

>It’s morning when you reach the top. A new day for your new life.

 

>”Take the eastern route until you reach the edge of the forest. From there just follow the road until you reach the nearest settlement.”

“I appreciate the help Chrysalis.”

>Maybe you could convince her to stay with you. Having a companion never occurred to you until now.

“One last thing I want to get out.”

>She gives you her attention. This is turning out a bit harder to say than you thought.

“I never had company before, and I’m still new to this place…” You ramble on, trying to find a way to word it correctly.

“Screw it; do you want to come with me?”

 

>She appears intrigued by the offer. “I don’t know. I have duties to attend to here…”

>Playing hard to get? Women… always the same…

“Well, that’s too bad. I might have liked you hanging around.”

>You don’t give her time to respond and whistle as you head down the route she specified.

>She doesn’t follow you much to your displeasure. You had actually told her the truth.

>At this rate you’ll end up an average person.

>Whatever, it’s her loss and you have plans for this place. Plans you still have to come up with.

 

>You hum happily as you make your way through the forest.

>The aura about this place is rejuvenating.

“The Everfree Forest. What wonders wait within your pristine folds?”

>Riff was never much of a home to you. More like a prison, and this forest was your salvation. The name seemed fitting.

>Equestria, the land beyond the void. Devoid of true violence and cruelty.

>Wait until they get a load of you.

 

>You reach the end of the forest and stop to rest.

>Your clothes are still mostly intact even after the explosion. Bits and pieces were missing, but overall nothing of value was lost.

>It still surprises you how your actually body was unharmed. Once again, a few scratches, but there were no signs of damage otherwise.

>The lack of nutrition was starting to get to you. Chrysalis didn’t exactly keep you stocked with a variety of food, but that’s not her fault.

>Maybe if she had come with you…

>”Is this spot taken?”

 

>You hold back the smile when you hear her words.

“Not at all.”

>Chrysalis sits down beside you, disguised once again as Sophie.

“I hope you know that I’m not falling for that.”

>”And I hoped you thought that I knew that already.”

>Add smartass to her list of traits.

>”Changelings are not exactly on good standings with the people of Equestria.”

“I couldn’t imagine why.” you reply sarcastically.

 

>”It would be best if I looked like you.”

“You never said if there were any others like me here.”

>”Because there aren’t. You are the first of your kind present here to my knowledge.”

“Which means they’ll likely react to me, us, accordingly.”

>”Indeed, but at least two of us would look more natural.”

>You agree. Having her along might make things a bit easier for you.

“I’m glad you decided to stay.”

>”I’m still weighing my options.”

>You both laugh before heading back out.

 

“So where is the closest settlement exactly?”

>”It’s a ways off. Ponyville I believe it’s called, a small town nothing more.”

“Anything I should know?”

>”They’re ponies, and they live in a town. What else do you want from me?”

>You shake your head and smile. She really is something.

>It takes a few hours before you make out a few buildings on the horizon.

“Is that it?”

>She squints her eyes to make it out, “That would be the destination.”

>You crack your neck and walk towards the settlement.

“Let’s go say hi.”