Chapter 19: The Truth
The ponies from above heaved their heads in revelation, as the avatar's words unexpectedly caught them off guard as well. Out of all the ponies present here, Fluttershy was left hopelessly confused the most.
"H-Huh? T-The real reason why… Jack was…? Who is this guy?" Fluttershy mumbled to herself. With this sudden suspense brewing up, the ponies anxiously awaited for more answers to come. Back down, Jack was left frozen in a perplexed state. Not letting this overwhelm him, Jack snapped back to reality and glared at him even more ferocious.
"Okay… JUST WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?!" Jack thundered. "How did you know about that?! Just what are you?!" Jack stopped his foot and clenched his fists hard. There was a brief pause at that moment. Then the avatar lowered his head.
"Before I tell you that, you will need to know how Zalgo came to be. You may think you know all about yourself… but you're just simply blinded." He said. Jack was irritated at this point. To think this guy knows Jack's life better insulted him. However, the way he spoke sounded promising and not just bluffing. Given a few seconds to simmer down, Jack released a sigh. After Jack was calm and ready to listen, the avatar continued.
"Listen carefully… for this may change your perspective on the world… and your life. Long ago, when the universe was still in it's infancy, the first life forms to come out of existence were the Outer Gods." As he spoke, the pitch-blackness within the room started to spin. As the room spun around, it began to project stars, planets, nebulas, and asteroids all around whole room. It was simply breathtaking, as Jack felt like he was in the center of the universe. The ponies above were also astounded from what they were witnessing. Around Jack were tiny lit up stars that had microscopic planets around it. What was more amazing, Jack could move the stars and others by simply touching them. It was as if he felt like a titan himself, commanding stars and planets to move. But getting distracted to what really matters, Jack stopped fooling around with his surroundings and focused on what the avatar was saying.
"One of those Outer Gods," The avatar paused for a brief moment, as he pointed his finger above him. Jack trailed his eyes up and spotted something hideous. So hideous that it made Jack grimace in disturbance. It was a huge, shapeless, malevolent cloud shaped creature that had several shapeless figures dancing around it. While they danced, Jack noticed that they were playing drums and flutes in a maddening tune. As Jack got a good look at whatever he was looking at, the avatar continued.
"…was Azathoth, The Blind Idiot God. Azathoth is seen as all-powerful but not necessarily all-knowing. He was stuck in an endless slumber while served upon by countless lesser deities that play a maddening tune on innumerable drums and flutes to keep Azathoth from awakening. Even today, Azathoth is still slumbering in the centre of the universe. For if he should awaken even for a few moments, the mortal universe will be doomed, as it will signal the ultimate destruction of the universe. But that day… never came to pass." At that moment, Jack tilted his head quizzically.
"What do you mean?" Jack asked. Once again, the avatar pointed his finger above. This time, it was pointed next to Azathoth. Jack looked up, and saw an incoming asteroid heading towards Azathoth. As the asteroid clashed against the all-powerful god, a piece of his tentacle tore off. As it tore off, the tentacle piece hung tightly around the passing asteroid. After that, the asteroid flew away from Azathoth with such blinding speed. Seconds later, the asteroid crash landed on a faraway planet sized asteroid that looked to be millions of light years away from the centre of the universe. After the asteroid landed, the avatar continued.
"The unexpected asteroid you saw managed to take a chunk of Azathoth's body, moreover, a piece of his brain. You see, with a piece of Azathoth's body now gone, he cannot have the power to destroy the universe, even if he is awake. His body must be complete in order to have such power." After that, the avatar pointed to where the asteroid landed.
"And upon that missing piece, generated a new type of life form. As time passed, those life forms were to be known as Nezperdians, an ancient civilization who hungered for knowledge and mastery over all. The more time passed, the more knowledge they absorbed. And upon that knowledge, they became one of the most powerful warriors that could ever exist." Just then, the holographic universe zoomed onto the humongous asteroid. There, it revealed several buildings and houses made out of the asteroid material. The citizens appeared to be squid-alien like creatures roaming around the city. After taking a brief moment to observe the inhabitants, the avatar continued where he left off.
"It is said, that the Nezperdians also hunger for war and strife. And that their only motive for fighting was vengeance. They seek to conquer and rule galaxies as far from the centre of the universe. It was a race that grew supremacy over all who dare to commence war against them. Their strength, knowledge, and influence grew exponentially as time passed by. If they'd exist today, then they would've transcend from being gods to even more. But that day also never came, as their downfall started." At that moment, Jack heard the Nezperdians screaming in agony. Jack looked at the citizens and was horrified of what he was witnessing.
Each Nezperdian citizens started to wail their heads back and forth, as their bodies were dissolving into steam. Then the streams flew above the city, and begun to form into an huge orb of light.
"Their knowledge was growing too rapidly for their mental minds to comprehend. Thus, their hunger led them to merge their consciousnesses into one." The avatar continued, while the events were unfolding. "Forming the almighty being known as Am Dhaegar, the Nezperdian Hivemind of Order." After the avatar spoke, the apparition started to grow, making the light radius brighter and the gust stronger. After a few seconds later, the ball of energy shrunk back down to a single point, and then burst the area with a blinding radiance. Once the blinding radiance started to recede, Jack could see something floating in the center of the blinding radiance. Floating above the city was Am Dhaegar, a human-demon like giant deity that had electrical sparks flying around him.
Am Dhaegar's appeared to be an Indian tribe warrior. His white long hair blew with the breeze, as he looked around his surroundings with his pupiless, glowing grey eyes. On his head displayed huge demonic horns with various glowing runes orbiting around his head that acted like a crown. His heavy armor was clad in a blazing silver color, his shoulders were epaulettes topped with menacing, silver spikes. On his back, he wore a long, and intimidating black cape, engraved with various ancient symbols. The gauntlets were coated in a pure white color, as electricity traveled around them. And his face had facial markings that glowed both white and black.
"Nothing could exist unless he allowed it." The avatar continued. "With the combined strength of every Nezperdians, he transcended from humanity... into a fierce god. He was so powerful, that he could take down the Outer Gods with ease. As eons passed, Am Dhaegar used his powers to create whatever he wished for. He turned any fantasies into reality in a blink of an eye with his infinite knowledge. However, as his creations were coming into being, Am Dhaegar's downfall was his constant doubt. Despite the many measures he took to try to eliminate it, it only plagued him more. Unable to continue his work uncorrupted, Am Dhaegar tore away his dark self, and his doubting heart, making him free from any corruptivity. Thus, his pure light was born, as he was now known as Am Dhaegar the Pure." As Jack listened, he watched Am Dhaegar writhe in agony while in midair. While he writhed, he managed to penetrate his chest with his hand and pulled out his own heart. Upon that act, his whole armor, cape, gauntlets, and facial markings turned into a color white.
Once his heart was out of his chest, he casted it off to the distance. But the heart didn't go far, as it stopped immediately right after it went past the city. Then, the heart summoned a dark vortex behind it. While the dark vortex grew in size, the heart undergoes a transformation of unknown shapes and forms. While it transformed, the avatar continued.
"After that, the heart became a wretched abyss, which gave the birth to Zalgo, the Nezperdian Hivemind of Chaos. Also known as the dark half of Am Dhaegar. It was believed that Zalgo was the mastermind behind the Nezperdian's endless hunger for knowledge. And that Zalgo was just a small fraction of Azathoth's influence. Any mortal who mentions his name without being near his presence, shall become a spawn of Zalgo. And upon that transformation, that mortal shall praise him for his influence and deeds." The avatar paused himself for a moment before continuing. He watched as the dark vortex grew in size.
"As Zalgo took an appearance, he wore a clad of armor carved from the suffering of Nezperdian mothers. In Zalgo's right hand, he held the bloody heart of Am Dhaegar, which was now a dead star. And on his left hand, he held a candle that flamed and lit darkness. The flame on the candle is also the manifestation of all the Nezperdian's influences." Jared paused for a brief moment, as he pointed his finger at both Am Dhaegar the Pure and Zalgo, who were ready to face off against each other. Just as Am Dhaegar the Pure rushed towards Zalgo into battle, Jared continued where he left off.
"So, from that moment on, Zalgo and Am Dhaegar the Pure clashed each other for centuries with no rest. It was a battle of overwhelming and unimaginable strength and proportions. Both of their influences were quite equally matched, but Zalgo's influence gave him the upper hand, as it made him grow stronger. As Zalgo grew stronger, Am Dhaegar the Pure's doubts of all creation were slowly feeding Zalgo, becoming one with him. In order to prevent Zalgo from truly taking over, Am Dhaegar the Pure sacrificed his existence to imprison Zalgo inside a stone slab, so that he would lay dormant for all of eternity. And on that stone slab he inscribed a description of a certain prophecy."
At that moment, the stone slab started to soar through the universe with such blinding speed. A few seconds later, the slab managed to make course towards a certain planet. Jack observed the blue and green planet, and knew that it was Earth. While Jack observed Earth, the avatar continued uninterrupted.
"Upon Am Dhaegar the Pure's demise, he made one final move. By using whatever powers he could release, he plotted the stone slab a course towards Earth, as it was supposed to be kept hidden in the safest place away from Azathoth. As the slab crash landed somewhere around the globe, it laid dormant and untouched by mortal hands. However, a couple of millenniums later, a human managed to stumble upon the stone slab. Upon touching it, the human was transformed into a vessel for Zalgo's influence, making that human the first Avatar." After the avatar was finished, he lifted his arm up into the air, making the universe projection disappear. Everything went back to normal, as the pitch-blackness once again surrounded the whole room. Once he was done, the avatar lowered his arm back to his side and continued.
"The terror was so great, it nearly took a full army of humans to bring down the Avatar. And upon that victory, the humans managed to stumble upon the ancient stone slab. Those who slain the first Avatar were given the ability to read Nezperdian language. However, those people do not exist anymore due to age. But they managed to decode the scripture on that slab. It is said, that every Earth century that passes by upon Zalgo's defeat, he makes another vessel from the first-born child to be awaken on the very beginning of the first of January. If somehow the avatar were allowed to live for a measly twenty Earth years, then Zalgo shall rise again, and bring upon a terrible apocalypse.
"So, to prevent that from happening, the humans managed to warn every single human they could come across and do the only thing they can do. And that was… to kill the first-born child that awakens on the very beginning of the first of January. However, the slab also spoke of another prophecy. It is said that on a certain day, Am Dhaegar the Pure will make his return. For Am Dhaegar the Pure is the only one who can truly put an end to Zalgo's reign once and for all. It is also said that the only way to know of Am Dhaegar the Pure's return… was to wait for some mortal being to give birth to two infants on the day of Zalgo's next vessel. One infant that will inherit the essence of Am Dhaegar the Pure," The avatar made a brief pause, as he turned his whole body around.
Jack reeled his back in shock, as the avatar revealed his face. The avatar wore white bandages around his eyes. It looked as though he came out of surgery. After taking a good look at the avatar's face, he continued where he left off.
"And the other… to be born as the next Avatar of Zalgo. As I said before… It's been a while… Jack Armstrong." Suddenly, Jack's face was contorted in a shocking display from the revelation. He was lost of words, as he finally realized who he really was.
"…No… I-I-Imposs…ible…" Jack tried to speak, but his words were clogged up deeply. But just then, he managed to speak a few more words.
"…J…Jared…?! Is that… you?!" Upon hearing that name, the mysterious human grinned ever so menacingly.
"You finally figured it out, haven't you… brother?" He pointed out. This made every pony from above gasp in shock. Seeing as Jared was not only the real avatar, but also alive as well. They were left hopelessly shocked from the reveal. There were many questions to be asked at this point. Without hesitation, Jack began to anxiously ask the questions.
"B-But… you're my older brother! You weren't born from that day, I was!" Jack made a good point, but Jared only chuckled at his stupidity.
"Ah yes… that lie I told you. No… in truth, we both were born on that exact day." Once again, Jack and the ponies gasped.
"B-But… why?!" Jack asked, as he was wedged with confusion. Jared lowered his grin.
"To prevent you from knowing the truth. The truth that you weren't the avatar of Zalgo, and that you were the Avatar of Am Dhaegar the Pure!" Once more, Jack and the ponies gasped, as Jack couldn't achieve a complete anagnorisis yet. He was still in the process of denying and accepting facts Jared threw at him.
"…The Avatar… of… Am Dhaegar… the Pure?" Jack stuttered.
"Yes… the reason why you were allowed to live… was to defeat me! So that the avatar cycle shall cease to exist!" Jared thrashed out in his victory tone, before returning to his composure. "They only see the Avatar of Am Dhaegar the Pure as a divine warrior, a perfect human being to be used as a weapon for war. But moreover, they see that avatar as a hero." At that moment, Jack thought up something, causing him to be confused.
"But… why… why did they punish me instead? WHY WAS I TREATED LIKE SHIT THE WH-"!? Jack continued, but was interrupted by Jared's dark chortle. The next words Jared spoke shattered Jack's world around him.
"Isn't it obvious? You were framed the whole time." Jack's eyes widen in shock from the horrible and twisting truth. It was so obvious the whole time, and yet Jack didn't even noticed it.
"Yes," Jared continued. "I… framed you for being the actual avatar of Zalgo. As you see, the roles were reversed. It all started during the baptism rite, where we both were going to be tested to find out which one of us was the holy one… and the unholy one. Even though I was only an infant, Zalgo's influence gave me the knowledge to know my surroundings and myself. Just before Herald Matronly Patio could place me in that damn pool of water, I managed to transfer Zalgo's essence into you, making me the holy one. And when you were placed upon the holy water, the whole tub turned from water… into flames. After that shocking performance, Zalgo transferred himself back to me.
"From that day forward, I was acknowledged as the hero and the most perfect human being to ever live. And you… were to be known as the bane of every human's existence. And when the town folks were busy hunting you down, my powers were awaken undisturbed, and devastated Graniteville upon my destructive wake. That night when my hollowed eyes bled, I saw a whole new world. A world of which no mortal could ever dream of imagining."
Hearing that type of plot twist made Jack and the ponies feel sick inside. But the one who was suffering the most was Jack, as his perspective on the world started to shift the opposite way.
"S-So… I-If that didn't happen… would I-" At that moment, Jared interrupted.
"Yes, Jack. You would have lived a comfortable life. You could say… I merely took the life of which you were meant to have. Just for me to survive with Zalgo." The room tilted as Jack tried to comprehend what he was told. His mind broke, as he was totally unable to focus on keeping his composure. All the more reasons to find comfort in this world were hidden from Jack this whole time, rather than being out of reach. He wished that the things Jared said were lies, but it sounded too true if he thought about it. If Jared didn't framed him, then none of this would had ever happened. He would had lived a comfortable life.
Back from above, the ponies were glaring at Jared for his wrongdoings. They couldn't help themselves from calming down, as their rage was simmering fast.
"That… big… jerk!" Rainbow Dash uttered in rage. She felt herself preparing to fly towards Jared and delivering him the hardest mule kick she could ever produce. But as much as she wanted to do that, she knew that it was Jack's fight and not hers. Back down, Jack too was tensed up from the rage he developed from his brother.
"You… bastard!" Jack uttered in a murderous tone, while his fists clenched as hard as they could. But Jared hadn't shown any sentiment towards Jack, as his emotions were as dead as they could be.
"Oh come now… do you honestly believe that living like the Avatar of Am Dhaegar the Pure would sustain your life?" Jared asked. Ready to throw out his rage at Jared, Jack swerved his arm to the side.
"YES I DO! I NEVER EVEN DESERVED ANY OF THIS! I should've known that all those years of helping me WAS TO BRING ME DOWN TO AN EVEN GREATER LEVEL! It's just all about you and your FUCKING PUSSY ASS GOD OF YOURS ISN'T IT?!" Despite the attempts to drain his rage by yelling was only escalating it further. While his rage grew in an unstable rate, he couldn't help restraining himself from reaching over his duel wield katanas. However, just as he grabbed both of this katanas, Jared let out a chortle grunt.
"Do you think that delivering vengeance upon me would solve this confrontation? No… all it is doing is showing your childish behavior. For you see, I do not intend to anger you directly, or ridicule on that matter. There were three reasons why I helped you during those harsh times. One was to carry out our roles in our fate, moreover; our destiny." Suddenly, Jack froze in confusion, while his anger rose in a steady rate.
"What?! What fate?! What destiny?!" He asked.
"As I said before," Jared explained. "You and I are still the same. The two of us are like split halves, and that we were once whole. By reuniting with me, we will obtain those unprecedented powers of Am Dhaegar once more. And the second reason why I helped was for you to escape from the demon, Nyarlathotep. Does that name ring a bell?" At that moment, Jack quickly recognized that name. According to Jack's story, Nyarlathotep was the one that invaded Jack's mind, saying that he was the one that he was looking for. But for what reason does Nyarlathotep want with Jack? Just before he could ask, Jared had already begun talking.
"You see, Nyarlathotep was sent down to Earth on a mission by his master, Azathoth. A mission to recollect the missing piece of his body, which of course is the both of us. And then refit that missing piece for Azathoth's true powers to return and devastate the existence of the entire universe. Am Dhaegar was once a whole and divine god that brought equal judgement, but only his light self and Zalgo now exist. For you see, I couldn't allow you to fall into an enemy's hand, for I have other purposes for that kind of power. And the third and final reason why I helped you… was for you to embrace of who you really are. Did you honestly believe that surviving death countless of times and meeting me here was just coincidence?
"No… it was fate that guided you here. I played my part of the role as a tester, to measure your knowledge and capacity. I knew that you would pass those trials, even if you had any help. For you see, it is because fate carried you out through those tests, not your instincts. The reason why I tested you is so that you can obtain the thirst for vengeance, so that you can inherit the influences of the Nezperdians, just like I did. After all, their motive for survival… was vengeance. Without awakening the influence of the Nezperdians, the fusion wouldn't work properly. So that was why… I helped you during those times, nothing more, nothing less. You were born to strive for vengeance, and that's what lead you here!"
As Jared's words were slowly sinking into Jack's head, he couldn't help but feel regretful for the deeds he has wrought. Remembering what vengeance was and how it felt like suddenly became apparent to him, as a single memory suddenly invaded his mind.
"S-So… umm… Jack? W-Why are you here?" She whispered nervously. Jack lowered his eyebrows a bit and narrowed his eyes.
"Vengeance. You could say I'm going to settle the score. The reasons why are none of your concerns. It's personal for me only." He spoke dully. Then the memories skipped a few minutes later into the future where Jack spoke again.
"I managed to escape ever since and learned that the black-cloaked person was none other than Zalgo himself. He was foolish to let me go and plot my vengeance on him. I had a long and difficult life because of him. And that's why I'm here… to bury my past once and for all… even if I die, it won't matter to me. I can let this world burn for all I care. Vengeance is the only thing that's keeping me alive… nothing more… nothing less." Then the memories blurred to another point in time, where Jack was confessing his feelings towards the ponies.
"I still don't even know why I'm living. The only thing that's lifting me up… is vengeance. I asked myself, 'Why couldn't I just end myself right now?' countless of times. It's maddening enough I can't come up with an answer… let alone find a bit of comfort in this god-forsaken world."
"I've been taught many dark things in this place. We've captured and killed innocent lives for research, experiments, material supplies, and even for our amusement. But the main priority was to harvest the souls for Cthulhu's resurrection. The feeling of torturing and killing living beings actually felt… good. We've slaughtered animals, monstrous creatures, critters, and even my own kind. For the first time, I felt like I had power. My lust for vengeance was inevitable. All the pain, the hatred, and the suffering I endured in all my life, I inflicted it all upon my victims. It was a satisfying delirious feeling to experience."
"No one ever cared about me. They think I'm just a waste of space in this world. I couldn't fit into their society… and I even couldn't be accepted as a normal person. It was just me… verses the world. It sickens me why I can't just commit suicide. I've tried countless of times… but something's always keeping me away from that. It is as though I'm being forever punished. If only I weren't this weak and worthless, I would've made a difference right about now. But... I can't... I can't escape my fate... it's… it's not fair! I'm just too scared!"
After the memories faded, Jack was brought back into reality. He realized now why he couldn't commit suicide all this time. It was fate that took control over his judgment. All this time, thinking that living like the Avatar of Am Dhaegar the Pure would make his problems disappear. But to be used as a weapon, and was once a part of a chaotic evil Outer God was just too much for him to bare. All he ever wanted was a normal and happy life, not to play his role for some stupid prophecy or fate. When Jack finally simmered down, he let out a depressing sigh.
"Jared… was there even a shred... of sympathy or sentiment within you while you helped me? Did you even pitied me for my very existence?" Jack said, as depression was weighing down on him. He didn't expect Jared to confess any hidden feelings, but it felt sort of important to him. At this point, the two of them went silent for a moment. But that moment didn't last long, as Jared chortled a grunt.
"Feelings? Do you think that this will have any power over me? Emotions are for mortal beings, for I have transcended beyond that." At that moment, Jack snapped out of his depression and stared at his brother in confusion.
"What are you saying?" He asked critically. After a brief moment of silence, Jared lifted his arms the side, as if he was being praised.
"You see, I was born as a demigod, not a normal human being. All I am is but a malice vessel, moreover; I am an unholy tool fit for a god. And since I'm a demigod, all of my thoughts, beliefs, and perspectives have become the law of nature. And all the truths I've laid out have become absolute. Trying to comprehend what I'm saying is meaningless." And just when Jared said that his truths had become absolute, Jack interrupted him.
"Wait! According to the invocation, you said that Zalgo is the one who will lie! How is everything you're saying right now is the truth?!" Once again, Jack made a good point. But as casual as ever, Jared kept his composure and answered.
"Oh Jack… you and your mortals' vague perspectives. You see I lie to turn certain realities into mirages. Or to put it simply, all the lies I've said have become true. So true, that it would surpass the actual perspective of any reality concepts. It's just like you actually believed that I cared about you back then. You may think that it was just a mere vague concept, but really… it is all from my influence. However, the truths I'm speaking to you now is reality, untouched and uncorrupted by me. Zalgo's perspectives and concepts surpass the reality we live in, and that the world we will soon trend in will answer all of our problems and beliefs. That... is Zalgo. That... is his intentions… to destroy the reality we live in and make it all his. And I'm his tool to make it all happen. And the part when I said he will be the one who will rape? Heh… well… let's just say that's a misconception. The rape literally means to overwhelm a person's mind. I can guess Zalgo has a little sense of humor after all." Hearing Jared speaking like that edged Jack a bit. He felt overwhelmed by his words for a brief moment, but he kept his composure.
"Your twisted, you know that? How could you steep to such level?" Jack asked, with a bit of fright in him. Jared lowered his arms back to his side and chortled.
"If I were twisted, I would have been a mortal. But no… I was born as a demigod, free from any restraints and emotional ties. Like I said, I am nothing but truth itself." Starting to be crept out, Jack slowly backed a few steps away from Jared. Even the ponies were starting to be crept out from this, as they didn't dare question Jared's powers. Twilight, who was still new to this subject, was starting to realize the whole set up. And while observing this set up, she felt scared about the whole thing.
All the enemies we faced so far... I... I just don't know if we will be able to stand against him. Just... just what kind of world are these humans living in? Twilight spoke to herself in her consciousness. Not knowing how much power she would witness, she could confirm that not even Princesses Luna and Celestia combined wouldn't stand a chance against him, or Zalgo in that matter.
Back down, Jack slowly started to break apart from the inside. His heart ached, as the truth pressured him. But, he was more concern about the safety of his friends. He'd wish that he wouldn't have this horrible fate, and that he would spend his whole life with them. But just as he started to think about them, Jared grunted, as he knew what Jack was thinking about.
"Thinking about them now, are we?" The sudden words shocked Jack back to reality.
"Really… do you honestly believe that those insignificant life forms are actually your friends?" Jared asked, with a bit of mockery in his tone. The fact that Jared would bring up the topic of his friends made him all defensive.
"You keep them out of this!" Jack spoke in a threatening tone. But once more, Jared chuckled at his stupidity.
"On the contrary, I've already involved them into this setup. I forgot to mention to you the second requirement for the fusion. I knew that you were the Avatar of Am Dhaegar the Pure, and that you needed to embrace his holy influence. So… I simply dragged those weakling ponies down here to awaken that lighter half, for they are the bringers of the Elements of Harmony after all. But just think, would you consider fate and coincidence the same? I think not… and you should know it too." Suddenly, Jack started to get the picture of this whole setup. He was shocked when he noticed something. What if the friends he made was all but a setup too? Was the word Friendship merely a word after all? The more he thought about it, the more it sickened him.
"…No… It can't be true…" Jack mumbled. However, just as Jack was going to be brought down to a deep depression state, Jared stepped in.
"But it doesn't have to end this way, Jack. No… you don't need them. What you need… is the power of an ultimate god." At that moment, Jared caught his attentions, as Jack's eyes shot open a bit.
"Join me brother," Jared continued. "And together, we can become the very foundations of life and death. We can conquer the far spaces of time itself, dominating as far as the universe can take us. You said you wanted peace and comfort in your life? Well… you can have it all. Consider this as me returning the life you were meant to have. No more with the suffering of being indifferent and shunned, for with the powers that awaits us, you can make everyone praise you, love you, and acknowledge you." This sparked Jack's attention to its peak, as he heard what Jared said to him, causing him to be stupefied.
"…What?" Jack uttered. Jared lowered his head a bit, as his face was locked onto his brother through his bandages.
"There is no need to develop any doubts about this… because I can become a pacifist demigod for certain specific reasons. Good and evil cannot survive without one another, for it is their natural way to cycle the ways of life and death. By fusing with me, we can become anything, we can create anything, and we can DO EVERYTHING! We will finally destroy Azathoth and those disgraceful Outer Gods for being in our presence. What's more is that we can obtain infinite knowledge that mortals couldn't even reach. We can transcend the limit boundaries of every mortal being's emotions, desires, and transverse humanity itself. We can even solve every question known to mortal kind. Questions like, how is it possible to obtain immortality with ease? What's the secret to life itself? Which religion stands out the most? You see brother; those questions await for us, if you act now and fuse with me! Everything you ever desired is but moments away. So…" At that moment, Jared stretched out his hand to reach Jack.
"What says you?" From that moment, Jack was bewildered by Jared's proposal. Becoming a god and do whatever he desires… sounded too good to be true. From all the pain and suffering Jack endured throughout his entire life, this could change him forever. As Jack began thinking about this, he hung his head low. Back on top, the ponies begun to worry about him, as he was walking into a very wrong decision. Jared knew Jack all too well, and that his cards were in his favor. While Jack continued to think about this proposal, Aero couldn't help but tremble in fear.
"Oh dear, it appears this Jared ruffian seems to have the upper hand. Ooooh… I dare not to think about the outcome of this. We got to do something, I say!" Aero mumbled. Applejack nodded her head at Aero.
"Yer right, but… as much as I hate sayin' this… I don't think we have the right to butt in and choose for him. He's been through such a terrible life, and yet, I feel like this should be his decision alone. I mean, who are we to judge his perspectives?" Applejack made a good standard point, but at the same time, it felt so wrong.
"I hope your right darling," Rarity added. "I'm just worried that he will accept his brother's offer." As the group stared down at Jack, Fluttershy prayed and hoped that he will somehow make the right choice. But as obvious as it seemed, she felt very uneasy inside.
Jack… please… don't… Fluttershy spoke in her consciousness, while her hooves clenched hard. Back down, Jack still had his head hung down, as he solely thought of this. Choosing the life he had with his friends between becoming a god was overwhelming. As he was tugged between two choices, he decided to recap certain memories to become the tiebreaker.
"The feeling of torturing and killing living beings actually felt… good. For the first time, I felt like I had power. My lust for vengeance was inevitable. All the pain, the hatred, and the suffering I endured in all my life, I inflicted it all upon my victims. It was a satisfying delirious feeling to experience. But… during my time in there… I also felt remorse. It's true that my fetish for pain was a delight, but I couldn't help but think about comparing my life and theirs. Whenever I see a dying victim, I picture myself as that victim. The more innocent lives we killed, the more I blame myself for it. I asked myself, 'Was there lives more severe than mine? Was this all worth for naught? Am I inflicting my wrath upon myself?' All these questions raced through my head like an angry bee swarm." Then the memories flashed forward to the future.
"W-Wait! What are you going to do, Jack?" Rarity asked sincerely. As Jack continued to walk, he replied.
"I still have my only purpose to fulfill. And I attend to do this solely. If I die or succeed, it won't even matter to me in the end. I'll know that this is as far as I go in life." Then Dash stood up eagerly.
"Y-You shouldn't do this alone! We're your friends! Let us help you out!"
"W-Wha… what? Y-You…you're my… what?" Jack shuttered in confusion.
"We're your friends, aren't we? Friends stick together to the end. We don't want you to give up your life for nothing! We care about you, rather than our lives. You know why? It's because I'm always loyal to those I cherish!"
"That's right, sugarcube! People like you shouldn't live like this! I know that you've been in the dark for far too long, and always wanted comfort in your life. Even though you attend to hide yer real feelings from us, I still respect you. Besides, I'm honest to those I respect and love!" Applejack said.
"Darling, you helped all of us willingly. And since you helped us, we would help you in return! I am after all generous to those who are deemed worthy of being my friend!" Rarity said.
"Hehe! Even though we've met for such a short time, you still look like a pretty awesome whatever you are to hang out with! You see, I make my friends and everyone else laugh while keeping them happy!" Pinkie Pie said.
"You've made me stronger, Jack. I always knew that there was a good side of you just hiding in that lonely corner. There was never any doubt in my mind that you would help all of us. Like I said, all you ever needed back in your life... was a friend... or maybe even friends. I really want to help you get out of that dark and lonely place, because showing kindness to everyone like you and to my friends is what I do!" Fluttershy said.
"I… I don't know who you are. But, I will give my sincerest gratitude of saving my friends and I. Heh, you're like me kind of, growing up with no friends or possibly not knowing the true definition of friendship. You see, I didn't know what friendship was like, until these ponies shared it's magic with me. And since I have someone or some pony that cares about me, I'll gladly protect them with my life. Because friendship is worth fighting for." Twilight said, and the memories blared to an image of all six of them smiling down upon Jack.
At that moment, Jack made his final decision. He clenched his fists hard and spoke.
"For years I grew up with no one to comfort me or to protect me. I felt like nothing… nothing but a waste of space in this world. It's true; I did wanted to forsake the world for its arrogance. I guess… becoming a god would benefit me in some ways." As Jared heard that, he made a small grin. He thought that Jack was about to accept his offer.
"…But," Jack continued where he left off, and lit up a hidden smile. At that moment, Jared wiped off his small grin and lowered his arm down.
"There are some things that I will not allow you to change. And one of them," Suddenly, Jack raised his head up and smiled slightly at his brother. "Is free will. You see, my friends and I share a special bond together, that not even you could ever change. They felt my wounds, and understood my suffering the moment they met me." While Jack talked, he furrowed his eyes and glared at Jared, as his smile disappeared.
"All along, it wasn't your doing… it was their will alone that helped me! They helped me discover a brand new world waiting for me to visit. If being a god means taking control of their free will, then it means that they will never accept me for who I am! Fate itself heard my cries and deliberately brought them here to save me from myself! I cherish my friends as if they were my lives! They made me feel happy to be alive, knowing that I wasn't alone in this world! I will gladly defend those who care about me with my life! Because…" After a brief pause, Jack pulled out both of his katanas out and went into a battle stance.
"Because friendship is worth fighting for!" He exclaimed proudly. The words Jack spoke touched the ponies' hearts immensely. To think that they doubted him for making the right decision, they felt surprised to see him now understanding the true meaning of friendship. But moreover; they were now extremely happy to know Jack finally bloomed out. All the ponies had tears swelling up in their eyes, as they felt warm inside. But the one who was proud the most was none other than Fluttershy. Her lips quivered uncontrollably, as she stared down at Jack with her tearful eyes.
"Jack… I knew you could do it. Thank goodness… I found you in your deepest need." Fluttershy whimpered in happiness, as tears dropped down from the hole. Jack also had tears swelling up in his eyes, as he thought of a certain friend.
Fluttershy… thank you… for everything you've done. Jack spoke in his consciousness. As Jack shot his death stare into Jared's blindfolded eyes, Jared displayed his aggravated face.
"Feckless neophyte, if that is your decision… then so be it." Jared spoke in anger. Then, Jared started to take a few steps backwards. As he walked backwards, Jared continued to talk.
"I didn't expect you to agree with my proposal. But it doesn't matter… I'll just kill you and obtain the manifestation of Am Dhaegar the Pure's essence by force!" Jared yelled with power behind his tone. At that moment, Jared stopped walking backwards. He reached towards the back of his neck with his right hand, and firmly grasped the surface of the skin. Then, the unthinkable happened, as he drove his fingers deep into his back neck, and grabbed his cervical spine. Blood squirted out of his punctured wounds, when he began to tug on the spine. Strangely, the tremendous pain that was coursing through his body didn't faze Jared. Jack and the ponies gasped in horror, as Jared's bizarre antics started to unfold. With one heave, Jared dislocated the ligaments that supported the upper vertebras and yanked out his cervical spine, snapping the spinal cord. Then, he proceeded to pull out the rest of his spine.
The bare skin on his back tore apart, as the spine ripped open a huge gap. Huge amounts of blood splattered out of the gap when his spine was out of his body. Without the spine support, Jared's body hung forward like a lifeless puppet. Shocked and confused with this, Jack's eyes widened with bewilderment. He wondered why the hell he would do such a thing at a time like this. But his answers came to him, as the events were resuming. Sprouting out of Jared's spine gap spawned six huge dark tendrils, along with multiple miniature tendrils. Then, the huge dark tendrils slammed onto the ground, and slowly began to lift Jared, supporting his body in midair. Soon, the lifeless puppet came back to life, as the tendrils inside his body supported his spine.
The spine he ripped out suddenly transformed itself into a weapon, moreover; a sword. Holding the cervical spine as the hilt, the rest of the spine acted as the blade. The edges of the cervical vertebras were unexpectedly sharpened, and the tailbone was straight and pointy. The whole spine looked easily to break, but the blood that coated the spine sword made it hard as steel. Suspending in midair thanks to the support of the large and dark appendages on his back, Jared prepared himself for battle, as his blindfolded eyes were locked on to his brother.
"I'll toy with you for a bit, just to find out if your motives for fighting is just as great as the Nezperdians was. Let us find out who's the superior one here. Even if it means killing my own flesh and blood… well… I will gladly see the look on your face when you fail." And with that, Jack and Jared stood each other's grounds and prepared themselves for a fight. As the ponies watched from above, the reenactment of the battle between Am Dhaegar the Pure and Zalgo was about to begin.