Chapter Twenty Six
Salem's Entry: This nightmare I just had…they were almost…real. I am this kind of person? Can't be…I would never do something like that. I'm a saint…but when I saw the images of me…and Rarity…married. Could that may happen in the future? Could I really do something like that? Could I…really kill Rarity? What's the **** happening to me?
(Intro Song ( watch?v=TC9POpjnB9g)-The Silent Comedy-Bartholomew)
09:45:48 A.M.
Baltimare
The morning shone onto a closed window and it separated in multiple strips and landed on the floor as a person was finishing tiring his combat boots on. When he was done he sighed and looked at Rarity fast asleep in the bed that he once slept in with her.
Salem: Sorry 'Rare'…but I have to do this.
Daniel walked out of the room and towards the front door of the house, opening the door he stood in the doorway before looking back at he closed door that was the bedroom. He walked down the streets and saw ponies of all kind doing normal things almost like the war never existed, he saw children running up and down the streets playing games and the adults were shopping, chatting and doing what couples did. Daniel thought back to his best friend who died saving him.
Salem's thoughts: Why did you do it? Why Sarah... I need you more than ever Sarah... I need your help.
Tears were threatening to fall but he held strong and refused to openly cry, he looked at the buildings to try to escape his thoughts.
Salem: What the?
He walked towards a blown away newspaper and picked it up, it spoke about some mare escaping captivity and was recently spotted with some human but not as a slave but as an ally. The news confused him until he thought that it was crap and carried on his path. He arrived at his home given to him by the rebels and walked in. Leaning on the closed door and rubbing his head, he walked to his bedroom and started to change into his regular shirt and pants, he was about to holster his pistol when a knock sounded on the door.
Salem: Come in!
The person who enters room was Jacobs, wearing his mercenary outfit and carrying a MP7 with EOTech scope and suppressor.
Dickson: Hey 'Dan' I just wanted to see if you are alright?
Salem: *Sigh* Yeah I'm fine just been thinking.
Dickson: Ok I'll leave you be. Oh and do you want to join me and Alex on another mission to Hollow Shade?
Salem: I'll pass, I just want to sort something out.
Dickson: Oh…ok. So I'll take my leave now and good luck 'Dan'.
Salem: …Yeah thanks.
After the door shut Daniel grabbed his sidearm and put it firmly into his pistol holster and from there he walked out.
(Dickson's POV)
Jacobs was returning to David and Shining Armor for a scout mission. He did felt something off from Daniel. Then Celestia started talking to Jacobs in his mind.
Celestia's thoughts: You felt something wrong with Daniel don't you?
Dickson's thoughts: Yeah. Is there something wrong with him?
Celestia's thoughts: Yes. I'm afraid there is. It's about his past and his nightmare. It may drive him to lose himself.
Dickson's thoughts: What can I do to help him?
Celestia's thoughts: Do not worry about it. I shall be the one who will comfort Daniel. Right now you must do a scout mission in Hollow Shade.
Dickson's thoughts: Very well then.
(Salem's POV)
Daniel was now away from Baltimare. He has everything on his mind. Is this the right thing to do? Will his friend accepts him for leaving...Will Rarity? He doesn't know if he doing the right thing…but he have no choice because of the dream he just had. Suddenly a bright started white light covering Daniel. It was the same bright light that brought Daniel and Brandon to Equestria.
Salem: W-What the ****?
Then the light then disappears…along with Daniel
(Unknown Area)
Daniel was now teleported to a beautiful garden with flowers beaming with a mixture of colors and the background shows a castle its stone magically walls reflected the suns light basking it in an a amazing glow. .
Salem: Where am I?
Unknown: You are in the garden of Canterlot...before enslavement.
When Daniel heard a voice behind him, he turns around and saw Celestia still looking in her glory, Daniel slowly then looks back at the city.
Salem: Princess? You brought me here?
Celestia: To help you to deal with your past...and your nightmare.
Daniel was shocked that Celestia knew about his past and his dream, but he felt guilty about his nightmare and may believe that it may happen. He may kill everyone and pony...including Rarity.
Celestia: You shouldn't be so hard on yourself.
Salem: Princess...what if... (Daniel turns to Celestia.) what if that dream really happens?
Celestia: Dan-
Salem: What if I be that person who kills everything, everybody and pony that I knew and love. You probably knew what I did in Manehattan. How I've lost my ***! How I killed everyone without any bloody mercy! I'm becoming like them! I'm becoming a monster! I'm (tears started falling out of Daniel's eyes.) I'm scared! I'm...scared!
Daniel then collapse to the ground in a sitting position. Daniel was very upset of what he is becoming. Celestia walks up to Daniel and crouch down to him. She then lifts Daniel's head with her thumb and finger to his chin and started talking to him.
Celestia: Daniel...You are not a monster. You are a Saint. I know that you are not that type of person. God knows that you're not that kind of person.
Salem: Wait a minute...you're a Christian?
Celestia: Of course. Me and my sister may be immortals and we raise the moon and sun but that doesn't mean we're Gods. Plus we can feel pain and we die if someone kills us. We can't create living things. Plus we have spoken to God and we listen to his words.
Salem: Huh. Well...that's great...but I don't know if I-
Celestia: Daniel...do you love Rarity? Do you love her with all of you heart and you will give your life for her?
Salem: …Yes.
Celestia: Good. Now...I'm sending you on a journey...through your past. It will help you know who you really are. You will see familiar faces from your past but know this...whatever you see or hear is not real. Except for one.
Salem: One?
Celestia: You'll see. Are you ready?
Daniel stands up and wipes his tears out of his eyes and gave Celestia a nod, which means he's ready. Celestia then created a portal to his past. Daniel walks slowly towards the portal and then he enters it. After he enters the portal Celestia allows a tear to fall and quietly whispers to herself.
Celestia: Good luck Daniel, I know you will succeed.
(Unknown Room)
The light disappeared as Daniel found himself in the very room where he witnessed Bab Seed die, in a rage Dan flipped the table over and proceeded to destroy, wreck and ruin the place as the memories of pain haunted him. He stopped when a soothing voice called out. Daniel pulled out his sidearm and walked out of the room with his gun drawn, the more he continued he could hear whispers getting louder and then stopped before it carried on in the same pattern.
Salem: Just what the **** is this?
He approached a door and tried to open it only to discover it was locked, stepping back he raised his leg and tried to kick down the door, but nothing happened, the door looked as if nothing happened it wasn't dented, splintered or any form of damage. Looking away he saw a shadow of a person run down a hallway and disappear behind a door, Daniel froze when he recognized what would be behind that door. Bracing himself he burst through the door only to see all the ponies alive and healthy, no sign of burning or anything. Looking at the crowd in shock and standing with her back turned to him was Bab Seed. There was no sign of damage on her, no bruises, no cuts, nothing and she was wearing a yellow hoodie sweat shirt and blue jeans. And then she turned and faced Daniel a smile on her as she walked towards him and even some others followed her to meet him.
Salem: B-Bab?
Bab Seed: That's me.
Salem: B-But I thought you were-
Bab Seed: Dude…seriously? Have you forgot what Celestia told you?
Salem: (Daniel then realized what Celestia did told him.) Oh yeah. Forgot.
Bab Seed: Well you remember now.
Salem: Yeah. Bab listen I-
Bab Seed: 'Dan'…if it's about what happened to us…to me…it wasn't your fault.
Salem: I-I wish we could-
Daniel was caught off when Bab Seed gave him a hug. Daniel was shocked that Bab Seed is hugging him.
Bab Seed: You shouldn't blame yourself 'Dan'. It wasn't your fault that I was captured, r*** and killed so you need to stop hurt yourself.
After listing to Bab Seed words, Daniel just did nothing but smile and hug back Bab Seed. Daniel was also shedding some tear and can hear the others awing at them hugging. As he return seeing Bab Seed, he then noticed that she was shedding tears also.
Bab Seed: Just remember who you are 'Dan'. Alright?
Salem: Sure kid.
Bab Seed: You should probably get goin'. Your trip ain't done yet.
Daniel released Bab Seed and started heading out from the City Hall. As he pass through the crow, the ponies were smiling and some of them were trying to hold back their tears. He then was stop by Bab Seed before he could leave.
Bab Seed: Hey, 'Dan'. (Daniel has Bab Seed's attention) Make sure you and your friends take care of my cousins. Alright?
Salem: Sure.
As he got out of the city hall, the sky was darkening as the clouds flooded the sun's light, the city looked as if a nuke had dropped almost from Daniel's dream but different. He recognize this city. He was in Ukraine. Daniel was walking down a street that was being filled with rubble, dead bodies from both sides covered the area but Daniel kept on walking and when he looked down an alleyway he saw someone running.
Salem: Hey wait, who are you?!
He stopped in an empty street he looked around in confusion but froze when a Russian tank rolled through the street. He ducked behind cover and got ready to fight.
Salem: (Whispering) (****. ******' Russians.)
He came out of cover with his pistol ready to kill anything, but it was gone, the tank had simply disappeared and was replaced with the city ruins and the occasional dead body. Daniel's movement was slow and steady as he continued down the path, but as he continued he saw the city's ruin but also his past. He reached a building and an Russian APC following from behind, he ran towards the building. Slamming the door open and slammed it shut, Daniel was leaning against the door breathing heavily.
Salem: ****, **** oh ****. Please don't come in here.
His wish was granted as the vehicle continued down its path, he felt something press against his head and he reacted by grabbing the arm and threw the 44. Magnum away. He tried punching the person but the room was dark enough to make it hard to see, he saw a silhouette of a kick coming up to him so he sidesteps and grabs the leg and sent the person into the ground with a thud.
Unknown Woman: ******* Russian ***-holes.
Daniel had pulled out his pistol but froze in shock. He recognized that face from his past in Ukraine.
Salem: S-Sarah?
The young woman stood up and faces Daniel and then immediately hugged him.
Sarah: Oh my god, Daniel it's you, where have you been after the trial... and why aren't you wearing your Blackwater gear, dude? That will get you shot and killed without your gear.
He let go off the hug and walked backwards as his eyes were wide in shock.
Salem: You...you d-died…you were killed in Ukraine.
Sarah looked at him like he was crazy but the way he spoke got her thinking, she walked towards a window and stared up in the night sky.
Sarah: I-I did? How... 'Dan'... did I die?
Her green eyes were cold and wet with tears, but her face was shock and scared.
Salem: You risked your life to save our team...our friends. Don't you remember when you distracted that Russian tank from firing at me, the team and the civilians?
Sarah: …Oh…guess I really didn't made it out of there alive.
Salem: …but how are you here.
Sarah: I don't know 'Dan' but I'm confused, I've been here for months now and the day and night cycle has been ****** up like its morning one minute then night the next. But this the first time it's been normal.
She looked back at the moon which was now leaving the cloud cover. Daniel remembered the conversation with Celestia and thought of this place.
Salem: Sarah what would you do if I told you this is my mind and everything is not real.
Sarah looked at him once again.
Sarah: I would be pissed and probably punched you, but I'm not sure. And 'Dan' here.
Sarah reaches to her neck and pulls off her dog tags and gives them him.
Sarah: Now go... and Dan…thank you.
Before Daniel leaves out of the building, Sarah gave him a friendly kiss to the cheek and then gave him a smile. Then Daniel had to tell her that he has already with someone else and Sarah didn't mind at all. When Daniel got out of the building, as he turns around he sees that the building has disappeared.
Salem's thoughts: That's another past resolved, now the next few.
Suddenly while he was walking through the streets of Ukraine, the background changes and he was now in a jungle village.
Salem: I-I remember this village. I-I'm in Nigeria when-
Unknown child voice: Excuse me, mister.
Daniel then turns around and saw a group of Nigerian villagers. It was the same villagers who were in a ditched burnt and the same children that were hanged. All of them had no have no wounds and were smiling at Daniel. Daniel was surprised of seeing them again. A moment later, woman and a little boy walks up to Daniel.
Salem: D-Do you know why I'm here?
Nigerian woman: Yes. But before we give you something to remember us...do you remember when you saw us. When we were all murdered in cold blood?
Salem: Yes...I do.
Nigerian woman: And the part where you killed Terwase Sadick?
Salem: ...yes.
Nigerian woman: I understand why you killed him...we all do. But you shouldn't have killed him. Revenge is never the answer. We all know that you are a good person and you know it. God made you that way.
Salem: You're right. I shouldn't have done that. I just...I just lost it when I saw all of you murdered in cold blood.
Nigerian woman: (The woman placed her hand on to Daniel shoulder.) I understand. But that is all in the past now.
The Nigerian woman then glared at the boy and gave him a nod. The boy then gave Daniel a bracelet with lion teeths. To which Daniel took gratefully and carefully put them in his pocket.
Nigerian boy: For good luck and will help you remember us.
The boy then hugs Daniel. Daniel then hugs back. He understands what the woman told him. When they broke away from hugging each other the woman began talking to Daniel before leaving him.
Nigerian woman: Now go. Your journey is not let complete.
As the woman and boy walks towards the other villagers, they suddenly disappears in a fog. Daniel then took a look at the bracelet and smiled as he then put it on his wrist. He then continues to walk on and continuing his journey. Amy Salem is Daniel's sister and Melisa Salem is his mother. Daniel felt heart broken when he saw the two tombstones.
Unknown: How are you, my boy.
Daniel froze when he recognized that voice before. As he slowly turns around to behind him, he saw a man in a black suit. He had a short black hair and a full beard. Daniel recognized that face. It was his father. Daniel felt angry when he saw his father. He pulled out his pistol and pointed at him. His father didn't even flinched.
Salem: The **** are you doing here, you son of a *****!
Daniel's father: I'm here to see my girls.
Salem: Why should you be here! You abandoned us! You never even shown yourself at the funeral! You never even came to see me! I have to grow up not seeing you, you ****! And now all of a sudden you show up?! (Daniel pulls down the lever of his sidearm.) Give me one good excuse that I won't shoot you in the head!
Daniel's father: Well one: Celestia told you that this isn't real, two: I'm you father and three: …I'm here to tell you why I had to leave you three. *Sigh* I left because...there were a couple of criminals that had a list of all MI6 agents identities...and families. I was on that list. *Sigh* Me and your mother didn't really did a divorce. I had to make you three move to another country to keep you three safe while I had to stop the criminal and when I was finish with it I would come back to you, your sister and your mother. But...then I heard that...that (Daniel's father started crying and Daniel slowly lowering his pistol.) they killed your mother and sister. I couldn't attend to the funeral because MI6 found where the criminals at. I hunted them down and...and I murdered them one-by-one. But...it cost me my team life. I've lost ten of my men...my team...my brothers in arms because of my anger. I told your grandparent to let you stay with them and not see me because of what I've done. Son...I'm sorry for leaving you. I'm sorry what you have been through. Please...please for God don't end up like me. Please don't let your anger control you. And...Please...Please forgive me.
Daniel was shocked of what his father just told him. Tears were coming out of his eyes and felt heartbroken after listen to those words. He now knows the truth. Daniel kind of almost putting his team at risk when he was pissed off after seeing the deaths of the ponies that were burned alive and what happened to Bab Seed. Daniel put away his gun, ran to his dad and hugged him tightly. Daniel was crying into his father's shoulder and his father was hugging him back and trying to comfort him.
Salem: I forgive you, dad. I'm sorry. I'm sorry for doubting you for all those years.
Daniel's father: its okay, son.
Both of them then broke away from there hug and wiped tears out from there eyes.
Daniel's father: You need to move on.
Salem: Journey's not over. I get it.
Daniel then started leaving his father alone. But before he could leave, his father stops him.
Daniel's father: Dan! (Daniel's father grabs his son's attention) If you ever want to see me again. Come find me in Los Angeles. My butler will take you to my house.
Salem: Got it.
Just as Daniel was about to leave he felt his father's hand gently rest on his shoulder.
Daniel's father: Also when you get back home, how about we watch those old James Bond films you loved so much.
Daniel smiled and gave his father one last look.
Salem: I'll miss you... Dad.
And with that he left the graveyard as Daniel's father felt all of his guilt being replaced with happiness. The background then has change into a nice familiar neighborhood. Daniel was standing in front of a red door. He knew where he is. He was back to his home. Daniel was feeling nervous of seeing his mother and sister, although they're not real. He took deep breathes and enters the house. Inside, there were nothing but white background. As he turns around, the door was gone.
Unknown: Daniel.
Daniel froze when he heard his name called and remembers that voice from anywhere. He slowly turns around and saw two figures. They were both were in white Christian glories, both of them are females, one is about in her forties and one is about sixteen. Both of them have long brown hair. Daniel jaw dropped when he knew those faces for a very long time.
Salem: M-Mom? A-Amy?
Daniel's mother: Yes, Sweetheart. It us.
Both of them walks towards Daniel with smiles on their faces. Daniel was starting to shed tears out of his eye. Daniel's mother then put her hand on to Daniel's shoulder and starts to comfort him.
Daniel's mother: Daniel...there's no need for crying.
Amy: Yeah 'Dan'. You're a grown man. You shouldn't be acting like.
Daniel did his best to cheer up and looked back at his mother and sister.
Salem: I'm sorry that-
Daniel's mother: Shhh. (Daniel's mother gave his son a hug.) Daniel it's alright. It wasn't your fault that this happened to me and your sister.
Salem: I-I could have done something.
Daniel's mother: You were too young. You shouldn't blame yourself. (Daniel's mother broke away from the hug.) Look at you. My son is all grown up. I'm so proud of you. But you need to know that revenge and anger can't get you no where. You a good person Daniel. I was raising you to be a good person...so was your father. You already know why he had to leave don't you?
Salem: Yes.
Amy: Daniel...you have to return to your friends. They need you.
Daniel's mother: Amy's right you have to go.
Daniel's mother and sister starts to leave Daniel by floating in the air backwards towards a bright light.
Daniel's mother: I love you son.
As they were gone, a light started covering Daniel and disappear along with him. Daniel was now back to a forest he was before when he was leaving Baltimare. Daniel still have the things that his past gave him to remember.
Unknown: How did it go?
Daniel turns around and saw Celestia.
Salem: It went well. Now I understand who I really am...but that dream I had...how will I know that it won't happen?
Celestia: Because of who you are. It's your choice to be evil or not. To me...and others you cared for...believed that you are a good person. Now.
Salem: Thanks, your highness.
Celestia: Now it's time to return back to Rarity...she must be very worried of you.
AN: Hey guys sorry for taking so long for this chapter. Me and my Co-author, HazeHero were busy. And check out his story ENSLAVE: THE COMMANDER that is his version of this with my permission. Also check out my poster for this in deviantart. ENSLAVE: ROGUE MERCENARIES IN NEW WORLD BY WFTC141. Next chapter will be out soon and leave any comment about the chapter and leave any comment of what you think of my poster. Peace.