A Princess' Monster: Part 4

~A Princess' Monster~
[Part IV]
|Lapdog|
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

>Manehattan. A sprawling city of towering spires that outstretch their hands to grasp the heavens. Population: approximately 1.626 million. At night, the city becomes so bright that it appears to be day. A city divided along the lines of race, practice, and political stance, yet still uniform and functioning in symbiosis. One of the shining beacons of Equestria's free-world ideology.
>You sneeze, wiping your nose with a handkerchief. Princess Twilight is explaining to you the inner workings and complex way of life of ponies who live in this harbor town. Halfway through you fell asleep however, only rousing awake with that last sneeze.
>You look over to Twilight who yaps away next to you sitting by the window of the train.
>Look at her. She just talks and talks. What the hell is she even saying? Something about a gift from Prance..? The hell's a Prance? Her eyes are weird. They tend to stay hidden under her bangs, only revealing themselves in brief opportune moments. In the times you did see them, you were a bit unnerved. They don't seem to absorb light, rather they reflect it like two oculine mirrors. You shiver.
>She's still talking, amazing. How does Celestia tolerate this constant stream of prattle? She must be able to tune her out, you wouldn't be surprised.
>You tense a little at the thought of the princess. Your "master".
>That damned psychotic mare! Packing you off with this girl as if you were merely some sort of weapon to be deployed at will.
>.....
>Oh that's right. You -are- only just a weapon. A tool. An instrument for her to weed out her political enemies. You feel your heart sink to the bottom of your chest, to your surprise. Is that really all you are to her? A puppet?
>Why does this make you sad? After all, you knew this from the start ever since you met her. Celestia is a monster. She's not capable of any interpersonal relations outside of simply pulling strings and making others dance for her.

>You click your teeth and kick out your feet, throwing a minor temper tantrum. This gains the violet mare's attention.
>"Anonymous, are you alright?"
"Piss off you country hedge-creeper! I will have it so you only speak to me in regards to the job. We aren't friends Ms. Sparkle. Simply partners."
>You emphasize the Ms. You refuse to acknowledge her as a princess, there's just no way she can be Celestia's "equal".
>Twilight gasps, her flat horse teeth revealing themselves as her jaw hangs open.
>"How dare you! If we're going to work together I'm going to need you to be more cooperative. Being an anti-social psychotic murderous monster would be detrimental to this assignment. I suggest you wisen up before stepping off this train. When we reach Manehattan, the mission will start and we'll have to work together. Get used to it."
>You grumble, slouching in your seat and sinking your hands into the pockets of your nice slacks.
>Twilight then leans in, her mirror-like eyes reflecting your frowning face.
>"Besides. I can always tell the princess you're being problematic. If you become too difficult to handle, she can end you on the spot. We can always find some other monster to carry out her will."
>Twilight backs away content with herself. She's silent as she stares out into the countryside through the window.
>During the reprieve from her lecture, you begin to dwell on what all was said. The idea that Celestia would just so casually brush you aside is somewhat of a heartbreak. A sobering realization that scares you. Of course you don't want to blindly bow down to some mad self-absorbed ruler fitting of a fictitious antagonist. If anything there was only room for one legendary evil, and that is you.
>Celestia may be a demon, but ultimately you are the proprietar of all your kin. In the end, all monsters and demons will fall under your umbrella. Even if this ambition springs you into conflict with Celestia, it will be a battle worth savoring.

>Though you're already somewhat adamant about your resolve, you aren't completely at ease with the idea of one day opposing her.
>You hate her for sure, at least you like to think so. But there's something about her that moves you so. You know it's nothing superficial like her beauty or blind loyalty. It's something much much more. She's the first being to ever have bested you. To hold such an immense power over your life. The idea that she could cut your thread of fate so easily (if it pleased her) excited you. It's like your waltzing with death. Testing an unstoppable omniscient god everyday to see if that was when you'd finally see them snap.
>As you contemplate, the brand on your chest begins to glow faintly and become warm. It sends your old twisted heart into a flurry. Twilight says that Celestia is aware of every move you make. Is she aware of your thoughts of her and sending you a sign? Whatever causes this, you don't fight it. You simply recline and let the warmth overtake you.
>You relax, shifting your gaze to Twilight who still stares out the window. It may be the sudden pleasantness overtaking you, but maybe it wouldn't be so bad to be a little nicer to the dwarfed princess. You can stand that much at least.
>You also become slightly curious as to who exactly Twilight is. You know she is the 'Princess of Friendship' or whatever. But what does that mean to you? What does that mean to Equestria? And what does that mean to Celestia?
"Twilight."
>"Yes?" she says, gazing at you out of the corner of her eyes.
"What is your relation to Celestia? How did you even come to be on this little project of hers?"
>You shift in your seat so that you can face her. You can see her face scrunch up in thought as she tries to form her ideas into one neatly organized presentation.
>"Well, I'm her former student. For a long time Princess Celestia has been somepony of great importance to me. A pillar of morality. Reason and logic. An infinite well of knowledge."

>You can see Twilight become somewhat embarrassed. Blood is already rushing to her cheeks, making them a soft pink. She continues, not making eye contact. Instead she keeps her eyes focused on the country that goes rushing by.
>"She's like a second mother to me. She insists that she and I are now on the same playing field, but it never feels that way. She always seems leagues ahead of me, lightyears ahead and sometimes I feel like I'll never be able to catch up. Not in a thousand years, not in a million."
>Twilight's voice becomes hushed, much more soft and gentle. She smiles, looking out towards Canterlot mountain which fades in the distance with every passing moment.
>"Despite all that. Even though I may never actually see myself equal to her, I can always hope and persevere. I can always strive to be more like her. To be someone worthy of standing by her side, even if by that time Equestria has long since faded into obscurity. I want to be of use to her and give my all for what she believes in."
>You listen intently, soaking up her words like a thirsty plant. Her reasoning makes sense to you, but also makes you question her. Is she acting out of loyalty or reverence for the princess? Simply because the job was asked of her, or because she feels it's her duty?
"Do you agree with what she is trying to do? Issuing the deaths of your fellow countrymen. Keeping the fate of Equestria out of the hands of its citizens?"
>You prod her, wanting a deep and honest answer. Twilight doesn't answer at first, but soon enough she turns to you. Her bangs lifted and eyes reflecting your own.
>"It doesn't matter what I believe Anonymous. What matters is that we get the job done. For her. When you come under service to someone such as her, morality becomes a gray area that contorts and shifts in the mist. You stop seeing good and bad, right and wrong, benevolence and malevolence. There is only her ambition."

"And what she's having you do doesn't bother you in the slightest? You're completely content with snuffing other pony's lives for the sole purpose of pleasing that mare?"
>You sink down further in your seat, struggling to wrap your head around the concept.
"Strange. You're willing to throw away the morals you value just because she asked you to. Typically, individuals such as you would see it as wrong. Most would classify beings such as the princess and myself as pure evil."
>Twilight's ears lay flat against her head and she breaks eye contact. It isn't until now that you see her eyes have been glowing, a warm golden light. Celestia's golden light.
>"I don't know if she's evil. You could argue that those who do terrible things with the best intentions aren't nefarious themselves, but a product of their own bloated compassion for others. In this world, it's easy to determine what's right and wrong, as if the contrast is an objective law of nature. But when it comes to Princess Celestia, you suddenly feel like you can bypass that instinct. See past the darkness and see the light. Even if that light is at the end of a tunnel filled with the blackest black. Good and evil become subjective. Ideologies and principles become simple matters of opinions and schools of thought."
>Twilight sighs, a shiver running up her spine and causing her to shake like a cat. Her eye's find your's again and you're able to see the two swirling stars in her irises.
>It was then you realized. Though Twilight Sparkle hopes to someday stand side-by-side with Celestia, that day will never come. Instead she will stand below her. As an object, just like you and anyone else she plans to use.
>An edit to the observation from the other day: there are actually three kinds of monsters.

>The first being those who do terrible things out of self-satisfaction and pure indulgence.
>The second being those who believe they are working towards the greater good, roping in lesser beings to messy their hands for them.
>And lastly, those who want so badly to be along side the second monster. So they cast away all they are and give themselves to that monster. They fall subject to the second monster's will, becoming a demon so that they may have a sliver of a chance to stand by their side. But they'll never get it. For the second monster is the worst kind. They have no attachments. No obligations to their fellow monstrosities. There is only their will, their own selfish ambition.
>It is true that the second monster may be the most tragic of all. Believing that they truly are working towards a better future and the good of all. Even if they fall victim to their own aspirations, that pain is nothing comparable to the anguish of the third monster. For no matter how hard that monster tries, they will never get what they want. They are pitted against a force that is coded into their very being. They are simply meant to serve the second monster. And that is all their relationship will ever be.
>You find yourself pitying Twilight; she doesn't know how hopeless her quest is. You've always despised her kind; they have no will of their own. They seek only to please others, to make it so they may be of service to their 'friends' and never once seeking what they personally desire. Too selfless for their own good, destructive to their own being! In the end, she is no better than Celestia. They are both terrible monsters that should be beneath you.
>For you are the only sane one. You're the only one with who doesn't require the aid or approval of others. What you do, you do for yourself.

>In the end, you don't kill for Celestia. You kill because it pleases you. Because it is something you simply enjoy doing. It just so happens that you're managing to stay alive so long as you murder certain people. It isn't your reasoning that rests within Celestia's hooves, but your life. That is what sets you apart from her and Twilight.
>But what is Twilight's reason? What is the cause of her devotion? She claims that she simply admires her former teacher, that she only wants to see Celestia's will be done. But that alone shouldn't be enough to drive someone to throw away what they personally value. There has to be something else. Whether it be mutual understanding, blackmail, some sort of deal, or love.
>You pause your thoughts, wondering if you've come to a conclusion.
"Now if I didn't know better Ms. Sparkle, I'd say you were in love with her majesty. How 'bout it then? Carrying some burning passion for our princess?"
>You learn in a bit closer. She turns away, her bright eyes no longer burning holes into you.
>"It isn't anything like that. What I feel for her goes beyond something as trivial as love. I imagine it's what all ponies feel for her."
"Complete and utter devotion?"
>Twilight nods. But you're not content with that answer. It tells you nothing, it doesn't tell you why. Why she is able to inspire such an emotion within these sorts of people? Unless, that's just it. It is simply a characteristic of one such as her.
>You've felt it before. When you first met in lower Canterlot. That overpowering will of hers. Celestia radiates an air of invincibility, an atmosphere of total and complete domination of everyone and everything. As if it has been her right since birth. Like she inherited it from some old eldritch god who's gift to her was the very universe.
>A cold bead of sweat runs down your cheek and your eyes are wide with realization. You begin to wonder if you'll soon succumb to the same spell that has enthralled Twilight Sparkle.

>Then you will become the same monstrosity as her.
>An edit to the list of fears belonging to Anon the Ripper:
>Stingrays, for their affinity with great Satan.
>The dog in Mr. Pantywaist's yard.
>Most Amphibians.
>Commitment.
>Princess Celestia.
>And the idea that your sense of self could be robbed of you and replaced with one that is artificial and crafted by someone else.
"Eight and nine, garlic and thyme.."
>Twilight shoots you a glance out of the corner of eye but says nothing. No doubt she thinks you're not only a monster, but a lunatic. But that was fine. You've long since considered the possibility that you're crazy and at this point, it might even be true.
>An hour passes before you come within sight of Manehattan. You've been all over Equestria, from small towns, hamlets, and villas, to large sprawling cities. But you've never been here.
>A population density much larger than Canterlot. Which means when someone turns up missing, no one bats an eye. A perfect environment for you to perform. You wonder why you never set up shop here in the first place. Maybe Celestia wouldn't have found you so easily if you were holed up in the big city.
>But wait. Won't the constant flow of pedestrian traffic hinder your movements? You're the only human in Equestria after all. Not to mention Ms. Sparkle was a 'princess'. So what the hell are you suppose to do?
"Twilight. How exactly are we supposed to move about the city? The streets are fairly crowded, even at night yes?"
>Twilight perks up, excited that you finally get to put plans in motion.
>"I'm glad you asked!" she says beaming.
>For a moment you regret ever asking.
>"This train isn't like most. While we -are- bound for Manehattan, we won't be stepping off at the usual station."
"Then where? Don't tell me we're taking some secret entrance into the city."
>"That's exactly what we're doing!"
"What?"

>"Under Manehattan is a labyrinth of old subway tunnels and abandoned sewer ways. We're headed for an old transit platform that hasn't been used for fifty years. That'll be our base of operations."
"And we're to use these underground networks as a means to navigate the city without being seen?"
>"That's correct."
"Huh.... I wasn't aware this job would need something so.... Covert."
>"Well based on how you did the first time, Celestia thought it best to take precautions so that we limit your time in the open as much as possible. You'll move below ground in pursuit of the target, staying out of sight of innocent bystanders. So that we can avoid an incident like Lady Penelope's son."
>You huff and fold your arms. You're probably not going to live that mistake down.
"And what will you be doing? You're not coming with me, are you?"
>Twilight shakes her head, her mane swaying left to right.
>"We aren't the only one's on this job. There are others waiting for us at the transit platform. Several ponies who specialize in information gathering and intelligence. I'll be working with them and help get you to where you need to go. That way we'll be able to place you in the right place at the right time."
"Can't you just, cast some sort of invisibility spell? I dislike the idea of footing around sewers and unstable tunnels."
>Twilight rolls her eyes, something that seemed extremely natural for her. It manages to piss you off a slight bit.
>"You think I just have that sort of thing on hoof? Things like that take time to prepare, hours of study."
"Then why didn't you do your homework before the job?" you throw her a sideways glance in which she tries to avoid.
>"Well I...." she trails off and sounds unsure of herself. "That doesn't matter. What matters is how we apply the resources available to us."
"Aren't you the supposed Element of Magic or other? That implies you're pretty handy with that wand of yours, yeah?"
>You give Twilight's horn a gentle pluck and she recoils instantly.

>"In any case, you should be able to move about the city with ease like I said." Twilight reiterates, rubbing the length of her horn.
"Right then. Then I'll leave everything to you, so long as you stay out of my way when the time comes."
>"Easy there. Don't get too full of yourself. There's still a chance for error, no matter how carefully you plan."
"Mm, I'll keep that in mind."
>The train trembles as it shifts rails, deviating from the normal railway and heading for a tunnel. Manehattan quickly disappears as your train begins to burrow deep into the ground. Lights flicker by, illuminating your face in intervals of three seconds.
>You find yourself wondering who your target is this time. You start to think about who they might be as a person. What they do for a living, what kind of clothes they wear, how they style their mane. It's always the trivial things that tie your mind down when it comes to victims. You spend the rest of your time thinking about all this.
>Below your feet you can feel the train begin to come to a stop so you stand, grabbing one of the ceiling rails. Your body rocks back and forth in the train as it glides over the rails, slowly halting.
>"Oh and one more thing. Princess Celestia has asked you to be on your best behavior so be nice." Twilight says.
>You scoff. You're not some child, you know perfectly well how to mind your manners. You don't need a reminder.
>Twilight stands and moves past you so that she may access the doors. You join her, waiting for the series of small lights to end and reveal the brightly lit train platform. Before long you arrive at your destination. Outside the train are a few stallions and mares who talk amongst themselves. The platform is almost barren, save for a few nondescript devices and boards.
>The train stops completely and Twilight inhales deeply, her ears still folded down.
"Nervous?" you ask.
>Twilight only holds her head high in response.
>"Of course not."
>The train doors open and you step down with Ms. Sparkle.

>Looking around, the underground platform looks no different from any other train station. Save for the rocky roof over your head. A team of six comes to meet you. Four mares and two stallions, all of varying colors and body shape. One of the mares is rather cute, a short powder blue mare with glasses. She eyes you from behind her glasses and when you stare back she looks away.
>Each pony takes their turn greeting Twilight and, for obvious reasons, only nodding in your direction. For the first time in a long while you find yourself curious as to what you might look like to them.
>A tall menacing creature with wide maddened eyes, long appendages and almost permanent scowl. As well as an incredible fashion sense.
>Twilight wastes no time getting down to business. Which is rather nice, you didn't enjoy waiting around when there's work to be done. There is a table near the center of the platform, surrounding that table are numerous boards with various maps pasted on them. Highlighted streets and railroads. Some with tacks pressed into them to mark various locations.
>You all take your seats, which are really just pillows. You rest your elbows on your knees as you begin to memorize each of their faces, taking up ever detail you can.
>It is then that Twilight clears her throat and begins to finally deliver the briefing she has withheld from you all this time.
>"We'll be skipping the introductions. The princess doesn't want any of your names on what we're about to do. Keep your identity to yourselves and you may be able to walk away from this cleanly in the event we are found out. And if we are discovered, all responsibility will fall on me. I will shield you as much as I can."
>You look at each pony's face. They all seem glad to hear that; this must be their first shady operation. Twilight continues.
>"Our target is Mr. Peon Hayseed, who is playing as host to a rally in downtown Manehattan."

>Twilight reaches for a bag she brought with her, one that you hadn't even noticed. From the small leather bag she produces a photograph of an aging gray-maned stallion. Heavy bags under his eyes and beard of match striker. A member of the working class through and through.
"As you all know, Anonymous will be our err... hitman. We are to assist him in any way we can. This includes mapping, time coordination, and general information of the area of operation. We'll be assigned codenames, each of you will-"
"Codenames? How are we even going to communicate if I'm above ground and you lot remain here?"
>Your sudden interjection causes the other ponies to jump slightly in their seats. Twilight huffs and shoots you a sideways glance through her mirror-like eyeballs.
>"The codenames are something I added to make this more fun. I'll even let you pick yours, Anonymous. As for communication, we will be using whisperweed. Enchanted blades of grass that let's you communicate verbally over long distances. Isn't that neat?"
>You shrug your elbows, not really impressed. Twilight continues despite your unenthused rebuttal.
>"Sorry, I digressed a bit. Anyway, Peon's rally will be held in an abandoned warehouse down by the docs. Supposedly warehouse C through G. The plan is to do him in as subtly as possible, but knowing our man of the hour, that may not be possible. Regardless, there will be many ideal opportunities to 'whack' him."
>Twilight then points across the table to the mare with glasses.
>"Ms..... Glossary,"
>The mare in question frowns and adjusts her glasses.
>"Uhm, Princess Twilight.. could you maybe change my codename. Glossary doesn't really suit my fancy."
>Twilight stares blankly for a few moments before finally blinking, and then furrowing a brow.
>"What's wrong with Glossary?" she asks.
>"Nothing. Just, I would rather something different. Like Limerick or Pastoral, if we're to keep up the theme of literature."

"Are the naming conventions really following literary themes? That's dumb."
>You fold your arms and throw Twilight an uninterested stare.
>"It's not 'dumb'! You're dumb." Twilight lashes out at you instantly, her cheeks puffing up like a chipmunk.
"What's you're codename then?" you ask.
>Twilight smolders in quiet anger as she reveals the codename she spent so long creating.
>"Biblio..." she mutters meekly.
"You see? That's incredibly dull. If you want the codenames to be fun, you have to allow us to go all out with it. Something like Eagle 1 or Naked Snake."
>You nod to yourself, realizing how right you are.
>Twilight only looks at you flatly.
>"Many would argue that those names are dumb. Now hush." Twilight once again turns her attention to the mare with glasses. "Alright, you'll be Ms. Pastoral. The rest of you will go by Torn Paperback, Light Novelette, Angel's Thesis, HB 1, Sci, and Fi."
>Twilight holds her head high as if she has just made a great accomplishment. Everyone grumbles and shoots each other a look of displeasure, but none of them request to change their name. But you sure as hell aren't going to let her give you any poppycock codename that doesn't even fit you. No, your name has to depict you, represent you in a most appropriate manner.
>Before Twilight can suggest the name "Bible" you pinch her muzzle closed.
"My codename should obviously be something that rightfully describes me. Something that really captures the infinite mystery that is myself."
>Twilight's deadpan stare does little to phase you. You're more concerned with thinking of codenames.
"Something fitting of a monster."
>"In that case I would suggest Lapdog, my monster."
>The air becomes insanely heavy, so much so that you find yourself buckling in on yourself. Hard echoed hoofsteps fly through the air and each pony bows out of reflex, including Twilight.

>It's hot, too hot for what it was a few seconds ago. And if that wasn't enough a hot flash moves across your back, instantly drawing sweat from you.
>She's there, right behind you. You can feel her standing over you and you can almost hear that damned smile plastered across her face.
>"Hello my little ponies." she says aloud. Then you hear her in your ear, her sweet voice flowing into you in a whisper. "Hello, my monster."
>Twilight's the first to rise, putting on her biggest smile and widening her eyes to the size of saucers.
>"Princess Celestia! I thought you weren't supposed to be in Manehattan until tomorrow."
>Now that Twilight has risen, the rest return to their hooves and give a collective exhale. You however are motionless.
>Twilight rushes past you to recieve hug from Celestia.
>"True that my being here is a bit unexpected. But I figured that if I was coming anyway, I may as well stop by a bit earlier to pay you all a visit. I hope the human is on his best behavior?"
>You snap out of your trance and whirl around to look at the tall white mare. Her wings are spread wide to make herself appear bigger and it's definitely working. She seems to tower over you just like she always does.
"I'm not a child. And I won't be referred to as "the human". I have a name and I expect you to use it."
>You begin to stand but find yourself halt. Something in your legs is resisting you, hindering you from standing. Instead of bringing you to your feet, they instead bring you to your knees. Without your input your body bows to the princess even though you try your hardest to fight it.
>"Show your respect and bow before your sovereign." her voice is a bit more stern. More authoritative than usual.
"I would have bowed! Most likely."
>Celestia ignores you. She takes her time looking over the team of ponies gathered.
>"I trust you all will aid my two friends to the best of your abilities?"
>Each pony nods, adopting proud smiles. Eager to please, eager to not disappoint.

>"That pleases me. You're all providing a great service for the nation. Each of you prove to be true patriots and will always be remembered as such."
>Celestia offers a smile to each of them, a smile that warms each of the hearths of their hearts.
>"You are all working towards a greater good that will secure your future, as well as your children's, and the many generations to come. It all starts here. With ponies like you, willing to throw yourselves into the line of service to your princess. There aren't many who I owe a debt to, but now I shall add you to the list."
>You spy Twilight shiver next to her former teacher. A twisted wicked smile curls the corners of her mouth and her eyes seemed to glaze over. She's beaming with absolute adoration for Celestia. You can somewhat sympathize with that.
>Celestia's gaze then trains on you again. Her eyes are hungry, starving even as they plat burrow into you.
>"Enjoy yourself tonight. Have fun in what you do. And if it pleases me, you will be rewarded."
>The marking on your chest begins to glow faintly and you do your best to conceal it.
>Celestia's massive wing brushes over your cheek, her feathers tickling your face as they gentle glide along the surface.
>"All of you do me proud. You know what waits for you should you fail."
>It's then that you notice everyone cast their eyes to the floor, avoid Celestia. The hell does she mean by that?
>You move to ask but you're interrupted by her horn shinning incredibly bright. Her form seemed to fade from the world around you, making her appear translucent.
>"Oh and I almost forgot. Peon Hayseed is not your only target. I have decided that it would be best if you eliminated any and all participants of his rallies. Find some way to get rid of them all at once. This is most preferred."
>With that last bit Celestia is gone within an instant, leaving you all standing around glad you can finally breath again.
>It's a long silence before Twilight speaks up.
>"Alright. Let's go over the plan."