Psychopath in Equestria: Chapter 5 (Closure)

>”Anon. Anon!”

>Chrysalis smacks you against the head to get your attention.

“What?”

>”Are we going to do this or what?”

“Yeah, just give me a second.”

>”Get your head in the game. There’s no room for hesitation remember?”

>You remember, but it’s easier said than done.

 

>You slip through the back door and signal Chrysalis not to follow.

>She’s seen enough of your work to know how it goes.

>Your mind turns back to the situation at hand.

>The target should still be asleep at this time, so this should be a quick in and out.

>You grab a knife out of her kitchen, taking a souvenir.

>Quietly, you move up the stairs and towards her room.

 

>As predicted she’s sound asleep in bed.

>You move up beside her and kneel down to eye level.

>Her eyes flicker, still deep into her trance.

>You bring the blade down to her neck, ready to end her if things turn south.

>In this light she almost looks like… Luna?

>You shake your head and withdraw the blade, the girl back to normal.

>The hell has been wrong with you lately?

 

>You turn away and exit the room, slamming the knife into the door.

>You make no move to silence your footsteps.

>Chrysalis is still waiting outside when you return.

>”Well?” she asks when she sees you empty-handed.

“Not today.”

>”If not now then when?”

“Whenever I feel like it okay!”

 

>Still fuming you walk back home with Chrysalis.

>It’s definitely not like you to lose your temper, or spare someone of their fate.

>Both brought worry to Chrysalis.

>You close the door and pour yourself a glass of water.

>The trembling returns like a plague, your hand shaking violently.

>You slam it upon the counter cleansing the annoying condition.

 

>”So are you going to tell me what’s wrong?”

>You’ve been avoiding her as much as possible the last few months, and today’s event has only exacerbated the issue.

“Nothing’s wrong.”

>”Don’t give me that. You haven’t exactly been yourself lately you know.”

>”You barely eat, you don’t sleep, you haven’t been back to our hidey-hole since Canterlot. You barely talk to me, you lost your temper and failed to finish that lady off, and now your shakes are back as well. I’ll ask you again, what’s wrong?”

>There’s no easy way to say this, both to her and yourself.

“I- I want out.”

 

>”Come again?” she asks in disbelief.

>You would have said the same thing in her place.

“I don’t want to do this anymore.”

>”You can’t just stop like this.”

>You never could pass up a challenge.

“Really? Watch me.”

>As quickly as you came in you rushed back out with Chrysalis on your tail.

 

>”Where do you think you’re going?”

“To make things right as much as I can.”

>”Please Anon think about what you’re doing.”

>Oh you have thought. You’ve thought long and hard about this day.

>You thought you could have done this forever, but you were wrong.

“Some things you just have to let go.”

>The streets remain barren as you make your way out of town.

 

>You undo the latch and swing open the rusted cellar door.

>What horrors lie within due to you?

>You flick on the light and enter the tomb.

>The groans of its patrons catch your ear the deeper you go.

>The pungent stench of decay makes you want to gag.

>You don’t waste anymore time than you have to in this revolting place.

 

>You step over Martin’s corpse and toward Thunder and Loyal.

“I’m sorry.” You grab a pipe and strike hard against their skulls.

>They fall unconscious as you move towards the others.

>Every blow took a load off of your shoulders.

>You didn’t enjoy this anymore; the brutality was too much for you now.

>How could you have ever done this?

 

>The room falls silent, the occasional faucet drip echoing around the room.

>”You’re going to regret this.”

“I already have.”

>You want a clean slate, more than someone like you deserved.

>You drag the bodies of those still living outside and onto the grass.

>The taste of freedom is sweet, a flavor they soon shall taste.

>”Are you really going to do this?”

>You had painted of picture of yourself only to burn it down in front of her.

“It’s time I did something good with my life.”

 

>You toss a bucket of water onto the mess of ponies.

>Thunder was the first to awaken, his weakened muscles struggling at his restraints.

>”Where am I?” he weakly mutters drawing on the last of his strength.

“You’re safe,” replying in a deeper voice, masking your true self, “Do you remember what happened?”

>”Where’s Loyal? Is she alright?”

>”Thunder?” Loyal awoke right on cue.

>He crawls over to Loyal and embraces her, both still blind to the outside world.

 

>”It’s ok baby. It’s all going to be ok.”

>The other follow suit and regain consciousness. You almost feel like crying… almost.

“Do any of you remember what happened here?”

>They all struggle to recall the events, but none can do so.

“Ponyville is merely a short walk away; you’ll be able to make it there on your own.”

>”Please. Help us.”

>You rub your forehead and walk off.

“I already have.”

 

>The guilt floods back into your mind just as you knew it would.

>They felt pain unlike anything else in the world; this is a small price to pay in return.

>”I hope you’re happy about this. What if one of them identifies you?”

“I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. For now, I just want to relax.”

>”And what about tonight? Are you calling that off as well?”

“Even if I didn’t, I couldn’t bring myself to harm her.”

>”We planned for this for months and for what?! You’re not the person I thought you were.”

“I wasn’t a person at all.”

 

>The walk back home was a silent one. Chrysalis disapproved of your new decisions.

“You better get ready to go. We still have a Gala to attend.”

>”What’s the point, if we’re not going to kill her then why go at all?”

“I promised Celestia I would go, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. So suit up.”

>She scoffs at you and heads up the stairs.

>You better do the same, but your suit isn’t actually ready yet.

>You decide to get to Rarity’s boutique so you can check on its progress.

 

“Rarity, you in there?”

>You hear several voices inside, but no distinct reply.

>The door opens revealing your friends within.

>”Howdy Anon, how do I look?”

“Fantastic. You all do.”

>”Well shucks you might outshine us all with that fancy suit Rarity’s been slaving over.”

>You give a big hug to everyone, embracing the new you.

>”What in Equestria are you thinking? Don’t ruffle the dresses.”

 

“Hello to you too Rarity.”

>”You must take care of your actions. Those dresses are fresh clean, and well- you’re not.”

“I apologize, how uncouth of me. Is my suit ready?”

>”I need to make some finishing touches, but you won’t be laying a hand on it until you freshen up.”

“Never change Miss Rarity.”

>”Would you have me any other way?”

>You laugh and go to the washroom.

 

>The shower does little to mask the voices of the mane 6.

>This is the second Gala they’ll be attending, and they’re making sure to stick together this time around.

>As long as you get to see Luna you’ll be happy.

>You’ve only communicated through letter, something which you swore Spike to secrecy.

>A letter was one thing, but you really want to see her again. Just a glimpse would be enough.

>The shakes slowly return, but you’re able to suppress them. For now at least.

 

>Killing has been like a drug for you, always needing a bigger hit to keep the drive going.

>Turns out the shakes are your side-effect. While they’re not as bad as most you’ve seen, they’re troubling nonetheless.

>The first few weeks were the hardest, but you’ve slowly gained more control over it.

>You don’t know if they’ll ever completely dissipate, but only time will tell.

>You dry yourself off clean as can be.

>Seems Rarity came up while you were daydreaming and hung the suit just outside the washroom.

>It’s a typical suit like those a business man would wear, but it came from Rarity and that’s what makes it special.

 

>You tuck in the tie and regroup with your friends.

>”Why Anon, you look positively dashing.”

“I can only do so much, thank you truly.”

>”What else are friends for?”

>You all head to the train station, meeting with the disguised Chrysalis along the way.

>She greeted us and boarded the train, not at all in the best of moods.

>This didn’t get in your way of having a good time though.

>This was the first night of the new you, and you weren’t going to waste it.

 

>The ride to Canterlot took longer than the chariot, but enough to make leaving early worth it.

“So what’s the plan for the evening ladies? Dance the night away? Drink till you drop?”

>”We don’t really have a plan. We made that mistake the last Gala we attended, and it turned into a disaster,” Twilight says.

>”Now we’re just going to do what feels right. Though I may squeeze in some time with the Wonderbolts…” Rainbow follows up.

>“What about you Anon?” Fluttershy asks, “What are your plans?”

“I hope to meet someone there.”

 

>The train stops and the eight of you walk to the party.

>”Anyone we know?” Pinkie Pie questions.

“Maybe…” you answer with a grin on your face.

>Wrong answer to give Pinkie.

>She rattles on with different ponies she knows, trying to guess who it is.

“No, no and guess what? No.”

>”You’re no fun Anon. Give me a hint at least?”

“No,” you say giving her a bear hug.

 

>The entrance to the Gala was heavily guarded on approach.

>The others flash their tickets and proceed through the checkpoint.

>When you flash your ticket however the guards pull you aside.

>”You better behave yourself in there.”

>As far as you know you hadn’t offended anyone.

>”I heard you can be quite the party animal,” he jokes and sends you on your way.

>You laugh and enter the grounds. At least he was half right.

 

>Most of the guests hadn’t arrived yet, leaving the castle mostly empty.

>You hang out with the others, keeping an eye out for Luna.

>More guests started to flow in and soon the grounds became crowded with hundreds of ponies.

>”Any sign of your mystery girl Anon?” Rainbow asks.

“Not yet,” you sigh in disappointment.

>”Well you don’t have to stick with us all night. Go and find her,” Twilight declares.

“You guys don’t mind?”

>They shake their heads giving you all the approval you needed.

 

>Sophie excused herself as well, trying to stealthily tail you.

>She still needed to work on the stealth department.

>You didn’t mind though, you could lose her if you wanted, but she’ll lose interest soon enough.

>The VIP section housed many of the Wonderbolts, which didn’t surprise you when Luna wasn’t there.

>You entered the main hall, Luna not there either.

>Even the garden was devoid of her presence.

 

>You searched every crevice of this blasted party and to no avail.

>If she was here then she was hiding from you, and that’s not who she is.

>The orchestra hit their slow song at the wrong time, making you sink further into depression.

>The one night you had an excuse to see her and she’s nowhere in sight.

>Wait a minute. Just ask Celestia where she is, they are sisters after all.

>With renewed vigor you head to Celestia at the entrance hall.

 

>The line goes further than the eye can see, mainly because of the door blocking your sight.

>Thankfully, you’re not at the back of the line and can talk to her whenever you damn well please.

>Celestia is busily greeting the approaching ponies as you stand beside her.

>”Well hello there- ‘Nice to meet you’ Anon how is ‘Pleasure to meet you’ the Gala?”

“Good, can I ask you something?”

>”Of course,” she says pausing the next pony.

 

>You whisper into her ear so no one else can listen in.

>This isn’t a topic you really want others to hear.

>”No need to be embarrassed Anon, you can speak plainly.”

“I’d rather not cause gossip.”

>She nods her head understanding your concern.

>”I will be back in a moment,” she says to her line of subjects.

>The two of you head into the backroom where you can talk in private.

 

“So… do you know where she is?”

>She appears amused at your insistence.

>”And why do you wish to know exactly?”

“I um- I want to talk to her.”

>”Talk? To Luna? I already told you about how she is.”

“I know what you said it’s just…”

>A smile grows across her face.

 

>”You met her after we talked didn’t you?”

“Yes ma’am I did.”

>”Interesting. Tell me Anon, what is it about her that captured your attention so?”

>There are so many things you could say, but none breach your lips.

>The more you try and voice them the further the words appear.

>She giggles at your predicament, “She doesn’t attend the Gala you know, no time for it she says.

>Your heart drops, the only thing you wanted out of reach.

 

>”She’ll be at the top of the observatory watching the night’s sky.”

>Your embrace startles her, but she accepts it.

“Thank you Princess Celestia. Thank you.”

>”You shouldn’t keep her waiting,” she says sharing your happiness.

>You pull out of the hug and regain your composure.

“Umm, which way to the observatory?”

>”Up the stairs, down the hall and it’s the second door from the end. Luna should be at the top.”

“I won’t forget this,” you say leaving the room.

 

>You immediately head up the stairs, following Celestia’s instructions to the letter.

>Two guards stop you as you reach the top only to back down at Celestia’s request.

>Twice in the same night, how nice can you get?

>Ok, down the hall second door from the end.

>Sophie doesn’t seem to be following you anymore. Just one less thing you have to worry about.

>The rest of the guards don’t give you any trouble and let you pass on unhindered.

>The shakes come back full force, slowing you down considerably.

>You reach the door and pull yourself through.

 

>You start up the stairs, but the trembling keeps your pace slow.

>You give your leg a hard punch, the pain subduing your condition for now.

>The stairs are no longer much of an obstacle as you fly up them with ease.

>You eventually reach the top, the tower opening up into a vast chamber.

>Star constellations line the walls along with various maps of Equestria.

>A large glass sliding glass door is located at the far end, Luna standing just outside.

>Any remaining shakes dissipate at her calming sight.

 

>You slide open the door quietly and stand outside.

>The wind is extra chilly up here, but it doesn’t bother either of you.

>”It’s a beautiful night wouldn’t you agree?”

“Most certainly Luna.”

>You walk next to her, both of you captivated by the stars.

>”How does such a thing come into creation?”

“Only something of equal beauty could conjure such a feat.”

>Your compliment doesn’t go unnoticed, as you earn a small smile in return.

 

“How have things been princess?”

>”Things are good. Better than they’ve been for a while.”

>You hope you’re the reason for that.

>”It’s nice to talk plainly to someone who isn’t my sister, and even then…”

“I can’t say I understand. Being a single child I never did have anyone to talk to besides my parents.

>”And even that isn’t enough after a while.”

“Exactly.”

 

“Anything interesting happen tonight?”

>”Besides the party? No.”

“Celestia said you never actually attend the Gala. Why, may I ask?”

>”Before I became Nightmare Moon,” you could see she didn’t like to think about it, “it was because I was always so busy.”

“She said you thought it was a waste of time.”

>”Now… Nobody would want me there even if I wanted to go.”

“That’s not true.”

 

>”Really? Then who are the people that do? I’ll always be Nightmare Moon to them.”

“What about Celestia or Twilight? I’m sure they would want you to go.

>”They don’t care, not really. I’m just ‘there.’ They barely acknowledge me unless I address them, and sometimes not even then.”

>Those were your only two answers for her. She wasn’t lying when she said people saw her as Nightmare Moon still.

>In fact Twilight and Celestia never brought her up in conversation. The only time Twilight did was when she talked about Nightmare Moon, which brings you back to square one.

>She’s so isolated, and it’s not even her choice anymore.

 

“How about me?”

>”I doubt you even want me to go.”

>Engage Hugbox 2.0

“You’re the only reason I attended this event at all.”

>”Celestia requested you to go. Try again.”

“I waited for you down there. I waited for you to show up. When you didn’t, I searched on my own.”

>”I’m sure…”

 

“Every nook and cranny of that party was searched. I spared no expense on my investigation; it was only when I asked Celestia did she tell me where you were.”

>”Really?” she asked, cheeks slightly blushed.

“You’re the only reason I wanted to come here Luna. I don’t know why, but it is. I’m a new person thanks to you.”

>She lowers her head, “Is that really true?”

>You drape your arm over her and hug her.

“I will never lie to you.”

 

>The two of you say nothing after as no words need to be said.

>Instead you enjoy the nightly silence, admire the simplicity of the night.

>You rub gingerly at her neck no longer caring for the intricate details of the flesh.

>All you needed to know is that it was her, the person you cared about most in all of Equestria.

>Time seems to stand still when you’re with her.

>A phrase comes to mind, one you’ve wanted to tell her for a while, but only now could you find the words.

“Luna.”

>”Yes Anon.”

“I think I lov-“

 

>”Mr. Anonymous!”

>A voice startles you both as you whirl around.

>A small contingent of guards blocks the doorway.

“Ummm, yes. What seems to be the problem?”

>”Turn around and put your hands behind your back. You’re under arrest.”

>You do as they say, the restraints bound tight against your hands.

>It’s likely just a prankster pulling your leg.

“And what exactly are the charges?

>”You are charged with Assault, Kidnapping, Obstruction of Justice, Murder and Conspiracy to commit murder.”

>Oh… well then…

 

>You try and stay calm under the pressure, but this is a new experience for you.

>You’re not used to actually getting caught. You took every measure to do the exact opposite.

>There’s no way you’ll get locked up, you are- were too good for that.

>The commotion seems to have brought the party to an abrupt end, the patrons staring at you with their judging eyes.

>No snarky comments this time, it’s best not to offend anyone right now.

>The guards force you on your knees with Celestia towering above you.

 

>”Anonymous,” she bellows to the crowd, “You have been charged with-“

“I know what my charges are, you can skip that part.”

>”How do you plea?”

“Not guilty,” you reply. You’ll still lie to get out of jail, that’s nothing new.

>”As you wish. Bring them…”

>The guard exits, only to return with a familiar tangent of ponies with him.

>”Is this the man who attacked you, and committed unspeakable crimes against you?”

>”This is the one,” each pony says in turn. Perhaps you should have hit them harder…

 

>”That will be all,” she says as they’re led out of the chamber, “You are hereby guilty of multiple charges of Assault and Kidnapping.

>The stares of the guests bore into your back, all well justified.

>Twilight rushes to your aid, “Princess please, they must be mistaken. Anon would never-“

>”Twilight. You asked Anonymous for his help in your investigation did you not?”

>“Yes I did, but-“

>”And did he not ‘aid’ you in the investigation?”

>”Yes bu-“

>”Therefore you are guilty of Obstruction of Justice.”

 

>”Moving onto the final charges…”

>This is turning out just fucking grand. It is the Gala after all.

>”The murder of one Martin Speartan, and the conspiracy to murder one member of royalty… me.”

>Well at least she has no proof there, and there’s no way-

>”Your accomplice, Sophie, filled me in on the details. Every little detail of what you did to him, and every plan you made against me.”

>That bitch! She got herself in shit as well. How could she be so stupid?

>Everything, all of it could be defended if not for her fucking testimony.

 

>”Do you change your plea?”

>You look around, the faces now those of disgust.

>Even your friends can’t bear to look at you.

>The crowd parts as Luna walks up to you.

>She’s about to lose the only person who really cared for her, it can’t be easy.

>”You told me you would never lie to me Anon. Is that right?”

“I said that yes.”

>”Then tell me, did you commit the crimes charged against you?”

 

>She looks you dead in the eye, knowing the answer without having said a word.

>She knows, and that’s all that matters to you.

>You suck in your pride and answer.

“Yes.”

>A few gasps fill the room, Luna walking away from you forever.

>Celestia still towers above you, but is she… happy?

>”Anon, you are hereby banished from the lands of Equestria,” a guard places a gag in your mouth as you try to speak.

 

>”For the crimes committed, as heard by all those here today, you are to be forsaken of your livelihood, and cast back into the realm of which you belong.”

>You look back up at her trying to comprehend your situation.

>”I had hopes for you Anonymous, but it seems they will never come true.”

>You thrash about in desperation only for a guard to buck strike you against the head.

>The force knocks something loose as you begin to drift off.

>Celestia’s eyes flash a vibrant green, the tips of her mouth flaring slightly.

>That… Bitch…

>You fall to the floor, her demonic eyes still staring at you.